According to a report by Business Insider, Alice in Chains singer and guitarist Jerry Cantrell allegedly received $1.4 million as part of an “SVOG distribution” recorded in a transaction dated March 23, 2022. Founding drummer Sean Kinney reportedly received the same amount, while bassist Mike Inez, who joined the band later in their career, received $682,000.
Altogether, these payments accounted for $3.4 million of the $4.1 million grant the band is said to have received. The band’s company, AIC Entertainment, managed by the three longtime members, reportedly had to demonstrate that the funds were “necessary” for their operations.
However, the report highlights that just a month before receiving the grant payments, the band earned $48 million from selling the rights to their music catalog. In addition, they reportedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars more in 2022 through merchandise sales and other revenue streams.
The report does acknowledge that a portion of the grant funds was used to pay staff members. Additionally, significant amounts went toward sound equipment rentals, videographers, and management expenses.
Shinedown got a $8.3 million grant, and $2.5 million went to the three out of four band members, while all four members of the rock group got an additional $100,000 each from the $1.2 million that was allocated for payroll.
The report states that 15 touring production workers were paid a combined $650,000 of the grant money, which is less than any single member of the band got. This is roughly $43,000 per worker.
