Alice in Chains: The grunge band James Hetfield called “timeless”
James Hetfield played an integral role in shaping the thrash metal pioneers that stormed the world in the 1980s. As the frontman of Metallica, Hetfield has had a significant influence on the music scene, a testament to his ability to straddle the line in his career, achieving remarkable success from various angles.
Although his work undeniably transcends multiple eras and generations, Hetfield’s expertise lies squarely within a realm familiar to many. He came of age amid the raw essence of metal during the 1970s and 1980s, skilfully merging the identity of pivotal acts from that era with punk’s raw, rebellious spirit and its staunchly anti-establishment drive.
Having been a devoted music enthusiast and playing a pivotal role in Metallica’s successes, Hetfield has frequently been approached to share insights on some of its most influential figures over the years. The grunge scene, for instance, crossed over into the rock and metal scenes throughout the 1980s, exposing Hetfield to a number of trailblazers.
The movement notably crystallised in Seattle during the late 1980s, later expanding its influence globally in the early 1990s with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden leading the charge. As a devoted enthusiast of this era, Hetfield has openly praised the brilliance of grunge’s frontmen and even singled out one he regards as “timeless”.
“I just love hearing those songs,” Hetfield told Revolver in 2009, discussing the impact of Alice in Chains. “Those songs are awesome and should be heard, you know? They were so unique. So ahead of their time. And out of all the Seattle stuff, that stuff is the most timeless.”
In fact, he held the band in such high regard that he once ventured into a rarity for his career—joining them onstage. In 2006, at the Rock Am Ring festival in Germany, he lent his vocals and guitar prowess, performing their classic track ‘Would?’. Staying true to the spirit, he reprised this collaboration later that year in San Francisco, California.
In the same interview, Hetfield recalled rushing to watch the group support fellow thrash pioneers Slayer. He said: “I wasn’t really close with Layne [Staley]. But I remember going to see Alice In Chains many times. I remember when we were down in LA. [In 1991]. I left the studio early to see them play on Clash of the Titans with Slayer.”
He continued: “I was driving like a madman in this rented van, going on the median and scaring the shit out of my friend. ‘We gotta get there!’ And we get there, and they’d just got off. I was like, ‘Aw, man!’ I hung with them a little bit. Always just loved their music. I’d say that Jerry [Cantrell] and I share some life experiences. Like getting a second chance at life and realising how cool things can be.”
