In a fitting tribute to one of its legendary musicians, Seattle is mourning the passing of Chris Cornell tonight by blacking out its most recognisable landmark, the Space Needle.

Pictured above through the eye of the ‘Black Sun’ sculpture that is believed to have inspired Soundgarden’s hit ‘Black Hole Sun’, the building will be darkened for an hour as the city mourns the departed singer, who is believed to have taken his own life yesterday following a Soundgarden show in Detroit.

Along with the towering tribute, local radio station KEXP held a gathering of hundreds at the local Seattle Centre, holding a moment’s silence for the iconic vocalist who helped to put the city and its music on the map.

As the Seattle Times reports, KEXP DJ John Richards told an emotional crowd that “part of our city died today.”

“But I’m selfish,” he continued. “I just wanted to have a place to hang out and mourn and wanted all of you to be here … It’s OK to grieve and be sad. It’s OK to cry.”

Recognising the strange feeling that comes with grieving a person we loved despite never having met, he urged that we should all have a “green light to grieve those we don’t know personally, as well.”

Meanwhile, fan-shot footage continues to emerge of the concert that would prove to be his last.

If you or somebody you care for needs help or information about depression, suicide, anxiety, or mental health issues, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine