Jerry Cantrell Brings a Heavy Nostalgia to a Packed House of Blues

Alice In Chains co-founder, Jerry Cantrell, gave Dallas a night full of hardcore alternative rock with the help of the opener, Sparta. 

For longtime fans of Alice in Chains as well as younger listeners who have discovered his solo work, Cantrell’s stop in Dallas was much more than another tour date; it was also a reminder of his lasting influence in the rock-and-roll world.

Walking into the House of Blues Dallas on Saturday night, you could physically feel the excitement in the air. The floor of the venue was already buzzing with fans when opener Sparta took the stage, setting the tone with their post-hardcore style music.

Sparta, an El Paso-based band, is led by Jim Ward (guitarist from At the Drive-In). They immediately delivered an unforgettable set, featuring heavy instrumentals and vocals that perfectly fit in. Sparta was able to warm up the crowd and break the threshold of excitement for the headliner, Jerry Cantrell, as he made his way to the stage.

Cantrell finally made his way to the stage after a long and exciting introduction with plenty of flashing lights and a loud hum of a guitar. Once the Alice in Chains co-founder appeared on the stage, the crowd erupted, instantly being reminded that they were in the presence of a rock legend. Even at the age of 58, his vocals still cut through the air with a sort of haunting and harmonic grit that is addictive to any listener. 

Through each song, Cantrell and his band made it impossible not to feel the echoes of Alice in Chains’ legacy in each song played. With the perfect pair of heavy instruments and Cantrell’s signature vocals, it made the crowd continuously beg for more.  

What stood out most was how communal it all felt in the venue. Other than the obvious reason for going to a concert (to see your favorite artist), the next most amazing part of an experience like the one at the House of Blues Dallas for Jerry Cantrell’s set is the community. The fact that everyone is coming together despite their differences to celebrate a good night of rock-n-roll (and an even better musician) gives each person a little more warmth and comfort in their hearts and a better appreciation for this music scene. It was not just a concert, but it was an experience between an alternative rock legend and the fans who have kept his music alive for decades.

By the time the last chords were played, it felt as if House of Blues was transported back to the early ’90s Seattle alternative rock scene that completely changed the history of rock. Overall, Cantrell didn’t just perform a couple of great songs; he also reminded Dallas that this type of music still matters and will never fade away, regardless of life’s unpredictable circumstances.