Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell performed the song "Hate to Feel" for the first time in three decades at a show on his solo tour promoting his latest album, I Want Blood (2024) , in Canada.
Upon the tour's arrival in North America, the performance, which took place in Niagara Falls, Canada, featured the guitarist surprising all the spectators with the inclusion of "Hate to Feel" in the show's repertoire.
The track “Hate to Feel” is a B-side from Dirt (1992) , Alice in Chains' most revered album by both critics and fans; however, the song never made it into the band's or Jerry Cantrell's setlists, and it was last performed in November 1993.
During the performance, Cantrell shared vocals with Greg Piciato ( Better Lovers and ex- Dillinger Escape Plan ), who sang the parts originally sung by the late Alice in Chains vocalist, Layne Staley .
According to setlist.fm, "Hate to Feel" was included in the guitarist's solo setlist at shows in Sayreville, Portland, and Boston in the United States, thus securing a spot at the end of those shows.
Check out Jerry Cantrell performing “Hate to Feel” for the first time in three decades:
This is not the first time Jerry Cantrell has surprised the audience.
In a single performance in São Paulo in November 2024 , Cantrell delivered a performance that impressed the audience with the dark and frenetic energy of the lyrics and riffs, the chemistry between the guitarist and the backing musicians, and a surprise in the setlist.
The performance featured songs from the new album I Want Blood (2024), hits from the guitarist's solo career, and Alice in Chains hits. During the encore, the fans in attendance were surprised by the welcome inclusion of "Sea of Sorrow," the AiC hit track.
Possible partnership between Cantrell and James Hetfield
At the beginning of January this year, Jerry Cantrell revealed that he and James Hetfield , vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Metallica , briefly discussed composing together ( via NME ):
“James and I talked about it, kind of… we never had a formal conversation, but I did a jam session with him at Kirk Hammett , the lead guitarist from Metallica,” said Cantrell.
"It's something I'd be really curious about, even writing a song with him. As for whether it would turn into something more... he has a very demanding daily routine and job. So I would understand if it never happens."
READ ALSO: Alice In Chains: 11 best songs by Layne Staley
