Grunge Is Not Dead
Sunday, September 14, 2025, was the last show of the I Want Blood Tour featuring Jerry Cantrell and support act Sparta.
El Paso’s Sparta delivered a robust set that blended raw energy with seasoned precision—opening with “While Oceana Sleeps,” the band immediately set an urgent tone, driven by Neil Hennessy’s forceful drumming, Jim Ward’s emotive vocals and guitar riffs, and Matt Miller providing the bass tones.
Sparta’s performance was intense but unpretentious—less about spectacle and more about connection. Between songs, Ward spoke warmly to the crowd, giving thanks for supporting the band and allowing them to tour, which grounded the show in sincerity. By the time the final chords rang out, it was clear Sparta hadn’t just revisited their past—they reaffirmed their place as one of El Paso’s most enduring and heartfelt exports. Be on the lookout for a new album soon!
Jerry Cantrell’s I Want Blood Tour stop was a masterclass in both grit and grace. The Alice in Chains co-founder delivered an 18-song set that drew heavily from his solo catalog while honoring the legacy that made him an icon.
The night opened with “Psychotic Break,” its brooding riffs immediately setting a dark, hypnotic tone. Backed by a tight band, Cantrell’s voice carried the weight of decades, still sharp in delivery yet seasoned with an unmistakable weariness that fit the music’s themes. The set moved fluidly through solo highlights like “Atone” and “My Song,” showcasing his ability to craft heavy, melodic songs outside of Alice in Chains’ shadow.
But it was the Alice in Chains staples that drew the biggest reactions. Mid-set performances of “Man In The Box” and “Would?” had the crowd singing every word, while the closer, “Rooster,” arrived like a cathartic release. Cantrell’s guitar tone—thick, sludgy, unmistakable—reminded everyone why his sound has defined a generation of heavy music.
I do have to give a hard high 5 to Jerry for calling out a few concertgoers up front and asking them to put their phone down and just enjoy the show. Cellphones at a concert is a topic I can go down a rabbit hole on, but it’s nice to see artists call this behavior out. It’s not just rude to everyone around you, but it literally disconnects you from the concert experience. This behavior makes me miss the times of concerts when cellphones didn’t exist.
