Review: Alice in Chains Returns to Seattle with Sold-Out Paramount Theatre Performance
I’ve been a fan of Alice in Chains for years, given their influence in the Seattle grunge movement, as well as their haunting lyrics and sound. I was a little young to have seen them before Layne Staley’s departure, and I’ve always been jealous of anyone that was able to be a part of those live performances. With Black Gives Way to Blue being released in 2009 with William DuVall officially joining as their replacement lead vocalist, it seemed that the band was alive once again. I think his voice compliments Jerry Cantrell’s, and he has a way of bringing Staley’s lyrics to life without losing his personal influence.
That being said, I hadn’t seen them perform together before stepping into the historic Paramount Theatre. I knew I was going to be the harshest critic, as I’m still very obsessed with Layne’s voice. When I walked in, it was almost as if I was walking into that same show at the Paramount in 1996. I was surrounded mostly by longtime fans that had also stepped into a time warp, reminding me of the early-to-mid 90s. I find it amazing that a band can have that power and influence on their audience.
They came on a little after 9:00, and their energy was on point from the first note played. Mike Inez stood on DuVall’s right side, commanding his bass, and Sean Kinney sat behind his drums controlling the rhythm as Jerry Cantrell took his place on his left on lead guitar and backing vocals. The set began with the newer cut “Hollow,” followed by classic Dirt tunes “Them Bones” and “Dam That River.”
After “Check My Brain,” Jerry went on to say “This next one is dedicated to Mike’s (Starr) son, as he’s in the audience tonight,” as they went on to perform “Nutshell.” The more songs they played, the more I felt the importance of Layne’s memory being preserved through these incredible songs that his voice brought to life. Even though Layne isn’t here any longer to sing them, DuVall helps them come alive and not be forgotten by carrying the torch.
That is the beauty of live music. I had never seen them with Layne, but I’m happy I still got to hear all my favorite songs live after all these years, which I thought would be impossible. He still lives through the band, and his timeless words that still resonate with so many people who came out to fill the venue.
The show ended with “It Ain’t Like That,” and they showed some extra love for Seattle playing “Sunshine” when they came back for the encore. After that came “Rooster,” “No Excuses,” and finished with my favorite “Would?,” which woke every emotion in my body. It was a night that I’ll surely remember for years to come.
