

After a photo tribute from Pearl Jam earlier this morning, two of Chris Cornell’s former bandmates have released statements on his passing.

Among them, Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron who was on stage with Cornell that night in Detroit shortly before his death, who posted a short statement on Facebook (via Alternative Nation) saying, “My dark knight is gone. Thank you for the incredible outpouring of kindness and love.”

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready also spoke about his Temple of the Dog bandmate and lifelong friend with the Seattle Times. “Chris Cornell painted in song the darkness and beauty of life in Seattle,” McCready said. “Chris means a lot to me today, as he trusted me to play on Temple. He handed me a dream in getting to actually play on beautiful songs. Informed how I would play on Pearl Jam records in the future, I believe. Gave me the break into the music business I’d wanted since I was 11. He was a friend I will miss. I miss you, brother.”

Cornell passed away on early Wednesday morning at the age of 52.