Jerry Cantrell and James Hetfield Have at Least Sort of Talked About Writing Music Together
When it comes to some of the most iconic riff writers of all time, it shouldn’t be much of a stretch to include Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell and Metallica frontman James Hetfield. A quick look at their repertoire should justify that sort of designation, really. So what would happen if the two were ever to combine forces and write some tunes? That’s the dream world that apparently could maybe possibly take place some day in the far flung future — or maybe never at all.
That’s the sort of unclear conversation that seems to have taken place between both men. During an interview with Metal Hammer, Cantrell was fielding questions from fans when he was directly asked if he’d ever like to make an album with Hetfield. Now, naturally the answer would have to be a resounding “yes” no matter who you’re talking to, but remember — both guys personally know each other — so the possibility of it being a thing is real.
“James and I have talked about it, kind of. We never had a formal conversation but I’ve jammed with him at Kirk’s [Hammett, Metallica guitarist] place. I’ve even spent a night or two at his house, and we’ve ended up with guitars in the kitchen and on the porch. It’s something I’d be really curious about, even to just write a song with him. As for whether it’d turn into something more than that, he’s got a pretty demanding day job. Ha ha! So I’d understand if it never comes to be.”
Knowing how Cantrell’s solo career’s gone and Hetfield’s penchant for not just the heavy, heavy riffs, but the acoustic side of things too, that would be one hell of a collab. It also wouldn’t be the first time those men shared a stage, as it’s happened multiple times over the years.
Roughly 20 years ago Hetfield joined Alice in Chains on stage at the Rock Am Ring festival and the Warfield in San Francisco to perform the classic track “Would?” They also played together during Metallica’s 30th anniversary concert event. Cantrell was also featured in the ensemble that performed Metallica’s cover of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd track “Tuesday’s Gone” for the Garage Inc. compilation.
So yeah, in terms of potential pairings, I for one would absolutely love to see this sort of thing go down.
You can catch Cantrell live in support of his latest solo album I Want Blood starting later this month. All of the dates can be found below and you can get your tickets today.
Jerry Cantrell tour dates – GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
January 31 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino Resort
February 1 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
February 2 Portland, ME Aura
February 4 Boston, MA Citizens House of Blues Boston
February 5 New York, NY Irving Plaza
February 7 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore – Silver Spring
February 8 Bensalem, PA Parx Xcite Center
February 11 Huntington, NY The Paramount
February 12 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
February 14 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
February 15 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre
February 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom
February 18 Columbus, OH The Bluestone
February 19 Indianapolis, IN Murat Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
February 22 St. Louis, MO The Hawthorn
February 23 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre
February 25 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Theater
February 26 Houston, TX House of Blues Houston
February 27 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theatre
March 1 Mesa, AZ The Nile Theater
March 2 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues Las Vegas
March 4 Los Angeles, CA The Belasco
March 5 Ventura, CA The Majestic Ventura Theater
March 7 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory – Spokane
March 8 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
March 9 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
