Alice In Chains Reports On "Black Gives Way To Blue" Listening Party

Alice In Chains recently held a listening party for their upcoming album "Black Gives Way To Blue," which will be released on September 29th. The band issued the following report on the party:

"Ive been to a record release party before, but never a listening party. There actually isn’t that much of a difference, but at the record release party the emphasis seemed to be on party, while last night’s emphasis was definitely on listening.

"Oh sure, there were some typical L.A. industry weasels who were more concerned with their hair gel than the album, but the vast majority of people were paying attention and rocking out.

"I couldn’t pick out the website winners from the industry types, but I imagine they may have been the ones that were banging their heads and playing air drums. But then again I saw some label people doing a bit of air guitaring too, so who knows?

"The event was held at the Ricardo Montalban Theater, so instead of standing around schmoozing and sucking down free cocktails all night long, most people sat down and listened to the record as still images were projected on a giant screen onstage.

"There were about 300 people there, and with the exception of a few of them getting out of their seats to go to the lobby (It’s L.A. man, of course there was free food & drinks), they sat in their seats and actually listened for nearly an hour.

"No one knew the song titles, no one knew how many songs there would be, and no one knew that when it was all over the screen would rise and the band would be set up on stage to play.

"The guys started off the short set with Down In A Hole, then Jerry said a few words before they played two new songs; Your Decision, and the title track, Black Gives Way To Blue.

"So now that a few people have finally heard it and Jerry spoke publicly about the lyrical content, I think I can reveal to the rest of you that the title of the album and the song of the same name are dedicated and in reference to Layne.

"For the guys to play it live for the first time was an emotional experience, and it did Layne proud, as it sounded amazing and the crowd went nuts when it was over.

"The whole thing was an emotional experience, but instead of getting all sentimental and Oprah-ey, I think I’ll just quote Jerry, who said to me, 'We’ve been sitting on this f*%#ing egg for so long, it feels good to finally hatch it.'

"Unfortunately it doesn’t get hatched for real until September, but last night was a nice sneak preview."