Chris Cornell’s Widow Praises Eddie Vedder And Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Powerful “Hunger Strike” Cover
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“I know he would’ve been incredibly proud,” wrote Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell.
Her comments were in response to a video she shared on Chris Cornell’s Instagram story showing a Sept. 26 performance by Stephen Wilson Jr. and iconic Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder.
Together, the two artists sang “Hunger Strike,” which was penned and recorded by Chris Cornell in 1991 for his rock supergroup Temple of the Dog’s only album.
While Cornell is best remembered for his contributions to the establishing of the grunge sound with Soundgarden — as well as going on to lead Audioslave — his work with Temple of the Dog remains an important chapter in his artistic life.
At the age of 52, Cornell died of suicide on May 18, 2017.
Nearly 10 years later, Cornell’s music lives on through powerful performances like the one given by Stephen Wilson Jr. and Eddie Vedder.
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Watch Stephen Wilson Jr. And Eddie Vedder Honor Memory Of Chris Cornell
Back in 1991, when Chris Cornell was recording the self-titled Temple of the Dog album, Eddie Vedder was brought on to record his vocals for the very first time on “Hunger Strike,” as recounted by Rolling Stone.
35 years later, Stephen Wilson Jr. performed the song, starting solo, at Ohana Fest in Dana Point, California.
Stephen recorded a cover of “Hunger Strike” on his 2025 EP, Blankets, which also includes a cover of Nirvana’s “Something In The Way” and The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight.”
To the surprise of the crowd at Ohana Fest, after finishing the first verse, Stephen was joined by Eddie Vedder.
This performance was shared by Vicky Cornell, widow of Chris Cornell, to the story on the official Chris Cornell Instagram.
There, Vicky wrote:
“Wow — watching this incredible performance of “Hunger Strike” is more than a tribute — it is a beautiful reminder of the music, the friendship, as well as the lasting legacy Chris left behind as his songs continue to touch new generations and are embraced by artists today.”
She added, “Thank you Stephen and Eddie — you honored his voice, his artistry, and the spirit of Temple of the Dog with such love and respect.”
Concluding her post, Vicky wrote, “I know he would’ve been incredibly proud.”
Watch Stephen Wilson Jr. perform “Hunger Strike” with Eddie Vedder, who joins Stephen at about the 3:15 minute mark, here:
Listen to Stephen Wilson’s 2025 stdio recording of “Hunger Strike,” here:
Watch the 1991 music video for Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike,” here:
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to text or call (988) to connect you with a counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night.
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