Jerry Cantrell

Jerry Cantrell

Author: Pushkin Industries January 28, 2025 Duration: 49:24

Jerry Cantrell has been the lead guitarist and songwriter for Alice in Chains since the band formed in 1987. By the mid ‘90s after a run of multi-platinum albums, Alice secured their spot as one of Seattle’s “big four” grunge bands along with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.

Legend has it that Alice In Chains’ early whirlwind of commercial success wreaked havoc on the personal and professional lives of the band. In 2002, lead singer Layne Staley overdosed and died after more than a decade of battling drug addiction.

Amidst the turmoil, Jerry Cantrell found solace in continuing to write and release music both as a solo artist and as a member of Alice In Chains. And he’s never stopped playing. In 2021, he released his critically acclaimed solo album, Brighten, followed by last year's hard rock opus, I Want Blood.

On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to Jerry Cantrell about how he's drawn to art that exists in the shadows. He also talks about how getting sober over 20 years ago has influenced his songwriting, and he remembers the time he tried to pass a demo tape to Axl Rose, only to see his security guard toss it in the trash.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Jerry Cantrell HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Imagine a conversation where the only agenda is genuine curiosity about the creative process. That's the space Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond occupies. Hosted by these four distinct voices from the worlds of music production, writing, and journalism, this podcast strips away the standard interview format. Instead, it feels like you're overhearing an insightful, meandering talk between friends who happen to be some of the most fascinating artists alive. The discussions delve into the unglamorous realities of making art-the false starts, the moments of doubt, the sheer stubbornness required to push through. You'll hear legendary musicians and emerging talents alike discuss not just their hits, but the failures and personal stories that truly shaped their sound. It’s less about celebrity and more about the human experience behind the songs we love. Each episode is a deep, unstructured dive into why creators do what they do, offering a rare glimpse into the vulnerability and chaos that fuel great work. Produced by Pushkin Industries, this series connects the dots between music, culture, and the society that inspires it, making it feel like an essential listen for anyone interested in the stories behind the art.
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Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
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