After an unforgettable performance at Back to the Beginning, an all-star tribute event dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, Jerry Cantrell finds himself still processing the experience. “It was pretty magical,” he shares with UCR. “It felt like the biggest rock and roll reunion imaginable. Everyone was there, and the atmosphere was incredibly positive and vibrant.”

The renowned guitarist quickly identifies the core element that united all attendees. “Black Sabbath is such a foundational band and an integral part of our musical heritage,” he elaborates. “If you’re involved in heavy rock music, you can’t overlook the significance of Sabbath; they’re embedded in the fabric of our musical DNA. We’re all fans. I felt immense joy for Ozzy and Sabbath — and for Mike and Zakk as well. Getting to jam with the legend and deliver the performance he envisioned for his final show was immensely gratifying. Experiencing the love and appreciation they deserve was simply beautiful.”

Osbourne, who tragically passed away on July 22 due to a heart attack, was able to witness a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy. Cantrell reflects on the event with awe, stating, “It’s something that will never occur again. There’s no performer like Ozzy, nor a band like Black Sabbath capable of pulling off something this monumental. You couldn’t script it; it’s beyond belief. One of my favorite books is Ozzy‘s autobiography, where he says, ‘You couldn’t invent me; I wouldn’t believe it.’ They managed to perform the way they always wanted to, and Ozzy had his final show, with all of us there celebrating him and being part of something special.”

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As the guitarist for Alice in Chains, Cantrell possesses a distinctive sound that he aimed to honor during the tribute, particularly emulating Tony Iommi’s iconic style. The band delivered a memorable rendition of “Fairies Wear Boots” from the legendary 1970 album Paranoid. Reflecting on the performance, Jerry expresses satisfaction: “That’s not an easy song to play,” he laughs. “I’d rate myself a B on that one. I didn’t completely nail it, but I held my own. Iommi has been a significant influence on me, and when we talk about unique musical tone, I’ve learned from all the bands I admire. Each band has a distinct musical fingerprint. The way they blend their sounds creates a unique identity that’s impossible to replicate, thanks to the individuals involved. You develop a personal sound, and together in a band, you create something that transcends the sum of its parts.”

Watch Alice in Chains Perform ‘Fairies Wear Boots’

Beyond his performance at Back to the Beginning, Cantrell continues his tour, promoting his latest album, I Want Blood, set for release in 2024. Over the past year, he has been performing in a diverse range of venues around the world, cherishing the opportunity to share the musical experience with fans and fellow musicians. “Having the chance to do this again, to see what’s happening out there, is a really exciting aspect of my job. Traveling globally allows me to connect with different audiences in fascinating cities and countries,” he shares. “Regardless of where we are, we all share a love for rock and roll. Everyone just wants to enjoy a good time for a few hours, escaping their busy daily lives.”

The final leg of the tour begins on August 16 in San Diego and will run until September 14 in Kansas City, featuring Sparta on the lineup for each show. For more information, you can check the complete schedule on Cantrell’s official website.