Alice in Chains Cancels Tour Following Drummer’s Emergency
No big deal, but Alice in Chains just hit pause on their summer tour after drummer Sean Kinney faced an unexpected medical emergency. The band announced on official social channels on August 12 that multiple North American dates—including headline slots at the Rockville and Soundwave festivals—are shelved “effective immediately” as Kinney recovers from urgent surgery to address a serious abdominal complication. The statement, shared via Instagram and Twitter, thanked fans for their support and urged ticket holders to seek refunds through point-of-purchase outlets.
Sources like Rolling Stone and Blabbermouth confirm that Kinney was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital late last week after experiencing acute pain. According to a report on Rolling Stone, doctors discovered a perforated ulcer that required laparoscopic intervention. Blabbermouth quotes Kinney’s bandmate William DuVall expressing relief that the procedure went smoothly and emphasizing the group’s commitment to regroup once Sean gets the green light. Neither Cantrell nor DuVall offered specifics on a new tour timeline, but they promised regular updates via the band’s website and social media feeds.
This isn’t the first time life offstage has overshadowed Alice in Chains’ plans. Back in 2018, health woes sidelined Cantrell during a Midwest stint, reminding fans that even rock legends aren’t bulletproof. Today’s news arrives just days before a highly anticipated opening slot at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY. Festival organizers have already issued statements directing ticketholders to refund desks and hinting at a surprise replacement act. Meanwhile, the band’s summer merch drop—featuring exclusive Kinney caricature tees—has temporarily vanished from their online store, presumably out of respect until the drummer’s status is clearer.
For diehard Alice in Chains enthusiasts, this means recalibrating road trip plans and camping reservations. Industry insiders predict promoters will scramble to fill the void on short notice, and social feeds are already lighting up with conspiracy theories—everything from burnout speculation to wild rumors about a band breakup. But reliable outlets insist this pause is purely about health, with no long-term fallout in sight.
Here’s the bottom line: Sean Kinney’s emergency took everyone by surprise, and the band is doing exactly what you’d want—prioritizing its member’s well-being. Now it’s a waiting game for tour rescheduling and a cleaner bill of health. If this trends, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Anyway, that’s the lowdown. Rock on (from your couch, for now).
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Rolling Stone, Blabbermouth, Alice in Chains Official Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
