GALLERY: Jerry Cantrell at Emo’s Austin
AUSTIN, TX | EMO’S AUSTIN | AUGUST 23, 2025 | BY ELINA CARRASCO
On a cool Saturday night in Austin, Jerry Cantrell brought his ‘I Want Blood’ tour to Emo’s, drawing a crowd that wrapped around the building. Anticipation swelled as fans trickled into the venue, bursting through the doors long after the opener, post-hardcore band Sparta, had taken the stage.
Between sets, fans swapped stories of seeing legendary grunge-metal act Alice in Chains in their youth, reminiscing about other legendary acts like Joan Jett and Pearl Jam, a testament to the lasting impact of Jerry Cantrell’s musicianship.
When Cantrell finally graced the stage, he launched into “Vilified,” the opening track from his latest release, showcasing his signature sludgy riffs and timeless presence. Blending new material with nostalgic cuts, the set felt like a master class in rock. Naturally, Cantrell paid homage to his Alice in Chains legacy, delivering classics like “Them Bones,” “Would?” “Man in the Box,” alongside other favorites.
Cantrell remains a towering force in rock music. Any chance to witness his live chops feels a rare privilege, even in the country’s live music capital where one can find an amazing show just by taking a step on the concrete.
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