At the star-studded “I Am the Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell” concert held at The Forum in Los Angeles on January 16, 2019, something special happened that fans still talk about. Actor and musician Jack Black teamed up unexpectedly with Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield for a powerful, unplanned moment honoring the late Chris Cornell.
What started as a lighthearted break between sets quickly turned into a memorable tribute. Jack Black, known for his comedic talent and rock band Tenacious D, shared warm words about Chris Cornell’s incredible vocal range, joking that Cornell could hit notes that “didn’t even exist yet.” As Black playfully began a rendition of Soundgarden’s “Spoonman,” James Hetfield joined him onstage without any prior announcement. The crowd went wild.
Together, they performed a stripped-down, raw version of Metallica’s “One.” The performance wasn’t polished — and that’s exactly what made it so special. It was real, emotional, and perfectly captured the spirit of the night: a genuine celebration of a legendary artist’s life and music.
The tribute concert featured an incredible lineup including Foo Fighters, Fiona Apple, Josh Homme, and members of Soundgarden and Audioslave. Held more than a year after Cornell’s passing, the event was a heartfelt gathering of friends, fans, and fellow musicians all honoring his legacy.
Jack Black and Hetfield’s surprise jam offered a moment of connection and healing, reminding everyone that music’s power lies in authenticity, not perfection. Their performance quickly went viral, praised for its chemistry and honesty, becoming one of the night’s most unforgettable highlights.
As Jack Black said on stage, “He sang notes that didn’t even exist yet… He was a master, and tonight, we celebrate that.”