Alice in Chains @ the Pagaent, St. Louis, MO

Words and pictures by Duane Clawson
I have to admit, at first I was not a fan of the “grunge” sound when it hit the airwaves in the early 90’s but one band changed my opinion, and that band was Alice in Chains.  It’s hard to believe this band has been together for over twenty-five years.  Never compromising or surrendering to the latest musical trends, Alice in Chains has stuck with the sound that first put them on the map.  Tonight’s stop in St. Louis found the band tight as ever and the Pageant proved to be the right setting at the right time.

The term “an evening with” prefaced this concert announcement as Alice in Chains opted for no opening band but had no trouble filling the space with 100+ minutes of fan favorites.  Alice in Chains is currently touring on its history:  no new music, playing only the classics that brought 2000 plus fans out on a Monday night.  From the get go, Alice in Chains brings it straight forward, a stage awash in red lights welcomes the band as they open strong with, “Bleed the Freak”.  If you close your eyes you’ll hear little to no difference between the late Layne Staley and current lead singer, William DuVall.  DuVall has fallen into the role of front man well, laying back when the time is right or pointing the microphone at the audience when a sing-a-long is warranted.  It was noted on social media that the band seemed very comfortable, as they took some long pauses between songs, it was mentioned they may have been tinkering with a new setlist.

In the midst of the above mentioned comfort, the band took off on a jam that included Rush’s “Working Man” and Kansas’s “Carry on My Wayward Son”, both interesting additions to the alternative metal/grunge band’s repertoire.  Founding member Jerry Cantrell made it known there would not be an encore, but really there was no need as every possible Alice in Chains hit was covered including “Sunshine”.  Cantrell said the band had only played this song twice live since 1991.  Polishing off the night, the band returned their roots with “We Die Young” from their 1990 EP of the same name.  As the house music came up, some of the audience members comments reminded of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  "This show was too short", "they didn’t play my song", but for many, it was just right!  Thanks to Alice in Chains management for allowing MTC access to this show and the Pageant for hosting yet another great show!  Photos of the show are below:

Contributed by Duane Clawson
Alice in Chains @ the Pagaent, St. Louis, MO Alice in Chains @ the Pagaent, St. Louis, MO Reviewed by Scott Rowe, Editor on August 06, 2015 Rating: 5
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