Alice in Chains Cancels Gig Due to ‘Medical Emergency’

On May 8, 2025, iconic rock band Alice in Chains was forced to cancel a highly anticipated concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, due to a medical emergency involving their drummer, Sean Kinney. This unfortunate event occurred just an hour before the show was set to begin, leaving fans disappointed and concerned about Kinney's health. The band, known for its significant contribution to the grunge movement of the early '90s with hits like “Man in the Box,” issued a public apology for the inconvenience, assuring fans that it was a non-life-threatening situation, though further details about Kinney's ailment remain undisclosed.

The concert at Mohegan Sun was intended to be Alice in Chains' first live performance since April 2024, when they played at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas. This performance was supposed to kick off their 2025 tour, which includes dates in New Jersey, Ohio, and a special appearance at the final Black Sabbath show in Birmingham, U.K. on July 5. Despite the setback, the band’s subsequent performance, scheduled for May 10 in Camden, New Jersey, at the MMR*B*Q concert, is still expected to proceed as planned. Fans who purchased tickets for the canceled Connecticut show were advised that refunds would be available at the point of purchase.

Alice in Chains comprises members Jerry Cantrell, William DuVall, and Mike Inez, with Sean Kinney being a founding member alongside Cantrell. The band gained fame in the grunge era and has maintained a loyal fanbase through the decades. The current situation has left many wondering about the band's upcoming dates and Kinney’s health, but the group has not provided further information about the drummer's condition or the potential impact on future performances.

Sean Kinney's medical emergency during the soundcheck at Mohegan Sun led to widespread disappointment among fans who had long awaited the band’s return to the stage. Alice in Chains' influence in the rock industry is significant, and canceling their first concert in over a year was a difficult decision. Kinney, well respected in the music community, has had a notable career not just with the band, but also through collaborations with artists like Johnny Cash and Metallica, and appearances on platforms such as NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers.

The abrupt cancellation has highlighted the unpredictable challenges bands can face while on tour. Despite the disruption, Alice in Chains remains committed to their fans and their tour. The band’s members, who have faced personal and professional challenges over the years, continue to showcase resilience and dedication to their craft. As the group looks forward to the rest of their 2025 schedule, fans express hope for Kinney’s swift recovery and the continuation of the tour.