The legendary Alice In Chains have released a new record, ‘Rainier Fog’. Of course, what’s followed is a tour in support of that album. And on Wednesday, Aug 29th, the Hollywood Palladium was treated to the magnificent live show that Alice In Chains have put together for this particular tour. It was fantastic to say the least. A strong, heavy set that included the mega hits along with a generous portion of post Staley material. As well as a fantastic light and stage show. A complete concert.
But it wasn’t just the presentation and set list that made the night. It was the bands ability to reproduce their studio tracks live in flawless fashion. It was amazing how good they sounded. I’m still wrapping my head around it. All the harmonies were sung to perfection. ‘Down in a Hole’ being the most impressive example.
The show opened with a bombastic light show as the band walked to the stage. Then the opening riff of ‘Check My Brain’ filled the room with massive sound. ‘Again’ followed, it’s a perfect second song. The first song gets everyone pumped and singing along. But it was ‘Again’ that got everyone jumping. The whole floor was jumping with the ‘doot doot’ breakdown. While massive, searing lights were in sync with the rhythm. I was in the back of the venue and I could feel the heat from the lights. ‘Never Fade’ was the first new track to be played. And it’s a perfect first new track to play. As well as an excellent early song. And what would and AIC show be without ‘Them Bones’ followed by ‘Dam That River?’ It’s hard to imagine. But fortunately they were next to songs in the set. The band kept it heavy by following up with ‘Hollow.’ Then ‘Down in a Hole’ became the first ballad of the night. With ‘No Excuses’ trailing not far behind. ‘Stone’ brought back the heavy. And it was a major highlight of the night. With the band stopping before the bridge to insist the crowd meet their noise demands. And then that riff dropped and whole place went crazy.
‘We Die Young’ kept the momentum going with high energy and a heavy chugging riff. With William DuVall getting the audience to sing along with him on much of the song. ‘Red Giant’ again, showed just how well Cantrell and DuVall harmonize. The harmonies on the track are particularly difficult and they nailed them. The mandatory ‘Nutshell’ came next. With enough crowd enthusiasm to raise Layne from the dead. It was magnificent. And I noticed that DuVall sang it this time around. My understanding is that Jerry sang that song for the past tours. So it was sort of a right of passage for DuVall to sing it I think. ‘It Ain’t Like That’ was the deep cut of the night. Reaching deep into ‘Facelift’ for that one. And I’m super glad they did. A welcome addition. ‘So Far Under’, one of the bands most bad ass post Staley tracks, slammed the audience down. I was blown that they played it. Solidifying the bands intent to go hard on this current tour. ‘Man in the Box’ appropriately closed out the main set. And it’s one of those situations where you know they’re going to play it. And you’re not particularly excited because you’re a fan and you want to hear deep cut material. But when they do play it, and everyone is singing every word together, it becomes this really special moment. And that’s exactly what happened.
‘The One You Know’ opened the encore set. They could have opened the show with it as well. It’s just a great pump up, classic chugging, Alice In Chains track. With Cantrell covering most of the vocals. ‘Got Me Wrong’ really was a fantastic treat. Performed with deadly accuracy. And of course, the band closed the night out with their two mega hits from the ‘Dirt’ album: ‘Would?’ and ‘Rooster’. Robbie Kreger came out and played ‘Rooster.’ What a way to close out a show. Four encores? Yes please!! Most bands only play two.
Overall Alice In Chains were one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. A complete collection of excellent song writing delivered with impeccable diligence. With an incredible light show to boot. It really felt like they were playing The Bowl or The Forum. With their stage show and all. It was a massive production. It’s been a while since I’ve seen some lights that were so memorable. I’ve posted some videos of the night below. You gotta see it for yourself. One of the best shows ever. Def top five.
