Growing up in the wilds of Coquitlam, there were two records I remember playing exceptionally heavy. R.E.M.’s Green and Alice in Chains’ Unplugged.
Every night before bed, I’d throw the AiC record in my discman, tuck into a book about war and go away.
Many nights, I would go through the record two times before falling asleep.
The habit was so entrenched, that even to this day, I still love listening to music before bed and if I am ever feeling the weights of life pulling down on me, a little music before bed or laying on the couch in the dark with the headphones on will make me feel infinity better.
A great modern rock shame in those days was that I never did go see Alice in Chains in concert. I do think a bunch of my friend did see them once at some arena show in Vancouver, but I missed that one.
Later, after the band was on the hiatus, I had the chance to see Jerry Cantrell twice. Once at Richards and another time opening for Metallica at Thunderbird Stadium. Both times were special but the Richards show was the better.
Jerry had this band on tour with him called Comes With the Fall (circa 2002 I think… Wagner, were you at this show with me?).
I didn’t know what to expect at the Jerry Cantrell solo tour other than I was sure to hear some Boggy Depot and Degradation Trip. My life erupted with joy when Jerry launched into many classic AiC songs… and filling in the part of Layne Staley was William DuVall, lead singer of Comes With The Fall.
Sounded mighty and was at the time, as close as I was going to come to an Alice in Chains show. I’d have to relieve the live days on the DVDs I had (and my brother CJ had a great old VHS with lots of early footage too).
I guess William did a good job and the band felt it was time, after 14 years, to put out another record, revive the Alice in Chains handle, and get out there!
Today I had the chance to talk to bass player Mike Inez. I made a little podcast of the interview and included far more than what you’ll hear on the radio or countdown this weekend. if you are an AiC fan like me, please take a second to have a listen (well many seconds total running time is 15 minutes).
Download: Interview: Mike Inez of Alice in Chains
Mike gives the cole’s notes version of joining Alice In Chains. He was on tour with Ozzy and working in Reno recording when he got a call from Sean Kinney inviting him to join the band.
He goes on to talk about the natural progression he felt as the band got back together including the original genesis… the Tsunami of 2005.
The band toured a bit and the shows got bigger and bigger and it showed them it was time to do it right. AiC financed the record independently before even thinking about sending to a label for distribution.
Then I find out, Mike Inez is a hockey fan? SWA? LA Kings? I’ll TRY not to let that ruin his musical legacy.
Mike talks about the meaning behind the title of the album Black Gives Way to Blue. He tells the story of floating in Jerry’s pool as they debated album title names and why song is special for the band. the title track was especially hard to record because of its meaning and Jerry battling an illness at the time.
Then he reflects on Layne Staley and what he was like living and tells the story of the Grammy Awards snubbing Layne after his death despite the fact AiC has been nominated for Grammy Awards… what 5 times, 6 times?
Mike Inez is a great guy and I loved interviewing him and having the chance to hear his stories. I hope you do too.
Go with yourself.
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Tomorrow (Thursday, July 22nd) Billy Bishop Goes To War opens at the Belfry Theatre.
The Morning After 
