Grunge Band Alice in Chains Issues Statement on Drummer's Health Audio Ink Radio

Grunge Band Alice in Chains Issues Statement on Drummer’s Health

2025-05-10

Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney is sadly dealing with some health issues, and the band is doing what they can to help. – Author: Cat Badra, photo via Pamela Littky

Alice in Chains is one of the few major grunge bands still touring on a regular basis and releasing new music. Of course, they sadly lost their founding vocalist Layne Staley in 2002 after a long battle with addiction, and they also lost longtime bass player Mike Starr in 2011, who also battled with addition. So, today’s Alice in Chains is different from the band in the 1990s. But, they still having founding member Jerry Cantrell, who has taken on the band leader responsibility with Staley gone.

Now, Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney is sadly dealing with some health issues, and the band is doing what they can to help. Kinney, like Cantrell, is a founding members of Alice in Chains. That’s not his only project, too, as he also founded the brief supergroup Spys4Darwin and has collaborated with a range of big-named artists, including Metallica.

On May 8, Alice in Chains was forced to cancel their show in Connecticut last minute due to drummer Kinney’s “non-life-threatening medical emergency.” At the time, they did let on that this would be a pattern, but did issue a statement about why they canceled the date. “After our soundcheck this evening at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Sean experienced a non-life-threatening medical emergency,” the band said in a statement at the time. “We unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s show. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.”

Now, Alice in Chains have cut all of their upcoming tour dates, including festival appearances. So, right now, their itinerary is totally clear.

Alice in Chains Comments on Drummer’s Health

In a new statement sent out May, Alice in Chains elaborated on the news. “After careful consideration and following the advice of medical professionals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming festival performances and the Alice in Chains headline shows,” they said in the statement.

The band added, “While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean’s health is our top priority at this moment. Although the issue requires immediate attention, his long-term prognosis is positive. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support during this time.”

As for what the band had lined up for 2025, it was a good chunk of shows, including big appearances at the Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville festivals. The band is also slated to perform at a major event in July: the final Black Sabbath concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England. They haven’t revealed if they will still perform at that event.

The staff of Audio Ink Radio sends out best wishes and prayers to Kinney for a speedy recovery.

New Layne Stanley Book Out in November

In other news, the lost journals from Staley will be published in a new book, due out later this year. The book, named “This Angry Pen: The Lost Journals of Layne Staley,” will feature a mix of poetry, artwork, fan tributes, lyrics and photos from Staley’s personal collection. It will arrive on November 11, according to an announcement from Simon & Schuster.

“For the first time, this stunning collection unveils the deeply personal and creative side of the legendary Alice in Chains frontman,” the books official description states.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is trending news writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.