Tom Morello recently talked about his time with Chris Cornell in Audioslave, suggesting that their work together might have helped keep Cornell going longer.

Audioslave, which started in 2001 with Cornell, Morello, and Morello’s Rage Against the Machine bandmates Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk, was a big hit in the rock world. Fans hoped it would be just as good, or even better, than what the band members had done before, especially since both Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine were uncertain at the time.

The band produced popular songs like “Show Me How to Live,” “Cochise,” and “Like a Stone.” In a new interview with Metal Hammer, Morello said that working with Audioslave gave Cornell a new sense of purpose. Though Morello didn’t know much about Cornell’s personal struggles, he believes that their collaboration added “16 more years” to Cornell’s life in an interview with Guitar.

“People live their lives in different ways, and with Chris, for the entire time I knew him, there was a lot of mystery. He was mysterious, he really was the person you hear in those lyrics. It wasn’t until some time later that we pieced it together.”

“I believe that the good fortune of all us having met bought him 16 more years. That band was so liberating, it really felt like the horizon was completely open. And you know what? Standing onstage with Chris Cornell beside you is pretty great.”

Morello also pointed out the high expectations Audioslave faced when they first formed, acknowledging the pressure but emphasizing their focus on creating music from an authentic place. He praised Cornell’s adaptability and creativity, particularly mentioning his ability to craft memorable melodies from various musical elements. The band’s work, including hits like “Like a Stone,” was described as a profound and soulful experience, with Morello recalling how Cornell’s vocal contributions and their collaboration felt almost “unearthed.”