When I think back to the summer of 2015, one of the absolute highlights was seeing Alice in Chains headline Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On August 16th, the legendary band turned the outdoor Steel Stage into their own dark cathedral of sound, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was emotional and deeply human. I’ve loved this band for years, but there’s something different about seeing them live. Their music is a living, breathing thing—part metallic crunch, part ethereal beauty—and at Musikfest they brought all of it to life in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Musikfest is a unique setting for a rock show. The sprawling festival attracts a wide range of people, from die-hard grunge veterans to casual festivalgoers just looking for a good night of music. On this particular Sunday, though, it was clear from the sea of Alice in Chains shirts that this was their crowd. From the moment I arrived, you could feel the buzz of anticipation in the air. Conversations revolved around favorite songs, memories of past tours, and the bittersweet legacy of a band that’s survived tragedy to remain one of the defining voices of its era.
When the lights dimmed and the opening notes of the first song rang out, the roar that rose from the crowd was deafening. Alice in Chains had arrived, and for the next two hours they would prove exactly why they remain one of the most vital and enduring bands of the past three decades.
Setting the Tone with Early Fire
The band wasted no time, kicking things off with “Bleed the Freak,” a classic from their 1990 debut Facelift. It was a bold choice for an opener—dark, heavy, and dripping with attitude. Guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell leaned into the mic with a sneer, while frontman William DuVall matched him note for note on those signature harmonies that have defined the band’s sound since the beginning. The guitars roared, the bass rumbled, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Starting the night with such a deep cut set the tone: this wasn’t just a greatest hits set, it was a celebration of the band’s full, uncompromising history.
From there, they jumped straight into “Check My Brain,” one of the standout tracks from their 2009 comeback album Black Gives Way to Blue. Its sludgy, down-tuned riff echoed across the festival grounds, a reminder that Alice in Chains didn’t just survive their early struggles—they came back swinging. DuVall’s vocals were sharp and menacing, while Cantrell’s guitar tone was a perfect balance of grit and clarity. The crowd, many of whom clearly embraced the band’s newer material, sang along enthusiastically.
The intensity kept building with “Again,” a pulsating track from their self-titled 1995 album. The hypnotic groove had the crowd nodding and swaying, while DuVall’s energy was infectious. He moved across the stage with a charismatic presence that felt effortless, locking eyes with fans in the front rows and urging everyone to get lost in the music.
An Early Singalong Explosion
The first truly massive singalong of the night came when the band launched into “Man in the Box.” That iconic opening riff hit like a freight train, and the audience responded with an explosion of cheers. Everyone around me belted out the lyrics, fists pumping in the air. DuVall handled the vocals with power and respect, channeling the spirit of the late Layne Staley without ever trying to imitate him. Cantrell’s solo cut through the night air with searing precision, proving once again why he remains one of the most underrated guitarists in rock.
Following that high-energy blast, the band shifted gears with “Voices,” another standout from their more recent catalog. It’s a moody, melodic song that showcases the band’s softer side, and it gave the crowd a chance to catch its breath while still staying completely locked in. DuVall’s clean vocals soared over Cantrell’s harmonies, creating that unmistakable Alice in Chains magic.
A Moment of Reflection
Next came one of the most emotional moments of the night: “Nutshell.” As soon as Cantrell strummed the opening chords, a hush fell over the crowd. This song has always been a gut punch, a raw and haunting reflection on isolation and pain, and hearing it live was nothing short of chilling. Thousands of fans sang along softly, their voices blending with the band in a beautiful, mournful tribute to Layne Staley and former bassist Mike Starr. For a few minutes, the entire festival felt united in quiet reverence. It was a reminder of the band’s enduring ability to connect on a deeply human level.
Back to the Heavy
The mood shifted again as the band cranked things back up with “Hollow,” a crushing track from The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. Its grinding riff hit like a sledgehammer, and the band played it with an urgency that made it feel even heavier than on record. The crowd responded with headbanging and raised horns, feeding off the raw power pouring from the stage.
That power continued with “Them Bones,” the blistering opener from Dirt. Few songs capture Alice in Chains’ unique blend of heaviness and melody quite like this one, and the band delivered it with ferocious precision. Sean Kinney’s drumming was a thunderous backbone, while bassist Mike Inez locked in with a deep, menacing groove. The mosh pit near the front kicked into high gear, and for a few minutes the festival grounds felt like a classic early-’90s grunge show.
“Stone,” another modern-era track, followed with equal intensity. Its off-kilter riff and pounding rhythm created a hypnotic, almost trance-like effect, proving once again that the band’s newer songs can stand shoulder to shoulder with their classic material.
Classic After Classic
The crowd erupted again when the unmistakable intro to “Rooster” began. This Vietnam-inspired epic has always been one of the band’s most powerful live songs, and on this night it was absolutely stunning. The combination of DuVall and Cantrell’s harmonies sent chills down my spine, while the audience sang the chorus with raw, emotional force. The massive singalong of “Yeah, here comes the rooster!” echoed across the festival grounds, a cathartic moment that perfectly captured the shared experience of a great live show.
The band kept the classics coming with “Got Me Wrong,” a fan favorite from the Sap EP. Its jangly, upbeat vibe provided a welcome contrast to the heavier material, and the crowd responded with smiles and dancing. Then came “Sunshine,” a rarity that delighted longtime fans. Before kicking into the song, the band teased a bit of Rainbow’s “Man on the Silver Mountain,” a playful nod to classic rock that earned cheers of appreciation. When they finally dove into “Sunshine,” it felt like a special treat—one of those deep cuts you hope for but don’t necessarily expect.
“Last of My Kind,” another newer song, followed with a gritty, defiant energy. Its muscular riffing and snarling vocals fit perfectly into the set, bridging the gap between the band’s past and present.
Heart and Soul
As the night began to wind down, Alice in Chains delivered a stunning trio of emotionally charged classics. “Down in a Hole” was absolutely breathtaking, with DuVall and Cantrell’s harmonies floating over the crowd like a dark hymn. The audience swayed together, singing every word with a mixture of sadness and joy.
Next came “Your Decision,” a haunting ballad from Black Gives Way to Blue that showed off the band’s melodic side. The crowd listened intently, absorbing every note. It was a beautiful moment of calm before the storm of the finale.
“No Excuses,” one of the band’s most beloved tracks, followed with a wave of nostalgia. The upbeat rhythm and hopeful lyrics created an almost celebratory mood, and the crowd responded with one of the loudest singalongs of the night. Hearing thousands of voices sing “You have always been my friend” felt like a communal embrace, a reminder of the connections this music creates.
Closing with a Bang
The main set closed with a one-two punch of “Would?” and “Sludge Factory,” two of the heaviest songs in the band’s catalog. “Would?” remains one of the greatest grunge anthems ever written, and the band delivered it with ferocious precision. Cantrell’s guitar tone was monstrous, and the crowd’s response was equally massive. “Sludge Factory,” with its grinding riffs and shifting tempos, provided a dark, complex finale that showcased the band’s musicianship.
But Alice in Chains wasn’t finished yet. After a brief encore break, they returned to deliver one final knockout punch with “We Die Young.” The opening riff hit like a thunderclap, and the crowd went absolutely ballistic. It was the perfect way to end the night—a raw, furious reminder of the band’s roots and their enduring power.
The Band
Throughout the night, the band was in absolute top form. Jerry Cantrell remains the heart and soul of Alice in Chains, his guitar work both crushingly heavy and beautifully melodic. His harmonies with William DuVall were flawless, creating that unmistakable Alice in Chains sound that fans crave. DuVall, for his part, proved once again that he’s far more than just a replacement for Layne Staley. His stage presence, vocal range, and emotional delivery make him an essential part of the band’s modern identity.
Bassist Mike Inez was a force of nature, laying down thunderous grooves and engaging the crowd with playful energy. Drummer Sean Kinney held everything together with powerful, precise drumming, his unique style giving each song its distinctive feel. Together, they were a tight, unstoppable unit, effortlessly moving between bone-crushing heaviness and delicate harmonies.
Reflections on a Legacy
Walking away from the Steel Stage that night, I was struck by how perfectly this show encapsulated everything that makes Alice in Chains great. They’re a band that has faced unimaginable loss and yet continues to create music that resonates with old and new fans alike. Their ability to balance darkness and beauty, heaviness and melody, is unmatched. Hearing songs from across their entire career—early classics, deep cuts, and newer material—reminded me that this is not just a band with a legendary past, but one with a vibrant present and future.
For longtime fans, the show was a celebration of a remarkable journey. For newer listeners, it was a powerful introduction to one of rock’s most distinctive voices. And for everyone there, it was a night of catharsis, connection, and pure sonic power.
Alice in Chains came to Musikfest in 2015 and delivered a performance that was everything a rock concert should be: loud, emotional, unpredictable, and unforgettable. As the final notes of “We Die Young” faded into the night and the crowd slowly dispersed, I knew I had witnessed something special—a band that continues to honor its past while forging ahead with fearless creativity.
Setlist – Alice in Chains at Musikfest, Bethlehem, PA – August 16, 2015
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Bleed the Freak
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Check My Brain
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Again
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Man in the Box
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Voices
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Nutshell
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Hollow
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Them Bones
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Stone
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Rooster
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Got Me Wrong
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Sunshine (with “Man on the Silver Mountain” intro teaser)
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Last of My Kind
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Down in a Hole
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Your Decision
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No Excuses
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Would?
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Sludge Factory
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We Die Young
On that warm August night in Bethlehem, Alice in Chains showed exactly why their music continues to endure. Their sound is timeless, their performance commanding, and their connection with fans as strong as ever. Musikfest 2015 wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a testament to a band that refuses to fade away, a reminder that great music will always find a way to survive and thrive.