On Saturday 11 December, an enthusiastic crowd descended on the NEW Crocodile in Seattle’s Belltown, to celebrate the voices of Layne Staley and Chris Cornell.
After closing their doors on the building up the street several months ago, The Croc set up the new space with the same experience as the previous one. Bar is towards the back, just like the other space. A sidebar now runs perpendicular to the stage on both edges – instead of just on the right side. The venue creators were successful at transplanting the original fit, finish and feel of the old spot, while incorporating some of the most fantastic lighting equipment I’ve ever seen!
Jar Of Flies brought their Alice In Chains tribute to the stage – with Brendan Maier on Vocals, JT Phillips and Kyyle Cort, on guitars, Lee Bruso on bass, and Daryl Williams on drums. Outshined – the premier Soundgarden tribute has the same line-up with Keven Hoffman on vocals.
But no matter how the line-up was situated, the show most certainly was a night of musical power!
Fans needed it. The musicians were excited to share what many consider to be the most significant musical era that Seattle has ever seen.
Here’s the set list (with videos linked):
Jar Of Flies:
- We Die Young
- Them Bones
- Dam That River
- Sludge Factory
- Would?
- Love Hate Love
- Rooster
- Sickman
- Dirt
- God Am
- Down In A Hole
- Angry Chair
- Man In The Box
Outshined
- Hunger Strike (with Brendan and Keven)
- Spoonman
- Black Hole Sun
- Show Me How To Live
- Loud Love
- Say Hello 2 Heaven
- Burden In My Hand
- Pretty Noose
- Seasons
- The Day I Tried To Live
- Rusty Cage
- Holy Water
- Jesus Christ Pose
- Outshined
- Slaves & Bulldozers
Click HERE to watch all five videos in a playlist!
Even after 30 years, the music of Alice In Chains and Soundgarden continues to speak for many – even the generations who came after the music was released. The messages in these songs are tangible and relevant now as they have always been. Sometimes they include a bit of mystery to unwind; but that’s part of the fun behind listening to these songs which have been crafted in such original ways. Paying tribute to them not only keeps the memories of Staley and Cornell alive for the coming years, but it also proves that the lyrics still mean something to so many.
Even in pandemic mode this show was very well attended. Fans definitely got their fair share of quality sound and soulfulness – thanks to Brendan and Keven’s ability to channel the spirits of Layne and Chris through their voices and presence.
I have been watching these tributes now for several years; each year the shows get better and better! And as I’ve gotten to know the musicians behind these projects, I’ve come to learn first hand that their dedication to this music and era is NOT skin deep – or a ruse to make some folding green. This is a true and heartfelt goal for each of them – to perform this music to the best of their abilities and to give it the heart it deserves!
Nehi Stripes Seattle 
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