By Jake Rage, Rock At Night Orlando, Florida
Venue: Hard Rock Live-October 27, 2018–ALICE IN CHAINS with The Pink Slips
As I was waiting in line for the concert it was obvious that fans were already anticipating what would end up being an amazing show. For me, this was a bucket list opportunity to photograph one of my all time favorite bands. Before I entered, a woman so overly emotional to see Alice In Chains, was begging security to let her in first. She had already taken her shoes off and was getting ready to race into the show to get her place front and center. That pretty much sums up the excitement everyone was feeling.
The show opened with “THE PINK SLIPS”. The band has been around since 2013. They are no stranger to some of most iconic rock clubs in the world. The Pink Slips opened strong playing their set including their latest song “Trigger”. The band is comprised of Grave (Grace Mckagan) – Lead Vocals, Rent Peltz – Keyboard / Back up Vocals, Keenan Bevans – Drums, Desi Scaglione – Guitar and Charlie Anastasis – Bass. The band describes themselves as a Punk, Rock, Synthpop, New Wave band–and I would have to agree. The band is edgy and Grave their lead vocalist was in total rock form. Far from static Graved moved about the stage delivering her vocals while holding some more than interesting gymnastic positions. It’s obvious that The Pink Slips were there to connect with old and new fans alike. The band rocked the venue and was a perfect opener for the headliners.
Alice In Chains blew up the stage opening with “CHECK YOUR BRAIN”. Backed by one of the best lighting shows I have seen this year; they performed their way through the crowd favorites. Unlike some bands where there is a particular member who stands out during the show, AIC shared the spotlight. At one point in the night the crowd was chanting “JERRY, JERRY, JERRY”. Jerry Cantrell quickly redirected the crowd to the talents of the rest of the band. The band destroyed, it without a doubt! Most people know that AIC is no stranger to tragedy; losing two original members Layne Staley and Mike Starr around issues of drug abuse. Mid-show Jerry Cantrell stopped to dedicate the song “NUTSHELL” to their former band mates. It was sobering and a great tribute to former talented but missing bandmates.
AIC didn’t end there–and they kept forging ahead. The addition of William Duvall – Vocals / Rhythm Guitar and Mike Inez – bass is so natural the band keeps growing in popularity. For now I see no end in sight for AIC. If I had to describe the night, I would say “a talented and iconic band who rose from the ashes of loss only to re-define themselves as the amazing band they always were.” That pretty much sums it up.
The band gave everything they had, and after ending the show, came back out for an encore. They ended the night with “ROOSTER”. Personally their performance was everything I had hoped for. It was obvious by the fans singing along with every song that AIC is one of the most loved, and best bands in the world.
ALICE IN CHAINS SET LIST: CHECK MY BRAIN, AGAIN, NEVER FADE, THEM BONES, DAM THAT RIVER, HOLLOW, RAINIER FOG, DOWN IN A HOLE, NO EXCUSES, STONE, RED GIANT, IT AIN’T LIKE THAT, NUTSHELL, YOUR DECISION, ANGRY CHAIR, MAN IN THE BOX.
ENCORE: THE ONE YOU KNOW, GOT ME WRONG, WOULD, ROOSTER.
PHOTO GALLERY
His work resume runs from working in a locked psychiatric ward,to producing national television commercials. There was a lapse in creativity for the last few years until he once again decided to pick up a digital camera, and the rest is history. Combining his love for music and photography has been a rewarding surprise.
- WALK OFF THE EARTH: the greatest show in the universe? - November 2, 2018
- Alice in Chains in Orlando: continuing to rise from the ashes! - October 28, 2018
- RATT: don’t believe the hype! Great performance in Orlando! - October 13, 2018
