I just returned from seeing the newly reformed Alice in Chains live in Boston, and let me say this: if you had any doubts whatsoever about William Duvall not being able to fill the shoes of Layne Staley (which I'm sure any AiC fan would), you need not worry. Being in the sixth row from the stage, I witnessed first hand the energy and powerful presence that he brought to the band. The show wasn't big on effects and such, but the pre requisite lights and smoke (marijuana and otherwise) was strongly represented. Jerry Cantrell was great as well, nailing each solo with precision and agility. Mike Inez grooved along to hits like Would? and Sick Man while Sean Kinney beat the fuck out of his drums, creating a booming backdrop to one of the '90's greatest acts reborn. 
 
The setlist isn't too much different than the ones I've seen online, but there were some surprises thrown in (for instance, rather than playing Acid Bubble they played Angry Chair). There was a lot of material from Dirt and Facelift in particular, and much less of the radio hits than one would expect. Songs like Heaven Beside You, No Excuses, and other ballads were nowhere to be found, for better or worse. The band dedicated their performance of Nutshell, the only real ballad in the set, to deceased singer Layne Staley. It was a fitting tribute to one of grunge's most tragic figures. I only wish they had made room for my personal favorite, Down in a Hole.  
 
So yeah, it was as great as I expected it to be. The opening act Middle Class Rut just seemed out of place, like one of the roadies' bands had gotten a slot on the bill. They were energetic and fun to watch, but since I didn't know their material, they wound up like most of the opening acts out there: an annoying roadblock on the road to the amusement park.  
 
My top songs of the night were as follows: 
 
1.) Would? 
2.) Rain When I Die  
3.) Nutshell 
4.) Man in the Box 
5.) Rooster 
 
What I wish they played: 
 
1.) Down in a Hole  
2.) Rotten Apple 
3.) I Stay Away