Last Night: Alice in Chains at EMP
Let's just get this out of the way: Jerry Cantrell is a fine guitarist with a lovely voice. I have no axe to grind with Mr. Cantrell and I think he's a talented fellow who should continue to make music till his impressive mane of shimmery blonde hair turns snow white. However, I really don't think he should make it under the moniker of "Alice in Chains," regardless of who he is collaborating with. 
When I walked into EMP last night to catch the not-so-secret AIC acoustic show, there were a few hundred fans in attendance, all of whom appeared to be enjoying themselves very much. They were singing along loudly to "The Rooster", one of the last singles from AIC's wildly successful, junk-inspired opus, Dirt. I love that record; "The Rooster" not as much as tracks like "Them Bones" and "Angry Chair." That album may sound slightly dated now in terms of production values, but those are damn good songs and Layne Staley--tortured and destructive man that he was--gave an indisputable star turn in the vocal department. It's a horrific, but gorgeous piece of art.
I have no doubt that Cantrell was probably more than half of what made that band successful. He obviously did the lion's share of the writing, and his harmonies (and occasional lead vocals) were a critical part of the mix. However, Staley was simply the dark, kinetic energy that tipped the scales for that band, and now that he's not part of the equation, those songs don't weigh as much by themselves.
The acoustic set was pleasant enough. Original members Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez, and drummer Sean Kinney haven't lost momentum or chops, and when the set flowed into the song "No Excuses", it sounded for a brief moment like we were back in pre-condo-explosion-era Seattle, circa '94. "This is great; you're a good crowd," boomed Cantrell. "But hey, it's a Seattle crowd." That observation was met with loud cheers, something part of me wishes I could have joined in on. But as soon as they launched in to "Down in a Hole", with new vocalist William DuVall (pictured above) taking on Staley's vocal parts, I simultaneously felt bored and a little sick to my stomach.
When they finished that song, Cantrell asked if the audience if they wanted to hear "the new shit," referring to a listening party for the forthcoming album, Black Gives Way to Blue. Indeed, they did, and the crowd proceeded to follow Cantrell out the EMP doors and through the Seattle Center to the Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome Theater. While I appreciated the nod to the universal stoner/metalhead's love for listening to rock will watching an LED light show, I just didn't have the heart to go in.
I haven't thought about Layne Staley's death for a while. Like far too many musicians, particularly in our community, his young life was cut short by chemicals and dumb-ass choices. I applaud Cantrell and company for surviving the trauma such a senseless loss induces, but to continue to play under that name when the man who was such a defining element of that name is now dead just seems a tad tasteless. Keep making music, hell, keep playing those songs if you want to, but calling it Alice in Chains just feels incongruous with the presentation.
57 comment(s)
DisgustedByYou says:
Why did you bother wasting bandwidth with this drivel. You didn't even bother to listen to the new stuff....they probably wouldn't let you in since you're obviously a tween-ager. Idiot.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 4:54PM
Anonymous says:
fag
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 5:04PM
Hold up says:
What's faggy about not wanting to listen to Alice in Chains?
Emo is more like it.
Layne's death was a big deal, and to some people, it still is.
Now let's all get Hannah a tissue.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 5:36PM
WhinerX49er says:
Lame. Your write-up, not the reincarnated Alice in Chains. New album rocks, not sticking around was your loss.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 5:47PM
Lee says:
really don't think he should make it under the moniker of "Alice in Chains," regardless of who he is collaborating with."
Do you really think that's going to stop them from making music. To be honest no one gives a shit what you think-except for people who agree with, and unfortunately there are those that do. You saying the songs aren't as good without Layne says that they don't have merit by themselves. Why can't a good song simply be a good song. It's pretty clear that you had no intention of even trying to like the new music. You didn't have an axe to grind all right; you had a grudge to hold. A real article would be a review of the new album, good or bad, not some whiny ass shit like this. Layne's dead dude. Forever. Get over it.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 6:31PM
Lee says:
Oh, and you might want to get your information strait since you decided to slag on them so much- Mike Inez is not an "original" member
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 6:34PM
professortribune says:
Dear Hannah, it reads like you need some therapy for more complex isues you are displacing onto non issues with Alice In chains. In doing so you have avoided doing your job as a journalist who reviews the arts. Lucky you to get away with it, unfortunate for those of us who are supposed to be able to look to your printed words as a reliable resource. It is also unfortunate for journalists because shit like this undermines our credibility in covering the arts.Blaming your editor is a cop out. What a shame. So, yea, thanks for nothing. And thank you Alice in Chains for handling it graciously and continuing to contribute to the inspiring movement of music. Most of us get it, really we do.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 8:16PM
Mur says:
lol. So I guess any other band that lost a member or lead vocalist, which is more to the point, either by dying or leaving, is garbage? Do I have to list the bands?? lol
Listen to the new stuff and report on THAT. Layne was Layne. The same goes for other bands in the same situation, but you people always go back to what it was, when it clearly isn't anymore.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 9:00PM
Brian says:
wow, you people are sensitive.
me think-est thou doth protest too much.
hannah made some valid observations. is it that hard to accept that there are people who think differently than you do?
me, i use to see AIC play the vogue & the central a bunch and was a big fan of them during their early 'queen of the rodeo' gun & roses meets punk stage, & was bummed when they turned grungy & stuff.
i thought they sold out when they signed with susan silver!
ha!
flame away..........
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 27 2009 @ 10:01PM
Anonymous says:
well, that was one of the dumbest articles i've read this week.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 12:17AM
Anonymous says:
I would have gladly taken your ticket. You know how many FANS were ringing 99.9 off the hook to go enjoy this show? The new stuff is amazing, of course everyone misses Layne... and I can even imagine his voice over the new tracks..but AiC has to move on eventually, and I think they are doing damn good job.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 1:32AM
Anonymous says:
Hannah, you are a conceited moron.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 8:10AM
Mike says:
Hannah,
Interesting article on how you feel. Ever thought that them staying under the AIC name keeps Layne's legacy alive? That's a good thing if you are a fan. Everyone has their opinion but NOT to go into the Laser Dome for free food, beer, drinks and then get to preview the whole new CD first you could have gotten a pretty good article exclusive all about the new CD out on the web for the Seattle Weekly! Opportunity lost. For those not there I have photos up from the whole event.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 8:39AM
Andrew C says:
I think the new singer is very good at all. I loved old AIC as much as everyother hesher out there, but the new singer is simply not Layne. That being said, I wouldn't like the new record even if it was played at a laser show. I know I won't like it and it is certainly not AIC. Didn't Creed get a new singer too?
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 10:14AM
John O says:
They're way more AIC than New GNR is GNR.
The AIC name will sell records, and bring back fans. Damn, the new single sounds bigger and better than ever. The band has a ton of fans and industry friends who want them to do the AIC thing. You should have gone in and checked it out in all it's glory. You missed out big time, lewser! =)
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 10:26AM
Jesse says:
This was my take on the night (see link - Fuck n Bass ASS & Free)
I went to the Laser Dome and listened to the new stuff and it rocks and the fact that the band put themselves out there and mingled with anyone who wanted to talk is pretty big. Free food and drinks, you just plain missed out. You turned down that offer and in my opinion that was lack of respect on your part. You should have given your ticket up.
and to put it into perspective for you its like me writing a peice about Lady Gaga and saying I walked out after she invited me to listen to her new music. Even thou she is not my favorite artist (maybe yours) I still would respect the offer and give it a listen...especially if I wrote for Reverb. Shit Layne's mom even made the walk over.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 10:59AM
KC says:
It's called "Rooster" f-head NOT THE ROOSTER. If you can't get that right then the rest of the article is junk.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 11:24AM
Anonymous says:
It's also "Staley". If he means so much to you that you can't listen to the new music you might want to look up the correct spelling of his name. Too bad you used up a ticket that someone might have appreciated.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 11:46AM
Anonymous says:
I think you should have at least given these guys a chance, considering they were huge part of the Dirt record which you supposedly love.. It's a damn shame..I know people who had 3 phones ringing up stations to get a ticket... Why go if you already decided you weren't gonna like it?
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 1:10PM
Anonymous says:
"It's my name. Should I change it? Fuck off." ~ Sean Kinney
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 5:14PM
Butch says:
Hannah:
I generally look forward to reading your work. I've enjoyed your show on KEXP. I like your bar. However, I was truly disappointed to read your "review" of what was truly a magical and intimate evening for both AIC and their Seattle fans. I noticed that although you felt that "the acoustic set was pleasant enough", you became bored after hearing less than three songs (Rooster was the third of five total songs in the set). That doesn't strike me as an appropriate attention span for a music critic. It is also apparent that you missed most of the band's intentions for the evening... to provide an intimate acoustic show, mingle and connect with the fans, and provide an opportunity to hear the new album a month before the release date. How unfortunate that you made yourself available for approximately 1/6 of the event. Even more unfortunate is the fact that you actually felt qualified to post a review of the evening. Lastly, even if the band changed it's name to something that you might like (how about "Serge's Poutine"), people would still refer to them as "the guys from Alice In Chains" (inevitable follow up inquiry - Q: What does the new music sound like? A: Alice In Chains). Never have I seen more genuine interaction and appreciation between artists and fans than I experienced on Wednesday night. I'm sorry you missed it, and I hope that you get a chance to actually hear the new album.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 9:33PM
Mike says:
Judging from the posts above you have some serious issues to deal with. You showed up late. You left early. You missed the story. I hope your editor is aware of the shoddy, unprofessional work you’re doing. I can read any hack raving on a blog. The reason I read the Seattle Weekly is because I thought there were professionals writing there. It’s not a matter of opinion or taste. Read the comments above. You have factual errors. And in my opinion you had pre-written the review in your head before you ever showed up. And the worst part is that Lane’s death touched so many in this city and you’ve reduced it to a “theme” for your review. You obviously weren’t a part of the evening. I was. And those fans who truly love Lane and this band embraced the evening for what it was, a chance to reconnect with old friends. This was evident at the party where the band mingled with fans, signing autographs, chatting about old times, and playing a terrific new album. It was special. And you missed it, Hannah. You totally missed it.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 10:04PM
Bucky says:
What a fricking terrible article! You don't even know the names of the band's songs? It's Rooster not "The Rooster" Genius! And you are criticizing a band coming back together and you didn't even listen to the new album with the fans and the band, what the hell is the matter with you? Nice journalism, you obvilously don't give a crap about music. By the way "tasteless", when did you join the band, oh yeah never, shut the hell up and let these guys make music the way they and the fans want.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 10:39PM
headcreepz says:
wow Hannah! Could u possibly be any shallower? Maybe one day youll be done with your journalism apprenticeship. Until then, fuck off.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 29 2009 @ 4:23AM
Michelle says:
I can't believe you wasted our time with this self-indulgent bullshit masquerading as journalism, but even more so I can't believe the Seattle Weekly paid you to do it.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 29 2009 @ 12:47PM
sean says:
hannah, do you call yourself a journalist? because this "article" is absolute bulls**t. alice in chains performed that show for their fans, whom they love. then you didn't even stick around to hear the new stuff?! you should have just let a real fan have your ticket. layne's death was tragic, but he wasn't all there was to Alice.
this "article" wasn't journalism as much as it was just poor little hannah being insecure with the revival of a great band.
AiC will never die!!
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 29 2009 @ 1:51PM
Trip'n! says:
All of you are insensitive and stupid. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. To personally attack a writer with an opinion makes you dumb, a moron, blah blah blah. AIC is not the same band anymore. They never will be and as far as music and death are concerned. Getting back together and replacing the lead singer is an insult to what AIC was. So fuck all you all. What's so awesome about this is she got a RISE out of you and that's what a good writer does. Go piss on your lives.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 29 2009 @ 4:49PM
ClownSuitCowboy says:
Hannah,
We understand the way you felt listening to "Down in a Hole". You have managed to write an article which is both boring and slightly nauseating.
If Alice were going back and writing songs about heroin addiction and the other demons of Staley, I would sympathize with you. However, they are writing tunes now which are based upon the years following our friend Layne's death. They are not emulating him; they are paying homage to him. The soul of the new material lies therein: reflection, mourning, healing. Black gives way to blue.
As Sean and Mike said in an interview, if your parents died, would you change your name and stop leaving the house? Yes, we've lost an important figure from a bygone era. Are the fans boycotting the new AIC and not going to these shows out of disdain? No, last I checked, shows are still selling out. The art lives on, and the band lives on.
I'm not saying you're not entitled to your opinion because you're in the minority. I'm saying that you come off as that clerk at the music store who comments on how 'derivative' and 'unoriginal' customers' purchases are. You've created a false expert power and wielded it as though your opinion should matter to everyone else - including the surviving artists who brought you that great musical piece of the past.
Music does not die. It does not remain on an album, frozen in time, never to be heard again by the souls who breathed it into existence. It lives forever, even as artists grow old, as bands break up, as singers die. It grows with us; it changes every day as we take a piece of the past and integrate it with our present. Our piece of the past is Layne Staley. We no longer have Layne, but those of us who missed Alice in their heyday can join up with this band once more as they, too, reflect on those gone days. Layne's death has become part of AIC for all of the fans. I feel that the band's survival story, although sonically different, is no less valuable without Layne's huge voice bolstering it. It was always the honesty which drove Alice's music; the stuff was the epitome of substance over style, a gritty realism captured in haunting harmony.
These guys are reflecting upon the same past you are. They miss it too. They at least had the gravitas to make a musical tribute to everything you're discussing. They are the artists; it's their story and they have the right to tell it under whatever name they choose.
Long live AIC, and welcome Wiliam.
PS: The song is called "Rooster", not "The Rooster". Next time try "the Google".
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 8:18AM
Michelle says:
I hope the editors of the Seattle Weekly are paying attention because ClownSuitCowboy just wrote something far more worthy of their Reverb pages than the "journalist" they have on staff. Thank you for your thoughtful reply ClownSuitCowboy.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 10:08AM
Gayle says:
Hey Seattle Weekly, you should pay me to do this job instead. I would actually go to the event and report on what happened. I was there, and this article is a gross misrepresentation of what took place that night. The five acoustic songs at EMP were a small part of the evening, and Hannah, you were very foolish to not walk in those doors at the CD listening party. That is part of your job isn't it. Why do they pay you to do this job if you are not interested in hearing the artists new material? What a letdown of your readers. You have lost all credibility to me.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 10:17AM
Long Live AIC says:
I must agree with most of the comments regarding Hannah's article: obviously not a true fan of AIC, and by the way, what the hell do you mean with calling Dirt "slightly dated in terms of production values". WTF?! That album sounds as awesome today as it ever did, and the production still sounds amazing!
As has been said previously, you went to that show with your mind already made up about the new Alice In Chains. Layne Staley was an incredibly talented singer with a tremendous voice, but he's no longer with us and life goes on. The members of AIC payed more than adequate respect to their departed member by being on hiatus for more than half a decade. What more do you want from them?! It's THEIR band----as you yourself admitted, Jerry Cantrell is a founding member who has always written "the lion's share of the songs" and Sean Kinney is also a founding member. Mike Inez may not be a founding member, but he's a longtime member nevertheless. And William DuVall is an adequate replacement, though he will never replace Layne. How could anyone? Give them a freakin' break!
Personally, I'm very happy that AIC is back with a brand-new album on September 29. I'll be picking it up on the day it comes out. And I'm very optimistic about their future. Many bands have lost/replaced lead singers and enjoyed much success afterward (Black Sabbath and Van Halen immediately come to mind)----perhaps the best example of this is AC/DC, who, following the death of their previous charismatic frontman Bon Scott, got a new singer Brian Johnson and released their signature album---one of the bestselling albums of all-time---"Back In Black". Could such a thing be the case for Alice In Chains? Unlikely, I admit. But I'm in great spirits regarding the new album----and I envy those of you who were at that show and were able to hear it before the rest of us, who still have to wait another month! Damn! ;)
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 10:37AM
Anonymous says:
This isn't an article, it's a soapbox for you to spout your preconceptions.
You show up late with your mind already made up and leave before the real story.
Maybe you should apply over at Fox News.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 11:20AM
Mac says:
Layne was a huge part of AIC's sound. However, to show up late and then not even go and listen to the new album doesn't make any sense. (You were there for 2 songs plus however much of Rooster you caught) What would be better than hearing the new album when you're already there! Maybe your mind was already made up.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 9:06PM
Julia says:
Hannah Levin, congratulations on one of the most insanely worthless/terrible articles I've read in years!
And don't just write off our protesting as die-hards sticking up for AIC no matter what. No. That's not what this is. Your writing is atrocious, your facts are wrong, and it is very evident that you are way too closed-minded to be a journalist.
It makes me sick that people like you are taking up space at a highly anticipated show with limited tickets.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 9:30PM
na says:
The very first problem with this article was reading the name of the author. From there it was all down hill. The reason why you're receiving backlash Ms. Levin is because you took on someone bigger than yourself. Alice in Chains. If Layne could slap you personally i'm sure he'd make the trip up from the grave to do so. Since that can't happen the verbal backlash will have to suffice.
Your first mistake was post something so completely ignorant. Did you actually admit that you missed the show, and then decided that you were going to write an article as if your "job" was complete, when you in fact left less than half way through. Bullshit-I do think so. Your credibility was based pretty much on just being a scene rat from the start, but as you can clearly see from the responses your getting your professionalism is lacking. Too bad for you that when writing this you took on 1. A (local) music giant, 2. Made an ass of yourself, and 3. Had to be reminded not to pick on those who are bigger than you are.
In the future, do your research on original members, spell their names correctly, complete your tasks before making assessments, and remember the LOCAL legends that opened the doors for shit like you to spin on your show at KEXP deserve respect. The best thing you can do in the future, is respect yourself, respect our community, and shut the fuck up.
Posted On: Monday, Aug. 31 2009 @ 10:06AM
Whatever says:
If I'm not mistaken....Layne was the only original member from the old Alice N chains! Figure it out!
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 1 2009 @ 10:20AM
Chris... says:
I have no time for critics… they are mostly wannabes who do not have the balls. Nor the ability to stand up with a original idea. I suspect you may not have been there but were texting somebody that was there. Miss the “Lame Guys” need to here them yelling “LAME!”
Bull Shit job sitting around being a critic. Go create something better if you think it is that fricken easy.
Loved how the folks called out his lameness.
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 1 2009 @ 10:36AM
Tiz says:
ClownSuitCowboy, thank you for what you wrote! It's one of the most beautiful things I read about Alice in some time! And told without insulting, which gives you POINTS!
I just think that you can't really give an opinion on something you do not know and I feel nearly angry that a ticket was given to Hannah so she could go see my boys and come up with a piece like this that does not justice to Alice in Chains.
I'm glad Nancy was there, Jerry and Sean must have been really happy!
To all of you who were there, YOU EXPERIENCED MY DREAM!
Layne is gone and Alice in Chains are there to spread Layne Love among old and new fans!
"In the darkest hole you d be well advised not to plan my funeral before the body dies....YEAH!"
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 1 2009 @ 11:15AM
Whambulance says:
Hanna is right, totally right. Jerry & Co. rock and need to carry on, but it's not AIC any more than Black Sabbath could have been the same band with Dio, the music was great but not the same thing at all. There was no Zeppelin without Bonham. There's no Doors without Morrison. No Pantera without Dimebag. Thankfully, no Nirvana without Cobain. All fine artists dead and alive with amazing careers and a huge influence across generations. It's best to move ahead with exception for tributes or reunions.
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 1 2009 @ 3:47PM
Whambulance Chaser says:
That's for THE BAND to decide, whether THEY want to carry on under THEIR own band name or not--not you, me, or Hannah Levin. Whether anyone likes it or not, Alice and Chains has new songs. It's unfortunate for Seattle Weekly that they didn't have a representative there to critique THEM a full month before they were released.
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 2 2009 @ 11:55AM
Steven says:
The new stuff ROCKS! It actually has the original sound plus sounds like the lead vocalist has a little soundgarden in him.. Definite combo for success. It's too bad you didn't listen to the new stuff. Sounds Great!!! Can't wait for the full album!
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 2 2009 @ 12:28PM
Ann Nonymous says:
Dear Seattle Weekly - would you mind hiring a reviewer that actually attends the shows they write about? I don't think that's too much to ask. Hannah has worn out her welcome. I thought Patrick McDonald had retired but apparently he's back - and blonde. Thank you.
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 2 2009 @ 7:17PM
Whale And Wasp says:
The fact that the reviewer is only able to cite the songs that have gotten regular radio airplay such as "The" Rooster (sorry cant stop laughing about that) is telling. My 5-year old niece knows "Down In A Hole." Thats like people who scream, "Ive always been a huge Nirvana fan!" But the only song they even sort of know is Smells Like Teen Spirit. Its too bad that Hannah Pretentious sat her Bjork lovin carcass in a seat that should have went to someone who could appreciate this moment in history. Or at least coulve showed an ounce of respect and watched the entire show.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 3 2009 @ 8:20AM
Actual AIC fan says:
Dear 'the' Seattle Weekly,
Fire this 'writer' who pretends to be a fan, but "didn't have the heart" to walk to listen to the new shit (isn't that her job as a music reviewer?) and hire ClownSuitCowboy. His/her comment was more meaningful than this article pretended to be. It's too bad that this person wasted her time and took up a space that someone else who really wanted to be there. Sounds like a once in a lifetime event.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 3 2009 @ 1:24PM
Surfer420 says:
Who's Trip'n? What are you doing Hannah. It is not her oppinion that people are upset with. It is the fact that she got paid to report on a band and a show. She does not have information about the band correct. She showed up late and left early. She did not listen to the new music, yet writes an article about it and the band. Very bad Journalism, so you can go FUCK yourself.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 3 2009 @ 3:03PM
Dave says:
It is indeed for the band to decide on the issue of keeping a name. AC/DC kept on after Bon Scott's death and Back in Black was a hell of a tribute. Black Sabbath put out two kick ass albums with Dio. I'd venture a guess that many people thought Bon Scott and Ozzy were every bit a part of the sound and soul of those bands as Layne was to Alice in Chains. Granted Ozzy didn't die, but it does not matter. It was still Black Sabbath. Pink Floyd kept on with the name without Syd Barret who blew his mind on drugs and early Floyd was very much a Syd Barret band.
As someone who has played in bands (I can only assume Ms. Levin has not), I can attest to the fact that it becomes a part of your being, even more so when one gets to the level of Alice in Chains. They stayed away for a long time, but being that it was so much a part of their every fiber they eventually came back, and what better way to come back than with something that pays respect and tribute to all that they lost when Layne passed away?
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, Ms. Levin, but I wonder why you left. If you felt so strongly about this whole name thing, why not ask the band? Why not try to understand from those who knew Layne, from those who made music with him, from those who were trying to pay homage to the past while still setting a course for the future. Why simply leave and hide behind a blog post?
Instead you simply left without seeking answers. And that does far more disrespect to the memory of Layne than the continued use of the band name.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 3 2009 @ 6:40PM
DillonFromForks says:
....DYKE
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 3 2009 @ 10:36PM
Eric says:
If your parents died, would you change your name?
No, I didn't think so.
Posted On: Friday, Sep. 4 2009 @ 7:13AM
Anonymous says:
Duvall singing junkhead rofl
Posted On: Friday, Sep. 4 2009 @ 11:41AM
Glen says:
WTF... I would have given my right ball to have attended this special night in your place you miserable SOB. You are pathetic and don't know shit. Hope you lose your job and are unemplyed for a lon time. You obviously have no musical taste.
Posted On: Saturday, Sep. 5 2009 @ 7:35PM
Jeff says:
Have you never heard of AC/DC? Should they not have continued because their singer made bad decisions?
Seriously, free speech and all, but you suck.
And uh, Jerry WROTE Down In A Hole, so he damn well can play that song with a new singer as "Alice In Chains".
Grow up!
Posted On: Sunday, Sep. 6 2009 @ 6:25PM
Darren says:
Hannah's opinion is exactly that. An Opinon. This is an argument that will go on as long as Jerry/Sean/Mike make music. Layne is gone. IT SUCKS.
I lost my wife in Jan who turned me on to AIC. I'd sure hope none of Her friends would ever treat me like Hannah treated AIC. Just get bored and walk away because she is no longer around and I have someone new 7 years later.
I also just question her ability to proof her article. At least do your research. That is one thing a writer out there out of work has the rite to be pissed about.
Posted On: Monday, Sep. 7 2009 @ 8:44PM
Albert says:
See, this is the kind of shit that pisses me off. The only "dumb-ass choice" that was made was your choice to write this article. Understand? A lot more goes into a band's "name" than simply how one vocalist sings. Although there are times where what you say is true, this is not the case. Why? Well, as you said, Jerry Cantrell contributed to a lot of the AIC fame. That is a reason alone why they should remain with their name. But a quantitative means of why a "name" remains is not enough. There's more and that is the fact that they honor Layne Stayley by continuing. Let me ask you, if Layne could see all this, what would you think if he saw the band (the family he basically lived with) change the name just because he wasn't there. I ASSURE you that he would have wanted the name Alice in Chains itself to continue on with or without him.
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 9 2009 @ 11:22PM
Nate says:
Horrible review! I hope Seattle Weekly gets someone who actually knows music to write a review next time. The fact that this author called their song "The Rooster" shows just how out of touch she is.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 10 2009 @ 3:15PM
Greg Vernon says:
I was at the event (the whole event, including the album listening party at Laserium). It happens that I am an Alice in Chains fan, but even if I weren't, I'd objectively be able to tell you what a rare, special evening this was.
I've never heard of a band going to these lengths to create an intimate and personal connection with fans. If I had written this article I would have mentioned that the band actually led the crowd of 400 across the Seattle Center to the Laserium. I'd mention that Jerry Cantrell actually came out into the line waiting to get in to the Laserium, while the other three band members eagerly welcomed fans into the Laserium by signing autographs, chatting them up and generally being genial parts of the audience.
Had I written the piece I'd have noted that the Staley family were in attendance for both parts of the night and seemed to enjoy the evening as much as any fan did.
I probably would have remarked that after the last song, "Black Gives Way to Blue," played and the lights came up and the audience filed out the doors, band members remained, continuing to engage fans and sign autographs long after the evening had "ended."
Never mind that I probably would have proofread my piece to accurately describe the songs performed. In so doing I might have been reminded that the acoustics were dynamic in the EMP space, and that for the fortunate in attendance, we were given a taste of what it must have been like to be in the studio of the famous MTV Unplugged taping only we could practically reach out and touch the band members, so small was the space.
In short, I think anyone who actually attended the whole evening could have done a better job conveying what the show was really about for the Seattle Weekly in a more accurate way than did the writer (?) of this hack job.
I agree with those who observed that this is a smear piece tainted with preconceived notions that don't so much as match the reality of the band, of the Staley family, or of those who were fortunate enough to share this very special night in Seattle. Which ultimately makes this blog a waste of space but which makes the comments beneath it all the more valuable.
Posted On: Friday, Sep. 11 2009 @ 7:37PM
Van Conner says:
Horrible.
Posted On: Monday, Sep. 14 2009 @ 9:19AM
Craig says:
Hannah,
As some have pointed out, and as I'm about to, the song is called "ROOSTER" not "THE ROOSTER".
Although I don't agree with many of the statements in your article, your opinion would probably less of a joke if it came across as informed, but when you don't even know the song names of the band you're writing about, it reveals that you probably did your "in depth" AIC research on Wikipedia.
It's lame to try to sell yourself as an AIC fan and pretend to know something about their music just to give your article substance... that, to use your words, "SEEMS A TAD TASTELESS", and disrespectful to the Layne you pretend to care so much about.
Time to shake you rattle, I mean fist, at someone who actually deserves it.
Posted On: Sunday, Oct. 4 2009 @ 10:02PM