Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains Discusses Collaboration and Jamming with Metallica’s James Hetfield

Cantrell and Hetfield’s Musical Discussion

Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell has revealed that he and Metallica frontman James Hetfield briefly discussed making music together.

• READ MORE: Metallica concert in Amsterdam: still the greatest heavy metal band in the world

The lead singer and guitarist of Alice In Chains shared this news in the latest issue of the magazine. Metal Hammer, where he answered questions from fans.

Friendship and Potential Collaboration

At one point in the interview, Cantrell was asked about his longstanding friendship with the Metallica singer, particularly regarding the possibility of working on new material together.

“James and I were kind of talking about this,” he began. “We never had a formal conversation, but I played with him for Kirk (Hammett, Metallica guitarist). I even spent a night or two at his house, and we ended up with guitars in the kitchen and on the porch.”

He continued: “I would be really interested in doing that – even just writing a song with him. As for whether this will turn into something more… he has a pretty demanding day job. So I’ll understand even if it never happens.”

The two have been friends for several years now, and the recent interview with Metal Hammer is far from the first time Cantrell has expressed admiration for the Metallica singer.

Cantrell’s Appreciation for Metallica

For instance, back in 2020 he shared his reasons for considering Hetfield a remarkably successful frontman. “What makes James such a great frontman is his physical presence. No one else garners the same respect and attention unless it’s self-serving and self-centered,” he noted.

“He’s completely engrossed in music; it’s all about fun, celebration, and connecting with fans. And that really inspires me. Especially since he’s done it for so long, been at the top of his game for so long, and continues to search for deeper meaning. He took an underground thing and spread it around the world.”

Continuing his praise for the band, he stated: “Metallica is a huge thing for me and for any hard rock or metal band… Will he go down in history as a rock icon? He’s already done it. He’s the godfather.”

The feeling is mutual. Chatterbox highlighted a previous interview with Hetfield where he expressed his admiration for Alice In Chains.

“I wasn’t very close to Layne (Staley, singer), but I remember going to see Alice In Chains a lot,” he said in Revolver when asked about Seattle icons. “I remember when we were in Los Angeles [recording The Black Album in 1991] I left the studio early to see them play Clash Of The Titans with Slayer. I was driving like crazy in this rental van (saying) ‘We have to get there!’ And we got there, and they had just left. I was like, ‘Oh, man!'”

He continued: “I hung out with them a little, always just loved their music, and I would say Jerry and I have some life experiences, like getting a second chance at life and realizing how cool things can be. So in that sense, we have a kind of kinship.”

“And to see them play—I just love hearing those songs. These songs are amazing and worth hearing, you know? They were so unique, so ahead of their time. And of all the things that happen in Seattle, this is the most timeless.”

Interview excerpts from Cantrell for Metal Hammer come after the singer, songwriter, and guitarist released his latest solo album, I Want Blood, last year. This marks his fourth record as a solo artist, and Cantrell has several festival appearances scheduled for 2025, including one at Download.

Previously, he collaborated with Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan on the latter’s 2023 solo album, Lighthouse.

As for Metallica, the band recently concluded their massive “M72” world tour, celebrating the release of their latest album, “72 Seasons.” Since then, they’ve performed two sets filled with hits, deep cuts, and unexpected covers during their annual Helping Hands charity show.