The drummer's issue surfaced after soundcheck before the group’s May 8 show in Uncasville, CT, with the Seattle outfit announcing it as “non-life threatening”, before ultimately shutting down the US tour.
Alice In Chains issued a update today by sharing a statement from Kinney on social media.
"THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE WTF?,” began Kinney. "Firstly, to everyone who came out to the Mohegan Sun show and was affected by the short-notice cancellation, and to everyone who had tickets to come see the band at one of the other shows, thanks for your understanding. It's not lost on the band and myself that you spend money, make plans and alter your schedules to come and see us, and it's deeply disappointing to have had this happen.
"I was very much looking forward to getting back out there and playing with the band again, and it's been a difficult but necessary decision to make. I don't personally utilize social media and I'm not particularly fond of my health issues being made public, but I understand that people are concerned.
"When the doctors advised me against playing in the short-term, I quickly went through The 5 Stages of Grief:
1. Denial (I'm fine) 2. Anger (F*** this - I'm still going to play) 3. Bargaining (What's it gonna take for me to hear a better diagnosis?) 4. Depression (This sucks) 5. Acceptance (This sucks, but okay)
"I finally concluded that medical doctors with many hard-earned degrees on their walls might know a bit more about health than a musician with some shiny spray-painted records on his wall.
"The outpouring of love, concern and well wishes has been both extremely humbling and very much appreciated.
"The good news is that I'm going to be fine and I'm going to live. The bad news (for some of you?) is that I'm going to be fine and I'm going to live."
Alice In Chains are next scheduled to appear on the bill for the Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath farewell event in Birmingham, UK on July 5.
Get some Alice In Chains for your collection from their official store here.
See also:
Alice In Chains cancels tour as drummer experiences medical emergency
Jerry Cantrell streams new album I Want Blood
Jerry Cantrell announces North American tour
Jerry Cantrell releases I Want Blood title track
Search Alice In Chains at hennemusic