JERRY CANTRELL ROCKS THE WELLMONT THEATER

Words & Photos by Michael Campanile

March 16, 2023

Jerry Cantrell rocked The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ in support of his latest album Brighten. The iconic singer-guitarist of Alice In Chains played a stellar set of solo songs and greatest hits from one of the best bands to come out of the ‘90s Seattle music scene.

After a raucous set from opener Thunderpussy, Cantrell and his six-piece band hit the stage and started off with “Atone” (the lead track from Brighten), “Psychotic Break” from 2002’s Degradation Trip, and the first Alice In Chains song of the evening, “Them Bones”. The band covered all of Cantrell’s previous albums and the second half of the night was dominated by Alice In Chains classics. Greg Puciato (of The Dillinger Escape Plan) did a great job covering the late Layne Staley’s vocals as the crowd erupted for “Would?” and “Man in the Box”.

One of the highlights of the evening came during the encore when the band started with “Whale & Wasp’” from Jar of Flies. This beautiful instrumental has not been a regular part of Cantrell’s sets on this tour, so it was a welcome surprise. The rest of the encore included “Brighten”, “Down in A Hole”, “Rooster” and a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye” to send the crowd home.

Cantrell’s Brighten Tour continues through early April.

Michael is an Asbury Park based photographer of what life puts in front of him. He snuck his camera into a concert for the first time in 2011 when he went to see Soundgarden on their reunion tour. Two of those shots ended up being published in Photofantasm Soundgarden: Nudedragons to King Animal, and he has been bringing his cameras to shows ever since. He relocated to Asbury in 2019 for its rich music and art scenes...and to save on tolls! He is a big supporter of the local music scene and has become well known amongst the bands for his photos. Michael is also a regular vendor at the Asbury Park Punk Rock Flea Market and can be found selling his prints at a variety of local markets.