Chris Cornell:
Vocals
Tom Morello: Guitar
Tim Commerford: Bass
Brad Wilk: Percussion
In the hard rock world
circa 2002, one of the most highly anticipated releases was the debut recording of Audioslave, a band comprising former Soundgarden
singer Chris Cornell (b. 20 July 1964, Seattle, Washington, USA), and ex-Rage Against The Machine members Tom Morello (b.
30 May 1964, New York City, New York, USA; guitar), Tim Commerford (bass), and Brad Wilk (b. 5 September 1968, Portland, Oregon,
USA; drums). After long-time Rage Against The Machine singer Zack De La Rocha announced his exit from the band in late 2000,
rumours began circulating that Cornell (who at the time was attempting to establish himself as a solo artist, in the wake
of Soundgarden's 1997 split) was going to replace De La Rocha. With all members of the proposed new group keeping a tight
lip about what was going on, the quartet wrote and recorded tracks throughout 2001 (with renowned rap/heavy metal producer
Rick Rubin handling production chores). Fans began referring to the band as Civilian (a name supposedly considered by its
members, but ultimately rejected), and in March 2002, it was announced that the quartet would be touring as part of the year's
edition of Ozzfest. Less than a week after the tour's announcement, another press release was issued to the displeasure of
fans, that Cornell had abruptly quit the band (reportedly over a disagreement over their inability to agree on a record company/manager).
The band's recordings were going to be issued anyway, but in May 2002, early versions of the album's tracks were leaked online.
The saga of this still unnamed band took another bizarre turn in September of the same year, when it was announced that Cornell
had patched up his differences with the other members and had rejoined. The band's official name, Audioslave, was finally
divulged and they released their excellent self-titled debut in November, and followed it up with a supporting tour. In less
than a month it was already on some critics lists as the album of the year..
biography provided by vH1.com
