Alice in Chains cancels tour kickoff show due to member’s ‘medical emergency’
Heavy metal band Alice in Chains had to abruptly cancel the opening show of their U.S. tour after drummer Sean Kinney faced a ‘non-life-threatening medical emergency.’ The iconic group, famous for hits like ‘Man in the Box,’ comprises lead vocalist William DuVall, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez, and drummer Sean Kinney. The band was set to begin their multi-city tour at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, but had to inform fans via their Instagram Story that the show would not go on as planned due to Kinney’s unexpected health issue.
Kinney’s medical emergency occurred after the band’s soundcheck, prompting the band to apologize for the inconvenience and offer refunds to disappointed ticket holders. While details about the nature of Kinney’s condition remain scarce, the band’s representatives have not yet provided additional comments on the incident. This cancellation marks a significant setback for Alice in Chains, as it would have been their first live performance since the 2024 Sick New World festival in Las Vegas. The band’s previous tour took place in 2023, making this tour highly anticipated by fans eager to experience their powerful sound once again.
Despite the unfortunate cancellation, Alice in Chains is determined to push forward with the rest of their U.S. tour. Their next stop is scheduled at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey, with subsequent performances lined up for major music festivals such as the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio, the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the Boardwalk Rock festival in Ocean City, Maryland. Additionally, the band will play in various cities including Nashville, Tennessee, and Dothan, Alabama, before concluding their U.S. tour in Libertyville, Illinois. A highlight of their tour includes a performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom, alongside rock legends Black Sabbath in a monumental event commemorating Ozzy Osbourne’s final show. Other notable bands like Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and more are slated to join the lineup for what promises to be a spectacular heavy metal extravaganza.
Alice in Chains, formed in Seattle in 1987 by Kinney and Cantrell, has seen its fair share of challenges over the years. After the tragic deaths of their original members, the band underwent a transformation with the addition of new vocalist DuVall in 2005. Despite these obstacles, Alice in Chains remains a powerhouse in the rock and heavy metal scene, having released six studio albums since their inception. With a dedicated fan base eagerly awaiting their return to the stage, the band’s resilience and enduring impact on the music industry are undeniable.