For more than three decades, Jerry Cantrell has been the driving force behind Alice In Chains, shaping the band’s signature sound as its lead guitarist and primary songwriter. As one of Seattle’s “big four” grunge pioneers—alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden—Alice In Chains soared to multi-platinum success in the ‘90s, but not without turbulence. The band’s rapid rise took a toll, culminating in the tragic loss of frontman Layne Staley in 2002 after a long battle with addiction.
In a new episode of Broken Record, Cantrell sits down with host Leah Rose to reflect on his journey—from the chaos of early Alice In Chains to his evolution as a solo artist. He opens up about his two-decade-long sobriety, how darkness continues to fuel his music, and a hilarious (if humbling) moment when Axl Rose’s security guard trashed his demo tape.
Cantrell has always been drawn to music that explores the shadowy corners of the human experience. From Alice In Chains’ haunting harmonies to his solo records—Brighten (2021) and I Want Blood (2023)—his songwriting remains deeply introspective. But while his music often embraces dark themes, Cantrell himself has found clarity through sobriety, a decision that has shaped his creative process for more than 20 years.
Before Alice In Chains became grunge icons, Cantrell was just another aspiring musician hustling to get noticed. One of his earliest encounters with the industry’s harsh realities came when he tried to hand a demo tape to Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.
Fortunately, Cantrell didn’t need Axl’s approval to make his mark. Alice In Chains carved its own path, creating some of the most influential rock records of the ‘90s.
Decades later, Cantrell remains as passionate about music as ever. Whether leading Alice In Chains or working on solo projects, his dedication hasn’t wavered. Brighten showcased his ability to craft deeply personal, melodic rock, while I Want Blood leaned into his heavier influences, proving that his artistic fire is still burning strong.
Through personal loss, industry highs and lows, and his own battles, Cantrell has remained a survivor. And as long as there’s music to be made, he has no plans to stop.
