How Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged Concert Could've Been a Disaster

[@rnrtruestories]

Favourite song from the performance?

[@rnrtruestories]

Nutshell or Down in a Hole for me

[@dwade6322]

Down in a hole.

[@jtp336]

Would?

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

@@rnrtruestories nutshell fo sho

[@JustSteph532]

Nutshell

[@RumbleFish69]

Nirvana always gets credit for their unplugged performance, which I will say is terrific, but for me, Alice in Chains is the premiere Unplugged performance. Even with Layne at his supposed weakest, he still gave what many consider to be one of the best and strongest Unplugged performances of all time. Their performance of "Nutshell" is absolutely haunting!

[@kurdtjohn]

Nutshell and No Excuses sounded better there than on Jar of Flies. I absolutely love Nirvana’s Unplugged performance, but Alice in Chains took it to a different level.

[@TheStepmonkey]

Absolutely, AiC gave the best unplugged show ever💗

[@manuelhernandez6801]

@@TheStepmonkey I had not seen a band nail their songs so well. literally could have been an in studio album. It was the best unplugged by any band.

[@ryanselley5826]

Totally agree! Those are my two favorite unplugged concerts, both were excellent, but Alice in Chains performance was legendary.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

it's Alice in chains or blind melon

[@thomasapostolico2969]

Layne was such in bad shape but sang like an angel, that performance chokes me up every time.

[@jtrider3779]

Nutshell from the Unplugged album will still get me teary eyed, and give me goosebumps to this day. Such a hauntingly beautiful song.

[@TheIndependentLens]

That's me with "Don't Follow" on "Jar of Flies."

[@johnneal7169]

I'm with you on nutshell unplugged. What a simple, short worded,yet cuts right to the bone song. And I don't mean "simple" as an insult. They could've easily added other sounds or another verse to beef it up but didn't. IMO, it's a masterpiece in its simplest form. I'm very prejudiced when it comes to that song.

[@HolyShnikeez_1975]

The entrance by Layne is epic. He just walks out sits down and immediately starts belting out the first lyrics 🤘

[@bradyneff5654]

chilling.

[@jtrider3779]

@@myfavoritebigbootylatina6980 irrelevant to the current topic… are you an Alex Stein fan by chance? 😂

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

Still one of my all time favorite albums. Jerry's backing vocals really made that performance come alive.

[@lee-daniels]

That entire Unplugged session was a spiritual moment in musical history.

[@breefitzgerald2037]

Yes it was....very....

[@roosterj2599]

Oh yes. Definitely transcending and spiritual. I am so happy I picked up a copy of Facelift back in 1990. Been in love ever since.

[@FoxE.Paradox]

Oh fo sho! 🥰🥺😎😭😍

[@Marco-717]

Gay

[@jdg5712]

Absolutely

[@shawnkrauss2639]

Everything about that concert was amazing. One of the greatest voices in rock history belonged to Layne.

[@robertdoyle9180]

I literally can’t get enough of these Aic videos you make. Idk what else you can cover, but keep ‘em rolling out if you got more content👍

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@TheStepmonkey]

Sameee

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Absolutely, anything and everything with these guys, ESP Layne Staley of course 🙏🙏👍👍

[@adambomb138]

@@TheStepmonkey You wrote "Sammy". You repeat the "A" or "M". Never repeat the silent vowel, it changes the word. Still, most everyone does though...

[@nolandavis2927]

I keep Up Sticking With Nirvanas Music and Alice in Chainses Music 🤟👍

[@markkasper7281]

An iconic performance, the vibe and soulfulness is amazing

[@hallucinationthoughts]

Even at his worst Layne could absolutely tear it up

[@bobbyblair6862]

At his worst, he was unable to go on stage 😪

[@raqueledwards6061]

💯 😁😎🤘🤘

[@raqueledwards6061]

@@bobbyblair6862 😭😭😭😭😪

[@brandvilla6592]

Same with Scott Weiland

[@raqueledwards6061]

@@brandvilla6592 💗🤘

[@SynIMPFML666]

Frogs gives me chills to this day. That song made me get sober

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Congrats

[@akadkins69]

hopefully you are still sober

[@SynIMPFML666]

@@akadkins69 yes, going on 3 years. Everytime I feel like I'm about to relapse, I put on dirt by AIC AND FIGHT THROUGH

[@akadkins69]

@@SynIMPFML666 congratulations to you! i hope you continue your success

[@akadkins69]

whats your story with addic? if you dont mind sharing

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Even a shell of his former self he could still mesmerise you with his voice

[@LucasPenido]

One of the best Unpluggeds ever! Its definitely bittersweet bc you could see Layne was not in a good shape.

[@MrGrey-vo2og]

The best!!!

[@ghostintheshell3576]

I think it's the best unplugged concert. Just in front of Nirvana.

[@ghostintheshell3576]

I think it's the best unplugged concert. Just in front of Nirvana.

[@Naught359]

Yet you couldn't show enough respect to spell his name properly.

[@madamefeast4824]

Layne* not Laney. Laney Stanley would be a terrible stage name lol

[@FishinPhreak]

At his worst; teeth rotted out, malnourished, fiending for heroin, Layne was eons better than damn near any lead singer on the market in 2022. Without a question, the single greatest Unplugged session of the series.

[@SuperBroncosguy]

Respect.

[@mr.forexrichgm7873]

Amen brother! A-fckuing-men!

[@ko-rp7ge]

That's a reach

[@BillyTheKidOfficialYT]

They just don’t make em like layne anymore

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

He hadn’t lost any teeth. People always blame H. He was also a crak addict. That’s what led to his demise, you can live a long time on dope.

[@jamalsampson9389]

Their unplugged session was actually awesome! 👍😎 I actually remember seeing this segment on KZbin a few years ago. Good upload!

[@dwade6322]

I never get tired of A.I.C. vids on here! 🤟

[@jonbourgoin182]

AIC has to be the band you've covered most on this channel

[@OGStinkywizzleteats]

As it should be.

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

I'm so mad at myself for not going to their show in Kansas city last month. Would have been my first time. I hope they come back. I know they're getting old

[@dwade6322]

You'll have time...they still had pretty big hits after Layne's death,and Cantrell seems pretty happy to keep touring all these years.

[@nylontusk1289]

Oh don't you worrie brother...Jerry has so much left give and alot of music left in him and he's nowhere near ready end Alice just yet...in fact I believe the best in the Duvall era has yet to come so don't worry about missing your opportunity...they will come back around. Jerry loves Kansas city... there is a good bit of history he has with that city. Peace and love Long Live Layne and Alice!!! 🖤🤲💙

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

@@nylontusk1289 ya dude. Will definitely try to see them next year

[@kennypowers3984]

Due to that mindset, I bought a VIP package for the current tour for end of this month. Went all out on it too!!!

[@dr00andrew]

they still kill it live. duvall is absolutely incredible, great vocalist and its so nice to have another skilled guitarist playing live. saw them in ac 5 years ago, camden last month and going to their show at pnc in a few weeks

[@4200timeB]

We've seen this story 1000 times in one shape or another but it's always something I'll watch . AIC was a favorite then an they killed unplugged. Dirt best album of that era . Rip Layne an Starr.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

I was at AICs 2nd acoustic set in Milwaukee at the Rave 2007. Mad respect for William.

[@sjjeieej4029]

Shut up

[@austinnasset288]

Also watch the Gibson interview with Jerry Cantrell. A full history in his own words. He is without a doubt the most solid and talented player and writer to ever come out of Seattle.

[@mattmcclain829]

That Gibson interview was amazing. Jerry is very talented and very cordial at the same time. I'd love to hang out with him for an afternoon!

[@SirWeedBongVentura]

Good video. Thumb up. I've got this on DVD/CD. One of my favorite 'Live Albums' & most favorite MTV Unplugged set.

[@nickphillips1721]

My all-time favorite band, singer(s) and guitarist. Ever since the first ten seconds of Facelift! What a gift, thank you!

[@barbaraa.taylor9488]

One of the best shows they ever did and one of the best moments of the movement

[@LukeSherrow]

You can see the horrible pain in Layne's face and eyes. It's so heart breaking seeing a person suffer like that. His demons got the best of him but he left us with masterpiece after masterpiece. I will always be thankful for Layne's music cause it got me through my darkest days. Rest in peace Layne and Mike. ALICE IN CHAINS WILL LIVE ON FOREVER

[@TheStepmonkey]

Love ur AiC videos💗 please do more🙏

[@Meterman13]

They opened for Kiss in Detroit and killed it RIPLayne!

[@duelingglocks]

The whole unplugged set was just fkng tremendously legendary my favorite unplugged set from all bands that done it even over nirvana not saying that I didn’t like all of the other bands that have done it just AIC was my favorite

[@coreygolphenee9633]

4:39 concern and awe in Jerry Cantrells face there, it's a heartbreaking still

[@deztroyer76]

So where was the part where it “was almost as disaster”?

[@wetblanket1977]

Thanks for this, another channel did this last week and left out soooooo much. 🤘AIC

[@WeLuv9x5]

Best ever live recording from any band!

[@comeflynextome94]

In a way I feel kind of bad watching/listening to AiC's "Unplugged" show. Even though he survived another 6 years, it still feels like watching and listening to Layne dying. That said, even at his worst, Layne sounded fantastic. You can't say that about a whole lot of musicians.

[@neonreign2988]

Honestly, I'm grateful that both this album and Mad Season Above exist (both live and the studio version). Layne Staley gave an insurmountable performance in these two albums despite his declining health with addiction. It's subjective, but I firmly believe he's one of, if not the GREATEST vocalist ever; his octave, vibrato, and power were otherworldly! He deserves far more recognition and consideration for his raw talent.

[@mxcope]

IMO the greatest live recording of all time.

[@Skithuvid2355]

I would say; After this performance, grunge was officially dead. As soon they walked of that stage grunge was dead

[@Marco-717]

Again, don't do drugs. Not even weed. Stick to coffee and get hooked on good things, like painting, music, working out, etc

[@r.edward5701]

Hash is the way

[@jbo4547]

Weed > caffeine

[@LoungeLizard_33]

Caffeine is way worse for you than weed

[@Marco-717]

@@LoungeLizard_33 says who? You? Lmao thanks for the laugh bud

[@LoungeLizard_33]

@@Marco-717 LOL okay man

[@sheeplehunter9651]

RIP Layne

[@timorean320]

My fav Unplugged.

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

I watch this performance every time it gets played again. It hits the same every time.

[@andydufresne1602]

I love the background music you have for this video, is there a way I can find that track?

[@stanleyipkiss6248]

Best Mtvs Unplugged

[@lisaaustin8150]

I’m sooooo glad that Alice caved to do an “Unplugged” session for MTV! Their’s will forever be my favorite ❤️

[@brendaporter133]

Love Layne and AIC forever

[@yermoffroad]

Good lord. Lars has a pod cast? Christ is it 12 hours long? That dude can talk and talk talk

[@richardharvey216]

So Sad that No one could help him!! And he passed away Alone.

[@McCrapweasel]

I never liked AIC Unplugged. Watching Layne croak his way through those songs tore my heart out; It's when I knew for sure he was going to die. RIP, man. I choose to remember you as the powerhouse motherfucker you were.

[@sethzielasko6898]

Rock N' Roll True Stories they had a fantastic unplugged session. Sydd I was thinking about Mtv and how much it has changed I think it would be pretty cool if Mtv came out with another channel and played nothing but music videos 24/7 of all the videos from the time Mtv was created until THE REAL WORLD reality show started to take over and now there's nothing but shows on Mtv. Also that includes HEAD BANGERS BALL.

[@BigDees19]

thats a pretty good idea but sucks that mtv became reality TV shows only. Is MTV even alive still ?

[@nwerd7584]

Thats what MTV2 originally was, and Then thats what VH1 classic became. Now its dead. People cant say they tried because they did. Nobody watched the shit. I was one of the very few VH1 classic viewers and That Metal Show viewers, and it got shut down because of low veiwers. Granted they mainly played foreigner over and over toward the end there. Thousands of videos never touched those networks though, wonder what appened to them.. I assumed if they had the tapes they would have used it more.

[@dixirose111]

@@nwerd7584 low viewers? Everybody I know was watching! And Headbangers ball was at midnight for Fuchs sake and we all stayed up to watch.

[@nwerd7584]

@@dixirose111 yeah you can go look at the numbers. When VH1Classic was sitting next to normal VH1 playing live action reality shows it got like 1/50th the views. VH1 classic that is. MTV2 got moved to just reruns and thats when it pretty much died. But they fucked it up by not utilizing it correctly.

[@nikkiwild4014]

Only Grunge band that I can stand and respect . R.I.P Layne

[@jppryer5982]

I remember this . I can’t remember where I heard it but I do remember they were predicted to fail , but they were awesome weren’t they . That’s one of the best performances and best cd’s EVER ! Also I am pretty sure I read in RS Magazine that they were a mess live . But I saw them at lollapalooza and they were awesome !

[@davidowens2067]

Unplugged is a Masterpiece.

[@clearlycaribbeanreb2895]

Would and sludge factory are awesome unplugged

[@YoungDeathWish]

down in a hole is amazing from that performance, better than the original

[@CharlieBoy360]

Jerry has admitted in interviews since then that it wasn't food poisoning. Since he wasn't into heroin I imagine a nastu hangover from a combo of alcohol and cocaine although he hasn't expounded on that.

[@adelords]

This is nothing compared to Pearl Jam's unplugged, Eddie practically went batshit crazy

[@harrycornelius8386]

That album was so epic that, like Kiss' unplugged version of Rock and Roll All Nite, the version of 'Would' got WAY more airplay than the original version!

[@TheManorBeast]

The drummer concept of not playing it right then everyone turns up the monitors is exactly what happened to Pearl Jam

[@markusstewart9298]

Surprised Jerry even talks to anyone from Metallica after Metallica made fun of Layne on stage.

[@mr.forexrichgm7873]

This was already a painful and unwelcome loss to all of us in the Metal and Rock World. I don't think its necessary to add insult to injury. The man is GONE! Please, let him REST IN PEACE already. Enough with the fckuing heavy.

[@hutrod7721]

Nirvana, AIC, and Clapton are the 3 best unplugged performances

[@KatieDeGo]

Clapton is an overrated racist, in my opinion. Well, factually he's a racist.

[@GapingLotusX]

100%.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

the people that micced the unplugged sessions deserve a whole WING in the rock and roll hall of Fame

[@danialmr5960]

Great work

[@alexyjenkins9884]

One of my favourite albums of all time

[@axllebeer]

I think I still listen to this album weekly

[@VictorRobotov00]

I have a T-shirt from this show and to this day I can’t really wear it cuz I get incredibly sad. A mamas Season on e too to a lesser degree. No one’s on it and it doesn’t fit (both still in really good condition surprisingly).

[@ziggylayneable]

I was living with a Columbian girl when this aired on MTV and I had a really nice stereo VCR which I recorded it onto the VHS for at the time period LOL. I still have the VHS tape but not the Colombian girl

[@BoscoBrown-lf2sj]

Wished Alice In Chains Would've Made Their Well Deserved Money By Touring. It's The Biggest Money Maker For Bands. As A Listener Admiring Everything About Them Lyrics Vox Guitar Bass Drums Dark Subject Heartfelt Subjects And Music Videos. Wished Much Success Happiness In Everyway. Found Out Jerry Cantrell Put His House Up To Finance His Solo Album And Knew All The Missing Tours Hurt Them. Layne Was Hurting And It Still Didn't Make His Band mate's Friends Bitter.

[@heathereverhart6631]

We have had a lot of amazing front men in the history of music, Freddie Mercury (which is one of the greatest) But Layne Staley is hands down the top of all time, in my opinion. When a voice touches your soul then, i do not need anymore reasons. He had the voice of angels ♥️

[@jbo4547]

That was an abrupt end to a video...

[@Pinhead101]

7:11 "was I there?"

[@Probert240]

Best album ever

[@shelliewerner5624]

There wasn't any hot dog...

[@maverick_trail]

I remember in '94-ish, right around when Jar of Flies came out, AiC played a benefit concert for Fishbone in Hollywood (the Nutmegalo Freedom concert or something). AiC played an acoustic-only set and got booed by the audience. I remember standing there thinking "WTF you dumbass kids are booing Alice in Chains?" The band left after a few songs. Little did they know the band would be over soon after.

[@MeLoNHeAd00]

Do one on Shannon Hoon !!

[@paiiininthebuttt2477]

Loved their MTV gig

[@68hoffman]

I did get to see alice in chains open a kiss show in st.louis in 1996 ..there is a video somewhere of that ..i was offered to buy a copy from the guy who shot it ..but i passed ..i kinda muffed up there :)

[@AvoidingHumanSociety]

Alice In Chains, Nirvana and Bjork… top 3 unplugged episodes

[@kingkev6338]

No one straight up says it but I think that quote on the guitar is also saying they have “Friends” hair cuts lmao that’s hilarious😂

[@krisnign9829]

Love you Jerry.

[@MeLoNHeAd00]

He also had methadone in his coffee cup !

[@ATGC597]

What are you bluring? This is unwatchable

[@dominiksawadsky5545]

I dont understand how they can be friends with metallica when James H. made fun of laynes addiction and death...

[@c0rxpseb0i13]

Layne can’t be replaced just like Chester Bennington can’t be replaced

[@JoeM370]

The narrative of this content is a beacon of wisdom. A similar book I read offered invaluable insights. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[@brianebers764]

Thank you

[@satevo462]

Was it really only 95?

[@Caribou1983]

Didn’t they play two days for the Unplugged taping?

[@ParticularlyGrunge]

Could of been, but it sure wasn't. It was their proudest and most monumental moment.

[@lottofever3061]

It's a miracle that the show happened.

[@Naught359]

Lars just loves to hear himself talk.

[@mrjones6118]

It's his greatest talent

[@transcribeded]

Man what a great show but I wish to god they played Rotten Apple, Don't Follow, and maybe did another of their metal tracks acoustic style. Them Bones or Dam That River would have been ill.

[@wesrobert4716]

I read that Cantrell had food poisoning days before the show due to a hotdog sandwich

[@deathstarstallion]

Pretty much all the songs sounded better on unplugged imo. Only one I remember now sounding better I think was no excuses

[@HipsterBlackMetalOfficial]

Lmfaoooo metallica were at that unplugged and "friends" of the band? Bruh didn't they make fun of Laynes drug use in a concert lmfaoooo and this was after his passing too lmfao. Wasnt it so bad that they got booed off

[@rockercater]

******************I SING JUST LIKE LANE....

[@twistoffate4791]

I never understood why people got so upset about Metallica's guys cutting their hair. It's just hair. I have had my hair super-long & super-short because I just need a change. The great thing about hair is that it just keeps growing back.

[@roxannemoser]

Nirvana and AIC tied for #1 unplugged of all time

[@aretnap3653]

Lars Isn't Gonna Like You Using His PodCast... (Napster)

[@nosajiksnektoouglyforporn3204]

What a performance. This was the sum of 4 parts making something whole. The Nirvana one and this one is 1A and 1B to me.

[@assmaster420]

I was so lucky to have Candlebox replace AIC central Texas 1992 or 93,almost no free water, 99 degrees, 98% humidity. Cool show tho, Fight(Rob Halford) was there, Metallica headlined with a chopper fly over for One.

[@michaelborne7506]

This is my favorite album by any artist. Just hearing the sound of death knocking in Layne's voice is hauntingly beautiful.