Layne Staley: The Tragic Death of Alice in Chains Lead Singer

[@rnrtruestories]

Here’s the Mad Season video I reference kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH6ZZWd3etGHnrcsi=Uv5veCp3EwhdEtkH Stp video I reference kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4O0mJ1ufNyAoK8si=krnTcQvXuXFBrVCk

[@seangiuliani3825]

this always hurts. i know his struggle. u shouldnt be hard on the addict although u kind of have to be, then they run. like layne did. my partner also died this yr it just dawned on me. i lost 2 friends. she didnt take drugs but it was a tough yr. layne changed me as a singer. my god he opened me up. still love strumming nutshell. peace

[@BullDykee]

Heroin steals the soul. Watched my mother, sister, father and another family member all lose themselves to it. Only my sister remains. I remember looking into her eyes when she was strung out, it was like looking into a sharks eyes. Dull and lifeless.

[@jasonhuntley4203]

can you do one on the tragic end of nirvana and kurts death plse... or did you do it already?

[@rnrtruestories]

@@jasonhuntley4203haven’t done it yet

[@jasonhuntley4203]

@@rnrtruestories i'm sure it'll be good, your a great story-tellr and i love your channel ty and god bless...

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Losing Layne was like losing a friend that I never met. So strange to mourn someone you've never met. But I felt like I knew him and he knew me.

[@McFarlaneDragonClan]

I feel ya and know what you're saying totally.

[@SirWeedBongVentura]

Especially after all these years to process & grow appreciation for the songs.@@McFarlaneDragonClan

[@SirWeedBongVentura]

The week of the discovery of his passing, I remember sitting in the cafeteria in high school when a table-mate mentioned he died. Somehow his voice & words & the few songs I could identify with this band plucked at my heartstrings a little. I knew I liked Rooster, Nutshell & Angry Chair & a few others, but was a few years from diving deep into really discovering music. Since then, Alice In Chains is definitely my favorite band from those years. The new singer is really good too, but I'm still not into learning much except the name of the band.

[@Gian4455]

That weekend was really difficult for me, since my dad died on that Friday night and Alice In Chains meant a lot to me. It felt like loosing a father and a good friend in just a couple days, and to this day I cannot listen to Nutshell without thinking about my dad and that weekend.

[@43bumpy]

Same. I Was so devastated when I found out. I miss the talented gifted angry angel.

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

I cut hair for a living and one of my regular customers was a roadie for Alice in Chains in the early 90's. he has tons of photos of him and Layne hanging out backstage that he has shown me. He said Layne was one of the nicest people he had ever met in his life. RIP to probably the most underrated guy from the OG grunge scene.

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

PS - Jerry's solo music is fantastic. Check out his 2021 album "Brighten". very positive rock n' roll and roots rock, if you like a little country edge to your rock now and then. Saw him play at the Diamond Ballroom after work while he was touring for the record. incredible show. 👍

[@Jermeister12]

@@ghost_to_a_ghost 😊Hell yea ,saw his band kick ass 3 times😊

[@seangiuliani3825]

we rate him. but its good to remind people.

[@beaubollinger1767]

Alice actually came out before the whole grunge scene. I do believe they did not like being considered part of that movement. Not sure but just mentioning it

[@Reed5016]

That’s cool. My brother is a rigger. I hope that if he ever builds a stage for AIC, that he can get me free or discount tickets.

[@krisfrederick5001]

His death wasn't shocking. He knew what he was doing. The most heartbreaking (sigh) thing to me. Is how long he laid there alone...I just can't get over how distanced he was from everyone.

[@gsmom3883]

I hate saying this, but I feel like he was definitely on a mission. He knew he was killing himself. He missed Demri and was never the same after she passed. He just had a very slow way of suiciding, by isolating and slamming 24/7. It’s Fkn heartbreaking 💔

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

It's not uncommon for addicts to gradually cut themselves off from everyone. When I was strung out I just stopped answering the phone and the door unless it was someone bringing drugs. Pretty soon people just stop coming around. I was ashamed of myself because I looked like shit and was too fried to face people. Luckily I got help and gradually climbed out of the hole but only because I had a girl tell me that I was the father of her baby. Suddenly I had a reason to stay alive and to be healthy and clear headed. It's a shame that someone as bright and talented as Layne Staley would get to that point. He had wealth and a brilliant mind and he could have been traveling the world having adventures but instead he sat in an apartment with the curtains drawn and took drugs til his health deteriorated to the point that he felt like he was beyond help.

[@aw2584]

​@@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973same thing, at first I cut people off as much as possible because all I wanted was to get high and they wanted to go to clubs and bars, at first I refused because being out an socialising would kill my nod, but soon I realised Its not just that, I just hated being around sober people or at least non junkies because I was at a completely different wavelength and couldn't care less about anything they said even tho we were friends for a decade or more. Deeper into the shit I got, it was more isolation. When I graduated to heroin literally THE ONLY people I would meet were other junkies and two of them I would call my friends but we ONLY would meet to score (I was the moneymaker and they had all the contacts and the best street dope if I couldn't get none from darkweb) and then go separate ways. I don't know if we even ever got high together as I had my own studio apartment still so I'd take my dope and go home. At that point (after 10 years of addiction) I was like 60kg 6'1 with yellowish gray skin looking worse than death. In public I'd either wear a hoodie or some cap hoping noone would recognise me because they would always comment on my looks. No junkie ever did. They never judged, not out loud. Plus I had a job, worked from home so had some inflow of legal cash and probably felt a bit superior to homeless druggies I would score with... even though most of them were addicted for less than 5 years while I wasted 10 years on this garbage, even if in a less intense way.

[@drewskkiiii]

The disease of Addiction wants you alone and dead

[@Watchout5035.]

@@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973 excellent explanation i would say the same thing

[@tylerbrittan593]

Man. This one never gets easier to hear about. The part where the interviewer asks Jerry “So, he’s better than ever?” is absolutely heart breaking because he knows that’s certainly not the case.

[@seangiuliani3825]

so does she! sick

[@samwindmill8264]

"He's conditioning himself for the Nagano Olympics"

[@VioIetRamirez]

Frrrr

[@cherylmontgomery9753]

So not fair to Jerry to be asked that question over and over again

[@kizzashizza]

Jerry was angry at the point. He was trying to continue his path solo and he was just completely overshadowed by Layne's fame and he was angry at Laynefor destrying his band. He's written about it, it's in his songs and he has said it in interviews, he has a lot of regrets about his animosity towards his friend at the time. They were young and he didn't realise how much it didn't matter at the end if the day

[@GINAKEITH]

I had twin boys a few months after his tragic death. I named them Layne and Staley…. Had to honor him. I felt as though he spoke for me in a way I couldn’t. I pray that he finally knows peace ….

[@tylercastle7002]

Might be the gayest thing I’ve ever heard

[@themanhattanproject2471]

That's awesome.

[@garylagstrom3864]

I saw Layne in a three piece suit at the start of their set on Lollapolooza in 93 and it was like 95 degrees that day! Needless to say he took the jacket tie vest and shirt off after playing Would the first song to start the show! Very charismatic singer and great stage presence! His voice very unique and an unbelievable range! RIP Layne! Layne’s mom said it best regarding his voice: it’s like Nails surrounded by marshmallows! I agree👍🏻 RIP LAYNE❤️

[@BCMoney1995]

The pictures from him in that suit are some of the first ones that pop up when you google Layne, but I’ve never been able to find any video of the performance of him in that suit. It’s so crazy how everything is recorded now, but back then even some of the best concerts of all time had zero video recordings

[@archstanton4365]

Hey I saw him wearing the same get up in Nashville when Lollapalooza came through here in '93, I'm thinking he also had a cast on his foot, as well. Good times!

[@mave143]

I think it was 'razorblades surrounded by marshmallows'

[@jclenhart6462]

​@@BCMoney1995I was there in Pittsburgh at the starlight amphitheater he wore that suit as well it wasn't long until he had it off and told Pittsburgh that we all suck

[@VladfishTheMagnificent]

Why do you post this same comment on every AIC-related video?

[@tferr9]

Gut wrenching. 20 years later and I'm still looking up stories about his life. Such a horrible loss.

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

Same 💔

[@contacthigh8571]

Same brother

[@CarAudioObsessions]

Same here. I can't imagine how those 5 Yeats in seclusion were

[@BCMoney1995]

@@CarAudioObsessionsit’s unimaginable the shape he was in. Honestly his body being decomposed probably saved him from it being leaked to the public. As grim as that sounds .

[@michelemichael1388]

He would have been 57 this year. Wow. Rip

[@davidellis5141]

Layne had the gift of a golden voice. 🎶 No Place To Call Home .. 🎶

[@Gian4455]

Search for "Ring Them Bells". Layne singing with Heart. Such a beautiful song.

[@Barbieinawheelchair]

Nutshell has been getting me through the toughest times in my life. I love the music video and I love listening to that song while tripping man

[@chrisharriman9017]

Absolutely . When ur down and out hearing that song I can relate

[@KaylaHiggins92]

Layne’s story is such a sad one. He was his own worst enemy. Poor thing 🙏❤️❤️

[@cchavezjr7]

Most everyone is, sadly...

[@lysirishfleur3030]

Layne and I are the same age. Now I have boys the age he was when he passed. Now I think about his poor mother. Seeing her first born son the way she did. Her accounts of what happened for her that day are absolutely heart wrenching

[@jpmnky]

It’s by far the saddest story of any rocker that passed.

[@jaymccaan7379]

We are all our own worst enemy. God bless you Layne and thank you for the way you can make me feel.Peace out my man.

[@post-leftluddite]

That's a wrong way of looking at it, an addict isn't making a "choice" under the same conditions as you would make that choice. Unfortunately, most people assume theyre just a rational, mentally healthy person making a rational decision. For example, almost all addicts are self medicating for a comorbid illness, usually refractory (treatment resistant) depression. For them, the choice is: "DO I take this substance that helps fix my crippling depression when nothing else has, or do I just accept the crippling depression and keep soldiering on as long as possible?" Childhood trauma, usually some form of abuse, is almost always present with addicts as well. Hopefully you can see the duress. This is why stopping use is so difficult, the underlying problems have to be fixed (treatment resistant depression) before the drug use can be, but paradoxically the reason why they began the addiction was because nothing else could fix that problem....one of the many difficulties and why the abstinence only imposition of America causes so many problems.

[@mountain66diecast]

AIC imo was the best band to come out of Seattle

[@bobbywhiteman9421]

Godamn right!

[@davidbrian8336]

I have always said the same. An better than Nirvana.

[@blakequilling7023]

I’m more of a Soundgarden guy but AIC change is def 2nd and it’s pretty close

[@topcatcoast2coast579]

Melvins!

[@yaboyreege7158]

Alice In Chains was a force to be reckoned with. Such a great style of music and that voice man

[@raha2470]

I was at that final show in Kansas City. My dad took me to that concert I was 14 yrs old. Thanks dad for that great memory!

[@pizzulo8111]

Of all of the 90's Seattle bands, AIC was my favorite. Layne Staley is one of the all-time great singers of any generation. He was very relatable for some of us, unfortunately. I listen to Layne every week, whether it's AIC or Mad Season. I'm sad he's not here.

[@macethorns1168]

Find "Ring Them Bells".

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

Same here. And I agree with you

[@stargazer4625]

DIRT is top 5 on my list of all time great rock albums. When I was younger that album got played many times on those dark nights I had. It's a miracle I'm still here

[@keithgillrie8718]

I was an addict. Heroin and Cocaine. I locked myself away. All my friends started dying. I was lucky enough to get clean, 7 years now but I was there. It’s so sad. Some people can’t be saved.😢❤

[@jasonbennett60]

God Bless you man!

[@yournamehere4562]

Coke and dope huh ? Speedball 🫠. Always sounded like a heart attack waiting to happen to me

[@Nightopian1982]

Yeah same. I lost a couple of friends/acquaintances to strokes and overdose. After I got clean, a friend of mine got raped and murdered. She was four months pregnant. Speedballs are so risky and lethal but unfortunately so addictive. Unfortunately when we get sucked into that world it's very hard to find any will to leave it the longer it carries on, and generally all sense of danger goes out the window. You're on an autopilot of emptiness. I OD'ed four times and still couldn't quit for longer than a week. It took me injecting and going into anaphylactic shock from heroin spiked with codeine that convinced me to get clean after being hospitalised. I swear I still recall a darkness and weird blurred fade into light that my sponsor reckons could have been my being on the verge of death. The doctors said I could easily have died had my friend been five minutes later calling the ambulance. I'm five years clean now myself. It doesn't seem that long on paper, but it sometimes feels like a lifetime ago.

[@giuliana2610]

Everybody can be saved, but for some people is more difficult and hard to do. I must say that your "rehab" don't work at all. It's ridicolous think that in 3 days you can be out of heroin. People need YEARS in the communities, far from their towns, relatives and friends. They learn to work , taking care about animals, chiken , cows...they learn cooking and respect theirselves and others. It's a long way, but it work.

[@Nightopian1982]

@@giuliana2610 It can be possible, you're right. People continually say that the only way forward is with programmes like NA, but I actually failed a few times with that. In my case, I had to have SOME will to quit, this talk of handing your will over to a power greater than yourself might work for a lot of people, but we're still human, and we have to be actually willing to accept help and change. Like you say, you can't carry on as you did. I had to cut off everyone, bar family, and only now after five years clean have I begun re-establishing old friendships where possible with those I haven't spoken to for over a decade (many others won't speak to me anymore, understandably, because I've hurt and cheated them too much over the years). I've taken up cooking, retro gaming again, writing memoirs and stories, running and circuit training, and even playing the bass again, as I pawned both my previous ones for drugs years ago. They've had to become my "vices", because I don't smoke or drink anymore either. It's frightening how easy it is for addictive behaviours to surface though without any balance.

[@lauramalmquist1242]

The loss of Layne will never get easier to hear about.

[@danozism]

Thanks for helping to keep the spirit of Layne alive. He was one of the very best vocalists of the last 50 years, no question, IMHO. A+C with Layne were an incredible band- haunted, dark and beautidul, and they are still great to this day. Very cool video, cheers.

[@patrickcolantuoni1724]

My teenaged kids named my cat Layne after Layne Staley. Proud mama moment right there. RIP Layne ❤

[@Dani-fw9dn]

I love it! I named my kitten Demri Layne. 💕

[@zombieparrot2606]

The end of this video hit me like a gut punch. I remember the day we got the news layne had passed. I had to pull over and I just had a moment. Layne played a huge part in my life as a teen. I was 22 when he left us, and I’ve never stopped listening to AIC or heeding the lesson he taught us. Too much too soon is never good. Take it slow and in moderation. Great video, btw.

[@christywright4039]

I was 22 as well and that day was a truly sad day for me too Laynes voice was amazing and he was so charismatic! He lives on forever within all of our hearts 💞

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

I absolutely love the way you ended this story. I somewhat assumed that's what "Black Gives Way to Blue" meant but was never certain and I think that is such a Jerry Cantrell way to describe that life goes on. Just as the death of Layne was the end of AIC in its original form, the transformation that happened as the effect of his death changed everyone, you also have the new AIC as the new energy that William brought about when he joined. And it really makes me mad when people bash on William, saying the stupidest crap like "he'll never be as good as Layne". William had nothing to do with what Layne did to himself, nor should he have to pay for Layne's sins. William is a damn good singer, guitarist, seems like a genuinely nice guy and has balls of steel for stepping up and keeping one of my all time favorite bands going. I never got to see AIC when Layne was alive and when he died, I never thought I would but have now seen AIC 3x thanks to AIC allowing William to join and keeping the legacy alive.

[@brooklyn8376]

Favorite band and Layne is my all time favorite singer. I was a teenager in the 90s and had every Alice CD. Laynes death is so damn tragic

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

Same here!!! We love you, Layne 💔

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

AIC feels underrated despite incredible albums and live performances. No Grammy's and not in the rock HOF. That MTV unplugged performance is all time legendary stuff.

[@snowbear163]

Honestly no one really cared that much when they were around. Yeah I'd see their videos on MTV but during the mid 2000's they had like this KZbin resurgence that made them way more popular than they were at that time in the early 1990s. They've been elevated to god-like status for some reason. And let's remember that MTV unplugged thing came out in like 1996 and they hadn't released anything in like two years. People had already forgotten about them. We were listening to Bush and Metallica and other bands. Alice came out of nowhere and we said "oh yeah, them" and went back to our normal music.

[@Bronte866]

The Rock Hall is a money making endeavor. Speaking from the inside I’m fine with AIC staying out of there.

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

@@Bronte866 i disagree, it would help more people discover Alice in Chains and Layne Staley.

[@mave143]

love AIC, but rock HOF? They didn't endure long enough for that level, which is so fucking tragic.

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

@@mave143 Nirvana released 3 albums. AIC released 3 albums plus 2 EP's Dirt and jar of flies alone should get them in. The puppets from the I stay away video are in the Rock Hall of Fame but the band isn't lol

[@michellecarver7279]

One of the many regrets in my life was never getting to see AIC in concert when Layne Staley fronted the band.

[@marqryan5218]

Man, the last little bit brought me to tears, and gave me hope. Because life has been a little shadier than sunny, lately. Thank you.

[@Cutie.pie.love.1]

I hope things have been better for you. ❤❤❤

[@StellaAdler_]

His voice brought Alice in Chains music to a whole different dimensions. It’s indescribable.

[@davemarriott9332]

Got to be the best video i've seen on Layne. I named my first born son after Layne. He was and still is my favorite voice in all of Rock n Roll.

[@michaelcochran9685]

It’s not that someone doesn’t want to help themself, it’s that you will say that it won’t happen again and make that decision in your head but then somehow your brain the next day will make an excuse to make it okay and then you question why you are doing it. It’s something we don’t understand ourselves…

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

He was so gifted. Weiland, Staley and Cornell are the best voices in grunge. This is not a debate lol Edit: I get that Vedder and Cobain are in the same genre. However, They are no where near as vocally talented as Staley, Cornell or Weiland. At all. Not even close. Cornell alone could sing Vedder and DEFINITELY Cobain under the table. They were not mentioned because they are not vocally that great. You can’t even understand what they were saying 😂 Popularity does not equate to the best

[@ErinDuncilGriffin]

Absolutely!!

[@ErinDuncilGriffin]

Can't forget Vedder. He is going to at a fundraiser here in Tennessee soon. I'd love to go.

[@cperez358]

Yes

[@Tducks72]

Yes, I’d add Cobain in there somewhere as well.

[@Metalholic7of8]

I Absolutely agree

[@Kristenbutannie]

Layne’s story is such a sad one. His dad only added fuel to the fire. He was so talented but so sad that it’s so easy to find something to make any bad feelings go away. It’s too easy to get addicted. Wasn’t his fault. But I love Layne!

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

Layne is Laynes fault he became addicted. Not his father, his mother, his sister, the dog, etc.

[@Kristenbutannie]

@@AnAdorableWombat1 it’s not anyone’s “fault” but don’t be so quick to dismiss others hardships with family, siblings and life in general. Some people aren’t as strong as you may be. Maybe a little less judgmental.

[@joshuasuggs2379]

@@AnAdorableWombat1it’s government and cartel’s fault. Some people are born addicted and don’t even know it

[@Nightopian1982]

​@@joshuasuggs2379Yep, the traffickers have a lot of deaths to answer for. If the stuff wasn't there, fewer people would use it. I know the Taliban are some bad fuckers, but you've got to give them their dues for destroying as many of the opium crops as possible in Afghanistan. Unfortunately this has allowed for the Chinese to start creating these synthetic opioids, which are actually far more dangerous than heroin. I'm just so glad that I'm clean now. Shooting stuff when there's a chance you'll be shooting gear cut with these synthetics is a terrifying thought.

[@micheleparker3780]

Beautifully done! I loved Layne, still do. Such a beautiful soul; he's greatly missed 😢.

[@amandaguest7742]

Laynes story is just so sad. Breaks ur heart wat he went thru. Just wish things had been different for him then mayb he still b with us now. Such a very sad and tragic loss. His music i still play regularly. I miss him and his music so much Thank u for this great video. Always love the ones on Layne

[@Lily-gs9iv]

Wished he made better choices.

[@jamescaron6465]

You did a great job putting this together. Very thoughtfully done without a hint of bullshit or sensation. outstanding

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks!

[@johnytwotimes4072]

I tried to play rock all the time when I babysat my nephew. He's 17 now but only really listens to bad country music but he had Nirvana Unplugged playing and I said he should give Jar of Flies a listen and he said "I love Nutshell " my ❤grew 3 sizes that day. Proud Uncle right here 😊

[@khristophertanase3324]

I know that I’ve said this before but thank you for this. I was very close with Layne and Mike Starr, and this is so bittersweet. I particularly loved the “occasionally slept there” part about the Music Bank. Excellent work, brother!

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

That's amazing to me that you were close to them! Layne and Jerry are still my favorite musicians of all time. Dirt is still my go to and I'm 56 years old!!!! ❤

[@gatsbysgarage8389]

It’s always sad, yet fascinating, the relationship between successful music artists and depression/self medication

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Still one of the best singers of that entire era 🔥

[@ericjasonhughey1288]

I was 19 years old working at a lumber yard when I heard the news of his death. His music was a huge part of my teenage years and times, and it definitely felt like somebody died in my life, and I can remember feeling so upset that I would never get to purchase a new Alice in Chains album again. He is among my top five singers of all time, and will never be forgotten as long as I live and breathe.

[@bobthebear1246]

Such a sobering video. You did great with this one. R.I.P. Layne. 🌹 It's hard to believe it's been over 21 years and counting now.

[@alitlweird]

Holy shite!! 21 years?? 🤯 that’s perspective. I thought it was ten years ago.

[@filibustero1878]

8:10 10:48

[@filibustero1878]

13:03

[@darkerarts]

Such a tragic story. I've just been rediscovering Alice In Chains this week, and watching this has made me see some of those lyrics in a different light. The 'black gives way to blue' comment at the end was so touching to me after losing my mum recently.

[@avestuart]

I live in Seattle, my buddy worked at a coffee shop near Layne's condo in the U District. He'd sometimes go in there and he had a nickname for my buddy, he'd call him Tor Tor. My buddy said he was in pretty rugged shape.

[@stylerweiland]

Thank you for all your superb videos, including this gem. Layne's a legend that will live on in our hearts. He was the greatest, and will forever be missed.

[@lindamarie6574]

I’m 69 and I still love AIC and Layne Staley’s voice!

[@allysonballard9064]

I am 60 and still love their songs.

[@LORI-hj2gb]

I'm 65 and I also love AIC

[@liorap5636]

I am 54 and really just discovered them (heard man in the box on the radio and was like OH YEAH I remember this- and started checking out Dirt etc)

[@jodio7551]

58, and Man In The Box made me an AIC fan for life back in '91 if I remember correctly.

[@glenbaucom3920]

I've pulled up my alice in chains mix on my boat alone solo many nights. Depends on my mood. R.I.P. Layne what a great unique voice and sound, one of a kind.

[@RoryLynott]

To say that Staley's voice is captivating would be an understatement. A one of a kind. R.I.P. Staley, Cornell and Lanegan, Northwest legends.

[@marko3270]

Layne was so under appreicated while he was around and pretty much hated on by the media for his habits. Just so sad he couldnt find the strength to get out of his downward spiral. heartbreaking

[@ukulelesandharmoniesstatio7658]

I’m not sure how under appreciated he was…everyone knew he was great…like most rock stars he cared to much about what critics said and thought and was depressed because his fans appreciated him to much.

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

Absolutely 💯 💔💔💔

[@Jerry_Gallo]

wtf are you saying, he was praised all around the world: he reached levels of popularity and respect that, for example, Soungarden have never reached. on the contrary, he was so popular that people still was hoping for a comeback in the late 90s when it was already pretty clear that he had decided to just be a full time junkie. young people don't realize that the guy disappeared and basically quit with being a musician in the mid of the 90s and that everything he has done after that point it was because he was pushed to do it.

[@olliemac32]

As always, the research you put into these videos is so, so great. Keep up the great work.

[@RED-cy7ig]

Layne had a one of a kind voice.

[@hgrunenwald]

Agreed. The Stone Temple Toilets guy tried to copy him but was a lame failure.

[@TalonfromtheRC]

@@hgrunenwaldmaybe STPs first album, which was still great. Everyone was trying to do that voice back then. STPs second album Putple was way more defined and actually had THEIR unique sound

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

ABSOLUTELY 💯 ❤❤❤

[@kevinknestrick3797]

This was beautiful...Thanks for making this cause they have been my go to of all music since the late 80s.. RIP LS

[@sitindogmas]

i dont believe that Staley and his band mates ir his friends had a falling out, but what do you do when somebody just wants to be left alone. to say he had a powerful voice is an understatement, he was the most amazing singer in the last century

[@ugaais]

No that would be Frank Sinatra the Voice..in the world of rock….Robert Plant is the man

[@jamesfretwell1511]

​@@ugaaisno Freddie mercury is the all time great, and is number one on every single list ive seen online. That guy covered every genre known to man, not like most singers that stay in their comforf zone. He even released a opera album. Still dont believe hes the greatest male vocalist of all time? Just type into the search bar Freddie Mercury expressions of free love, and hear what a incredible talent he truly was.

[@jamesfretwell1511]

​@@ugaaisNo Freddie mercury is the best ever. Hes number one on every list you will find online, and he mastered ever genre music had to offer, even doing a opera album before he died. I'm guessing you haven't delved into his full body of music, but if you don't believe me just type in, Freddie mercury exercises in free love in the search bar, and tell me thats not the voice of the greatest male vocalist of all time.

[@ugaais]

@ number 3 according to Billboard top 50…impressive..Rolling Stone number 18…

[@ooverdosedchris]

cantrell said that they just wanted to exist without controlling one another. he said he knew that the mtv unplugged show would be one of the last time they sang together and that’s why the songs they did on it hit so deep.

[@Vampirate1782]

It broke my heart when he died. His decline… all of it so sad.

[@cherylmontgomery9753]

Thank you so much for uploading this video. A.I.C. has always held a place in my heart alongside many of the bands from that era. I always knew about the good and bad that A.I.C. had gone through including Madseason. What I didn't understand and always confused me was how and when all of their events took place. This video has put so much into perspective for me and for that I deeply appreciate and thank you. Layne Stanley's untimely death still haunts me and breaks my heart. RIP Layne Stanley you will forever live on through your music, in our hearts and thoughts. ❤

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

❤❤❤💔💔💔

[@holynapkin]

this is one of the best and accurate documentaries of Layne I have seen. Thank you for this

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@wolfgirl1722]

God I empathize so much with Layne. We have two very different upbringing’s but he struggled with depression from childhood issues where I struggled with service related ptsd. We both had/have struggled with drug addiction. Drug addiction to opiates (heroin for him/fentanyl & heroin for me) is fucking hell. I’ve been clean this time since July 17th. A lot of people will see a spoiled drug addicted rock star…. I see a man in absolute hell because you’re never happy in active addiction and to know that he was a hardcore addict to the end is so very very sad and terrifying to me. I love his voice, I love AIC’s songs. I feel them on a deeper level than a lot of people ever will. Thank you layne for your music. I cannot tell you how much it’s helped me. I’m so sorry you could never beat your demons. May you RIP.

[@maxsiehier]

"You're never happy in active addiction" yeah man. Hearing about the various legendary pieces they put out throughout Layne's addiction is kind of saddening to me. Hopefully he enjoyed some of their accomplishments while it happened.

[@greggchambers9716]

Wolfgirl I don't know you, probably never will, but I wish you the very, very best in your own recovery. The hardest thing I've ever done is pot, but I've seen some of the impacts of addiction, and it's never easy. I hope you are able to find a light to push back the demons. Take it a day at a time. If you've been clean for a couple of months now, that's a great start. I know it's hard. This stranger is wishing you well.

[@wolfgirl1722]

@@greggchambers9716 thank you so much dear internet friend. These words of wisdom and encouragement really go a long way for those of us in active addiction or fighting the good fight in early sobriety. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. May your days and nights burn bright and be ultimately fulfilled! ❤️🐕❤️🐕❤️🐕❤️🐕❤️🐕❤️🐕💕💗🎉🎊🥳🤩

[@brettshaver3074]

RIP to Layne. Absolute gem

[@stevebalmer111]

Staley and Cobain both died on my birthday 8 yrs apart. AIC played a warm up show for the dirt tour in Yakima Wa and I still have the butt of the cigarette Mike Starr (rip) gave me.🤘

[@YakuzaWu]

That’s crazy man. I’m intrigued to see what a 30+ year old butt looks like

[@Missy_561]

They died on the same day I didn't know that

[@Tribute2Layne]

I just love Layne. His voice was amazing. I would like to say can there ever be a story on him just about his voice and writing songs. How we just love him. Just saying. Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤️

[@AkDragosani]

Great Job on this Documentary!!.. Very well done 🤘🏻

[@jesurenbnb]

Layne's death is heartbreaking, and haunting, when you think about it, he died a recluse in his own home, trapped in the hell of addiction, until he passed.

[@maggiemae7539]

How is is it tearjerking and haunting? He chose his demise. What is sad he chose not to know Jesus. The only one that could save him. But he rejected Jesus.

[@jesurenbnb]

​​​​@@maggiemae7539what?!

[@avguris]

the connection that i have with him is so insane even though i was born after he died. im forever sorry for the way he was feeling and i will forever miss and love him. layne staley forever and ever.

[@alexbernhard5936]

I remember my first time hearing him. Discovering Mad Season was a new beginning. I take after his brutal honesty when i talk to people. If he can say what he says about his problems, there's no reason any of us can't do the same 🤷

[@A.HoneyBear277]

I had such a crush on him and still do

[@drewskkiiii]

The best band from this era by far!! They don’t get the flowers they deserve in my opinion.

[@ChrisBarnette-zk8iy]

It's sad when anyone decays slowly due to drug use. Most creative minds end up destroying themselves and I'm no therapist but I've always wondered why the greatest minds are the maddest, especially with not feeling their worthy of the success when they get it.. Rest easy Layne and Mike. Hope you found peace...

[@20th_century_Ghost]

Out of all of the tragic stories from the Seattle bands, Layne's story ended the saddest.

[@GarrettLoganGriffin]

Hands down the best band that came out of that scene in that era. They’re brilliant. I also think Jerry and the guys did right by the band by not getting a Layne clone when they came back around. William DuVall is such a great fit, and though I love every album they’ve put out since their comeback, Black Gives Way To Blue is a masterpiece, start to finish. That title track is one of the only songs that can really choke me up. I know they caught a lot of shit when they first came back saying “it’s not Alice without Layne.” To me, even though Layne’s voice is so unique and unmistakable, Jerry was the heart and soul of that band for me. He was the main songwriter, and contributed a TON to the lyrics. Which is evident by the same kind of lyricism you see in their post Layne works. Long live AIC. RIP Layne Staley. Also, brilliant video my friend. As usual.

[@StedeBonnetsCravat]

Still one of my top three favorite bands of all time.

[@bluewafflehunterimmortal9447]

Don't forget his mad season work.. wake up is his auto biography

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

I agree . It's like Iommi in Black Sabbath. Everyone knows Oz and that is as it should be but that band existed because of Iommi and his vision. Layne Staley was one of a kind but I don't know if we'd know his name if it wasn't for Jerry

[@Jermeister12]

Hell yeah😊Saw DuVall twice in Atlanta bands. Can't remember the names though.

[@GarrettLoganGriffin]

@@Jermeister12 One of them was Comes With The Fall, which was the band he was in when they recruited him for Alice. They were the opening band for Jerry’s solo tour for the Degradation Trip albums. They would open and William would come out and do Layne’s parts of Alice songs they played. So it came together pretty organically.

[@alicesings1971]

Layne took voice lessons from Maestro David Kyle in West Seattle. He later sent a Gold Record to the Maestro. Everyone that studied with the Maestro we werevlike a family. Because the Maestro had taught his students to project their voices and do operatic scales that is how Layne had such a powerful voice.

[@dyingbreed5386]

I remember when I heard about Lanes death. I was at a Rob Zombie meet & greet and as I was getting my copy of LaSexorcisto signed it was announced on the radio.There were at least 100 people there and you could feel the mood of the room just shift. Rob and I looking at each other, and he just said "Oh Sh**". Everyone there was completely bummed.

[@faceless1376]

Shame that Layne died but thanks for saving thousand other lives including mine. RIP Layne there will never be another you,never in a million years.

[@tomg_2]

Thank you to all who request these artists! Great vids lately. 🤘🏻

[@rnrtruestories]

Our pleasure!

[@jens2739]

My dad GF used to hang out with them in the 80's and party with them. She said Layne was really nice to everyone

[@rhino5250]

Sounds like your dads gf is a hoe 😂

[@boaconstrictor3754]

Andrew Wood, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Scott Wailand, Chris Cornell...RIP

[@isaiahspell3019]

Chester Bennington too

[@corvettefever360]

Wow! They are all fucking dead now.

[@DjangoFreeman-t9h]

Elvis Presley

[@dwade6322]

Another A.I.C. related video? YESSSS ! 🤟

[@sciji3118]

My Mom has a handwritten note from Layne. It says "Keep shaking it on and off of the catwalk Michelle!" Signed in beautiful cursive Layne Staley. My mom's kept it safe since he died to remember him by.

[@deannadrake2040]

Excellent work, as always, young man. Bravo! LOVE AIC. 💜

[@LDJ-r8e]

This was great! One of your best for sure. Thank you.

[@cloudbloom]

Layne had such a powerful voice, i fucking love Alice in Chains

[@michaelazariah73]

Layne was my favorite 😍 😭 ❤️ rock 🪨 🎸 vocalist of time

[@triz313]

Phew 😓 What a story. So much sadness for so long, but Layne is free now. TY for doing this video.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome

[@harrietpeabody2118]

Beautiful Soul! Thank you for sharing this

[@amaccama3267]

Great job Sidd. Loved every minute of it.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@steelcurtain187]

This was a painful one for sure. I loved your past few videos on Scott & Layne. 2 of the best and gone way too soon.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@TOPPJIMI-rp3zf]

Thanks

[@danny208YT]

It's the hepatitis that made him give up on life. Back in that day hepatitis felt like a death sentence. He was really depressed about having hep. Just terrible. Such a great man

[@carcarrion]

I struggle to make a cup of tea when I've got the flu, so for Layne to pull off this outstanding performance, even though he was struggling is nothing short of phenominal. RIP Layne, you are sorely missed.

[@karahicks8375]

R.I.P. 😢 you had an awesome voice!! The band's music will always be amazing!!!!! 🤘

[@walterkovacs2865]

29:41 hits hard now especially after Chris’s passing. (The little girl is Chris Cornell’s daughter.)

[@JohnMedved]

Great video brother. Such a loss. The day that Jar of Flies came out, and I played it the first time was when I decided that I was going to propose to my girlfriend (now wife). AIC means a lot to me and I think Duvall is doing a great job in a tough role.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks. Saw AIC in 2013 with Chevelle it was one of the best shows I’ve been to

[@SoFLDawg]

@@rnrtruestorieswere you ever fortunate enough to see the original lineup with Layne?

[@littlecatedward7737]

Thank you for finally doing this

[@trob1731]

When a local channel announced his death I yelled at the tv, "God damn it, Layne!" I knew he had problems and was hoping he would eventually pull it together. Addiction and depression is a bad mix. A tragic loss. When I hear Heaven Inside or No Excuses, I get a little teary eyed, not gonna lie.

[@haywoodyoudome]

I met him at a local club after seeing Van Halen (AIC was the opening band). Layne was wasted beyond belief and had the skankiest of skanks hanging all over him. Really surprised he lasted as long as he did being doped up all the time. A real waste of oxygen.

[@MuckyPup115]

You canNOT just “replace” these absolute LEGENDS. They can’t be replaced and in many cases, they ARE the band. This here being a prime example. Don’t care how many songs Cantrell wrote.

[@SludgeMan90]

Just finished Alice in Chains the untold story yesterday and now this video pops up. gonna be a depressing day

[@rnrtruestories]

I still have trouble listening to tripod such a depressing album

[@SludgeMan90]

@@rnrtruestories One of the bleakest albums ever made in my opinion. When I was struggling through real dark times, it became the soundtrack to my life, alongside Songs:Ohia's Didn't it Rain, David Berman's Purple Mountains and Warning's Watching From a Distance among others. It got to a point that the music became my comfortable escape that enabled my depression and hopelessness at the time. Today I take great caution with these incredibly powerful pieces of music, and I do not allow myself to over indulge to the point where their seductive defeatism takes a hold of me - as BGWTB says " I don't want to feel no more, it's easier to keep falling." It's harder to struggle than it is to give up and throw in the towel, and unfortunately tripod is brimming with that hopeless sentiment of giving in. It is my favorite album by the band, but also a dangerous one at that. That being said, my Fiancé and I would love it if you do a piece on Jason Molina's life. Incredible artist who started out in the 90s with a tragic demise that does not get the recognition he deserves. Thank you for the awesome videos!

[@suryadas6987]

Great book. I enjoyed it, anyway.

[@JamesIV97]

Absolutely love your content man!!!

[@ganzyjam2602]

SO so sad man I really hate it. Laynes fall into darkness has got to be one of the worst cases of drug addiction I've ever heard. In a Nutshell I loved the dude, RIP.

[@azureblue.567]

What a lovely ending to the video. Heard that Jerry's lovely as was Layne so that woman's daughter's very lucky to have an uncle like that. Rest in Peace Layne, such a shame we couldn't have seen what else he had to offer. AIC have made some of the *BEST* grunge music I've ever heard ❤

[@RebelGodessRed90]

8:32 Makes me so sad! His dreadlocks were beautiful and I’m so sad they were ripped out out of his head like that, what a terrible experience for him. It makes me so upset. I wish I met him in person but his presence would be enough for me! He was such a wonderful soul. It’s so sad how we lost him. His downward spiral is truly heartbreaking. A voice unlike any other! Still so powerful and unique to this day!🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶

[@flowers0fpeace]

Loved this. Awesome video. 🖤

[@mikestanislaus1107]

RIP Layne. Just an amazing front man. BTW, happy 31st birthday Dirt.

[@martinc5118]

Great video, thanks for this 😊

[@thedonofthsht76-58]

I always see that journalist who was writing the unofficial aic book in these videos, the one who claimed to have talked to him days before his death. No way it's true, he wasn't answering his door for his own friends and family let alone some book writer . Great video as always though

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

To not answer the door when rock stars are knocking he had to be in bad shape

[@gsmom3883]

I just read that Layne never spoke to that guy and was totally against “a book” of any kind. Initially, the other book by that chick that is selling at ridiculous prices, his mom and sister had some input, but when they realized Layne was against it, they cut off participation. In the end, none of the books were authorized by Layne, his family, or any of the band. That says a lot, to me anyway. ✌️

[@josephchavis9298]

Still breaks my heart till this day. What super awesome human. The absolute best rock vocals ever!

[@brianpinion5844]

Got lucky when I moved to Ohio in 93 , lived 4 miles away from Buckeye Lake Music Center and lollapalooza was a few days away .my mom thought it was some kind of circus and bought me tickets . damn it made for some great memories. I miss Layne and Thornville to , and most of all my mother