William DuVall: new Alice In Chains singer
 

Since AIC is in the studio now & Jerry Cantrell is working with William DuVall on the new Alice In Chains album, I was wondering if anyone here has gotten a chance to hear the new line up..they played some shows last year. I am most curious to know if DuVall sounds at all like Layne or are their voices distinctly different/.

I haven't heard anything, personally.

I don't have much of a desire to.

I am a little scared as well...hence my question. In my estimation, bands like AIC can't be interchanged in the same way that Jimmy Page disassembled Zeppelin after Bonzo's untimely death.

Jerry Cantrell is quite the discerning musician and I wonder how he is producing this album... guess we'll find out soon enough I think it's scheduled for 2009 release.

Said many times before. DuVall is like 10 times cooler than Cantrell or whoever he was. Plus, he was in a much cooler band in Neon Christ.

DuVall >>>>>> Other guy

You mean Layne Staley? I will have to hear to see for myself. Neon Christ huh...I will check them out- thanks

No one cares....they haven't been relevant in years.

That's right thank you for reminding me. They are almost as irrelevant as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, NWA, RunDMC, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, The Doors, The Beatles, and Elvis.

Thank God for the Jonas Brothers, Kanye West and Miley Cyrus to indemnify us from ever listening to irrelevant music again.

Well, I wasnt saying it to be a ****, i was simply saying that by now, no one cares, b/c they havent been relevant, or released anything good in about 15 years.

Shame on you for even putting them in the same sentence w/those other bands you mentioned. AIC weren't "innovators" or "Godfathers of grunge" or anything else someone will claim them to be. Just another, in a long line of bands, thay had their day in the sun. Sad to say that once their singer died, seems the band did too.

By the way, I wouldn't claim that Miley Cyrus/Kanye Waste/or the Jonas brothers have an ounce of talent, especially musically, in their bodies. I'm sure I'm in the minority saying that, but it';s true. Selling records to little kids doesn't make you great, nor does it qualify you to be a huge SS.

Nirvana going out and finding a new singer and calling themselves "Nirvana" wouldn't work, you know it, I do, and many who post here do. So, why try to re-create something you know won't work before you begin?

ok that's a little better and more clear.

i will agree with you on some things esp comments on newer artists.

however we must simply agree to disagree. are you a musician by any chance? AIC's vocals ( having a dual-lead or even sometimes triple lead vocal ) was completely unprecedented at the time and the harmonies in the Layne Staley-Jerry Cantrell combination were lush with complicated harmonic and melodic scalics using interesting inversions...one in particular was to place the dominant 5th below the root melody giving it that 'sinister' quality that Staleys' baritone voice brought out even more. Look at what happened to music at the time Alice In Chains first came up on the radar...it destroyed the glam-band malaise that was chronic and ubiquitious in the 80s. I'm in my 30's now so maybe I am older than you and remember it better. Anyway..if you ever got to see Alice in Chains live ( before Staley became a super junkie ) you would have been blown away like you would at a Zeppelin show.

another thing though that i will agree with you is that the reason i started this thread is that i am not really sure i like the idea of replacing Layne with any other singer...I don't think there will be ever the chance for AIC to rise ( like a Phoenix lol no pun intended ) up and fly again esp under same name. I think DuVall is a talented dude but I am not sure this will fly. Cantrell should have simply had Duvall join his Degradation Trip band etc...

I never even knew Alice in Chains was reforming with a new lead singer in DuVall... I guess if he's good they'll at least maintain their strong and fairly rabid fan base.

I gotta say though that once groups disband and reform, it probably takes them a little while to regain the momentum they had in their heyday.

The Smashing Pumpkins "reunion" (it was really only Corgan and Chamberlin) sounds like a good idea and Zeitgeist was actually a pretty solid Pumpkins album, albeit a little pared back and conservative... but I think its going to take another album or two to get the wheels rolling freely again.

The same with some other "reformed" faves of mine- for example Crowded House... Time on Earth was a great album, but had Neil Finn solo record written all over it. I expect the next one will sound more cohesive and "band album" like.

Reformations CAN work, I think, if the artists are dedicated and aren't just cashing in on the nameplate... so if real passion and a desire to be the "band" once again are fueling the AIC reformation fire - then it could be a VERY good thing.

I for one actually miss them a fair bit.

exactly my thoughts hence my being worried that the new AIC will be disappointing but i will try to keep an open mind; we'll be the first to know anyway upon 1st listen.

Us too. I think this topic is especially close to home for me as our ( former now fired ) ex-manager was trying to get me to try out for Cantrell's new AIC 2 years ago when the word got out they were looking for singer to tour again. I told out manager he was nuts b/c I knew that AIC was already looking at Duvall as he and Cantrell are friends in real life...also I would never do that to my other band members ( just get up and leave ) and why..to join an AIC cover band really... no thanks. That's lame.

We're huge fans of AIC and of Layne Staley so I understand why our manager was trying to get me to 'audition' as Layne and I have similar vocal tendencies at times esp when layering harmonies [ listen here
Letters Never Sent ]

but this is also the very same reason I WOULD NOT dare audition ;p as I would feel ridiculous. so my burning question now would be the exact same for Duvall and I would love to ask him how he feels about 'replacing' Layne in AIC.

We've been accused of ripping of AIC before too by listeners especially when we first started playing out.... but I am pretty defensive that if you listen to enough songs you will see AIC influences but MRI has its own unique sound unto itself. Here's a good web radio/streaming source with positive posts about AIC/MRI similarities in the song commentaries. MRI on Mixposure Radio If you like AIC you will probably dig the heavier MRI material. Our CD is also on our website for free download. I didn't want to turn this thread into a self-hype but I am only making exception here as about 90% of all MRI fans are also huge Alice In Chains, Stained, Hurt, and Godsmack fans. And I am not asking anyone to buy anything it is simply FYI for people searching for cool new music.

I would love for Duvall himself to enter into this thread...i think he is at the rope i dunno though about here at mb..but i would love for him to show up and let us all listen to some tracks off new album but then again would Jerry let him lol 'p

That is how I feel about AIC, Queen ( not working with Paul Rodgers for me ) and others when bands try to fill irreplaceable shoes.

One of the things I admired about Led Zeppelin is that they disbanded after John Bohnam died in 1980. Was the proper thing to do. Page went on to do a lot more in his musical career and even have Bonzo's son play drums on the Page/Plant tour - but Page never tried to replace an old Zeppelin with a new one.

I like you, good posting.

Yeah I guess some of the more successful band reunions have been the ones where the original band had a bit of a revolving cast anyways - take the Pumpkins for example - Corgan and Chamberlin did the bulk of the recording work anyways - and its arguable that this isn't a "successful" reunion yet, too... Same too with Crowded House. Everyone knows they are pretty much Neil Finn's backing band, and he too, revolved different members through the band with each new album - despite the death of Paul Hester (drummer) in 2005, it doesn't change the character of the music greatly - except for the mournful tone as subject matter...

BUT - if there is a core member of the band - like a Layne Staley or a Kurt Cobain, sorta like a bedrock member, the very foundation for which the band exists. If that person is missing, the reunion thing seems kinda like a naff, throwaway idea... almost trampling on history?

Whenever I think of Queen without Freddie Mercury or Guns and Roses without slash, I think it all sounds like a bit of a farce...

Like Ringo and Paul McCartney hooking up to make another Beatles album - it just doesn't wash too well.

exactly. & don't even get me started on Chinese Democracy ;p Best Buy was foolish to pre-purchase 1.5 million copies. I think they have only sold about 75,000... the new slash-less GnR sounds like my friends playing with ProTools while tripping. It's really awful...and I love Axl and loved GnR but Chi Dem is such a departure from anything we ever associated with GnR..Axl should have renamed the band...it would have had such a better marketing potential. Its fate was sealed by calling it a GnR album. The fans didn't think so. Also, Axl is completely psycho, unstable & agoraphobic now thus hampering any sort of organized marketing plan for the release.

A great contrast is the latest AC/DC album which already went platinum ( over 1,000,000 sold in first three weeks of release ) Black Ice proves the tried and true adage that you don't try to fix something that isn't broken. AC/DC has basically been putting out the same album for 20 years...but that is what fan expexct when they purchase an AC/DC cd..balls to the wall rock and roll.... imagine putting out an AC/DC album with all synths and loops and samples...fans would revolt big time. This is precisely what happened with GnR and Chi Dem

There is definitely something to be said for not alienating your fan base... and Axl Rose has sure become a master of doing that! I would presume most fans of the original GnR would be standing by their "Slash's Snakepit" and "Velvet Revolver" discs and feeling pretty satisfied that Slash made a huge part of the original band...

The same people probably knew Axl was a **** all along, but nevertheless the rest of the band was chugging along behind him, so it was ok.

But I digress! I think reunions without key members who have either died or burnt their bridges can be somewhat farcical, unless a VERY healthy does of sincerity, respect and above all, orginality are applied.

This is what I hope we see from the new Alice in Chains lineup, because it would be an awful slap in the face to Layne Staley if it wasn't anything good.

perfectly worded.

LOL. Didn't you a have a thread about the Cure's new album not too long ago?

He's a wonderful source on bands that matter.

heh

ha! ;p

I did so what? I know they may not be "relevant" right now, or have been in some time, but their not coming out as "The Cure" with a different lead singer, and Pol is back, so it's almost the same.

I can say that i dont listen to too much current music, admittedly, so I dont know who's still "relevant" or not in this day and age. But, I do know that calling it AIC, when it really isn't, is a scam and the fans lose out the most.

As big of a Journey fan as i am, I refuse to buy a single thing they've put out, that does not have Steve Perry on it, why? they're nothing more than a cover band now. The fans lose out, and thats what's sad.

I didnt mind AIC back in the day, infact, I dug "The Rooster" quite a bit, but once they kinda got lumped in with the whole "grunge scene" thing, and people decided to move on and away from it, they sort of lost relevance. Coming back now, after all these years, with a new lead singer is fine, just dont call it AIC, as that means(in MY opinion anyways), that it's a scam.


Maybe not to you, but thats fine. Just voicing my opinion, whether you like it or not. I like alot of bands/music that arent "relevant" nowadays, no arguement there. But, I don't think it's a good idea to come back as AIC when you're not.

good posting. voicing opinions is what it's all about. I think we have learned here in this thread that it's not a great idea to try to replace something that is irreplaceable... I think we all agree on this to a certain exent.

some of you here seem quite knowledgeable on music and put forth your opinions in a way that is fun to read.

You guys would be very welcome here at Mix Radio ( which also has a forum )
A lot of bands that left/were dropped by labels and are moving into the Indie Power zone are both on the new site and on the web radio station. There are a few indie labels that are developing their own channels there as well...

There are a lot of Alice In Chains fans in our mailing list --
MRI at Mixposure | The Future of Independent Music - Mixposure is an Online Music Distributor Bringing Musicians and Music Lovers Together

What is cool is that you get to comment about each song & artist. There is also a chat room where users hang out on Saturday night during the live radio broadcast.

Alice in Chains weren't relevant when Layne Staley was alive and you can rest knowing that they'll be even more awful than before. I just find it funny how you'll shit on some bands that shouldn't be around now but you'll praise others that should have stopped making music twenty years ago.

dude, you need to take the earmuffs off when you listen to the radio

Most of those bands you speak of that I praise that shoulve "quit" years back? even with the **** some of them are still putting out, it's 1,000 times better than most of the garbage on the radio today. Of course, this is just my opinion.

Acutally, your statement isn't true technically. I listen to 80s music?mostly: new wave/synthpop/goth etc., I support these bands, and their new stuff.

You may not like U2, and their "relevancy" might not be up their with the likes of: Paramore/The Ting Tings or some other extremely ****ty group NME and others absolutely cream over, & thats fine. But, I've enjoyed U2's last 2 discs, as i have w/Duran Duran/Morrissey/DM/The Cure, etc. 3 of those bands haven't been "relevant" in years, and know what? Im still buying thewir wonderful music.


You got me on AIC still sucking. I'm by no means a member of their fanclub, I dug that one song, and will stick to what i said: they shouldnt call it AIC if it's not.

I have to say I haven't really read through this post... but am replying regarding the new singer.

I am a huge fan of Alice in Chains... and love Layne's Vocals and Jerrys Guitar work.

I would love to hear more songs from the band but am sure it will not be the same without Layne, but im still excited about the new album.

I actually watched AIC Live in Australia last month and William Duvall did a great job of the old AIC songs. You can't compare him to Layne and his vocals are different and will never be as good as Laynes. Unfortunetly Layne has died and AIC will never be the same, but im sort of happy that the spirit of AIC will still live on in a way. I'm still a bit worried that William isnt up to the mark, but after hearing Jerrys solo albums, im sure there will be some great songs on its way.

When I listened to some live shows on youtube with William as frontman I was shocked at how bad he sounded... but I must say he seems to have improved since then when I listned to him live in Australia. I have also listened to his band... coming with the fall, and I think his vocals sound good on there - whether you actually like the music or not.

All we can do is wait and see.... I know im excited for the new album!

RIP Layne!

What's William Duvall from? Or is he from anything?

I got a bad feeling about this...

I heard the new AiC line up at a festival in 2006. I wont be getting into comparing him to Layne because even though I do like Alice in Chains I was never THAT big a fan but I enjoyed them. I thought the new singer did a good job.

Yeah I agree with you. And as for "relevance", Alice In Chains with Layne Staley put out great music and I will keep listening to it because it is good. Good music is good music no matter how old or forgotten. Just because a few people on here don't like Alice In Chains, that doesn't make the band irrelevant. Maybe for them, but not everyone.

As for William Duvall, I don't think you could entirely call the band with him Alice In Chains. The Layne Staley Jerry Cantrell combo WAS Alice In Chains. Layne Staley's unique vocals + Jerry Cantrell's guitar genius and knack for song writing is what made them so great and different. I wouldn't mind going to see Duvall but i wouldn't say I went and saw an Alice in Chains concert, I would say I saw Jerry Cantrell and William Duvall's band perform some AIC songs.

William DuVall is so bad. they should have never gotten a new singer.
rip layne

There will never be another Layne....but I think we need to look at it from Jerry Cantrell's point of view-

I watched a clip of DuVall doing "Nutshell" on YouTube. Didn't sound bad. I'm glad Cantrell and (remaining) crew are going to keep doing what they love and make music. I do, however, wish they'd have given themselves a new name. They will never really be AiC without Layne because he and Cantrell together WERE AiC. That aside though, it seems like calling themselves that is setting themselves up for a lot more backlash than they would get if they went by a new name and simply played some old AiC covers.

Sidenote: Kind of funny to see a replacement sing the line, "If I can't be my own, I feel better dead."

i think its bad how..the guy who made the band is dead and they replaced him..
i think thats bad.

why is it bad?

I saw it too and thought the same!! Layne probably having good laugh at that wherever he is LOL

It's a decent version though I agree.

hmm no kiddin? i JUST SAID THAT :mad:

In what way did Layne Staney make the band?

its bad because they shouldn't have replaced layne staley when HE made the band. they should have just end the band in 2002

So what about Jerry Cantrell? He shouldnt get a say?

well if someone dies in your band..
you would replace him like you didn't care? you would be greedy about money?
thats what jerry is..