Sean is so mega intelligent and real. He is intellectual and hilarious while keeping a sober face. I loved him in the Nona tapes! I love him for his spirit, his tenacity and his heart.
Such a good drummer...such a good band. Sean K. seems like a real humble dude. He's seen a lot, and been through a lot. This interview was very insightful. The rock and roll lifestyle isn't for the weak-kneed . I appreciate his candor and humility. I've always liked that Sean K. doesn't play a big kit. He keeps his kit small and sound big. Always playing what the song needs. Whether heavy or with a swing to it. Good grooves. Anyway, I enjoyed this and am looking forward to hearing the new album. Glad to know that I'm not the only one that digs this band.
He always had a distance to himself and to reality. Special humor. He answered with irony on serious questions and behaved like an uninformed teenager. Master. Like and whole aic
"We're in no hurry. We're not a pop act." Love that. I thought 5 years was a long time to wait for a new Chains album, but if the next one is as good as Rainier Fog, I will gladly wait.
Richard - I didn't care for it the day it was released either but it's growing on me more and more everyday. Just keep listening to it and hopefully you will begin to enjoy it more.
In my (old man's) opinion, Mr Kinney is the best of all the Seattle drummers. And these other drummers are amazing, too! But Kinny stands out as the most "musical", the most tasteful (who knew a rock drummer could be tasteful?) of drummers, whose every fill adds to the song being played. I hear no rock drummer ego in his work, no "look at me", no tiresome show of flashy technique. Instead, I hear a man whose goal is to make a tune sound better, to support and contribute to the song. I'm surprised this isn't discuss more, and more respect given to him. I worked for years as a drummer way back in the day, and I greatly admire his musical sense and restraint, which is a LOT harder than you might know. God bless him.
Probably the most overlooked drummer of the era. Of all the popular grunge bands of the time, Sean was my favorite. Very imaginative, creative player, with excellent sound and technique.
AIC are hands down one of the best bands ever. Massive talent...Massive calatog....not a weak song in their entire body of work. Fortunate to have seen them several times with Layne and several times with William. Nothing but respect
All of the trolls who say shit like, "they suck without Layne" need to listen to what his dad said. Everybody who knew and loved Layne is proud of them for moving on and both keeping the legacy alive while also creating great new music.
@Donovan Davis Honestly, I've never been around when Layne was around. But I respect Alice in Chains as a whole. I come to respect the music I personally think it has some great value. Layne was a hell of a singer and he surely has some big shoes to fill, but William is doing a pretty good job. _You don't know what you got, till it's gone_
Unfortunately, his dad can go fuck himself because he's a piece of shit. If what I read was true, he enabled Layne to use drugs, and when Layne was clean a few times he would go hang out with him and get him back into drugs. I don't know details, but even if his dad said that, I don't care care for his opinion.
I'm 43 and lived through the whole enchilada with AIC being one of my cult bands. Get this once and for all: There's one AIC with Layne and one AIC without Layne. Having that in mind, If I had to choose "great music", I know what I would choose between the two. Get it ? You can go around in circles but you won't take that away from me or any one else that feels like I do. And that is feeling what AIC really means., which this "new" stuff really isn't.
Marco Geracao Same here. Been a fan since I saw the ”Man in the Box” video on MTV, bought ”Dirt” the day it came out, saw them live with Layne in 1993, and feel exactly like you do. And no, I don’t want a trophy. ✌️
I love the fact that Sean says that they make music for themselves and it really is a blessing when other people like it too. I feel that is the essence of the artistry of song. It is the part of you that will live forever. Seems like the bands that make it for decades and continue to have hits even as they go through the changes of life understand this. Glad to see that AIC gets it.
I've always liked all the members of the band. They are all humble people and great people! Thank you for continuing to make music, and to carry the legacy! It's one of the greatest bands ever, who have always remained true to themselves, and to the fans! Respect \m/
Just amazing. Sean is so down to earth, even to this day he is so grateful for all he has been given. At one time, looking into the past, we had no idea if this band would survive, the death of layne... i mean how do you come back from that???😲💖😭 but although jerry is credited for putting alice back on the map with black gives way, and he does have every right to take his props from that and the addition of duvall, sean is the real hero for the rebirth of alice with that stellar concert for tsunami victim in 2007. He is the one who called and organized that!!!! And without that show, alice would not exist anymore. Also he got jerry clean in 2003. No way jerry would be equipped to do new music if he was laying in a coffin next to layne and he was def headed in that direction. So sean, the guy sitting out of focus in the back, banging the kit is the real hero for reviving this dying band. He is strong, and his that courage, to know what needs to be done, he is jerrys right arm, he is always there, shinning on. Thats god for you, working through others, and you know layne had a hand in that!!! Thank you for this great video from an amazing drummer, a humble human being, who tends the stay in the shadow. But we know just how critical he is to keeping alice alive!!! Love you sean, thank you for your support, and being there for jerry and Mike they are so blessed to have you. Ps and thanks for liking my hat when i met you, hopefully, i will get a chance to tell you that again someday!!!😎🤣💖
So true and it’s a huge credit to him though he doesn’t take the limelight. I’ve always seen him taking a back seat to the others even offstage (I could be wrong). He seems like a good person, a great friend and damn, he’s hot! You’re lucky to have met him. I’d be nervous. I’ve been in love with him for so long.
Your comment is so beautiful that I almost cried 🥲 You described Sean perfectly, he is Jerry's right arm and he is the main reason the band is still alive and touring. We all know, even in the dark years when Layne was sick and locked in his condo, Sean was the only one that visited him every week to bring him food and to convince him to get clean. Sean deserves all the love and respect cause he is a living LEGEND💗
@TheStepmonkey thank you, yes Sean is the man, the strength, and jerrys true friend, his conscience too. And remember he is the only one besides jerry who really knows what it was like to be there, with layne from the beginning and what is was like to lose him. There are the only two orginal members of that band. Yes they all are tight, they'd have to be to survive that anguish and pain. Its what I truly admire about this band, they are family first ❤️ musicians second. Always have each other's back. The death of lsyne and even Mike starr hangs heavy in their air. And they are not kids anymore. When wisdom creeps in the 50s and you are not trying to make a score, that's much more to reflect on including your stupid decisions. They are MEN not boys now. That they all have survived is a miracle. Sean I always see as the logical one, the one who truly gets things done. He's not flashy. He still sits in the back in the shadows, slightly out of focus, while Mike inez, jerry and will front that band. But he is a big presence we never truly see, but when you look at the history of aic, you know without him, alice would have died when layne did. Somewhere I know layne is so proud of him for keeping his dream alive.
Thanks for this, is so precious!!! Happy to see Susan Silver and Layne's dad.. makes me cry!! Sean is a humble and nice guy.. Love Alice in Chains and "Rainier Fog" is a great great album
Thank YOU for giving this a look. It is precious to me as a long time AIC fan to have had the privilege. And you're right that Rainer Fog is a great work true to their style. Do you have a favorite from it yet? Mine is So Far Under ☺️
@@superreporter1971 She and I were MySpace friends like way back in the day and I just remember she had a picture of Sean sitting outside on a deck...and she would message me invites to shows but damn I wish I had actually lived in that area then. She's a sweet lady. Haven't talked with her since like 2010
What an interview!! It's a pleasure watching & listening to Sean be completely open and fluid with his thoughts here.. it has to be absolutely freeing as a person/ musician/ performer to be this honest about something that you love to do. Thanks Sean for being so candid with your soul and experiences throughout your life. I still have a lot to learn. 🤘💪🏻
I LOVE Sean and his personality. I was so excited to be in Seattle and watch this history take place. Sean is so talented. My favorite drummer, but also IMO the best looking guy in AIC next to Layne and he just gets better with age. But, the music is definitely not about their looks. I am just an AIC fan and have always loved them as my favorite band of all time, since I was 7 years old back in the late 80s. Just an amazing band....all 6 members👌✌️💜
I really appreciate the props! I hope you all kept watching when I did the video tour of the pop-up Museum with their long-time manager Susan Silver. I had the privilege of talking to Layne Staley's dad along the way.
Honestly, excellent interview. I'm not sure I've ever see Sean do an interview, specific to the band, solo, for so long. And I know I've never seen Susan interviewed before. Both of those were terrific. But, I absolutely confess I am as envious as bald step-child seeing your tour of the 'pop-up'!!
So glad to see this band persevere after so much turbulence and heartbreak. Susan is such an incredible woman. A true pioneer and trailblazer. It is so endearing to know that so many in the "scene" love and respect her.
Totally agree because I have always loved this band but I also agree that Susan is amazing. Women were starting to make better strides but she was still battling in a man's world... And it seems that hasn't changed as much as we'd like, although I guess I've been lucky I've had so many amazing women in my personal and career lives.
superreporter1971 I hate to get political or anything but there’s always been a massive agenda to keep women down. It’s only gotten worse now. Women have been reduced to sex slaves and used for breeding purposes and other hideous things. Susan is a strong, hard working woman who has been through a lot. I guess Chris Cornell’s 2nd wife put poor Susan through hell and is still going strong with it. God Bless Susan.
Great interview! Sean is such a down to earth and humble guy. I absolutely loved what he said about the bs people say about albums having filler. I have heard some refer to Rainer Fog as having filler, however when you ask people their top 3 favorite songs off Rainier Fog you will get an endless amount of combinations. So unbelievably true what Sean said in that regards. Loved hearing from Layne's dad as well. Love that he is proud of the band for continuing on.
Damn I feel old, I started listening to AIC back in 90 when they first came out with Facelift, bought that cassete tape at Tower Records when it first hit the shelves...yeah I am old lol
That was super cool, thanks so much for sharing ! These guys and the gift of their music to all of us fans is such a beautiful thin, I feel so grateful that I got to see them on their first East coast tour opening for Extreme prior to the release of Facelift back in the Summer of 1990. It was truly magical seeing them back then before they went mega and 5 times since then with William. Was lucky enough to get backstage in 2009 in Philly to hang a bit with Jerry, Will, and Mike and there are seriously no cooler dudes on the planet, they truly appreciate their fans and the new album is pretty damn amazing so support these guys and GO BUY IT PEOPLE !!!
Seeing and hearing Sean and Jerry today, its no surprise that the band is doing well. Too bad Layne couldn't come through the other side like these two. And Rainer Fog is a KILLER record.
Most people who do heroin never come back. 91% of opiate addicts relapse within 5 years. Once he stuck that needle in his arm, his chances of ever having a normal life again were pretty much gone. Don't try opiates, kids.
@@neilpeartspurplenose8739 Sad but true. Even when you're clean, it never leaves you alone. I've had up to a year clean and it was still all I thought about, 24/7, even in my dreams. It just wears on you until you relapse and get a little peace of mind.
It's great to see them doing music for the only fact that they made it through dark, rough times. Music is therapy and they have the right to move on with life, they're the only ones who have to live with all that happened. That's what they do and it's great to see it is working instead seeing them in gloomy depression or even worst. The music they're doing is mature and sophisticated. The album is great!
I remember being on summer break after Freshmen year of high school, my father & Were playing alot of Alice In Chains, Mad Season, Jerry Cantrells solo records shit I even had Spys4Darwin on my computer too! Then without any warning, the guy on Fuse said "Now here is Alice In Chains, with their 1st single in over 10 years, it's called A Looking In View" Both mine & dads jaws dropped. It kicked so much ass then I saw them On the Black gives Way To Blue tour in 2010, then at Red Rocks on the BlackDiamonDskyeTour at Red Rocks killer shows!! They don't have any bad records, let alone any bad records with Duvall. Devil Put Dinosaurs here, Ranier Fog, Black gives way to Blue, all phenomenal albums!! Love Sean very nice guys. He has had a battle with addiction too, but he Came out of alive & still kicking ass! Lots of Respect To AiC
Thank you so much, Paul! As a long time AIC fan, as soon as the release came into our email box, I literally called dibs, so how do you think I felt about actually getting to do it? Haha
Very Insightful interview with Sean Kinney...Interesting. Manager Susan Silver who's been there since Day1 gives a brief history...And lol when Phil Staley said he wanted to be a 'groupie' for Layne
One of the few times I've ever seen him interviewed solo. I've had the impression that he is pretty calm/ unflappable. I don't think I've ever seen Susan interviewed previously or Phil. Excellent interviews and it would have been wonderful to have been able to wander around the 'pop-up' for a few hours!
I've loved those guys in that band for so long they would think I was a creep going bonkers over them..I'd probably tear up. I was upset when they kicked Mike out but I was such a fan of the band and the music it didn't matter.
Sean is such a great guy, who seems very humble and comfortable in his own skin. He’s such a criminally underrated drummer! And when Layne’s dad walked up, I saw the resemblance immediately. Then, somebody started peeling onions, because my eyes started to leak. I think about the pain Mr. Staley must have endured, helplessly watching his beloved son tormented by the demons that ultimately took his life. Onions, just a lot of onions...
You are so correct on all counts! It was a total surprise to bump into Mr Staley but I'm so grateful for that and that he was willing to talk to me impromptu like that. When Layne died, I had nearly 200 AIC songs on my computer back in the day when I had to let it run all day and night to download them from dial up, and I let them play 24/7 for a week. Sean is a very good guy who was incredibly kind to me. I didn't actually say it, but I think he knew I was a huge fan and not just there as a reporter.
Nah, Layne's dad is a horrible person, he abandoned his son when he was really young. Later when he found out Layne was famous he returned and asked him for money to buy drugs.
You and me both, Shea! You should have seen how quickly I jumped on the opportunity when we got the press release. I mean who gets to sit down and have a conversation with a member of a band that's been their favorite for decades and record it?! it was one of the best things I've done professionally and personally.
Seen them about a1/2 dozen times and he handed me his wrist band after the show, brang my daughter with me a couple and had great memories. And they have new age of fans
Rainier Fog is a true masterpiece, I think it's their best album since Dirt...DuVal has absolutely melded with AIC...Sean sounds as excellent as ever, AIC have found their place in rock history.
I have to say, I love the new album. Deep, brooding, introspective but sharp too. It finally sounds like Jerry has learned how to write with William in mind. And, I get it. Folks feel very passionate about Layne v. William, should or shouldn't AiC have continued (at least as AiC), etc. Layne died. It seriously sucks. However, the music is still sounding good. I would also throw into the deep debate that surrounds this issue: What if Layne hadn't OD'd (or however the drugs killed him- liver damage, heart attack, stroke, etc.)? The assumption appears to be that they would have remained together. But that's not necessarily the case--Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, etc. (and those are some of the ones that didn't go through a name change). Even if having gotten clean and sober and no one died, there is no guarantee that the band would have been together 30 years. Or able to continue performing (blown vocal cords, fed up with the touring lifestyle, etc.). The band owns the name. Either you (the consumer) like the music or you don't. Anything else is needless strife internally and with others.
I would love to meet him and talk drums. Especially now that I'm a drummer in an Alice in Chains tribute. Coming from Iron Maiden tributes in my past I've really grown to appreciate his playing. He also seems like a really cool, smart, laid back, no nonsense guy.
The best way to do music or art is to do it for yourself and get intouch with what really moves you and you authentic best self. Doing it for what you think is going to be popular or for money is disingenuous and the magic is not there. I have grown up in music and a musician-artist and I have very eclectic tastes - from progressive, jazz, rock, classical and post punk. I actually don't care for very much is popular especially these days. I am not into metal, grunge or pop etc per say but I have always admired AiC for their talents, creative originality, unique style that has actually got better over time . I think that they reformed and are coming back for all the right reasons. Sean is such a great drummer and unlike the hammy over players who rely on flash and overkill he manages to create these powerful grooves and a cool sound all his own. They have every right to do it again and add to the legacy of this great band. I was fortunate enough to see them early on (before I knew who they were) when a friend gave me a ticket to see them (opening for Extreme) I've actually got a great story about that show. AiC in my opinion is a cut (way) above the rest of their era.
@@superreporter1971 right. I think they are more down to earth than most bands. I ran into Jerry Cantrell behind a bar before he went on and he was a really cool dude!!
A few years ago, new years 2011/12 I was walking down Melrose and some guy walked past me that looked like Sean and about a minute later I catch myself - THAT WAS SEAN KINNEY. Still kicking myself for not turning around and chasing him down to say hello. Typical, not expecting to see anyone well known, and you do, that total shell shock.
Melrose. Where’s that? Seattle area? I’ve run into quite a few celebrities living in NYC. It happens a lot there. Left a few years ago though. Maybe next time you can stop and catch Sean.😀
She was awesome! She went way beyond what she had to in order to help me get that, and it was fantastic. Only thing that would have made that day better was if they'd allowed me to sneak into the Space Needle concert.
Love to hear musicians talk about touring, because it's so insane, weird thing is too, they only play for an hour and a half at most, I work 10hrs a day sometimes, they must get bored!
Sean is so song-oriented...It is a blessing to find a drummer with such imagination, skill, who at the same time is capable of working solely for the song. He is the typical drummer who creates a base, and other drummers say "I can do better", but they cannot, because what he composed was perfect for the song. BTW, what an awesome plastic surgery, haha...He looks fantastic although it is clear he had some work done.
their mgmnt should create a proper documentary about AIC, I thought they'd never replace Layne and JC & SK would just do their thing...I just caught a vid of their Moscow 2019 show (a full 2hrs) and it's obvious with Rainier Fog that they've come full circle. the first 2 albums post-Layne were not as impressive to me, some good songs but retreads of older ideas. RF really has the inspiration, it rocks from start to finish, it really is amazing.
Dang I wished I had caught that because I barely had the chance to listen to part of the album for the first time with a courtesy digital copy before I had to go racing over there to do that interview!
@@superreporter1971 Well it's easy now cause I have that whole album ingrained in my brain. I caught the lyrics from fly and never fade. Great interview by the way.
Hey I really appreciate that. I'm a fan so I jumped at the opportunity and Sean was kind enough to say the same thing actually. I was quite flattered. hopefully you watched all the way through and saw my tour of the pop-up museum.
I grew up loving Moon, Bonham and Peart. I only listened to rap in the '90s. I am sorry, Sean. Mike Starr and Sean Kinney made Alice in Chains----musically. Genius drum rifts on top of fluid bass verbs.
