Audioslave
American rock supergroup blending Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine.
Audioslave was an American rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2001. The band consisted of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell (vocals, guitar) and Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello (lead guitar), Tim Commerford (bass/backing vocals), and Brad Wilk (drums). Critics initially described them as a combination of Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine, but by their second album they had established a separate identity. Their sound blended 1970s hard rock and 1990s alternative rock, with influences from 1960s funk, soul, and R&B. They prided themselves on using only guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, emphasizing Cornell's wide vocal range and Morello's unconventional guitar solos. In six years, they released three albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold more than eight million records worldwide, and became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba.
- formed
- 2001
- disbanded
- February 2007
- origin
- Los Angeles, California, United States
- genre
- Rock (hard rock, alternative rock)
- years_active
- 2001–2007; 2017 (one-off reunion)
- notable_achievements
- First American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba
Lore & Background
Audioslave formed after Rage Against the Machine broke up in October 2000 when vocalist Zack de la Rocha left. The remaining members—Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk—sought a new vocalist, rejecting rappers or anyone similar to de la Rocha. Producer Rick Rubin suggested Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, which had disbanded in 1997. Rubin also persuaded the trio to attend group therapy with performance coach Phil Towle. The chemistry with Cornell was immediate; Morello described it as 'transcendent.' The group wrote 21 songs in 19 days and began recording in late May 2001 with Rubin producing.
The band nearly dissolved before playing publicly when Cornell briefly left, reportedly due to quarreling managers. After resolving management issues, they released their debut album, 'Audioslave,' on November 19, 2002. It entered the Billboard 200 at No. 7, sold 162,000 copies in its first week, and eventually achieved triple platinum status. The single 'Like a Stone' became their highest-charting hit, reaching No. 1 on Mainstream Rock and No. 26 on Modern Rock charts. Their second album, 'Out of Exile,' marked a shift toward a separate identity. The band disbanded in February 2007 after Cornell announced his departure. They reunited for a single performance on January 20, 2017, at Prophets of Rage's Anti-Inaugural Ball; Cornell's death later that year precluded further reunions.
Reader's Guide
Audioslave's significance lies in their fusion of two major 1990s rock acts into a commercially successful supergroup that developed its own identity. Their debut album sold over three million copies in the United States alone, and they earned three Grammy nominations. By blending hard rock, alternative rock, and funk/soul influences, they created a sound that stood apart from both predecessor bands. Their 2005 concert in Cuba marked a historic moment as the first open-air rock performance by an American band in that country. The band's legacy includes demonstrating that supergroups can transcend their origins, though their output was limited to three albums over six years. Cornell's death in 2017 ended any possibility of further reunions, cementing Audioslave as a finite but influential chapter in rock history.
Did You Know?
- Audioslave became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba.
- The band's debut album sold 162,000 copies in its first week and was certified triple platinum in the United States.
- Their music video for 'Show Me How to Live' was banned by MTV reportedly because it showed a high-speed car chase.
- The band nearly broke up before their first public performance due to quarreling managers, but reunited after firing their management companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Audioslave?
Audioslave is an American rock supergroup that formed in Los Angeles in 2001 by pairing Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell with three members of Rage Against the Machine. The band was active until their split in early 2007.
Who are the members of Audioslave?
The lineup was Chris Cornell on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Morello on lead guitar, Tim Commerford on bass and backing vocals, and Brad Wilk on drums. Cornell came from Soundgarden, while Morello, Commerford, and Wilk were all longtime members of Rage Against the Machine.
Why did Audioslave break up?
The group officially disbanded in February 2007. The reformation of Rage Against the Machine was the primary factor, as it pulled three of the four members back into that project.
What does Audioslave sound like?
Their music fuses 1970s hard rock with 1990s alternative rock, layered over influences from 1960s funk, soul, and R&B. The band was deliberately guitar-driven, avoiding electronic production in favor of a raw, band-centric sound.
Did Audioslave ever reunite?
After their 2007 breakup, the four members came back together for a single one-off reunion performance in 2017. The band also holds the distinction of being the first American rock group to play an open-air concert in Cuba.
More in American rock music supergroups 1-24
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