The Evolution of Cochise: a Complete Timeline from the 1800S to 2026

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When rock supergroup Audioslave, composed of Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell and Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, introduced their band to the world in 2002, they opened with "Cochise." Driven by Morello’s whammy pedal simulating a descending helicopter, the track established the band's sonic presence. Yet the title did not appear anywhere in the song's lyrics.

Cornell selected the name after reading extensive historical accounts of the Apache Wars. In interviews during the album's promotional tour, Cornell explained that he was fascinated by Cochise's stature as a leader who stood firm against overwhelming military force. Cornell noted that Cochise was among the last undefeated Native American commanders who forced the United States government to negotiate an equal treaty on his own terms. Naming the heavy anthem after him served as an homage to integrity under siege.