Two-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and vocalist Chris Cornell has confirmed months of rumors by announcing that he has permanently left Audioslave. Cornell also announced the release date of his new solo album, \"Carry On\", in stores May 1 on Suretone/Interscope. In a statement Cornell said:\"Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave. I wish the other three members\" — guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk — \"nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors.\"
Cornell\'s announcement comes two weeks after Rage Against The Machine revealed they will be reuniting for 2007s Coachella festival in Indio, California, on April 29. The fiery political rockers have not played together for seven years.
Rage Against the Machine revived?
Rage Against the Machine splintered in 2000, with drummer Brad Wilk, guitarist Tom Morello, and bassist Tim Commerford joining former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell forming Audioslave, while Rage vocalist/rapper Zack de la Rocha all but disappeared from the music scene. Cornell\'s departure raises speculation as to what the future holds for Rage Against The Machine.
\"Carry On\"
Steered by Grammy Award-winning British super-producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Dave Matthews Band), \"Carry On\" is compiled of fourteen tracks, including the bluesy and soulful Safe and Sound, psychedelic Scar On The Sky, country-flavored Finally Forever, and a slow-grind cover of Michael Jackson\'s Billy Jean that gives the familiar song a completely new feeling.
\"Carry On\" will also include the Top 10 European smash hit You Know My Name, the main title song for the current James Bond theatrical release, \"Casino Royale\", appearing for the first time on a full-length release. Cornell wrote and recorded the track with long-time James Bond composer David Arnold for the film.
Ranked 12th in MTV\'s Greatest Voices in Music survey, ahead of such icons as David Bowie, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Bruce Springsteen, Chris Cornell has been called \"the single most dynamic rock and roll force produced by the Grunge Revolution of the early \'90s\".
