COLUMBUS, OH- Legendary guitarist Jerry Cantrell is out on the *I Want Blood* tour, which made a stop at The Bluestone in Columbus, OH, on Tuesday, February 18th. The tour supports his fourth solo album of the same name. Eager fans packed the venue to the brim, ready to witness the architect of Alice In Chains’ distinguished sound perform cuts from both his solo catalog and a heaping handful of hits and fan favorites from AIC’s discography. There wasn’t an empty spot in the venue. Joining Jerry on this 26-date run is Filter, who brought their own brand of grunge, making for an unforgettable night of rock.
As the lights dimmed and Filter emerged from the darkness, the energy in the room surged to new levels. Frontman Richard Patrick, alongside guitarist Johnny Radtke, bassist Bobby Miller, and drummer Toshiba Peterson, delivered a tight and cohesive set, weaving a sonic tapestry that resonated through every corner of the theater. Their nine-song set featured their biggest hits, including “Take a Picture” and, of course, “Hey Man, Nice Shot,” as well as tracks from their 2023 release, *The Algorithm*.
Visually, Filter’s performance was enhanced by a carefully designed mix of lowlight, backlight, and sparse flashes, setting the mood for each song. The atmospheric lighting and smoke effects drew the audience even deeper into their music. Richard Patrick’s vocals were as powerful and dynamic as ever, capturing the same energy and precision as their recordings. It was a stunning performance to an enthusiastic crowd. Their opening set carried the weight of a headliner slot, proving that Filter remains a force to be reckoned with. They will continue this tour through March 9th before hitting the road again with Bush and Rival Sons in April.
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A pounding drumbeat echoed as the lights went down, foreshadowing the intensity of what was to come. Strobe lights illuminated the stage setup for Jerry Cantrell and his band, featuring vocalist Greg Puciato, drummer Roy Mayorga, guitarist Zach Throne, and bassist Eliot Lorango. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band took their places.
They opened their set with “Psychotic Break” from Cantrell’s second solo album, immediately setting the tone for the electrifying night ahead. He wasted no time diving into the first of six Alice In Chains classics, launching into “Them Bones”, which was met with enthusiastic cheers from longtime fans—including myself. The remaining AIC songs “Sea of Sorrow”, “Hate to Feel”, “Man in the Box”, “Would?” (with Puciato expertly handling Layne Staley’s parts), and an emotionally charged rendition of “Rooster”—were strategically placed throughout the set, culminating in a powerful encore that had the entire venue singing along.
While paying homage to the songs that shaped his career was undoubtedly a highlight, the setlist was a well-curated mix spanning Cantrell’s entire catalog. The focal point was his latest album, with standout performances of “Vilified”, “Off the Rails”, the title track “I Want Blood”, and the latest single “Afterglow”, a softer track reminiscent of classic AIC. Other notable moments from his solo work included “Atone”, “My Song”, and “Cuts You In”, each showcasing his unmistakable songwriting style—marked by dark, moody riffs and intricate solos that are his signature.
His all-star band wasn’t merely a supporting act; their chemistry with Cantrell was undeniable. His vocal prowess remains an integral part of AIC’s sound, and I recall an interview where Layne Staley himself encouraged Jerry to step forward and add his voice to the mix—a choice that undeniably shaped their iconic harmonies.
The “I Want Blood” tour is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern classics, running through March 9th with a final hometown show in Seattle. If they’re coming to a city near you, don’t miss the chance to witness this masterclass in rock.
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