Alice in Chains Tour Faces Setback as Drummer Experiences Medical Emergency.

Band Cancels Opening Night and upcoming festival shows Amid Health Concerns for Drummer Sean Kinney

Alice in Chains was set to kick off their much-anticipated 2025 tour at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, but fans were left disappointed after the band pulled the plug on opening night. The cancellation came just hours before showtime due to a medical emergency involving longtime drummer Sean Kinney.

According to the band, Kinney’s condition is not life threatening, but the incident was serious enough to warrant an immediate halt to the evening’s show. The emergency reportedly occurred during soundcheck, throwing a wrench into what was expected to be a triumphant return to the stage for one of the most influential bands of the grunge era. Fans who had already arrived at the venue were visibly frustrated and concerned after the abrupt announcement. Alice in Chains quickly issued a statement apologising to ticket holders and confirming that full refunds would be available at the original point of purchase.

At this time, no further details about Kinney’s health have been released, and it’s unclear whether the rest of the tour will continue as scheduled. The next stops include shows across several U.S. states, including New Jersey (May 10), Ohio (May 11), Tennessee (May 13), Alabama (May 15), and Florida (May 16). Additionally, the band is slated to join the bill for Black Sabbath’s final concert in Birmingham, England, on July 5, an event expected to draw massive crowds and close a chapter in rock history.

This sudden setback is particularly notable given how quiet Alice in Chains has been in recent years. After finishing their 2023 tour, they played just one live performance in 2024, making this current tour one of their first major engagements since the pandemic era slowdown. For a group that’s weathered lineup changes, personal tragedies, and evolving musical landscapes, this tour marked an important return to the spotlight.

Alice in Chains rose to fame in the early 1990s as one of the cornerstones of Seattle’s grunge movement, alongside bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Known for blending heavy metal riffs with moody, melancholic melodies, the band carved out a distinct identity thanks in part to Kinney’s steady, precise drumming. His role in shaping the band's sound has been critical over the decades, making this health scare all the more alarming for longtime fans.

As of now, the band is urging fans to stay connected through their official website and social media platforms for any news on Kinney’s recovery and potential updates to the tour schedule. For a band that’s no stranger to resilience, there’s hope that this delay is only a temporary bump in the road.