Former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell has left the unnamed band he started last year with the three remaining members of Rage Against the Machine -- guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk. Cornell's departure means the new band will not tour this summer's Ozzfest, as announced at a press conference in New York on Friday. Despite the split, the band's debut album, recorded last year, will be released on Epic this summer.

Cornell first hooked up with the former Rage members last year, after singer Zack de la Rocha quit Rage in October of 2000. Rick Rubin produced the band's album, describing the sessions to Rolling Stone as "phenomenal."

Cornell's management and Epic Records did not return calls by press time to offer an explanation for his departure.

MARC W. DOLECH
(March 25, 2002)