The Setlist

By: Kerri Nelson

Fans of Chris Cornell relived his legacy as Disciple of the Garden delivered a powerful tribute, capturing his iconic voice and energy in an unforgettable performance.

It’s been just shy of eight years since the legendary frontman Chris Cornell passed away, a loss that sent shockwaves through the music world. His legacy goes beyond music—his impact on fellow artists was immeasurable. Anyone who knew him would agree he was one of the kindest souls to meet. With his fearless writing and profound influence on countless bands, when he left us, the world lost a piece of itself.

Disciple of the Garden (D.O.G.) has given fans a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of Chris Cornell. Joe Leo, on vocals and guitar, embodies what made Cornell so unique—the raw emotion, the depth, and the unmatched power behind every note. His performance channels the spirit of Cornell’s artistry, breathing new life into timeless songs and offering an experience that is both nostalgic and profoundly moving. Through Leo’s voice, fans are reminded of the talent and soul that defined Cornell’s musical journey.

Fans of all ages filled the hall, eager to reconnect with the raw emotion and power of Cornell’s music, and D.O.G. delivered. The Claremont Opera House erupted as the opening notes of “Been Away Too Long” from Soundgarden’s 2012 album King Animal filled the air. The night was a deep dive into Chris Cornell’s vast musical legacy, spanning Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, and even his solo work. Fans were treated to thunderous renditions of “Rusty Cage”and “Outshined” from Badmotorfinger (1991), alongside Superunknown (1994) classics “Spoonman” and “Black Hole Sun.” The setlist also honored Audioslave’s explosive debut with “Gasoline,” “Cochise,” and the haunting “Like a Stone.” Temple of the Dog’s “Say Hello to Heaven” resonated deeply, and as a special moment, they even pulled out “Seasons” from the Singles soundtrack. With a jam-packed set of over 20 songs, the performance was so meticulously executed that at times, it felt as if Cornell himself was there.

Between songs, Joe Leo shared a deeply personal moment, recalling the first—and sadly, last—time he saw Chris Cornell perform live. It was 2016 at the 25th Anniversary Temple of the Dog show at Madison Square Garden, a night that solidified Leo’s desire to bring Cornell’s music to life for others.

“I wanted to dedicate performances to his memory and keep this music alive through live shows for fans just like me,” Leo reflected.

D.O.G. debuted with a sold-out performance on May 18, 2024—the anniversary of Cornell’s passing—before playing another packed show at Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, NY. The overwhelming response from fans made it clear: this was more than just a tribute. That same passion and energy carried into their Claremont Opera House show nearly a year later.

Like any band, D.O.G. has grown over time. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but their dedication to honoring Cornell has remained unwavering. What began with Joe Leo (vocals/guitar) and Ronny Vidal (drums) has since expanded into a powerhouse lineup with Vic Pena (bass), Eddie Evelyn (guitar), and Chris “Fury” Fiore (guitar). Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, bringing both precision and passion to every note. 

The band spent time during intermission to come down into the crowd to take pictures and talk to fans. Connecting on music and memories of the legendary Chris Cornell. The band spent time joking with each other on stage that only showed more of that natural chemistry.

What started as a night with people filing in and finding their seats ended with everyone up and out of their seats singing and dancing and head banging to the music. 

D.O.G. kicks off the next leg of their tour up at Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont and will take them through much of the east coast and some midwest states through July. Upcoming tour dates are listed below. These guys are a must see for any Chris Cornell fan!