Alice in Chains Behind The Scenes of Their MTV Unplugged

Find out how the Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged show came together in today's episode (and why it almost didn't happen)
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What's going on everybody and welcome to Rock N' Roll True Stories
And I had previously done a video on Alice in Chains as MTV Unplugged episode from 1996 but that one was more just about the performance itself
This video I want to talk about what happened behind the scenes and maybe talk about some stuff that you guys haven't heard before especially from some of the MTV people who were involved with the actual show
So there was a guy named Alex Coletti and he was a producer at MTV and he was involved pretty much with the whole MTV Unplugged series since its inception in 1989
So when it came time to go after Alice in Chains to do the show he said they have the songs they have the depth and they have the emotion where you basically strip it down you really find
something there
There was just something going on and according to Coletti it was MTV who approached the band
Even though the show took place in New York the rehearsals actually began in Seattle but they didn't go well initially
So Sean Kinney would tell journalist Greg Prato that it became more apparent that unless things seriously changed then the band couldn't go out and play to their potential at this level at least and he said we can't even get through a week and a half without drama and scary stuff going on
That's about right when I mentally started preparing that it's done
The same thing with MTV Unplugged they kept asking if we'd do it up to the moment it was a real nail-biter
So barely any rehearsing at all
The guys not showing up
Same stuff
We rolled out there and everything worked
Coletti corroborated Kenny's comments saying that there clearly was more going on behind the scenes than he was aware of
So Coletti claimed that one factor that was working in the band's favor was that at the time Alice in Chains wasn't touring so it wasn't a huge inconvenience to have them on tour and then do an MTV Unplugged show
Now this was a huge advantage because for a lot of bands who did MTV Unplugged they were
used to playing giant stadiums or even playing arenas and to go from playing that to scaling down their show and their set to something that's TV friendly and that's friendly to like a much smaller venue is often difficult for a lot of bands and requires a lot of time
Now Coletti recalled flying to Seattle and actually checking in on rehearsals and meeting the band and talking about the parameters of the show
Now the band had enlisted the help of a second guitarist which was Scott Olson who also worked with Heart as well
Now Coletti recalled going to rehearsals and he remember seeing Layne energetically walking into a room eating a bucket of chicken and greeting him saying hey man and his hands were covered in fingerless gloves and were greasy from eating the chicken
Now the band would travel to New York City in early April to prepare for the show which was scheduled to take place on April 10th 1996 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
So Toby Wright who produced Jar of Flies as well as the band's self-titled album would return once again and according to him rehearsals went great
Now Coletti recalled a last-minute request to add lava lamps to the set from the band
It was a difficult request because the lava lamps needed to be heated and then turned on for quite a while before they're used
So if you guys pay particular attention to the show you'll notice that some of the lava lamps aren't really moving a whole lot and in coletti's own words they were very grungy looking giving the set its proper appearance so it ended up actually working out in their favor
Now there were several issues that the band was dealing with behind the scenes
So a guy named Randy Bureau who worked with the band as a guitar and bass tech stated that both him and Layne were going through withdrawals at the time
So Bureau had somebody bring some to him at the actual show while Layne already had his own precooked supply which he tended to carry in an old glass pill bottle covered with a cork top
So according to Bureau Lane hadn't done enough to the point where he was nodding off or
drooling but he was right there before Layne went on the set and he did some just before he went on but he didn't do a lot and he said he had enough and no point did I see him run down to the bathroom or anything
Also adding complications was that Lane had dyed his hair pink which forced the lighting
director to match the background to his hair color

[@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.

[@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!!

[@jaybeeo1530]

It’s wild that MTV used to play music

[@LostCause36]

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]

@@LostCause36 I remember Celebrity DeathMacth, It was cool.. but not quite sure if it was at the same years

[@LostCause36]

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

[@paulkline3011]

And Real World

[@justinb954]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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 💜💜

[@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.

[@vine00]

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]

@@vine00 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

[@vine00]

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

[@jameza6129]

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

[@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.

[@jekku4688]

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

[@avelinotuason4308]

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

[@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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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. 👊🏻🤣😂

[@TheOanastoica]

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

[@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.

[@sludgeman]

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

[@rpskaza]

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

[@paulcusentino4917]

It was such a hauntingly beautiful performance.

[@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 🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🎸

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@Flat_Stanley]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@Aszelgus]

One of the greatest concerts of all time. Definitely my #1

[@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.

[@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. 😆

[@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.

[@chrismunsey3185]

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

[@robfninh]

River of Deceit says it all........

[@josephrobichaud2852]

That's a Mad Season song. Laynes sober album with Mike Mccready from Pearl Jam and the rhythm section from the Screaming Trees...they all met in rehab and made an album together...such a moving album top to bottom.

[@robfninh]

@@josephrobichaud2852 The bass player was good. I think we lost him also.

[@josephrobichaud2852]

@@robfninh yes. He is gone as well....fkn tragic man...

[@lensmccracken3678]

Yess!!

[@jsanabria]

Gotta love Jerry's laugh

[@tracyanderson3715]

I’ve been binge streaming your channel and love the Alice In Chains ones. Your channel is amazing…I’ve listened to another channel trying to do the same coverage but nope. Your my new favorite channel….,Not just Alice but all of them. Thank you for taking the time to research and edit all of these posts. 💫💫💫

[@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.

[@allornothing1537]

My fave unplugged. I still listen to the album regularly ❤

[@ChadH2023]

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

[@citizendick6087]

AIC and Nirvana were the BEST of "unplugged"!

[@genxtasy9914]

Stone Temple pilots was good

[@jayy_93]

Pearl Jam

[@gollum8071]

Staind and STP are pretty good also

[@citizendick6087]

Yep..you guys are all right! All of them!!

[@ginaluree37]

Bill Brasky Agree👍💯💯

[@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.

[@Cartooncountdown]

Do the one when David Bowie thought he was cursed by Jimmy Page?

[@wnerko7484]

RT whoa.what was that about.never heard about it

[@maggiemae7749]

@Marko Fahrenheit Jimmy does follow Crowley

[@gabbyc3444]

Lol yes!

[@christar9527]

Maggie Mae Oh yes he most certainly does. You do know that he bought Crowley ‘s house in Scotland right? He’s been a Satanist since he was 17.

[@SiLoMixMaster]

@@christar9527 I've been to that house before, long creepy drive into the middle of nowhere and there is definitely an atmosphere in that area with the graveyard right next to it

[@lipsticklezy]

I have this cd and used have the cassette this is an awesome cd ❤️❤️❤️🎸🎸. I miss these MTV unplugged shows !

[@NE_OutdoorClub]

You know a band is legendary when their live performance sounds better than their album

[@STiLLGoTSKiLL]

I was here Brooklyn NY April 96' it was a birthday gift from my dad! I knew I was witnessing greatness. being there with my dad was surreal. RIP DaD and layne!! Love you both!! 'm on a 3 year relapse...was clean before for almost 2 years...I'm 40 years old..I've been fighting my addiction for 17 years. I wanna get clean more then I can explain. I've tried so many times with no success and relpasing after this last stint of 20 months without any opiotes just broke me down. I don't feel I have the gumption or drive to go through the sickness again

[@justinrichards5746]

I hope you find the peace you are looking for Tony

[@nedtroninck9299]

Never give up. I hope you are still alive and back on the saddle.

[@STiLLGoTSKiLL]

@@nedtroninck9299 I'm alive!!but unfortunately I'm not clean....I wish I could say different. Thanks for the reply man

[@DavyRo]

Funnily enough as a big rock fan who's seen most of the biggest bands of the last 30 yrs live, being British AIC weren't as big here as in the States so I've only listened to a few tracks until last week when I stumbled across their mtv unplugged show. I've got to say for all his troubles Layne's voice is one of the most underrated in rock. He was an absolute genius vocally I've been reading up a bit about him this past week and was surprised he played lead guitar and drums in the past so a really talented man. It's such a shame he's not with us anymore. If anyone knows the pitfalls of opiates it's me gladly that's in my past I was a lucky one.

[@mccarthy5825]

One of the best things about this channel is to read the comments and hear about peoples experiences and thoughts on music. Music is the universal language. So to everyone a fan of this channel I wissh you loads of good things and lots of ☀ ✌️ ♥ from 🇮🇪

[@ManuelHernandez-kj6xi]

AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU THAT S WHY IS ONE OF THE BEST UNPLUGGED EVERRRRRR

[@shannon_w.]

Layne Staley.....often imitated but NEVER duplicated!

[@ashley-cn3rz]

How does Lars know so much about music yet so little about his own drum set? 🤔

[@gc8972b]

if you ever banged you head to a metallica song, you're a liar

[@casey10bb]

I was surprisingly impressed with Lars questions. It was a very interesting interview regardless that he and Jerry are good friends.

[@yourmomlovespenis]

I haven't...so now what boomer?​@@gc8972b

[@Ичкерия90х]

And I want to say that I understand Layne's pain and suffering and his & AIC lyrics very well. I never used drugs. I don't even drink wine. But one does not need to be in the same situation as was beautiful Layne in order to understand what the poor guy was going through. I just want to wish to everyone who is using drugs to battle their addiction and depression. I know it is not easy, but it can be done... And if any one of you needs to talk to someone (I know it helps sometimes), I will be happy to listen.

[@dustingreen7401]

If u never been an addict then it’s impossible for u to understand the true pain .

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Best Unplugged by far. I watch it often. My other faves are Queensryche and Pearl Jam.

[@hankmoody1858]

Rotten Apple should have been in this set. My favourite Alice in Chains song and would have fit perfectly in this set.

[@kevinballard1163]

"Don't let weenies eat weenies".....wheres my motivation here? SMH!!! YOU SQUIRTED IT OUT OF THE NEEDLE!!!!! WE MAKE A CHOICE IN EVERYTHING WE DO! HE HAD A CHOICE TO DO DRUGS.....NO PITY FROM ME WHATSOEVER! HE " WAS THE BEST" IN MY OPINION.....AND STILL WOULD BD BUT...HE LET US ALL DOWN!!!!!!AND THE SAME GOES FOR CHRIS CORNELL.....HE COULD PLAY GUITAR AND OUT SING ANYONE AT THE SAME TIME..... I WENT FROM GRUNGE TO GOSPEL!!!!! LIVING UPRIGHT.....NEVER LETS ANYONE DOWN🤢🤮🤕🤯

[@AA90]

One of the best songs

[@antoniaraccuglia6679]

AIC was spot on during this performance. There was so much drama going into this due to the lack of professionalism on the mtv folks. The mtv people lacked the understanding of AIC and who they were as a band. All the staff at mtv cared about was being able to be at the show. Most of the staff weren’t even fans of the band. The show was amazing and it had nothing to do with the mtv people. Layne was spot on and is no longer here to defend himself from these pathetic reports of him falling asleep during the gig. Layne performed a few shows in a cast from a broken leg. Layne definitely had issues but took performing seriously.

[@022rty]

Ha! Jerry was like, no dude that shit was written on the front for all to see don't kid yourself.

[@mercuryshadow09]

Listening to Jerry talk about knowing it was over is heartbreaking. RIP Layne. 😪

[@fatsolutions]

I have so much respect for Jerry

[@masterflaster7233]

I haven't seen so many poeple fell sorry for one man in a long time.What a legend!!!

[@joshhuffine4522]

I love how when they play Sludge Factory and then Layne messes up!! So glad they kept that in the video

[@JulieDanellePhotography]

What's my motivation here? Then he kills it! I love the one mess up they actually show. "You insult me in my home you're forgiven this time, there's no pressure besides brilliance let's say by day nine, FUCK!"

[@daveblackburn5857]

Definitely the greatest unplugged album!

[@Meterman13]

I was at the Detroit Kiss show JUST to see AIC and did they pull it off ,YES !

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Layne and Jerry Cantrell were truely some of the greatest talents in rock history. They are so original and true legends a bit like Alice Cooper. At another level of writing and performance to most.

[@paulmildner6093]

Jerry laughing at Lars whuahahahahahahahaha

[@ryang3097]

It was great cause we got to witness them "unplug" as a band forever. Chains wrote the songs that all bands wish they could write.

[@ianrice1778]

I love learning these little tid bits on my all time favorite band! Thanks man!

[@mrspgp]

probably "unpopular opinion" but wayyy better than Nirvana's, one of Layne Staley's best performances, even though we all know he was not 100% healthy, I wish we could've all just gave him a hug (even tho he said, he wasn't gonna lol) & I hope he knew how much he was loved by us & affected us in some way ✌🏼🥰

[@michaelmcginty2766]

I was in rehab with Mike Starr in 2010. We went to a meeting in a church basement and Mike and I took a break and wandered into the chapel where the choir was finishing practice. While talking with them, Mike asked if he could play the bass guitar that was sitting there. He didn't even tell anybody who he was, he just started playing these bass riffs from Down in a Hole, Them Bones, etc. No amp, no nothing, just riffing acouatic in this big open chapel with like 3-4 people. That was really special. Mike was a pretty quiet guy, believe it or not. I heard he died from drugs a few years after that. RIP Layne and Mike. You were true artists and the world misses you.

[@ctruthwin]

Being a heroin addict myself (7 years today in recovery) I just have always connected to AIC music and Laynes story on another level. I would have given anything to be there that day or when Layne played with Mad Season at The Moore. I listen to both bands multiple times a week still to this day. It breaks my heart.

[@elbob17]

That VHS concert from The Moore theater is so damn good. Must've watched that a million times back in the day.

[@jerryblanton587]

Now I watch concerts on the tube

[@CastilloinaSpeedo]

Now we all do...

[@IvanLendl87]

The Grunge Era was the final golden era for rock. Those bands - Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Pearl Jam etc - could melt your face off with their buzz-saw guitars in arenas but then they created by far the best Unplugged/acoustic shows ever. It cracks me up on those rare occasions whenever I hear someone say they hated grunge and loved hair metal. Oh lordy......

[@camgood6887]

Thanks so much for this. I'm really glad to have learned about all this stuff.

[@alliemitchell2425]

My favorite Unplugged that introduced me to AIC when I needed that real rawness. I also got Metallica when I needed that heavy angst to head bang to. Definitely my favorites

[@jorgestuart6064]

It kills me to see that not one of the band member didn’t kidnapped Staley n tied him up till he kicked the habit. So much they could of done. I would never let my brother die from heroin but they did

[@klm4446]

I feel so bad for Jerry and Sean because these guys could've been on top of the world, doing so many things musically, whatever they wanted for 30 more years. Imagine the emotional turmoil of knowing that not only your "brother" is slowly killing himself, but he's taking with him all of your professional dreams and everything you've worked so hard for. Ouch. Just devastating. Their collective talent and chemistry hasn't been matched since the world lost Layne. It was a once in a lifetime matching, Layne and Jerry.

[@bradpope2106]

By far the best unplug ever by far trust me all the other bands are really good BUT NONE CONPAIRS TO ALICE IN CHAINS....especially how Layne just comes out and crushes it.......R.I.P...LAYNE

[@Blades_00]

Nirvana and AIC have the best MTV unplugged performance In my opinion both of them are the best mtv unplugged I have no favorites. Both of them had unique sounds. How can you hate them they are legends

[@JP-dn6nc]

Could you also do a video for behind the scenes of Nirvana's Unplugged? Thanks for the great videos

[@KatFish682]

I can tell you why those lava lamps weren’t working properly… if a lava lamp is plugged into an extension cord, it will not have enough power to cause the lamp to heat up to the temperature necessary to cause the “lava” to do what it needs to do. If the lava light lightbulb has been changed, it could be the wrong wattage where it does not get hot enough to set off the lava effect. Also, there are lava lamps from England, where they originated, that have been imported to the US. Those require a special adapter in order to plug them into a US outlet. If the adapter is cheap, of poor quality, etc., the lava lamp will also not have enough power to achieve the lava effect. My guess is they were plugged into extension cords and did not have enough power to cause the lava action.

[@terrycaldwell8920]

I like the unplugged better than the original soundtrack best unplugged show ever Layne knocked it out perfect

[@robashton8606]

Kinda surprised they still thought of Metallica as friends after that shitty thing they did after AIC had to cancel their gigs with them. Talk about kicking a guy when he's down.

[@dirkz.duggitz1567]

What did metalica do?

[@crazycatladyjo2688]

@@dirkz.duggitz1567 They mocked them on stage then people in the audience started throwing things at them.

[@dirkz.duggitz1567]

I read about it after i watched this. Thanks for replying tho.

[@crazycatladyjo2688]

@@dirkz.duggitz1567 NP

[@krazykdon]

Most people try their best...but it's called tough love.

[@SonOfManMusic]

The grunge unplugged shows were all great. This one has to be the best one out of all.

[@Lunaticcringe91]

I actually Know Randy Biro (pronounced Bi-ro) He's a great guy. Very funny, Honest and Open about his guitar tech days with AIC and Soundgarden. He's told me alot of cool crazy stories of when he was shooting dope and close buddies with Layne. I asked him once when him and I were working together one day on where he was at in his life the time when he heard about layne and he was Unfortunately doing time in prison somewhere in California I believe when he got The news that layne died. Small world! And great channel you have going!

[@bikibaws]

I ve seen it countless times but I never knew that layne took a little h before the set. that's why the long stares. I thought he was just weak from long term use of the drug but not actually high on it during the set. respect for being able to deliver such a performance.

[@davidinvenio3094]

Jerry did not have food poisoning, it was a f--king joke he was being sarcastic. (according to Jerry himself) What he had was massive anxiety and it went away the minute he started performing, there was no bucket and no hot dog. The minute they walked off stage though, it all came back. If you did this in 2019 then you should have known this, it's public record.

[@casey10bb]

love hearing stuff I did not know.....THANKS!

[@wooltron1]

Layne Staley rocking the "I'm a pain in the ass liberal protestor" haircut before it had that connotation.

[@crazy.zombzies]

he has pink hair and pronouns

[@stubbysmallpox]

I was there and it was amazing and sad and tears and shock at laynes appearance It was long and Layne fuckked up a bunch. But it was beautiful You knew it was over soon

[@visionplayer10]

Great interview with jerry and Lars.... legends I could listen to talk for hours upon hours!!

[@hichemus02]

The best unplugged show ever

[@FairyFellersMasterStroke]

Did you take the info from the AIC biography book? Because I just finished reading it , and everything you said in this video was in the book.

[@emptye00]

Oh, Layne!!! And Jerry! Magic happened on that stage that night. They fucking NAILED it!!! 😘

[@chriscardello9084]

The absolute best unplugged, EVER!!!

[@SoDope209]

This is crazy cuz its the best, or one of the best of all the unplugged shows.