William DuVall: I’m Not Trying To Do A Layne Staley
After the death of singer Layne Staley in 2002, Alice in Chains has regrouped with new singer William DuVall to record their new album ‘Black Gives Way To Blue’, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 this month and spawned a title track that went all the way to No. 1 on the Rock Songs chart. “I think initially people came [with] arms crossed, sort of hoping against hope. I hear that a lot,” DuVall tells Billboard. “I’m not trying to do a Layne. One of the things I loved about him was how individual he was. He was just being himself, so that’s what I do.” Watch an interview with the band below.
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11 thoughts on “William DuVall: I’m Not Trying To Do A Layne Staley”
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I wasn’t thrilled at the thought of someone trying to fill Layne’s shoes, but that’s just it; William is doing his own thing. He puts on a good show with AIC and they rock out together. My only regret is that there were no tribute photos of Layne during any portion of the show. I would like to see them implement that into their live performance in honor of his soul and presence in AICs music and history.
Alice in Chains has always been kick ass I would rather listen to old AIC but the new Alice In Chains is good I am glad to hear them again.
You know, for a while I didn’t want to listen to the new album. I’m glad I came around and did. It doesn’t seem like William is at all trying to replace Layne. I like the album a lot.
Surely, no one will really know Alice in Chains without knowing Layne.
Keep rocking!
The new album is hot!!! William does an excellent job on vocals, Layne would and is proud, and yet Will’s vocals are unique!! Thanks for the awesome album!!
I’m a big fan of Alice in Chains and the reason for that is because they Have their own original sound that makes them different from any other band in rock music.Even though I was a baby(lol) around the time the inception of the group, I’m glad to have listen to their old and new music today. William is sexy, hot, fresh, and so dedicated to his work that what is makes him so who he is today.
I don’t care if it is Duvall, I’m really happy AIC are back in action
I have been a fan of Alice in Chains since I heard “Would” in 1992. I love the fact that they have carried on with William Duvall and I don’t feel that it is disrespectful that they are still called Alice in Chains because that is who they are as a band not Layne’s Band. Cantrell did the majority of the writing and with him still there there is no reason to change the name. I love Will’s vocals and how well they mesh with Jerry’s. I also like how they are similar to Layne’s, but not exactly, so as to make Layne seem unnecessary. Granted, the songs wont sound exactly the same without Layne, but that in no way means that they will be of a lesser quality. Simply put bands change I mean does Pearl Jam’s “Backspacer” sound like “Vs.” or “Ten”? This is still Alice in Chains with Jerry @ the helm it is just the next chapter. I am glad that they are carrying on.
I think William is great and I think he is a strong person for stepping up.
Layne Staley is one of a kind, simply put. However, I think if the guys wanna rock on and keep producing bad ass music, the only way to do it is the way they did. They’re still passing on Layne’s legacy through the love they shared for their music, but with a new vocalist. Though no one can completely match Layne’s vocal talent in the band, I think William’s doing a kick ass job.
how awesome is it that aic has found fresh mortar to hold them together in William Duvaul? where was this man hiding? well he’s with this band now and he’s awesome. sir you absolutely tribute the past while moving forward. live long, strong & rock on
AIC was always one of my favorite bands. There are no songs that I don’t like. I still remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Layne was found dead, that incident is the only reason I remember my own sisters birthday. That is honestly how much of an influence this band had on my life. Duvall is a great addition as far as I am concerned. I hope they keep making the great music we all know and love.