Alice in Chains

Black Gives Way to Blue was the first offering not to feature singer Layne Staley, who died on April 5, 2002, after years of substance abuse. Given the darkness and soul-searching of his brilliant lyrics, some would say his demise wasn't at all surprising.

Nevertheless, it's 2009 now, and AiC are back with former Comes With The Fall frontman William DuVall at the helm, alongside original vocalist and guitarist Jerry Cantrell. Bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney complete the original line-up.

Opening the Academy with It Ain't Like That was a peculiar choice but the sold-out crowd certainly didn't mind as they surged forwards and left to right with typical frightening force.

It was during this opening number that a few sound issues became apparent and although Cantrell covered it with friendly audience banter, it was obvious that he wasn't awfully pleased. Technicians ran around, plugs were replugged, mics checked and various things switched on and off before the problem was sorted out.

Next up were the awesome Again, Them Bones and Dam That River, before the first of six songs from the new album.

The delicate Your Decision, in keeping with the rest of the album, is going to take some getting used to and that's the feeling I got from the crowd too, despite the continued energy. Although certainly a grower, BGWTB just isn't (quite) the Alice in Chains of old. Without Staley's drug-addled input it's not (quite) as dark as it should be and it doesn't pack (quite) the same punch as, say, Dirt or 'Tripod'. So it was a bit odd listening to them perform it, as it was listening to Check My Brain, A Looking in View, Acid Bubble and Lesson Learned.

The performance of Black Gives Way to Blue, however, was superb. As part of a mid-way acoustic set, Cantrell perched on his stool and sang the song written in memory of his friend and former frontman.

A video backdrop which showed footage of Staley during the rendition sent tingles up and down the spine, and the crowd showed appreciation for their hero with the longest applause of the night.

Cigarettes burning throughout much of the gig, Cantrell, Inez and Kinney played their hearts out as DuVall proved himself to be an excellent and highly-capable frontman. This was the third time I had seen him perform with AiC and it's admirable that he in no way tries to emulate Staley – he just does what he does. And the crowd love it.

The penultimate number of the 20-song gig – Would? - was the best song AiC have ever written in my humble opinion and I'd have been delighted if they'd ended with that. But the crowd had been demanding Rooster all night, and that's what they got to close.

Drumsticks and picks were then thrown out to those close enough (I somehow caught three picks... but being a generous chap I gave one away) before the four-piece left the stage, leaving behind a crowd which had loved every minute and would give their collective right arm for more.

I was one of them - and I can't wait to see them again.