Alice in Chains Drummer Sean Kinney Addresses Health Scare: 'I'm Going to Live'
Alice in Chains recently canceled a brief spring US tour, including a couple of high-profile festival appearances, after drummer Sean Kinney experienced a medical emergency. The veteran stickman has now addressed his health, saying, 'I'm going to be fine and I'm going to live.'
As previously reported, Alice in Chains canceled their May 8th kickoff show at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, at the last minute after Kinney suffered a 'non-life-threatening medical emergency' immediately after the band's soundcheck that evening.
The next day, the legendary grunge band canceled their entire spring tour, which was slated to include a handful of headlining shows along with sets at the Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville festivals. At the time, Alice in Chains stated, 'While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean's health is our top priority.'
Now, Kinney himself has released a statement via Alice in Chains' social media channels, assuring fans that he'll be okay without disclosing the nature of his health condition. His full post reads as follows:
'THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE WTF?
Firstly, to everyone who came out to the Mohegan Sun show and was affected by the short-notice cancellation, and to everyone who had tickets to come see the band at one of the other shows, thanks for your understanding. It's not lost on the band and myself that you spend money, make plans and alter your schedules to come and see us, and it's deeply disappointing to have had this happen.
I was very much looking forward to getting back out there and playing with the band again, and it's been a difficult but necessary decision to make. I don't personally utilize social media and I'm not particularly fond of my health issues being made public, but I understand that people are concerned.
When the doctors advised me against playing in the short-term, I quickly went through The 5 Stages of Grief:
1. Denial (I'm fine)
2. Anger (F*** this – I'm still going to play)
3. Bargaining (What's it gonna take for me to hear a better diagnosis?)
4. Depression (This sucks)
5. Acceptance (This sucks, but okay)
I finally concluded that medical doctors with many hard-earned degrees on their walls might know a bit more about health than a musician with some shiny spray-painted records on his wall.
The outpouring of love, concern and well wishes has been both extremely humbling and very much appreciated.
The good news is that I'm going to be fine and I'm going to live. The bad news (for some of you?) is that I'm going to be fine and I'm going to live.'
As of now, Alice in Chains are still scheduled to perform at the final Black Sabbath concert on July 5th in Birmingham, England. Beyond that, the band has no other dates scheduled for 2025.
Kinney formed Alice in Chains in 1987 with Jerry Cantrell, Layne Staley, and Mike Starr. Sadly, Staley died in 2002, while Starr passed away in 2011. The band's current lineup includes Kinney, Cantrell, William DuVall, and Mike Inez.
Popular Posts
First Look at Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale in Madden Movie
Drummer Chris Adler Opens Up on What Led to Firing from Lamb of God
Morris, Alligator in Happy Gilmore, Dead at Over 80 Years Old
Jazz Pianist Matthew Shipp Derides André 3000's New Piano Project: "Complete and Utter Crap"
Say It in Ghor: How Andor Brought a Brand New Language to Star Wars
Billy Strings Announces Fall 2025 US Tour Dates
Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
King Ultramega Supergroup Pays Tribute to Chris Cornell With ‘Rusty Cage' Cover
A raft of talented musicians come together to form the new King Ultramega supergroup and pay tribute to late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell in the process. The nascent group made their debut on Friday (July 18), sharing a rendition of Soundgarden's 'Rusty Cage' – the opening track to 1991's Grammy-nominated Badmotorfinger. More from Billboard Mariah Carey 'MC16' Album Details Coming Tomorrow Fans Choose BTS' 'Permission to Dance On Stage' Live Album as This Week's Favorite New Music 'JACKBOYS 2' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart Leading the charge in King Ultramega is vocalist William DuVall of Alice in Chains, who is joined by Mastodon's Bill Kelliher on guitars, Anthrax and Pantera's Charlie Benante on drums, while Metal Allegiance's Mark Menghi serves as bassist and mastermind for the project. 'I just leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris,' DuVall of the cover. 'Since the instrumental track Bill, Charlie, and Mark sent hewed so closely to the original, I thought it best for me to stay in that ballpark as well.' According to Menghi, the project started back during the COVID-19 pandemic when he recorded a rendition of the track with friends. After being initially apprehensive of the project given the lofty standards set by Cornell, Menghi's position changed once Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil became involved and re-recorded one of his own tracks for the project. 'There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project,' explained Menghi. 'It was a trail of events that led to the formation of King Ultramega and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation.' Future releases in the series will feature songs from across Cornell's career, with selections taken from his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave, and his own solo career. Each track will also be raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, with the likes of Joe Satriani, Alissa White-Gluz and Kenny Aronoff all set to appear in the future. 'My reason for participating was simply taking on an interesting challenge when so much of the world was shut down,' added DuVall. 'I had no thoughts or ambitions for this beyond our posting it on social media five years ago. But if this release can help further the good work done by MusiCares, then I'm all for it.' 'I'm super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the King Ultramega project,' Thayil added in a statement. 'I'm equally proud that it celebrates Soundgarden in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone's participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation.' Soundgarden officially disbanded in 2017 following Cornell's passing at the age of 52. In recent years, a handful of reunion performances have taken place, including a December benefit gig under the moniker Nudedragons with vocalist Shaina Shepherd in December. Members of Soundgarden had also previously been announced as performers for the recent Back To The Beginning farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on July 5, though ultimately did not attend. 'We are very grateful to Tony, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill, as well as Sharon Osbourne and music director, Tom Morello for the honor and invitation to Soundgarden to perform at the Back to the Beginning festival!' a statement on Soundgarden's official Instagram account read. 'We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival.' Hear King Ultramega's 'Rusty Cage' cover below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: ‘I Owe That Man Everything'
Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: 'I Owe That Man Everything' originally appeared on Parade. 's 'Back to the Beginning' farewell show is history, but at least one musician who spent years as a member of Ozzy's solo band is still reflecting on the journey. , who has been the bassist in Alice in Chains for the last 20 years, took to Instagram on Monday, July 7 to share his thoughts about the weekend and his early days in Ozzy's band. 'My VERY FIRST Ozzy show I ever played was two nights at the old Mcgonagles punk club at 22 St. Anne st. In Dublin Ireland. January 11-12 1991,' he wrote. 'I decided that on my way home from playing the LAST show I'll ever play with Ozzy in Birmingham this past Saturday, I figured that I would swing by Dublin for a few days and reflect on those early days with Ozzy and Zakky,' he added, referring to his former bandmate, guitarist . 'The club is now a shitty posh clothing store. But I suppose it's logical that things change after 35 years. I'm sure going to miss playing with Ozzy. I owe that man everything. #ozzyosbourne' The caption was accompanied by a carousel of photos, including Inez standing in front of the 'posh clothing store' that was the site of McGonangles, as well as a handbill for that show that billed it as 'a live rehearsal,' along with three photos of the crowd at Saturday's 'Back to the Beginning' festival. At that show, Inez played a three-song set with Alice in Chains that included the band's hits 'Man in the Box' and 'Would?' as well as a cover of Black Sabbath's 'Fairies Wear Boots.' He later returned to the stage to back Ozzy—along with his fellow Ozzy solo band members drummer , guitarist Wylde and keyboardist —on a set of Ozzy solo hits that included such classics as 'Mr. Crowley,' 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' and 'Crazy Train.' Inez, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, played in Osbourne's band from 1989 through 1993 after auditioning along with more than 50 other musicians to play bass for the heavy metal legend. He went on to have stints with Alice in Chains (1993-2002), Wylde's Black Label Society (2001-2004), Heart (2002-2006), and a second stint with the reunited Alice in Chains beginning in 2005. His followers offered him kudos for his journey with Osbourne in the comments on Instagram. 'As a big fan of AIC I couldn't be more proud of you Mike, you totally rock!!!!' wrote one. 'You were absolutely INCREDIBLE, I hope to cross paths with you and [Inez's wife] Sydney again as it was such a pleasure to meet and feed you both! The energy you brought to my day was epic! What an unbelievable experience. Much love ❤️,' added another. 'Was so amazing seeing you up there supporting Ozzy during his last solo set. Zak, Adam and Tommy crushed it with you… Hugely emotional, not a dry eye for anyone watching no doubt,' added another fan. Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: 'I Owe That Man Everything' first appeared on Parade on Jul 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
The Ozzy Osbourne-Black Sabbath Farewell Concert Has Made Even More History by Setting a Record
The Ozzy Osbourne-Black Sabbath Farewell Concert Has Made Even More History by Setting a Record originally appeared on Parade. The 'Back to the Beginning' farewell concert to and Black Sabbath already made news earlier this month when it brought some of the biggest names in hard rock together to pay tribute to Ozzy and Sabbath. Now comes word that the show has also set a record by raising more than $200 million, making it the highest-grossing charity concert since and Ravi Shankar's Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 brought the concept of an all-star benefit show to the fore, per Billboard. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Earlier reports put the total from the one-day concert at $190 million, but that was only for charitable donations, per the report. The concert held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, was streamed on pay-per-view by 5.8 million viewers and watched live by 40,000 ticketholders. The funds from the concert will go to Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorn Hospice and Cure Parkinson's, which is dedicated to eradicating the disease Osbourne has battled since 2019. Alice in Chains bassist , who played in Osbourne's solo band and performed with AIC and Ozzy at the 'Back to the Beginning' show, took to Instagram to share the news about the concert's success. 'Rock is NOT dead. I'm so proud to be a part of the heavy community who not only showed how much they wanted to say farewell to Sabbath and Ozzy, really put their money where their hearts are and contributed to the largest single charity concert in history. So grateful to all the people on this planet who love distortion and heavy music. Thank you. We all did this together. #backtothebeginning#ozzyosbourne#blacksabbath,' he total from 'Back to the Beginning' topped other recent all-star charity shows including FireAid. That effort, held in January 2025, raised more than $100 million for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires in which 29 people died and more than 16,000 homes were destroyed earlier that month. Live Aid, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, raised about $100 million for famine relief for Ethiopia and Sudan. Farm Aid, the longest-running charity concert that was started as an off-shoot from Live Aid by Willie Nelson, has raised more than $80 million to help family farmers over the last four decades. The Concert for Bangladesh, the grandaddy of the charity concert, was actually a pair of sold-out shows held at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 1. It raised about $250,000 from the 40,000 tickets sold, but the charity effort didn't stop there. Following the release of the live album and film Concert for Bangladesh, organizers reportedly sent an estimated $12 million to Bangladesh via UNICEF, Billboard reports. The Ozzy Osbourne-Black Sabbath Farewell Concert Has Made Even More History by Setting a Record first appeared on Parade on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.