photo by Ross Halfin used by permission

This was the first of Chris Cornell's solo shows on this tour - and as well as songs from Scream, the setlist for tonight included rarities such as Temple of the Dog's Wooden Jesus, tracks from "Euphoria Morning" such as When I'm Down, and the first-ever live performance of Audioslave's Moth. Star rock photographers Ross Halfin and Marty Temme were both in attendance to document the occasion - which included Chris playing electric guitar onstage again.

When I'm Down - Wave Goodbye - No Such Thing - You Know My Name - Gasoline - Set It Off - Overfloater - Blow Up The Outside World - Bleed Together - Black Hole Sun - Fell On Black Days - Getaway Car- Doesn't Remind Me - Be Youself - Watch Out - Scream - Wooden Jesus - Moth - No Attention - Reach Down - Ground Zero - Like Suicide

photo by Mark A. Whitaker, Santa Barbara Independent

Last Wednesday, former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell reconfirmed his rock god status, performing songs spanning his 20-year-long career in what was a hardcore fan’s dream concert. For two hours, the singer dug deep into his expansive song list, trotting out numbers from nearly all his recordings, such as “Like Suicide” off of Soundgarden’s Superunknown, “Set it Off” from Audioslave, “Wave Goodbye” and “You Know My Name” from his solo albums Euphoria Morning and Carry On, respectively, and the rarely performed “Wooden Jesus,” from his Temple of the Dog days.

The lithe, fit Cornell, dressed simply in a fitted brown T-shirt and olive green pants, had the packed house mesmerized as he sauntered back and forth across the stage, belting out one great song after another, chatting with the audience, and at one point declaring he has “the best fans in the world.”

Halfway in, Cornell’s five-piece backing band exited the stage and made way for the singer to play stripped-down versions of “Black Hole Sun” (to which the delighted audience sang the chorus at Cornell’s beckoning), “Fell On Black Days,” and “Getaway Car.” Considering he has a new album, Scream (produced by recording industry phenom Timbaland), coming out in early November, it was almost surprising that Cornell only included three new songs in his set list.

Although one could tell Cornell’s voice was in pristine form (his stellar vocal ability was all the more remarkable considering that just two nights prior he had cancelled his Arizona shows due to acute laryngitis) the muddy sound mix made it difficult to hear many of the nuances. Cornell is one of the best singers around, and it was disappointing not to be able to enjoy fully his voice as he hit higher register notes, then easily descended the scale only to go right back up into a melodic, gravely scream.

Despite the subpar acoustics, Cornell delivered an amazing evening of hard rockin’ tunes that left the audience stoked and thankful that this man is still in the game.

- Michelle Drown, Santa Barbara Independent

Here's what rock photographer Ross Halfin had to say about the show in his online blog:

"Headed off to the Ventura Theatre (or something like that) to see Chris Cornell. Quite old world California there, just above Malibu. Got there in time for soundcheck - Chris played Hands All Over, Like Suicide, Moth and I'm Down.

Went to shoot him warming up with his acoustic guitar before going on. He played me a Soundgarden request set. I got Hands All Over, Beyond The Wheel, Blind Dogs and Slaves And Bulldozers with original lyrics about drug-taking "Take drugs get high!" or something like that - he changed it into a doomy love song. Chris said he thought the band played it wrongly until they told him they learnt it off the records, 'So I played the cd and realised Kim Thayil fucked it up on the record - it's all wrong'. He tells me this laughing.

photo by Ross Halfin used by permission

Did some portraits as well. Chris wanted to know where Nori, my one-armed, one-eyed assistant was... Not bad to shoot live, the stage was low but right on top of me so it's all shooting upwards into the lights. He played Blow Up The Outside World and hardly anything from the soundcheck - I enjoyed it."

by jeniblue

After a bout of laryngitis and canceled shows, fans were worried that the Ventura show may be canceled as well. Thank goodness that wasn't the case, a big relief for the hundreds of fans who made it out on a Wednesday night to hear some of Chris Cornell's new sounds from his soon to be released album "Scream:" that he collaborated on with Timbaland.

Chris opened up the show with "When Im Down" and "Wave Goodbye" from the album 'Euphoria Morning' and as usual he and the band performed some of our old favorites from Soungarden, Audioslave and Temple Of The Dog, including an amazing "Reach Down" where Yogi started off the guitar solo, and then Chris took over. It was an absolutely breathtaking performance which brought tears to some fans' eyes.

photos by jeniblue of Moments in Time Photography

Although Timbaland was not performing at this particular show, Chris and the band which include Jason Sutter on drums, Corey McCormick on Bass, Peter Thorn on guitar, Will Wesson on keyboard and Yogi Lonich also on guitar, got the crowd hopping to "Watch Out". "Ground Zero" and "Scream" all from Chris Cornell's new album which should be released after the first of November. This is a very new sound for Chris Cornell, and true die hard fans should not be disappointed. Chris always pulls off every song he sings in a way that only he can master. In case you haven't heard his rendition of "Ave Maria", I highly recommend you listen to it. If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes, I don't know what will.

JeniBlue was also one of the photographers who shot this show. She also got the chance to chat to guitarist Yogi Lonich - you can read her interview here.

by mad dick

Let me be the first to say, this was an incredible show. I write this around 8 1/2 hours after the last song was played, and I am still in complete awe of this tremendously talented artist, and the wonderful performance that he and the band put forth. The setlist was super cool, the band has grown from impressive to amazing in the time since we saw them last year(over at the fairgrounds), and Chris' voice was sounding healthy and strong in a big, big way.

photo by Ross Halfin used by permission

The show opened with "When I'm Down", then "Wave Goodbye", from Euphoria Morning, then went on to include songs from Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog, as well as the other two solo discs. Lots of oldies were "dusted off", as CC himself stated, and it was really a very cool mix of tunes.

One highlight for me was an acoustic version of "Getaway Car". It put tears in my eyes, which are actually coming back a little as I type these words. Along with the setlist and a remarkable vocal performance, the band he's got playing with him is made up of a seriously talented group of musicians who have obviously spent a lot of time playing together, and appear to enjoy doing so greatly. This was a show my wife and I won't soon forget.

photo by Ross Halfin used by permission

by kiana

How absolutely incredible last night's Ventura concert was! I hope to see many more like it. To be able to hear songs that I never thought would be played in concert again was the most amazing experience - "Wooden Jesus" in particular, both because the lyrics hold meaning for me and because the song itself is brilliant, and "When I'm Down", which has always been special to me.

photos by jeniblue of Moments in Time Photography

by melinda

All I can say is Wow! I'll be talking about last night's Ventura show for weeks. I loved the Acoustic stuff as well as the band stuff. Coming from "the musician" I thought his voice was on the money, the musicianship was fantastic and I learned how to put on a show last night! I loved the microphone slide guitar...I always knew that Chris was a great songwriter and I was still surprised. Also, I understand now what it means to be a singer. I always thought the thing was to be a great guitarists, (I would sing because it was fun) but last night that changed. "There is no instrument like the voice". I really loved it!

photo by Ross Halfin used by permission

Check out all of Ross Halfin's live shots here and Marty Temme's here.

Set It Off - thanks ronacortez1

Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2008