Jerry Cantrell Shares Story On Playing Black Sabbath’s Final Show
via Rock Feed / YouTube
Few moments in a musician’s life feel like they complete a journey. For Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, being part of Black Sabbath’s final farewell concert — “Back to the Beginning” — feels exactly like that. Scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, this milestone event brings Cantrell and his band into the fold of rock’s most influential pioneers. In a recent interview with Rock Feed, Cantrell opened up about the emotional weight of the invitation, his past with Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, and what it all means for his career.
Cantrell, known for his signature guitar tone and emotionally raw songwriting, sees the opportunity as a tribute not only to the legacy of Black Sabbath but also to the friendships and musical kinships formed along the way. For fans of heavy music, it’s a powerful symbol — the lineage between grunge and metal meeting in a final, thunderous celebration.
More than just a gig, this show represents decades of admiration, influence, and mutual respect. And for Cantrell, it’s another reminder that music, at its best, is a shared journey among kindred spirits.
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From the Shadows of Giants
Long before sharing the stage with Black Sabbath in their final bow, Alice In Chains got an early boost from the metal titans themselves. In the early ’90s, the Seattle band landed tour slots supporting both Ozzy Osbourne and Sabbath — a surreal experience for musicians who grew up idolizing them. For Cantrell, it was more than an opening gig; it was an education.
Touring with these legends offered not only exposure but deep personal lessons. Cantrell and his bandmates witnessed the discipline and raw energy required to maintain relevance and integrity in the world of heavy music. The relationship wasn’t just professional — it quickly turned into genuine camaraderie.
One particularly special thread of that bond is bassist Mike Inez, who played with Ozzy before joining Alice In Chains. That connection helped further intertwine the histories of both bands, and over time, it became clear: Sabbath wasn’t just an influence — they were family.
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Black Sabbath’s Final Concert
Though Cantrell didn’t perform at the original farewell show The End in 2017, the upcoming Back to the Beginning concert marks a symbolic continuation — and this time, Alice In Chains is officially on the bill. When asked about it, Cantrell didn’t hold back his excitement. “Being even remotely associated with that kind of legacy is huge,” he said. “To be invited to this is humbling.”
The concert, set in Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham, promises to be both historic and emotional. It’s a final thank-you to fans, and a passing of the torch to those who came after — like Cantrell and his peers, who never forgot where it all began.
Sharing that stage, in that city, with the band that defined heavy music? It’s not lost on Cantrell. He understands that moments like this don’t just honor the past — they shape the future.
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Cantrell’s Creative Drive Today
Even while looking back at career-defining moments, Cantrell remains firmly grounded in the present. His solo album I Want Blood reflects an artist still hungry to create. Produced by Joe Barresi, and featuring guests like Metallica’s Rob Trujillo and Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, the album pulses with collaborative energy and musical confidence.
Cantrell speaks about the joy of writing songs, working with friends, and chasing the spark that first drew him to music. Despite the decades behind him, he’s not coasting. If anything, he’s more engaged than ever. “It’s still about discovery,” he says. “And doing it with people you respect makes it even better.”
As Alice In Chains returns to the spotlight in Sabbath’s final chapter, Cantrell’s career continues to balance reflection with momentum. He honors the legends, but never forgets to keep building his own legacy — one riff at a time.
For a full, candid conversation with Jerry Cantrell about his music and experiences, be sure to watch the complete video interview.
