@@commanddept Amen! He's not Layne. He's Mr. Duvall and he's a very very talented singer guitarist. Great singer and on point vocally. I'm a singer and I know. Great pitch when I hear it.
I'm an AIC gatekeeper and I gave Will a pass in '09. I knew he wasn't Layne, but he kept the spirit of what the band was about, and that's all you can really ask for. And this just in, the guy is good.
It’s because we have so much respect for Laynes talent and his voice, and we miss it like crazy. I grew way past that long ago, but I still get why old school AIC fans stick with old school AIC.
Layne voice was unreal and unique , no one cant compare with that like freddy mercury or sinatra … irremplazable but any alice fan should recognize william , he’s a great musician and a very cool dude 🤘🏽
@@TheStepmonkey I totally agree with you. Layne was always the front man for Alice In Chains. William is more of a back up singer for Jerry. I think that Brendan Maier is better singer that AIC should hire.
Regardless of what everyone may think of his singing, he's a hell of a better guitarist than Layne. They won't need someone like Scotty Olson to give them a fuller live sound since he's there.
@spacejockey4746 Hella was a saying that I think started in Seattle back in like 1992. I was there in 90 91 and never heard it until we all became skaters in the Renton Highlands area. Basically Jerry Cantrell's stomping ground. Before they were famous they partied back behind Nic Stehoviak's at a closed down drive in movie theater. Those were the good Ole days.
@@Luke-sl4fs not tryna be rude and all but william is a much better artist, all brandon does is sing like layne staley while william has his own style
As a musician, I’ve always been told about how much soul blues music brings to any music genre. This song is as equally as great as any blues song just based on the soul it exudes. There are just some rock songs that give that jolt of guts and power all at the same time. This song is one of them.
William brought AiC back to the frontlines. If it wasnt for him, Alice might've been done for good. Plus I loved black give way to blue. that was a fantastic album and the one that introduced me to Alice. Yes I love Laynes voice and his work but i also really like William's. He probably thinks this is how Brian Johnson felt after filling in for bon scott. Big shoes to fill but he does it well and made it his own!!
@@earthling3650 Why? Because layne passed? That's not fair to the fans or the rest of the band. Maybe AC/DC should have stopped when Bon Scott died, then?
Hahahahaha. William only does what jerry tell him brother. CANTRELL brought them back. (Even though I've bought the Duvall era stuff) he was a terrible choice. From a Long time fan! .. 👍
@@xscorpxI didn't know... I'm literally too big of an Alice in chains fan to listen.... By hearing the first lines of this song I see I haven't missed much
@@illfather7066 black gives way to blue is one of the best comeback albums ever and Jerry’s songwriting is as good as ever so ya you’re definitely missing alot
Hearing this, it becomes obvious that a lot of AIC still sounding like AIC comes from Jerry’s voice being fairly high in the mix. That, and more frequently harmonizing, whereas Layne sung alone a little more. It’s a clever way to make it still sound like an Alice In Chains record. Regardless of the singer change, they still sound good and Cantrell is one of my all-time favorite riff kings. I don’t think anyone would dispute the fact that Layne Staley is irreplaceable. RIP 💔
@@LRM5195 yup BGWTB is still in consistent rotation for me, love that album front to back. Jerry as a songwriter doesn’t miss for me whether it’s with AIC or solo, degradation trip vol1&2 is one of my favorite albums ever.
@@LRM5195 degradation trip vol 1&2 is a 25 track double album Jerry released in 02. Mike bordin of faith no more drummed on the whole album and Rob trujillo of Metallica played bass on the whole album. It’s a very dark album and was pretty much Jerry’s at his lowest point but it made for incredible music and is just loaded with phenomenal lyrics and riffs. Can’t recommend it enough.
This guy has one of the best lead voices I’ve ever heard. His tone and control are next to none pristine. I saw AIC live last year at Louder Than Life in Louisville and they absolutely killed it. Saw them back-to-back-to-back-to-back along with Papa Roach, Incubus and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Best concert I’ve ever been to without question!
I love Willy-D! Layne was a once in a lifetime performer but William's contributions to the band have been amazing. No joke some of my favorite Alice in Chains songs are on Black Gives Way to Blue and after.
I hate when people talk about how he replaced Layne as if you can simply replace a person. I recently got into AIC and they're already one of my favorite bands ever, so I don't really have the emotional attachment that others do. Hell, Layne died 3 years before I was born. They're different people, that's obvious enough. No one can ever be a replacement for someone else, I'm just tired of people trashing him since he joined. Do I prefer Layne's voice? Yeah, I do. Does that mean I'm gonna be one of those "no Layne no chains" elitists and shit on William? Absolutely not because I like his voice too and I like what he adds to the music. FFS can we just enjoy the music without comparing it 24/7? What happened was awful, but I'm happy for them that they were able to keep going and contribute new music. Idk how to end this, I'm sorry if it's incoherent. It's like. 2 am and I can't sleep. But I just wanted to get it off my chest. I'm tired of people being negative about it (even though I'm a bit late to the discussion 💀💀💀) It's fine to not like it, but trashing it for no reason is just a dick move and elitism just turns more people away from the music. It's weird how hostile people about it.
Well Jerry never used the name all those years Layne was alive when he wasn't in it. I seen the band at Charlotte North Carolina and he was just going as Jerry Cantrell. I mean what have been so terrible to just call the band like broken chains anything that would have saved all these two decades long argument
What a legend!! 👌 No one will ever take Layne's place in AIC, but William has kept the brilliance of Jerry Cantrell's songwriting alive for the band. How lucky we all are.
Man that's a hard song to sing well and William is nailing it. Not many people in the world could pull this off. Talented person and a worthy replacement for the late, great Layne.
Yeah, I have always been really super glad that you guys found each other. What a wonderful way to continue the legacy and keep it absolutely fresh. Cheers.
I love this guy. Love that he can sing Layne's part faithfully and still sounding different. Love the blackness and the soul inflection of his voice. And he's a damn good guitarist too.
@@manwithtwoeyes6911 nobody could get Layne voice right that’s why I think Alice in chains shouldn’t of have gotten a new singer because it would not be the same as Layne like Nirvana they didn’t find a new singer because they knew they wouldn’t be the same
Have to agree with bluecheeseanxiety sounds like a wild cat trapped in a box but I never have like any of the shit they have called music they totally suck
Layne is irreplaceable but William is the phoenix that helped bring AIC back to life and he's doing a hell of great job at it. Please keep making more music. Black gives way to blue is one of my favorite albums 🤘🤘🤘
Can't hate this guy for taking Laynes place
He wishes he could take Laynes place
@@illfather7066 he did lol
@@Grateful_dead. not even close...hes good but Layne was great
@@illfather7066 well I’m just saying in the band he’s the lead singer now and no one can beat Layne either he will always be the best
@@illfather7066 bro just be happy that aic is going on bro
this guy is genuinely mad good
Yeah
They should’ve just changed the name of the band in my opinion it’s not Alice In chains without him
@@Si66do6 good thing they're not listening to your opinion then
@@cotopaximusic you must be a dumb ass then 💀
@@cotopaximusic he can’t replace layne Staley are u dumb 🤣
He's basically doing a Layne+Jerry combo. Very difficult to pull off. Not bad.
Wtf are you even talking about?
@@lordoftheriffs3387he plays guitar + sings layne’s part
Not bad as in terrible
The hell you're talking about. William is good as fuck, but yall want him to be Layne. And hate him for not being Layne. Smh
@@commanddept Amen! He's not Layne. He's Mr. Duvall and he's a very very talented singer guitarist. Great singer and on point vocally. I'm a singer and I know. Great pitch when I hear it.
Alice gatekeepers are the worst. William, you're killing it!!
Lots of positive comments on here too, thankfully
I want to like his voice but it sounds like me covering Alice in the shower.
I'm an AIC gatekeeper and I gave Will a pass in '09. I knew he wasn't Layne, but he kept the spirit of what the band was about, and that's all you can really ask for. And this just in, the guy is good.
It’s because we have so much respect for Laynes talent and his voice, and we miss it like crazy. I grew way past that long ago, but I still get why old school AIC fans stick with old school AIC.
Mr. Duvall does a Great Job !!! No he ain't Layne , he's Willam!!!!
Layne voice was unreal and unique , no one cant compare with that like freddy mercury or sinatra … irremplazable but any alice fan should recognize william , he’s a great musician and a very cool dude 🤘🏽
Exactly, Layne was at a legendary level. Im honestly not a fan of William's voice cause is a bit too nasal and lacks power...
@@TheStepmonkey lacks...POWER?
@@TheStepmonkey You’re absolutely insane. 🙄
And Layne’s voice was quite “nasal” at times as well, particularly in later years.
@@blursedd people will say any nonsense just for the sake of saying it.
@@TheStepmonkey I totally agree with you. Layne was always the front man for Alice In Chains. William is more of a back up singer for Jerry. I think that Brendan Maier is better singer that AIC should hire.
No wonder he's also become a guitarist for the band.
His playing is hella good even when he's singing those notes
hella ? 😂
@@spacejockey4746singing and playing at the same time is so hard, one gets messed up
Regardless of what everyone may think of his singing, he's a hell of a better guitarist than Layne. They won't need someone like Scotty Olson to give them a fuller live sound since he's there.
I was thinking exactly this, how he can continue to play it while sustaining those notes... he is the guy
@spacejockey4746 Hella was a saying that I think started in Seattle back in like 1992. I was there in 90 91 and never heard it until we all became skaters in the Renton Highlands area. Basically Jerry Cantrell's stomping ground. Before they were famous they partied back behind Nic Stehoviak's at a closed down drive in movie theater. Those were the good Ole days.
can’t replace layne but this guy is for sure the next best thing! god bless!
True dat
Ever heard of Brandon maier?
Theres an AIC cover band called "facelift" and their vocalist is the closest I've ever heard anybody ever get to sounding like Layne.
Not even close
@@Luke-sl4fs not tryna be rude and all but william is a much better artist, all brandon does is sing like layne staley while william has his own style
Say what you will, but this is the most badass thing to do wearing a Cardigan
😂😂😂
Thank You William for keeping the AiC vibe alive
I've seen him perform this live. It's a very hard piece to sing well. And he does it.
His albums with Alice In Chains have been amazing. So underrated too.
saw him do this at redrocks when he first joined. It was fucking incredible. So many assholes saying they should've quit, until he did this perfectly.
Layne would be proud..Awesomeness
Bulshit Layne would be embarrassed That guy sounds like shit.
😂😂😂
He's got passion and skill.
No doubts there.
Well done!
As a musician, I’ve always been told about how much soul blues music brings to any music genre. This song is as equally as great as any blues song just based on the soul it exudes. There are just some rock songs that give that jolt of guts and power all at the same time. This song is one of them.
Rock n roll was built on blues.
Such an underrated song. Love jerrys work on this one
This song is by no means underrated. But props to you nonetheless
William brought AiC back to the frontlines. If it wasnt for him, Alice might've been done for good. Plus I loved black give way to blue. that was a fantastic album and the one that introduced me to Alice. Yes I love Laynes voice and his work but i also really like William's. He probably thinks this is how Brian Johnson felt after filling in for bon scott. Big shoes to fill but he does it well and made it his own!!
Totally agree mate well said
@@earthling3650 Why? Because layne passed? That's not fair to the fans or the rest of the band. Maybe AC/DC should have stopped when Bon Scott died, then?
@@earthling3650 Jerry should've just stepped in as the front man in my personal opinion. No offense to William
@@robcrossan6274 Kind of..idk. Brian had a great voice prior to ac/dc (Geordie) Why he didn't use his range with them is beyond me. Bon ftw.
Hahahahaha. William only does what jerry tell him brother. CANTRELL brought them back. (Even though I've bought the Duvall era stuff) he was a terrible choice. From a Long time fan! .. 👍
Jerry couldn’t have found a better replacement for Layne. Thanks for the show in Spokane. You guys killed it as always!!! Thank you William!!
Haven't found a replacement at all...
@@illfather7066They literally replaced one of the lead singers in Alice in Chains and released multiple new records with the new singer.
@@xscorpxI didn't know... I'm literally too big of an Alice in chains fan to listen.... By hearing the first lines of this song I see I haven't missed much
@@illfather7066you clearly aren’t too big of a fan lol, the biggest AIC fans love all their material
@@illfather7066 black gives way to blue is one of the best comeback albums ever and Jerry’s songwriting is as good as ever so ya you’re definitely missing alot
Excellent. You sing it proper with soul and pipes. Thank God for you William
my favorite Alice in Chains hook of all time. The way Layne hits the "Name" gives me chills every time, and I have listened to that song a LOT lol
That was incredible
Really? 🥺😯 😳
Poser
You will never see todays musician having this much talent at all. Duvall, you still got it man 👍
But he is one of “today’s musicians” 🙄
Hearing this, it becomes obvious that a lot of AIC still sounding like AIC comes from Jerry’s voice being fairly high in the mix. That, and more frequently harmonizing, whereas Layne sung alone a little more. It’s a clever way to make it still sound like an Alice In Chains record. Regardless of the singer change, they still sound good and Cantrell is one of my all-time favorite riff kings. I don’t think anyone would dispute the fact that Layne Staley is irreplaceable. RIP 💔
Vocal technique on point
Keep on keeping on William. You have mad skills. Much love to all of you in AIC
Black Gives Way To Blue album holds a special place in my heart
One of the best comeback albums of all time, shit is so good
@@puppetmaster8551 I still revisit it after all these years. One thing about AIC, when they put something out, you know it’s genuine.
@@LRM5195 yup BGWTB is still in consistent rotation for me, love that album front to back. Jerry as a songwriter doesn’t miss for me whether it’s with AIC or solo, degradation trip vol1&2 is one of my favorite albums ever.
@@puppetmaster8551 I’ll have to check those out!
@@LRM5195 degradation trip vol 1&2 is a 25 track double album Jerry released in 02. Mike bordin of faith no more drummed on the whole album and Rob trujillo of Metallica played bass on the whole album. It’s a very dark album and was pretty much Jerry’s at his lowest point but it made for incredible music and is just loaded with phenomenal lyrics and riffs. Can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you William for all you have done to revitalize Alice In Chains. We can never go back to the past. We can only move forward in time.
I’ve seen William live many times . He’s amazing 🤩. He’s not trying to replace Layne - just doing him justice
Man he's got some pipes! I certainly couldn't pull that off!
This guy has one of the best lead voices I’ve ever heard. His tone and control are next to none pristine.
I saw AIC live last year at Louder Than Life in Louisville and they absolutely killed it. Saw them back-to-back-to-back-to-back along with Papa Roach, Incubus and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Best concert I’ve ever been to without question!
Love you, Mr. Duvall 🖤
William is awesome what a set of shoes to fill and he fills them so well
No he doesn't. He can't even sniff Laynes stratosphere.
Seen him live in San Antonio in 2006 it was bad ass !! Much respect!!!
William..just awesome dude..love what you bring to AIC ..keep Rockin !!!
William, you’re going to Hollywood! 🙌
This guy is CRACKED. Love you Mr.DuVall
Amazing performance
William!!
One of my fav songs by these guys
Love it. My favorite AIC song.
Such a talented man love William
Hes so fuckin good
Really love this guy. Last albums are all pretty good. Nevertheless, Dallas Green's version is off the charts. No hate, only love.
Absolutely and totally agree with you. Dallas green is my fav cover of all time
I love Willy-D! Layne was a once in a lifetime performer but William's contributions to the band have been amazing. No joke some of my favorite Alice in Chains songs are on Black Gives Way to Blue and after.
By far the best cover for rain I’ve ever heard. Was not expecting that
Damn!! I feel like this is the best thing I've seen in a long time. Next to Layne, William nails it. ❤
God level
I love how soft spoken he is, then bam!
Thank you William for keeping one of my favorite bands alive. ❤️
Love this
Great performance
That was so well done. Just hit my playlist. Thank you for sharing.
Love him. He stepped in with grace and did it his own way. Hes a legend.
Great job , i am very fan to Alice, and my Heart it so break when Layne he s die, but William is a perfect guy and í so Proud
He no layne but then again no one can mirror that voice!!
That was simply bad ass.
Damn. I got chills.
Not too bad when you belt out the strong notes
Especially when you’re his age. He’s gotta be late 50’s at least without question.
I hate when people talk about how he replaced Layne as if you can simply replace a person. I recently got into AIC and they're already one of my favorite bands ever, so I don't really have the emotional attachment that others do. Hell, Layne died 3 years before I was born. They're different people, that's obvious enough. No one can ever be a replacement for someone else, I'm just tired of people trashing him since he joined. Do I prefer Layne's voice? Yeah, I do. Does that mean I'm gonna be one of those "no Layne no chains" elitists and shit on William? Absolutely not because I like his voice too and I like what he adds to the music. FFS can we just enjoy the music without comparing it 24/7? What happened was awful, but I'm happy for them that they were able to keep going and contribute new music. Idk how to end this, I'm sorry if it's incoherent. It's like. 2 am and I can't sleep. But I just wanted to get it off my chest. I'm tired of people being negative about it (even though I'm a bit late to the discussion 💀💀💀) It's fine to not like it, but trashing it for no reason is just a dick move and elitism just turns more people away from the music. It's weird how hostile people about it.
Spot on mate
I feel the exact same way. Let’s just all enjoy what we still have. Jerry held it together along with the drummer, long live Alice in Chains
Well Jerry never used the name all those years Layne was alive when he wasn't in it. I seen the band at Charlotte North Carolina and he was just going as Jerry Cantrell. I mean what have been so terrible to just call the band like broken chains anything that would have saved all these two decades long argument
What a legend!! 👌
No one will ever take Layne's place in AIC, but William has kept the brilliance of Jerry Cantrell's songwriting alive for the band.
How lucky we all are.
He always did Layne proud...Duvall....
AIC needs to do an unplugged tour this summer. PLEASE
Love it!
Layne would be proud to see how William fit into the band. Amazing!
Man that's a hard song to sing well and William is nailing it. Not many people in the world could pull this off. Talented person and a worthy replacement for the late, great Layne.
I love it. I wouldn't want to compare Layne and William though. Both of them are great
Lol because you can't compare them.... this guy can't hold a candle to Layne
You're doing such a good job trying to replace a legend! If you got there first we'd all worship you. Keep jamming brother
What a great singer!
100% my fav AIC song ever. Such a bad ass bluesy guitar riff and Layne killed it. Great job William, not an easy song to play my friend.
You have the best vocal range 🤟🏻
Damn. You got voice!!
Will always crushes this song
Yeah, I have always been really super glad that you guys found each other. What a wonderful way to continue the legacy and keep it absolutely fresh. Cheers.
Fkn sick vocals, brah
Great job amazing song. Under rated band.
Back in the 90s it was so popular until Layne Staley died and Alice in chains was dead for years until William came along
I feel like William is genuinely a cool guy, this is actually pretty good too. I feel bad for him with all the hate he gets for “taking Layne’s place”
William DuVal is great. He’s not replacing Layne, he’s doing his own thing. William is a perfect successor and sounds great
Good stuff man!
Amazing
Couldn't ever have found a better replacement. Respect William!!
Will Duvall is The Man, thank you for continuing AiC alongside Mr Cantrell
Love it Will.
You can see how difficult is sing AIC songs (especially that
Layne makes original vocal). Great job Will, that is amazing.
He's a real guitarist. William Duvall. Great addition to "Alice in Chains". Awesome man!
I love this guy. Love that he can sing Layne's part faithfully and still sounding different. Love the blackness and the soul inflection of his voice. And he's a damn good guitarist too.
Amazing vocals! 🎸🔥always!
Not even close for me cannot stomach him
finally I comment that I can agree
Don't think ppl realise how difficult this song is to play and sing at the same time ..
Well done sir
My man hit those notes for sure!
Leave Layne's songs to him.
Butchered that one 💯
You can hear how much blues influence Alice in Chains have
Not many bands get 2 bad ass singers
Brendan Maier is better. Duvall taking Layne's place is kinda like getting $20 from robinhood after getting $300k stolen from your account
Bit harsh mate lol
@@mixbruu Ok fine, $40 refund. Not Duvall's fault, but there are many other singers that are closer to layne
@@manwithtwoeyes6911 I agree he has a completely different style to layne. But in saying that I do like him he's a good singer
@@mixbruu Sure he's a good singer but i just think AIC isnt his fit
@@manwithtwoeyes6911 nobody could get Layne voice right that’s why I think Alice in chains shouldn’t of have gotten a new singer because it would not be the same as Layne like Nirvana they didn’t find a new singer because they knew they wouldn’t be the same
i hate it😭😭 it sounds horribly distorted without layne and feels like an insult to my heart and i feel mean for it but its true
Bit harsh, it's a cameo video that he just put together and didn't even rehearse lol. But I respect your opinion, obviously layne was alice in chains
Have to agree with bluecheeseanxiety sounds like a wild cat trapped in a box but I never have like any of the shit they have called music they totally suck
Sings through his nose
@@Salomon_G of course I get that. But it's a bit like the doors after Morrison.
Just reminds me that im not an Alice in Chains fan. I am a Layne Staley fan. Layne Staley Forever 😎🤘🏼
Pretty damn good in his own right. Nobody can be Layne, but the balls in this guy for stepping up and doing better than his haters ever would
Wow man.... masterpiece ❤❤
So grateful for William being the reason Alice in Chains is still playing, and dynamic. Love this immense talent!
He killled it 👏👏👏👏
Layne is irreplaceable but William is the phoenix that helped bring AIC back to life and he's doing a hell of great job at it. Please keep making more music. Black gives way to blue is one of my favorite albums 🤘🤘🤘
i know layne was smiling from heaven watching this