Alice In Chains Find New Vocalist

The surviving members of Alice In Chains have tapped Comes With The Fall vocalist/guitarist and member of AIC guitarist Jerry Cantrell's touring band William DuVall to sing lead vocals for the group on their upcoming European tour, reports Blabbermouth.

Alice In Chains have recently reunited and announced that they'll play some US club dates and European festivals this spring and summer (read story on UG). Beyond that, however, the group does not have any set plans.

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell told Launch that operating this way is nothing new for Alice In Chains. "We're gonna take it like we always did, and we've always kind of made it up as we've gone along," he said. "You know, if you were looking at how to really capitalize on this experience and really make dough and make it a profitable thing, a band might, you know, would come out with a singer, have a record ready and all that. But that's not where we're coming from with this thing. We're coming from the place of 'It feels good, and we're having a good time, so we'd like people to be a part of that.'"

Jerry Cantrell alongside with bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney performed with DuVall and ex-Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo on March 10 at a taping of the VH1 Classic series "Decades Rock Live!" Anselmo sang two songs with the group, while DuVall performed another two and dueted with Heart vocalist Ann Wilson on "Rooster."

This was only the second live show for Alice In Chains since 1996. The band members played at a tsunami relief benefit in February of 2005. So, ten years after their last tour, Alice In Chains are back on the road. Check out the schedule below to see if they will be paying a visit to your neighborhood:

05/26 - Lisbon, Portugal @ Super Bock Super Rock
05/27 - Granada, Spain @ Copera
05/28 - Madrid, Spain @ Madrid Festimad (with Tool, The Deftones & more)
05/30 - Bilbao, Spain @ Santana 27
06/02 - Germany @ Rock Am Ring (with Metallica, Guns N' Roses & more)
06/03 - Nurburg, Germany Rock Im Park (with Metallica, Tool & more)
06/04 - Milan, Italy @ Milan Gods of Metal (with Guns N' Roses, Korn & more)
06/06 - Zlin, Czech Republic @ Novesta Hall (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/07 - Katowice, Poland @ Spodek (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/08 - Budapest, Hungary @ Petofi Csarnok Open Air (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/10 - Donington, England @ Download Festival (with Metallica, Tool & more)
06/11 - Dublin, Ireland @ RDS Download Festival
06/13 - Zurich, Switzerland @ Volkshaus (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/15 - Nickelsdorf, Austria @ Novarock Festival (with Metallica & Motorhead)
06/16 - Seinajoki, Finland @ Provinssirock Festival
06/17 - Sweden @ Hultsfred Festival (with Korn, Soulfly & more)
06/19 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ Vega (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/20 - Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/22 - Paris, France @ Bataclan (with Stone Sour & Bloodsimple)
06/23 - Clisson, France @ Hellfest (with Korn, Cradle of Filth & more)
06/24 - Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting (with Guns N' Roses, Korn & more)
06/26 - Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
06/30 - Bratis, Slovakia (with Korn)
07/01 - Burgum, Holland @ Waldrock (with Motorhead, Soulfly & more)
07/02 - Nijmegen, Holland @ Goffert Park (with Guns N' Roses & Stone Sour).

Comments

[Asago]

sounds interesting :P:P

[PlugOfDoom]

He looks like Lenny Kravitz or something. No one can replace Layne Stanley. The pressure must be insane for this poor bastard.

[Harmonius]

Awesome. Rock on Cantrell.

[les_paul_01]

4th! cool news

[FrenchyFungus]

SWEET.

10th of june, i'm going to Download!!!!!

[_ChAkA_]

alice in chains sucks hardcore monkey balls.

Then why bother coming in here? Idiot...

That's awesome. I'm happy to hear they're doing what they love doing. It'd be great if they came to Canada :P

[DaddyTwoFoot]

It ain't right.

[Davidleerothsha]

He looks like a black Paul Stanley.

[ZOSOGuitarist01]

whoa! wait one second...06/30 - Bratis, Slovakia (with Korn) WTF!!

[f1sk]

awesome, jerry cantrell has needed to get back with a band, hopefullythis will lead to new material

[smash119]

can't wait

[LPStudio]

Awesome! Jerry Cantrell is a very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist. I would literally give my left nut to have half the talent he does. Its good to see that they're going to try and carry on the AIC name.

[the1]

Paul 666 Fuck You!
Awesome! I lve AIC, shame they wont be in the U.K.
Im listening to "Sludge Facory"Right now!

[ready4thebreak]

hey i dont care what he looks like as long as he can sing the damn songs like Layne Stanley. He's not there to replace hime either, it' more like he's assisting the band in continuing by means of his own talents. No band EVER replaces fallen bandmates, they just move along and find another to replace that friend's lost strength.

[bloodpollution]

im seein them at download . cant wait!!jerry rocks and RIP layne

[mrmoo182]

Alice In Chains is awesome

[shut_up_you_***]

I wonder if they will make and release a new album. Would be interesting to see what they come up with.

[SeattleJEM7]

of course people are going to bash the new guy because youll never have layne again. just think out it that theres a band that is touring and is playing AIC songs, with jerry, mike, and sean. oh wait! it is AIC! just without layne. just give them a break and let them play together once again. wouldnt you want to play with your band again after years of breaking up an losing your frontman? that's all they want to do, theyre not replacing layne, and if they end up recording an album, remember that jerry wrote half the songs so at least youll have half an AIC album. be happy that there's some rather than none.

[Logz]

spam check

[DoctorFu]

Just think of it like Audioslave. It won't ever be as good as ROTM. Good luck to this Duvall guy.

[SoundofSeattle]

Layne had a unique way of singing and Cantrells backing vocals complimented it perfectly. It was a major part of the AIC sound, and I'm pesimisic about anything similar being replicated... but I'm hoping it somehow works out, and we see some new material. Cantrell was and is an awesome guitarist.

[DaBlackE]

I would've liked to see just the the three remaining members continue Alice In Chains. Jerry Cantrell should be singing everything

[any14doomsday]

A friend of mine is a huge chains fan, and he want to the VH1 concert they taped in AC, his exact word was "amazing".

[Stop Messin']

Jerry looks like a cross between Hulk Hogan and Zakk Wylde.

[brian_s]

Wow there coming to Budapest.
R.I.P. Layne & Kurt.

[aic_rooster]

I hope for aic's sake if they put out a new record it will be under a new band name. Alice in Chains was with layne...end of story. Too much time has passed....

best of luck though...I can't wait to see what they can do with duvall

[mookie_baylock]

theryre coming to dublin!! dreams do come true...

[Clarkinator]

ive never heard this guy sing
Whats his voice like (like is it similar to Layne's?)

[shavotankian]

I hope for aic's sake if they put out a new record it will be under a new band name. Alice in Chains was with layne...end of story. Too much time has passed....

No they should keep the AIC name its an insult to Layne if they don't, no one is being honored by changing the AIC name

I love AIC, and i hope this new guy can kick some major vocal ass and then they can put out a new album

[x_rox]

i'm just so glad AIC is back. Jerry is amazing and this new guy will interest me.

[punk_mike_88]

PlugOfDoom wrote:

He looks like Lenny Kravitz or something. No one can replace Layne Stanley. The pressure must be insane for this poor bastard.

Nothing can replace the orginal AIC. At the same time, this could be interesting.

[forty-six_and_2]

This should be interesting. No one can replace Layne but it's good they're back together and not dying out.

[thefinalcut]

Anyone notice the new singer is black?

[Epiphany]

I kind of agree with aic_rooster about changing the name but for a diff. reason kind of. I mean if they do decide to put out an album and it does really well and they become mainstream big then theres going to be alot of kids out there going around thinking that AIC is the coolest band out there and then be like ummm Layne Staley, who? Exactly like how now there are alot of young VR fans out there that when you talk to them their like wait a minute, Guns and Stone who and that in my opinion is a tragedy and an insult. I completely understand that they just want to get together play some old songs and have a good time but to put out another album under the same name isnt right. AIC left with layne, and although its sad to admit it, its how its supposed to be.

[MastaBassist10]

Davidleerothsha wrote:

He looks like a black Paul Stanley.

Paul Stanly is black, smart one.

[MastaBassist10]

^Shit, nevermind, I was thinking of Stanley Clarke

[Stop Messin']

thefinalcut wrote:

Anyone notice the new singer is black?

And? You're not.....RACIST are you? If you have an amazing voice who cares about skin color.

[ZoSo183]

Davidleerothsha wrote:

He looks like a black Paul Stanley.

lol!!!

anyway, aic wont be the same

[jof1029]

spam check

[aliceinnirvana]

That's just lame.
I'd rather see Cantrell do solo material.
You know, with Kinney and Inez.
But this just feels...funny.

[?! the 2nd]

glad there back. i never thought this would happen. just as long as the new guy doesent try to copy layne but bring his own style (that compliments the music of course), i think they will do pretty good.

[cap'nkirk]

no one can replace Layne, but hopefully this guy can give a decent tribute to Mr. Staley or bring something new to the table without taking something else away. The good thing is that Jerry sang along in a lot of songs, so there will be some familiar ground. I'd go see them though, I never got the chance to see AIC, so maybe this will be cool. No other form of the band can compare with the original Alice. But, I'm willing to give it a shot.

[BloodOnMyHands]

I really think this whole AIC reunion is a bad idea. It will just not be the same without Layne.

[hatross]

I saw this guy with Jerry Cantrell. He sounds just like Layne. I know its not right but it sounded great.

[Hoponpop]

ive heard this guy attempt man in the box, he blows terribly and it kills me to see him blowing the AIC reunion, something ive been waiting for for such a long time...

[episode_666]

PlugOfDoom wrote:

He looks like Lenny Kravitz or something. No one can replace Layne Stanley. The pressure must be insane for this poor bastard.

ready4thebreak wrote:

hey i dont care what he looks like as long as he can sing the damn songs like Layne Stanley.

Hey it might be a good idea to know the band members' names before you start posting crap. The guy's name is Layne STALEY, not Stanley. Holy lord guys.

[brownsound_00]

hatross wrote:

I saw this guy with Jerry Cantrell. He sounds just like Layne. I know its not right but it sounded great.

where did you see this guy before? imp retty pumped for this. but i agree with most of the people here, they should change the name in honour of layne staley

[rustin peace18]

Staley was irreplacable. Not to say this version of AIC wont be good, just not as good. i would have been happier to hear Ansemlo in the band though

[warm machine]

I love AIC.

[episode_666]

I think the new AIC could be good. Hell, AC/DC was still great after their original singer died, maybe AIC could pull it off.

[CallousedHeart]

I'm stunned by all the ignorant posts on this thread.
Has Cantrell not stressed enough to everyone that DuVall(or any other vocalist to fron the band) is not there to replace Layne? The band needs a front man, and unlike Queens new (talentless) frontman, it's safe to say that Cantrell is smart enough to choose a quality vocalist to bring out a strong AIC experience. Sure, replacing Layne's sound is easy, can you name someone who sounds just like you? No, you can't so please don't complain about "not being able to replace Layne". It's a waste of time. The new AIC could be better or worse, we won't know that yet, I haven't heard Duvall but I'm sdure JErry knows exactly what he's doing. 100% support to the new AIC.

[Who_34400]

Layne was the man. I mean the harmonizing gave me chills. I love AIC. I hope this singer is like Layne.

[freedomgrunge75]

dude...no...layne was the one..u cant replace him..wtf??

[jackTPK]

I havent heard this new guy yet. He better be up to the challenge.

[snapneck]

never heard of this guy. where the **** is he from?

[rageandlove04]

Big shoes to fill...I can't wait to see this, should be good

[jckido21]

reminds me of queen

[flesh fries]

i think alot of people wont like this guy because they are afraid of change....lets face it, layne is gone, nothing will bring him back...which means nothing will sound like old A.I.C...this guy isnt replacing layne, hes only becoming the new vocalist for the band...give him a chance

[iammetal]

hmmmmm.interesting choice

[saucehead]

Cantrell is the man. No one will ever replicate the original lineup in my eyes, but I'm still happy to have him on the music front since Jerry is one of the
most talented people in all of music. I'm sure Jerry wouldn't have enlisted this guy to sing his songs if he didn't do them justice.

[dedossangrantes]

staley was good, but not a unique voice. maybe other singer would easily fit AIC songs.
don´t know this guy, but would like to listen wath they did with anselmo.

[NASA]

What kind of person emphatically states their opinon about a band as if to imply they were "fans" of said band and then turns around and badmouths their choice for their career direction, without even having heard the end result??? I think its funny how many of you were like "I don't know man, it just won't be the same." Well no shit you don't know how its going to turn out and no shit its not going to be the same as it once was; you guys are officially in charge of stating the obvious for the people even stupider than you. Only two posts in this whole thread made any reference to what this new singer is actually capable of...meanwhile, the majority of all the other people wrote this guy off, without hearing a single note from his mouth, and in some cases only because he's black. And you call yourselves fans? I'd call you illogical, emotionally mal-adjusted hypocrites. I don't know about the rest of you little girls, but I'm going to wait until I hear some music, before I make any observations, and even then, I'll show a little more respect for performers that I'm a "fan" of.

[Kendawg4TooL]

NASA :
What kind of person emphatically states their opinon about a band as if to imply they were "fans" of said band and then turns around and badmouths their choice for their career direction, without even having heard the end result??? I think its funny how many of you were like "I don't know man, it just won't be the same." Well no shit you don't know how its going to turn out and no shit its not going to be the same as it once was; you guys are officially in charge of stating the obvious for the people even stupider than you. Only two posts in this whole thread made any reference to what this new singer is actually capable of...meanwhile, the majority of all the other people wrote this guy off, without hearing a single note from his mouth, and in some cases only because he's black. And you call yourselves fans? I'd call you illogical, emotionally mal-adjusted hypocrites. I don't know about the rest of you little girls, but I'm going to wait until I hear some music, before I make any observations, and even then, I'll show a little more respect for performers that I'm a "fan" of.

*starts slow clap*

[Garrett52789]

I'm not racist, but when I clicked this link I expected the new singer to be a harcore white guy with long hair and piercings... not a black man who looks like he plays saxaphone in a jazz club. I realy hope they (the new AIC) dont screw up the music with a new voice, I dont care if it's really "theirs to screw up", its just wrong. But, if the new guy works out, great, with that in mind, I still think its wierd. The diffrence between Layne and this guy is...well... extreme. If the name of the band is changed, which I strongly believe should be done, it wouldn't be so strange to see this guy on stage, or anywhere else, with them.

[Kendawg4TooL]

Sorry for double posting, but incase my dry humor was too indirect, I totally agree with NASA. For being AiC fans alot of you really doubt the bands decision making. You have to put your trust in the artist sometimes, and who better to trust than Cantrell. I mean you can complain that you can't trust musicians nowdays and all that shit which is actually kinda true, but we're talking about AiC here, they never sold out.

Plus Cantrell knows what's best for the band. More than any of us can ever know. I miss Layne too, but these are real artists here, they live to give music to the world, it's what they do best and they need to move on. Jerry was probably one of the closest people to Layne for a long time so he should know more than anyone else what Layne would have wanted in this situation. If you don't agree with the desicion he made... well I think it's kind of sad to have to say this... but don't listen, turn a deaf ear to it and continue to live with the nostalgia that is the former AiC. Whatever makes you happy right?

[Tjerk]

Im Totaly with, Kendawg4tool and Nasa, I hope this guy rocks, I already got a Ticket for Guns n Roses with Alice in Chains as the suport act, rally looking forward.
2 july Neimegen Goffert park
anyone else going to be there?

[Kimera2004]

i hope he is good. I wouldn't imagine a black guy singing like Layne but hopefully it will kick ass

[Logz]

*spam check*

[PT 2 DOOR RULE]

thefinalcut wrote:
Anyone notice the new singer is black?

lol, no shit

[Martin Blank]

PlugOfDoom wrote:

He looks like Lenny Kravitz or something. No one can replace Layne Stanley. The pressure must be insane for this poor bastard.

You must not have heard the guy sing before. He's ****ing awesome. The guy is ****ing great live.

[metalmaidenmarg]

i want layne back and alive

[AliceinChains20]

Alice in Chains shouldn't change thier name. Metallica didn't when Cliff died. Staley's family should still get some dough. I WANT U.S DATES!!!! I'd still see um, hell I went to a ****ingKISS concert just to see AIC open(I proceeded to leave the concert when AIC finished).

[Logz]

R.RHOADS IS GOD wrote:
more stuff in caps

Is your caps lock stuck down? NO because i saw you posting in non caps else where.

Turn them off, or you'll be banned for 60 days

[Piklz]

Your all morons! Its Layne STAYLEY not Stanley you dim witted teeny bopper halfwits!!

[Garrett52789]

Uhhh, actually its Staley... idiot. Do research befor trying to insult people.

[exorcistdude]

I don't think anybody can replace Layne, EVER

[Stoner Loner]

It's better to know AIC are still going then to not have the chance to ever see them again.

[jojo1960]

I saw Will Duvall with AIC in concert. He is worthy of being a member of the "new" Alice. He has been fully accepted by the other members of the band. His talent is awesome, not just vocal, but he is a fantastic guitarist as well. Layne would applaud his friends' choice if given the chance. Is this not what he would want? Would he not want Alice to live on? Or would he expect the guys he literally grew up with to shrivel up and die? This is his legacy of sorts. And it shouldn't matter that Will has a dark tan and bad hair. He's a good man just like Sean, Mike, and Jerry. I spoke with him some, and he comes off as quite intelligent and witty. He knows how to please a crowd and carry on a great conversation. DON'T judge a book by its cover. Didn't your mothers teach you people anything? Give a chance, and give a listen...it's worth the time.

[at_the]

I felt like weeping when I saw a picture of the new lead singer of Alice in Chains. A tear streamed down my face and I could not believe that the band I had once loved in my adolescence is now a n!gger band. But I wept for much more than the loss of some insipid teen idol... I wept for the passing of a once-great nation because it was at that moment that I realized America has truly lost it's edge, America has been holding on too tight and we have finally lost it as a nation. I cry for the loss of a nation, of an empire, of an era that is long-past and is never coming back no matter how hard we wish it. Folks, a sh!t-skin is the lead singer of a band that once defined white 1990's teenage angst....what has the world come to? The world that we loved...the world that we grew up in and our grandfathers fought and died for has all come to nought! I feel like shaving and pouring ashes over my head in mourning of a lost glory, a lost greatness. I feel like ripping my clothes like some mourner in ancient Palestine while the coffin which conatins the corpse of my long-deceased race passes by in macabre procession. God help this nation!

[EvilAngel93]

at_the wrote:

I felt like weeping when I saw a picture of the new lead singer of Alice in Chains. A tear streamed down my face and I could not believe that the band I had once loved in my adolescence is now a n!gger band. But I wept for much more than the loss of some insipid teen idol... I wept for the passing of a once-great nation because it was at that moment that I realized America has truly lost it's edge, America has been holding on too tight and we have finally lost it as a nation. I cry for the loss of a nation, of an empire, of an era that is long-past and is never coming back no matter how hard we wish it. Folks, a sh!t-skin is the lead singer of a band that once defined white 1990's teenage angst....what has the world come to? The world that we loved...the world that we grew up in and our grandfathers fought and died for has all come to nought! I feel like shaving and pouring ashes over my head in mourning of a lost glory, a lost greatness. I feel like ripping my clothes like some mourner in ancient Palestine while the coffin which conatins the corpse of my long-deceased race passes by in macabre procession. God help this nation!

Civil War is over you moron. Go wave your Confederate flag somewhere else, racists like you are responsible for the hate and death in this nation.
Its. A. Band.
Jerry has moved on. You should too.
Get over yourself. Seriously, you're as bad as the whiny scene kids. Don't overdramatize it, what you're saying is just creepy.
Oh, and listen to their new album. With open ears. It's good shit, better than most of what's currently out there.

[Rockin_True]

EvilAngel93 should be put outta your misery. You have obviously never listened to AIC...because you go against everything they stand for. You need to take your ass to a Grand Ole Opry country site, racist dumb ****. Layne can't be replaced....but Duvall's amazing voice, harmony & guitar playing takes the band to a place that we (the true ****in AIC fans) LOVE! I'm sure Layne approves!

[EvilAngel93]

Rockin_True wrote:

EvilAngel93 should be put outta your misery. You have obviously never listened to AIC...because you go against everything they stand for. You need to take your ass to a Grand Ole Opry country site, racist dumb ****. Layne can't be replaced....but Duvall's amazing voice, harmony & guitar playing takes the band to a place that we (the true ****in AIC fans) LOVE! I'm sure Layne approves!

You sure you weren't talking about the guy above me? Careful there.