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OCTOBER
"... being just a few feet away from Jerry during it was surreal."
Alice in Chains was the soundtrack to my life for many, many years. There is just something about their perfect combination of incredible lyrics and the powerful music that only Alice in Chains can make. When I found out this summer that AiC was to go on tour in the US this fall, I was shocked. I had not really kept up with the band since the death of Layne but figured that it was a chapter in history. I quickly picked up a few tickets for the DC show, not really knowing what to expect.
I steered clear of any of the reviews of the shows on this tour so that I'd be surprised when the day came, and indeed I was blown away. Like many others I met that night, I never had the chance to see AiC live. The acoustic set was total surprise and was the highlight of the night for me. I felt like I was at the taping of the Unplugged album! After having listened to it hundred of times over the last decade, being just a few feet away from Jerry during it was surreal. The other two sets were equally as incredible and the tributes to Layne were a nice touch.
In a way, the Alice in Chains legacy always seemed like an unfinished book to me. Now that I have seen this line up perform live, it feels more complete. William DuVall did a fine job on vocal duties and I didn't hear a single negative comment all night from anyone. I'm glad that Jerry and the rest of the band decided to regroup. I hope they know how much this means to so many of the fans and I hope that they continue the legacy.
Hope to see you guys again,
Alan
"Even his mouth and lips moved like Layne's."
So I've been a huge fan of Alice in Chains since I was a wee lad. I had the classic "Alice in Chains, the other white meat" shirt since day one but despite my knowledge of AiC trivia and my unrivalled ability to regurgitate with childish glee every lyric of every song spoken by late Layne's gilded lips, I have never been to a show. My one wish is that I could have been there for the MTV Unplugged show. Though I couldn't goback in time to witness his intravenously tainted magic, my prayers had been answered. When I heard the fantastic news of AiC's temporary resurrection I dove for my keyboard franticly searching for tickets. And I got them - the sold out October 25th show at the 9:30 club in Washington D.C.
I had been to the 9:30 on many occasions, but never did I feel such anticipation. After Hurt's set, all the lights dimmed down and the crowd erupted into cheers, a show of love for the messiahs of the grunge rock era. Of course I was at the forefront. I found Duvall's vocals to be highly respectful to Layne's memory, almost a tribute. When I heard of Duvall filling in for Layne I was sceptical to say the least. But he sang it as Layne would have. Intentional I'm sure, but he didn't throw in his own twists to the songs. Even his mouth and lips moved like Layne's. Over and over I had goose bumps. I have and do go to a lot of concerts but I have to say this has been one of my favorites. I loved the mini-acoustic set reminiscent of the MTV show, and the video tribute to Layne. I don't think I need to speak of Cantrell's performance. All the videos I've seen, clips of him in action, he has never let down. This performance was no exception.
I'm proud, all but honored to be able to share this experience with the other fans at the 9:30 that night, moved, like l felt when I first heard AiC and Layne's voice. His ability to covey true emotions through his songs will never be forgotten by this lifelong fan. Godspeed Layne and to the rest of AiC, Cantrell, Kinney, Inez and Duvall thank you for giving us, your fans an opportunity to rock with you one more time. Good luck in all future endeavours and I can't wait to hear some of the new sounds you guys are cooking up.
"I wouldn’t let anything keep me away from finally seeing AiC.."
I am SO excited for the chance to finally see Alice in Chains! I have been a fan for over 15 years, and AiC has always remained my favorite band. I had tickets to a show in Pittsburgh back around 1991 when they were to open for Metallica, but unfortunately AiC had to cancel b/c Layne was in rehab; I never went to that show and never got my money back, but I didn't think it was worth it if I couldn't see Alice in Chains. I was so saddened by Layne's death and also the fact that I would never get to see my favorite band live...needless to say, I was right there when I heard they'd be touring again! I wouldn't let anything keep me away from finally seeing AiC - I will be 7 months pregnant when I finally get to see them in Myrtle Beach! I wish Layne could be there, as I'm sure we all do, but I can not wait to see these guys rock and expose my baby to its first taste of good music :)
Thanks guys for this awesome opportunity!
Michelle
