All My Heroes Are Dead

I grew up loving rock music. When I was sixteen my dad bought my me first guitar, and I dreamt of rock stardom. Years later, that dream did not come to fruition, but I discovered a love for music that has never died. Sadly, the same cannot be said for some of the men that started that love in the first place.

First there was Layne. Then Scott. And a few years later Chris and Chester. These were men that shaped my idea of what music could be. I mourn them like members of my own family. I was lucky to see Chris Cornell several times (once was two days before I married my wife; we had our first dance to his version of "Thank You") and to see Chester with STP. It still blows me away that these voices are forever silenced now.

One thing that has struck me, is how the passing of a musician hits most of us more than, say the loss of an actor. For instance, can we say a particular performance of deCaprio, or Julia Roberts really effect or lives or make an impression on us emotionally? Given, there are some great performances, and there are films I will watch over and over, but I can count on one hand the times I can connect a film to a moment in my life.

Music, on the other hand, connects in another way. There are some songs that will immediately connect to me on an emotional level. Music hits the listener on a whole other level. The science of how chords and melodies work to invoke emotions is mind boggling.

From each of the before mentioned artists, I have chosen a song that was both an example of their talent, and ironically prophetic of their passing.

Chris Cornell- Say Hello 2 Heaven/ Hunger Strike- I don't think the first one needs too much explanation. The song was written for a friend that OD'd and was gone way too soon. It's a great song to cry to for mourning the loss of a loved one.  And do yourself a favor and YouTube Chris Cornell and Chester doing Hunger Strike. Who knew these two would be gone so soon?


Linkin Park- One More Light. They wrote this song for Chris Cornell. Not too long after we lost Chester. Enough said.

Mad Season- River of Deceit- If you ever want to hear the confessions of a heroin addict, here you go. He chose the fate he was dealt, but hated it to the end. Anyone that personally had dealt with addiction, or had a loved one in the throes, can relate.

Velvet Revolver- Fall to Pieces- Much like Layne, Scott Weiland suffered with substance abuse throughout his successful career, which lead to his death. The video to this song in itself needs mentioning as it recreates his bandmates finding him in the throws of drug addiction. Sadly his demons caught up with him.


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