there is no replacing the dude? then why bother?! i’ll tell you why: cha-ching!

I’ll give it a chance. This could be their Bon Scott/Brian Johnson moment. A Looking in View seems to have the “classic” AIC feel. I’m not expecting Dirt (which is on my top 10 of all time list) but it’ll be interesting to see how the new album turns out.

What’s next? Billy Joel guesting on the new Pearl Jam album.

Saw them live 2 years ago. They sound almost exactly the same. They will sound good, but can they still write songs? We will see.

Question for What The?:

“Why bother,” you ask? Maybe because the remaining members enjoy working together…

“Cha-ching?” Do you earn a living? What do YOU do it for? Cha-ching, perhaps?

Check out their latest song on youtube. It’s pretty kick ass.

at least alice in chains are getting some fuckin press!!!

If for nothing more then getting the great Alice In Chains back in the spotlight. Even if kids find out about AIC for the first time. (Who really cares about what they do from here on out, GOD BLESS, is what I say.) But..

For new bloods, and kids who are just discovering music, learning about Layne and the old AIC legacy, not to mention all the kick-ass music from that period, is a good, and great thing.

I hope Jerry does a doo-wop solo on a 30 minute power-ballad to conclude the new AIC record ft. Barrack Obama doing harmony over a sample of Miles Davis.

Now if they said Sir Elton were dueting with Jerry, I’d be a little pissed…

he’s just playing the piano.

AIC have the right to do whatever the hell they wanna do. Whether folks run out to buy the album is another matter. I for one am pretty damn stoked. Something in the air just feels right about this new album and this Elton John thing is a freakin curveball. Good Luck fellas.

Joey309…FYI, Jerry Cantrell wrote 90% of all AIC songs. I don’t think the song quality will suffer. If you don’t believe me go to their website and check out the new video.

What do you want them to do??? retire from music? they need money to live, right? everybody needs money, so, let them do what they know to do well.. MUSIC

AIC Forever

AIC Forever

what would be so wrong with Billy Joel playing keys on a Pearl Jam song… two legends… The new AIC will kick ass… it’s a new chapter… nice to see the boys moving on

what a amazing tribute layne would of loved it.

Where they will suffer is in their live shows. Layne was quite the showman.

This is good
This music is good.

I have known the song would for years but just recently discovered everything else AIC its good news.

This is good news, I’m glad to see them still making music. I know I’ll be defiantly getting this album !

Yeah saw them live with the new singer in sydney a couple of months ago and they kicked ass. I was sus about this new singer at first, I mean Layne was a skinny white junkie and this guy is a fit black dude with an afro yet still he fit the part perfectly and the show was tops. They said the new album was coming out soon and the crowd went nuts. Good to see one of the biggest grunge bands of all time kicking back again. For those who are all like “its only for the money dude” – real observant of you, who gives a fuck yeah they’re probably not doing it for free but you can either live with that or go listen to the local covers band at the pub who get paid in beer and food. Im sure they kick ass and you can sit there content that they are as pov as your bitch ass. Sorry got carried away point is they are still a sick band

I am excited to put this new jizz in my ear, let it slosh around a bit, and impregnate my brain with the power of rock.

Like Jerry said they will never be able to replace Layne but they are still an awesome band! I don’t think too many singers could ever match Layne at his best…. The new stuff will be better than pretty much everything else out these days!

hey ‘anonymous’, you would probably blow a roadie to get backstage at an aic concert. that’s sad. layne is dead, the rest of the band should take his lead and od on speedballs too.

Elton is just a bigger music FAN than most artists. In atlanta he used to go to Tower Records EVERY tuesday and buy a stack of new releases…all genres. He plays with young artists because he actually loves music. I guess you could say they same thing about Kid Rock and Bruce Springsteen. They have a fans love for the music.

AIC was always my second favorite of the “grunge” bands (behind Nirvana) and maybe the best live act out of the entire genre.

man all alice in chains is doing is ruining there own legacy. it’s like if nirvana got a new singer. how lame would that be? about as lame as this band right now!

Its not like Elton is one of the Jonas Brothers you wankers. He is one of the most respected piano/singers of all time. Show some open mindedness. Just because the music styles are different doesn’t make it a catastrophic artistic lean.

Obviously there are a few people making comments who either never saw AIC back in the day, and maybe also know very little about the band.

1. AIC were NOT the best live band of the genre, or any for that matter. Why? Layne Staley and Mike Star were high on stage the whole time (at least from Dirt on). The music got a little better with Inez, but Staley on his best day could match Axl on his worst. AIC is a million percent better live NOW, because the whole band is sober, and since Duvall plays guitar, the songs sound close to record.

2. Shitting on their legacy? Hmm, half of the original band,3/4 of the band since late ‘92 and the dude who wrote most of everything. Idiocy. The new music shows it.

Why do people have to always say a band sells out? I love how you pretend if you were a band you wouldnt do what it takes to make a living and make some money. How is working with Elton John selling out or CHA CHING as you would call it? Why are you putting down bands that still matter and all we really have left? Get a life! Go listen to the Jonas Brothers or whatever Emo junk you listen too! Oh and btw Elton in the 70’s especially, sold more albums and sold out more shows then any of your crappy emo pop junk bands combined.

Collaborations like this give me hope for popular music.

Why are musicians the only group on the planet derided for wanting to make money?

I think that Layne Staley was amazing(and he is not replacable)but the fact that AIC is collaborating with one of the most amazing artists of our time is something that should be cherished, and whomever is close minded about it, should not call themselves a music lover. Elton John is an amazing piano player, and he will only bring positive energy to this new anticipated album that I think all AIC fans have been waiting for. If Blind Melon were able to find a new singer and still be successful, why not let another iconic band try something new and do the same? All the power to ya Jerry! ^_^

Elton was great in 1974, that’s when he showed up as the first major concert that allowed phone in credit card purchase ticket sales, he sold out in hours, every concert, and he’ll probably read this and know that yes we are faithful, know his past, present, and future, know he penned himself for the Eternal Prince in Space, and definitely is a follower, not a leader, and is incredibly gifted as a song writer and that he did write Yellowbrick Road in honor of, but didn’t necessarily keep all of the lyrics nor the music from Bernie Taupin, his X, and he too is gifted, so now may the treasure chests of those about to rock with the mightiest of all hard rock bands most recently caught in demonic splender at Monton in August 2009 on Youtube.com announcing that he is indeed as demonic as they are, and they are also a dirty deed done dirt cheap. He just jotted that down is our guess, and wants the temple of Egypt to open for him so he can escape, so be it, farewell, and may the expression that replaces his might voice on stage stand tall amongst mere mortals, amen. Long live Elton John, the voice of all voices and the keeper of the faith of the light of the Everlasting Prince of Space, amen.

Once again, Elton has another masterpiece in his hands. I would love to hear Black Turns to Blue on his next proper album and Doing This Song with the Alices is another example of good friends helping out each other and lending a helping hand-that is what
rock & roll is all about! We’ve all been through the damage that drugs can cause. Thankfully,
Sir Elton Rockaday Johnnie has not only survived that period but also became a humanitarian and he is still a superstar for nearly five decades on top. Captain Fantastic
is still standing. Let his Yamaha DX7 Rock Hard Forever! Thanks Elton!

Anybody who says they’re selling out or that they’re just doing it for money are plain ignorant. If you were a teacher and a member of your faculty passed away, would you stop teaching? I hope not. Also, keep in mind that they recorded this without a label and Virgin picked them up after hearing it. I think that speaks volumes about the material. How many bands that have been out of the system for 14 years can pull that off? Either way, the music will speak for itself. I just hope they get a damn cover spread, instead of someone like Miley Cyrus.

Also, it is awesome that Elton is playing on this. It only adds to the excitement. I saw him a couple months ago, and he can still jam on the ivorys!

I know a Layne Staley fan. He’s still on dope or safely in jail.

Elton’s first half-dozen albums are his best. Classical music, said Axl Rose

I guess Nirvana should have just replaced Kurt Cobain too…

AIC was the best band to come out of the so-called “grunge” period. What a time that was though…they were metal but layne had such deep and haunting vocals…wow…..AIC and Soundgarden, Nirvana.. and maybe one album from those pop sellouts PJ? lol

Kudos to the Band..The best way to carry on Layne’s legacy is to keep the band alive and carry on….the new stuf is awesome from what i’ve heard…like they did not miss a beat…and I’m the biggest Layne fan ever

Ha, for fkc sake stop any of the AIC bagging. Layne was brilliant. Just listen to Dirt, and actually listen to his “not” overly voice-enhanced (as most do now) vocals.

They wanna do a song with EJ then they can do what they want. What else you want them to do, just stop writing or trying? Get some perspective.
Layne was brilliant, but troubled, and is gone. They are just trying to kick on in someway.

jerry cantrell should be the vocalist and hire another guitar player. In my opinion, alice in chains was great because of that, stanley and cantrell, now jerry deserves carry the legacy.

Jerry has always noted Elton John as an influence to him so I think it’s totally cool that they’ve joined to do a tribute song for Layne on the new AIC. No one will ever replace Layne but in my opinion, William honors Layne with doing the best he can as the now frontman for AIC. There’s good harmony between Jerry and William, which echoes a familiarity of old AIC. I think this new release will be a huge hit!

Let’s enjoy the moment..Layne will never ever be forgotten..so it’s time to hear some new music,welcome back Jerry and company.

this is just like Neil Diamond making an album with Fred Durst

i wish you luck..but be awhare of those who feel your doing lane no justice..like me.
i seen you play 3 years ago..and not once did you stop for a moment of silence for him…
jerry you should have made this a three piece band and sang yourself.

i myself am sick over it layne forever no layne no chains and elton john is ok in my book but did he even know layne staley i hear cash registers chinging corporate music layne hated has come into play,,,,so sad..

i myself am sick over it layne forever no layne no chains and elton john is ok in my book but did he even know layne staley i hear cash registers chinging corporate music layne hated has come into play,,,,so sad..

I bet this one will not only end up out-selling all of their other albums, but also regenerate a hell of a lot of interest in all of their previous stuff!

rather awesome!! “there is no fucking replacing the dude,”! thats right

screw all of you who say that they shouldnt carry on! I for one LOVE Layne…got a tattoo of an icon he designed on my back! I am exstatic to hear the new album. For all you whiners who think AIC shouldnt carry on, than dont buy the album and save it for the TRUE fans who have ALWAYS loved the MUSIC! These guys are all young with decades of music in them still!
Much respect Jerry, Sean and Mike…you were loyal to Layne from 95 until he passed and even then you waited years and years to make an album! Rock on!! Please come to South Florida!!

They could change the name of the band and I’d be ok with it.

“I can tell you from our point of view, there is no replacing the dude,” Cantrell said.

But that’s exactly that they’re doing. They are replacing Layne.

There is NO WAY of replacing Layne..I’m only 16 but from the first time I herd him sing I feel in love..I do think the band should carry on!! I can’t wait to hear the album..R.I.P Layne and Happy late Birthday(8-22-67)Nobody else could ever have Layne’s voice or the same kind of vibe he brought to every performance..You are missed and loved Layne..see you on the other side..

So as long as they called themselves something else then it would be ok?They are going to sound the way they do reguardless what there called.Jerry wrote 90% of the lyrics so I think he has put his time into this band to carry on.I think plenty of time has passed its not like layne just passed away.Let it go and be grateful to just here some good music.

Alice In Chains has been my favorite band since they came out. Yes, Layne was the perfect voice to compliment Jerry. Layne, however unfortunte, is no longer with us; but may I remind everyone that Jerry started the band. It’s his music that Layne sang. For the person responsible for the “I guess Nirvana should have replaced Kurt” comment: Get fucking real! Obviously Kurt was the songwriter and voice of that band. If Jerry was gone and the rest of the guys hired another guitarist and called themselves Alice In Chains, you may have a point. The music would be completely different. Don’t be a dumbass. Know what you’re talking about before you type. And as for Jerry, Sean, Mike, and William: LOVE the new stuff so far. Jerry, you’re a genius. Rock the fuck on!!!

I cannot wait for this album. I have no doubt these guys can still write top notch metal/heavy rock.

er, uh, wtf?…i’ve seen and heard the new stuff…AIC should have REALLY hired someone who “gets this” music (i.e. someone who is from seattle, washington) not some funky dude from atlanta…he DOES NOT sing nor does he act with the same passion as layne…AIC is a SOUND that resonates from the environs of seattle…along the same lines as, “you take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy”…WRONG MOVE, JERRY–pick one of your own if you want to keep AIC ALIVE!!!

I had the privelege to see Alice in Chains back in 2006 in Los Angeles (Wiltern Theater) with William. I closed my eyes and it was the closest that I have ever heard to Layne’s voice. It is very comparable to Ozzy losig Randy and then you have Zack. Not the same person, but damn good talent. Rock on William, you are now in AIC! I wihs you all the best and many blessings. Just take it one day at a time!

I had the privelege to see Alice in Chains back in 2006 in Los Angeles (Wiltern Theater) with William. I closed my eyes and it was the closest that I have ever heard to Layne’s voice. It is very comparable to Ozzy losig Randy and then you have Zack. Not the same person, but damn good talent. Rock on William, you are now in AIC! I wish you all the best and many blessings. Just take it one day at a time!

layne will forever be in our memory,no one can replace his vocal edge,im glad the band is cranking new material out ,i wish them the best.

my fav album was facelift total kick/ass!

how about we hear the album before we start talking trash. this may turn out to be some of jerry and the boys best work. all i know is the fans i hang with all want to listen to it first. we can only hope it rocks like the rest.

Geez!
Such venom!
I’m a musician, drummer, guitarist, singer. What I don’t get is the selfishness of some commenters here and elsewhere. If Jerry and the boys had pulled up a year after Layne passed with a new album and singer, you might have a gripe. But c’mon! seven years after Layne passed and 14 since the last studio album?

I imagine the band struggled with the issue for a long time. Do we still call it Alice, do we call it something new? The one option that was off the table was to do nothing. for one am happy that option was excluded.

They obviously love to play together, who are we to tell them they can’t. Or they can, but only under certain terms. Which we (the so called fans) dictate. WTF?

We lack playing musicians today. I relish in the idea of a new generation of AiC fans along with us old buggers in the crowd singing “Somebody Check My Brain”!

If anything, AiC 3.0 will pay great hommage to Layne. R.I.P.
To Jerry and the boys, Git out there and tear it up!
My two bob!

AIC died with Layne. This is the biggest vocal rip off since Brian Johnson took Bon Scotts place.

Nirvana replace cobain too? How is that the same you idiots? Cobain wrote all the songs and was also lead guitar. Morons. Cantrell is the band for AIC, not layne. I can’t wait for the show tonight!

J

I am not happy either,
Just like the other person that said that He is not happy with this new album, and I am not happy either because I agree with him that AIC died with Layne, and although I haven´t heard the new album: I already know that AIC it is not going to be AIC without Layne. Already even the new singer said in an interview with the “Guitar” magazine that “Nobody can fill the Shoes of Layne, and nobody ever will”, so my complain here is not to argue weather they can or can’t do a good job now without Layne, since there is no doubt that J.Cantrell, Elton John and the other two guys in AIC are very talented, however, since most of the songs were written by J. Cantrell, I believe that this new album should have come out as his third “Solo album” and not as another “AIC album”, because as I said before: AIC died with Layne, because AIC is not AIC without Layne. I really miss you Layne, wherever you are. And as for the rest of the band:…Why don´t you respect the memory of Layne? because I don’t think you are giving any respect to his memory and his legacy when you are calling an Album “AIC” when he cannot be there at all, and when he can´t be consulted on what he thinks about it. Therefore please consider the possibility to be more honest with you and with the fans of AIC (and even to the indifferent) and call that new CD a “Cantrell album” instead of an “AIC album. I know you are after the money, calling that new album an “AIC album” because you too know very well that you can sell more CD’s selling selling the new CD as an “AIC album” instead of selling it as a “Cantrell album” but it is not honest to do that, and you don´t really need to lie like that to the world for money using the AIC name on it, when AIC has already sold more than 17 million Copies around the world (with the money that comes with it). So come on you guys!, with that kind of money you don´t really need to lie to the fans like that for the money, telling them that an album is AIC when in fact it really isn´t so without Layne. Yet I am talking about the name, not about the music, which no doubt will be good, but I´ll buy and hear it as sold to me as an illegal copy, because I would feel more ashamed to give you and your record company legal money for a lie like this without Layne, and hopes everyone who can to do the same because this title for an AIC album without Layne sucks as much as Pink Floyd without Waters, and is not that those albums are bad, is just that they should be called “Gilmour albums”, well, in this case: This album should have come out as a “Cantrell” album, and not as an AIC album. Maybe they are doing this because of an order of their CD company, in order to sell more, but let´s force them too to call this album in the way that it should be: “a Cantrell album”, and not as “an AIC album”.

beautiful, I missed these guys.

Have you people heard the new album? It’s the best thing since fucking Dirt. In fact, if “Would?” weren’t on Dirt, it’d be fucking better.

All you Layne Staley fangirls can fuck right off. He was a phenomenal presence but he didn’t own that band, nor did he write most of the material. The song BGWTB is better than anything on Jar of Flies, and that’s no joke. This album is to AIC what Back in Black is to AC/DC.

All you naysayers are gonna get a nice, tall glass of shutthefuckup when it’s released.

Their new song is amazing! Rock on AiC!!!

So many haters quick to call ripoff….a ripoff of what? Jerry’s vocals are just as important to AIC as Layne’s were and he is the guitarist and founding member and main lyricist of the band. This is not just Layne’s band and you didn’t know Layne, these guys did, and they’re honoring the music that they made with him and still growing as musicians. There is nothing wrong with that. For the idiot with the “cha-ching” comments, drummer Sean Kinney said that money is not their motivation for making a new album and continuing as AIC but at the same time they’re just making a living like anyone else.

I’ve heard the album all the way through and no it’s not “Dirt 2″ but these guys have made a fantastic rock record that would make Layne proud. The title track is stunning and heartfelt and they’re honored to have Sir Elton on it so for all of you have a problem with it, go form a band and when you’ve achieved their kind of success and gone through tragedy like they have, then you can talk but until then SHUT THE F**K UP!

BTW, for all of the AC/DC comparisons going on out there, you’re all basically saying that Back In Black is not a worthy album and that album is one of classic rock’s ultimate albums of all time. Statements like the ones from those of you who said the band died with Layne or with Bon show how damn ignorant people can be.

“A Looking In View” deserves to win the Grammy for best hard rock performance this year, a category they’ve been beaten out in 6 times. I hope that this release finds a whole new group of fans who love their music.

Oh, and for Alex Rivera, your long-winded rant is completely useless, you’re just hung up on logistics and you’re really just a pathetic thief. They released this album as a band, not as the Jerry Cantreel project. Only a true ass would pass up buying the album just because they don’t agree with the name on the CD, but they wanted to make a point that they are proud of being Alice In Chains and don’t want to turn their backs on the history of the band.

I do love the part where you basically just contradict everything and say “I am talking about the name, not about the music, which no doubt will be good”. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC THAT’S WHY THEY MADE THE ALBUM RETARD! Did you have a bowl of stupid for breakfast?

Alex Rivera, as if the other members were never a part of AIC. Id call you stupid but calling you stupid would be an insult to stupid people. Your correct about one thing, money is a big part of it but the other members still have to work. If your dad died when you were younger and you needed to support the family what would you do? Would you change your last name and not try and support the family? No you would do whats best for your family and keeping AIC is there best interest. If you want to honor Layne get off the topic of him your not supposed to talk about dead people. Why would they do a Cantrell solo album, its not just Cantrell. This band is great and needs to continue AIC for as long as they want. AIC is not just about one person and don’t get me wrong Layne haunting voice will be missed. How quickly people forget that Laynes drug addictions lead to the early demise of AIC. He was the reason they didnt tour much or do anything at all in the late 90’s. Anyway this is OLD NEWS so on with the NEW.

Well like someone said earlier, Cantrell wrote 90% of AIC songs, Layne (with all due respect wrote 10%), whilst Cobain wrote 99,9% of Nirvana songs…so technically Kurt could not have been replaced while Layne (although irreplaceable as a persona technically can be replaced)

chains can do whatever they want they earned it

but this elton thing i dont no

I saw them in Vegas about 2 years ago and they rocked my head for over 2 hours. Maybe 3? They are one of the last bands that contributed worthwhile music. I group them with Beatles, Zeppelin, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Metallica (pre Black album), SRV. Staley was such an amazing talent, but so are his bandmates. Good luck to you all and thanks for giving it another shot.

I bet all you dumbasses who said Alice in Chains shouldn’t have carried on without Layne feel like idiots now. There is no denying that the new album is amazing. Just listen to the song “Private Hell.” That song will be a classic and is one of the best they ever wrote. You wouldn’t even realize Layne was not in the band if you didn’t know he died. Haha I Love when people who think they know everything are proved wrong.

That song with Elton John is amazing. The albums sounds great. I’m happy for them. I saw them perform with new lead singer. He’s not Layne, but he doesn’t change the sound of the band

People sayin they shouldnt go on without layne,obviously he will never be replaced, but u forget jerry did alot of singing aswell. Duvall seems pretty cool and a pretty good singer so i for 1 am looking forward to the future for aic. Bout time the music scene got a rocket up its arse

I just finished listening to the new album, OUTSTANDING! I feel like they really stayed true to their fans and although there’s only one Staley, Duvall is doing a great job! Rock on AIC!

I’m a longtime Chains fan (’90), and after listening to the new release from beginning to end,any true fan will love it. If not, you’re in denial! This is a group that has gone through over 15 years with Layne messed up, dying, and now dead. I loved his singing(he was one for the ages), but face it Cantrell had as much, if not more to do with the success of the group, William Duvall complements on vocals fantastically, and maintains the standard to my liking….Welcome Back AIC! Thanks for coming back from the ashes!

Peace Out!!!

well i got the new album today and i love it glad there back very sad that Layne Staley is rip but i heard the new songs and thought god it sounds just like the old and this band was one of my alltime grates rock on boys back to the 90s i say lol

AIC is back baby!! good job guys we missed you!

if ure a true fan there needs no comment just listen to the muic and you l know what its all about..

Love the new album!!!

Just listening to the New AIC album, cant believe some of the previous negative comments, absolutely awesome album, dont bag on bringing Elton John in on the album, its a tribute to Layne, the voice but dont forget the words behind much of AIC was Jerry (legend), i currently have goosebumps listening to the album. Wha total respect to Layne and thaks guys for bringing grunge back after all these years of having to put up with contemporary crap from most modern bands, maybe we should send them back to the years of the early 90’s when music had balls not just $$$$ signs looming.
Alice in Chains – Rock On, William, congrats on stepping into shoes that very few could ever fill.

I saw Alice in Chains in Melbourne in the Early 90’s, Layne was so messed up the legend that he was, it was so apparent the pain he was in….. A young guy new at my work asked me what my favorite band was and i told him AIC, he informed me they had just released a new album, i rushed out bought it and was blown away. William Duvall has slotted in so well, his similarity in vocals is like the ghost of Layne is inside him and with the genius of Jerry Cantrell still writing songs then AIC live on and if you dont like the above then F..ck off and go back to listening to Britney Spears

Just heard the new AIC cd. If your an old fan and love Layne, you will love this cd. Excellent effort. I swear I can hear Layne in some of the tracks. AIC well done, you did it.

Alice In Chains rocks on!!! Fantastic album!!

I CANNOT stop listening to this album!!!!!!!!!!!! It is an amzing piece of art…it is so haunting how much Duvall can sound like Layne but then add his own uniqueness to the music…Everyone of you haters on here need to shut right the fuck up because this is one of their best, I am in LOVE!

Fantastic compilation of music. Thank you Jerry, Sean, Mike and William. I also can hear Layne in the music and absolutely was blown away with Elton John’s contribution. Incredible! Can’t wait for more material.

Cha ching? Yeah, good point. I mean, after one drug-addicted member of a band dies, one who contributed a whole %15 of the writing of the songs, the rest of the band has to stop writing music under that name. Most of our favorite bands have had at least one member replaced, and AIC is one of them. Props for that reason being death, not assholieness.

I like the new album so far…
+ I think Jerry + the band should make music for you people until the day they all die (even if sum of you want to judge them like your sum kind of ____).

Art should be discussed by artist… not critics

BTW- why not put a pic of AIC on this story, rather then Elton John???

All this mystique surrounding the band members and the music disappears when you hear the music. To me this is a blessing, there is no other way to say it.
I am a fan of AIC and this album is like a Red Bull ice cold. There is nothing to say anymore except they are back, and the next album will be even more comfortable.. you watch.
This is rock and roll.
Thanks AIC…