William DuVall discussed his approach to joining Alice In Chains in a recent interview with Chaz & AJ in the Morning.
The interviewer noted that Alice In Chains were impressed by DuVall’s decision not to mimic Layne Staley. DuVall responded: “Yeah, exactly. I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
“That’s all one can do, really, I think, in the end, is just be yourself and do your thing,” he continued. “And so that’s what happened.”
DuVall’s statement showcases his commitment to bringing his own style to the band. He chose not to attempt replicating his predecessor’s approach.
This authenticity has defined DuVall’s journey with Alice In Chains since he joined the band.
Documentation from sources reveals DuVall joined Alice In Chains in 2006, four years after Layne Staley’s death in 2002. He made his public debut with the band at VH1’s Decades Rock Live! concert. There, he performed ‘Rooster.’
Blabbermouth reported that the initial plan included only a few shows. The arrangement quickly expanded into a worldwide tour that same year. This demonstrated the natural chemistry between DuVall and the band.
The successful collaboration led to ‘Black Gives Way to Blue.’ This marked the band’s first new material in over a decade. The album paid tribute to Layne Staley. It also established DuVall as a vital contributor to the band’s creative process.
Ultimate Guitar noted that DuVall secured his position after just one audition. The band members particularly appreciated his commitment to maintaining his own musical identity instead of copying Staley’s style.
