Wednesday Biography: Temple of the Dog (Band)
Note: This is my attempt at a new format of the biography posts. I personally think it’s a lot more tidy, and works out way better than a massive wall of text.
Essentially what I’ve come up with is to get together as many noteworthy facts about the current band members I can. I’ll still do the big single-person bios, but I feel like this will be far more interesting.
Chris Cornell - Lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/banjo
Active in the music industry since 1984, starting at the age of 20.
Does vocals for two superbands, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, and also for the band Soundgarden.
His parents’ professions are a pharmacist and an accountant.
Birth name wasn’t Chris Cornell, it was Christopher John Boyle.
His past includes working as a sous-chef at a seafood restaurant.
Originally did both drums and vocals for Soundgarden, but was later replaced by Scott Sundquist in the drummer role, so he could focus on vocals.
Mike McCready - Lead guitar
Active with music since 1979, when he was 13.
Formed his first band in 8th grade.
Plays more by ear than by written music.
Has played in a band called Walking Papers, which includes Duff McKagan, who is a former bassist for Guns N’ Roses.
Is currently working on a solo album, which was revealed on a San Diego radio station.
On top of vocals, also plays the harmonica, ukulele, accordion, and electric sitar for various Pearl Jam recordings.
Takes a large influence from Jethro Tull’s early music, specifically his album Stand Up
His second solo album was titled Ukulele Songs, and consists of solo covers and original songs, all performed on a ukulele.
Birth name wasn’t Eddie Vedder, it was Edward Louis Severson III
Enjoys surfing in his off time.
Is vegetarian, but enjoys eating ham.
Stone Gossard - Rhythm Guitar
First band was named March of Crimes, and in it was Ben Shepherd, who was to become the bassist for Soundgarden.
As odd as it sounds, his first name really is Stone.
Majorly influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Kiss, and Led Zeppelin.
Formed the record label Loosegroove Records.
Performed for Neil Young’s album Mirror Ball, and then went on an 11 date tour in Europe with him.
Born in late 1962, and started playing drums when he was 13.
Is credited as the current drummer for both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
Performed on the first recordings by Queens of the Stone Age.
Has contributed two songs to Peter Frampton’s album Fingerprints, as well as For Martha on The Smashing Pumpkins’ album Adore.
Is well known for his usage of tribal patterns, and heavy usage of paradiddles in songs.
Born in 1963 and grew up in Big Sandy, Montana, a town that has a population of less than 700.
Started playing bass as a teenager, and began with playing along to The Ramones, The Clash, and The Police.
Has a solo album named Tone, which features songs that had been written over a span of 12 years.
Is interested in skateboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, basketball, and graphic design.
Has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Save the Children, an organization that promotes children’s rights.