Dave Navarro Addresses Theories on Cornell and Bennington's 'Hunger Strike' Duet

The Jane's Addiction guitarist shared his perspective on the deeper meaning behind the late musicians' collaboration.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:35am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up image of shattered glass and glittering shards, conceptually representing the fragility and darkness within the entertainment industry.The collaborative performance of 'Hunger Strike' by the late Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington has sparked ongoing speculation about their efforts to shed light on the unseen shadows of the entertainment industry.Los Angeles Today

Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro recently addressed the widespread theories surrounding Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell's collaborative performance of 'Hunger Strike' during Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution tour in 2008. Navarro acknowledged the speculation that the late musicians were using the song to shed light on issues within the entertainment industry, though he stated he does not know if the theories are definitively true.

Why it matters

Navarro's comments highlight the ongoing discussions within the rock community about the circumstances surrounding both Cornell and Bennington's tragic deaths, with many fans believing the artists were using their platforms to expose serious problems. The collaboration on 'Hunger Strike' represented more than just a musical moment, as the song carried themes of social awareness and personal struggle that resonated with both artists' broader artistic missions.

The details

In a statement posted on Instagram, Navarro, who knew both musicians personally, said: 'There has been a lot of talk about Chris [Cornell] and Chester [Bennington] trying to expose what was happening to children in the dark, unseen shadows of the entertainment industry. There is a lot of discussion about their performances of 'Hunger Strike' and the meaning behind their choice to sing that song together.' Navarro expressed that while he is 'inclined to believe' the theories, he does not know 'flat out if there is any truth behind that theory'.

  • The 'Hunger Strike' collaboration took place during Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution tour in 2008.
  • Cornell passed away in May 2017, and Bennington died by suicide in July 2017, within months of each other.

The players

Dave Navarro

The guitarist for the band Jane's Addiction, who knew both Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington personally.

Chris Cornell

The late lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave, known for his powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

Chester Bennington

The late lead vocalist of Linkin Park, who became one of the most recognizable voices in alternative rock.

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What they’re saying

“There has been a lot of talk about Chris [Cornell] and Chester [Bennington] trying to expose what was happening to children in the dark, unseen shadows of the entertainment industry. There is a lot of discussion about their performances of 'Hunger Strike' and the meaning behind their choice to sing that song together.”

— Dave Navarro, Guitarist, Jane's Addiction

“I knew them both and I can easily see why people are making those assumptions. I don't know flat out if there is any truth behind that theory but I am inclined to believe it.”

— Dave Navarro, Guitarist, Jane's Addiction

The takeaway

Navarro's comments highlight the ongoing discussions within the rock community about the potential deeper meaning behind Cornell and Bennington's collaboration on 'Hunger Strike,' with many fans believing the artists were using their platforms to shed light on serious issues within the entertainment industry. While Navarro acknowledges the theories, he also notes he does not know if they are definitively true, underscoring the complex and unresolved nature of the discussions surrounding the two musicians' tragic deaths.