Full Breakdown
King Ultramega Pays Tribute to Chris Cornell with "Say Hello 2 Heaven" Cover
10/11/2025, 3:01:49 PM
Overview of the Tribute Project
King Ultramega, an alt-rock supergroup featuring notable musicians from bands such as Alice In Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Soundgarden, has released a new cover of "Say Hello 2 Heaven," originally by Temple of the Dog. This rendition serves as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell, who penned the song in memory of his friend Andrew Wood, the frontman of Mother Love Bone, who died in 1990. The project aims to honor Cornell's legacy while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health and addiction recovery services to the music community.
Key Contributors and Their Roles
The latest cover features singer-guitarist Richie Kotzen, known for his work with The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, and Poison, alongside drummer Charlie Benante of Anthrax. Mark Menghi, the bassist and mastermind behind King Ultramega, has emphasized the importance of "Say Hello 2 Heaven" in the project, stating that its lyrical message resonates deeply with the themes of loss and remembrance. Kotzen's personal connection to the song is profound; he lost his sister to suicide in 2022, which influenced his emotional delivery in the cover.
Musical Interpretation and Creative Choices
Menghi chose to maintain the original arrangement of "Say Hello 2 Heaven" while incorporating R&B and soul-inspired elements. He noted that the song's message about loss and remembrance is particularly poignant, given the context of honoring both Wood and Cornell. Benante expressed his admiration for the song, calling it one of his all-time favorites, which further solidified his commitment to the project.
Background and Development of King Ultramega
The inception of King Ultramega began in 2020 during the pandemic when Menghi recorded a version of "Rusty Cage" with friends. This initial creative endeavor gradually evolved into a larger tribute project, gaining momentum as other musicians, including Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, joined in. Menghi reflected on the organic growth of the project, stating, "There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project."
Hope and Legacy
King Ultramega aims to serve as a reminder of Cornell's musical genius, offering both longtime fans and new listeners an opportunity to connect with his work. Menghi described the project as a "deeply personal labor of love," highlighting the honor of paying tribute to an artist he considers a significant influence in his life. The collective's efforts are not just about music; they are also about fostering hope and awareness in the face of loss.
Official Statements & Responses
Mark Menghi remarked, “It’s an emotional rollercoaster to say the least,” reflecting on the significance of the song's message. He further emphasized the project's goal of honoring Cornell's legacy, stating, “It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This song in particular resonated with Kotzen, who shared, "I lost my sister to suicide in 2022, and that kind of loss changes how you experience certain songs.” — Richie Kotzen, Singer-Guitarist
- “The lyrical message in 'Say Hello 2 Heaven' strikes a chord when you think back on how Chris wrote about Andrew's untimely passing and here we are over 30 years later paying tribute to Chris with his song about his untimely passing.” — Mark Menghi, Bassist
- “Benante also signed on as he shared that "Say Hello 2 Heaven" had been one of his favorite songs and he was a huge fan of Mother Love Bone.” — Charlie Benante, Drummer
King Ultramega's cover of "Say Hello 2 Heaven" stands as a heartfelt tribute to Chris Cornell, intertwining personal narratives with a collective mission to honor the legacy of a musical icon.
