Alice in Chains, the renowned rock band, has canceled all their headlining performances and festival appearances for 2025, prioritizing the health of their drummer, Sean Kinney.
According to UCR, this decision follows a medical emergency that Kinney suffered just before their tour was due to begin.
The band was slated to kick off their 2025 tour in Uncasville, Connecticut. However, during the soundcheck on Thursday night, Kinney experienced a medical emergency, which was not life-threatening but serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
This incident occurred merely hours before their first scheduled performance.
Immediate Response to Drummer's Health Issue
Initially, only the Uncasville show was canceled. However, as the situation developed, it became clear that further action was necessary. After consulting with medical professionals, the decision was extended to cancel all scheduled concerts for the year.
Today, the band issued a formal announcement about the cancellation of their tour. They expressed their decision, made in consultation with health experts, emphasizing the importance of Kinney's health over their touring schedule.
The cancellation impacts appearances at major festivals, including Sonic Temple, Welcome to Rockville, and Boardwalk Rock, which were part of their highly anticipated return to live performances.
A Year with Limited Performances
Alice in Chains has been relatively quiet on the touring front, with their last full tour having taken place in 2023. Their only performance in 2024 was at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.
Nevertheless, one tour date remains on their 2025 calendar. The band is still scheduled to appear at a special festival in Birmingham, England, on July 5, celebrating the legacy of Black Sabbath. This event stands as their sole commitment for the year, pending Kinney's recovery and health status.
In a statement released by Alice in Chains, they stressed the necessity of focusing on Kinney's immediate health needs while maintaining an optimistic outlook for his recovery. "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," the band stated.
Community and Fan Support for Kinney
The response from the music community and fans has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans have taken to social media to express their well wishes for Kinney's speedy recovery and commend the band for prioritizing their member's health over tour commitments.
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of health issues and the impact they can have on the tightly scheduled world of global music tours. It also underscores the importance of health and well-being over professional commitments in the music industry.
As fans look forward to the hopeful restoration of the band's full activities, Alice in Chains continues to ask for privacy and support during this challenging time.
With Kinney's health as their priority, the band's future touring plans will remain flexible and responsive to his recovery process.
