Alice In Chains Jerry Cantrell & Layne Staley on Rockline, June 22, 1998 super rare interview.

Jerry Cantrell & Layne Staley on Rockline, June 22, 1998 super rare interview.
Layne Staley made a phone call to Rockline on June 22, 1998, when his Alice In Chains bandmate Jerry Cantrell was the guest.
Host: We have a call right now from somebody I believe you know, Jerry. This is Layne Staley from Alice In Chains. Layne, how are you tonight?
Jerry: Blanche!
Layne: Doin’ good! Hey, what was the words to that song? “brown stainer”?? What is that?
Jerry: Yeah, thats right!
Layne: I like that one!
Jerry: How ya doin’, man?
Layne: Alright!
Host: Hey Layne, where are you tonight? Where ya callin’ us from?
Layne: Um, I’m callin’ from my home, in Seattle.
Host: Oh you’re up in Seattle, oh ok. Alright, now what was the nickname you used there, Jerry? Blanche?
Jerry: Blanche.
Layne: Oh, Blanche.
Host: Now Layne, is that a cool thing or not?
Layne: What’s that?
Host: Is that a cool thing for him to call you that or not?
Layne: Uh, I guess…I..I don’t even recognize when he calls me Layne anymore, so…Blanche is it! That sticks!
Host: Oh man…
Jerry: He used to call me “Satan Hoof” along with many other things.
Layne: Satan Hoof, yeah.
Jerry: That still sticks. I’m sitting here with my shoes off. It’s pretty bad, too.
Layne: Then you guys know what Satan Hoof is.
Host: Well, this might be a good thing that I’m in Los Angeles, and Layne’s in Seattle, and Jerry’s in Cantrell..ah, Jerry Cantrell is in New York…
Layne: Jerry in Cantrell…
Host: Cuz Jerry’s got his shoes off. We might be luckin’ out, Layne, we might be on the better end of things here.
Layne: I think so!
Jerry: I think you are!
Host: Lemme ask Layne very quickly here…what’s goin’ on with you? What’s up with you these days, Layne?
Layne: (in a joking tone) A bunch of stuff! Yeah, huge things, yeah. (normal tone). Um, nothing right now.
Host: But it’s a really BIG nothin’! Really gigantic nothin’. Have you heard Jerry’s album?
Layne: Yeah, mm-hmm.
Host: (with these loud chomping noises in the background) Okay, be honest, do the review while Jerry mixes his Corn Nuts together or whatever he’s doin’ back there in New York City. What is that, Jerry?
Jerry: I’m just chewin’ on some ice.
Host: Chewin’ on, ah, chewin’ on ice, okay. What do you think of the album…
Jerry: Actually, I don’t wanna tell you what I’m REALLY chewin’ on…
Host: Yeah, okay, yeah, we’ll just pass on that. I’ve never heard him make that kind of noise before. Yeah, uh…what do you think of the album, Layne?
Layne: I love it. I mean, you know, it’s Jerry. It’s um..you know, I’m used to the sound and it sounds like Jerry and I’ve always loved Jerry’s songs, you know, so…I like it.
Host: Thanks for callin’ and thanks for being on tonight. And good luck with whatever it is that you’re up to these days.
Layne: Oh, you’ll hear about it REAL soon.
Host: I have a feeling we will. Hey Blanche, you’re welcome on Rockline any time, too.
Layne: Alright, thanks!

[@kat3871]

It never fails to astound me how that soft-spoken, almost childlike voice and adorable little laugh was the same voice that shook the rafters of many theatres.

[@TheStepmonkey]

IKR, his speaking voice is so soft and gentle

[@comfeefort]

No kidding!.....it's a conflicting soul

[@denisebrashears1552]

Agreed...miss him.

[@willhelmkirkpatricka4253]

I love how Layne is being a bit goofy in his responses. It makes me smile every time hearing them!

[@jimmyschmidt5077]

Same bro love layne

[@lottofever3061]

Would never guess he was suffering the way he was based on his demeanor here

[@molmolsmolses]

it keeps a depressed person afloat, trying to raise up their own spirits to find life bearable until it gets better

[@dylangajdosik964]

Layne....”You’ll hear about it real soon.” This was 2 months before he laid down vocals on “Get Born Again” and “Died”. Awesome stuff.

[@jessehutchings]

Layne was amazing at everything he did. 😢

[@Rigglevision]

I pictured Layne just being in deep depression from like 1996 until his death. It pleases me to hear him in such high spirits here.

[@Rigglevision]

+resistance1207 yeah I guess so

[@willhelmkirkpatricka4253]

I once thot that too. But u can't truly live ur life in darkness. U can't spend ur entire life and energy battling personal issues cuz that would be a nightmare. Sometimes u gotta still live knowing that wat u hav is the way it is. Don't give up entirely but just take a break every now and then. Have fun, try and make the best of urself. That's wat he did. Still managed to have loving memories he did. Sometimes the things that r truly challenging to fix just need to be left alone for small bit. If u know wat I mean tho.

[@rumblefish9]

Rigglevision Layne was backstage with Jerry when his solo tour came to Seattle. Jerry asked Layne to come out and perform but sadly Layne couldn't

[@MRSludgedude]

Rotten Apple yea that's why Jerry flipped out on him . He basically quit chains and lost interest before he died.

[@damienholland8103]

If you don't have depression as a mental illness you have no idea how easily those who have it can hide it. They can sound and act normal whenever they need to (most of the time). And since he was a drug user of various kinds we don't know what he's on but he's probably on something whether that's weed, pills, whatever. When I used to take alcohol and other drugs I was in a super good mood despite having depression.

[@GizmoTheMonkey]

"Oh you'll hear about it real soon" and the laugh he does. RIP

[@ayncistarpowder7533]

man...

[@FedeMayhemile.]

It actually seems like part of that laugh comes from Cantrell overlaying Layne's though.

[@call_me_cwis_9754]

The Seattle laugh as they say

[@darrinconnor7]

"Jerrys in Cantrell" funny.

[@Pingaheimer]

His speaking voice was so different from his singing voice, what a talent.

[@gasmaskboi19371945]

Juanito Alimaña Listen to Rage Guest Programming in 1993. I think his voice changed from the abuse of drugs.

[@tattooguy94]

+gasmaskboi19371945 also lack of teeth will make it sound like that

[@MRSludgedude]

@@gasmaskboi19371945 it was from his teeth missing m happend after tripod and before unplugged.

[@gasmaskboi19371945]

cicada grungeslikker Actually, during the MTV unplugged show he had all his teeth.

[@MRSludgedude]

@@gasmaskboi19371945 no he didn't. He only had two in front look very close.

[@deadendyouthx3]

The fact that Layne went out off his way to show support to the ones that he loved even from a far during his deep depression era tells how caring and supportive he was. Layne, the world is blessed with your talent, you are truly forever missed & loved.

[@darrinconnor7]

I love Nirvana but something I will never understand is how Layne (and AIC in general) are always overlooked, Layne was immensely talented, I like his songwriting over Kurt's, HBO just did the new Nirvana doc (It was ok) and how many books have been written on Nirvana and Kurdt? 15-20 easily and we have virtually nothing on Layne/AIC. I myself can't get enough of Layne, I have been watching the same interviews and live performances for 8-10 yrs now. Jerry needs to release another Music Box or something I would pay 1000's for it. Please Jerry do it for us hardcore fans.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

+Darrin Connor Critics loved Nirvana and never particularly card for AIC. Plus, layne never did interviews. Compare how many interviews Kurt did compared to Layne. I'd be surprised if you can find a dozen, where Kurt there is a least a hundred and an official bio book before he died.

[@serkev]

Overlooked? AiC is considered one of the 4 greats of seattle. i dont see how they are overlooked

[@joshuatrimble3597]

Darrin Conner completely agree. Laynes voice is better then Kurt Jerry's guitar playing is better then kurt. And the songs are so much better. Critics loved smells like teen spirit. Song of the 90s. So sick of seeing nirvana stuff everywhere. More chains for sure.

[@Enkiguy]

Darrin Connor sad to say but Jerry said it himself there are no more recordings left of them with Layne. nothing they or Layne would wanna release is what he said. so maybe bits n bites are left

[@marianneeverett9268]

MMA Name wow..you won life didn't you? congratulations

[@craigdaurizio686]

Besides the music, my favorite thing about AIC is the brotherhood. These guys loved each other even though they had issues, it's so wholesome.

[@user-bz8pq5fw7q]

I disagree. Mike starr and laynd remained friends and layne often said he wants nothing to do with anyone in chains. Except former bandmate Mike starr

[@ChA0s_AgeNt]

@@user-bz8pq5fw7q Some of/most of that comes from that bullshite book, though. The writer of 'Layne Staley: Angry Chair' made up that entire interview.

[@molmolsmolses]

@@user-bz8pq5fw7q a lot of people don't believe that interview ever happened, especially after RS editor pulled the rug under Layne's feet.

[@hornsby424]

Oh, how I wish the host would have kept the convo going with Layne, so much they could have talked about. HUGE missed opportunity... who knew it was our last chance to hear him... so sad.

[@aniskuu]

Exactly!! : /

[@mkxv1]

Except he appeared again on this very show on the summer of 1999 with all the other members of AIC when they were promoting the Nothing Safe box set. It's pretty epic, THAT was the last of what we heard from him publicly. He was just as funny and witty on there as he was in this one. Just search Rockline interview AIC 1999

[@ninare4021]

Exactly!!!! I was thinking about it too.. the host ended it so early! He could ask much more :(

[@tylurmackinnon6217]

Only in hindsight was that true, at the time of the interview layne had been doing interviews pretty consistently for almost a decade.

[@bellinhapeixoto]

Thanks for the upload! Just listening to Layne's voice makes my day :)

[@cantrelldepot3331]

you're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed this interview

[@thetrailll]

Layne’s laugh is just adorable 🥰

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

He had the sweetest laugh ❤️

[@TheStepmonkey]

He had such a beautiful and soft voice 💗

[@rogerbarker2231]

I would've fired the host after this!!! You get Layne calling in while you have Jerry on and you rush Layne off the phone!!! What an IDIOT!!! What a missed opportunity to have something great, WOW!!

[@jaymz]

the year after they kept him on for about 10-20 mins to answer calls.

[@TheStepmonkey]

@@jaymz What interview r u talking about?

[@hawkeye770]

Oh my heart!! Laynes little laugh is so adorable❤️ He sounded in good spirits here. I hope he was even for a little despite the challenges he was facing.

[@jpl3-g2b]

"Oh you ll hear about it real soon... " :(

[@Xldldoom0]

This is truly the highlight of the last month, maybe two months for me. Thank you, man. Thank you.

[@ginatafferty3910]

Oh boy...dumbass..stop with these stupid conspiracy theories...he od..end of story.

[@JoaquinAic]

@@ginatafferty3910 ?

[@torigoth7487]

AIC didn't get as big as Nirvana and PJ, my bet is because of subject matter, at least on the media side of things. Someone made mention that AIC were less interviewed than Nirvana and there's a reason behind it that's less about their status at the time. I'm putting my two cents in based on what I got from my Media Studies course in uni. Songs about drugs and dark biographical issues was probably not ideal for marketing back then (even today, media people prefer "wholesome"). Not that Nirvana didn't deal with heavy things, but they approached it with broad lyrics unlike AIC who were raw and specific to their writer's experience. Some people may relate to their music but most of all, it didn't make the general audience think about themselves, but of Layne and Jerry's issues.

[@TheStepmonkey]

Also because AiC didn't get to tour as much because of Layne and Jerry's addiction. They had to cancel many concerts and that affected their success. It's sad cause around 1994 they were the biggest band in the US due to Jar of Flies.

[@warweaponx6629]

Damn how you gonna let Layne go after a two minute discussion?

[@aleahaleaha2593]

Right? I’d still be on the line with him...in 2021

[@TheStepmonkey]

@@aleahaleaha2593 LOL me too 😭😭

[@nadiabolcia8960]

i played the last part where jerry and layne laughed together over and over with my eyes closed. i love to hear them like this. it makes me cry

[@hankhardigan1104]

I think it's fair to say Layne had a way with words

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

He sure did. His laugh, I absolutely love it!!! When he was goofy and carefree...that's the Layne I love to remember ❤️

[@hackchewspit1956]

Good old Jerry seemed a bit nervous about something

[@kasia1785]

Oh like what?

[@danegonzales5651]

Maybe Jerry wasn't on good terms with Layne at that time and was surprised Layne called in just to talk to him. Also he might have known what Layne was up to at those times which made him uneasy.

[@josecano9210]

Dane Gonzales they were 50/50 at this time this was a couple months before they did Died and Get Born Again and they were still talking

[@jaymz]

layne was deep into his heroin addiction and i believe jerry was also a full blown alcoholic around this time. i dont think the 2 really mix

[@goatfucker5141]

Jerry was probably pretty geeked out on the yayo at this point.

[@damienholland8103]

The radio hosts wasted so many opportunities to ask better questions and get some good info out of this interview, though. Not happy about this one.

[@TheStepmonkey]

0:49 Layne used to call Jerry "Satan's Hoof" because his feet smelled horrible lol

[@TopRevs]

I love the way Layne laughs

[@knutelindstrom3716]

Was that a reference to the "Golden Girls"? Blanche.

[@aboomalacani5829]

It's likely

[@hanakimural776]

this makes me so happy. blanche?!

[@johnsheetz6639]

Golden girls? My guess

[@andresdavid805]

Thanks for the transcription of this interview in the description of the video, very useful for us non-english speakers

[@andresdavid805]

By the way, is just crazy missing someone I never met...RIP Layne

[@Twistedstar0320]

I was listening to this live on the radio. Never forgot it... thanks for reposting.

[@daysgoneby11]

I heard this live too. Always hoped it would pop up on KZbin someday!!! I couldn’t remember the name that Jerry called Layne. Been wondering for years. Blanche, lol

[@rocknrollboise]

"You'll hear about it real soon..." -Layne Staley

[@melissagreenhill3456]

I just found a recording of this on one of my old mix tapes 😊 was gonna upload it but I guess I don't need to!

[@tas5686]

I would've loved to hear more of Layne talk, but I recognise it was very professional of the host not to keep him on the line for too long. Jerry was there to promote his solo album and if he kept Layne on the line it would've shifted the focus entirely to Layne and AIC.

[@abigaillkruss8823]

Love his laugh, lovely Layne Staley, remember you with love 💕💞

[@sugargold4126]

Layne was a rock God and seemed like a sweet, genuine guy. He will always be my favorite. Gone too soon. RIP, Layne, your music is here for an eternity.

[@chinitoloquito]

Radio host had Layne and Jerry on at the same time and he just rushes Layne off the phone like that? I could be misinformed as to his(Lane's) state of mind at the time but, what a golden opportunity lost. I loved Layne and AIC and still do, to this day. Layne, you are truly missed. Rest in Power, Brother.

[@raoulduke5314]

Humor is politeness of despair...rip layne now you re free

[@commenter6763]

What is weird is that I read in comments on KZbin (so unofficial) that they didn't find any vocal recordings in his apartment when they found him dead. It's like he quit being a vocal artist or something. Best vocalist ever, so it's kind of strange. Still miss him.

[@TheStepmonkey]

Maybe he got rid of his recordings before dying, who knows :(

[@marianneeverett9268]

love Layne 💜

[@kanachanwhisper7174]

Layne is so sweet

[@jodybrown2460]

it so sad that we lost a funny talented musican he was so good he always had a since of humer he sounds so happy when he talked to jerry it's sad what drugs did to Layne rest in peace Layne staley

[@johnpeterolff8640]

Host had Layne on the phone.Then goes ahead and dismisses him? Dumb!!!

[@davidegoal]

Immenso Layne :)

[@alicechains6726]

This is precious💎

[@austinpaquin2465]

How about Alison chains? But nice name. 👍

[@gissellest333]

Lmao why does he call him Blanche? 😂😂

[@ninare4021]

Okay, this makes me cry.. oh gosh.. Layne’s jokes and happy mood... He was so special I can’t describe it! I wish he could defeat his demons and be here with us nowadays 💔 Also thank you for the transcribing in the descrtiption !!! Without it I’d be lost a little.. Thanks thanks thanks! Love it

[@Raventooth]

Jerry's in Cantrell! Hahahaa

[@ZoneyDuel]

"You Know"

[@twizzlerox]

so curious what he was chomping on tho lol

[@surroundgatari]

Coke laced poptarts

[@surroundgatari]

Frozen coke laced poptarts

[@hwlhellbent7850]

jeremy smith Ice

[@jackthestripper.]

Chewing tobacco

[@jackthestripper.]

"You don't want to know what Im chewing on" "I've never heard it make that sound before"

[@eyoooquandaledingle]

Idk y but I love this picture

[@danieleferlisi4292]

Seems be happy!!

[@vivimiria5754]

Miss you, Blanche...

[@dededavis01]

"Jerry's in Cantrell". 😂

[@dalehubert-c9b]

Love Layne

[@charliesucks4265]

his laugh bro

[@justmadeit2]

He wasn't on the phone long

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

😒 I know.. Big bummer .

[@e.l.2734]

Heartwarming

[@SetMeFree]

Frequency, vibration, and energy. All that we leave behind. Voice.

[@nonyabizz928]

Layne died in 2002. Not from 2004

[@WalterHeinzGiese]

I say that as a Man...Layne was very good looking. ( especially when he was somewhat healthy)

[@filippomoretti2029]

Grazie!!!

[@metalsharon6335]

Miss Layne RIP

[@SonOfManMusic]

nice. RIP Layne.

[@dreamingoffall7694]

When he says “you’ll hear about it real soon” I got the creeps

[@YourMom-rg5jk]

He was talking about the 2 tracks they recorded 2 months later most likely..

[@TheStepmonkey]

He was talking about the 2 last songs he recorded for AiC.

[@johnstoner666]

“Oh you’ll hear about it real soon” 3-4 years later dead. Layne was always begging for help I the most passive way.

[@fr0gst0mp48]

This is me guessing and probably sounding stupid, but maybe he was talking about “Get Born Again” and “Died”. Could have a whole new meaning, but that’s just my guess

[@YourMom-rg5jk]

He was talking about the 2 tracks they recorded 2 months later most likely..

[@maxdencluff1206]

was the big thing that layne was saying ther going to here about soon his death

[@jackiecieri]

Maxden Cluff seeing as he didnt die till 4 years after this interview im gonna say no

[@Christian-vq8rd]

I think he was just joking about not doing anything - he was being sarcastic

[@TheStepmonkey]

He was talking about the last 2 songs he recorded for AiC.

[@adikickass84]

"Blanch" looool

[@Rob_2]

big fun of him. Sad Interview. Layne live dead slowly already. Cause I know when and how he died. Take care of your selves guys. That's better.

[@SMN7RM]

that interview was on my birthday xd

[@ringo1413]

Was jerry racking up a line?

[@BIGSID320]

You’ll hear about it real soon...😧

[@missmiami9230]

No, 3 new tracks.

[@due_2477]

this is 1999

[@lyricalmichau963]

Miss this guy

[@SwedishHans88]

👍

[@TheLordGoat]

harsh

[@-C.T.-]

"Never trust a junkie." - Chloe Webb's line from the film Sid and Nancy.

[@ginatafferty3910]

Do we really need the whole script? 😆😬😂

[@ninare4021]

Gina Tafferty do you mean the description of this video? Yeah, we do!! It really helped me to understand! Not every of Layne’s fan lives in the USA only! I really appreciate it.

[@albertofernandez9804]

Yes, that script is great. Greetings from Perú 🇵🇪 by a fan of AIC, Mad Season and Layne 🤙

[@TheStepmonkey]

@@albertofernandez9804 Im from Perú too, long live Alice in Chains 👌

[@myjungleismassive1]

this interview is actually from 2004

[@Righetho]

+myjungleismassive1 Layne passed away in '02 !!!

[@myjungleismassive1]

He's still alive bro

[@addisonlewis723]

+myjungleismassive1 Worst attempt at trolling.

[@myjungleismassive1]

I'm not trolling? I don't own a fucking boat

[@myjungleismassive1]

omg I'm so retarded LOL

[@tickedoffnow]

Layne was not suicidal and he was definitely murdered

[@JSavine58]

Jamie Hellfire I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or just plain stupid.

[@tickedoffnow]

I can't tell if you're really human or not

[@JSavine58]

Jamie Hellfire I am a robot. 😂

[@joan1594]

He overdosed. where the fuck do you get suicide from???

[@panaxolotl2521]

come on, not every death involves a conspiracy. If you know enough addicts then sadly you will realise many of them succumb to it with no other person involved to push them. Layne was another of these, sad but true, nothing more to it. He never really got over the death of his ex.

[@darlenemarie822]

What an awesome guy with a big heart,everytime I hear these old interviews,I get the chills. To think what he could have become but even in his short life,to me hands down best vocalist ever. Rest In Heaven Layne,we all miss you so much!!