Hey, guys.  Great show.  I was with a group on several fans on the upper left from the stage.  We are all buddies from a local high school and have been listening to your music since we saw you on Headbangers Ball in the late 80's / early 90's.

The acoustics were great for the most part.  Some vocals were hard to hear and we really couldn't understand the band members when they were talking.  I've seen other acts in TWA and never had that problem.

It was great to sit around with a lot of folks who enjoy the same music as us, singing along, etc.

One thing that was very disappointing was the video behind "Rooster".  I thought "Rooster" dealt with Viet Nam?  It ruined the show for me and several other people that were sitting around us.  I came to see AIC play some tunes.  I don't want to hear or see your political beliefs, wrong as they are.  Stick to music cause most of us regular folk don't want to hear this shizz when we go out and pay for a good time.  One dude in front of me was flipping the bird after he saw the "Bush lied" BS on the video and it wasn't because he didn't like W.  He kept flipping the band off long after the song was over.  It was funny because his girlfriend kept trying to stop him.  I didn't feel the need to flip you off but I felt the same way he did and so did my friends.  Disappointed. Anyways, just thought I'd give you some honest feedback.  We really liked the show and hope to see you again.

....wow, that part of the show is really causing a stirr.....which is better than ignoring it/not getting the point.....

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Check out WILLIAM'S OTHER BAND
CWTF music page: http://www.comeswiththefall.com/music.html
Newest music: http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall

They kicked @ss!

It was my first time at Thomas Wolfe so I was pleasantly surprised by the venue.  
It wasn't much to look at but the acoustics were nice and I didn't feel like I was stuffed into a sardine can.  There were way too many empty seats for my peace of mind, but I think that was from lack of promotion--half the people I met there had just found out about the show.

As for the band, AMAZING!  They completely blew me away!  I couldn't understand much of what they were saying, although I did hear when Jerry was talking about empty seats up front.  I think all of us in the mezzanine were trying to move up at one point or another, but the gestapo wasn't having any of it. The little old ladies could be quite vicious with their flashlights, forcing us back to our seats-lol!  

AIC made a lot of new fans that night, as well as reminding us older ones how much we love their stuff. There were a couple of grumbles about William in the beginning of the night, but they quickly got over it and were rocking out by the 2nd song.  Even Social Ghost's set went surprisingly well (yes, I got the cd).

Anyway, I had a wonderful time and I hope the guys will consider coming back to Asheville again.

THANK YOU!

I think lack of promotion probably had something to do with the empty seats. I live an hour away and had no idea about the concert until 2 days before. I heard about the House of Blues concert in Myrtle Beach(3-4 hours away) but never the one in Asheville.  I had to look up the tour schedule myself before I found out about it.

Yea NotSoStable, those old ladies were all business.

 I didn't mind the Rooster video but it's always been a no war song to me and not limited to only Vietnam.

 

All right, I have to start with a little history. I have loved Alice In Chains for a really long time, but my wife has loved them even longer. She introduced them to me! She's actually bought tickets three times before, and EVERY TIME, the band cancelled that show or cut the tour short to get Layne into rehab. Her last attempt to see them was at the 2nd Woodstock - they were in fact, the ONLY reason she even bought the tickets, and she drove from Kansas to Woodstock playing almost exclusively Alice, . . . only to have them cancel last minute for Layne. Even so, she couldn't bring herself to hate them, but she was disappointed, and when Layne died, she was crushed and pretty much resigned to the thought that she had missed seeing her all-time favorite band perform. Meanwhile, Jerry was still keeping busy and since his voice was such a great match with Layne's, I always thought there was a possibility that the group might tour again, so I kept a close watch on message boards and fan sites for YEARS, to have it pay off in a big way. I had heard that Alice In Chains was touring again with a new lead singer, and one of the first shows that I could have made was at Sturgis, but the venue's organization was anything but. It was confusing, and I really didn't want to make the drive all the way up there from Asheville, NC, which I now call home, if it wasn't a sure thing. I did start reading tour reviews though, and I was surprised and excited that they were actually very good, so naturally, I was also skeptical. As soon as I found out they were coming to US, here in our hometown, I had to get tickets. I was third in line at the box office, and luckily, they opened up three windows, which actually made me first in line, enabling me to get 2nd row left-center orchestra. I couldn't stop smiling, especially as the show got nearer, . . . until I saw the size of the speakers we were next to. I knew it was going to be deafening, but fu<k it - we were 2ND ROW and the show WOULD go on! I tried warming up my wife, telling her that the reviews have been great as convincingly as my anxiety would allow, and my heart raced as the crowd screamed and I turned around to see, . . . Social Ghost taking the stage? Damned false alarms! I wasn't expecting an opener, but they were actually really good and we ended up helping them fund their road trip in exchange for a CD. By the time the lights dimmed a second time, we were ready, but the first notes that dropped made us realize we were not prepared. They opened up with "Don't Follow," which happens to be hands-down, our favorite AIC song, and I don't think there was a moment in the entire song that we didn't have goosebumps, from the realization told by the opening notes to every intensifying stage of the song's crescendo. Jerry kicked @ss! But that was just it. Jerry, . . . carried it with William on back-up. It was beautifully executed and William's voice blended well with Jerry's, but it was hard to gauge the intensity of his contribution to the group. Then, Jerry opened up "Heaven Beside You" and passed it to William who took in and owned it, giving the song it's due intensity and meaning with, . . . that voice! We couldn't believe it. Of all the people they could have found to fill-in for Layne, this guy just happened to be at least an 8 - easily! The first time William added to our collection of goosebumps, we knew that our wait was not in vain and that our insecurities had been nullified. The rest of the show held a number of highlights in "Brother," "I Can't Remember," "Nutshell," "Love, Hate, Love," "Down In A Hole," and "Rooster." It's difficult singling out particular songs as highlights, especially since I can probably list a personal highlight for every song in the set, but I thought these were nailed particularly well. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is a great venue with great acoustics. I've seen several bands there, and tons of live shows in general, but I don't think I've ever seen a show that gave me goosebumps as often as I had them that night! For those interested, the setlist went as follows:

Don't Follow - AIC came out to a cheering crowd and a partial standing ovation, but Jerry go the whole crowd out of their seats, most of which remained standing throughout the show.

Heaven Beside You

Brother

I Can't Remember

Nutshell

Killer Is Me

Angry Chair

Sludge Factory

Love, Hate, Love

No Excuses - Mike said, "If you don't know this song, you're a ***!" - Not it!

Down In A Hole

Got Me Wrong - Intense! With the whole crowd singing, "I haven't felt like this in so looong!"

Encore Set: Curtains

Squeezebox

Would?

Rooster

Mike and William were particularly interactive with the crowd, which was nice, especially in this, more intimate setting. "Rooster" was accompanied by images of war and anti-war, which it seemed, some people weren't exactly thrilled about, but whatever. I figure it's part of the interaction, more of a statement than an exchange, giving an insight to a portion of the band's current mindset. The only other song that I really wish they would have played was "Rain When I Die," but I guess I have something to look forward to at the next show. After the main set, Jerry, Mike and William tossed their picks into the crowd and Sean tossed his drumsticks. He actually tossed one right to my wife, but in her excitement, she reached out and it bounced off her fingertips and was snagged by a guy who dove after it from about five seats over. She was really kind of bummed and pissed about it, but I told her that unless she was willing to kick his @ss for it, she missed her chance. She still agrees it was one of the absolute best shows she's ever gone to. I don't think I could have given her a better 7th anniversary gift, . . . unless perhaps I kicked that guy's @ss and got her drumstick back! Damn, I hope they get into the studio again!

Great review, Chainey!! 

You made me remember the way I felt the first time I heard William sing with them as well. 

Thanks for sharing!!

---

"We play so fine, don't you agree?" ~ Layne Staley

"We want to celebrate what we did and the memory of our friend." ~ Jerry Cantrell

AppST:

.

One thing that was very disappointing was the video behind "Rooster".  I thought "Rooster" dealt with Viet Nam?  It ruined the show for me and several other people that were sitting around us.  I came to see AIC play some tunes.  I don't want to hear or see your political beliefs, wrong as they are.  Stick to music cause most of us regular folk don't want to hear this shizz when we go out and pay for a good time.  One dude in front of me was flipping the bird after he saw the "Bush lied" BS on the video and it wasn't because he didn't like W.  He kept flipping the band off long after the song was over.  It was funny because his girlfriend kept trying to stop him.  I didn't feel the need to flip you off but I felt the same way he did and so did my friends.  Disappointed. Anyways, just thought I'd give you some honest feedback.  We really liked the show and hope to see you again.

What I find disappointing is that a 2 minute or less video of the truth would make your friend act like an ass. That was 2 seconds of the whole show and I think it was done very tastefully. There was no shoving their beliefs about Bush down your throat. Bush lied wasnt on the screen the whole video. The video and the song is about war. I think it was appropriate considering whats going on today. Nothing in the video was false IMO.

---

I hate everything about you.

Stantrell:

AppST:

.

One thing that was very disappointing was the video behind "Rooster".  I thought "Rooster" dealt with Viet Nam?  It ruined the show for me and several other people that were sitting around us.  I came to see AIC play some tunes.  I don't want to hear or see your political beliefs, wrong as they are.  Stick to music cause most of us regular folk don't want to hear this shizz when we go out and pay for a good time.  One dude in front of me was flipping the bird after he saw the "Bush lied" BS on the video and it wasn't because he didn't like W.  He kept flipping the band off long after the song was over.  It was funny because his girlfriend kept trying to stop him.  I didn't feel the need to flip you off but I felt the same way he did and so did my friends.  Disappointed. Anyways, just thought I'd give you some honest feedback.  We really liked the show and hope to see you again.

What I find disappointing is that a 2 minute or less video of the truth would make your friend act like an ass. That was 2 seconds of the whole show and I think it was done very tastefully. There was no shoving their beliefs about Bush down your throat. Bush lied wasnt on the screen the whole video. The video and the song is about war. I think it was appropriate considering whats going on today. Nothing in the video was false IMO.

 

I could not disagree more. There is no truth whatsoever behind the "Bush Lied" crap. Wrong? I can buy that. Lied? Bullshit.   

Nice review thanks for sharing

.....lack of promotion and what day of the week it is has a lot to do with empty seats....

 

---

Check out WILLIAM'S OTHER BAND
CWTF music page: http://www.comeswiththefall.com/music.html
Newest music: http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall

Thanks for all that typing, Chainey......

Don't Follow is one of my favs too....and I've spent entire shows with goosebumps, so I can relate to alot of what you said.....it's just incredible they're on a stage again, and you (your wife) finally got to see them after all this time.....the only thing I'd disagree with is William's rating of only an 8, but I'm biased to begin with  

---

Check out WILLIAM'S OTHER BAND
CWTF music page: http://www.comeswiththefall.com/music.html
Newest music: http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall

Ok, . . . just to clarify, I actually think William is a perfect fit for the band - a 10! "At least an 8" was more of an assessment for others. I'm also on MySpace quite a bit and if you look at a lot of the new people that have been added on, there are quite a few that will write something like:

Thanks for the add, you guys rock, but it just isn't the same without Layne.

No $h!t. But given the alternative, I'd still be searching message boards, waiting for any sign of them touring or hitting the studio again. WITH William, however, it is not "Over Now" as their last cut song states and I'm so effin thankful that that is the case. It was amazing enough that Layne and Jerry's voices were so complimentary, but to find another voice to fit that mold while the rest of the band has retained its vitality and desire to kick @ss on stage? That's unbelievable. And that's exactly what I thought when William poured himself into "Heaven Beside You." Un-fu<k!ng-believable! I also happen to really like Fuel, but has anyone even heard what they sound like with their new lead singer? He has no distinguishable characteristics to his voice and the very first "scream," if you can even call it that, on the very first song is actually laughable! I'm not kidding when I say this, . . . my expectations dropped to a 3 at best with that first "scream" and never recovered throughout the rest of the album. It's not that it's a horrible album, some of the songs on it are really good, . . . just not with him singing. Again, thankfully, that is not the case with Alice In Chains. I'm glad they're deciding to tour again, if for no other reason, to allow their fans to get a feel for William, before deciding if at all, to hit the studio. Personally, I think the studio would be a great follow-up to this year's touring schedule, and I can't wait until they announce it's happening, so I can ease up on the searching.

chainey:

Ok, . . . just to clarify, I actually think William is a perfect fit for the band - a 10! "At least an 8" was more of an assessment for others. I'm also on MySpace quite a bit and if you look at a lot of the new people that have been added on, there are quite a few that will write something like:

Thanks for the add, you guys rock, but it just isn't the same without Layne.

No $h!t. But given the alternative, I'd still be searching message boards, waiting for any sign of them touring or hitting the studio again. WITH William, however, it is not "Over Now" as their last cut song states and I'm so effin thankful that that is the case. It was amazing enough that Layne and Jerry's voices were so complimentary, but to find another voice to fit that mold while the rest of the band has retained its vitality and desire to kick @ss on stage? That's unbelievable. And that's exactly what I thought when William poured himself into "Heaven Beside You." Un-fu<k!ng-believable! I also happen to really like Fuel, but has anyone even heard what they sound like with their new lead singer? He has no distinguishable characteristics to his voice and the very first "scream," if you can even call it that, on the very first song is actually laughable! I'm not kidding when I say this, . . . my expectations dropped to a 3 at best with that first "scream" and never recovered throughout the rest of the album. It's not that it's a horrible album, some of the songs on it are really good, . . . just not with him singing. Again, thankfully, that is not the case with Alice In Chains. I'm glad they're deciding to tour again, if for no other reason, to allow their fans to get a feel for William, before deciding if at all, to hit the studio. Personally, I think the studio would be a great follow-up to this year's touring schedule, and I can't wait until they announce it's happening, so I can ease up on the searching.

 

Just to clarify, also, I knew your review was a good one (for William)....I just had to tease ya on that "low" rating (LOL)......

I'll be as bold to say that the alternative to William would have been nothing.....it took years for them to embrace the idea of continuing on, and they never considered another singer (other than William), either.....since Jerry knew him the best, there was an introductory period where the other two meshed with him & see how well it worked out....& I can guarantee you that the world hasn't seen what it REALLY is that William can bring to the Alice In Chains table ~ yet.....but it'll happen.....In the meantime, he gets up there & steps into a spotlight that use to be someone elses, and puts it all on the line ~ each  &  every show, nite after nite...without hesitation, without doubt, without any ego trips....and if anyone has heard a COMES WITH THE FALL song, then they realize he has changed his singing style, as well, in order to perform the AIC songs better....

This is the dude that never wanted to be known for his singing, rather: his guitar playing, his songwriting......and here he is being scrutanized for that very thing......

Well, they've been noodling with new songs all along.....what they do about it, remains to be seen.....but I believe they will be recorded (most likely sometime soon) & then it's a matter of when the hell they get around to releasing it (   )......and then a tour to promote it, of course....

As for the people devoted to Layne, I understand that, I am an AIC fan, too....But Layne was done with the rock life, I really (assume) he wouldn't care what the next step was as long as it wasn't involving him......and the other guys still have so much more music in them to share...... 

---

Check out WILLIAM'S OTHER BAND
CWTF music page: http://www.comeswiththefall.com/music.html
Newest music: http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall

^ that's my awesome husband....I've ben to hundreds of shows (various bands of course) and I can honestly say this one put me into a state of bliss for days~thanks guys!  (I'm signed in under my Dh's name here just so no one thinks he's writing this about himself  hehe)

So glad you finally got to see AIC! I'd always regretted not being able to see them (though hadn't had the disappointments of having tickets and the shows getting cancelled- that really sucked) and was really excited to hear I had another chance. Really loved the small venue too. When a performer looks and points into a crowd in that type of setting, no matter where you're seated, you feel it could be directed at you. Giant video screens just can't accomplish that. A raised stage would be a good addition though. October 16th was my wedding anniversary (8 years) and when I saw they were playing that night I bought tickets after my husband had gone to sleep and told him the next morning. Of course he likes 'em too so I knew he'd be up for a little road trip. ''Don't Follow'' has always had a special significance and I was pleasantly surprised that they opened with it. What a great way for us all to celebrate our special occasions. Happy anniversary!!