Alice in Chains Interview on VOA's Border Crossings part 1

Sean Kinney and Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains talk about the loss of Layne Staley and new lead vocalist William DuVall in this 2009 interview with VOA's Larry London

[@7d7e7f7]

We all miss layne. He's just someone you can't replace. But lets not forget how important Jerry is.

[@collinhunter6447]

Jerry is AIC! wrote 90% of lyrics and ALL of the music.

[@Mollys-lips]

I totally agree&hope u didn't mind that I sort of quoted u.

[@alicelayne5796]

And also Sean and Mike

[@MLCrow]

@@collinhunter6447 You're wrong about the lyrics. Talking about the lyrics it's about 50/50 between Layne & Jerry (counting the songs they were involved separately or both). Jerry wrote way more than 90% of the music (but not really all).

[@MLCrow]

@@collinhunter6447 ...well , Jerry has always been the main songwriter...but I don't agree he is AIC (ok, maybe now he is...without Layne)...it's just AIC can't live without Jerry, that's for sure. He has always been the "main" member from this point of view.

[@Olubumni]

They don’t owe me any explanation. I’m so glad they’re here still making music.

[@chrismartinez8390]

Agree

[@whoodatt3046]

love how jerry always refers to layne not just as a bandmate but as a best friend

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

friends that hated each other and weren’t talking

[@whoodatt3046]

@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 it's understandable though, when dealing with an addict especially to the point that Layne was. U can't blame Layne. He did what he wanted. Jerry said they cut cut down at the peak. Layne was over it. Jerry wanted to keep going so he tried solo stuff but it wasn't the success Alice would've had. So yeah they all tried to help Layne and he didn't want help. They were all mad cause they loved him but he just didn't want to change.

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

@@whoodatt3046 I think layne just wanted more time to get high, and he had enough money after Dirt sold five million to do that. In Mark Lanegans book he describes layne smoking crack and heroin every day. He was so drug crazy. His priorities changed. Jerry never used much smack he as more into coke and alcohol. That makes you energetic and social. Heroin makes you want to hide and do nothing. Layne is no different than any of us, he was a H addict. Layne was also different than jerry. I don’t think layne appreciated Jerry’s southern roots and Jerry was kind of a bone head as talented and brilliant he was and layne had a brain. Two different guys.

[@klm4446]

​@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 That is likely to happen with friends and family members when one party is intent on self destruction "slow suicide" and the other party is trying to intervene, criticizes their drug use, or just finds it too painful to watch anymore. Layne is/was a legend, but addiction drives impenetrable walls between relationships.

[@chrisgray7999]

Jerry's laugh is the best thing ever

[@YouTubeCensorsEverything]

Love Jerry's attitude. He does what he does for better or worse. Soldier on Jerry.

[@ScarlettEmerald4]

Love the way Sean pronounces "tour". So cute. Love him

[@louisewitch7072]

Love your channel!! 💓

[@TheStepmonkey]

Yea, he has an special accent💗

[@AtariGarcia]

Jerry's laugh is great. :-)

[@AirGuitar]

His laugh just makes me crack up. Uh hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!!

[@jonathonbattiest4522]

its also funny because it doesnt look like a laugh,it looks like a smile and he's throwing his voice/laugh lol /

[@metalsharon6335]

I agree

[@adikickass84]

I literally scrolled down to comment this before I saw your comment :)

[@goudagirl6095]

#dadlaugh

[@MHidee]

How could you not want to hang out with these guys, so cool.

[@Gratefulman1965]

Jerry & Sean, I for one am still listening in 2022.🎶

[@lynettec66]

Jerry has aged the hardest of everyone, by far. I saw them in concert last year. Jerry is such a talented guy. He carries a certain heaviness about him (at least on stage) since Layne's death. Love you Jerry, love and miss you, Layne.

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

Yeah, it's all on him now. With Layne, they shared the load. He has to bear the full responsibility of the band from here on out. I'm sure it's quite a burden.Layne left everyone hanging after he lost his shit to addiction,and eventually his life.

[@letiziabondi1164]

So true. Was such a big loss, for everybody, can't even imagine how big was/still is for him

[@perriashbaugh]

Jerry's soul took a huge hit, he has to carry that weight and it shows. You can't hide it.

[@bradsully6620]

Alcohol and cocaine will age you pretty quickly!!! Its good that Sean and Jerry are both sober now.

[@jamiehovis7722]

It wasn’t the alcoholism and coke addiction that aged him, it was a guy in his band who he wasn’t even friends with dying…

[@LILbaNkz1990]

I love Seans attitude,, and Jerrys laugh is crazy :) funny tho,, long love Alice in chains, we Miss you Layne.. And thank you will for fronting a hell of a band. You fit in perfectly. I'm glad all of you are happy together giving the fans what they really want

[@kamcr]

LILbaNkz1990 that laugh is good

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

His laugh sounds like beevis and butthead

[@davidjames2431]

Their 3 albums since the Layne era are so solid. Love, love them.

[@elizabethmesner6913]

my favorite band.... music that last

[@scottturner7979]

The haunting and healing voice and guitar of jerry Cantrell

[@TiagoSilva-ib7vq]

It is amazing how clear Jerry speaks.

[@kevin55967]

I love Jerry's contagious laughter.

[@billfrancis573]

Jerry Cantrell is the absolute best interview HANDS DOWN constant professional always TRUE and ALWAYS LOYAL TO THE ROOTS OF ALICE IN CHAINS!!!! OH AND YEAH JERRY CANTRELL IS A FREAKING ROCK GOD THAT'S THE BIGGEST POINT AND SEAN KINNEY IS ALL THE SAME TOP 3 GREATEST DRUMMERS EVER

[@liouxsielioux1654]

“We take him with us wherever we go.” 🥺🥺🥺

[@NEED2SLODOWN]

I like Jerry's laugh!!!

[@chemoboy-dannypheleps9234]

cant believe that was a decade ago

[@TheRook-td4fn]

Love Jerry's laugh! Always adds a bit of joy to the day!

[@5dsGX5ds]

i hate people who say ugly to Sean!!! he s handsome

[@lillanthompson9086]

He is cute

[@christar9527]

Who would call Sean ugly? Oh, a jealous guy most likely. Sean is hot!

[@eleonoradeane5170]

And he aged wonderfully.

[@jonesy2111]

Great drummer

[@jannikthorsen3531]

Sean is significantly better looking than the average guy. Its just plain weird to me that some one would call him ugly.

[@TheBhannah]

they are humble but ...they are gods of music !

[@thaking16201]

Jerry is the most talented guy alive...the guy is so knowledgeable and in my eyes one of the best guitarists! So happy they continued to make music

[@patti...]

love their honesty and vulnerability...

[@Mollys-lips]

Jerry was the gel that held the band together he is a workhorse as someone just said "we all miss Layne, but let's not forget jerry"i think that's so important as much as it sucks that Layne isn't here anymore (I was a HUGE Layne fan),imagine what it would've been like if it was jerry ..that would've been the end fir this band. Rip Layne Staley ,u will NEVER be forgotten or "replaced" in the original sense of the word. 🌹

[@TheStepmonkey]

Jerry is the brain behind the band but Layne was the magic that made them famous. Without him AiC will never be the same...

[@MsSugartaste]

I love these guys. They are so genuine even though so many refuse to see it. I'm so glad they are hitting the road again, cant wait for the new album, and already got my tickets for 4/30/13.

[@MollyOlly94]

Jerry's laugh scares the shit out of me. lol gotta love him.

[@alexmejia3515]

La risa de Jerry es oro puro. No paré de reírme el vídeo entero, es rara, pero contagiosa y agradable.

[@laurapac]

I am so glad they're back. The way they got together is nice. They got to keep moving in life. I love Jerry.

[@bradsully6620]

Yeah but they should have changed the name. Its just not Alice without layne. Haha I'm responding to a 10 year old comment. I wonder if he will respond.

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

@@bradsully6620 You could have said the same thing about Pink Floyd without Syd Barrett, or Skynrd without half the band. Life goes on, Layne made his choices. Why should the rest of them quit just because he did?

[@shellywatson9845]

Jerry and Sean...the OG's of Alice in Chains!🥰

[@amyames1979]

The fact that they are so loyal is what attracts me. AIC

[@paynecast9935]

You're hot

[@geddyleesowlnose]

@@paynecast9935 what a loser

[@paynecast9935]

@@geddyleesowlnose it's true she's hot

[@WinyanHanhepiwi]

@TwistedUpinChains I don't see anyone twisting Sean's arm. If he didn't want to do it, he wouldn't do it. What he probably thinks is fucking bullshit is having to explain, over and over again, to their own fans, why they think it's okay to keep on playing music rather than spending the rest of their lives mourning Layne.

[@flynntaylor5459]

indeed Jerr looks like his heart is breaking- in that silence I read a lot of pain!

[@superunknown70]

Great interview. They both really took the time to explain themselves.

[@otineb5]

Wow, i haven't heard the term Lifer, in a while and it's a term that persons in the mIlitary use to convey that will make a career out of being employed by the military. Anyhow, there aren't too many musicians/artists that commit their lives to music/bands and Sean Kinney and Jerry Cantrell and the other members of Alice In Chains are the real deal, and they seem happy doing it, and have been successful at it, so good for them and may they be around for many years to come. And may Layne Staley's soul rest in eternal peace.

[@RAsphalt]

Layne sang on a lot of songs that were 'about' Jerry's stuff. To me, good songs are more abstract than that and come from a place deeper than any one event or concrete idea.

[@liouxsielioux1654]

Jerry’s laugh always makes me smile.

[@ChanelStudsRockNRoll]

Cause they replaced Mike Starr in 1994, and as for his death, this interview was in 2009 and Mike died in 2011 (maybe both him and Layne rest in peace).

[@heatherdavie4452]

I love Sean and Jerry’s manspread, best manspread ever. Heather.

[@SeanEnginetechnology]

Awesome interview, Sean, jerry and the rest have always been genuinely great guys from what I can tell, and they pour their All into their music, which is obvious and although I love and miss Layne, I'm beyond happy and greatful they have decided to coñtinue making music, the world needed móre AÍC whether they knew it or ❤🙏❤️🙏

[@synysterguitar63]

Beavis and butthead

[@saratoole9907]

I love Jerry's laugh!!!

[@RR98ITR]

I Love the music, and I Like the guys - Thanks for where you've taken me and what you've done to me :)

[@christar9527]

How does Sean still look sooo good?!

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

Clean drinkin'.

[@lanalook9200]

@@neilpeartspurplenose8739 no drinking

[@klm4446]

In old videos from the 90's, he almost looks the same. Like, how?

[@kathrineckardt2869]

Nice interview. This is before the "you know" period.

[@DieHumanless]

Layne was a great singer, but Jerry is the main man behind AiC. Want proof? Listen to Jerry's 2nd solo album. It sounds exactly like an AiC album. On top of that, Degradation Trip is probably the best thing Jerry has ever done. It is not fair to Jerry, Sean, etc., that two former band mates were drug addicts. It sucks they are dead, but life goes on; there is still music to be made. Those who think Layne was the end all, be all of AiC are wrong.

[@nitevibe9886]

Rand Wulf Sean and Jerry did heroin too

[@lilyb.5820]

hahmidram Jerry wrote the music but half of the lyrics are written by Layne actually. And I love his lyrics, the songs he wrote were my favorites ( also in Mad season, the songs are just so beautiful)

[@dannydunn2772]

Guys Jerry's"solo" album you're talking about is AIC minus Layne.

[@lynettec66]

Yeah, the all did drugs - and quit after Layne died. Jerry is an alcoholic. I respect and love these guys.

[@christar9527]

I thought Sean drank mostly .

[@JayFromEarth]

6:54 epic Jerry lulz

[@DARRINCONNOR1]

DUDE, HOW THE FUCK DOES JERRY LAUGH WITHOUT OPENING HIS MOUTH??? 1:08-

[@AirGuitar]

creepy af! but so hilarious

[@jonesy2111]

I think its great that they chose to continue and move forward. Layne was a great singer but he also chose heroin over love, family, friends, band, fans, etc etc etc I have been clean for multi years now and I think its wrong to glamorize dead junkies...might sound harsh but I'm just sick of these kids who don't get the reality of drug addiction...

[@onemuckypup9823]

Love your honesty! Well said.

[@mintd8365]

@@onemuckypup9823 Uh, no no no. Not well said at all actually. The two of you need to educate yourself on the disease of addiction before ignorantly shooting off in the comments. Anyone who claims to have been clean for "multi years now" should have at the very least a basic understanding of the disease and way more empathy for those that suffer from it. There actually was little "honesty" in the original statement, it was only honest as a genuine expression of ignorance on the subject. The original post speaks of those who "don't get the reality of drug addiction" after referring to those who have suffered and died from this disease as "dead junkies". While most IV drug users might not have a problem with this terminology, the flippant dismissal and invalidation not only fails to educate or inform on the actual "reality of addiction", but it shamefully serves to reinforce the false stigma associated with this subject. I will now offer to enlighten the both of you so there can no longer be any excuse to be so crudely uninformed. The original post falsely and absurdly stated that addicts make a mere "choice" between their substance of abuse and all that is good and dear in life. Addicts cannot simply choose to suddenly stop being afflicted by their disease any more than a cancer patient can choose when to send their disease into remission. Addiction is classified as a disease of the brain. Only the initial decision to use substances reflect a free or conscious choice, even the choice to use is driven by the need to cope with past trauma or stressors one may not be equipped to manage. However, once the brain has been changed by addiction, the addict cannot choose to back out. A major defining symptom of addiction is the complete loss of control over substance use. Up to 50% of people with a substance use problem have a severe, chronic disorder. For them, addiction is a progressive, relapsing disease that can be fatal at any point. Even if one manages to get clean for 6 months they can be hit with a random urge that catches them at the wrong moment, triggering the brain's muscle memory and impulsively setting into motion an all too familiar sequence that can rarely be stopped except by the intervention of personal coping strategies that are usually only acquired over a lengthy period of treatment. Untrained recovering addicts relapsing for their first time in many weeks or months are commonly killed by overdosing because of their much lower tolerance and inability to interrupt an intense craving. To judge or stereotype an individual who is fighting for his life against a subversive and deadly disease, is indefensibly archaic and straight-up cowardly. But, allowing yourself to be informed is respectable. Simply put, for Layne Staley there was no consent in the forfeiture of his life, love, friends or family. He lost his battle with the disease of addiction, period. Next time you see somebody who thinks they've become some kind of authority to thoughtlessly spew out their misguided cliches about addiction, please don't encourage them in their insensitive biases and vastly underestimated notions about such a complex and difficult condition. Thank you for reading.

[@onemuckypup9823]

@@mintd8365 Yes you are right - thank you for your information. I am not a person who lacks empathy or is ignorant. However, I was very flippant which is uncalled for.

[@mintd8365]

@@onemuckypup9823 Your welcome, and thank you for being receptive even though my response could have been kinder, regardless of who may have provoked my frustration. Most of my response was intended to correct the guy who submitted the original comment. That statement was the one that came off as ignorant, flippant, and totally lacking empathy. Because he claimed to be speaking from experience, it really did feel like an insider's honest opinion -- as you said in your first comment. I may have misunderstood your comment to be a sort of blanket agreement with his bad information. If that is the case, I do apologize. I'm was mostly concerned that those who came to scan comments for this video didn't only see the first comment without any correction done to supply good information. I strongly believe that ongoing misinformation about this topic has held back our society from making significant advancements that would bring incalculable relief to the many who suffer from the disease itself or from the tragedy and loss it too often results in. We would all do well, myself included, to become a bit more aware of the findings in actual evidence-based research for this healthcare subject and others that may be misunderstood.

[@onemuckypup9823]

@@mintd8365 That's fine - I don't mind being told to pull my head in when needed! Merry Christmas to you.

[@daveblackburn5857]

Jerry is a Rock god!

[@shawnrae4022]

So glad they, “kept- on..”

[@Dicnard57]

I'm sure someone already has said this but Jerry has a very funny and creepy laugh! Almost like wants he starts laughing he can't stop! LOL HEHEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHHEHEHEHEHEHE~HAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHA!

[@chadlerch73]

Dang, I love Jerry. The epitome of cool.

[@kamcr]

Cool Guys with interesting perspectives

[@adrunkendonut]

Jerry has the best laugh

[@user-vm9hy7qx7c]

Live william great musician

[@tinanoel452]

Love❤

[@marigoldruff]

haha Jerry's laugh sounds like butthead lol

[@darhicreneerg7309]

They’re so cool

[@blissync]

❤❤❤

[@alicelayne5796]

I 🧡 Sean 😆

[@DieByTheDrop]

You SHOULD buy records, i mean, these people make this amazing music for you, the least you can do is pay £10 ($15) for an album.

[@zeroelliott]

Sean is the dead ringer for one of my very first boyfriends...like watching a time machine...

[@earleen-sd8xn]

💘

[@LILbaNkz1990]

Randall Layne was a big piece but thats not to say that he was the only one person who made the band awesome, neither is Jerry for that matter, they all compose the material we have loved for years,, I liked the new album,, like Jerry said its different but still has that thumb print which is AIC by far the most under rated band outta Seattle,, I think they are tied with Nirvana (just my opinion) don't hate me for saying that I just love they're style,, I like hard rock and Nirvana was more pop

[@jamesbargar3937]

who's Randall Layne?

[@TheStepmonkey]

For me AiC is WAY better than Nirvana. They have a unique sound and style💗

[@flynntaylor5459]

Alice Fans- please support a new bio on Layne and the chains, one done with respect and love from a heart perspective- AIC needs it, We need it, and Layne and mike surely are pleading for it so they can rest in peace- I have 33,000 words written so far- please check out my channel page for details and updates- The bands really needs a good bio and a dedication to honor their work- Thank you Flynn

[@drewlsy]

Not that it's excuseable, or makes it any better, though it does alleviate my initial ill-will some. Yea, I admit that I was under the impression that this interview was after his death which makes things look worse than, say, if he was still alive. The Dirt LP is all about the rhythmn section, and their hit single "Would", come on now, the bass-line carries the song. It's one of the greatest rock bass-lines ever written IMO. May Mike and Layne be reunited "up there" whererever, jamming away.

[@Brian-lt4sr]

NOT EVERYONE 😢

[@lilaluft]

@JFCantrell dno, but i can clearly hear a piano in the intro of Sea of Sorrow!

[@flynntaylor5459]

ACDC did it- and Brian J sounds nothing like Bon Scott-lol

[@harleyfishman9488]

Cool

[@jigggz1]

alice in chains...! LONG LIVE GRUNGE!

[@DARRINCONNOR1]

@ 2:04 Jerry commented about Sean calling everyone to do a benefit. I know Sean and Mike Starr had been friends since 10-11 years old. And Sean went out with Mikes sister (or vice versa) My question is why wouldnt Sean have called Mike Starr instead of Inez?? Im not pointing any blame, but Mike would clearly be alive if he would have rejoined AIC. RIP Mike Layne and Dime (Dec 8th 2004)

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

Because he was an unreliable drug addict. The same reason he got the boot from Alice In Chains to begin with. You cannot be in a band with a junkie when you are trying to stay clean.

[@Dicnard57]

Opps I meant Once not Wants! Jerry would laugh about that mistake! ; )

[@briannabean9963]

ill bet they sure miss layne I do

[@Fitch721]

It's like, ''why are you guys STILL musicians, don't you have anything better to do?'' wtf is up with that?

[@christar9527]

Yes, also that comment about "it's okay if someone else dies but the lead singer" or something like that. That was a bad thing to say.

[@brokenseatbelt]

LMAO! Jerry laughs JUST like this guy I know.

[@troycartrayvick]

I feel that they don't have to explain shit to anybody....ever.

[@VictorLugosi]

I just can't listen to them without, that simple... He meant too much to me as a child finding music...

[@klm4446]

Same. I tried, but it's like...ughhh. All I hear is Layne and the comparison is just lackluster. I'll listen to Jerry singing solo stuff, but don't want to hear AIC songs that Layne sang without Layne. Too sad and can't compare.

[@DARRINCONNOR1]

Eactly what kind of support do you need? I will do whatever I can. I am so desperate for anything AIC. Allthough I heard both books are awfull, I still want to read Layne and Mikes book. I think Mikes book was under a 100 pages and it wasa paperback.

[@RAsphalt]

above @ truly sarcastic

[@MsUnderdog76]

It was a new beginning after the slow painful years with their great frontman,friend Layne who left and died in exile,except for Mike Starr being there at his final hours, I'm sure that Mike was never capable of putting down the drugs and being reliable which is part of the pain that the band lived thru with Layne's addiction. Mike was not close to being the Mike of early 90's He just self-destructed ,and was living with the guilt of being the one who let Layne die.He too wanted to die.

[@LUEO103X]

Jerry Cantrell could be a voice-over for Elmer Fudd.

[@joaoa13portugal]

0:29 it shouldnt be feeling really good, i know its been a long time since Layne died but i dont think they could of forget him that quick cause they were Layne's best friends im just a fan and even i miss him...=(

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

They were mourning the loss of Layne even while he was still "alive". They knew what was coming, so did Layne. He was already dead by 1997 onward, for all intents and purposes. The man stopped living years before he actually died.

[@BIGSID320]

Jerry looks like he is 60 years old. Also, both of them are chainsmoking.

[@jarrettthomas4865]

Bigsid320 well he's 52, not that far off. Those wrinkles and baggy eyes tell great stories and brought us all art to enjoy anytime we want

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

He was 42 here.And the chainsmoking is exactly why he looks so damn old. If you want to age like shit, Smoke cigarettes.

[@flynntaylor5459]

The kind that all writer need- to get the word out. This book can be our legacy- the fans keep Alice alive- I could not have done this without u and millions of alice fans who posted in here- Angry Chair was disrespectful to Layne- a hack job- from the reviews I read- people comments that- how was the book even about Layne and the author did not care for her subject- My book is extrememly personal- deep and I WILL honor this band and Layne and Mike- I won't settle for less than that.

[@danielbrown1724]

Sean is a weird looking bloke but an amazing drummer, right up there with the likes of Matt Cameron

[@christar9527]

Sean is f'n HOT. He's chiseled and fit, tall, dark and handsome. I guess he is a bit unusual looking though.

[@geddyleesowlnose]

I was about to say he has the chiseled face lol

[@kiekko673]

Beavis & Butthead ✌️

[@flynntaylor5459]

Darrin, I hope you got the invite to Layne's tribute- you should have some 130 videos in your e-box- sorry about that but Layne deserves it-lol

[@TheEliminator1992]

....

[@TheStepmonkey]

Best band in rock history💗

[@woodenmanx]

thats not the point.....

[@user-kj5mb7qs8j]

6:55 wtf with jerry?

[@flynntaylor5459]

Hi Alice Fans- please upport a new bio for Layne and the Chains- currently I am writing it and got 33,000 words so far- it WILL done with respect and love and honor Layne, Mike, and the Chains- they need it, we need it, and layne and mike sure need it- It will honor the Chains and dedicated to the FANS- please chek out my channel page for updates- send comments and suggests- I need to support, this is my heart and my love for the band- my personal journey to loving layne and the chains!

[@bradsully6620]

Its good the guys are back together but they should have changed the name. It just isn't Alice without Layne, the best rock singer ever, along with dio.

[@lanalook9200]

You really think they care about your ignorance