MoPOP Founders Award 2020 Honoring Alice in Chains

The night began with a star-studded lineup of musicians, all gathered at the Museum of Pop Culture in celebration of the renowned Seattle band, Alice in Chains. The occasion was the MoPOP Founders Award, a highly-anticipated annual fundraiser event that, for the first time ever, was free to the public and live-streamed online. The event's focus was a well-deserved tribute to the band's remarkable legacy. This unique approach allowed music fans from all over the world to experience the magic of the evening. As the evening unfolded, the audience was treated to unforgettable performances by Alice in Chains, the band they were honoring. Their setlist was a masterful blend of their most iconic songs as well as some of their lesser-known tracks. The band's sound was a defining characteristic of the Seattle music scene, a genre-bending style that blended the heavy riffs of grunge with soulful, haunting vocals. This fusion of styles had catapulted Alice in Chains to international stardom, with hits like "Man in the Box" and "Rooster." The band's dedication to their art was evident in every note they played, every beat, and every growl. However, they were not alone on stage. An impressive lineup of musicians, all of whom were handpicked for their passion and creativity, joined forces to pay tribute to Alice in Chains. Each of these performers brought their unique spin to some of the band's most beloved songs. There was Chris Cornell's protégé, Mark Lanegan, known for his haunting voice and emotive, introspective songwriting style. Lanegan's rendition of "Them Bones" was particularly poignant, with its soulful delivery and haunting harmonies that highlighted the depth and complexity of the song's lyrics. Another standout performance came from Brandi Carlile, a Seattle-based singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence. Her take on "Would?" was both haunting and uplifting, with her soaring vocals capturing the song's essence and delivering a message of hope and resilience. This was a testament to the enduring power of Alice in Chains' music, a legacy that continued to inspire and uplift generations of music fans. As the night progressed, the performances continued to showcase the band's influence on a wide range of artists. Other notable contributors to the evening included Jerry Cantrell, Alice in Chains' guitarist, who delivered a blistering instrumental performance of "No Excuses." This song, with its soaring guitar riffs and pounding drums, was a testament to the band's ability to create music that was both heavy and melodic. The evening also included a performance by Joan Jett, a legendary rockstar known for her high-energy stage shows and iconic hit songs like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll." Jett took on "Rooster," delivering a raw, unbridled performance that showcased her own unique style while paying tribute to the band's epic sound. Her stage presence was electric, with her signature snarl and swagger bringing an added level of energy to the evening. As the night drew to a close, Alice in Chains took the stage for a final performance. The set was a fitting conclusion to an evening that celebrated their music and legacy. The band played some of their most beloved songs, including "Would?" and "Man in the Box," while also showcasing their ability to craft new music that would stand the test of time. The MoPOP Founders Award was more than just a tribute to Alice in Chains – it was a celebration of the band's enduring influence on the music world. Through their music, they had created a sense of community among their fans, a shared experience that transcended borders and generations. As the evening came to a close, the audience was left with a renewed sense of appreciation for the power of music to move and inspire. The legacy of Alice in Chains would continue to live on through the music they had created, a testament to the band's impact and their commitment to their craft.