Jerry Cantrell: Creating the Iconic Sound of Alice In Chains 

We're actually so fortunate to have Jerry Cantrell still making music

He’s so underrated for his vocals too. He and Layne’s harmonies are magic.

I clicked as soon as I saw Jerry Cantrell

What an honor, to be able to interview Jerry. Such a legend and just a cool guy. I envy Rick.

Worked his show last Friday in San Diego. We passed each other walking and I said "What up, Jerry?" He gave me a slight nod through his sunglasses and kept going... coolest moment ever. Thankful for all the music!

Jerry’s riffs and melodies were the fuel that lit the fire of Layne Staley’s incredible vocals.

The moment Rick slaps on “Check my Brain” and they both start headbanging… pure love man!

Jerry mentioning Queensryche is just so amazing. I think Jerry is the most talented guy of the Grunge movement. Unmatched riff monster, songwriter, vocalist!

This guy is SO understated, underrated as a player and writer, and truly an American musical icon. I can't listen to him without constantly going 'Wow, that's an unbelievable musical idea executed to perfection.'

I've said this a few times about this channel but it's becoming an extremely valuable archive. Artists are given a platform to actually speak about what they do in the company of an informed, intelligent interviewer who can ask questions from an educated standpoint. It's always a joy.

Black Gives Way To Blue has been honored 🎖 As it should. Thank you, Rick.

I found myself tearing up around 22 minutes in when he talked about how he and Layne built their signature harmonic sound together, you could hear the emotion in his voice and you could see the look on Rick's face that he knew this was a special moment. Each one of these interviews is better than the last, and each one is perfection to begin with.

Jerry Cantrell is the perfect musician - he possesses a profound understanding of melody and harmony and musical versatility that allows him to shine both as a guitarist and a singer, gives every instrument room to breathe, knows how to write exquisit, subtle, yet powerful and intelligent lyrics, but above all, produces seemingly simple, but in fact BITCHIN' riffs that have been my soul fuel since I was a kid in the nineties. He is probably my favorite musician of the era and one of my all time favorite guitar players. I really hoped Rick he will do one with Jerry - and boy, did he deliver again! Kudos to the provider of by far best musical and music-related content on YT!

Rick: "How many guitars do you own?" Jerry: "Not as many as you think. About 150"

Jerry will never know how important he is to music history. I am so glad he is happy, healthy and pumping out music. Thank you beyond words, Rick.

Hard to tell how much this guy's work was important for me throughout my life.

I'm a drummer, but Jerry Cantrell is one of my biggest idols in music. Thank you Rick for this interview!

One thing that attracted me to AIC was that they're not afraid to go slow. It was those occasional slow backbeats, slow chord changes, slow-sliding melodies, perfectly parallel vocal harmonies with the slow melodies, time to let things evolve. They had the abilities to go fast and sometimes did, but not many bands have the patience to do what they do.

So grateful that Rick decided to follow this path in his life. I honestly have never seen anyone as gifted as an interviewer. It’s like his career as a musician was training for pulling experiences and discussions out of other musicians in a way that I don’t believe many, if any others could have matched. Just extraordinary. Every single conversation. If you or anyone you love is a musician, please subscribe so he can keep doing this. Thank you.

So many of the '90s greats are already gone. We're thankful to still have him around. "I Stay Away" still gives me chills.

This was my Jerry growing up. Alice in chain was the sound track of my youth. I still can’t believe he’s on the show right now. ❤❤❤

His ability to describe or relate his views or ideas on everything from stories to how a song is created makes so much sense to me when he’s explaining it in interviews. His playing is the same way in his songs. Total low key genius.

Can't tell you Rick how appreciative I am that you have Jerry - this guy is a national treasure! Thank you!

I will never forget the moment MTV debuted Man In The Box. I almost feel like that was the defining moment of my path towards being a musician. Jerry is a legend and an absolute down to earth person in real life. Alice In Chains will always be one of the greatest rock bands ever.

Jerry Cantrell’s demeanor is so infectious - he is so professional, and yet he has absolute rockstar DNA. I love his outlook on the creative process as well as the industry itself. What an icon 🙌

Don’t get me wrong, the Seattle scene gave us some great bands but Alice In Chains rules over them all as far as I’m concerned due to Jerry and Laynes abilities in weaving glorious yet haunting harmonies. Fantastic interview, Rick. Tank you, thank you, thank you.

Jerry is MY guitar hero!!!

One of the greatest guitar players, riff masters and music makers of a generation. One of the best music interviews for us all to understand the nuts and bolts. Keep up the great work Rick and Jerry!

I wonder how Jerry feels when he hears Layne? They made some timeless art for generations to enjoy. This episode brings me some joy

Riff lord. Genius with lyrics. Glad he is here to make music❤️🤘🏻

I’m from Seattle I was telling a kid wearing an Alice In Chains T Shirt how I saw them live in the early 90s at a bar and this kid was so impressed. Alice was by far my favorite local band and back then that was saying something.

Really glad to hear him mention Mike Starr. The human side of his loss was tragic but I also felt his loss as a musician was a such a punch in the gut and maybe somewhat understated. Dude really had a unique voice as a player and really held up his side of the triangle that Jerry spoke about. Rest in Peace, Mike. 🕊️

Jerry is the riff monster with such amazing melody. It warms my heart to see AIC and the solo work all continue to shred. So glad to see him on your channel, Rick!

Thank you Rick for making this happen and respecting the special moment in time that AIC gave all of us.

The way the artists and musicians open and loosen up to Rick in these interviews is great. Great collaboration both ways from Rick and Jerry

Rick, I’ve been waiting for this video. Thank you for bringing us these interviews.

This is the first extended interview with Jerry that I have encountered. He's just as deep and interesting as I hoped.

As a huge Alice in Chains fan, this is such a treat. Thank you Rick 🫡

To put it into perspective: I was practicing Chopin, Copland, Bruch, Mozart, Beethoven with all my heart and then I saw this on my RU-vid feed and dropped everything to experience this hour. I am a HUGE AIC fan, and now I need to buy the new records for sure.

I know I’m being super cliche but AIC helped me through my teens years. When I listened to them I knew I wasn’t alone. To this day they continue to help me and I’m now 45. I can’t explain why but their music just captures the human condition so perfectly in a way that no other band has ever done for me. Thank you Rick for bringing Jerry on. RIP Layne forever. ❤

Jerry is one of those guys who made me pick up the guitar when I was 13 years old. I'm 51 now, and I'm still as passionate as I was 30 years ago. I'm really grateful for all his generation of guitar players, who paved the way for all the younger musicians who came after them.

Jerry Cantrell is a legend!! Glad you got to interview him. I really enjoyed it.

My favorite player to come out of the grunge era. Jerry rules.

The man! The legend! Thank you so much!! Interviewing these rock gods while they're still with us is preserving history, no less)

Jerry has a great sense for melody and always comes up with absolutely crushing riffs, he's an incredible songwriter. Still putting out great stuff after all these years. One of a kind really.

Jerry is on my top 10 list of most influential guitar players in my life. I always loved his tone and riff choices. I am not a huge vocal guy but I really enjoy his style. The harmonies he comes up are haunting and emotional. Huge fan.

Rick always has the best and most interesting questions when he interviews.

All I can say is thank you Rick. This is as close to Christmas as it comes. Jerry has always been a massive inspiration.

Rick has absolutely nailed the denim w/ denim look aka Canadian tuxedo

Thank you Rick and THANK YOU Jerry!!!!

Jerry is so generous and articulate in telling of his experience. And Rick is his perfect interviewer. So thrilled with this! 💘

This one is going straight to the top of Rick’s most watched.

Saw Jerry live couple weeks back hes incredible. Long live AiC and Jerry Cantrell.

Afterglow was released the day I was in the hospital with my dying mother...it is indeed a special song and will forever make me think of my mother.

My all-time favorite songwriter. I've been excited for this interview. 🤘🏻

absolutely love Jerry's solo stuff.

Now, this is something we need to hear. Real honest talk about life and music and how they meld. Thanks, Rick. As always, professional as hell

The way Jerry layers guitars and vocals... that's the magic.

I just saw Jerry live over the weekend in Phoenix on his solo tour. I wish his set was longer, but it was still a great show. Long live AIC!

I’m 36 years old and Alice In Chains has been my all time favorite band since I was in the first grade. My cousin used to come stay with us for the weekend and he would bring his cds and he brought Facelift one week and I was blown away then like the next week he brought Dirt and to this day there’s never been an album that comes even close to that album. I still listen to something off that album almost everyday.

Dude is such a talent. Love his perspective about not looking too far ahead or too far behind and trying to just stay in the now.

Jerry Cantrell is the man. what a treat this video is

Keep on rocking Jerry! Alice in Chains. One of my favorite bands both old and new. Thank you William for keeping the music going you are great in your own right. RIP Layne we miss you.

Incredible interview ... no wait ... incredible conversation!!!!! Truly amazing work. Jerry is soft-spoken, articulate and incredibly authentic, not to mention one of the nicest guys around. He mentioned Queensryche a couple of times, would love for you to have a conversation with Chris DeGarmo .... that would be unbelievable. Love your work Rick, massive respect and admiration to you.

Yes finally the Jerry interview. One of the greatest news of the year!🎉❤🎉

I am so happy that Jerry is getting interviewed!

Jerry was a hero of mine as a kid. I met him at A&M in '98 when I was a young man. It seems like he's much healthier now than he was back in the late 90's. I am glad to see that.

Hanging out with Jerry Cantrell and talking about his music is definitely way cooler than anything I have probably ever done

Jerry is a legend. Very grateful to be able to enjoy his tunes

One of the best riff writers ever!

I was amazed when you got Maynard and now Jerry ! I was glad to see him tapping his toes & bobbing his head to their music. A lot of interviews with other artists say they don’t listen to their songs but he still enjoys it. Thank you Rick!

The man who made me start playing guitar. I hearn Nutshell and I knew what I want to do with my free time immediately. Thanksj Jerry for your work and everything you've done for music as a whole!

I was fortunate enough to be able to play with Jerry Cantrell one time. Was able to tell him how much of an inspiration he's been for me as a guitarist and songwriter. He's such an incredibly creative songwriter. A generational talent.

As soon as I saw the name Cantrell. I had to watch it. Great interview. Jerry was awesome. Very down to earth.

Jerry is by far my all time favorite song writer. Dude doesn't miss.

Rick, you are the best. We appreciate these special interviews you are doing. These have been amazing and listening to Jerry Cantrell is an absolute treat!

OMFG!!!!!!!! I have been BEGGING for a Jerry - Rick interview for years. At last 🙌🙌🙌 Can’t thank you guys enough 🤘🤘🤘

Jerry and Alice In Chains are a gift to all music fans.

I saw Jerry play in a little club in Nebraska supporting one of his solo projects, and it wasn't long after Layne had passed. He did mostly his solo stuff (which was great) and then also did a few AIC songs with member of one of the opening bands on vocals. Later, I was getting one final beer at the bar after the show and right there was Jerry and this other singer. I was absolutely too nervous to say hello to one of my idols, but I turned to the other guy and said something along the lines of, "Thank you, that sounded great and it really filled a void." I know, kinda cringey. But I meant it from the heart. Years later I heard there was going to be an AIC reboot and lo and behold, William was that guy. Having this little moment that I didn't realize was "a moment" at the time really made it easier for me to listen with fresh ears. What a great band, in all its incarnations, and what a truly special musical gift we've gotten to enjoy in Jerry. Dude will always be a legend to me.

Jerry Cantrell is my childhood legend. Mindblowing to see him here

The synchronized head bobbing at 8:00 is awesome!

Another gem from Rick. It was amazing when he had a few 100K subs, now at nearly 4.5M Rick can bring just about everyone on this channel. Keep liking, subscribing, sharing...nothing Beats Beato!!! Thanks Rick, as always.

"How do you come up with your ideas?" - "I record them on my phone" (every interview with every musician in 2024) I have deeper conversations with my cats. Cantrell is an artist and he has a lot on his mind. Don't let guys like him stay in his "I record, then I tour, then I record..." comfort zone.

I know Jerry. As a friend he’s top notch. One of the most loyal and supportive dudes on the planet.

The greatest guitarist to come out of the grunge era. Definitely one of my favorite guitarist

Jerry is one of the most important musicians to come out of any era.

I almost broke my hand when I saw Jerry with Mr. Beato - this is How quick I hit the link!

No one interviews musicians like Rick does! They open up and give us what we crave. Insight to their creative process. The source of their passion, you name it! Although, Jerry is so easy going and willing to share his experiences. He comes across like it is his way to give back to everyone. Jerry has always been a favorite of mine. I was in the Coast Guard and would walk from the base to Pioneer Square. Awesome!!

Love this interview. Huge fan of Jerry, what an amazing body of work and he's still cranking it out. Legend.

With all my heart! I am genuinely grateful for this interview. Thank you for making it happen 🙏🏻🔮🎸❤️

These interviews are pure gold Rick.

So looking forward to this interview!

im in the last couple minutes. I just wanna say. as an aspiring musician I owe Rick so much for bringing out this knowledge. Inviting the biggest creative minds of all time is such a hard move from Rick and it gives so much value to ppl. If it wasnt Rick I imagine these videos would sell for hundreds of dollars. Thank you Rick. You changed the game for so many of us.

The joy in Jerry at the end describing the guitarists who influenced him (and how and why) is so genuine. I hope Jerry knows how much he touches us the way Angus, Jimmy, Jimi, Tony, and David touched him.

listening to this makes me really miss bands like Mother Love Bone and the Screaming Trees...and movies like Singles. That was such a unique time.

I loved the sound of this guy’s guitars and vocals since Facelift dropped and I picked it up on CD and got the free VHS tape along with it lol - thank you so much for interviewing him!

So glad to see you interview Jerry ❤️

Jerry, like all great artists, constantly explores. And they don't try to figure out what fans want, but create what they want to hear.

Thank you again Mr. Beato, you interview the best musicians and ask the best questions

Watching you and Jerry listen and react to the talk box effects like kids in a candy shop warms the heart.