Alice in Chains Forced to Cancel 2025 Tour Following Drummer’s Health Scare

May 14, 2025 rocknews

Alice in Chains Cancels Tour Following Drummer’s Health Scare

Seattle grunge legends Alice in Chains have been forced to cancel their 2025 tour and all upcoming festival appearances after drummer Sean Kinney suffered a non-life-threatening medical emergency. The band had been set to kick off their highly anticipated tour at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on May 8, marking their first headline show in over a year. However, just hours before taking the stage, Kinney’s health issue led to an abrupt cancellation, followed by the band’s decision to scrap all remaining dates.

Tour Dates and Cancellations

Alice in Chains had planned an extensive run across the United States, including stops in Nashville, Tennessee, Dothan, Alabama, and major festival appearances at Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida, and MMRBQ in New Jersey. The band’s only remaining scheduled performance is at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5, where they were set to join Black Sabbath’s farewell show, alongside Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and other rock icons.

A Legacy of Grunge and Metal

Formed in Seattle in 1987, Alice in Chains quickly became one of the most influential bands of the grunge movement, alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Their debut album, Facelift (1990), introduced the world to their signature dark, brooding sound, with hits like “Man in the Box”. The band’s 1992 album Dirt solidified their place in rock history, featuring classics such as “Rooster”, “Them Bones”, and “Would?”.

Despite the tragic loss of original frontman Layne Staley in 2002, Alice in Chains regrouped with William DuVall taking over vocal duties, releasing critically acclaimed albums like Black Gives Way to Blue (2009) and Rainier Fog (2018). Their ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound has kept them relevant in the modern rock scene.

What’s Next for Alice in Chains?

While Kinney’s long-term prognosis is positive, fans are left wondering when Alice in Chains will return to the stage. The band has expressed gratitude for their fans’ support and understanding during this difficult time. Whether they will still appear at Black Sabbath’s final show remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Alice in Chains’ legacy in rock and metal remains unshaken.