NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR TICKETS!
Out of all the concerts I’ve been to, I have never forgotten the tickets. Such a rookie mistake! I was halfway to the venue when I realized. Panic took over, and I won’t disclose how fast I was speeding down the interstate. But here’s an idea – Mapquest said my ill-fated trip should take 3 hours, 10 minutes. I turned around at 7:10pm, and was inside the 9:30 Club at 9:55pm…
Sadly, because of my carelessness, I missed the first 2 songs. But, we walked in during “Grind,” and it didn’t take long for the music to erase the whole ordeal from my memory. Everything went along pretty much as I expected from reading past reviews. After “Rain When I Die,” the lights went down and they showed footage of Layne while they set up for the acoustic set. I was so glad they did that. The special surprise of the evening was Scott Olson showed up for the acoustic set!!! I couldn’t believe it. The sound was great. I have watched the Unplugged DVD so many times; it was surreal. “Don’t Follow” was the highlight of the night for me. There was another video montage after the acoustic set, with various images/videos of the band from the road. Then the guys came back to rock it out some more. There was a lot of interaction between the band and the crowd, the music was insanely on-point – a 5 star evening.
There will never be a replacement for Layne, but Duvall really does a good job and has a tight fit with the rest of the band. Whether or not they should continue with the Alice in Chains moniker seems to be a touchy subject for fans. I just hope they continue.
Posted on 10/26/2006
Tags: live music, Washington D.C., 9:30 Club
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks for this review! I was curious to hear from a fan how the new singer came off live...wow, that is quite a set!
My Trusted MOGs
Wow all that and you got the set list...I admire your skills and will strive to emulate them in the future.
Cheers
My Trusted MOGs
I can't believe I missed this show last night! Bummer!
My Trusted MOGs
Oh Slewzeus, I wish I could lay claim to that setlist. I snatched that from the AiC discussion board, though.
My Trusted MOGs
glad you enjoyed the show, we had a blast seeing them here in Fort lauderdale on the 12th, unfortunately they didnt do the acoustic set due to the club being pricks but oh well. I know you would have been kicking yer ass if you had missed the show, so great to hear you didnt miss much.
My Trusted MOGs
thanks for the review...have heard a lot of really good review of the current alice in chains tour...
My Trusted MOGs
Oh man, awesome. I can't wait, I'm going to see them on Sunday!! :)
My Trusted MOGs
damn, i wish i could have seen them in austin. almost got to. damn.
My Trusted MOGs
i ADORED alice in chains when i was much, much younger... and like everyone, i was definitely skeptical of a new singer, even though they've been completely off my radar otherwise for many moons. i'm never one to think that a band should carry on once an instrumental member, especially a singer, passes on or quits, but i'm glad they're doing it gracefully. i've heard nothing but good things...
My Trusted MOGs
I'd bet even a fan who is violently opposed to a new AiC singer, if he/she could be objective, would give William credit for his performance. He is doing a more than decent job at what seems to be an impossible task. Go see them on this tour, if you can. It's worth it to hear those songs live, even without Layne. And the Layne tribute part is very touching...it is obvious that the band has not forgotten him or his legacy. I guess they're just trying to carry on and there's no rule book for the best way to do that.
My Trusted MOGs
Sweet review, thanks.
Everyone should check out Jerry Cantrell's "Degradation Trip" (the 2-CD version). It's a great rock album, and all about Layne.