Alice in Chains? unforgettable performance on MTV Unplugged in 1996 stands as a pivotal chapter in the band’s journey. However, as the band prepared to take the stage, guitarist Jerry Cantrell found himself battling intense nausea. ?I was sick as a dog,? he shared during a recent episode of the Broken Record podcast. ?I was not feeling well. And if you look very closely, there’s a trash can at my feet for me to vomit in.? The pressure of performing live was palpable, but Cantrell managed to overcome his discomfort.

Fortunately, Cantrell successfully held his composure throughout the performance, managing to channel his energy into the music. ?When the light went green and the cameras went on and we started playing, I got a little adrenaline rush,? he recalled. ?So that turned out to be one of the greatest shows we’ve ever played. I was feeling like fucking shit until it started, and then soon as the show was over, I went back to feeling like shit and back on the IV.?

Alice In Chains’ Legendary ‘MTV Unplugged’ Performance: A Defining Moment

The Alice in Chains performance on MTV Unplugged is celebrated for various compelling reasons. Notably, it marked the band’s first live appearance in three years, following a challenging period largely influenced by lead singer Layne Staley‘s struggle with addiction. Staley was visibly frail during the show, which ultimately became one of his final public performances before his untimely passing in 2002.

READ MORE: How Alice In Chains Has Endured Since Layne Staley’s Death

Despite the somber context, the enduring legacy of Alice In Chains? MTV Unplugged set is anchored in the stunning musicality they showcased. This performance is revered within the music community, often regarded as one of the few MTV Unplugged sessions that rivaled?or even surpassed?Nirvana’s iconic 1993 appearance on the same stage. The raw emotion and authenticity presented during the concert have solidified its status as a landmark event in rock history.