Chris Cornell’s friends have created a tribute supergroup called King Ultramega to release covers of his songs to raise money for charity.
The Soundgarden frontman – who died in 2017 – is being remembered by pals and former bandmates with the King Ultramega project which will feature a rotating line-up of musicians recording new versions of his tracks to bring in funds for the the MusiCares organisation.
Metal Allegiance rocker Mark Menghi, who organised the project, said “There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project. It was a trail of events that led to the formation of King Ultramega and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation.”
The first iteration of King Ultramega features Menghi on bass with Alice In Chains frontman William DuVall taking on vocal duties, Mastodon rocker Bill Kelliher plays guitar and Anthrax’s Charlie Benante behind the drums.
They have recorded a cover of Rusty Cage, which featured on Soundgarden’s 1991 album Badmotorfinger.
The next line-up will include Cornell’s Soundgarden bandmate Kim Thayil, who said: “I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the King Ultramega project.
“I’m equally proud that it celebrates Soundgarden in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation.”
The news comes after it was revealed new Soundgarden album featuring Cornell could finallt see the light of day.
On the eighth anniversary of the Grunge legend’s death (18.05.25), bassist Ben Shepherd has revealed there is an album they made with the Black Hole Sun singer before his passing, which is “yet to be named”, suggesting it could be released in the future.
In a post on Instagram on the anniversary, Shepherd wrote : “As I wait for my son Noah to get out of school today I’m thinking about … well actually it’s stuck in my head and’s been there since early this morning like a proud spring bird dammit.
“Its a song Chris and Matt wrote The Road Less Traveled for our album that has yet to be named, just hearing Chris’ voice helps, I know he did that for everyone he knew … help them, he did for me, filled with self doubt and indebtedness and in just his tone knew what I was going through and forgave me like he always did even when he was older.
“It’s at this point of recording all of our previous albums I’d get this overwhelming hit of awe, camaraderie, power of creativity, majesty even, and love, from the music, and my bandmates … and I guess just pure life force.
“I can tell you, it feels good and invigorating to hear Chris singing from over that horizon and hear the mighty… mighty life, of souls sharing. To hear, as a fan … and band member, a song or two Chris brought in a few years ago turn before my very ears and finger blisters into a full blown Soundgarden tune is like feeling a glacier fall away off your chest.”