Roy Mayorga has returned to the stage, anchoring Jerry Cantrell’s latest tour with the kind of precision and fire that have defined his long and varied drumming career. While Cantrell’s name naturally draws the spotlight, particularly given his legacy with Alice in Chains and the success of his solo projects, Mayorga’s presence behind the drum kit serves as a quiet but undeniable force throughout the current run of shows.
This tour marks another chapter in a working relationship that has grown steadily since Cantrell enlisted Mayorga for his solo work. Mayorga’s background, which spans decades and includes work with Stone Sour, Ministry, and Hellyeah, brings a weight and versatility to the music that not every drummer could carry. His approach, both muscular and deliberate, finds its place easily in Cantrell’s blend of heavy riffs and layered storytelling.
What stands out most about Mayorga’s performance on this tour is his ability to match the tone of each track without overpowering it. He’s not simply keeping time, he’s shaping the arc of the songs. Whether working through material from Cantrell’s latest album Brighten or revisiting older solo and Alice in Chains-era cuts, his playing moves with a deep sense of control. It’s the kind of support that allows a frontman to stretch without hesitation.
On stage, Mayorga appears composed, locked in, and focused. His drumming does not rely on showmanship or overplaying. Instead, he channels the energy of the material through careful dynamics, smart accents, and a clear feel for the band’s pacing. It’s a quality that has made him a trusted collaborator over the years, not only in rock and metal but in projects that demand subtlety and instinct.
Fans attending the shows have taken notice. Even in a setlist built around a guitarist and vocalist like Cantrell, reactions to Mayorga’s drumming have been consistently vocal. From the heavier moments to the more atmospheric stretches of the set, his presence gives the songs weight without dragging them down. It’s a fine line, but one he walks with practiced ease.
Mayorga has never been a drummer who chases the spotlight, but his reputation among peers remains solid. He’s long been known for his studio work, his production sensibility, and his adaptability. That professionalism carries over into the live performances, where his consistent tone and timing give the band a backbone that doesn’t waver.
With tour dates continuing through the summer, the road ahead for Mayorga looks active. Though not every fan may arrive knowing who he is, many are leaving with a deeper appreciation for the role a drummer plays in holding everything together. And for those who already know his history, seeing Roy Mayorga in this setting reinforces what they likely already suspected: he’s not just filling space behind the kit. He’s shaping the sound from the ground up.