Alternative rock collective King Ultramega, featuring members of Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Soundgarden, has released a powerful new rendition of the Temple of the Dog classic “Say Hello 2 Heaven”. The single, featuring Richie Kotzen on vocals and guitar, was recorded in loving memory of Chris Cornell and released in partnership with MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit supporting the health and well-being of the music community.
Watch “Say Hello 2 Heaven” here:
Originally written by Chris Cornell as a tribute to Mother Love Bone vocalist Andrew Wood, King Ultramega’s version reimagines the song as a heartfelt homage to Cornell himself. Kotzen’s soulful, emotive performance captures the grief, gratitude, and hope that permeate the track, with the arrangement staying true to the original’s structure while introducing subtle R&B and soul-inspired elements.
Kotzen explains:
“I lost my sister to suicide in 2022, and that kind of loss changes how you experience certain songs. It’s not something I set out to bring into the session, but it showed up. That’s when it stopped feeling like just a tribute and became something more personal.”
Bassist and project founder Mark Menghi notes the full-circle nature of the song’s meaning:
“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. It’s an emotional rollercoaster to say the least.”
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, who performs on the track, adds that his deep personal connection made participation an immediate yes.
“As a longtime fan of Mother Love Bone, ‘Say Hello 2 Heaven’ has always been one of my favorite songs,” says Benante.
King Ultramega is a passion-driven project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, launched in conjunction with Soundgarden’s long-awaited induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The idea began during the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage” with friends. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a full-scale tribute. The project took on new significance when Kim Thayil, Soundgarden’s guitarist, joined to re-record one of his own songs.
Thayil shares:
“I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the King Ultramega project. I’m equally proud that it celebrates Soundgarden in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of MusiCares.”
For Menghi, the project’s mission is simple yet profound: to honor Cornell’s legacy with authenticity and respect.
“It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more,” Menghi says. “Each participating musician saw the vision and understood that this is about honoring not only an inspiring musician, but an amazing husband, father, and man.”
King Ultramega’s list of collaborators reads like a modern rock hall of fame, including Kim Thayil, Joe Satriani, William DuVall, Bill Kelliher, Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Aronoff, and more. Each artist brings their signature sound while staying true to the emotional core of Cornell’s music.
“Chris Cornell has been one of only a very small handful of musical constants in my life,” Menghi reflects. “To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honors of my life.”
Lineup on “Say Hello 2 Heaven”
- Richie Kotzen – Guitar, Vocals
- Mark Menghi – Bass
- Charlie Benante – Drums
Connect with King Ultramega:
kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X]