Alice in Chains Behind The Scenes of Their MTV Unplugged

[@nicholaspalazzola345]

The dude walked on stage took a breathe and started instantly singing Nutshell!!! It was the best Unplugged ever!!

[@benallmark9671]

Shaman Warrior I’m pretty sure he just came back from doing a big smash at that moment, glasses on.

[@catherineroberts8136]

Because he's the best ever💕

[@bludacid1982]

Gives me chills every time I put that song on a nice system.

[@3rdJAR]

He's incredible talent......my favorite unplugged definitely......i dont like the ad photo was chose by the posting narrator.....just would prefer to see him in good light rather than click because he looks wasted and pale. Hes much more than his addiction the stigma sucks. Just my opinion. Im not judging or complaining just rather hoping to see him in good light. But i understand you may get more viewers if they see maybe inclination of his passing......

[@3rdJAR]

Great info though thank you

[@mikey3326]

The bass alone in this performance was on a level all its own.

[@teresa27909]

RIP Mike Starr

[@joe1hundred]

Mikey he did have a killer sound on the bass. is it a flanger? he’s got some rad effect on for most of it. very cool.

[@grillbuster1519]

Teresa uNDERWOOD it’s Mike Inez

[@teresa27909]

@@grillbuster1519 oh

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Definitely, especially on "Nutshell."

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Jerry is straight up class. Loyal to the very end. He never ONCE threw Layne under the bus and I fully respect and admire his decision to suit up again with Will Duvall and put out some more great music.

[@Joey-hs1fz]

I hear you brother ☺️

[@Joey-hs1fz]

I'm 44 years old and I promise you this man 90s music 🎵 was like what my mom and dad were in to 60 and 70 music and too me 90 music was just the same way and I promise you this from the 2000 to now just fucking sucks ball's okay later friends 😘😘😘😘😘 you All

[@tangodelta7809]

Any new AIC is embarrassing imo. I liked Jerry’s solo stuff. One of their first albums song was about California, how lame

[@oldironsides4107]

Is will duval the black guy? Trash band.

[@azlayne7314]

@@tangodelta7809Ah whatever. I think its as good as It can be. Without Layne, y’know? Duvall is doing great, I couldnt think of a better person to be singing in aic.

[@jaybeeo1530]

It’s wild that MTV used to play music

[@WornDownSaint]

JoeyF Bank those were the days... they would only take breaks at night to play Beavis and Butthead and a few other shows, then back to videos, reruns of Headbangers Ball, more videos and Beavis and Butthead... At least that’s what I can remember anyway.

[@elizabethabreu424]

@@WornDownSaint I remember Celebrity DeathMacth, It was cool.. but not quite sure if it was at the same years

[@WornDownSaint]

That was in there too.. just wasn’t a big fan until later on.

[@paulkline3011]

And Real World

[@RedactedFreePress]

Many don't realize BET is owned by MTV. So it f-ed up 2 channels.

[@onemuckypup9823]

Awesome to hear Sean Kinney being recognised for his vital role in the success of the unplugged session. He is a brilliant drummer and often overlooked.

[@Fakename70]

Lisa JustMyOpinion Seriously? “Brilliant”? Sean Kinney?

[@onemuckypup9823]

Yep that's what I think and I'm sticking to my opinion LOL!!! @@Fakename70

[@WendyMcCor696]

@@Fakename70 he was brilliant....not going to explain music to an asshole like yourself 😆😆

[@Fakename70]

Jeremy Burch So, anyone with an opinion that differs from yours is an asshole. Got it. That’s pretty mature.

[@Fakename70]

Lisa JustMyOpinion Fair enough. I’ve always thought him to be the band’s weakest link though.

[@angrychair2947]

Greatest unplugged in my opinion

[@scottchantos2388]

I also agree with this opinion.

[@justintaylor8043]

Yeah, but the Pearl Jam hangs just beneath it, then Nirvana, stp

[@matth2868]

@@justintaylor8043 were there any other unplugged performances? I swear these are the only ones I know of.

[@zzyzxx13]

As good as AIC's Unplugged was/is... I like Live's Unplugged much, much better. But as today's kids like to say, "it's all good. No worries". lol

[@Savisoundman1]

Not really

[@misslornamae]

I love that Jerry never bags out Layne, not like Stone Temple Pilots bags Scott Weiland. Of course AIC was sad Layne was an addict, probably angry at him. But they loved him, saw it for what it was, and never criticised him outwardly. Layne was such a sensitive, internal guy, it would have crushed him to see band members bitch about him.

[@adamdavis4417]

misslornamae yea .. that and the fact that the whole band was on dope. Scott was the only one using heroin in STP. Jerry was going through the same thing Layne was.

[@eviehammond9509]

Doing that is kicking someone while their down & its UNACCEPTABLE in my opinion.💜 BTW, totally agreed with your comment!! Stay healthy & safe!!🌞

[@FOxXyYgRaMpA]

Little know fact, jerry had a huge crack addiction. He had very little room to talk.

[@Caribou1983]

As an old fan what I remember from those year is that the band did bitch him about it around 94-97 but after recording the last session in 98 they realized they would never tour again.

[@emmyb7383]

Layne wasn't the only adddict in the band!!!!!! I was w you about how nice it is they don't talk shit NOW (bc it wasn't always that way) but some things they were guilty of as well...like shooting dope.

[@Jay-ot3cq]

Sad to see a guy like Layne with so much talent torn apart by addiction. He had so much more left in his life to give. Never be another voice like that.

[@RebelGodessRed90]

Yes, Layne had such a voice! Raw and had such passion! 🥰

[@davidrhelmick72]

Listen to man in the box then listen to everything after face lift,he was losing everything to a slow suicide,you can tell he was tired,sick and lost.He knew that he lost the vocal power he had especially on man in the box.

[@toddalan5603]

No doubt man. That whole time frame was awesome to grow up in. I miss the 90s

[@LayneStaley-vs4th]

I love Layne and I miss him! I hated to see him suffer! Some people just can’t get the monkey off of their back! Layne did a wonderful job at this MTV unplugged! Sean Kinney rocks and I don’t like Jerry! Can’t help it ! It’s a vibe thing

[@AmphetamineReptile]

Not sure where my dad heard this, but apparently someone saw Layne sitting in broad daylight on a very sunny day wearing a winter coat, hood over his head and all, and sunglasses. He was very bad on heroin, it's heart-breaking

[@skoolie_life3261]

Best unplugged ever. Second place goes to Nirvana. I miss the old Mtv

[@wnerko7484]

Karen P yeah it was.nirvana broke down the door for all the other seattle sound bands to be on unplugged

[@wnerko7484]

Duke of Haphazard i know.all that shit can disappear and the people who cant get enough of em can disappear also.dukes of haphhazard.lol.i painted up an old bmx to look like the General.was gonna name it the Genital Lee but i settled on the Generic Lee

[@pipebombhs1412]

Nope. First place goes to nirvana

[@chigwesibanyama1148]

Wnerk o Actually Pearl Jam was the first Seattle "Grunge" band to do Unplugged. But yes, Alice had the best performance...

[@pipebombhs1412]

@Matthew Poff aic one of my favourtie of all time. But i would slightly rank nirvana one a bit higher. Even tho its all matter of opinions.

[@frankie1012]

Layne’s album with Mad Season is one of the best albums ever. River of Deceit is haunting.

[@philmccrevis5364]

Long day gone

[@ericbam1227]

Wake up

[@dannyurena7409]

@@ericbam1227 BaKe up. XanaX up

[@whydothenationsrage]

Can't stop listening to River of Deceit

[@frankie1012]

@@whydothenationsrage are u listening to it for the first time? I didn’t discover Mad Season till few years after Layne passed. To me his writing and songs didn’t get the credit they deserved on that album. That song gives me chills every time.

[@floydsemlow8253]

I personally was at this performance in New York in 96, I knew someone that worked internally on MTV, who sent me a 🎫 and I drove up from Cleveland. I think I still have that ticket stub 🔥

[@CambriaPelletier6090]

WOW. That must have been amazing!!!!

[@erinnjohnson4270]

I wana see ! That so cool

[@floydsemlow8253]

@@erinnjohnson4270 it was absolutely phenomenal

[@Randaddy25]

Hell yeah bro! Shout out from Youngstown!

[@floydsemlow8253]

@@Randaddy25 got friends from youngstown.crowd detterant band are my boys.cheers!!

[@HorrorMetalMaestroRedrusty66]

One thing though, I don't think I've ever seen someone running so fast towards death who looked so beautiful as Layne did on that unplugged show. Strange and ironic. You could tell he was going down and lost, yet couldn't help but think he was the most beautiful thing in the world at that moment.

[@ashleyerin913]

RedRusty66 so perfectly said! My parents raised me on awesome music and MTV and I was in elementary school at this time and still remember it. I remember when it was reported Layne was found dead and also Kurt Cobain. I’m from Seattle and those were both huge days in history and you could feel it everywhere you went in Seattle both of those days.

[@victoriamouse7393]

He truly was beautiful...so fuckin' beautiful ❤ 😪💔

[@katie3657]

Well said ❤

[@ArielAriel-rg8ng]

Yes, even if in bad conditions during the Unplugged, he was so handsome..a very beautiful guy ❤

[@unicornL]

True ❤

[@jekku4688]

So sweet how Jerry kept looking over at Layne to see how he was doing...or he was looking on with worry...

[@sophiecat14]

Who didn't cry when Layne walked out & started singing Nutshell? 😢❤️ Loved this~ learned a few new things, thx! AIC's Unplugged is, by far, my favourite. Sometimes difficult to watch, but also a celebration of these soul-grabbing, haunting, heartbreakingly beautiful songs. Love Layne~ precious, tormented, beautiful soul... RIP ❤️😢💔

[@noahkb80]

That entrance and song, and River of Deceit at the Moore. Right at the end, he kinda bows as those last guitar notes play. Hell im a 38 yr old man and it gets my chest heavy and a lump in my throat every time. Honestly think there isnt anything else in all of music history that gets me that level of emotion. Its tremendously sad and heartbreaking. He was just a kid too! Sh*t , here it comes.....😥

[@sophiecat14]

noahkb80 Just reading your reply did me in... you’re completely, 100% right... 😢

[@ambergrunwald8292]

@@sophiecat14i agree

[@jake-rx9rs]

@@sophiecat14 it hurt me so bad to learn he was 6ft and only 85 pounds when he passed away people think not only drugs but he was very sick :(

[@TheBenjammin]

Um I never cried. You're kind of a weirdo if that made you cry.

[@CamaroCoupe01]

Without a doubt, the best MTV Unplugged ever recorded. Layne seemed weak and ill from addiction and health issues stemming from addiction but WOW did he not let that destroy his performance. He came to life as soon as his ass hit that stool and rode that wave the entire show. That my friends, is a true artist!!!

[@BoilerBloodline]

Rain When I Die has always been one of my favorite Alice In Chains tunes. While at a friends Kentucky Derby party that Sunday, we had a local rock station playing on the radio when I heard the news Layne had been found deceased. Being a gathering, initially I was the only one to hear it. I immediately walked out their back door into their back yard and the the tears immediately flowed. Almost as if on que, it then started raining. Coincidences often happen. That being a sunny day with no rain in the forecast, this felt like more. I guess for me it was.

[@richardmoorman4227]

Really sad day believe it was April 23rd

[@BoilerBloodline]

Richard Moorman Indeed.

[@nelliesilvers1210]

I'm a riddle so strong, you can't break me💜

[@GimmeJimmy23]

@@richardmoorman4227 from what I've read it fell on April 5th, the very same day that Kurt Cobain had died.

[@jastonejones2775]

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain, I feel ya man. I was on the operating table April 5th 2002 and died twice. I didn't learn Layne had passed for years. I hate that the moment escaped me. Life took that moment from me, when I discovered he died the same time that I did, it inspired me to keep him alive, since I had to stay, so did he. I faithfully play aic every single day. and yes I am insane Shannon Hoon a few years later and here in Lafayette, Indiana aic is treated just like Guns N Roses and Bind Melon. today I just found out Mike died too what the fuck. I'm, no I've lost touch with so much dude. I hate coronovirus. where is my life today.

[@nelliesilvers1210]

To nod off but be able to hit your mark on time and nail it... that's pure talent. He's always mesmerised me and still continues to do so. Your wings are no longer denied, Layne 💜💜

[@jameza6129]

Jerry, Mike and Sean walk on stage: The crowd cheers! Layne walks on stage: THE CROWD EXPLODES!

[@neilserafini7557]

You could feel the pain and struggle in Layne's voice. And how the band felt that unplugged was quite possibly gonna be there last performance as a whole. I love Alice in Chains from the first time I heard them in my older sisters room when I was around six or seven years old. 25 years later its still some of the best rock ever played.

[@AmphetamineReptile]

when you know you're inevitably going to die for your choices and lose everyone around you, but you're still in your band and in front of hundreds of fans plus hundreds of thousands on tv, this happens

[@wm1573]

@@AmphetamineReptile unplugged was in 1996 and he died in 2002. He could've saved himself for years to come, but couldn't. Just wanted to clarify that it's not like he was already doomed and dead in 96

[@AmphetamineReptile]

@@wm1573 yeah i think the death of his girlfriend really set him off the deep end

[@Eric-ub7gi]

This is layne at his worst making it his best and that in "nutshell" is what defines art....

[@donaldrobinson9451]

That is gospel, brother. Hard to watch Layne without getting emotional.

[@elizabethortiz9089]

Yes.

[@cnukem]

❤️💔

[@justjulia8007]

Jerry and Layne were fucking brilliant. I love the fact Jerry never talked shit about Layne, other than acknowledging his addiction. Still absolutely adore that Seattle sound and being so young; best fucking time ever for music.

[@saintsrowboy123]

Always wish they did rotten apple at the unplugged

[@sevenpointfiveounce]

Right. Much better choice than "Frogs," their most pointless song. "Rotten Apple" would've definitely fit in this setlist in the unplugged format.

[@shawn111ok7]

of course man in the box would have been awsome too, would have had to slow it way down unplugged

[@benallmark9671]

Jake we can’t complain can we.

[@grandwazoo1696]

Rotten Apple is my favourite of theirs.

[@believer10]

rotten apple would have been great but still happy with the show.

[@gregorykrug8034]

"Frogs" was the #1 thing I took from that show. The lyrics were a kick to the nuts.

[@lillagahnavich7700]

Why's it have to be this way???

[@IvanDaniel28]

umm... no. Got Me Wrong, was the best song from that session.

[@gregorykrug8034]

@@IvanDaniel28 Good song, but that's the pop song of the session.

[@IvanDaniel28]

Duke of Haphazard EVERY single opinion I have is wrong huh? okay dude... 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mattpreston9670]

Sludge Factory

[@sewaseem]

For me the 90s was Dimebag Darrel's guitar tone and Layne Staleys voice rip both

[@isaidwtfover]

Same here.

[@kingleonidas9672]

S Waseem damn right 🤘🏻💀

[@jerredwayne8401]

Hell yes

[@josephrobichaud2852]

Dime, Layne, and Cornell here.... (Cornell always came first for me though)

[@scotthankins1779]

Best fucking youtube comment I've ever read.

[@avelinotuason4308]

THE most legendary and Greatest Of All Time MTV Unplugged session! 🐐 🎸

[@davidrhelmick72]

I wish that they could have performed "Dont Follow". I read how they tried it in rehearsal,but they teared up too much....

[@deliadorner1753]

That would've been so awesome, I would've killed to see Don't Follow and I Stay Away during the unplugged performance.

[@jameswatson4394]

Oh god I was thinking the same damn thing the other day. Dont follow would have been perfect and I stay away would have been too

[@kh3szn794]

ive been thinking why didnt they for the past week. i need to look up on it

[@FairFetzky]

They did over now, but struggled to play dont follow? How?!

[@janelle009]

@@FairFetzky right?? Lol

[@karensteyer677]

Alice in Chains Unplugged was amazing. It breaks my heart that Layne it's no longer with us.

[@garyunsworth726]

I remember seeing this unplugged session by AIC and I was mesmerised watching it, alot of it had to do with Layne, you couldn't take your eyes off him, that to me is a star, Layne was a star a complete star

[@irmawranna]

I said it before but I will say it again, you can't make enough AIC videos... Layne had it all, the looks, the brains, talent, charisma...the only thing he lacked was thicker skin

[@Fnberg744]

I see what you're saying but thicker skin would have meant different lyrics.

[@irmawranna]

@@Fnberg744 Ha! Come to think of it, you are absolutely right

[@onemuckypup9823]

It is very difficult to cope with a high level of sensitivity - on one hand it produces incredibly artistic results, but on the other hand it can be incredibly painful. Layne's sensitivity was so obvious - I can see that sensitive little boy in all of his pictures. If only he could've coped with what life dished out. Being sensitive I know how hard it can be.

[@debradudley9042]

Lisa JustMyOpinion .

[@AdolfFauci]

And teeth

[@leemoreno7435]

Grew up in Seattle. Was in my late teens to mid twenties at the time all of this was happening. Saw all our local bands and ones who were not as well known. AIC blew my 18 year old mind unlike any other. So lucky to be present during that time and space. Seattle is not the same place and it breaks my heart.

[@zer0953]

imo AIC unplugged is not only one of the best unplugged shows, its also one of the best live shows ever, so haunting and beautiful, i can only imagine how hard it must've been for them getting together again and playing it knowing that the band is pretty much done

[@AmphetamineReptile]

they wanted it to go out in a bang, especially since this was all just one show and they knew it'd be on cd as well

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I remember when I that show first came out on MTV! I wasn’t really into the whole unplug series but when I saw Alice In Chains was there, I had to watch it.

[@Wolfie742]

Always felt sorry for Jerry.. He tried his best to keep the band together..RIP Layne.. Gosh.. These artists have gone through hell to fight their own demons inside.. Wish Layne were sober and did more tracks with AIC and Mad Season.. Thanks for the video man! 🤘

[@roxannemoser]

I believe after Demri died, he lost his will to live.

[@TheJpep2424]

All related to drugs. Yet people continue to do them

[@smahring]

If you haven't seen them with William you MUST go, he does a phenominal job honoring Layne.

[@ElPajaroMosca]

Its too bad there isn’t a proper documentary for AIC

[@spookshow6999]

There’s a good documentary right here on KZbin.

[@spookshow6999]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKSsgHaViN2JgcU

[@KonwTheTrut]

@@spookshow6999 appreciate the share

[@Squatch34]

Agreed

[@Beverleypops]

There is one on you tube. And mother love bone have a good docu here

[@destructor.93]

Jerry Cantrell is so amazing 😍🥰❤️

[@amyconway9923]

Voices of seattle will live forever.

[@petrirantanen]

Everybody Loves Our Town. An Oral History Of Grunge is probably best book about Seattle scene. I really recommend it to anyone who's interested in that scene and what happened behind the scenes. Thanks once again!

[@dickcnormous4202]

Not any more, with the homeless junkie scumbags running rampant and shitting all over the streets .

[@2legit2Kwit]

It’s so sad that MTV Isn’t a music channel anymore. This IS the best unplugged ever. Layne is sorely missed.

[@saramarie7984]

Jerry Cantrell could educate a lot of people on how to handle the loss of a band member with extreme class. He truly cared about him as a person, not a paycheck. RIP Layne

[@Gothgalactica]

Calls him his best friend 🥺😭🖤

[@theopinson3851]

Totally agree about Sean Kinney. Dude killed it that night and really showed off his versatility. I think that’s what set Alice In Chains apart from a lot of their peers...the musicianship was really there which especially shined through in live performances.

[@dcbqb19]

That was a show you sit and question things in your life. That was a life changing concert and makes you incredibly sad to know how bad Layne was struggling with his issues and putting his soul into that performance

[@TheOanastoica]

The most iconic Unplugged!! Layne wAs, is and will always be my favorite vocalist! 🖤

[@nunyabiz6918]

You’re telling me, in regards to (by far) the best vocally executed Unplugged set in history, and my man Layne LITERALLY did it in his sleep?!? If that’s not a god damn rock & roll legend... holy fuck. 👊🏻🤣😂

[@brandonhill4197]

I was there for the Detroit show my first and only time seeing them with Layne. I don't remember the entire show but I vividly remember when they performed them bones, Layne let out this scream that filled the entire stadium and felt like it went on forever... Totally epic!

[@jasond3938]

I took the closed eyes from Layne , as grooving on the jam . Excellent video 👊

[@jennifercaton9322]

I have the unplugged DVD. I never thought Layne to be sleepy. He was just so into that awesome set -- it wasn't a headbanger ...it was pure art.

[@noahkb80]

Exactly. I just posted same thing. I think it was to suit the environment and help him keep the brakes on and not go overboard. And i also think it was his shyness. The whole damn world watching him, theyd not performed in years, and hes shy. Sitting there with all of those judging eyes, i think he was just hiding. No damn way he performed the way he did if he were at the nodding phase. They prob wouldn't have even been able to record if he was. Right on brother!🤜🤛

[@noahkb80]

@Sean Dana maybe so. I have personal experience to bring. If he was, thats even more incredible that he did what he did. I read or saw somewhere that their mgr gave him or had him take a bunch of methadone for that show. I know that stuff will zone you out. Who knows. Whatever it was, it was magic

[@Ep0nz]

noahkb80 did you watch the video? Layne shot up right before walking out my man...

[@juliasantacroce3366]

@@noahkb80 it was heroin... him and the sound guy got high seconds b4 walking out. Hes lacking color and life to his face. The closing of eyes and covering them, even the band said he was high. He was an addict in a time when there wasnt much help. The addiction won.

[@QuantumJG90]

@Sean Dana Same as me being a chronic pain patient. I was like Layne when tutoring maths a few years ago. It was all just known, so I was on autopilot. But I was nodding off too. Oxycodone gives you a head high. Those damn OxyNorm capsules with the powdered oxycodone, were the best. Take 10mg at one point, then another a few hours later. I took it to be able to deal with the pain from commuting. I took another 10mg before tutoring, and had taken 60mg in total. Layne hadn’t taken enough to be completely out of it, but he was definitely high.

[@scottjustscott3730]

All we had to hear was that legendary Staley-Cantrell harmony. That's AIC......in a nutshell😬

[@mr.guitarpicker]

I never thought Layne looked like he was nodding off during the show. I just thought he was in his feelings and just listening.

[@BoilerBloodline]

“Friends don’t let friends give friends hair cuts”

[@patriotwarrior7570]

That was for the members of Metallica who were sitting in the audience sporting their new short haircuts

[@gabrielaolivr]

Iconic

[@roxannemoser]

Friends don't let friends get haircuts

[@virtusetglorie]

Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts

[@ajhproductions2347]

Haha right?? Take that Metallica!

[@cindyfitzgerald4500]

Layne always amazing! He was going thru hell and he still was amazing! I just hate him looking sad though, wish someone could have helped him I know many tryed but I just wish someone could have succeeded he was a gift to this world and he left it way too soon! Love you Layne no one can ever replace you! Layne the Legend!!

[@jerredwayne8401]

I wish his bandmates would have saved him. But then again I dont think he wanted to be saved

[@scatterboo08]

He died a little when Demri died...

[@illmaddox91]

@@jerredwayne8401 it's no saving an addict that doesn't want to be saved

[@petet6851]

We all tried really hard to help him. Not much you can do when someone lives in a locked building & won't let anybody in.

[@STOKESEY1974]

Cindy Fitzgerald he ate of the apple 🍎 so young Christ I miss him leaves 🍁 a wonderful blinder of a legacy ✌️✊😇🙏

[@buckfuddy489]

I have to say that I think the saddest part (I have read)of Layne's life is that it took weeks for someone to notice he was dead..it's too bad someone with a voice like that was hurting so bad inside.. if only he knew how much he meant to his fans..🙁🖤🙃I hope Layne is now at peace

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

That's because he'd withdrawn so much from everyone by then, it wasn't unusual for him to not answer a phone call, or even his door (when he was home). What was worse, imo, was that nobody was surprised by the news. I thought, now he'll only be remembered as a drug addict, and not for his talent/art. I'm glad that's less & less true. And after so many years, he's still making new fans. 🤘🏼

[@buckfuddy489]

Christina G agreed!! I try n remember ppl for the art they put out n how it helped me.. I too was addicted to H..(thankfully I'm clean now),but I do have to say that I can relate..ya get to a point where ya just don't GAF.n then ppl start avoiding u.. I'm just glad that some of my friends were ruthless in their "annoying ways" cuz I'd certainly be dead.. I just hate that Layne had such a talent n it was taken away before he knew how adored he was

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

@@buckfuddy489 yeah, I agree. Congrats on your sobriety. That's awesome. My vice was pills after a neck injury, but still opiates. I can relate. It's amazing how much their music (as depressing as everyone called it, at the time) has actually helped so many with addiction/ depression. That was his true intent in his lyrics, so I think he'd be really proud of that.

[@melaniehorner6540]

Buck Fuddy I believe it was inactivity of his credit card that alerted them. I’ve seen an interview with his Mother that she pushed past police at his apartment and sat and held his body apologizing to him. Congratulations on your sobriety. I’m in recovery as well. I’m also a momma myself now and it makes those facts even harder to hear. I choose to listen to and remember him for his music and talents. Not as an addict who could not help himself.

[@buckfuddy489]

Christina G I still struggle sometimes but my job keeps me busy

[@Pencil-Eating]

AIC was a big part of my childhood. I still cry sometimes when I see this performance. Nutshell and Down in a Hole show just how gone Layne was at this point. Still heartbroken

[@Ичкерия90х]

I also want to point out that in addition to beautiful, amazing Layne making this MTV Unplugged the best show, I love how the whole stage is dark and it is decorated with candles. I think it was Layne's idea to decorate the stage with the candles. This whole performance is so beautiful, haunting, and heart-breaking. There is so much sadness and pain in Layne's beautiful eyes and voice, but all of these is making this show so unforgettable. I think it is not only the best MTV Unplugged, but the best concert in history of music. Every time I see beautiful, sad Layne in this show, wanna give him a huge hug. Today I ordered two awesome pictures to be printed at CVS - one picture of Layne and Jerry from this MTV Unplugged and one picture of Layne from amazing live performance of Mad Season at the Moore Theater in Seattle in 1995. Layne and AIC inspired me to buy and learn guitar, so I can't wait to hang these two amazing pictures on my wall. I absolutely love Layne, AIC, and Mad Season

[@ashleytester1049]

Definitely the greatest unplugged there ever has been recorded, and ever will be recorded. No one could touch this show and the emotions in the music. Layne really dang his heart that night

[@bradk6915]

Hit the nail on the head. I own this show on tape, on CD, DVD, Digitally... I'm somewhat young and Layne was the first death I really ever had to get through. RIP.

[@paras8361]

Music isn’t at the forefront of MTV because the internet came along and took music away. People used to watch MTV hoping to catch the latest video from their favourite artist. Now they go online and watch it immediately without having to wait around for a programmer to schedule it.

[@stevencopley5487]

Thank you for this...filled in a couple of things for me about the performance. I am late to the AIC party by about 30 years at 67. Now loving what I had missed.

[@tomservo5347]

My grand niece's middle name 'Layne' is spelled that way thanks to my sister who always loved the AIC 'Unplugged' album. 'Dirt' remains my favorite with it's inner sleeve sunburst logo tattooed on my right arm. Sean Kinney is a criminally underrated drummer.

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

Can't go wrong with AIC Unplugged. I watched when it first aired & remember knowing atm how special it was. Also saw them & Layne's last show in KC. Brings back a whole lot of memories.

[@moabt.frican7163]

Thats so cool, im jelly

[@buckfuddy489]

Moab T. Frican dude!! I just came to say the same!! (In those exact words!!) TOTALLY JELLY!!!!

[@moabt.frican7163]

@@buckfuddy489 lol right? Sooo cool!

[@jasond3938]

Ditto It was like time stood still for that hour , only other unplugged moment to do that was Unleaded imo. Must have watched it over a hundred times that month lol (might be an exaggeration lol)

[@buckfuddy489]

Jason D I love several Unplugged shows..But AIC was def in the Top 5 for me!!

[@mattmallard7712]

Always been an AIC fan but this capped it for me. There was a couple of times that i looked at Layne and my heart dropped but the band had his back, what a performance . RIP Layne and long may AIC continue

[@WillJM81280]

The cover was absolutely fitting and foretelling. The other three guys in the background visible and present, overseen by a dark shadow where once a physical form existed in collaboration with the other three, now merely a haunting memory of what once was. Layne was a shadow of his former self, and soon to be even less than that. Fitting to show this, shadows are the last indication of the remainders of light. This show was the last remainders of Layne.

[@occiferfigpucker4840]

Those "other three guys" made Alice in Chains the band they were.

[@nicky4917]

Alice in Chains couldn't go on without Sean Kinney, they've said it themselves... he's a freaking beast man!

[@mandersen7749]

If they can move on without Layne, they can do it without the beat master too ! Sorry to say !

[@Sig721Tau]

Don't forget about Mike Starr laying down some fat basslines.

[@monolithgeometry3221]

@@mandersen7749 THEY CAnt do it without layne, they cant do it without Sean to a lesser degree...im sorry that other guy with AIC is just Jerry Cantrell running the show by himself

[@hatednyc]

Being an addict myself I remember first seeing Layne and his gloves and knowing what was up immediately. The unplugged performance was fucking magic. I never thought he was on the nod but instead in that sweet spot where you've done just enough that you feel good and can function

[@sealtite87]

Why was he wearing gloves?

[@cactaceous]

sealtite87 Intravenous addicts tend to use the veins on their hands, the area from the wrist to like the knuckles, when all their other veins are completely used up or scabbed out. Meaning he really was a full on hardcore junkie.

[@Ичкерия90х]

So very sad what happened to beautiful, talented Layne. And when I read why he was wearing gloves, it made me even more sad. Omg! I wish I could be present at that MTV Unplugged concert. I would run to the stage and give amazing Layne a huge hug. Poor guy was in so much pain and suffering

[@stevenwill]

He did go backstage during a break in the set, I believe, to get himself back on even keel, to keep from getting sick and having an accident.

[@hotsoda1850]

Thank you for sharing this story. It’s a great performance. We as viewers don’t always know or appreciate all that goes into the production for our viewing pleasure.

[@sludgeman]

the unplugged recording is so good that i use it to test headphones and speakers

[@danielseth8272]

Why don't they do unplugged anymore? I guess cuz none of the contemporary artist have the skills the preform without auto tune and special effects

[@WendyMcCor696]

@Amanda Somma more or less actually he did....

[@Mr_Clean]

16 and pregnant unplugged? Mtv aint about music anymore.

[@noahkb80]

I cant think of one band today id even want to hear. I imagine most couldn't play their own instruments. Unplugged would be hot garbage now. Unplugged worked because the artist were real , the music was real. I could picture it now, nice, intimate, low key setting, and some douche bag kids singing all emotional about their Instagram and some woke bs. That would be more fitting for comedy central. Unplugged died because real music died

[@youraweandconfusion]

Because auto tuners have electrical cords?

[@alidaleeannspence2734]

@@noahkb80 they can't play

[@sickdrummer3831]

Miss you Layne. Touring with you guys in the 90’s was the best times

[@Lindy-s9c]

Yep I remember in the 90s I was little when I heard Alice in Chains and that's my favorite rock band 🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🎸

[@skatedonut952]

One of my all time favorite albums ever. I love listening to this album years later. Nothing comes close.

[@paulcusentino4917]

It was such a hauntingly beautiful performance.

[@kidwajagstang]

I want to say, I am LOVING all these Alice In Chains videos you’ve been doing. They are one of my absolute FAVORITE bands and I would honestly be in favor if you started a channel dedicated to AIC, since you are obviously a big fan.

[@haley8924]

So interesting. I am a former heroin addict and when they do the song Would, they get really close to Laynes face, I thought he was likely not high at all because his pupils were normal. I was wrong lol. I love Layne so much. I cried for 3 days when he died. it broke my heart. I wanted so much for him to get well and he chose not too. God Bless that beautiful sensitive man.

[@lkt4893]

I just found this channel and I'm really impressed with how professional the content is and I'm a fan. Thanks and keep it up!

[@earth14rocco36]

Alice was such uh raw band. So much so that u instantly felt connected ta those guys. Sumtimes i cant even listen 2 them cuz of how real sum of those songs are n how emotional they can make me lol. Beautiful vid

[@earth14rocco36]

@WAFFEN COLLIDER exactly. Ive never been 1 ta listen ta alice in passing. N even if they come on unexpectedly, i always find myself zonin out of wutever im in2 at the time n just listenin n really reflecting. Thats the power of the band. N especially knowing wut layne was goin thru. His voice conveyed everything n like i said b4, as amazing as they were/are, theyre hard ta listenin 2 sumtimes bcuz of the emotion involved

[@mjt07f]

Having recorded this on VHS, I've listened to the show at least once a year. It's a heartbreaking show, I spend all of 'Nutshell' hoping they'd play it in a loop till eternity. Layne helped me kick my habits, I wish often he was able to kick his. Thank you Layne!

[@vincentwhitley8197]

Layne looked rough and did what he had to to get through the show and give a professional performance. Jerry was sick....Sean saved the day too..Love it

[@ReturnTheSanity]

Any Chains fan likely knows about Layne’s situation the night of the show…but regardless of his struggles that night, it was the greatest unplugged set of them all and one of the best live acoustic performances of all time, specifically Nutshell.

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

Lars being pissed about it being on the front of the bass was the thing I didn't know I needed to start my Monday. 😆

[@rpskaza]

Layne did a great job regardless of his health. So sad he couldn’t beat those demons. 😞

[@michaelcrable489]

That’s because Layne was a natural! No matter how high he was or needed to be, he was there and had the talent to back him up!

[@doreensika837]

Layne was so high and he messed up sludge factory 7x and frogs 2x but in all he did an amazing job his vocals was amazing. I have the full unplugged on vhs.

[@maryjane1851]

Really amazing considering the 2.5 year performance hiatus prior to unplugged.

[@richardbutkis]

@@maryjane1851 "really amazing..." suggesting that they didn't rehearse any of their songs.

[@Drummer_Jeff83]

@@Grunge666 if you haven't seen the DVD version, it does contain footage of Layne screwing up Sludge Factory once and they needed to restart the song but I've never seen the others

[@Anthony-uf3oz]

*his vocals WERE amazing

[@OscarOffTheCuff]

Wait I thought he only messed it up that one time? 7 times ???

[@NehiStripesSeattle]

Spot on! Also note, I did an interview with photographer Danny Clinch 4 years ago and he had some great things to say about the Unplugged show too! Danny was the photographer of that entire show.

[@Papatorrejano]

Did Clinch shoot the soundcheck too? I remember seeing one pic of them with different outfits at the Brooklyn theater. BTW you got a cool channel, i'm suscribed.

[@vinson6337]

Great video! I distinctly remember this MTV Unplugged episode. In my opinion, this was the best episode MTVU ever! I still listen to this track often.

[@michaelsteen9396]

Alice In Chains remains one of my all time favorite bands. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the Yucatan Liquor Stand on the NW Expressway in Oklahoma City on a Thursday night in 1992 (coin beer night) the night before they opened up for Ozzy Osbourne at the State Fair Sweedway during the fair. Incredible show and incredible people. You’d never know they were millionaires that’s for sure. RIP Layne and Mike. Love & respect to you all.

[@blacksunshine7485]

Forget best unplugged, one of the greatest acoustic band performances ever! I actually give this album out as a gift to friends whether they listen to rock or know Alice In Chains at all. It's that good, it crosses lines of taste

[@MrLorincombs]

I love the ending with Lars.... He's absolutely right, I watch that unplugged often...it was just as perfect as it was supposed to have been. RIP Layne...

[@drpenguin4478]

Jerry: Well, at least I’LL be healthy for the show. *eats a rancid NYC hotdog 🌭

[@cryptomnesiac]

Knowing what was going on years later and rewatching you can see Layne was already in serious trouble. The pallor of his skin compared to Jerry's is notable. This behind the scenes just confirms it.

[@newageassholes]

John fruciante made it back from worse.It can be done but you really have to want it.

[@stevenwill]

@newageassholes I saw the interview with John Frucianti when at the height of his addiction and thought he was not ever going to make it out alive. Glad to hear he made it.

[@stevenwill]

@newageassholes Agree that your desire to quit has to be stronger than the desire for the drug. I've been there twice, never again, because I know if there is another again, I'll be a dead man.

[@Anna-iz1tt]

@@newageassholesRiver Phoenix never made it back though

[@blackphillip8486]

Alice in Chains Unplugged, Nirvana Unplugged and Michale Graves Illusions Live/Viretta Park are the three best live acoustic albums ever.

[@droideca88]

You don't hear about Michale Graves often, completely true tho

[@homolone]

Graves’s voice is still bloody fantastic. Hopefully seeing him live in a couple months 🤞🏼

[@frenchabortion]

Absolutely. Graves has such a powerful voice. I met him, he's super nice

[@archangel5627]

I completely agree with you! But my favorite has to be Michale Graves Illusions Live/Viretta Park! That live performance is absolutely amazing! Graves has an excellent voice that surprisingly fits an acoustic setting.

[@immigratoclandestino6259]

Alice in Chains' unplugged is on a whole different level from Nirvana's. Don't get me wrong, I love Nirvana and I think they did great on the unplugged, however Alice in Chains' was so emotional and so haunting, it truly was something else. Plus there are some tracks on there that genuinely sound better than their studio version, (i.e. Got me wrong and Sludge factory to name a couple) which doesn't mean the original tracks sucked, just that they killed it so hard on the unplugged. Imo Nirvana never managed to sound better than their studio recordings. Alice in Chains had the best unplugged hands down.

[@christinad4432]

I love this kinda shit!! I’m always telling my husband and kids behind the scenes info and interesting facts about musicians and bands. (Even when they don’t ask me to 🤷🏼‍♀️) I’m like a walking fun fact teller 🙃 I thought I knew a lot already , but this channel has taught me soo many more things I didn’t know. So 🙏🏼👍🏼. You got a subscriber for life outta me.

[@Irv123]

I picked the perfect time to finally get into alice in chains. Thank you so much dude.

[@noahkb80]

Its a must. Once you know AIC, you can hear Layne in almost every rock singer from his time forward into the 2000s and on. Not copycats, but just that admiration of being a fan. I could name dozens of leads who have a piece of him. But theres only 1 total package. Lots of good music from back then. I was 15 in 95, so i got to jam to the music back then. But as an adult, ive been able to come back to it and gain a new appreciation for it as a grown man with the experience of living. Its almost like new again. Keep searching around, enough music even from just then to keep jammin for as long as you got ears. 😁🤝👍🤘

[@Irv123]

@@noahkb80 I was born in 92. It may sound strange, but even though I was a kid I feel such a connection to that era of the 90's, I cant really explain it... And I cant believe I skipped over this amazing band all of these years. They were so great. Layne was an astonishing singer, truly one of the best.

[@nancydesalvo8398]

I just want to say that Alice In Chains Unplugged was the absolute best I have ever seen...thank you AIC for the beautiful music that will live forever in my heart.

[@stevendunton5520]

Loved your doc on this. One of my favorite Unplugged performances!

[@Beverleypops]

The best unplugged. Layne was dying and still gave us his best performance

[@Shagley]

He was alive for another 6 years

[@Poetikaliz]

so you commented because you read someone else's comment? do some research before you bother

[@Poetikaliz]

@@Shagley i think the woman is looking for subscribers a troll!

[@kellylappin5944]

@@Shagley He survived another six years, but I don’t know if you could call him ‘alive’.

[@Shagley]

@@kellylappin5944 True

[@5HlNOBI]

So when Layne is singing w/ the pink hair and the fingerless gloves held up to the mic, he's just smelling fried chicken.

[@bossladydeeadminteamstevie6566]

Best unplugged ever even tho layne was obv close to death..looking back on it just makes even more nostalgic to watch so thank you to all the band members of AIC

[@Jffeeney3rd]

He lived another 6 years.

[@christineferreira2181]

Longtime A&C fan. It brings me back to high school. RIP Layne: This was well narrated. I love this channel. 🎸

[@tjm8128]

I always wondered if the hot dog story was true. He just admitted it was by his own hand so maybe not. Sean Kinney really is a rock star. He was brilliant on unplugged.

[@chrismunsey3185]

AIC unplugged is one of the best of that series by far.

[@Beccastyles_]

Best Unplugged ever. I wish they were able to play Don’t Follow.

[@number1Don]

Me too!

[@donna3465]

I thought it was the best show they ever did, and it’s the best CD I own to this day. I’ve turned friends (who didn’t like the band previously) on to AIC because of the Unplugged CD. I also think we all knew that Layne wasn’t long for this world after watching that show. RIP, my brother. I hope you’ve found serenity.

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

The best live performances I've seen since queen live aid. It's just a moment in time that's magical.

[@fuckoffhackers8619]

great content, thanks for making it. i honestly have no idea what happened to mtv or why they would go from this to 16 and pregnant.