Another kick ass honest interview with Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kenny. It’s so cool to see them being serious and honest which was pretty rare back in the day.. In their past interviews it was rare to see any of the guys answering questions seriously and to see them talking about personal feelings? Never. Most of their interviews in the 90′s was of them joking around and just trying to ditch the harder questions. Now that they’re older maybe they feel it’s time to answer some of these questions, the questions people have been wanting to ask for all these years and I personally think it’s refreshing to see them being comfortable in their own skin while being honest and I think honesty can be therapeutic for them. I honestly believe that our secrets can keep us sick.
Sean mentions that he stayed home for ten years avoiding people because he wasn’t ready to talk about Layne or answer any of their probing questions…however he also mentioned that he feels better now that he has started to open up.
For years they were trying to hide the crazy sickness that was eating the band alive from the inside out, Layne’s drug addiction and his wild girlfriend and then there was Mike and his issues.. and they all had they’re own issues but at the time talking about it on MTV was the last thing any of them wanted to do and after awhile if you can’t be honest.. if it’s all turned to shit.. wouldn’t you rather just hide and isolate yourself and tell everyone to Fuck off? I know that I would do the same thing.
Layne’s mom said it perfectly when she told Mike Starr on celebrity rehab.. “Layne could of called the ambulance for himself that night he passed but he didn’t because he was too embarrassed and ashamed.. here he was a talented, beautiful young man who had squandered away his life and he was painfully ashamed of what he had become so instead.. he died alone and in pain. Drug addiction IS shameful. Drug addiction IS self mutilation and Drug addiction WILL kill you in the end. Hopefully someone will learn something from Layne’s death..hopefully someone will look at his story and reach out for help instead of being too ashamed or too full of guilt and fear of judgment. Hopefully someone will.
Layne Rest in Peace my friend.

Popularity: 9% [?]

I really enjoyed this video..it’s just Jerry and Sean sitting there talking freely with Faceculture.. about how they put together (the original) AIC, about the Music Bank, their first gigs, how they all met, finding their sound, first band names..Mike Starr and his sister Melinda, and they also talk about Layne – how they had never given up on AIC until the day Layne passed away. It’s just a great interview that lets us in for a glimpse into how they feel and felt at the time. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too. ENJOY!!

Popularity: 7% [?]

BLACKDIAMONDSKYE Tickets ON-SALE

Alice in Chains Tour News

Alice In Chains, deftones and Mastodon are teaming up for BlackDiamondSkye, an arena and amphitheater tour that kicks off Sept. 16 in Chicago.
The tour takes its name from the three bands’ latest albums: Alice In Chains’ “Black Gives Way to Blue,” the group’s first new album in 14 years, came out in September and includes the Grammy Award-nominated track “Check My Brain;” deftones’ “Diamond Eyes” dropped May 4th; and Mastodon’s “Crack the Skye” has been out since March of 2009 and is the band’s top-seller to date.

For Alice In Chains, the tour will be the latest move in a carefully constructed comeback that began with the group’s reunion in 2005, eight years after going on hiatus and three years after original frontman Layne Staley’s death.  This past year, they released “Black Gives Way To Blue” and hit the road to perform to sold-out crowds across the United States.

“The cool thing is this band is alive, and we’re alive…We’ve never done things just to do them, and we’ve never done things just to capitalize on an opportunity. We’ve done things because they felt right to do. We always did what’s right for us personally rather than maybe what was good business. And this situation is no different than the way we’ve ever operated.”   – Jerry Cantrell

Alice In Chains is currently in Europe for festivals in early June and July; it will also join Limp Bizkit at Rock Fest on July 18 in Cadott, Wisc.

Links: Alice in Chains official site | Cantrell’s designated charity – Autism Speaks

Popularity: 3% [?]

I found this tonight and thought it was cool. I knew Stone Gossard back in the day as well as his sister Shelley Gossard..both incredible and talented SWEET people. Layne was also friends with Stone so I think it fits here.
Check out the Stone Gossard’s 2008 Project on Youtube.com – Stone Gossard performs live with friends in Seattle, September 2008, performing original songs from an upcoming project. MP3s are available at pearljam.com

I was watching some of the old Pearl Jam videos on Youtube today and if it’s been awhile for you too or if your way younger then me and you never really have.. then I HIGHLY recommend you get too it.

It’s hard to believe I forgot just how much I loved their music. How full of soul and how talented each and ever one of them are. Mike McCready can play the guitar like a god and Stoney with his mellow groove and signature head bob. Eddie and his amazing voice and mellow personality. It’s cool too look back NOW and say WOW I remember being a part of that scene and how amazing it was to be around so many talented young people. I knew it was amazing and I knew I was lucky and that these bands were culture changing bands. These were not just one hit wonder bands. They were truley gifted. I knew it but it was still like no big deal. I guess I learned that just because someone is so talented and so famous that doesn’t make them any different then me or you.

Someday I’ll write about how I met Eddie Veder’s little brother in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, and how he sold me a demo of his brothers band that was gonna be HUGE someday and he “just knew it”. How I laughed at him but said OK anyway because he was cute, stuck and needed gas money. How I listened to that demo and LOVED it and then how I moved up to Seattle a about a year or so later and the how that kid was right. How I ended up meeting his brother and then running into him again in a bar and he freaking remembered me. How it’s a small world and how amazing life is. Ehh.. I can mark that down as one of things I need to write about. ((wink))

This is what they all looked like when I first met them..

SO Old School!

Popularity: 10% [?]

Second Coming feat. Layne Staley – Its Coming After

There’s a live version of this video but the audio sucks ass..HERE

Second Coming performing on September 9, 1994 in Seattle’s Fenix Underground. Second Coming subsequently went on to sign to Capitol Records, about 3 1/2 years after this video was filmed (after replacing the guitarist seen in the leather hat with ex-Sweetwater guitarist Dudley Taft and vocalist Travis Bracht).

This song and the rest of Second Coming’s catalog is available on iTunes.

Popularity: 20% [?]

I found this posted on Flickr.com.. which reminds me check out the new gallery page on this site. By the way.. I LOVE Second Coming and so did Layne and Mike Starr.

Popularity: 26% [?]

Alice In Chains Announces New Album “Black Gives Way To Blue” Listening Parties

Alice In Chains are currently set to release their new album “Black Gives Way To Blue” on September 29th. The band has issued the following announcement about two exclusive listening parties for the album:

“Do you live in L.A. or New York? Do you have an unquenchable thirst to hear the new Alice In Chains album now? Do you want to be cooler than everyone else for the next two months? Then check this out…

“There will be two private listening parties coming up, and a very small number of lucky Alice In Chains fans will be able to hear the new album in its entirety long before the release date on September 29th.

“The first listening party in Los Angeles will be this coming Tuesday, July 14th, at 7:00 P.M. The New York Listening party will be on July 21st.

“Here’s all you need to do: Send an email to aliceinchains@velvethammer.net with either LOS ANGELES or NEW YORK in the subject line and include your name, email address, and phone number.

“Five winners will be chosen at random, and the winners will be able to bring one guest. You’ll sit next to record company honchos and industry bigwigs as they all get a sneak preview of Black Gives Way To Blue. Then you can race home and start blogging about the music, and every board member on this site will hammer you with questions for the next two months.

“Here’s the pseudo-legal portion of the contest: Admission is non-transferrable, so if you’re one of the chosen few, this means your name will be your ticket in, and you can’t send your cousin Larry in your place.

“Absolutely no cameras, cell phones, video cameras, or recording devices of any kind will be allowed. You will be patted down and searched before you enter, so don’t try anything sneaky or you won’t be let in. If you look sketchy, suspicious, or just plain weird you will probably be given a body cavity search as well, so take a shower and try and be on your best behavior. And most importantly, LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AND CAMERA IN THE CAR!!!

“That’s about it. Winners for L.A. will be announced Monday, winners for New York will be announced July 20th – so send in your emails now and sit back and cross your fingers for the next couple of days.

“Good luck…”

Alice In Chains Reports On “Black Gives Way To Blue” Listening Party

By Metal Underground

Alice In Chains recently held a listening party for their upcoming album “Black Gives Way To Blue,” which will be released on September 29th. The band issued the following report on the party:

“Ive been to a record release party before, but never a listening party. There actually isn’t that much of a difference, but at the record release party the emphasis seemed to be on party, while last night’s emphasis was definitely on listening.

“Oh sure, there were some typical L.A. industry weasels who were more concerned with their hair gel than the album, but the vast majority of people were paying attention and rocking out.

“I couldn’t pick out the website winners from the industry types, but I imagine they may have been the ones that were banging their heads and playing air drums. But then again I saw some label people doing a bit of air guitaring too, so who knows?

“The event was held at the Ricardo Montalban Theater, so instead of standing around schmoozing and sucking down free cocktails all night long, most people sat down and listened to the record as still images were projected on a giant screen onstage.

“There were about 300 people there, and with the exception of a few of them getting out of their seats to go to the lobby (It’s L.A. man, of course there was free food & drinks), they sat in their seats and actually listened for nearly an hour.

“No one knew the song titles, no one knew how many songs there would be, and no one knew that when it was all over the screen would rise and the band would be set up on stage to play.

“The guys started off the short set with Down In A Hole, then Jerry said a few words before they played two new songs; Your Decision, and the title track, Black Gives Way To Blue.

“So now that a few people have finally heard it and Jerry spoke publicly about the lyrical content, I think I can reveal to the rest of you that the title of the album and the song of the same name are dedicated and in reference to Layne.

“For the guys to play it live for the first time was an emotional experience, and it did Layne proud, as it sounded amazing and the crowd went nuts when it was over.

“The whole thing was an emotional experience, but instead of getting all sentimental and Oprah-ey, I think I’ll just quote Jerry, who said to me, ‘We’ve been sitting on this f*%#ing egg for so long, it feels good to finally hatch it.’

“Unfortunately it doesn’t get hatched for real until September, but last night was a nice sneak preview.”

“A Looking In View” Download

Alice In Chains has posted their new music video online for the song, “A Looking In View.” You can check it out by heading to the bands official website.  ”A Looking in View” song is also a free download  (registration is required).

The song is from their upcoming album “Black Gives Way To Blue,” which is scheduled to be released on September 29th through Virgin Records.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Animation

Popularity: unranked [?]

A new ALICE IN CHAINS track entitled “A Looking In View” is now available for purchase via iTunes and Amazon

Check out the full stream before you buy on the bands Official website and watch the trailer below. New album, “Black Gives Way To Blue”, is due in stores on September 29th.

The Return of Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains is back with a fresh deal with EMI’s Virgin Records and new singer William DuVall, and is now ready to release their first album of fresh material in over a decade.

The grunge band’s forthcoming album will be released this September, and is the first with DuVall, who has toured with the group since 2006.

The effort was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, (Foo Fighters, Rush) and was mixed at Hollywood’s Henson Studios.

“It’s been a meaningful journey and a hell of a story,” said guitarist Jerry Cantrell. “We’re very excited to have a home at Virgin/EMI and are looking forward to writing new chapters in the book of Alice.”

Drummer Sean Kinney added, “We’re in a good place. We’ve made a record that we’re really proud of, we’ve got a team in place that’s passionate about the music and we’re excited for the fans to hear the new songs.”

The band recently performed at the Columbus, Ohio Rock On The Range festival. Their next outing comes on July 18th with a Detroit gig with Kid Rock. From there Alice In Chains will head overseas for a handful of festival dates with Metallica.

(Read the article)

Popularity: 6% [?]

Revolver TV has uploaded a short interview with ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell conducted by Full Metal Jackie at the first annual Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which was held on April 7 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. Watch the two-minute chat below.

ALICE IN CHAINS has signed with Virgin Records, a division of EMI Music, for the release of the group’s first new album in 14 years. According to a feature in the Los Angeles Times, the yet-to-be-titled disc will be out in mid-September. Production on the project was completed last month after more than a year of writing and recording. The Times writer, who got a preview of some of the material, called the album “recognizably thundering and gloomy,” with an acoustic track called “Your Decision” followed by what the reporter described as “a seven-minute epic built on heavy slabs of guitar, drums and bass, something like BLACK SABBATH but far quicker.”

The disc will mark the recording debut of vocalist William DuVall, who joined the group in 2006. Original singer Layne Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002 after nearly seven years in which the band was all but inactive.

Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez regrouped in 2005 for a charity show before embarking on several tours in 2006 and 2007 with DuVall on the mic.

When asked about stepping into the shoes of Staley, DuVall told the Times, “It’s a big thing. I’ve joined a group that has a strong identity and a strong legacy. Nobody’s sitting here who wants to, in any way, disrespect or sully that legacy. You want to add to it.”

All of ALICE IN CHAINS’ previous albums and EPs were on Columbia Records.

Alice in Chains at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards!

Alice in Chains at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards!

Popularity: 13% [?]

“People say that heroin killed Layne Staley, but the truth is, pop culture, and its vicious cycle for all things new and now, killed him years ago”.

Alice in chains playing Sea of sorrow in 1991

Popularity: 24% [?]

Mad Season – River Of Deceit

Mad Season – River Of Deceit, live at the Moore
Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 38% [?]

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 38% [?]

Alice In Chains Unplugged No Excuses

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 21% [?]

Classic Alice in Chains video…… Enjoy

Popularity: 31% [?]

Layne singing with a local band called Seventhsign. It’s been rumored that this is Demri singing in the video with him but I’m here to tell you.. that’s absolutely not Demri. Period. Just like it’s not Demri on the cover of the Dirt album. Ok, so now that we got that squared away.. enjoy the video. Layne didn’t know the lyrics and was on crutches so it’s pretty classic. Watch! Enjoy!

Layne Staley w/ Seventhsign

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 71% [?]

This is the video played during the changeover from the electric to acoustic set on the 2006 Alice in Chains tour. It’s a brief look at a little of what made so many of us love Layne so much …

Layne Staley Tribute Video (Features Rare Footage)!!!

Popularity: 36% [?]

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 26% [?]

Mad Season is my favorite project of Layne’s. I actually like Mad Season’s music more the Alice in Chains.. but that might just be because I listened to AIC too much..I’d never say I’m sick of them but you know what I mean.. All I know is I LOVE Mad Season. If you’ve never heard them then you must check them out asap. Click the video above to begin..your trip into heaven..

Popularity: 24% [?]

Popularity: 23% [?]