When you think of rock legends, Jerry Cantrell is right up there. On a chilly February night, fans packed into The Fillmore Silver Spring, buzzing with excitement to see the man in action. The venue, known for its intimate yet electric atmosphere, was the perfect spot for a night of killer music.
As people filtered in, they hit up the merch booth, grabbing exclusive tour gear – t-shirts, LPs, posters—anything to mark the occasion. There was that undeniable pre-show energy in the air, the kind that tells you you’re in for something special.
Opening the night was Filter, a ‘90s rock staple. Richard Patrick came out swinging, bringing a mix of nervous energy and raw passion as he belted out hits like “Hey Man Nice Shot” and “Take a Picture.” Their heavy riffs and gritty sound were the perfect warm-up. Word was that radio legend Lou Brutus was spotted backstage catching up with the band, adding a little extra star power to the night.
Then the lights dropped, and the crowd exploded. Enter: Jerry Cantrell. The Alice in Chains mastermind strolled onto the stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, flashing a confident grin. Without wasting a second, he tore into “Psychotic Break,” setting the tone with its haunting melodies and crushing riffs. The setlist was a perfect mix of Cantrell’s solo material and Alice in Chains classics, giving fans the best of both worlds. “Them Bones” came up next, and the crowd went nuts, singing every word. That signature Cantrell guitar tone? Absolutely massive.
Then came “Vilified,” a solo deep cut that hit hard, showcasing his incredible songwriting. At one point, an overly enthusiastic fan kept yelling for “Down in a Hole,” and Jerry, clearly amused, played along with some sarcastic banter before moving on. The chemistry between him and his band was undeniable—everyone on that stage was locked in and having a blast. One of the biggest highlights for me was “My Song.” The emotion in his vocals, the way the music swelled—it just hit different live. Then came “I Want Blood,” the title track from his latest album, which packed a gritty, anthemic punch.
And then, it happened. Jerry stepped up to the mic, talk box in tow, and launched into “Man in the Box.” The crowd lost their minds, screaming along word for word. It was one of those magical concert moments where everything just clicks.But he wasn’t done yet. The unmistakable bassline of “Would?” rumbled through the venue, and the whole place fell under its spell as Cantrell and Greg Puciato traded haunting vocals. When the song ended, the band thanked the crowd and left the stage… but we all knew they’d be back.
Encore
After a brief break, Cantrell and company returned for a three-song encore, starting with “Held Your Tongue,” then “Brighten,” the title track from his last solo album.
Finally, the night ended on an emotional high with “Rooster.” Written about his father’s experiences in Vietnam, the song hit deep, and you could feel the emotion in every note. The entire venue was singing along, lost in the moment.
Throughout the night, Cantrell’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing—intricate, soulful, and masterful. His vocals, gritty yet melodic, pulled you into every story he told through his music.
For those who missed this show, the “I Want Blood” tour is still rolling across North America, and if you get the chance, don’t sleep on it. Jerry Cantrell is a legend for a reason, and this night proved exactly why.
Set list
- Psychotic Break
- Them Bones
- Vilified
- Afterglow
- Atone
- Off the Rails
- Cut You In
- My Song
- I Want Blood
- Had to Know
- Man in the Box
- Siren Song
- Hate to Feel
- Would?
Encore
- Held Your Tongue
- Brighten
- Rooster
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