Alice In Chains Shine at Villa Park’s “Back to the Beginning” Concert
Alice In Chains delivered a stirring performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on July 5, 2025. With a lineup of heavy hitters gathering to honor Black Sabbath’s farewell, the presence of Alice In Chains—one of grunge and alternative metal’s most influential bands—added both star power and a dose of Seattle darkness to the legendary night.
From the moment Jerry Cantrell and the band took the stage, the crowd’s anticipation was palpable. Fans both old and new packed the stadium, ready to experience the band’s haunting harmonies and signature blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes. As the first notes rang out, a hush settled before the familiar roar erupted for one of the most respected names in modern rock.
The band opened with one of their most iconic tracks, instantly capturing the audience. William DuVall’s vocals soared, channeling both the spirit of the late Layne Staley and his own unique stage presence. The chemistry between DuVall and Cantrell was undeniable, their harmonies weaving that unmistakable Alice In Chains tension and release.
Jerry Cantrell’s guitar tone cut through the evening air with surgical precision, delivering the brooding melodies and massive hooks that have become hallmarks of the band’s sound. As he moved through classics and newer songs alike, it was clear why Cantrell remains one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
Bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney laid down the rhythmic backbone, keeping the energy pulsing as the band transitioned from crushing heaviness to moments of somber beauty. Their interplay gave the set a sense of urgency, pushing each song forward while allowing space for the vocals and guitar to breathe.
The setlist drew from across the band’s storied career, touching on the raw emotion of the early 90s grunge scene as well as the evolution that has kept Alice In Chains relevant to this day. Every track seemed to strike a chord with the audience, whether it was the angst of “Would?” or the haunting melancholy of “Nutshell.”
The band’s connection to Black Sabbath has always run deep. Alice In Chains have often cited Sabbath as a major influence, with Cantrell once saying that the darkness and heaviness of Sabbath helped shape the Seattle sound. Playing on the same night as Sabbath’s farewell felt like a full-circle moment, uniting two generations of musical innovators.
Fans in the stadium responded with a mix of reverence and excitement, singing along to every word and swaying to the hypnotic rhythms. The glow of cell phones lit up the night, capturing moments that would soon be shared across social media by fans from around the world.
As the set reached its climax, Alice In Chains delivered an emotionally charged performance of one of their most beloved songs. The audience, caught up in the intensity, responded with a wave of applause and cheers that echoed throughout Villa Park.
Between songs, Jerry Cantrell paused to pay tribute to Black Sabbath, expressing gratitude for the band’s influence and their role in making the night possible. It was a heartfelt moment that resonated with everyone in attendance, reinforcing the sense of musical community at the heart of the festival.
The band’s ability to balance darkness with melody was on full display, showing why Alice In Chains continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Each song was delivered with both precision and passion, a testament to the band’s enduring artistry.
After the set, fans and critics alike took to the internet to share their praise, with many calling Alice In Chains’ performance one of the highlights of the evening. The band’s presence at Back to the Beginning underscored the lasting impact of both their music and the legacy of Black Sabbath.
The night served as a reminder of the unifying power of rock and metal, as fans from all walks of life came together to celebrate decades of groundbreaking music. Alice In Chains, standing on the shoulders of giants, delivered a set that was both a tribute and a bold statement of their own place in rock history.
As the band left the stage to thunderous applause, it was clear that their performance would linger in the memories of those lucky enough to be there. For one night at Villa Park, Alice In Chains helped write a new chapter in the ongoing story of heavy music.
