By JOHN DALY
Gibson will release a limited-edition Chris Cornell Tribute ES-335 guitar in honor of the late Soundgarden frontman who died more than a year ago. The guitar will be available in the spring.
The updated Memphis model will be “reintroduced” to the public at “I Am The Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell,” a concert event honoring Chris Cornell’s legacy on Wednesday at The Forum.
“Chris Cornell was not only one of the most iconic singer songwriters of all time, he was a modern innovator who left a legacy that transcends music genres and generations,” said Cesar Gueikian, chief merchant officer for Gibson. “It is our honor to release this tribute ES-335 in his memory. It’s a guitar Chris fell in love with and which became a part of his creative expression. Chris was a special artist and we hope that this guitar will inspire fans to find their sound, and inspiration, just like Chris did, for many years to come.”
Cornell and Gibson partnered to work on the ES-335 Artist Model and it became clear to the company he had an eye for guitar design.
Features include: Aged Lollartron humbucking pickups, clear “no number” Top Hat knobs, Olive Drab Satin finish, and Mother-of-Pearl Chris Cornell ‘signature’ peghead inlay.
The guitar will be available in a limited release of only 250 pieces available for purchase worldwide in Spring 2019.
Chris Cornell 335 will deliver in the spring – Courtesy of Gibson
‘I Am The Highway’ Tribute at The Forum
The “I Am The Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell” will feature members of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Audioslave, as well as, special performances from the Foo Fighters, Metallica, Ryan Adams, and more.
Mike Patton, who was supposed to perform posted on his Facebook page that was not feeling well. He also canceled on singing the National Anthem at the Rams-Cowboys game in LA last weekend.
Read his words on his Facebook page.
Jimmy Kimmel will host. Ticket sales benefit The Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, and The Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this painful and debilitating genetic disorder.
Gibson said it will donate two of the limited-edition Chris Cornell ES-335 models in partnership with the show to raise additional money for both foundations.
Soundgarden ‘Outshined’ Live in 1991 – Courtesy of Polokui
