Ah, so now we know. Well, kind of. Chris Cornell has announced he is leaving Audioslave because of "irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences" - he will launch a solo career instead.
There was much speculation as to what was happening with Audioslave when it was announced last month that the rest of the band would be rejoining their former collaborator Zack de la Rocha to stage a Rage Against The Machine reunion, for a Coachella set at least, and possibly a reunion tour. With Cornell's solo project already in the pipeline and guitarist Tom Morello also planning a solo album, and with no word on up coming Audioslave projects, people began to wonder if the band was no more.
Of course, Cornell's announcement doesn't mean the rest of Audioslave couldn't continue with another new frontman should the RATM reunion be shortlived. Cornell said: "I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave. I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavours".