Chris Cornell dead: Soundgarden and Audioslave lead singer dies, aged 52


Chris Cornell - the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave - has died aged 52, according to his representative.

In a statement issued to The Associated Press, Brian Bumbery said Cornell died Wednesday night in Detroit.

The death was called "sudden and unexpected" in the statement. A cause of death is currently unknown. Cornell's family have asked for privacy while they work with a medical examiner to determine the cause.

Cornell was best known for fronting the two iconic bands and singing 'You Know My Name', the theme song for James Bond film Casino Royale. He was scheduled to play the US festival Rock the Range in Columbus tonight.

He was reportedly performing with Soundgarden gig last night at Detroit's Fox Theatre, part of the band's North American headline tour. Pictures have emerged on Twitter from the concert.