Jerry Cantrell Concludes the 'I Want Blood' Tour in Seattle

"It's good to be back..."

He's not usually the most talkative frontman. However, last night, Jerry Cantrell wasn't shy about his enthusiasm to be back in Seattle, the city that spawned his legendary career. An exceptional guitar slinger, accomplished solo artist, and member of one of Seattle's most famous bands, Alice in Chains, there was a lot of love inside the packed Moore Theater for the final stop of Cantrell's I Want Blood tour.

The Moore was a home to some of Cantrell's most memorable performances, the first of which was Alice in Chains's riveting December 1990 set that contained the band's infamous performance of "Love Hate Love." A venue as famous as many of the performers that have graced its stage, no other stage would have served Cantrell better. Both the venue and its star have a larger than life presence on screen, but the Moore in real life, is more intimate than it appears.

The night began with an opening set from Filter, who brought an electric energy to the stage. Filter frontman Richard Patrick urged the audience to get on their feet and expressed excitement about playing for the Seattle audience, which has built a significant reputation due to its place in rock lore.

Throughout their set, Patrick made little quips such as "Tip your bartender!," "I'm an atheist," and made it clear that "Hey Man Nice Shot," was written in 1991, although it wasn't released officially until 1995. The song was a major turning point for Patrick, who was previously a member of Nine Inch Nails.

Filter's current lineup includes Patrick, Jonathan Radtke (guitar, backing vocals), Bobby Miller (bass, backing vocals), and Tosh Peterson (drums). The band was a good fit to accompany Cantrell. Filter is heavy, dark, and was the best possible warm up for Cantrell, whose work is the embodiment of those things.

Filter's set list included:

• "You Walk Away"
• "The Drowning"
• "(Can't You) Trip Like I Do"
• "Obliteration"
• "Jurassitol"
• "Take a Picture"
• "Drug Boy"
• "Welcome to the Fold"
• "Hey Man Nice Shot"

Following what seemed like an eternity, and gracing the stage among the eager anticipation, was Cantrell, in all his rock-and-roll wizard-like glory. I have made numerous attempts to see Cantrell over the years, all of which didn't work out—until now. Luckily, he was worth the years-long wait.

Cantrell was joined by his band which includes Greg Puciato (vocals), Roy Mayorga (drums), Zach Throne (guitar), and Eliot Lorango (bass).

Cantrell opened with "Psychotic Break," from his Degradation Trip album, then quickly veered into Alice in Chains's high energy "Them Bones." Throughout the concert, Cantrell and his band would offer a balanced mix of songs from Cantrell's solo albums (I Want Blood, Boggy Depot, Degradation Trip, and Brighten), and also some fare from Alice in Chains, primarily from Dirt.

Cantrell played the majority of the songs from I Want Blood, with a live debut of "Throw Me a Line." Cantrell seemed slightly nervous about playing the song, but it sounded just fine. The song was met with a positive reception from the audience.

Close to the end of the show, Cantrell continued his tradition of performing a song written by his fallen bandmate, Layne Staley. Last night, Cantrell chose "Hate to Feel," which was followed by the seminal Alice in Chains song, "Would." Given "Would's" origins as a tribute to the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone, it was a perfect way to conclude the main set.

Following rapturous applause and "Jerry" cheers, Cantrell and his band returned to the stage for a quick encore. Cantrell continued with the I Want Blood song "Let It Lie," then sang the title track from Brighten. Cantrell closed out the show with a spirited rendition of his most important song, "Rooster."

It was cathartic to sing along with Cantrell's familiar work, but also witness his I Want Blood songs for the first time. Always professional, but still personable, Cantrell is still at the top of his game nearly 40 years after his music career launched.

For the entirety of the show, Cantrell was well-accompanied by his band. Greg Puciato is a great vocal accomplice, as much of Cantrell's work (both solo and Alice in Chains) utilizes harmonizing. Puciato remains a powerful ingredient in Cantrell's solo tracks but holds his own while covering Layne Staley's vocal contributions. Roy Mayorga is a feverish percussionist, keeping the pace between Cantrell's various high-energy, heavy songs. Zach Throne, next to the "Riff Lord" himself, is an impressive guitarist who brings the energy alongside Cantrell's complex riffs and solos. Lastly, Eliot Lorango's bass ties everything down. Each band member contributes greatly to Cantrell's signature sludgy sound and migrate seamlessly between Cantrell's old and new work.

With another tour in the books, here's to hoping that Cantrell returns to Seattle again soon. As one of the city's prodigal sons, he's always welcome.

The full set list for the night was:

• "Psychotic Break"
• "Them Bones" - Alice in Chains
• "Vilified"
• "Afterglow"
• "Atone"
• "Off the Rails"
• "Siren Song"
• "Held Your Tongue"
• "Down in a Hole" - Alice in Chains
• "Cut You In"
• "My Song"
• "I Want Blood"
• "Man in the Box" - Alice in Chains
• "Had to Know"
• "Angel Eyes"
• "Throw Me a Line" ... Live debut
• "Hate to Feel" - Alice in Chains
• "Would" - Alice in Chains

ENCORE

• "Let It Lie"
• "Brighten"
• "Rooster" - Alice in Chains