Interview: Jerry Cantrell talks lost guitars, weirdest gigs and more

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[@Gitarzan66]

I saw them in Denver in Sept. 2018. I'm in a wheelchair and my wonderful wife made me a sign to hold that read "Sitting in my angry chair" We got into the front row right in front of Jerry and a few songs into it he pointed at me and said "We're going to play that for you a little later" Us and everyone around us went nuts. A couple songs later it came up and Jerry turned around and pointed at me and said "here you go" Mike Inez came over and gave me a nod and a huge grin. William saw me and tossed me a pick, one of three we got that night. One of the best nights ever. Super cool guys.

[@julieray5097]

this is possibly the best thing i’ve ever read

[@Gitarzan66]

@@julieray5097 Thanks Julie! That was the best show ever :)

[@echase416]

Thanks for sharing your story. ❤️

[@FlorenciaE]

Wow that’s incredible

[@FlorenciaE]

What an amazing experience

[@RiffRock51]

I have so much respect for Cantrell.

[@huntarius8253]

Jerry is CRIMINALLY underrated.

[@rickyg8462]

Huntarius I think he was the crown jewel of the 90s movement...his musicianship/songwriting...his lyrics are brilliant and his guitar productions are brilliant

[@johnstoner666]

Who says? He's got a HUGE band...I know starving artists that are equally as talented (not to undermine Jerry's talent, he's great) and they are barely recognized. "criminally underrated" I think not.

[@aliciacantrell980]

+Ricky G /,,😚👏👏👏👏

[@DaveTaste]

He's not underrated though is he. He's highly rated and well deserved.

[@destructor.93]

@@DaveTaste Yeah, he is; people always like to attribute Alice's success and greatness solely to Layne. You see comments all the time from people saying that the band should have called it quits or called themselves something different when Layne left, or that they never listen to the new stuff since Layne died. Those people are all conveniently ignoring though that Alice was always Jerry's baby and that he was always the creative force and magic behind it.

[@ryan.1357]

I can totally see Layne saying "Hey man, you can sing fine. You should sing more." What a great story.

[@jondubb35]

Definitely. Always love hearing Jerry talk about Layne. I've heard interviews in the past where Jerry described Layne instilling confidence in him about his singing abilities. I've also heard Jerry talk about Layne's growth as a guitar player and how much he's improved when he was active in AIC.

[@Aryanof99]

Jerry does sing beautifuly

[@maseratimitch531]

Layne is the rare personality type that has no ego and lifts those around him up. Seems like the type that chooses to see the good in everyone until they stop giving him reason to. Jerry was always blown away by Layne’s signing so I imagine, a compliment coming from him of all people about singing, probably had more impact. Very cool story

[@anotherbigfootwithinternet2147]

You can tell Layne and jerry genuinely cared and loved eachother

[@jimmikatt]

I am a huge AIC fan from day 1, and i'm also a taxi driver in Minneapolis. I had the pleasure of giving Jerry and the guys a ride from sound check to a titty bar, then they called me for a return trip to the club (First Avenue) for the show, and he put me on the guest list for the show. It was one of the greatest nights in my life. Jerry is one of the nicest famous people I have met, he also told me the Van Halen story, funny to hear it here again.

[@Aphelion819]

Dude, that's awesome!

[@ticeuntz]

that's so cool. I would LOVE an opportunity like that. My brother was in the same gas station after their 2006 (I think that was the year anyway) Sturgis rally show at the Buffalo Chip. He was bummed he couldn't get outta work and after work and a few beers he made his way to the gas station where they were just leaving.

[@dylansee7290]

Slimjim Time to apply for a taxi driver job

[@Antheraws]

K that's fucking incredible. I have only seen these guys in Minneapolis when they use to come to Roy Wilkins. They put on an amazing performance.

[@benfletcher9414]

Slimjim respect haha

[@osirissalgado6689]

Jerry Cantrell.A dude that didn't let fame get to his head.Awesome guitarist.You won't hear any band sound like aic.Just like you wouldn't another sound like black Sabbath.If you do it was after the fact.

[@cotopaximusic]

Osiris Salgado Honestly AiC was the Black Sabbath of the 90s, and if they weren't, they were damn close! Both bands are just so fucking great at what they do

[@averagestatelesssinner]

He is such a modest and down to earth person such as you never find in other famous musicians.

[@Jeff2870]

+Harry Haller Yeah, not flashy with his money either. He and his dad built a very modest ranch in Oklahoma, very basic, nice, but subdued. Nothing like what you see asshats like P Diddy or Kanye living in.

[@missrachellaverne]

you are so wrong

[@inalingthedead]

+Rachel La you're on every Jerry video. Fuck off bitch.

[@addisonlewis723]

+Lyrical Jones Lol.

[@terryzeringue7472]

For Madmen Only him and Dave grohl

[@rickyg8462]

I'm just gonna say...imo...Jerry Cantrell's musicianship/song writing was the crown jewel of the 90s movement

[@rickyg8462]

...of course, with Layne being the perfect muse

[@yep9462]

All the Layne era songs he had vocal parts on were really good

[@justinwilliams1728]

Agreed, and eloquently put 👌👍

[@maseratimitch531]

It most certainly was, Ricky!

[@SombraPiloto]

I saw AIC opening for Van Halen in 1991. Sadly I didn't comprehend their sheer awesomeness at that time but I still remember Mike Starr writhing around flat on his back onstage while he ripped the bassline to Man In The Box as if it was yesterday!

[@Rotttman]

+SombraPiloto holy shit! Same thing with me dude. Back in 1992 AIC was opening for Ozzy and I wish I could go back because I was there to see Ozzy. Dammit!!!

[@mikeraia2605]

Me to, saw them open for Ozzy. Didn't really know who they were, but I thought they sounded great for what Ozzy have them with the sound system (lacking some power on the sound system)

[@jtwilliams8895]

“When you have nothing, nobody will give you shit. When you have everything, like I have, everybody gives you everything for free. It should be the other way around” Well said, so true 😩

[@MojosArmy]

"If Ringo can sing, anyone can sing." Perfect.

[@stormtrooper62]

Jerry is a great singer... Love his voice and guitar playing.

[@pwk22]

Jerry just defines "regular guy". It seems like he has no ego.

[@socaldazed6076]

"welcome back, good tour, now get your fuckin shit out of my garage" - that's awesome, great stories ...

[@madalicetribute]

Jerry writes the best damn riffs... really wrote for the song, not the glory. Sounds like some awesome advice!

[@eva-vs1zu]

“I don’t consider myself as a natural singer” excuse me? jerry stfu you are a great singer.

[@joshmartimez2235]

I have a lot of respect for Jerry. He seems like a nice guy. He never put Layne down for having demons. RIP Layne. Jerry and Layne were great at singing together they were compliment each other in that aspect. I love hearing stories like this especially about past AIC tours.

[@gasmaskboi19371945]

I like how he wants guitar lessons from Tony Iommi, and I'm lucky enough to have Tony Iommi teach at my local university.

[@LiberTBo]

Jerry's one of the coolest, most down-to-earth guitarists in music, During the 1990's Seattle music scene Jerry and Alice In Chains were equally matched creatively with other Seattle based bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Sound Garden as well as with national oriented bands like Guns N' Roses. It was a pivotal time in the history of rock music and guitarists like Cantrell rode the crest of the waves.

[@paulsontag9233]

Haha I think you're being too kind to those other bands you mentioned Terrance Hill. Personally on the creativity meter only Soundgarden came close, then Nirvana (who had other strengths) and a distant fourth Pearl Jam.

[@synthhero1347]

@@paulsontag9233 all 4 bands of the seattle had there own agenda and uniquie sound, all of them contain an element that resonated with millions of kids wanting answers and something to believe in, even GnR held a high flag of solitude and answers to those who lost hope in life, all of there music and lyrics will live on forever

[@cappazone1807]

I was pumped to see van halen in 91. Alice opened for them and I was hooked. Layne tore that show up. He was healthy at the time and on top of his game. I was so blessed to get the osee them live before layne died. Cant say the same for nirvana

[@ozoneswiftak]

No one blessed you, you just went to the show.

[@thomaslewis7883]

the person who has that guitar should send it to Jerry,that would be cool.Great interview

[@rumblefish9]

Thomas Lewis Two awesome fans were able to help Jerry find the guitar. Both saw it on a Craigslist and an eagle-eyed fan spotted it because Jerry's guitar was unique from the others made. They contacted him and he was finally reunited with it. He played Rooster on that guitar and dedicated it to the two fans!

[@evanabbott2737]

Rotten Apple that is so awesome....is there video of that somewhere?😲

[@Karinap1974]

Really good interview, very good questions, not the standard garbage.

[@josephleoni5115]

His newer song 'Voices' is fucking great.

[@condensermike]

Man, Jerry is amazing. Great guitarist.

[@rm25088]

Jerry Cantrell. Awesome guitar player and king of the you knows.

[@MrMadtv123]

Jerry Cantrell , Corey Taylor , Matt Tuck , Dimebag Darrell ( RIP Brother ) , Dave Grohl , some of the most down to earth musicians ever

[@ItachiUchiha-ry2ju]

Chris Cornell too

[@htDiablo]

Jerry is the man. In my opinion, one of the living great guitarists who is probably under valued for his contributions to rock and music in general. About 2 years ago, I had two guitars damaged by water in the basement. Before that, I hadn't played guitar for about 6 years. Recently, I picked up a Fender CD-60 SCE just so I could relearn how to play nutshell, down in a hole, and all the other songs I loved playing by popular bands from the early to mid 90's. I really hope AIC makes it to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame someday. They've weathered the storm and kept it together better than most bands that have known tragedy.

[@Shorty110bucks]

Really cool interview.

[@achaarpickler]

I have read/heard about the EVH story and the 5150 heads and stacks in at least 3 interviews. Just shows how much it meant to him. Jerry you are so cool and chilled out......

[@Papatorrejano]

I find the story about the evh musicman guitars kinda fishy. At least he had 5 of them, including the goldtop. He only has 1 now. My guess is he sold them.

[@888ThomtheArtist888]

Coooooool!!!!! Finally a new interview from Jerry. I have been scouring the net for a while. Thank you for uploading this.

[@purplecow5150]

Jerry is the man!

[@sejithevoid2059]

I swear every Jerry Cantrell interview starts with him telling the story about how he thought he got a Les Paul for Christmas. Also great to hear he got the stolen guitar back in later interviews.

[@Ghop7577]

Great guy. Great singer and guitar player.

[@steemdup]

Layne was right, Jerry. :)

[@reginamason2821]

LOVE THIS INTERVIEW

[@dousty]

I enjoyed this interview, thanks for the "relevant but different" questions.

[@BADWlNG]

One of my favorites.

[@paulohenriqueparizotto5014]

great musician

[@blackambition01]

saw these guys in saint paul, mn 2013. the guitar sounds note for note off the album. One of the best musicians ever.

[@elenaevenflow5280]

You gotta love Jerry.... Coolest guy on earth

[@bobinchainz]

this is a good interview. awesome questions and the van halen story is the shit

[@earlthornton5689]

I am crying... thank you

[@ceceliamerchant9046]

Happy late Birthday Jerry. Keep on keeping on.

[@diehardmetalhead4526]

Jerry love the hat! Let's you, your sister and Jim complete our circle of life

[@FlorenciaE]

Great interview 🤘🏻🎸🔥

[@JennyBelfast]

Jerry's the man! I like him even more since getting sober. He seems healthy and happy. New AIC stuff is fucking awesome as well.

[@cdiana1]

He is awesome. Super smart, down to earth, unpretentious and talented.

[@enriquemiranda9074]

You gave me the bug JERRY!!!! YOU ARE MY GOD!!!! WWJD what would JERRY do ????

[@richardgrossguth2042]

James hetfield, kk downing, Glenn Tipton are mine

[@RONVK]

Jerry and Tony Iommi for me

[@briangregory6303]

Jerry Cantrell seems like the nicest dude you'd ever want to meet. Poor guy spent a lot of time homeless and staying with friends. That would fuck up a lot of people.

[@coreycouch9841]

jerry fuckin rules !!!!

[@dustinledbetter5647]

I saw him in charleston at the music farm awesome show comes with the fall opened up and William played their entire set with Jerry old ozzy drummer and Robert Trujillo great show

[@marijascekic3886]

I'm so glad he got that guitar back

[@saturnskull1242]

One of the best!

[@laynestaley7331]

He got the gold top back

[@jekku4688]

Jerry can MORE than just "sing fine" as we all know. 🙄❤ And since this interview he got his VH guitar back, thanks to some fans & the interwebs!

[@saucyvinnie3812]

What a poignant note that ended on. This was a wonderful interview.

[@mikeraia2605]

To whom it may concern. GIVE JERRY HIS GUITAR BACK . I also had my favorite guitar stolen, it was a black B C Rich Bitch. I ordered it , they didn't have any black ones at the time they just came out. Sooo long ago.

[@clockworkgirl7387]

He did actually get his guitar back about a couple years ago. Two guys saw it for sale online, tracked it down, bought it and gave it back to Jerry. There is a video of him in some concert where he tells this story and plays Rooster with this guitar and dedicates it to those two guys as a way of thanking them. You can find it on KZbin.

[@The.Big.Stumpkowski]

Glad to know he got his beloved gold top back, win.

[@randomcitizen4115]

God I wish I can see him at a concert.. I've never been to one

[@MaggahLelis]

Love U Jerry!

[@TauruS_Music.]

He is honest as F**k and down to earth always ... Proud fan of AIC and Jerry for last many years 🤟

[@sharinganslayer666]

Jerry

[@kingkenny2635]

Top man 🎸🎤

[@f.sense888]

🖤🖤🖤

[@clumsiii]

NEW TUNES BUD -- we know you got em --- let's hear it! Jerry bring it

[@michaellittlewood3032]

Thank you.

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Coolest of the Cool !!! Seems to always lift up the ones he's speaking of, putting them in a pedestal. So rare in this all about me, me, me society !!!

[@jtough7499]

Jerry has done that...the SIGNATURE SOUND...

[@ozoneswiftak]

I own a schector les paul. Its nice. But by buddy has a older studio, that i love the way it plays and feels. . Shit, schector is growing on me.

[@jjandre5558]

what a good dude.

[@uberweiss6251]

Nice background

[@rickyfever]

Alice in chains is my favorite rock band of all time!!!

[@synthhero1347]

And god dam did you get good 🤘

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Just wait a couple more years Jerry you'll get that guitar back.

[@shcaskey]

very cool Van Halen story!!

[@shinaniganz4453]

Jerry always says 'you know'

[@undergroundunlimited2282]

I wish I could find that guitar for him.

[@soldaccount2022]

he has it back

[@robertg.durant8489]

@@soldaccount2022 Not anymore. He traded it for an esteban acoustic guitar

[@justinthymes5680]

Damn,that sucks about the gold top.

[@marielenasancheztamayo5930]

Wooow es muy atractivo aun pese ala edad

[@ludaheracles7201]

Women write the most worthless comments..

[@daltoncarvall7537]

Man in The Box= Best Miusic dec=90

[@Grungeuncle]

well im emulating layne so, if you dont mind jerry?

[@sls1035]

Doesn't he have a blue music man guitar?

[@peytonflanders5133]

Lo siento, soy superficial, este tio está requetebueno

[@shanfrann]

Peyton Flanders también pienso lo mismo 😅

[@haydendraycott7897]

Jerry why'd you cut your hair??????!!!!!!!!!!!

[@masteroflanguages4572]

Still handsome.

[@SLURPSLURP]

2:55

[@reddalchemy5970]

Jesus his laugh is infectious and hilariously sinister but playful! LMAO! I absolutely adore Jerry. Great guitar player, highly underrated songwriter, overall just cool ass dude, and shit hot sexy! Wish I could meet him once. Just once.

[@evanabbott2737]

“Eddie Van Halen filled up my garage full of shit for ya..🙄” 🤣🤣🤣

[@nordfaen]

[@ComaAlpha]

I would LOVE for someone to give me a half stack with a head.

[@goudagirl6095]

Cute look, there, Jer-bear. :-)

[@objectivitycave11]

“Senator don’t love no drug program ; been a coke head for thirty years. Senator don’t love no women ; he prefers young boys in leather !” I emulate this

[@rainierfrog]

You know

[@1391mad]

best guitarist of his generation....ok there's Hetfield too

[@jimofaotearoa3636]

He wanted a Gibson but instead his Dad got him one that would stay in tune.... So many kids musical futures ruined because Dad did get them the Gibson and they never knew it wasn't them who sucked...it really was the guitar all along...

[@gigistephens4633]

How, Jerry has flipped

[@nordfaen]

💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@thewhatsupquiqui]

4:49 I mean, not even Eddie fuckin’ Van Halen (R.I.P.) could resist hugging and kissing Jerry. How are the rest of humans supposed to do so?? 😂

[@d.williams9894]

I like how the guy who put on his acoustic guitar "Friends don't let Friends Get Haircuts" about Metallica (refer to the AIC acoustic set for MTV) now has a HAIRCUT?!?!?...WTF!!!...DUDE!!!...NOW I have lost almost all hope in hard rock/metal!!!...IF Lemmy gets a haircut then I am quitting all music and selling my guitars!!!!...'nuff said!!!!

[@d.williams9894]

Even though you pulled your comment I will respond because it made it to my Inbox.. First it IS a joke to begin with..I still enjoy AIC (or I wouldn't have watched this!) Second (for those of us who WERE around back then (cough, cough, wheeze) It WAS a BIG deal in metal when Metallica ALL cut their hair at SAME time!...well Lars was going bald even then...Bwahaha...but M was at AIC acoustic MTV gig and Jerry and Mike both had written on their guitars ABOUT that joke...so laugh and live longer...

[@sz5876]

He's so right about anybody singing, that's why shows like the voice and others are so lame. Put in the work and try to make it, don't rely on cheezedick tv show.