Saturday night in Tempe, AZ, was a busy one! With the annual Innings festival happening at Tempe Town Lake with headliners Green Day closing out the night. Tempe Was brewing up something big across the lake and one of the most influential guitarists of our generation was playing. Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, was at The Marquee Theater. Even though there was no avoiding traffic and full parking lots all around Tempe AZ it was going to be a memorable night.
Opening up the show was the ever-exciting rock band Thunderpussy. Every time this band comes into town, their audience grows bigger and bigger. Keep an eye out on this band, as they’re making waves across the country. A solid rock band from start to finish that lives up to their name.
It was just after 9:30, and the sea of fans started to get restless. The alcohol was flowing, and you could feel that everyone was ready for Jerry to start. The lights dimmed, and it was finally time to witness one of the best and most influential musicians of our time. This was my first time experiencing Jerry Cantrell’s solo act, as I’ve seen Alice in Chains numerous times over the years. I noticed a familiar face walk out on stage, and that was Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan, The Black Queen, and Killer Be Killed). I am a huge fan of Greg’s body of work. Seeing him progress over the years has been astonishing. His range and vocal capabilities have grown so much. Hearing him sing “Alive in Chains” had me floored. I can’t wait to hear what he produces in the future! Jerry Cantrell and company went back and forth between songs from his solo career and Alice in Chains songs. It was a perfect mixture that had everybody swaying and singing along. Starting off the night with the song “Aton” off his latest album, “Brighten,” While it’s a slower song at first, it sets the tone that everyone in attendance is in for a powerful performance. All the hit songs were played by Alice in Chains, like Rooster, Theme Bones, Man in the Box, Rooster, and, of course, a huge surprise to me, Sea of Sorrow. Ending the set with the ever-so-soulful song “Goodbye,” it was a sorrowful and bittersweet ending to the night. The entire night was perfect for any Jerry Cantrell and Alice in Chains fan, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better set list. Catch Jerry Cantrell on tour now.
Set list
Encore:Brighten
