Alice in Chains at The Masonic in San Francisco

7 Oct, 2016 John Kosiewicz Alternative, Concert Reviews, Rock

On October 7, 2016, Alice in Chains performed at The Masonic in San Francisco. From Seattle, Washington, the grunge rock band was formed in 1987 by guitarist, Jerry Cantrell, along with original lead vocalist, Layne Staley. The bands current line up consists of William DuVall on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Jerry Cantrell on lead guitar and vocals; Mike Inez on bass and backing vocals; and Sean Kinney on drums.

The packed house was ready for a good old fashioned rock show and Alice in Chains delivered. Although the night’s set list included a sprinkling of amazing songs from each of their five studio albums, there was an emphasis on the sophomore album, Dirt, which was the band’s highest selling album to date. The five albums are Facelift (1990); Dirt (1992); Alice in Chains (1995); Black Gives Way to Blue (2009) and the most recent The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013).

In a sentimental moment, after introducing each of the four current members, Cantrell said to the audience, “There’s only been six of us, we’re gonna sing one for the other two: Layne (Staley) and Mike (Starr).” The fan’s cheered in their memory as the band played the song “Nutshell.” The fans were into the show all night, singing along with every song. However, some favorite moments were: Californian’s singing along to the words “California, I’m fine; Somebody check my brain; California’s all right; Somebody check my brain”; “Man in the Box” and “Junkhead.” The night ended with encore songs of “Rooster,” “No Excuses” and “Would?”.

For more information and tour dates, be sure to check out Alice in Chain’s official web site.