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"Then the news came that you were touring again..."
My first experience on the grunge scene was Pearl Jam in '92, I was a bit behind the times in South Bend, IN and was caught up in the (ashamed to say it) early 90's hip hop scene. I borrowed the Ten tape from a friend and my life was forever changed. Grunge music summed up everything that I was feeling on the inside and finally lent a voice to it for expression and outlet. I followed heavily on Pearl Jam and STP, as well as, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog, etc., and my favorite was always Pearl Jam.
In 1995 I was skipping class at college and after a few beers with some friends we decided to hit the local music store. That's when I picked up my first AiC CD Jar Of Flies. To say that I was blown away would be an understatement. I immediately went out and picked up everything Alice in Chains and found out that I had only scratched the surface. AiC, and Jerry Cantrell solo, became my absolute favorite band(s) and nothing has replaced them. The harmonizing between Layne and Jerry on vocals that were all too real, all too emotional, and so filled with a passion that is unrivaled mixed with the combination of heavy rhythms and acoustic melodies was unlike anything I had ever heard before or since (save for Jerry's solo outings which are equally phenomenal). I couldn't wait to take in a live show and then the bomb dropped: Layne Staley passed in 2002. It was a tragic loss of a man who helped kick the music industry in it's ass with a realism it seldom heard, and was a sad day for fans everywhere knowing that in the wake of his departure there would come an untimely end to Alice in Chains. Jerry's solo work helped greatly to ease that sadness in that he was a driving creative force in AiC and it couldn't be helped that the AiC sound came through and with Depot and Degradation we (or to speak for myself I) had that void filled. Still, I always wished I could have scene AiC perform live.
Then came the news that you were touring again with a new front man, William Duvall. Here's where the story get's a bit repetitive with everyone else's for I, too, immediately hit Ticketmaster and scored tix to the Chicago, IL Riviera show. The only thing in my way was time that went all too slow. Finally, the show. I have to admit I was skeptical. Alice in Chains had such a distinct sound with Layne and Jerry and I was wondering what the new incarnation would be like. Any possible reservations I had were erased instantly upon the first song. William Duvall not only did Layne justice but damn near channeled the man. In fact, there was a sense (due in small part to the Staley tribute) that Layne was with us in that room. William was an amazing choice to front AiC and I had a dream come true: I got to see the best band in the fuckin' world rocking like they hadn't missed a session. I just want to say thank you for that, for everything you have done, are doing, and will continue to do. Your music, your energy, your talents are much appreciated and still much needed in this world. I can only hope that this is only the beginning for the Born Again Alice in Chains., and I know I can speak for everyone when I say I hope that we all hear from you again soon.
Thank you gentlemen, for everything.
Yours,
Jim
South Bend, IN
"I was ecstatic, elated, overwhelmed, excited..."
I love subscribing to a forum dedicated to this incredible band that obviously means so much to so many. I have been an unwavering fan of Alice in Chains for 15 or 16 years. As someone else said in their letter, AIC has been the soundtrack to my life for years. Like many of us, we take a band for granted when they are out and about; but all too often, tragedy strikes and a member is gone. So I never got to see the original cast of AIC with Layne. And I was needless to say so very disappointed when the curtain was called, thinking that I had missed my chance forever.
But all of that changed when I was browsing my local news paper and saw that none other than AIC was to perform in Northern California!!! I was ecstatic, elated, overwhelmed, excited, indescribable! I immediately bought tickets, wonderful, fabulous 4th row tickets to be precise. And to my great sadness and displeasure, an unavoidable event occurred and I was thus unable to go to the one and only concert in my area for the one band that I would do ANYTHING to see. I was crushed, surely that was the only date that they were here and I had to miss it. I even cried.
So some time went by and a very good friend of mine (who I love more now than ever) told me that they had another upcoming date in my area! Oh my god! Really?? I can't believe this, surely I had missed the one and only chance in the world to do something so personally meaningful. Sure enough, I looked it up and there were the tickets, online. And now it is a sold out show and I am soo f***ing stoked! Of course because I heard about it relatively late, I am seated far away from the band. But you know what, I don't care. I get to go, see my favorite band of all time, and rock out with other AIC fans! Aahhh, I can't wait. I've not heard William Duvall's vocals but have read and been told that they are comparable to Layne's. I personally hope so. While every original member is vital to the sound of the band, it really wouldn't be AIC without the unique and beautiful vocals from Mr. Stayley.
So here is to all of us, devotees to a fantastic band in Rock and Roll history! Cheers!
Christina
"This time it was a lot more personal..."
On July 6, 1993, I was blown away by the awesome bands that were coming to Lollapalooza in Noblesville, Indiana. I went with seven of my closest friends and we just thought we were going to another kick ass concert. When AiC hit the stage I could feel the hair stand on the back of my neck. There was so much energy in the air. (Including shoes, grass, plastic bottles, and bodies). It was the summer between our junior and senior year in high school, and we were on top of the world. I just wish someone could have put that show on DVD. To make a long story short. It has been 13+ years since then and we luckily got to see AiC once again at the METRO in Chicago back in May. This time it was a lot more personal, and I commend you guys for playing at some of the smaller venues. That really means a lot to your fans to be that close up. Last but not least, I wanted to say thank you to Mr. Duvall, for adding his new touch to the band. I seen William with Jerry's band when they came to Piere's in Fort Wayne, IN. I was glad to see the band finally knock the cob-webs off of their equipment and start jammin' the classics we all know and love.
P.S. Can't wait to see the national anthem played at the Metrodome.
P.P.S. Now all that's left is a new album..........hint....hint.
Jeremy from Indiana
