The Forum in Los Angeles was alive with music, memories, and emotion during the star-studded I Am the Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell. The night was filled with powerhouse performances from some of rock’s biggest names — but one of the most talked-about moments came from an unexpected duo: comedian-musician Jack Black and Metallica’s iconic frontman James Hetfield.
Between sets, Jack Black took the stage to fill the gap while the next act prepared. Known for his high-energy antics and musical chops with Tenacious D, Black blended humor and heart as he spoke about Cornell’s unmatched vocal talent, joking that the late singer could “hit notes that didn’t even exist yet.” He then launched into a lighthearted take on Soundgarden’s “Spoonman.”
Mid-song, without any fanfare, James Hetfield walked onto the stage. The audience roared in surprise. What followed wasn’t a polished, rehearsed act, but rather a raw, impromptu performance — the two launched into a stripped-down version of Metallica’s “One.” It was loose, imperfect, and absolutely magnetic.
The tribute concert featured an incredible lineup: Foo Fighters, Fiona Apple, Josh Homme, Metallica, and members of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog — all honoring Cornell more than a year after his passing in May 2017. The evening carried the weight of loss, but moments like Black and Hetfield’s jam brought levity, laughter, and connection to the room.
What made the performance so memorable wasn’t technical perfection — it was its sincerity. Two artists from seemingly different worlds came together in the name of a man whose music united people across genres. Fans praised the chemistry between Black and Hetfield, calling the moment one of the night’s unexpected highlights.
As Black told the crowd that night, “He sang notes that didn’t even exist yet. He was a master… and tonight, we celebrate that.” In that unscripted jam, the pair honored not only Cornell’s music, but also his spirit — proving that the truest tributes come straight from the heart.