18 years ago, November 2, 2007, Alice in Chains performed a four-song set at Benaroya Hall in Seattle for Symphony Legacy. The prestigious event was conducted by Matt Messina in an annual benefit for Symphony Guild’s 10th anniversary campaign for the Seattle Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center.

In addition to Alice In Chains’ original material, they also played a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” while backed by over 200 musicians, including the Northwest Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Girls Choir.

Set List: Whale & Wasp, Sickman, I Stay Away, Kashmir – (Led Zeppelin cover)

As an attendee, there was a next-level anticipation in the room. Everyone, I mean literally EVERYONE was at the edge of their seats – at times whispering, at times, completely silent. The anticipation coming from the minds of all of us were in unison, were they or weren’t they…..? I mean could we be THAT obvious, with what we were wondering? I believed we were going to be  T H A T  lucky. In fact, we were. Then close to 3 minutes goes by (seemed like 3 years), then we saw the nod to Scotty Olson. The beautiful nod – the go ahead given by conductor, Matt Messina.

The unmistakable chords – played by Olson. A minute later joined by Jerry Cantrell on lead guitar, backing vocals, William DuVall on vocals and my favorite; I feel he is truly the heart of the band, drummer Sean Kinney. 

For the next 5 minutes, all was right with the world; there’s absolutely no doubt in my heart and mind that Layne could be felt by everyone. Everyone who’s believed in a higher power had to have felt him. I will believe that until I leave this world. 

Video is from my DVD copy from this evening. Final entry – although there were other performers that evening, no doubt 99% attended to see the Greatest Band in the World. Out of all the concerts I’ve attended over the years, this one I truly felt all 6 members of Alice In Chains present. What an honor that night was, what an honor to be amongst the “greatest fans in the world!”