During the launch of his highly anticipated 2025 tour, Jerry Cantrell delighted fans by performing an Alice In Chains deep cut for the first time in over three decades, specifically since 1993. This momentous occasion not only marked a significant milestone in Cantrell’s career but also reignited nostalgia among long-time fans of the band.

Kickstarting his I Want Blood solo tour on January 31 in Ontario, Canada, Cantrell showcased a remarkable 17-song set list that featured a blend of hits from Alice In Chains‘ 1990s albums along with selections from his solo discography, captivating the audience with a walk down memory lane [via Setlist.fm].

However, the highlight of the night was the unexpected performance of the Dirt track “Hate to Feel.” This particular song had not been played by any member of Alice In Chains since the tragic passing of Layne Staley in 1993, making its return a poignant and emotional surprise for fans in attendance.

As the principal songwriter for Alice In Chains, Cantrell has crafted many iconic songs, yet “Hate to Feel” holds a special place as one of several tracks solely written by Staley. Cantrell’s guitar contributions to the song further exemplified the collaborative spirit of the band. According to Setlist.fm’s Tour Statistics, “Hate to Feel” was performed 88 times between October 1991 and November 1993, showcasing its popularity during that era.

Reflecting on Staley’s evolution as a musician, Cantrell praised him in a Billboard interview around the 30th anniversary of Dirt in late 2022. He noted, ?Layne came into his own as a guitar player, and he wrote a couple of fantastic tunes on the guitar with ?Hate to Feel? and ?Angry Chair.?? This acknowledgment highlights the enduring legacy of Staley’s artistry and its impact on fans and musicians alike.

READ MORE: Jerry Cantrell Reflects on New Music + Alice In Chains’ Legacy

Cantrell continued, sharing fond memories of how Staley initially presented these songs to the band. ?I love those tunes, and I also love the fact that he got the bug to pick up the guitar. I remember he showed us those tunes and was thinking about doing them for a record on his own… Then he played them for us and we were all like, ?F?k, those are cool. We should do those.?? This collaborative moment resulted in the creation of two timeless tracks that perfectly complemented the band’s signature sound.

Watch the fan-captured footage of Cantrell’s moving rendition of “Hate to Feel,” performed with his talented bandmates Greg Puciato, Roy Mayorga, Eliot Lorango, and Zach Throne below, along with the complete setlist from that memorable night.

Experience Jerry Cantrell’s Live Performance of ‘Hate to Feel’ in 2025

Full Setlist from Jerry Cantrell’s Tour Kickoff – January 31

1. “Psychotic Break”
2. “Them Bones”
3. “Vilified”
4. “Afterglow”
5. “Atone”
6. “Off the Rails”
7. “Cut You In”
8. “My Song”
9. “I Want Blood”
10. “Had to Know”
11. “Down in a Hole”
12. “Angel Eyes”
13. “Hate to Feel”
14. “Would?”

Encore
15. “Brighten”
16. “Held Your Tongue”
17. “Rooster”

[via Setlist.fm]