Rappers React To Alice In Chains "No Excuses"!!! (LIVE UNPLUGGED)

On this segment of Rappers React, Smokey and Hollywood checked out "No Excuses" by Alice In Chains!!! Any suggestions, send them our way!!!
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[@franniefromvenice]

This song is one of Sean Kinney's drumming masterpieces

[@marissanorth85]

Absolutely

[@joaopaulolopes1952]

So damn underrated.

[@stoneysopranoyukon9398]

Kinney was the unsung hero of the show.

[@cesarcalix9500]

I totally agree with all these comments.

[@jhawk1912]

"You my friend I will defend. And if we change well I'll love you anyway." Beautiful lyrics.

[@jonkenyon4876]

RIP Layne. you’re voice is one of the best of ALL-TIME.

[@gcofield4498]

Don't forget this band Rocks.Heavy.

[@marissanorth85]

This is Jerry's song written for Layne. The promise that they'd always be friends no matter what. It's also my favorite from AIC. AIC had total control. They rejected the editing several times because it showed Layne in a bad light. They had to start several songs over and over again. Not only was Layne high, but Jerry had food poisoning and had a garbage can ready to puke. The whole thing was rough. And it had been 3 years without ever playing together until just before this. They only had two more shows as band. Thanks, guys!!

[@Hollywood6IX]

Dang, it's crazy how much you know about this band.

[@sumonjamal1653]

Actually, AIC played 4 shows opening for Kiss in 1996 after this 'Unplugged' set.

[@marissanorth85]

@@sumonjamal1653 I've only ever read two. But I'll take your word! Thanks!

[@willhpc4-life249]

Last 2 shows were Kemper Arena, Kansas City..before that was Detroit I believe for 2..but after their last KC show Layne immediately od’d..I hate heroin..

[@sumonjamal1653]

@@willhpc4-life249 These were Layne's last Alice In Chains shows opening for Kiss in 1996: Jun 28 - Tiger Stadium, Detroit Jun 30 - Louisville Jul 2 - St. Louis Jul 4 - Kansas City

[@kimzwolinski9919]

One of the most iconic live performances by anyone ever is Love Hate Love live at the Moore. I know you guy’s have done the studio version but you are missing out on greatness not seeing the live. The studio version doesn’t come close. I’m positive that when and if you do check it out you will agree 💯

[@bonniebennett6866]

Best!!! Ever!!! This needs several thumbs up so these guys do that one.. or did they already??

[@kimzwolinski9919]

@@bonniebennett6866 they did the studio version 😊

[@dizzle7558]

Yes..

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

I would live to see them do an extended reaction with the whole Live At The Moore set the 5 song video of it

[@bigdaddypiggy]

I remember watching this the 1st time it aired & thinking to myself “this is most likely the last time we’ll ever see Layne perform?” Sucks to be right sometimes 🖤😞

[@kristaspecht]

Me too😥

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

In my opinion, this is the best Unplugged set out of all of them. With Nirvana and Pearl Jam a close 2nd and 3rd, respectively. I know that's a hot take. Most people will say Nirvana had the best Unplugged set. But for me, nothing beats AiC Unplugged 🤘🏼🤌🏼🔥

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

@@tubafishy tbh I was surprised it was considered a hot take at all. I remember seeing most of the Unplugged series when it came out. I was a teen at the time so it was amazing to me. I remember back then everyone I knew pretty much agreed AiC was best. It wasn't until around the 2010s that I started seeing everyone, especially online, say it was Nirvana's set that was best. Mostly by people that didn't pay attention or weren't even alive when all the Unplugged concerts first aired on MTv.

[@jordan0010]

Facts🤘

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

@@jordan0010 lol bro I just realized this is a Trash Talkers video and not Maddy Wick. You also reacting here confused tf outta me.

[@jordan0010]

I'm everywhere, i'm like the wind baby😂

[@ZIPPYSWHIPS]

Can we bang live in at #4?... 😁

[@smokeyverton7981]

AIC on Headbanger's Ball were some of the best episodes. My favorite is when they went to the water park

[@AylaRose]

Probably the most famous episode! It showed them as their true, goofy, silly selves at a time where most figured they were dark, heavy and depressed.

[@davidmatheny1993]

I am sure the decision to do Unplugged was to try and keep Layne close to the band and to briefly have him in a motivated environment. Other people used music to try and help Layne stay in a good headspace as well. In 1995, Layne was part of a side project called Mad Season. Y'all might have heard "River of Deceit" or "I Don't Know Anything" from it.

[@vikingraiders6703]

Brother from unplugged is great, and Man in the Box Live at the Moore Laynes voice is on fire, pure power at his best

[@marissanorth85]

Brother is gorgeous on this set!

[@tracyr8525]

Frogs from AIC Unplugged please

[@theOGnokk]

There actually is a AIC shirt that showed Alice from Brady bunch wrapped in chains. I had it as a teen. Got it off of rockabillia

[@KarrasSim]

I had that shirt too 😉

[@chelseahaley8350]

To this day, Layne's voice is still one of my favorites! He 💯 dabbled in other substances! His toxicology reported that he died from a mixture of Heroin and Cocaine....Breaks my heart that his demons got the best of him in the end!

[@Levi_Amongst_the_Watchers]

This is one of my favorite songs from them.

[@annex318]

That tree in the seat had me cracking up because I didn’t see the legs at first. That’s one way to guarantee that nobody will sit next to you!! 😂😳 So happy that you are doing Alice In Chains!!! They are my favorite!!! When William Duvall first joined, Jerry Cantrell did most of the singing, but they harmonized so well. Back when Jerry did his solo shows, Big Willie opened for him with his band then he would also performed with Jerry. AIC was on hiatus for years before Layne died & then 2 years following the his death. The remaining members decided to get back together for charity after the typhoon in Japan. Jerry called up William to audition for the guys. He blew them away with “Love, Hate, Love.” I suggest you check out their Live concert with them playing that song. No one can compare to Layne, but William gave a stellar version of it. I’m glad that Alice In Chains is still going. 😊❤🤘💗

[@jonathantaylor3074]

"The Killer is Me" is a song that they only performed during this session. It was not released on any other album. The rest of the songs were their hits, except maybe "Frogs" and "Sludge Factory." Man, so many things. Can you imagine Layne performing with Maynard and Tool!? It happened. Or even the aspect of A Perfect Circle's 2nd album 'Thirteenth Step' is a reflection of Layne's downfall. So much to unpack.

[@joncokejones9318]

Nutshell wasn’t a hit at the time. It is now but back in 1996 it was a very unknown song.

[@douglasg.9271]

Unplugged was the best thing mtv ever did. Check out Stevie Ray Vaughan doing “life by the drop”, and REM “radio song”. 10,000 Maniacs also had a great performance too.

[@kristaspecht]

Life by the drop is one of my favs!

[@Kevin_Fiol]

'Walk the line' - to behave in a socially accepted manner, especially related to morality; to exercise self control.' In an addicts life, it means to stay clean. I first became familiar with the phrase from the Johnny Cash song, who also (in)famously had issues with addiction ❤

[@annex318]

Alice In Chains did videos for EVERY off of the RANIER FOG album. You have to follow the episodes in order because it’s a mini movie. Also you should do the title song “Black Gives Way To Blue.” It is soooo beautiful. It’s Jerry’s goodbye to his best friend, Layne. Elton John was asked to play piano on it, which he readily did right away because of how heavy it is on the heart. 💗💗😭😭💗💗

[@julien2231]

Black give way to blue was my addiction when it came out❤

[@annex318]

⁠@@julien2231 me too!! It’s so heavy on Jerry that they’ve only done it twice I think in concert. I had it heavily on repeat!! 😢😢

[@danabomb100]

I have yet to be able to get thru that song without breaking down.

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

Their harmonies are sensational

[@thunderspike1892]

Jerry Cantrell did the lead vocals on Grind, Heaven Beside Me and Over Now from the Alice In Chains album. And of course the Co-lead vocals on No Excuses and the lead vocals on Don't Follow from Jar Of Flies. Of course he is singing today. He also did a few solo albums. Check out Cut You In and Devil By His Side. The harmonies between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell were phenomenal. During the Unplugged recording Cantrell was faily ill because of food poisoning. So great job by him

[@sterling8298]

I remember when this song came out. This song is bad ass.😊😊😊

[@wadew3623]

Actually, this Unplugged performance has them playing some songs that probably were not big hits for them, like "Sludge Factory." I assume most people wouldn't have expected them to play that one, but they did, and pulled it off, too.

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

Layne messing up the lyrics and immediately realizing it always made me chuckle. Then the back and forth with him and Jerry is classic

[@AmberPearcy]

I think we’re missing the “Down in the Hole” unplugged, right? I checked and didn’t see a reaction yet. Got to participate in a live band karaoke cover of “No Excuses”. Good times! ☺️

[@marissanorth85]

They did do it. But it got copyright claimed after 2 weeks a couple years ago.

[@AmberPearcy]

@@marissanorth85 bummer. Thanks!

[@jordan0010]

​@@marissanorth85Have they ever done Don't Follow? That's also a must listen

[@marissanorth85]

@@jordan0010 not yet!

[@correctlyrics]

This song was the lead single off the Jar of Flies album. I don't know where it charted, but everybody liked it.

[@theOGnokk]

No excuses is a hit song off the jar of flies EP

[@kristaspecht]

Mornin fellas! Man,it is hard to watch these sometimes and see how Layne is deteriorating. But i will say unplugged was kool and im glad they did it and were together. RIP Layne😢

[@KenBober]

With what you guys said at the end was spot on. Right before i overdosed and pretty much died my only concern was when i could get my next fix. Relationships, bills and work took the back seat. Only close friends know everything i was on but i was very open with my drinking.

[@hippsgary]

DuVall's Atlanta band "Comes with the Fall" toured with Cantrell's solo group in the early 2000s. If you listen to Comes with the Fall, you'll hear DuVall's style that he brought with him into AiC.

[@lostinmyhead07]

Yeah Jerry asked him to do an Alice In Chains song, liked the way it sounded, so there was no real search , that’s how they found him. Do a post Layne song, try your decision.

[@paulshaw9953]

Pretty sure he was in Jerry's solo band too... I'm sure he was with him when I saw Jerry solo many years ago

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

Comes With the Fall was the opening act and his backing band on the Degradation Trip tour

[@seriusacton]

This unplugged episode has always been hard to watch, knowing what we know now. RIP Layne

[@kristaspecht]

Dito

[@SearlesHernandez]

"You, my friend I will defend. And if we change, well I Love you anyway." 💚🤙 The song Z71 (Sean Stemaly) mentions AIC in the first verse.

[@zakk219]

The performance of Down In A Hole from this show is one of my favorite live performances ever. I don't know if you have already reacted to the song but I think that performance would be a good reaction.

[@donnawicks6899]

About time you did some of Jerrys solo stuff

[@jdbroders64]

This was when Layne was near the end just before his death and he was obviously high during this unplugged concert. Even so, bits of his brilliance came through here and there. This was a sad ending to an amazing talent that left us way too soon through his struggle with addiction. RIP Layne. You are missed.

[@marissanorth85]

He still had 6 years. I can't imagine if he looked like this what he must have looked like after 6 years.

[@sumonjamal1653]

Alice In Chains were struggling between 1987 and 1990 when they were unsigned in Seattle... Jerry Cantrell, Layne Staley, Sean Kinney and Mike Starr were 4 guys who lived together in poverty and depended on each other. There was a news crew that filmed the band around 1989 and Jerry was the main songwriter and he sounded defiant and determined even back then... The band played small, grimy clubs and couldn't really hold on to a regular job. When Alice In Chains released 'Facelift' in 1990, the band took any gig that came their way... They opened for Poison ... Slayer ... Van Halen... Extreme... anyone who would put them on tour... It wasn't until 'Man in the box' became an MTV hit in 1991 that Alice In Chains finally saw some record sales... However, that year was also the first time Layne ended up in rehab - he and Mike Starr were both using he+++n. Alice In Chains wanted to have the same appeal as Led Zeppelin did (They didn't want to be known only as a 'heavy rock' band), so they recorded the acoustic EP 'Sap' in 1991... and then they did another semi-acoustic EP 'Jar of Flies' in early 1994 (which went to #1 on the US charts) ... 'No excuses' was the single off 'Jar of Flies'... By that point, Mike Inez (bass) had replaced bassist Mike Starr in 1993 because Starr was so tripped up on he+++n that he couldn't play live anymore... Layne was upset that Mike Starr was fired, and his relationship w/ the band deteriorated as his he+++n addiction got worse... Alice In Chains were to open for Metallica in the Summer of '94, but they cancelled. Jerry apparently wrote 'No excuses' for Layne because he wanted the singer to know that beyond Alice In Chains... Layne was still a friend... But the band were all living separately in 1994 and communication between Layne and the band was difficult. Alice In Chains wrote their 1995 self-titled album w/ Jerry, Sean & Mike Inez working by themselves and Layne would come in and write lyrics later. The album still went to #1 on the US charts without any tour. By 1994, Layne made an effort to get clean and worked w/ a group of Seattle musicians who were also struggling to stay clean and sober ... They worked on a record together and called themselves Mad Season, featuring Layne... Pearl Jam's Mike McCready (guitar), Screaming Trees' Barett Martin (drums) and The Walkabouts' John Baker Saunders (bass)... Mad Season released 1 album 'Above' in 1995 that sold gold in the US and had a hit single - 'River of deceit'... Layne declined to work w/ Mad Season on a second album and the band ended permanently after the death of bassist John Baker Saunders in 1999 from an OD. After the death of Layne's ex GF Demri Parrott in 1996, the singer disappeared from public view... his last performances were w/ Alice In Chains opening 4 shows for Kiss in 1996... Layne Staley OD'd after the last show, but survived... Alice In Chains went on hiatus. In 1998, Layne Staley agreed to work w/ Alice In Chains on new songs for the band's boxed set... He was using and looked thin and frail... He completed 2 songs - "Get born again"... and 'Died' (Layne was obviously still hurting over Demri's death in the song 'Died') ... He did some interviews in 1999 and then disappeared from view again. Jerry Cantrell released a solo album 'Boggy Depot' in 1998 which sounded nothing like Alice In Chains... He finished a double CD 'degradation trip' in 2002 which did sound like Alice In Chains. Jerry had confronted Layne because he knew the singer was just looking for an excuse to leave the studio to get high again, but it was no use... Drummer Sean Kinney said he tried over time to visit Layne at his apartment, but nothing happened... Former bassist Mike Starr admitted visiting Layne in 2002 and said he was in bad shape, but wouldn't let him leave... Layne was found dead in his apartment from an OD in 2002... Mike Starr appeared on 'Celebrity Rehab' TV show attempting to clean up again, but he died of a prescription OD in 2011...

[@brianc5942]

Great song and performance. Makes you sad when you see the tragic ending. Got Me Wrong is my favorite track from this setlist, def. worth a listen.

[@Evl_1]

There is a video on how this cam together. They said Layne had "HIS STUFF" to get him right to play the show. Heroin makes lights hurt your eyes.SO layne wore glasses but finally took them off later in the show. At least bright light made my eyes hurt. )Aug was 23 years clean.) Jerry had food poisoning. This show was crazy it even happened. Layne will always been the lead singer. Sorry Willy you try.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

Wow, congrats on 23 years!!!

[@kristaspecht]

Great job on 23 yrs!!

[@Evl_1]

@@kristaspecht Thanks!. I just try to look at it like I have today. Tomorrow we start again. Have so many friends who are no longer with us. Thanks again.

[@Evl_1]

@@kimzwolinski9919 hardest part at the beginning was getting away from all your friends. Now it’s just working on today. Tomorrow I start again. Thanks so much.

[@kristaspecht]

@@Evl_1 I feel ya on that! I've been clean for a long time myself! I've lost a few friends. I just keep on keeping on no matter what. And I tell myself for me going back is never an option. Kudos to you for keeping on:)

[@kylesage-clontz]

I used to play guitar in a band where I had to start picking up more backing vocals, so the lead singer and I would get together for him to give me some singing lessons. Doing this song at karaoke with him was one of my favorite parts of my training.

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

I've watched this unplugged a million times.seriously.

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

William was in a band called Comes With The Fall and met Jerry through a mutual friendand Jerry would occasionally pop up on stage with them then when Jerry toured for his second solo album Degradation Trip Comes With The Fall was both the opening act and Jerry’s backing band with William doing Layne’s parts when they did AIC songs. Then when they did the Layne tribute shows William did Love Hate Love and did Rooster which was Ann Wilson of Heart’s song that night during the pre show camera blocking. Because she didnt get down on time.

[@SquirrelSeb84]

Layne's genius resided in him being able to be such an amazing singer and writer *DESPITE* drugs, not because of them. Yes, he wrote about them in such a poetic way that could make anyone curious, but he saw them more as cautionary tales than glorification. It's heartbreaking that people didn't understand that.

[@ColinFurness77]

I've seen these guys in concert 3 times... once with Layne (opening for Van Halen) and twice with Willy (one headlining, and recently opening for GnR). The setlist for both Willy shows was like 80-90% Layne era stuff. I also saw Jerry Cantrell solo in the early-mid 2000s at a small club in Vancouver called Richard's on Richards. His set was all Alice In Chains except for one song. Big Willy's band opened up for him, and he also got up and did a few Chains songs with Jerry. He joined the band a few years later. That was an incredible concert, seeing those iconic songs done in such a small and intimate venue.

[@jdc43069]

They did have a shirt that had Alice from the show in chains

[@jordan0010]

Great Reaction! Don't Follow is also a beautiful song by them❤

[@bonniebennett6866]

That was a hit for them.

[@davidmassey6332]

I saw Alice In Chains on their first tour with Duvall and on certain songs, if you closed your eyes, you almost didn’t know it wasn’t Layne. Willy is that good. And they played ‘Would?’ Last, Jerry was crying his eyes out. ‘Check my Brain’ is my favorite song written with Duvall, check it out sometime

[@racebiketuner]

I really like the sound engineering on this version.

[@Teresa-ih4sn]

Again God said "youre too good, comin up here!" ❤ R.I.P. Layne!❤ sing when you wanna now!

[@Shammrock62]

They lead off the show with Nutshell, that was never released as a single, but is one of their most popular songs. this set is a mix of hits and non hits.

[@GhostofKaiser]

Nirvana’s Unplugged is the most iconic, but Alice In Chains’ Unplugged is the best, imo. You’ve both hit on why in every single video you’ve seen from that set. I think it would be great for the both of you to stream/react to Jar of Flies in its entirety (album on which No Excuses is found). Probably their best overall Layne album, but also the most emotional one.

[@tamibrandt]

NO EXCUSES is about lead singer Layne Staley’s battle to overcome his heroin addiction. Another theme is Jerry’s unstable relationship with Layne as well as Jerry coming to Layne’s aide even if they grow apart. Jar of Flies EP came out in 1994, the band became inactive two years later when Layne's addiction became too troublesome. The lyrics: You find me sittin' by myself / No excuses, then I know -- In Layne’s case, he lost the closeness he had with his bandmates before, and doesn’t have anyone else to take their places. He knows that it’s his own fault and he did it to himself. Also, during the time leading up to his death, it was noted that he would frequent a bar near his condo, and pass out in a corner by himself. The lyrics: Every day it's somethin' / Hits me all so cold -- I believe this line is a reference to the cold sweats one experiences from the beginning of withdrawal, furthermore I believe he is saying everyday hardship makes him want to relapse because the challenges of daily life are too much. The lyrics: Leave our rain and cold, trade for warm sunshine -- Jerry wants Layne to detox, trading his rain (addiction) for sunshine (sobriety). Though, it could be directed at any addict. The lyrics: You, my friend, I will defend / And if we change, well, I'll love you anyway -- The final verse seems to come to a resolve in stating that Jerry will "defend" Staley and that, should they grow further apart, he will "love Layne anyway." Jerry's mother and grandmother had died within 5 months of each other and within the year, Jerry had lost his family, his house and everything he knew. When he met Layne, Jerry was coming out of a situation where his entire world had just blown up. Jerry saw Layne perform at the Tacoma Little Theater just as Jerry was about to blow town. The second Layne opened his mouth and sang Jerry immediately knew he wanted to be in a band with Layne. They met personally at a house party and Layne learned of Jerry's situation of no home, no family in the area (his parents divorced when he was young, his dad lives in Oklahoma). Jerry had little money left. Layne (drunkenly) offered Jerry a place to live (moving in with Layne at the 50-room rehearsal hall called the Music Bank that Layne lived/worked in), Layne got Jerry a job there. Layne gave him food, clothes, money. Layne got Jerry the guitars and gear he needed. Jerry was looking to put a band together and Layne gave him the number to drummer Sean Kinney's girlfriend who happened to be original bass player Mike Starr's sister. Mike Starr was the original bass player before Mike Inez came in the middle of the Dirt tour. Starr's last show was Rock in Rio festival on January 22, 1993. The band told Mike Inez to meet them in London in February 1993 for the rest of the tour and Inez has been with AIC ever since. Christmas 1987 was the first Christmas for Jerry since his mother and grandmother died, Layne invited Jerry to spend Christmas 87 with his stepdad, mom, and siblings. Layne encouraged Jerry to sing more, after all, they were Jerry's lyrics he should sing them. Vice-versa, Jerry encouraged Layne to play the guitar which is how you get Layne playing guitar on HATE TO FEEL and ANGRY CHAIR as well as I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING on the Mad Season Above album. Jerry encouraged him on the guitar and was proud that Layne grew as a guitarist. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine taught Layne more chords than ANGRY CHAIR and HATE TO FEEL. The friendship between Jerry and Layne was unbreakable. Jerry NEVER once thought of replacing Layne as the singer while Layne was still alive. He always wanted Layne to sing whenever he had AIC do something. If there were ever cosmic soulmates ... Layne and Jerry would be it. And by that I mean, they were Sympatico with each other. The way they sang together was a perfect pitch where two voices make one. What you hear and see between Jerry and Layne was a genuine friendship. They looked after each other. When one had problems with a song, the other picked up the slack. They were a team. Jerry was doing a solo concert in Charlotte, NC when he heard that Layne was found two weeks after he died and Jerry was trying to get through the concert and crying. He did shows between the time he found out about Layne until Layne's funeral because if he had taken a break then, he didn't think he'd want to continue anything later after the mourning period. Alice In Chains was a band, but they were also a family. They had internal issues just like any family. When Layne died, it was like losing a loved one, a family member, you don't think of the fights you had with the person who died. You defend their memory. There is a reason Jerry wrote NO EXCUSES about Layne and the line "You, my friend, I will defend / And if we change, well, I'll love you anyway." "My grandmother and mother were such huge losses, but I got Layne, the guys, and I got this.” - Jerry Cantrell, Kerrang! (December 1, 2018) “Jerry really loved Layne [Staley]. They had a bond I haven't seen before,” Jerry’s former manager Bill Siddons, April 19, 2002 (the day Layne was found two weeks after he died). The song was well-received by music critics and was a charting success, becoming the first Alice in Chains song to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, spending a total of 26 weeks on the chart. It has gone on to become one of the band's most popular songs. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). Alice In Chains performed an acoustic version of NO EXCUSES for its appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1996, which marked the last time they performed the song with Layne, and that version was included on the band's Unplugged live album and home video release.

[@mikewatts1533]

If it was "Alice" from the Brady Bunch, then she was a Freak! Chain her up and chain her down. Back when MTV actually had music videos and some great programming! This Unplugged series was one of their best. Thanks again Guys and keep up the great work.

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

Well Sam the butcher would most likely have meat chained up in the freezer at his shop so why not

[@mikewatts1533]

@@jasonjtd79dunne88That is even more freaky than my mind would allow.

[@gNome_5]

Layne Staley = GOAT He is irreplaceable-his voice was so unique and unparalleled-incredibly powerful (before crippling addiction) and painfully beautiful, filled with raw and unabashed emotion. Each and every time I hear Layne Staley's voice, I feel the sadness, the sorrow, and the sheer hopelessness that I know he felt. Unfortunately, I once lived in that bottomless pit known as herøin addiction (and other drugs). Today, I'm lucky and grateful to be free from that unequivocally suicidal torture-I only wish Layne's story didn't have to end as it did. It's an absolute guaranteed one-way trip to the deepest, darkest rings of an unimaginable hell-one I wouldn't wish even on an enemy! 🍀🤯🔥 RIP-Your wings are no longer denied! 🕊️💔😭 Layne Thomas Staley 08/22/67-04/05/02 🤘🏼❤️♾️

[@amymeyers8090]

My favorite Chains song! Harmonies are amazing! Layne seemed very detached.

[@nickpalmer-deverill3598]

You guy's need to watch Pete & Bas. Two UK rappers in their 60's. Get on it!

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

Makes me cry...good vid guys

[@KarrasSim]

This is my all time FAVORITE song from AIC. I love their entire catalogue, but this one hits differently. Jerry and Layne’s relationship was complicated, and this song was an honest, sad and beautiful testament to the love of friendship. The themes of Layne’s addiction and how it affected those around him has made an impact that has never left me. He was not in a good place when they recorded this. When he came out, I remember crying when I saw him. He looked like a shell of his former self. He was missing teeth. After he passed, I couldn’t listen to this song for a good long time.

[@billspivey6919]

Song- Junkhead

[@ShanLH5]

They did a reaction to it 😊

[@dancrabbe6423]

Metallica was in the front row at this performance. They had just cut their hair and shocked everybody. Mike Inez, the AIC bass player, wrote "friends don’t let friends get friends haircuts" on his bass.

[@rockyalls4386]

My fav AIC song and the live version just HITS!!

[@JJack-eb5mc]

Should still check out the love hate love live version by them. You guys did the studio version but the live version is fire

[@balazskalman-og6du]

Do jerry cantrell cut you in or alice in chains heaven beside you or do the album black gives way to blue or rainer fog

[@annex318]

Aren’t the cameos great in “Cut You In”?!?!? I love the song & video. 💗💗

[@marissanorth85]

All 😂

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

Would love you to see LIVE HATE LOVE...the live Seattle gig in black and white .ITS EPIC

[@nancymjohnson]

TY 😎❤️

[@MightyPee]

Don't see any reply to one of your question in the comments so here I go : no, nobody can tell to the band what to play. Yes, the band feel quite obliged to play some of their hits, but ultimately they choose the set list for sure. Hey ! There are quite some obscure songs on this setlist, just like Frogs and Nothin' Song. Also, Them Bones wouldn't be a great Unplugged fit, maybe :P Oh ! And if MTV had to say a thing, I think they would have obliged AiC to play Man In The Box for sure.

[@fernandonavarrette4522]

Absolutely love the t-shirts, guys!! Representing! ✌️

[@jasonswanson7473]

Greatest live performance of all time

[@_bats_]

Layne died from a speedball, so he definitely got into the powder in some form or other.

[@chaderbox]

Just found y'all the other day, and really enjoy the videos. I think you guys would appreciate reacting to an artist called Amigo the Devil, song Another Man's Grave. Keep up the entertaining videos.

[@it-really-hurts2092]

The whole MTV album is great.

[@marinedude_06]

Here's a band I doubt you've ever done. Alice Cooper with the song no one's reacted to, Somewhere In The Jungle.

[@mlbp4384]

Please do the song Frogs from this same MTV Unplugged. It's so good!

[@fernandonavarrette4522]

He wore sunglasses cause where ever he was, there was Sunshine!!

[@LostHate]

I'm fairly sure you already did "Love Hate Love" live at The Moore but if not you definitely have to. Polar opposite side of him.

[@sterling8298]

Speaking of unplugged, you also do a reaction to korn's unplugged.😊

[@southernson3566]

Strongly recommend listening to interviews with Mark Lanegan whew he talks about partying with Layne, and trying to keep up.

[@Benni-rp9or]

My understanding is that MTV wanted the bands to only play their most popular music. Most bands did what they were asked, but Nirvana bucked the trend and did their own thing. I watched a short YT documentary on it a while back and that's what I remember hearing

[@southernson3566]

When I hear Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb I think of Layne and this show.

[@amyberanekdeakino4656]

Please react to Brother from Unplugged. Their harmonies are unreal❤

[@LifelessDeaD75]

Duvall played with Jerry on his solo album

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

Im sad that I've faded outa recent AIC with big Willie...when they did soundwave here after he joined he was pretty good..."one door closes another opens" he says...he acknowledged the elephant in the room...no Layne...but they did their so g's very well...never seen so many people bawling.crazy.

[@MrGmonkeywillruleyou]

Jerry writes most of their good songs, including this one

[@kenday5735]

The guys in Metallica were in the front row of this concert. They had just cut their hair and that's why the bass said friends don't let friends get friends haircuts. Lane had just gotten out of rehab literally right then and shot up a bit. Jerry had "food poisoning"

[@anthonymartin1S.A.]

Jerry's playin is wicked❤

[@odieooops4171]

One of my favorites ❤

[@broncdiddysauce8393]

Rumor has it that Layne liked to do heroin and cocaine (speedball). I believe it was in his system when he passed. A tragic loss, yet the memory remains. We will all miss him, and enjoy his works for all of history.

[@cesarcalix9500]

I love every AIC songs but, No excuses is definitely my favorite song 🎶 🎵

[@937jaminrob]

If you have not heard mad season “ river of deceit “ it is well worth the listen & reaction. Also Chris Cornell solo song “Seasons” is amazing. Thanks for your reactions!

[@kennyoconnor6564]

Top 3 Unplugged concerts is Nirvana, Clapton, Chains.

[@vivnoname]

RIP Layne, what an amazing voice ❤️He’s pretty out of it, once he takes of the sunglasses he could barely keep his eyes open. Very sad story.

[@yolandabrooksqueenofsevens]

Happy Birthday Jerry ❤

[@achebwahs1111]

Saw them live but was fairly wasted. Was the times I guess. Remember having a blast just sketchy on the details

[@cathy2210]

Layne was worth millions when he died. I read 14m back in the day.

[@cignochannel7970]

Shout out to the Queensrÿche shirt! Would love to see y’all react to “Take Hold of the Flame (live in Tokyo” and their unlpugged version of “I Will Remember.” Two vocal performances by Geoff Tate that will blow your mind.

[@reneezie]

The look of not wanting be there is %100 correct, there was doubt between the band members as to whether he would show up and if he would be loaded or not. The thing is in reality as well, his addicted self didn’t want to be there but wanting to get high, numb and escape. But that is the reality of addiction. Also btw in the audience were members of the band Metallica. It’s so sad that addiction is not treated as the mental illness that it really is. My husband died of addiction at 49.

[@gregorybennett5640]

It may look like he doesn’t want to be there but, as you already know I’m sure, he was high as a kite. Did a shot right before going on (so everyone found out later). Actually, there were several versions of this show edited by MTV, but were rejected by AIC because MTV kept put in shots of Layne nodding off between songs, and if I remember correctly, nodding off during songs. Finally MTV edited the concert in a way that looked favorable to Layne and the band, and this is what we see.

[@dizzle7558]

"Big Willie"COULDN'T TIE LAYNE STALEY'S SHOELACES..He's doing a solid job though..

[@nikkikat1325]

Is this the performance where Layne was “sick”? Breaks my heart

[@puppetmaster8551]

Jerry Cantrell is GOATed, one of the best songwriters ever and a flawless live performer. This is just one of the many masterpieces he’s written, also shoutout Sean Kinney for one of the best drum beats ever and Mike Inez for crushin it on bass, their rhythm section is so good.

[@jordan0010]

Hey bro i see you in alot of comment sections and you seem to be the biggest AIC fan. Just wondering did Layne write Nutshell?

[@marissanorth85]

@@jordan0010 yes

[@jordan0010]

@@marissanorth85 Thanks👍🤘

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@jordan0010 Layne wrote the lyrics for nutshell, Jerry inez and sean wrote the music together. For Jar of flies Layne wrote lyrics for rotten apple/nutshell/I stay away/swing on this, Jerry wrote all of no excuses and don’t follow including lyrics and then he wrote whale and wasp when he was 19, rotten apple Music was Jerry and Inez, nutshell music was Jerry Inez and Sean, I stay away music was Jerry and Inez, and swing on this music was Jerry Inez and Sean.

[@jordan0010]

@@puppetmaster8551 ah nice one thanks👍🤘