The 70s and 80s really saw the evolution of the guitarist stepping out in front and being the star of the band. Names like Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, and Joe Satriani were masters of putting their instrument at the forefront of their music, shining with some of the best solos ever written—sometimes even overshadowing the rest of the song. Another guitar legend of the time who had a different viewpoint about how the guitar should be used was Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains. Cantrell has carved out a place in musical history by writing guitar tracks that create emotion and depth. If he takes the time to solo, that solo will usually enhance the overall song rather than take away from the vibe of the music.

In between touring with Alice in Chains, Cantrell has found time to release five solo albums. He is currently hitting the road in support of his latest solo album, I Want Blood, and recently made a stop at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA. Fans packed the venue to hear this grunge legend live.

Opening the night was industrial band Filter. Right off the bat, the band set out to create a mood in the venue, forgoing the use of most of the lights except for select spotlights shooting around the room. The audience was there to get lost in the music that Filter has been putting out for decades. Founding member and vocalist Richard Patrick isn’t exactly a traditional frontman on stage but instead a being of pure musical talent. Swaying and rocking on stage while giving his all in his vocal duties, Patrick performs as a creature lost in the minimal lighting of the venue. Backed by Jonathan Radtke on guitar, Bobby Miller on bass, and Rosh Peterson on drums, the band created a bombastic wall of sound that penetrated eardrums with songs like "You Walk Away," "The Drowning," "For the Beaten," "(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do," "Jurassitol," "Take a Picture," "Drug Boy," "Welcome to the Fold," and ending with "Hey Man Nice Shot." Filter got the crowd rocking for the entire set, creating an atmosphere that was perfectly primed for the headliner.

It was then time for the headliner to take the stage. As the rest of the band walked on, the tension and excitement built for the legendary Jerry Cantrell to greet his fans. Opening the set with "Psychotic Break," Cantrell harmonized and provided additional vocals alongside lead singer Greg Puciato. Together, they created a nasally droning vocal style packed with emotional depth and feeling. But it’s with the guitar in hand where Cantrell truly shines. He may not be the flashiest guitar player, but he doesn’t need to be when crafting groove-infused rhythms and choruses that pull listeners into the music. Occasionally stepping to the front of the stage for solos, Cantrell gave fans moments to soak in his presence.

Cantrell even mixed in some Alice in Chains classics, featuring "Them Bones," "Down in a Hole," "Man in a Box," "Hate to Feel," "Would?," and "Rooster." However, it was Cantrell’s band that truly brought his solo music to life. The lineup included Greg Puciato on vocals, Zach Throne on guitar, Eliot Lorango on bass, and Roy Mayorga on drums. Together, they filled The Belasco with Cantrell’s solo tracks, including "Vilified," "Afterglow," "Atone," "Off the Rails," "Held Your Tongue," "Cut You In," "My Song," "I Want Blood," "Had to Know," "Angel Eyes," "Let It Lie," and "Rooster."

For this night at The Belasco, grunge was king again. Cantrell’s writing and playing remain unmatched, and the audience was fortunate to experience his artistry for a couple of hours. His musical talents helped shape and cement Alice in Chains as the historic group they are, and his solo work continues to showcase his creative greatness. After this tour, Jerry Cantrell will continue performing in support of Bush during the summer and make some festival appearances. If you’re a fan of Alice in Chains, grunge music, or want to relive the musical height of the 90s, be sure to catch Cantrell when he coming your way and catch his show!