In ‘I Stay Away’, the late Alice In Chains frontman Layne Staley sang, “While you act frightened, I am enlightened”. Tonight (25 May), in the band’s first show between the walls of Wembley arena, this attitude spilled from every corner.
With their credentials as one of the defining Seattle bands of the 90s, a debut in this setting was unlikely to stir up any stage fright, instead performing an experienced, commanding arena display fuelled by ferocity.
From legendary guitarist Jerry Cantrell’s beaming grin that radiated each time he spoke; to the fine droplets from every fan’s beer in the room spaying the ceiling when the growl of ‘Them Bones’ hit the amplifiers; this was a performance of a band firmly hitting the zenith of their second boom.
And Cantrell has every right to smile at this achievement. After the tragedy that struck the band’s first chapter, with the death of Layne Staley, Cantrell’s former roommate and beloved frontman, in 2002, the band returned when the time felt right, with William DuVall at the helm. Their 2009 modern classic Black Gives Way To Blue marked a famous comeback, before original bassist Mike Starr tragically passed away in 2011. To say it’s been a tumultuous road here would be to undersell the band’s story completely.
Each syllable that left Cantrell’s lips tonight was met with rapturous furore, none more so than “there’s been six of us, and there only ever will be six of us”, keeping their former bandmates and brothers close to their chests on this landmark occasion.
When opening with a duo of ‘Bleed The Freak’ and ‘Check My Brain’, not even the minor sound issues could stop the arena hitting overdrive. A favourite from their first official studio album, Facelift, coupled with the face-melting lead single from their comeback record is the best indication that the merits of both eras can combine to devastating effect.
Moments later, what is perhaps the strongest one-two punch in live music was unleashed in the form of ‘Them Bones’ and ‘Dam That River’, from the band’s seminal 1992 record, Dirt. As with ‘Angry Chair’, ‘Would?’ and ‘Rooster’ later in the night, they prove to be the most anthemic moments of the night, with each member riffing on the energetic crowd.
With the iconic thuds of drummer Sean Kinney’s intro to ‘No Excuses’ crossed with a beautiful backdrop of the Jar Of Flies EP cover images, the band had hit full swing and had the show in their grasp. Cantrell’s luscious picking toyed with the arena, with the familiar thundering bass from Mike Inez hitting its summit in the mountainous eruption of ‘Stone’.
Material from Rainier Fog, their latest album, was spread out meticulously in among Alice In Chain’s stellar back catalogue. The big hitters from the record, particularly ‘Never Fade’ early in the set, went toe-to-toe with their stacked arsenal of classic tracks, with the 12,500 strong crowd firmly on board.
In some deeper cuts from the record, however, the same level was not always maintained, but including tracks like ‘Red Giant’ in the setlist further exemplified the fact that Cantrell and co. have always done things their way, from “uncool” (but utterly mesmerising) guitar solo parts in the 90s, to coming back on their terms, and to backing any material they have with a strong showing from Rainier Fog.
Throughout the night, William DuVall prowled the stage, kitted in all black complete with his trademark sunglasses to epitomise the word cool. His vocals felt effortless at times as he stood back-to-back with Cantrell and Inez to belt out the classics.
Their four-cogged kinship was realised in poignant fashion with their seminal slower numbers, ‘Down In A Hole’ and ‘Nutshell’. DuVall’s wistful vocals and acoustic rhythms sat beautifully intertwined by Cantrell’s solos and slide guitar. Giving the arena an acutely intimate feel, the songs remain as undated and delicate as ever.
In a performance without fear, the cream of the Seattle crop reigned supreme at their first Wembley arena appearance, feeling as natural as it always has. While the voices in their thousands heeded the call of ‘Rooster’ for their set closer, the crowd howled their stance, letting their position be known: completely at one, unafraid, fully enlightened.
