Alice In Chains

Martin Cooper checks out the drop-tuned sound of Jerry Cantrell and Alice In Chains, one of the most respected bands of the grunge era.

- Martin Cooper

Alice In Chains was at the forefront of the Grunge scene in the early 90s, although they were actually formed in Seattle in 1987 by guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney. Bassist Mike Starr and singer Layne Staley, both of whom have sadly passed away, joined later. Alice In Chains is often spoken about in the same breath as other grunge heavyweights such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but also had their roots in rock and heavy metal, with Cantrell being a fan of bands such as Van Halen, Rush and Led Zeppelin, the playing of Hendrix and the songwriting of Elton John. Not just an accomplished guitarist, he also sang harmony vocals on albums and tours.