I was asked to listen to Alice in Chains - Down in A Hole (First Reaction) MTV Unplugged

[@poloreacts27]

Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. To support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾

[@jenniferplumley1921]

AIC was one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. I’ve seen this band live about 10 times and every single time it was a different Lane. Is so sad to see him at this state. His addiction to drugs was so pivotal here. He never knew his worth and is heartbreaking to see. He was so talented. The pain in his voice is so gripping for me. 😢

[@Jay-kz6ge]

I believe, it's been awhile, Cantrell (singer/guitar) mentions this is their first live show in almost 3 years during this performance. Lane Staley (lead singer/sunglasses)had a heroin addiction.

[@paulsmith2516]

Polo, this is the WRONG version. It's a brilliant version but still wrong for a first reaction sorry. This is from the Vh1 Unplugged sessions so you aren't getting anywhere NEAR the true power and magnificence of the original album version. The Unplugged series is well worth reacting to for a number of grunge bands but ONLY after hearing the true original first. Very big very bad mistake.

[@jenniferplumley1921]

@@paulsmith2516 I agree 💯

[@vickieray]

Do you take requests from all tiers of patreon?

[@aaroncole3941]

In my opinion, Alice in chains unplugged is the best MTV unplugged there is! Every song is fire!

[@bartstarr100]

Truth

[@jbrewer8941]

And there’s not even a CLOSE second… idc… get mad about it… 😂

[@j.wright5918]

Nirvana is neck and neck with it

[@dickcnormis1444]

Not a chance AIC blows Nirvana away

[@aaroncole3941]

I can certainly enjoy nirvana but the musicality and chorus vocals and lyrical meaning.... AIC wins!

[@cindiwindi]

He was dying. Literally. And he did care about the audience. He left his hole to show up. Thank you as always.

[@Ggucco]

Layne's voice is just majestic

[@kylegilbert5071]

Haunting is a better adjective from his voice in this song

[@Ggucco]

@@kylegilbert5071 why not both

[@skipdog9912]

Check out the band skorned! Your welcome. Second coming of Layne?

[@jenynz5334]

Gritty and gorgeous.

[@redthewarrior1569]

Not just his, Jeremy’s too

[@FracturedDMR]

Honestly it's songs like this, "Rotten apple" from Jar of Flies, and "Wake up", "Long gone day", or "River of deceit" from the side project Mad season that really put a spotlight on the vocal prowess Layne had.

[@chrisnshellypalmer7384]

Never before or after have two people harmonized more beautifully and effortlessly than Layne and Jerry! They were just magic!❤

[@SnakesGaming2016]

only john and paul, and paul and art come close

[@governmentdivides7063]

Dude, what a great reaction. New sub!

[@MelissaSkates71]

❤

[@c6quad3]

As good as Layne and Jerry sound together, and they were AWESOME, I can't put them above Simon and Garfunkel. S&G were just AMAZING together!

[@nickdavis4109]

I miss their music, I miss the emotion. Don't follow is one the greatest songs ever wrote. Nutshell is a masterpiece.

[@heatherrogers3411]

When Layne hit the note perfectly on the word "Denied" I loved the way Jerry smiled back at the drummer. It was like, "Yes, he's sick and not doing well but I knew he was still in there!" It kills me to see this performance. Layne couldn't open his eyes. He looks so weak. Though he "lived" 5-6 years after this I believe this was one of Layne's final performances. As someone who's battled heroin addiction myself off and on since age 16 I cant help but bleed a little to this song.

[@arissarox]

I have lost people to opioids, and nearly lost my sister to heroin. She's now 5 and half years clean and blows me away every day with her resilience and strength. This performance was always painful to witness but years later with all that I have experienced, it feels like I am being gutted. I want you to know, stranger on YT, that you are loved and worthy, and every moment you avoid going back to your addiction, you are a real life superhero. ♥️

[@heatherrogers3411]

@@arissarox I know it's been a few weeks sine we posted these messages but I just now re-read your response and it hit me that you, a complete stranger, have just offered me the priceless gift of support. I don't have any close family and my friends are mostly 1,200 miles away... So I just wanted to say, "Thank you!" for taking the time to write a reply. The holidays can be lonely and staying clean can be tough. I hope you have a wonderful week!

[@arissarox]

@@heatherrogers3411 You are very welcome. One day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time, if that's what is needed. ♥️♥️♥️

[@williamfdunlap3738]

It's a bleeder

[@naterod]

Mine was always uppers like cocaine and meth. No band can hit addiction quite like AIC. Also no band has helped more addicts than AIC has. Layne saved so many people

[@hypo3038]

I love Jerrys smile when Layne hits the notes .. he knows it’s something special

[@janeenstiffler]

It’s my favorite part. Like he was so happy. Beautiful moment for sure

[@Lanny-io9bi]

And how Layne lays off with a smile when Jerry sings... there will NEVER be any duo that has the power these two have together!

[@danielc9595]

My absolute favorite part ever, hes like see guys hes still there

[@gerggbergr8976]

Not sure if you did AIC Nutshell Unplugged.. it rips at your heart.

[@gsmom3883]

@@gerggbergr8976it’s such a fkn sad sad story. It’s absolutely heartbreaking 💔. Rest in peace love and light Layne.

[@jkdean82]

Truely, "A man singing at his own funeral." Haunting. Eloquent. Timeless.

[@QballReach]

😮

[@paulkysar6207]

Sure because he died 6 years later. Every aic unplugged someone makes this comment.

[@greggbell9837]

Man, it's been a minute since I've seen this unplugged version. It is brilliant. Layne Staley was pretty far down the backside of the hill towards a tragic descent into death by addiction at that point. You can easily see the effects on the dental and pallet area, as well as his overall emaciation. The fact that he could still sound so haunting is just a testament to a timeless voice. I heard on a documentary that he insisted on wearing the fingerless gloves to cover track marks on his hands. It is so damn sad that it is sometimes hard to watch. I was a huge grunge fan, and we lost so many icons of what I consider to be the last gasp of true rock-n-roll before all of the tech nonsense started taking over. Andy Wood, Kirk Cobain, Layne Staley, Shannon Hoon, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell, and so many other talented and iconic musicians of that era just gone. So damn tragic. Sorry, got off on a tangent. Awesome song! Jerry Cantrell is a master of melody, and those guys just had epic harmony. Great content; thanks!

[@ryanr5319]

Lannagan...all the grunge era but Mark Arm. I don't count Eddie since not a native. Lol

[@UMfan21]

I had always heard that Layne was going through withdrawls during this concert which explained his lack of energy, runny nose, etc. Not sure if true or urban legend. Regardless, you nailed it...he was in a dark place

[@jkitchen2003]

Bro said “kirk cobain”😭

[@TraditionalHippie]

Hey Gregg, I’ve never noticed a mouth “tell” Where or how do you see that? Thanks

[@ninja_tony]

@@jkitchen2003autocorrect does that all the time. And yes, it even changes correct names to incorrect ones, I’ve had it happen to me many times.

[@controlclerk]

"I will speak no more of my feelings beneath." Awesome lyric. Encapsulates the snowball effect of depression and how bottling it up doesn't help.

[@JohnTurner313]

"Down in a hole, and I don't know if I can be saved" always gives me chills.

[@poloreacts27]

Caught me too

[@gary5931]

The answer is apparently NO!

[@_portis]

I'm a man that won't let himself be" is the one that stands out to me

[@nobrkt]

I'd like to fly, but my wings have been so denied

[@puppetmaster8551]

Jerry is one of the best lyricists ever

[@shanecliman9772]

Layne Staley is by far has the best vocals in the music scene. The lyrics are dark from the suffer of an addict and the way he sings this song send chills down my spine. In a good way

[@yebopa2692]

Chris would like to have a word with you😊

[@joshuasmith558]

The Unplugged version of "Nutshell" is another song that just hits me in the core every time I listen.

[@Leah.says.the.things]

Deeply heartbreaking ❤

[@vincent7160]

I know it literally puts chills on me Everytime!!

[@bigg7047]

👏👏👏👏 oh yes..

[@michellewinfield4273]

I agree. He needs to react to Nutshell

[@brianforrester9670]

Why doesn't anyone EVER recommend Got me Wrong....the best song from their Unplugged. "Derp...'Nutshell!". Everyone reacts to Nutshell.

[@jaynedough2698]

Can you believe Jerry didn't even want to sing? Layne talked him into it and taught him how to harmonize with him. Jerry is a wonderful vocalist as well as guitarist. RIP Layne :(

[@Daryl_Phillips_]

I love Jerry’s voice, when he sings on his own it’s so cool!

[@jimnyjaye5281]

Mike's bass pitch and tone is absolutely on point throughout this whole concert, it's a masterclass

[@puppetmaster8551]

Mike during this show is one of the best bass examples ever, it’s just flawless and the tone is godly

[@StrawberrySunday212]

It is elite! That was the 1st thing that stood out for me 1st time listening to Unplugged.

[@themeadowlarkminutewithpau8184]

The bass absolutely KILLS in every meaningful category!!! 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[@gamerjaqi7873]

Sadly we lost Mike too soon too

[@duncan2560]

@@gamerjaqi7873the bassist for the unplugged was mike inez, the guy youre thinking of was the original bassist for aic, mike starr, inez is still alive

[@Sawdoff2]

If Layne doesn't grab your soul you must not have one. Never to be duplicated. The most powerful, well controlled and unique voice ever heard. Layne and Jerry's harmonies are fantastic. Lets not take away from the rest of the band, Jerry's a riff God, Sean is solid on the drums and Mike's badass bass I think as a whole they were defintly underrated. Rooster, Would, Brother, No Excuses, well everything they did during the Layne years is totally awesome. ✌❤

[@aprilhornback3725]

Yes!! No remak8ng laynes voice amazing

[@christikirk7265]

Agreed

[@shannonwoods2413]

Layne Staley was sick from his heroin addition during this performance. In fact he was so sick they rest of the band was worried if he was able to perform at all. And if you get a chance and watch it again. You'll notice that guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, looks over at the rest of the band and gives a wink and a little nod after Layne Staley hits a certain note. As if to say he's still got it.

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

Layne was not sick during this performance. He fixed right before going on stage. He had a glass vile of pre-cooked gear so he wouldn't be dope sick.

[@ermagherd1204]

Jerry Cantrell was incredibly sick during this performance with stomach issues he had a bucket near him on stage in case he was gonna vomit

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

@@jespertin691 read my text again..he wasn't dope sick at all..he fixed all day and right before walking on stage

[@redthewarrior1569]

It wasn’t just heroin, he was also using cocaine and at times was doing both at the same time, which is also called “speedballing.” Speedballing is what killed him, and his body wasn’t found until about two weeks after.

[@jenynz5334]

Well there's dope sick and there's dope sick. I always puked after fixing.

[@michelleabernathy9092]

AIC and Layne Stayley’s story is one of the most heartbreaking of the 90’s…Art imitates life-life imitates art has never been truer… RIP Layne Staley and Mike Starr. Beautiful, powerful, heartbreaking all at the Same time. They really put all of their souls pain and struggle in every single song. What beautiful harmony ❤😔

[@AnotherFacelessDigitalNoOne]

Also love how jerry helps him out so much here. He was not well... even still... his voice and jerry's together were magic

[@travisamsler6794]

One of the best harmonizing duos ever. Not many can compare.

[@puppetmaster8551]

Jerry carried this show, they picked multiple songs that had heavy Jerry vocals for this reason. Everybody was great but Jerry was truly masterful this show

[@diane9812]

This is my thought. I remember seeing this song live many years ago. Jerry really had to help him out. Hard to listen to. Still miss layne.

[@gabrieltorres5826]

This was Jerry’s song, but honestly needed Layne to make it top tier. Love em both. 🥰

[@gabrieltorres5826]

@@puppetmaster8551Jerry definitely is “Alice In Chains”, however Layne was the catalyst. ❤ Listen to Mad Season’s “Above” album and honestly tell me Layne couldn’t make any band, then listen to any AIC album since Layne and see if it hits the same. 🥲

[@richieherlinger4545]

This entire acoustic performance has been called the greatest acoustic performance ever recorded. Layne was so far gone to addiction by this point, and the fact that he could still put forth such an effort, and sound this good was mind blowing, and a real testament to the kind of musician he was. It's like he knew his time was almost up, and put everything he had into this performance to make it as perfect as possible. He was so far gone, that only about a couple months after this was filmed, AIC gave what was their final public live performance with Layne while they were on tour with Kiss. They left the tour shortly after it started after Layne was hospitalized after a show one night. Sadly, they never played another show together after that. Layne basically became a hermit, until he finally succumbed to his demons in April of 02. Sad sad story.

[@racheldavis6581]

Between then and Nirvana

[@motorcitymangababe]

Yeah, I hate to compare dark moments for addicts- but I often find myself seeing similarities in Layne and Amy Winehouse and man... Her end performances were painful. It's strange to commend Layne for holding it together cause he probably shouldn't have been on stage anymore than her but... He was something else.

[@Tammydavies1]

If you listen closely....Lane was so far gone on heroin and drugs here....he had a lisp....he was missing some of his teeth.....this song was all about his addiction....he was broken...

[@Tammydavies1]

He went missing for 2 weeks....they eventually traced him to a hotel where they found him OD'd in a bath on everything from aerosol cans to drugs....I can relate....to the pain and addiction.....and knowing you need help....to fighting the battle of addiction to not feeling a thing....ex-heroin addict myself

[@richieherlinger4545]

@@Tammydavies1 No, Down In a Hole is nothing about Layne or his addiction. Jerry Cantrell wrote this song about his wife/girlfriend/love interest or what ever she was at the time.

[@Trendkiller196]

I’m from Seattle and grew up in a very volatile and drug riddled household. I was 12 when the Dirt album came out. It let me know that other people felt like I did. It helped. I’m still a head case, but all that grunge music still helps me not do something stupid.

[@supervillainobituary5115]

Exactly. You may feel hopeless in those moments but then hearing songs describing what you're going through keeps you from feeling alone.

[@derekriddle5101]

Makes me think of the amazing tribute that Staind did called “Layne”. If you haven’t heard that check it out! He says the very thing and I think thats what a lot of people like us got from AiCs beautiful music 👍

[@Impassion]

I am a huge fan of AIC. Layne’s voice is unparalleled. I wish he could have lived a full life and he was still singing.

[@donniehagy5125]

As I have gone through this life, (I am now 70), I have learned to EXPERIENCE music instead of just listening to music. Now, I can say I truly appreciate Alice in Chains--especially their LIVE performances. It hurts me to see what drugs can do to individuals; how they strip the person of self, constantly making them feel inadequate, unappreciated, and helpless. Layne Stayly had one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard (male or female). Any song AIC performs touches me, yet makes me realize I am ALIVE. I'll never forget how this group--and those two beautiful voices--helped me in my life. RIP Layne.

[@bmeggs19]

He never looked like he was trying to sing. He was pretty amazing.

[@steveparker8065]

It's true that we all suffer depression at different times in our lives. But it could also be a reflection of society, we live in a world where life has become cheap and there is so much intolerance and misunderstanding. Glad you enjoyed the song, AIC was a big part of my young adulthood.

[@glassontherocks]

Some is misunderstood and the rest is pure defiance of anything good.. They are the clash, crash, and trash generation.

[@steveparker8065]

@@glassontherocks The right are tools of the wealthy elitists and believe in contradictions and nihilist nonsense. Devoid of substance their ideology is fallacy and their actions drown humanity in inanity.

[@Lumpygrits76]

Wrong. Getting depressed is temporary. Chronic depression is permanent. In comparison? Getting depressed is a paper cut. It hurts, but heals and you move on. Chronic depression is chopping your hand off and the wound never heals and festers and a lot of the time is hereditary. MASSIVE difference that the vast majority of people can’t quite wrap their heads around.

[@steveparker8065]

@@Lumpygrits76 I didn't say depression wasn't permanent in some cases and I didn't mention chronic depression. Never assume absolutes from comments on youtube, it's a comment, not a thesis/essay. I've lived with depression for over 35 years. Depression and genetic mental issues aren't the same thing, in the latter depression is merely a symptom of the main disease. Why does everyone have to be so pedantic and arrogant on social media?

[@TraditionalHippie]

@@Lumpygrits76​​⁠​⁠ and @steveparker8065 Let’s just say you’re both right. These modern conveniences combined with our laziness and search for purpose and meaning are naturally depressing. That being said, the diagnosis of *chronic* depression is short sided. I’m with Polo, I got super depressed in my teens. I tried Welbutrin, didn’t stick with it, and went on with my life. It wasn’t until my lower 20’s that I got officially diagnosed by an OLD SCHOOL accredited guy that sat and listened to me. I started taking Prozac. It’s been more helpful than my own efforts. That wore off eventually so I added Abilify. That was like light in the darkness. Some people are predisposed to macabre thoughts. Medicine is not the answer, nor a crutch. The more we can take ownership the better. Peace

[@PriestessOfNothing]

Whenever Layne and Jerry sang together, it was magic. Rarely do you find two (or more) voices who seemed to be meant to be put together like theirs. And it's funny how some who feel so alone can make you feel less alone.

[@nicquinn7291]

He knew he was dying by this point. Such emotional music.

[@Pointlesshandle48]

Down in a Hole is powerful man. The guitar tone, the lyrics, the harmonized vocals. It takes a lot for me to be moved almost to tears, this song could do it.

[@johncarolina4950]

You can never question their authenticity, which is the number 1 trait all great artists share.

[@시우시우-g8n]

Exactly. They weren't trying to be edgy. Their pain was real and you could feel it through their music.

[@RRCB]

Thank you. I interpret the music exactly how you do. Doesn’t mean I’m sad, it just puts me at peace. Thanks for putting that into words that I’ve tried to explain but couldn’t.

[@MunkeeFWRrng]

I’m so excited to see your reaction to this one. Alice In Chains took pain and made it something hauntingly beautiful. Layne’s voice conveyed and evoked emotion so incredibly well. Couple that with Jerry’s amazing guitar playing and harmonies, Mike’s sludgy bass, and Sean’s tasteful drumming and you had magic. Rest easy, Layne. We miss you so much.

[@ziggyustar3137]

Went to see Alice in Chains live in Vancouver, me & Jane went to the can to smoke a joint...caught in the bathroom before it ever started!!! we got bounced; shortly there after Layne died. Still have my ticket stub Jane went to a bar I stood outside leaning on the wall to get what I could...

[@vincent7160]

@@ziggyustar3137 sorry to hear that, I'm so glad I got to see Layne before he died, it was an amazing show! They just blew everyone away!! I'll never forget it!

[@ziggyustar3137]

@@vincent7160 hey thanks of all the bands to have missed

[@weeklyinspiration3249]

RIP Layne Staley!! One of the best singers in my time!!

[@kevinbarberio5143]

Don't follow is a must by them. Probably my favorite tune from them. Just heartbreaking.

[@wdrauch]

Misery so hollow ….. say goodbye don’t follow 😢

[@puppetmaster8551]

Another Jerry masterpiece just like down in a hole.

[@SecretSpots]

Goosebumps every time! I got to see AIC live at their peak several times, and Layne's voice live literally vibrated my entire skeletal system. It was THAT powerful! And Jerry holds his own with vocals as well. One of my fave bands of all time.

[@Rayray-kj9cc]

Yes!!❤❤ Music gets me through my tough times also!! This is such a great performance! RIP Layne! He was in his worst time of addiction here😢😢

[@Sog8045]

So true, You can see the addiction sucking the life out of him right before your eyes in this set.

[@MunkeeFWRrng]

He’s not at the worst point here. It’s just some of the last readily public available videos of him. He was deep in addiction here but he lived a few more years where he progressively got worse and worse until he overdosed.

[@시우시우-g8n]

He's at the tipping point here but he's definitely not at the worst. It's just we don't really get to see him at his worst because he became a recluse for the last few years of his life.

[@Sog8045]

@@MunkeeFWRrng Yes its amazing he went almost 10 years more before he died. I was a teenager in the late 90's and was a huge Alice in Chains fan. I was crushed when they threw him out of the band and equally devastated when I heard of his death. Scott Weiland of Stone temple pilots life and death was eerily similar.

[@tx5918]

My top 3 favorite songs of all time. Really helped me out in some dark times battling heroine addiction, a hole if you will. "They don't understand who they thought I was supposed to be." Layne and Jerry Cantrell were something different. One of a kind.

[@robertyates7242]

Some of the best music with harmonizing, vocals and instruments is from this group right here, Layne Staley had one of the most powerful voices out there..

[@glassontherocks]

Power comes from pain... If you use it.

[@MunkeeFWRrng]

Alice In Chains had THE harmonies. Just beautiful.

[@michaelrandall2490]

You forgot Jerry Cantrell

[@robertyates7242]

@@michaelrandall2490 Oh, you're spot on . His first solo album, Boggy Depot...👌. Yeah those two together.

[@christikirk7265]

JERRY carried Layne through! But it is fucking beautiful....Forever.! RIP precious Layne!

[@the_maryamfitz4961]

This is one of the most beautifully written songs. Layne Staley, the main singer (RIP) was unfortunately loaded up on H during this show. He was so addicted that it’s the only way he was physically able to be there - though you mentioned he’s not really there. The initial video had to have the band’s approval prior to distribution. Layne said he looked asleep and was not happy with that. God bless him, he advised people to stay away from drugs until his dying breath. The addiction had completely consumed his life in the end. They found him dead, 6.2’ tall at 85lbs (I think). Such a tragic ending to a beautifully unmatched voice.

[@robertyates7242]

Knowing what this guy went through with drug abuse and depression, depression mostly because of drugs; this song is just eerie, ghostly more ghostly than ever due to the fact that he had passed. It was six years I believe after this performance that he passed, but wow hit's you differently every time I think.

[@marilynspaziano9000]

Yes very sad. What a career he could have had.

[@stefanforrer2573]

honestly, it's a miracle that he made it that long because he was in a really bad way already when they recorded this..... i mean you can even hear in his enunciation that he's missing quite a couple of teeth and he's also very much underweight already

[@Davidscomix]

@@stefanforrer2573his teeth wasn’t really missing here but they were bad, they were really gone when they sung get born again (you can hear it), died and when he sung “another brick in the wall”

[@jenniferzeck9321]

Jerry and Layne’s voices were so beautiful together. Losing Layne was a loss for us all.

[@KipArmadillo]

AIC was incredible with Layne, a legendary voice who is so dearly missed - but Jerry is an absolute genius songwriter, and these guys are still making great music 25 years later.

[@martincaetano5415]

Once in a generation

[@jaredjordan1644]

This is my favorite version of this song. There isn't a bad part. There isn't a part they could have done better. It is the pinnacle of perfection.

[@michaelbeaver9180]

Man you can just feel Layne's agony which is amazing musically but so sad

[@sumonjamal1653]

Correct... Layne Staley (lead vocals) was high on something, but he was still in good form that night in 1996... it was one of his last performances w/ Alice in Chains. Staley recorded 2 new AIC songs in 1998, but was more interested in disappearing and getting high after his longtime girlfriend died in '96 ... AIC was on hiatus in 2002 when news reached the band that he was found dead in his Seattle apt. Jerry Cantrell (guitar & vocals) wrote 'Down in a hole' about his own struggles w/ sobriety and his longing for a woman he was in love with... Cantrell wrote another standout AIC song about the same woman in '95 called - 'Heaven beside you'... which he performed on 'Unplugged'.

[@adriandahlhansen5680]

Those last 2 songs are probably their darkest and deserves more attention

[@maskedman1337]

Layne was in a bad place re: his addiction at this time. In order to be able to perform, he had to shoot up right beforehand.

[@sumonjamal1653]

@@maskedman1337 Layne didn't have to shoot up... he was an addict. It destroyed his ability to perform.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Died and Get Born Again are great. But you did forget one more. Supergroup of 99, Layne sung Brick in the Wall with them

[@sumonjamal1653]

@@tuckerhiggins4336 We're talking about Alice In Chains... not Mad Season... not Layne's Pink Floyd cover.

[@douglab222]

As someone who is depressed, aic is one of the bands that help me get through my darkness. I often don't look positively upon myself. I relate with this song it makes me cry every time I listen to it.

[@tmghn1]

The thing you have to understand about "grunge" music is that almost every band went from playing small local bars to being international superstars almost overnight. A lot of them didnt know how to deal with it. Kurt Cobain tells the story of the day he learned he had the #1 album in the country he was homeless

[@michaelmcdermott209]

Layne Staley is the singer and Jerry Cantrell is the guitar player, they have awesome harmony and they are still the best band I have ever seen live. RIP Layne and Mike.

[@magdalenahernandez6840]

Alice in Chains, is my favorite band next to TOOL. Layne Staley the singer is very good. Jerry Cantrell is the guitarist and the person singing with Layne Staley. Layne Staley was so talented and in a lot of pain. It was so sad to see him fly away. Alice in Chains has a awesome catalog of music. Worth checking out. Listen to Would, Again, Grind, I Stay away, etc. Would has a wonderful bass intro that is so satisfying. Also side note: Maynard of Tool sang with Alice in Chains Man in the box. It was good.

[@jessicasherman4320]

My favorite is Tool as well. I've been on an AIC binge lately. And don't forget Mad Season.....ughhhh all so good.

[@magdalenahernandez6840]

@@jessicasherman4320 I go through AIC binges as well. I have the ripped files to be able to hear the songs for AIC and Tool. It is good.

[@JimArrey]

One of the best unplugged ever! 🔥

[@stephenroby8498]

Layne is deep down the rabbit hole of addiction, and this was recorded on 04 10 96, released 07 30 96. Between June 28th and July 3rd in 1996, Alice in Chains played four shows opening for KISS on their reunion tour. The last of these, at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, would prove to be Layne Staley's final performance with the grunge greats. On April 19 2002 in Seattle, WA Layne Staley was found dead in his home. The autopsy concluded that Staley died on April 5, two weeks before his body was found.

[@matthewhasenei7052]

Love your review. Def one of the best I’ve seen. God bless my guy

[@drsus0]

i miss MTV unplugged... such a personal showcase for musicians.

[@poloreacts27]

Tiny Desk is the new MTV unplugged to me

[@simongravel7407]

I also find the set dressing and lighting exquisite. And the sound quality is amazing.

[@reyvaldes5159]

@@poloreacts27 Mac Miller's Tiny desk concert is something I watch fairly regularly, something about it just feels special, not sure how else to describe it.

[@ddroz23]

The Bass in this live was some of the best i ever felt back then and still remains today. I am not a bass head but, this immediately stood out to me and I will always remember it.

[@jamestanner9790]

🔥🔥🔥 FIRST 😎 "Frogs" from this same set is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Polo, I know exactly what you are feeling my friend. Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell are your friends harmonizing in this and many others.

[@시우시우-g8n]

Frogs is one of my all-time favorite songs from them! Such a hauntingly dark and unsettling track.

[@codycassel8996]

This is the greatest Live performance ever no debates

[@SKEC212]

I've been dealing with depression my whole life. Still waiting for my turn in life. Great song.

[@jenniferplumley1921]

This is amazing but so heartbreaking too. Layne was truly suffering from heartache from his ex fiancé passing and his heroine addiction. His physical being deteriorating and just truly leaving this world before our eyes. I seen this group from beginning to end in concert. It was truly amazing. He loved his audience but the ending was so sad. Jerry Cantrell was very much aware of his being. He was so out of it the he was falling off his stool. If you watch it closely you can see that everyone is watching his presence and making sure he was able to continue. This brings chills to my body and so heartbreaking 💔 The cry is so loud to me and I wish we all could have pulled him out of this hole.

[@robertyates7242]

Thank you for doing this one brother...appreciate it always hits me a little harder every time I hear it. 😊

[@tonkakatt]

Layne's voice live was often better than the studio recordings, which was incredible to begin with. His passion, soul & personality are oozing from his voice.

[@horrorqueen-ze9tm]

Nutshell..... Nutshell is one to check out of there's FOR SURE! From this set specifically.

[@PaulHahrrgis_]

Thank you for this. This song always hits hard. RIP Layne Staley. RIP Mike Starr.

[@yeahboiii6640]

Personal favorite from this set on MTV was Nutshell. The bass in that is so good. And Layne of course do I have to say....This whole album is amazing.

[@TheRiehlThing42]

My favorite part of Nutshell, when I'm listening in my car with my sub, is when the bass just bores a hole to China with how deep it hits, and then the line, "if I can't be my own, I'll feel better dead." The bass and lyrics hit so hard together.

[@matthewirwin6134]

"I've eaten the Sun so my tongue has been burnt of the taste" I love this lyric for some reason. Like he's taken in the world and can't feel anymore.

[@betweentheair]

Vocal harmony doesn’t get better than that

[@dollyoliver9426]

I am so happy Layne made this unplugged appearance. His health was already bad, you can hear the lisp from his missing teeth. How they opened this set with nutshell was epic. He is so underrated. RIP Layne Staley. Your music remains hauntingly beautiful.

[@SeanCarterCFH]

Literally every song he ever sang I sought out... I miss that man's voice dearly 😪

[@genevamoore4529]

He was not missing teeth his mom said he had his teeth when he died.

[@naterod]

He may have lost teeth once he secluded himself away because he was smoking like an half an ounce of crack as well towards the end At this point though he definitely had teeth.

[@Aprilpie13]

Exactly, people online now spreading the teeth rumor verbatim. Copying & pasting the same comment. He has teeth in this performance.

[@dollyoliver9426]

@@Aprilpie13 You might want to do some research. Listen to his voice prior to this performance and the during. Also his close friends said he was losing teeth bc of his condition. BUT I did not see him personally so 🤷🏻‍♀️. Just reading what his band and best friends have said. Also I don’t think heroin causes a lisp. Also I didn’t start the rumor. It’s pretty obvious for anyone who knows what a lisp sounds like and has listened to him in interviews then during this performance. Anyways still one of his best performances. RIP Layne

[@kellyhouse4263]

This band continues, till this day, to help me get through the down times. 🤟 R.I.P. Layne

[@ChrisieFallon]

Layne Staley is the somber one with the pink hair, and Jerry Cantrell is the gentleman on the acoustic - amazing - one of my favorite MTV Unplugged every - Sludge Factory is a great one. Amazing!!!!

[@brandonhurt7980]

Laynes voice is unmatched in rock. They’re harmonies are some of the best as well, no joke;}>🤘🏼

[@MrCoontastic]

Not all heroes are invincible. If only Layne lived on imagine what he could of done.

[@The_Kiosk]

This is one of my favorite AIC songs. I'm bipolar type 2 with ultradian cycles. Depression is just one part for me but when it swings down this song pretty much captures the feeling.

[@jima6545]

Amen. Same here

[@aprilhornback3725]

Amen same

[@jasonlorance1918]

Such a good point about troubled artists creating incredible music! This one gives me goosebumps every time! Thanks!!

[@dillonsronce2583]

I have depression mainly because I have severe epilepsy. Listening to music constantly is what helps me the most.

[@anthonykiedis1765]

Amazing opening dialogue and review. Not that you need it, but you've earned yourself a new subscriber and fan!

[@timjenkins4065]

The whole band, especially Cantrell are excellent, even through a change of bassists

[@beezer12washingbeard6]

Perfect reaction for this song. Everything you mentioned is what it’s all about for me too

[@시우시우-g8n]

Definitely do check out the studio as it's not acoustic like this one is and Layne was healthier when it was recorded. Here you're seeing Layne deep into addiction and his voice started to decline due to the drug abuse. The members of the band here are Layne Staley on vocals, Jerry Cantrell on backing vocals and guitar, Mike Inez on bass, and Sean Kenny on drums. Just know that for the first two albums the bass player was Mike Starr and later on the new vocalist is William Duvall. So happy to see you loving AIC. Such an amazing band. Rest in peace Layne and Mike Starr. Addiction is a terrible disease.

[@shadymaint1]

Rooster gets to me sometimes. Jerry wrote it about his father in Vietnam. I brought that album with me when i deployed to Iraq back in 03. I was part of the initial invasion. Rooster was and still is one of my favorite songs. While i was in Iraq it was the soundtrack of my life. Felt like i was living the song. Brings back some unpleasant memories from time to time but such is life.

[@TheSshadow7]

The story behind this performance...lots of sadness, especially how everything turned out for Layne.

[@arjones2330]

Lane was living this song when he sang it. He was on heroin at the time. He was suffering. Favorite band of all time. The stars aligned when these guys got together!

[@Sammyzuko]

Mad Season - Lifeless Dead (from Live at the Moore)

[@brice7894]

I'm 45, AIC was my favorite band of that era but also listened to a lot of bay area gangster rap. The best of both worlds, we didn't know how good we had it lol. Feel bad for this and future generations

[@boomshakalaka8457]

Studio versions of “Rain when I die” “Bleed the freak” Both elite Alice In Chains songs.

[@MrToolhead82]

I think Rain when I die is my favorite AIC track. Just incredibly powerful. Great mix of vocal pain and their heavier music. It’s got it all.

[@amcmillion3]

Yea to really experience "Down in a Hole" you need to listen to "Rain When I Die" and then "Down in a Hole" back to back. In fact just throw on Dirt and listen to it front to back.

[@skipdog9912]

Been hooked on black gives way to blue. The entire album is amazing. Don’t sleep on Duvall. They’re still making great music. Check out the band skorned. It’s unreal how much that singer sounds like Layne!

[@yangerjamir0906]

@skipdog, you're right about Duvall. Unfair to compare him with Layne, who's a once in a lifetime talent. Duvall is holding his own.

[@LolaJSuder-qs5st]

What you said about getting some of the greatest music from some of the most troubled artists is so on point and I couldn't have said it any better. A lot of great and natural musicians who are going through many troubles can only express them through music, whether it be songwriting, singing or through their instrument. Or all of the above

[@chrisfrench9257]

The entire Dirt album is top notch man. You should listen to Rain When I Die and Dirt.

[@Wolf69592]

A.I.C. is Awesome they have alot of Great songs !!! Great Reaction polo !!! 👍🤘🔥🎸💯...

[@marcusolivares3987]

Layne's pain and despair in his vocals in this son always seems to be so therapeutic for me when I'm depressed. I don't know what it is, but it gets me so low that I can't help but pick myself back up and get back to myself. "Look at me now, I'm a man who won't let himself be." gets me every time.

[@lonestarsmoked]

Thank you for speaking on this. Appreciated my friend.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

My absolute favorite AIC performance - the unplugged version of Down in A Hole surpasses the studio in my opinion. That entire album was amazing, but this one takes first place. The alchemy between Layne and Jerry's voices is just magic.

[@blacksheepwx1822]

I’ve watched this video hundreds of times (possibly thousands at this point - who knows, getting old). I’ve been a AIC fan for as long as I can remember. The fact that you picked up on so much from this video is incredible. A lot of your points are the reason this is THE video from AIC that I gravitate towards. Kudos to you 👍

[@tommyb123]

Side note about this MTV Unplugged, Metallica was sitting in the front row in support of their friends in AiC. Everyone was pretty sure that this was going to be the band’s last performance with Layne Staley the lead singer.

[@shannontreiber1070]

Now tell the rest of that story. It’s not pretty about Metallica.

[@BethanieLantisdismyudo]

Yes, Metallica went on stage and mocked Layne for pulling out of their tour in 94. You can find it on KZbin. It's utterly disgusting.

[@poloreacts27]

Wow

[@SwiftEhx]

“I’d like to Flyyyyyyyy” “But my wings have been so denied”. Hauntingly beautiful

[@waded2129]

I've been in a dark place for awhile, but hearing this makes me feel better, because I don't feel alone in my feelings. Well done Polo. Take care

[@ManadaCan]

Glad you picked this version to watch. Amazing performance. 🤘🏻

[@wichitadisciple9874]

Even when he was 90% dead, Layne could out-sing the vast majority of people on Earth! I miss him and his musical talents so much. 😢

[@ali965]

Oh don’t be so dramatic. 90% dead. Please. Man gave one of his best performances that night.

[@wichitadisciple9874]

@@ali965 Did you not look at him at all during the entire show??

[@ali965]

@@wichitadisciple9874 Yes he obviously looks very tired and almost sick but 90% dead is an overstatement

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@wichitadisciple9874I mean he wasn’t in good shape but he lived 6 more years while doing drugs daily and not taking care of himself at all, he was still very far away from death at this point.

[@christikirk7265]

AMEN

[@kimberlydavis571]

YOU WERE SO MEANT FOR DOING THIS GIG!!!!! I LOVED THIS REACTION!!!! ty so much!!!!!

[@sourgir-wh6xd]

😭💭 A lot of people assume Layne wrote this song about his drug addiction, and it's easy to think that's the truth. However, AIC's guitarist, Jerry Cantrell actually wrote Down In A Whole after a love gone wrong. It's about the insecurities and self-doubt that can come from a broken relationship❤

[@jenynz5334]

As someone going through the biggest heartbreak of my life, I completely understand.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

"You guys know I like my music with a little pain in it" Amen brother. The more pain the more emotion.

[@Gipsiwriter]

This song is part of the soundtrack of my life. I was 25, pregnant, single, and homeless. This song STILL strikes me deep and elicits that same feeling of desperation now that I’m 50 and living my best life.

[@jayjaymerritt2785]

Same. I was a single dad, disabled...moving to a place that was alien to me. What my son's mom put us through is so unbelievably crushing.. that I have yet to even find anyone with a story similar. Imagine that. I'm 43 now, and have managed to avoid every mistake my parents made, and give my son a better life than I had in every way imaginable. I thank God every day. Suffering sucks, but through it the road can lead to joy. I would gladly suffer if I had to do it again, because it gave me my son. Good on you miss, and God bless.

[@ItsNomieHomieBologna]

I wish MTV would bring back Unplugged

[@truther4life]

Now go listen to the studio version!!!