Chris Cornell, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review from the past

The former Soundgarden and Audioslave star stepped out on to the Symphony Hall stage dressed in an open flannel shirt, faded jeans and a tight white top - and with his appearance the venue near shook with thunderous applause and cheers.

“This is a crazy place (the Symphony Hall),” laughed Chris.

“It kinda looks like an inverted cruise ship. I’m just grateful they’ll let me into a somewhere this nice to be honest.” - To which one fan in the crowd bellowed: “It’s because you’re brilliant!”

There was certainly a loved-up, warm atmosphere at the show as the audience - made of a large variety of ages - hung on Chris’ every word, cheering and crying out affectionate terms such as ‘we love you Chris!’ at each break in the show.

Stood centre-stage with three guitars behind him on either side, the 51-year-old star looked as incredible as ever - and sounded even better, as he kicked-off his two-hour set with 2015 slow, but passionate number Before We Disappear.

It is, at this point, worth noting Chris played the set largely alone on an array of acoustic guitars - and was joined only for a few numbers by Bryan Gibson on cello or keys.

And though the set, being so long, would have perhaps benefited from a few more musicians just to change things up a bit, Chris’ incredible voice easily carried itself for the duration of the evening.

Songs such as Can’t Change Me and Two Drink Minimum followed, before Chris paid tribute to Prince with a song penned by the late star, Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U. And it was phenomenal - this is a notoriously difficult song to sing, but Chris’ performance seemed effortless, as he climbed ranges with ease and bellowed out the words with his gravelly, strong vocals.

“Prince was someone I just thought would live forever,” said Chris.

“He was so dedicated in his life, his career and in everything he did.”

Another icon Chris paid tribute to was the great Bob Dylan, with a superb updated cover of The Times They Are A Changin’ - a song which was altered to bring it more into the modern day, talking of the reds and blues in politics and 'ones and zeros'.

“I really love Bob Dylan - and if he ever wants to take any of my songs and change the words or whatever, that’s absolutely fine,” laughed Chris.

Hits including Audioslave’s Be Yourself, Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun and Temple of The Dog’s Hunger Strike were in the mix too - all of which were performed faultlessly, and went down a storm.

Chris also sang an excellent cover of The Beatles’ A Day In The Life and his thrilling James Bond theme song for Casino Royale - You Know My Name - which added variety and depth to the already stunning show.

As the end of the concert came, fans took to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.

“Thank you Birmingham, I love you,” said Chris, before taking a selfie with the audience.

Thank you Chris - it would take a great deal to see you Outshined.