Memorable TV Performances: Alice In Chains & Heart- Rooster on VH1 Tribute To Heart

Back in 2006, VH1 put together a program to honor the band Heart. The show also featured a short set from Heart’s long time friends, Alice In Chains. Joining Alice In Chains this evening with Jerry Cantrell, Sean Kinney and Mike Inez were Duff McKagan on guitar, Phil Anselmo on Vocals (singing “Would?”) and the one and only William DuVall (singing “Man In The Box” and “Rooster”). I’ve written about the Phil performance before which you can read and watch HERE. This night however would actually be a sort of reveal to showcase William as the new singer of Alice In Chains and it didn’t disappoint one bit (and still 17 years later, William is so damn good). Watching this performance and hearing William inhabit the songs and words, is astounding. Also, this was William’s first “real” performance with the band and what a way to introduce yourself. I’ve said it many times before, William was a great choice for Alice to carry on their legacy. He’s his own voice and person and the way he respects the songs and what the band did beyond thoughtful. This performance is one of those that should live on in TV history, it’s that good!

Alice In Chains w/ Heart- Rooster (Live On VH1 Decades Live- 2006):

Best Guitar Solos: Mad Season- Wake Up

Mad Season was an extraordinary group. On paper alone, having Layne Staley, Mike McCready and Barrett Martin in your band was substantial enough. Then when you put it all together, and the end result is the album, Above, you know it was all meant to be. This album is one of my all time favorites. “Wake Up” is one hell of a heart wrenching song. Lyrically it’s beyond dark and deep and the accompanying music really creates the right vibe. Then when Mike McCready’s guitar solo kicks in, it’s on a whole other level. Mad Season as much as it was a side project, really was able to showcase how truly underrated Mike is as a player but, more specifically as a writer. The music for “Wake Up” was actually written before Layne joined Mike, Barrett and the late John Baker Saunders. The solo though, is on a whole other level. And when you hear live versions of the song, it’s even more euphoric.

Mad Season- Wake Up (Live At The Moore, 1995):

Memorable Live Performances: Alice In Chains at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996

Today is April 5, 2021. 19 years ago today, Layne Staley died. Though, it wouldn’t be for another 2 weeks until his body was found in his home. It’s still a very sad thought in my mind. I even remember being a senior in high school when I heard about it, and I was devastated. Thankfully though, we still have all the great music Layne created and was a part of. In remembrance of what a talent Layne was, let’s celebrate him by doing something a tad bittersweet. What you have here is the very last concert (I’m not counting the unplugged show) Alice In Chains played with Layne in 1996. This show in particular was when Alice was asked to open up for KISS. Also, this is a fun note, the picture at the top is me in front of Layne’s house (his was the very top floor). Enjoy this show!!

Alice In Chains: Live at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996:

Track One: Alice In Chains- We Die Young

The first track on any album is so important as we all know. The list is endless of all the great ones but, instead of making a giant list, why not go one by one and really savor them. Because it’s the 30th anniversary of the release of Facelift by Alice In Chains, how about we start with “We Die Young.” What a song to start off a record with. The instant you drop the needle or press play (whatever you listen to music on or with), it’s just perfect! The instant crunch of Jerry Cantrell’s guitar, then comes the thunder of the drums of Sean Kinney, rumble of Michael Starr and finally, the killer voice of Layne Staley. Simply WOW!

This is one of those track ones that could easily be on many lists of the best ever. Plus when you think about it, if you’ve never listened to Alice In Chains and Facelift is what you start with, and “We Die Young” is pretty much your introduction to the band! That’s a pretty amazing start if you ask me.

Alice In Chains- We Die Young:

The Video:

Collaborations: Alice In Chains w/ Phil Anselmo- Would

Back in 2006 for a VH1 tribute to Heart, Ann and Nancy Wilson asked Alice In Chains to be a part of the celebration. This evening was also the debut of William DuVall on vocals with the band but, the biggest surprise more so was when Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Down, etc came out to join them for “Would.” It starts out sort of very iffy but, as the performance continues, Anselmo finds his footing and truly delivers. Duff McKagan also joined Alice this evening, playing guitar for them.

 

Alice In Chains w/Phil Anselmo & Duff McKagan- Would:

 

Deep Cuts: Alice In Chains- Acid Bubble

I love Alice In Chains. Anyone that knows me, knows that I can’t get enough of this band. If you are in my car with me and I have my iPod on random and an Alice song comes on, chances are, it’s going to get quite loud and I might start singing along. And also the chances of me having Alice on in general (or Nine Inch Nails) is quite high. That being said, I’ve been loving the fact that my (three year old) daughter seems to have taken quite a liking to Alice In Chains. I put music on for her when she’s in bed and going to sleep. The other night while laying with her, we were listening to some Alice and the song “Acid Bubble” from their album Black Gives Way To Blue came on and for some reason, I payed extra close attention to it that night and really found a new appreciation for that song. As a deep cut on the album, it’s quite exquisite. It’s very classic Alice sounding but, also modern enough to show the evolution of the band. In addition to that, it’s got some very classic harmonies and when William DuVall gets his moment to shine, oh does he. Anyways, dig into this gem of a track.

Alice In Chains- Acid Bubble:

 

Solo Album Spotlight: William DuVall- One Alone

For more than a decade now, people have been given the opportunity to hear William DuVall’s voice as he fronts Alice In Chains. He has truly done an exceptional job and his voice has breathed new life not just into the band but the legendary songs as well. William is not Layne but, that’s what makes his contributions to Alice so special. He brings with him a soul and spirit that helps to propel and carry on the legacy of one of the best bands ever. On the songs that he’s brought into the band and sang lead on, you can really tell why he was chosen to front the band. Plus the way he sings the older material, there are times when you are hearing it live, and you get chills from the way William sings.

Prior to joining Alice, William fronted and played guitar with the band Comes With The Fall. I had the opportunity many years ago to see a show of theirs and even then, I knew that guy was destined for something pretty remarkable. Late last year (2019), William released his debut solo album, One Alone. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and microphone, William shines and delivers one hell of a record. His vocal delivery on this album is superb as well as haunting and as I mentioned above, full of soul. Each of the 11 songs on One Alone is crafted so well, that you can tell that his ability as a songwriter is underused in Alice In Chains. One Alone is the type of album too that is a visceral listening experience. This album carries a lot of weight with songs like “Till The Light Guides Me Home,” The Veil Of All My Fears,” “Strung Out On A Dream,” “Still Got A Hold On My Heart,” “So Cruel,” and “Chains Around My Heart.” Albums like this don’t come out that often.

 

This is one of the best solo albums I’ve heard in a long time. There is something really special about this one. To be able to be so vulnerable and open like this is truly remarkable. The voice and words alone, will make you listen again and again. William is a talented guy who was the right choice for the Alice gig, without a doubt, and on this album, he really solidifies his place among the best voices in rock music.

 

William Duvall- One Alone:

Alternate Version: Alice In Chains- Nutshell (Unplugged)

There are certain songs in a bands catalog that no matter how many times you’ve heard it, you always get that same feeling wafting over you. That happens to me every time I hear the MTV Unplugged version of Alice In Chains “Nutshell.” This version is quite astounding. Opening the show with this song too was something special. It’s truly one of those magical music moments that will give you chills. “Nutshell” is in my top 5 favorite Alice In Chains songs of all time and this version just might eclipse the studio version for me.

 
Alice In Chains- Nutshell (MTV Unplugged):

 

Live Review: Korn and Alice In Chains at FivePoint Amphitheater

The summer concert season has long been full of great shows. Going back to the late 90’s and early 2000’s with things like Ozzfest and Warped Tour, along with the other fun package tours, summer concerts have always been a great experience. A few months back, there was a summer tour announced that seemed a bit strange at the time but, made sense. That tour was Korn and Alice In Chains.  When bands share the same management or booking agent (Korn and Alice share the same management) it sometimes really makes a lot of sense to pair the bands on the roster together. When you think about it, you get the sense that it doesn’t fit but, let me be one of the ones to attest to it, it sure does. This evening was quite a fun and awesome one.

 
I missed the first band, The Fever 333. I think they only got like 20 minutes to play too. Following them was Underoath. I’ve never really been a fan of them but, they really put on a good show. They brought the energy and seemed really stoked to be a part of this tour. I had seen them many years ago on Warped Tour and they were very energtic then as they are now. I have to say though, the bass player Grant Brandell and keyboard player Chris Dudley were really going for it all night. As I was listening to the band, I couldn’t help but think that, if Grant and Chris had a side project, I bet it would be something quite cool.

As the sun began to dim, Alice In Chains took the stage. This would be my 9th time seeing Alice In Chains and they didn’t disappoint. Seeing them in an outdoor venue is a totally different experience than when they are playing indoors. There’s an energy that is summoned as they play that inhabits any venue they play but, with the breeze, sunlight, and moonlight as backdrops, it makes seeing and listening to the songs totally something else. Beginning their set with “Angry Chair,” I knew that this was going to be a great performance from them. They wasted no time, just hitting all the right notes as they ran through songs like “Again,” “Man In The Box,” “Check My Brain,” “Stone,” and “We Die Young.” Certain songs though really stood out like “Them Bones,” “Dam That River,” “Love, Hate, Love,” “Would,” and “Nutshell.” William DuVal really knocked it out of the park on those. During “Nutshell” Jerry asked the crowd to turn the lights on their phones and shine them bright for Layne Staley and Mike Starr. When you looked around as that song played, it was a beautiful sight to see. Alice was their usual awesome selves this evening and didn’t disappoint. Getting to hear three of my top 5 favorite songs by them too really made it awesome especially, “Love, Hate, Love.” That song is so damn good.

The headliner for the night was Korn. I haven’t seen them live in over 12 years, so this was quite exciting to see. As the lights dimmed and the feedback began, the curtain dropped and they came out with a bang as they played “Here To Stay.” Which is one hell of a song to open up the show with. “Blind” and “Divine” followed and they sounded stellar, specifically “Divine” which is one of my all time favorites. Other choice cuts played were “Make Me Bad,” “Rotting In Vain” and the new song “You’ll Never Find Me” which sounded killer live. Of course the fan favorites like “Got The Life,” “Freak On A Leash,” and “Falling Away From Me” were played too. Korn has been going at it pretty much non stop just about 25 years and they are constantly bringing it. Its quite awesome to not see a band for a long time and then when you do, you realize they haven’t lost a step at all. Jonathan Davis sounded great as well as the rest of the band. Seeing Munky and Head back on stage again is fantastic. They really do compliment each other so well. It didn’t really work without them both. I also have to mention that Ray Luzier has added some much needed depth to the songs with the way he plays. Plus he’s an absolute beast on the kit and was a great choice as their drummer.

What a fun and great show. Both Alice In Chains and Korn were on top of their games and it’s no wonder why they were put together on this tour. You get a best of both worlds vibe when you are there. It was a varied crowd too which made people watching all that much more fun. I’m quite looking forward to the new Korn album, The Nothing and their upcoming tour. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. And Alice In Chains, what else can I say about this band that I haven’t already. They really are masters at what they do and those songs… Those songs are so damn good, it’s like they have a life of their own. The only thing I wish about the evening was that both Alice and Korn played longer. All in all it was a great evening with great songs, good vibes, and great company.

Alice In Chains Set List:

01) Angry Chair
02) Man In The Box
03) Check My Brain
04) Again
05) Them Bones
06) Dam That River
07) Stone
08) Rainer Fog
09) No Excuses
10) Nutshell
11) Love, Hate, Love
12) We Die Young
13) The One You Know
14) Would?
15) Rooster

Korn Set List:
01) Here To Stay
02) Blind
03) Divine
04) Rotting In Vain
05) You’ll Never Find Me
06) Twisted Transistor
07) Shoots & Ladders (with Metallica One at the end)
08) Got The Life
09) Make Me Bad
10) Somebody Someone
11) Freak On A Leash
Encore

12) 4U
13) Twist
14) Coming Undone (with Queen We Will Rock You)
15) Falling Away From Me

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

Title Tracks: Alice In Chains

I have a bunch of new topics coming up shortly and this is one that will definitely be fun. Over the years I’ve really noticed something about bands naming albums after certain songs. Those songs in particular always seem to sum up the album as a whole in a way. One band that I noticed that has a real knack for this is Alice In Chains. The title track songs from their albums always had something more to them. So with that in mind, lets take a listen to these gems.

 

Alice In Chains- Dirt (from Dirt):

 

 

Alice In Chains- Black Gives Way To Blue (from Black Gives Way To Blue):

 

 
Alice In Chains- The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (from The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here):

 

 
Alice In Chains- Rainer Fog (from Rainer Fog):