Hugo says:

Hey Duff, Hugo here!

No need to thank the great response of last week, everyone here write because they want to, and of certanly because the "cards" on the table are discussable...

Personaly I was/am a great fan of Alice in Chains, always get goose bumps when I hear "Would", what an awesome song!!!
It´s great that some bands of my teen years are getting back on their feet, and obviously I wish them all the luck!
As for playing an instrument, I´m kinda "fighting" with my guitar...eheheh, she doesn´t sound the way I wanted her to sound (not her fault)!!! I agree with you, to be a Top player, or even a medium player you´ve got to know your instrument, ther´s no other way...
And now I will keep an eye on future posts of the week (should be fun)!

Peace

Hugo

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 10:53AM

Kris says:

...that Kurt Cobain had made it OK for the rest of us not to have to learn our instruments Well, that's a new one on me. I thought punk got the credit for unleashing that particular beast. Ah, well.

Sounds like a promising new album. Good news.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 11:00AM

Jesse says:

As far as bands that have influenced me more than any other it would be AIC & Soundgarden, but AIC tops that cake. I SO CANT WAIT for the new music and I know it will kick some serious ass. If my calculations are correct they should be playing in Seattle around September 24th, but who knows. My wife and I (Soul Queefs) played on AIC's fantasy football team last year against Jerry & Mike and we had a blast. Those guys stay cool even with all the shit thrown at them. It would be interesting to hear what they thought about everyone that played because I know they cant always express their feelings out right in that type of forum without getting fan hate thrown back at them. Viva La Alice in Chains!

buy the way have you listened to The Dead Weather's new record yet. What do you think? I will definitely be attending that show in Seattle next month & I recommend you do also.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 11:53AM

mad_mama says:

"Sometime in the mid-'90s, it seems, terms like "kicking ass" and "setting a groove" were looked at as old-fashioned and un-hip. Shit, Nine Inch Nails even have a discernible soul factor to them these days...and I like it a LOT."

What I find interesting (from a looking in view, so to speak) is how much more open I've become to welcoming a broader spectrum of "rock". When icons like you, Duff, recommend we look for the different and unique, it tells me that perhaps the listening community craves the unique as well.

I can't admit I LIKE it all, just that I'm open to giving it all a listen.

Have pre-ordered my Black Gives Way to Blue - very much looking forward to seeing our AiC boys again on stage!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:12PM

AxlReznor says:

I was looking forward to the new Alice In Chains record, though I had always been apprehensive. I mean, the thought of replacing Layne seemed disrespectful at the time although I did enjoy the performance I saw at Download in 2006, and I was seriously wondering about the legitimacy of calling the band Alice In Chains. Yes, I do appreciate the irony in that, coming from a big supporter of Axl Rose, and huge fan of Chinese Democracy - an album you probably purposefully left out of the albums with big promotion from Target and Best Buy, but unfortunately the same thing happened with that. No need to point that out.
But when Alice released A Looking In View at the beginning of the month, I was blown away. It seems a bit silly, but I was shocked that it actually sounds like Alice In Chains. Layne evidently didn't have as much impact on the overall sound of the band as I thought. I will still miss him, but I now have no doubts about the bands ability to rock without him.

As for rock not being exciting since the mid-90's, I'll probably have to disagree. There was a lot of shit, granted, but I think there are a few bands that have managed to stand the test of time. NIN, Green Day and Weezer to name a few... Marilyn Manson was always great up until recently (he can still make decent records, but live it's like he's going through the motions), and Korn and Deftones managed to outlive the other "nu-metal" acts thanks to not being stuck in one particular niche. In every era you will find a haystack of crap with a few needles of excellence thrown in for good measure. It's just that over time, the haystacks are cleared out so all that anyone remembers is the needles.

Oh, and Muse are one of my favourite bands in the world, and one of the only bands out there who make me proud to be British. September looks like it's going to be an incredible time for music, because Muse and the always fantastic Pearl Jam are both releasing albums that month, as well as the awesome-sounding new Alice In Chains record.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:25PM

Donnie Howard says:

For some reason I never "got" AIC.

is their record better than Chinese Democracy?? Also, I thought Death Magnetic was awesome. What do you think of Killswitch Engage? Saw them online at the DL festival and they were amazing.
agree, Pro Tools IMO has been the downfall of music. Makes non musicians able to do shit and mostly it sucks.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:28PM

Scooping the News says:

Duff,

Great column as always, but there is a major factual error in the second to last paragraph. I trust you or an editor will catch and correct it. Were you informed by your editor that we would like to interview you? Keep up the good work!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:30PM

Brandon says:

Hey Duff,

Just wanted to take a second to comment on this piece you have written about Alice. Back in 2007 I decided that I just had to learn to play guitar after spending my teens and twenties behind an MPC2000 and an Ensoniq keyboard making rap music, I thought I should learn a “real instrument” So I bought a Les Paul and attempted to learn how to play that sucker. A relative stopped by one night and he was teaching me a few chords and then he played this song that I knew I had heard before but I could not place it. He then explained that it was “Nutshell” by AIC on their Jar of Flies album. So I dove back into my CD collection to all of the old AIC albums and many other albums from some of Seattle’s greatest that you have to own whether you want to or not simply because you have to support the home team and I rediscovered just how great that era of music was and how great Alice is as a band. I’m glad they are giving something new for the world to enjoy again because let’s face it, music as a whole has been pretty weak as of late, save for a small number of acts that have been out pushing the limits past the standard verse, chorus, verse format that dominates radio. I wish the guys the best of luck with the new album hopefully it can save us all! I never really learned how to play that Les Paul but my drummer gave me a bass to fiddle around with and I never looked back. First full bass line I learned? “Nutshell” by Alice in Chains…….

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:35PM

AxlReznor says:

PS - The people who say that ProTools has been the downfall of music really don't understand it's purpose. It's a very simple and easy-to-use way of multitracking... something that has been around for years (invented by none other than Les Paul, actually). There are some things on there that can be used to to polish up the sound of people who aren't very good, but that's all completely optional. Like any technology, it is fantastic when used by the responsible. To put the fault on the programme is to find a scapegoat... the problem is the way some people use it.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:36PM

mad_mama says:

@AxlReznor - Since you like Muse, what do you think of The Bravery? Prettiest song: The Ocean...

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:39PM

Davis says:

VR needs to team up with AIC again! One of the best shows I've seen two years back.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 12:48PM

Suzanne says:

Excited for the new AIC album!

And I don't know about the factual error in the article- but I really find it hard to believe that Death Magnetic fell short on sales (not that I want to argue w/ya, Duff!) Might be the case for AC/DC and Guns N Roses (ok, definitely for Chinese Dem).

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:04PM

Scooping the News says:

Dirt isn't coming out in two months. It's been out for years.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:05PM

Jo Mayfield says:

"I respect what everyone had to say and look forward to more and more in-depth forums in the future"

It is statements like these that break down the barriers to reveal your maturity and humanity. YOU ROCK, DUFF!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:12PM

katie says:

i love alice in chains........

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:23PM

Katy says:

Tony, as I've said before I think most people do appreciate that ProTools can do a lot more than cover a lack of talent, it's simply easier to refer to that process by the name of the most popular program. Just like editing an imagine in order to mislead people gets called 'photoshopping' even though Photoshop has a lot of legitamate uses as well.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:25PM

Jason Burns says:

It's interesting the amount of hate that gets heaped on ProTools, Auto-Tune and the like.

To the people out there that are blaming it for ruining music, read this carefully. The kind of editing that everyone is giving a bad rap has almost ALWAYS taken place, it's just always been a very manual and labor intensive process.

If you went back to the early days, even to the current people who still work with tape, you will find incredibly talented engineers that are masters at splicing tape, we are talking literally splicing in drum hits or syllables.

For those of you shocked at how auto-tune helps singers who can't sing, sing (which is not true) check out your favorite vocal diva, and watch them in the studio, watch the engineer comping together the best words and phrases from dozens of takes, watch the engineer riding faders to even out vocals, watch them punch in all over the place to fix screw ups.

It's all the same basic idea, ProTools just makes it accessible to people who don't have the black magic skills that the classic engineers spent their entire lives crafting.

now you know :)

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 1:28PM

Sophia says:

I'm really excited about a new Alice in Chains record! It'll be great to hear some straight up rock n' roll for a change. Amidst all the Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers stuff that's out there is some kick ass music that tells it like it is. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find more great rock bands around because I haven't been able to go to festivals or anything this summer to see new bands. I know it's out there, but I just can't seem to find it which is really frustrating.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 2:19PM

Matthias says:

i'll have the chance to see aic in cologne, germany in august. i was doubting to go there, but you really made me wanna see them ;) thanks!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 3:07PM

remco says:

AIC actually wasn't that big of a part of my 90s. I knew the songs on Dirt quite well, got Jar of flies (actually one of the best (semi)acoustic albums IMO of all time, even though it's just an EP), but that's about it. The whole Seattle/grunge angst driven style didn't really have my interest then.
Quite a few years later, I started to really enjoy Soundgarden, Temple of dog, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney & STP. And got bored with it pretty quickly.

Untill I saw AIC live 2 times in 2 weeks in '06. They opened my eyes and hurt my ears. Their show rocked indeed! They opened for GN'R and they got the best response I've EVER seen and heard as an opening act.

I'm extremely curious and can't wait to hear Black Gives Way to Blue, the new AIC album. (and the new Muse, and yes AR, that IS a band to be proud of!!)

PS: the new AIC website (www.aliceinchains.com) reminds a bit of the old Velvet Revolver site...

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 3:14PM

remco says:

PS2: just found out AIC was originally named "Alice N' Chainz", in 1986!... oh and forgot to mention: William DuVall is an amazing rock singer. Just sharing...

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 3:23PM

Clyde says:

Duff,

I normally wouldnt comment on the blog as is just my nature. I had to respond to this one as I couldnt agree with you anymore than the comments you have made about Alice in Chains. I am an avid fan and literally cannot go very long without listening to an AIC album. I went to see them at the Del Mar Racetrack (a horsetrack of all places) when they first reappeared with Willaim on vocals and was very skeptical at first because of the abscense of Layne. But as soon as I heard the songs that I grew up on and love, that skepticism was swept away. I am so happy for the guys to overcome their loss and get out there an rock! I was almost in tears that day with the memories those songs invoked. Long live the memory of one of the best singers ever and long live AIC!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 3:45PM

Zelasha says:

hey the parlor mob is a pretty cool band indeed... just like a ramones song say:

"we need a change we need it fast before the rock is part the past..."

i also try to contribute myself, playing and creating rock music.

and for last i hope youre right about AIC album ...remember.. your reputation is on risk...

If you smeeeeeeeelallalaalao ... what Alice in chains... is ... coking...?

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 4:38PM

Smarty says:

Duff,

I'm glad you brought up AC/DC in this column. I saw AIC in Denver a few years ago on the tour they did to thank fans. I was blown away at how well Will sounded and how great his vocals lent themselves to Jerry's. Then I saw the acoustic show in Nashville at the Ryman (no better place to see acoustic music than that place in my opinion), and again was just amazed at Will's vocal performance. I believe that William DuVall is to AIC as Brian Johnson is to AC/DC. He's not a replacement, but a new member who has a similar vocal style to that of the previous front man, BUT a style all his own.

I've only heard the single from the new album and it leaves me wanting more and itching to get my hands on this new disc. Long live HEAVY F*CKIN' METAL \,,/

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 5:17PM

Stacy says:

I'm glad to hear that AIC are releasing a new record soon. I had heard rumors, but only rumors. It was actually at a VR show that I was first introduced to AIC. They had a phenomenal stage presence and that new singer is uncannily perfect for them. I remember Jerry Cantrell (sp?) didn't even have to play anything, just throw his hands in the air and pose, and the crowd went nuts. Just my humble opinion, of course, but I will definitely check out the new album.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 5:20PM

Julie says:

I'm also happy that AIC is releasing new material. Losing a loved one can either tear people apart or bring them closer together and in AIC's case, I'm glad it's the latter.

I actually thought I didn't know their music until a few months ago when I started bringing out all my old grunge CDs. Once I put their CDs in and started listening, I realized I knew (and liked!) a lot more of their songs than I thought.

I also agree with other people that it's hard to accept that they've replaced Layne Staley, but at the same time, I respect them for the fact that they felt they had more to give to their fans in terms of music and that their passion for the music is still as strong as ever.

Thank you for the heads-up regarding Alice in Chains' new album, Duff, and I look forward to hearing it too!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 6:05PM

Scooping the News says:

One of the many great points made by Duff is that AIC never really got to mount a big tour in support of its albums because of various issues. With the current hard rock climate being what it is, this new AIC album is going to give it a much-needed boost of life. From the two songs I've heard thus far, this is shaping up to be an outstanding album and the vocals stand out unlike the majority of the songs currently filling up what's become of FM radio.

In the perfect world, this new album from AIC would remind both musicians and listeners how great original, unique music sounds. I hope this album is given the chance to do that! Too many bands today and for the last several years actually sound exactly the same. When Jar of Flies came out, it was one of a string of No. 1 albums from great bands that all brought something unique to the table (the other albums around that time were In Utero, Vs. and Superunknown). We need AIC. We need them right now.

Thanks for this column, Duff!

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 7:02PM

Carly says:

Just wanted to say that I too am stoked for the new AIC record! I already bought my tickets for when they are in my neck of the woods and their entire discography has been playing in heavy rotation in my house while my whole family gears up for Black Gives Way to Blue! It isn't often that my older brother, my parents and I all listen to the same music, but in our house Alice In Chains is as universal and well liked as Christmas.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 8:41PM

Scooping the News says:

I think Duff's recent columns must have inspired this guy, lol!

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jul/23/plenty-opinions-few-names/

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 8:46PM

Nick says:

I don't know Duff. I'm definitely skeptical. I am a huge AIC fan. My favorite. My friends and I just had our own 8th annual Layne Staley Memorial here in NY since Seattle is a bit of a hike for us. Our favorite day of the year. Just eat, drink and listen to Layne for about 18 hours straight.

I think Alice continuing is better than no Alice at all but I'm just not sold on William. I have seen him live 3x. He's ok is all. I don't know if it was the best choice. I don't know who can replace Layne. He had the best voice rock has ever heard in my opinion. His voice was just so unique and amazing. One of the best parts vocally about Alice was Layne and Jerry's harmonies. I'm not sure Jerry complements William the same way and I think they should have chosen someone that he would complement. All the articles I'm reading about William sounding like Layne is really making me sick. By saying that it just diminishes how talented Layne was. I've never seen Lanye live and it kills me.

That being said I'm not gonna be a hater. I'm gonna buy the CD and I will see them live whenever they are in my area like they will be on 9/8/09 at Irving Plaza. It's nice to hear a guy like you praising Alice. I feel like nobody does. Especially their peers. I wonder what guys like you and other rock stars listen to in their car or whatever. I wonder am I the only one still listening to Dirt thinking it's the greatest CD ever made.

Anyway, I'm a pessimistic optimist. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I've heard A Looking View and I like it. I am not that excited about the new CD but I am excited that you are excited.

Thanks for the great read.
Nick

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 23 2009 @ 8:50PM

Sarah says:

Hiya,

I think AIC IS a legendary band and I just can't wait 'til the release of 'Black Gives Way to Blue's '!

"ALL the guys in Nirvana were such good players that they made it all SEEM so easy."

Haha it is. When I see such bands playing live it's just amazing. Apart from the whole 'vibe' while being in the crowd & giving into the music, it's incredible how well the band plays [together]. When [for instance] Slash or Angus Young plays those amazing riffs or their solos I'm like 'Oh my god how do they do that?!'. It's almost like they're just moving their hands all over the fretboard.

Well anyway.. I'm really looking forward to the release of the next album.

Alice in Chains ROCKS.

By the way; again a great column.

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 1:04AM

Krist Novoselic says:

I remember listening to Dirt with Kurt Cobain. The consensus was that there are great songs on that record. After we heard some of the lyrics, Kurt said - "I'd never get away with that."

Dirt is a nasty, drug addled masterpiece. I love that record but it's not easy for me to listen to either. To say it makes no apologies about drugs is an understatement. It's a cornerstone Grunge opus but make no mistake - Layne and Kurt died on the same date and drugs led them to their tragic demise.

Thanks Duff for your constant nods to recovery. And thanks for the props regarding Nirvana!!

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 11:07AM

Sonny says:

I just finished reading "touching the void". I'm not a climber and don't usu read adventure type books but I still enjoyed it. It's pretty amazing how he survived. If it was me I'd have died out here.
I have hiked in the himalayas and can see the appeal of rockclimbing. I have a book that describes the nutritive and training requirements of different sporting activities. It lists climbing as being one of the most difficult sports bc of the explosive muscular reponse (fasttwitch) inherent
in each upwards step along w incredible muscular endurance(slowtwitch) for the hours upon hrs of climbing.
Anyway , a book I'd like to recommend to you is "The new pearl harbor" by David Ray Griffin. It will blow your mind. Maybe you could write an article about it in the future.

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 1:16PM

Brad William Cox says:

What's incredible about 'Seattle Weekly' is watching rock legends being respectful and conversating.

Sometimes when you're just a specatator, it's hard to avoid making assumptions. But, of course, to 'assume' is to make an ass of u & me.

I will never forget the day I saw 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' on MTV - 'even in his youth.'

To postshadow, I was into any and every 'rock' album out there - even the terrible ones (in hindsight). The last 80's rock record I bought before my world changed was The Electric Boys. I knew things were getting dim when I heard the TUFF record. It's was becoming like the 3rd generation muck. So, I ran to the store and bought NEVERMIND.

I heard the song I had heard on MTV and continued on. 'IN BLOOM' came on and my world changed. It made me feel awkward. It wasn't loud, there wasn't a big chorus - it felt like 'fall,' if rock n' roll was summer. I was suddenly tuned into a new world that I wanted to know EVERYTHING about it.

'Dirt' was one of the pivotal records that cemented the direction of my future writing. I loved a lot of the music in the 80's, but, the 90's [albums like 'Dirt']gave me the insight to follow "MY" direction and to seek out "MY" vision.

So, that, of course, led me to a seemingly never ending quest to find self. Being that 'self,' changes on a pretty annual cycle - I found musical infinity in my soul.

So many artists fail to evolve emotionally or are just plain afraid to do so. They get stuck worrying about what their demographic is going to think.

Now, in fairness, you have to be savvy and market accordingly, but there's a lot more flexibility granted by fan to artist then most artists realize.

I heard the new METALLICA record and it was disappointing. Not because it's 'terrible,' but because I see them grasping at straws to give their fans what they 'think' they want. It's almost like KISS, anymore. KISS is not a band I'm particuarly fond of. It's too gimmicky and cheeky for my tastes.

I agree that 'Load' and 'Reload' were a departure from 'Ride the Lighting,' but it was a step into a new era and I learned to like some of it. From there, it seems they lost their way - at the end game, I would have gambled that METALLICA would end up a country band - IN A GOOD WAY.

I gave up on AC/DC after 'The Razors Edge.' It seemed to be the last record where they really put a lot of heart into the writing, in my opinion. I like E, A, D chord progressions, too, but it's all very uninspired, in camp AC/DC. But, good on them for having an amazing career. I do love AC/DC - don't get me wrong.

There's a multitude of ways to reach the end game; I have no doubt the new Chains record will help revive a bit of integrity, harmony and musicianship - somehow lost.

I just hope it'll bury the likes of NICKLEBACK! God, it drives me up the goddamned wall [what's happened to modern rock]. I get it, this music sells ad space - actually, "I" sell ad space for a living - but, there's gotta be another wave [way].

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 3:25PM

Aron says:

"Sometime in the mid-'90s, it seems, terms like "kicking ass" and "setting a groove" were looked at as old-fashioned and un-hip."

I think bands like Queens of the Stone Age and The White Stripes would have something to say about that. Tool also definitely have a groove about them but I take your point. It's also very cool that there is a classic rock revival movement going on and though not very original bands like Wolfmother, Airbourne, Jet, Black Stone Cherry etc. are none the less very entertaining and refreshing.

And Krist, thanks for sharing that with us but you guys did get away with similar stuff on In Utero. I dont think Kurt tried to be any less graphic as Layne in his writing and perhaps even more direct than him on songs like 'Rape Me' and 'Milk It'. But as far as that goes I don't think either album (Dirt and In Utero) comes close to the darkness of Superunkown in terms of content, lyrics and music (ducks for cover)...but that's just my opinion.

peace

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 3:45PM

darren in ireland says:

Hi duff, gotta disagree with you on one thing, imetallica's death magnetic record was'nt just good it was great, and i think it certainly has lived up to its hype .

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 4:13PM

seashells is from heaven says:

i'm looking forward to the new album

=]

Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 25 2009 @ 2:53AM

Andrea says:

It is indeed an exiting time for rock. For most of the decade I had to rely on classic bands for a dose of good rock n roll. I did not like most of the mainstream offer, and I spent most of my time searching for music independently. What I find particulary cool is not only that older bands are coming back renewed and still brilliant, but that the newer ones are also producing music that speaks to me. I think it has to do with the uncertain times and global turmoil. From the newer bands I like our local boys, Soundtrack of our Lives...
All the best to everyone, and have a happy week!
Andrea

Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 25 2009 @ 10:27AM

Mariana says:

First of all, I really love Layne forever.
Second, I do like very much the new record "A Looking In View" but come on, Is something really missing(obviously): that incredible and strong voice. I'm just saying this because I'm sick of reading that Duvall can sing like Layne or Layne wasnt so good live or Layne didnt has influence on sound of AIC. Please it is obvious LAYNE, THAT VOICE, IS WHAT ALICE WAS. This doesnt mean that I will not support "the new AIC". No, I love Jerry and the others and I like their work so I'll do support AIC and watch them live when they come to Lisbon.
BUT please dont say that Layne bla bla bla, Layne had his problems that's right but I have no doubts that if he kept himself clean HE WOULD became the greatest singer of all time.

Posted On: Sunday, Jul. 26 2009 @ 5:52PM

Ashleigh says:

Hey Duff, I finally read one of it blogs, I usually ignore them when you put them on your twitted page. Well I just wanted to say that I love loaded and I think your album "sick" is amazing! My favorite song would probably "no more" it's been stuck in my head for a long time, and it's extremely catchy. Well comment back or twitter me at www.twitter.com/rocksyoungspro thx Duff!

Posted On: Sunday, Jul. 26 2009 @ 7:24PM

Vander says:

GNR reunion!!! Please!!!!

Posted On: Monday, Jul. 27 2009 @ 2:24PM

Jesse says:

sept. 24th it is!

Posted On: Monday, Jul. 27 2009 @ 5:09PM

MB says:

From AIC's myspace blog:

Alice In Chains on Octane

Jerry and Sean dropped by the Octane studios to talk about their new record, Black Gives Way To Blue.

Catch a different part of their interview Tuesday through Friday exclusively on Sirius XM Octane.

Tuesday, August 4th @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Wednesday, August 5th @ 4pm ET / 1pm PT
Thursday, August 6th @ 5pm ET / 2pm PT
Friday, August 8th @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=48972946&blogID=502468080

Posted On: Monday, Jul. 27 2009 @ 5:21PM

Banjo says:

Duff,
Love the article but what you highlight here is part of the problem. I have seen in the last 2 years or am seeing in the next few months Metallica, Pearl Jam, NIN, Alice In Chains, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, STP (sorry) and got records by Axl, Slash, Duff, and Matt Sorum- and that is the best music out right now. We were saying the same thing 15 years ago! Now don't get it twisted thank god all y'all are still out there, but we need NEW bands!!! There is some good newer stuff out there as you point out but maybe it's just the U.S. and our fickle audience but why has nothing new come out and just made everyone go "whoa!"

In regards to Alice, I saw them w/ y'all in Atlanta 2 years ago and I was blown away by how good they sound. I will def be picking up the new album as I have rocked out to the single a few times already. FIND A NEW DRAMA FREE LEAD SIGNER! Keep the great music coming and I'll be reading the column now that I've found it.

Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 28 2009 @ 1:48AM

Anonymous says:

if chris Farley were still alive...

CF: umm..remember..umm remember when you were w guns and ..uh roses?

Duff: yeah

CF: uh.. THAT WAS AWESOME!

Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 28 2009 @ 8:38AM

Anonymous says:

if chris Farley were still alive...

CF: umm..remember..umm remember when you were w guns and ..uh roses?

Duff: yeah

CF: uh.. THAT WAS AWESOME!

Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 28 2009 @ 8:41AM

Julie A says:

I personally see the new line up of Alice in Chains as a new band; I guess I wish they would have changed the name to alleviate any of these comparisons similar to Pearl Jam coming from Mother Love Bone.

No one wants to stand on stage and be compared to someone incomparable. It's tough for this new singer I'm sure.

Living in Seattle in the late 80's/90's and seeing the devastation that drugs- particularly heroin-caused here in the music scene was a lesson well learned for me thankfully, but not everyone else was so lucky. I knew Layne pretty well, I know his mom and when I heard about his death, I was devastated. He was a good person and I miss him all the time. However, while we remember his tragic death, it's more important to realize that he wasn't some loser- he didn't consciously choose the path of drugs, back then, I'm pretty sure you got a kit and some tar with your record contract.

Still, I appreciate that we should view this new line up in line with other bands that had a tragedy strike them and came out the other side.

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 30 2009 @ 1:53PM

Mike says:

Duff,

Heard the new song and was blown away also. I don't really deconstruct music well and I actually kinda hate doing it....I either just feel it or I don't. It speaks to me or it doesn't. It is honest or it isn't. First time I heard it I got the tingly feeling down my spine and that was it. Fucking epic.

As far as the Layne Staley thing, what do people expect them to do? Are they supposed to hang it up and give up? Fuck that. You bury your soldier and your brother with honor and you move on. Living life is not disrespecting the dead, it is celebrating it. I really hope people will give this album an honest chance and listen to it with an open mind.

Also wanted to add Faith No More in the "still fuckin shit up" category.

Thank you for your writing!

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 31 2009 @ 1:54AM

Anonymous says:

.

Posted On: Friday, Aug. 7 2009 @ 2:29PM

Jamille says:

Hey Duff,
how is it going?
I saw Alice in Chains two weeks ago here in Dublin...Awesome show!
can't wait to see yours..
luv ya

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 3:25PM

davewah says:

The only good Pro Tools I know is the album titled 'Pro Tools' by GZA The Genius. Give it a listen, ya hear!

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 13 2009 @ 2:42AM

thesa joan graves says:

hi...im just wondering what are you into right now?...i haven't heard anything from you the past few years until i came here.can u do me a favor?, just by updating what's going on or what are you up in?anyways...i'm mesmerized with you performing on stage, since i'm a frustrated guitarist. i really like the way you bang on stage. have a good day! Godbless!!!

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 5:20AM

Aron says:

Duff, you were/are right, Black Gives Way To Blue is amazing! They pulled it off, biggest underdog story in rock since AC/DC?

Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 1 2009 @ 8:51PM