What if Layne Staley Beat His Addiction?

[@TheMusicNarrative]

To clear up any confusion: This video is a HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO. The majority of the events I describe didn't actually occur. The whole idea of my "What If?" series is to simply lay out an alternate timeline of events. This is directly addressing the comments claiming I didn't do my research and everything I said is "wrong".

[@burnzyburnswild]

There needs to be a memoir on Staley’s life. That’s tragic there isn’t one

[@denisdowling3971]

Hear hear.

[@randomcookie4546]

The closest you’ll get is Alice In Chains: The Untold Story

[@HildeAzul]

Everyone in his life is so secretive. However, that is what he would have wanted, so these are good people.

[@cynthiahutchinson459]

I agree

[@aicsynthesizer]

Mark Lanegan's autobiography let's go of the veil that many people had about Layne, from sharing a single needle between him and Lanegan during the joint screaming trees tour and constantly sharpening it with a matchbox, to playing a prank on a woman to drink the blood between em. it's an insane autobiography, and if you want to learn more about the bad habit that Layne, Lanegan, and their drug friend Bob Hicks shared, Sing Backwards and Weep is perfect if you're looking for a memoir, or something close to it. I recommend Chapter 4-10.

[@an-gj3vi]

What could’ve been. What a tragic loss.

[@scottyjordan3036]

no it was just a short period, his new stuff would SUCK trust me.

[@gamzillio]

@@scottyjordan3036 trust YOU? Pass.

[@scottyjordan3036]

@@gamzillio BUTTHURT WEAK

[@Jmilillo]

@@scottyjordan3036 I doubt it. I think it would’ve been good. John Frusciante of RHCP had a really bad heroin addiction throughout the 90s. He was in bad physical condition just as Layne was after years of abuse. He got sober in 1998 and had one of the most productive creative periods of his life. What’s not to say that the same thing would’ve happened to Layne?

[@AliceInDarkness190]

@@scottyjordan3036 Stuff can never suck when written by such a talented human being. His talent was out of this world and he had a lot more to give to the art of music but it wasn't meant to be

[@GreenWithEvil33]

Since Layne was a gamer, I wonder if he would have become a Twitch streamer had he not died.

[@aisle_of_view]

Once his GF died, the clock was ticking for LS.

[@wendysavvy4351]

And then when Layne died, the clock was ticking for Mike Starr. 🌹😥

[@THE_GOP_]

@@wendysavvy4351 honestly it was ticking before laynes death

[@karipogue5647]

Miss you Lane 😢

[@aces553]

Layne

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

I wish Seattle would have a memorial for all the talented musicians no longer with us. Layne and Chris and Kurt and all the other guys had a profound impact on my young life. Love you guys

[@BlackjackHookers-nj7qj]

They do have one for Kurt they also have one for Hendrix

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

@@BlackjackHookers-nj7qj I'd like to see something dedicated to all the grunge guys.

[@dr3dnaut38]

I mean its probably hard to celebrate their lives due to how they all wound up. Its not like these guys died from accidents. Drugs took all of them too early.

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

@dr3dnaut38 yea none of us are perfect. But I've looked up to many of those guys and think about them all the time. The good they did far outweighed their personal problems. Nobody wants to be remembered for a mistake...

[@dr3dnaut38]

@@TravisBrady-wn8fr well thats kind of the problem most of these guys are remembered for exactly that. I mean you cant help but bring jt up when you talk about what the world might look like today for them had they not squandered that god given talent of theirs. Its a shame because they all seemed to be beautiful souls.

[@nickk7425]

I literally had "The Best of alice in Chains" in my CD player on infinite repeat during my time in Marines back in the early 2000s. Layne Staley may have the best voice of all time. RIP Layne😢

[@CP-kb1du]

Vocalist of a Life Time missed Daily .....

[@danabomb100]

Physically, yes, he no longer with us, but his legacy, talent, & gift still continues to expand across many generations to this day. This earth plane simply could not contain him. I’d like to think any/every time we listen to him, he is right there with us - with that shy but genuine smile beaming light on us all.

[@mrspgp]

I'd read somewhere yrs ago that he was already using some before Demri, however I didn't know them and wasn't there but I also read that his dad was a hard user and he said somewhere that he thought if he got famous, his dad would come back into his life and he did(and used w/Layne) he is my fave vocalist; I haven't heard anything like him since he died and I doubt anyone ever will🥰 😢RIP 😇

[@beachcomber4141]

This video popped on and I could hear it, and I have to admit, it hit me hard as I very much wish Layne would have made it. One of my favorite singers of all time.

[@vincentrobinson9325]

HE DIDN'T ! JUST MOVED ON, TO BE WITH HIS GIRL FOREVER ✌🏻

[@duchess_of_petty9323]

I think he was only meant to be with us a certain amount of time you could tell from his haunting lyrics invoice that he knew he wasn’t long for this and he had to get it all out before it was time for him to go

[@animalwillopus79]

Ive often wondered what if Layne sobered up and both Boggy Depot & Degradation Trip were AIC albums. It wouldve been great if that happened.

[@TigerKing77]

Layne... would have died another day not too far from that one. It was set in stone that was his way to leave this world...Sadly, it was Addictions depression loneliness that took another soul much 2 soon.

[@HildeAzul]

He knew it too. Heartbreaking.

[@Davidscomix]

He didn’t have to

[@TigerKing77]

@Davidscomix correct..self-destruction is a choice. Addiction changes brain chemistry...loss of one's self control. So yes and no. Bitter sweet truth. It was a road of self destruction. Only God knows.

[@NickG-sx6wb]

I think it would be really interesting to do one of these about Scott Weiland. He was super talented and I still think he had more great music to be made.

[@patrickwade757]

this was very good. thank you for posting this. Layne is the reason I have never tried heroin. I do struggle with other stuff, but he probably saved my life and I never had the pleaseure of meeting him. I did have the honor of seeign him live sining on stage w/ AIC. I'm a not famous musician and his example very well may have saved me from much pain, anguish, and even an early death. RIP

[@humorbegone]

@@patrickwade757 seein them live must’ve been amazing

[@clavd8932]

Should be: What if Layne Staley never tried heroin? If Staley never done heroin, you wouldn't have had AIC as it's known

[@PallorMortis-x8t]

Unfortunately true from some part

[@nicholaskruger9460]

Totally. Heroin made Janes addiction. Seattle bands loved Janes. That’s why their producer was used. Janes was a heavy influence. And their producer was a drug addict. DIRT was Heroin music. But jerry was t into it. It his music seemed like he was

[@Davidscomix]

He’d still be alive and more than likely making music

[@morelife6508]

Then you wouldn't have these songs we all love. Like it or not, drugs fuled writing and emotions behind these songs

[@brettkenney6464]

You are absolutely correct the lyrics would be totally different. If you listen to aic and don't understand the lyrics she music is great but if you know what he saying makes it take on a whole new meaning!

[@__Patrick]

In some when and in some where Layne and Mike found a way through their addictions. I would love to visit that reality where Layne conquered his demons and (to quote River Of Deceit) grew a beautiful shell for all to see. Rest in peace LS and MS.

[@Valrojas028]

I'd like you to elaborate your interpretation to that phrase, it's a positive one i see but i think he meant the opposite sadly, he was beautiful and his music too, but a "shell for all to see" it's like he predicted his isolation in the condo, everyone knew where he lived and what he was going through and tried to help, but wouldn't answer and kept lonely, just like a shell, his Nutshell.

[@theworstchannelyouhaveever9573]

What If Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Booper didn't die? In other words what if the day the music died was just another day?

[@mirawondafication5731]

"Another earth" (2011) a beautiful movie. Not about Layne, but it captures a similar feeling

[@adspur]

From addiction to a saint.What a vanilla feel good story.Thing is most people go out like Layne.Few feel good stories

[@AvecPoesie]

@@adspur Exactly.

[@Meemeeseecoo]

He looks so much healthier in the thumbnail 😞

[@HildeAzul]

Yeah. 1991 before the massive amounts of heroin/crack. He was beautiful in this era.

[@KarmaNDuality]

I remember watching these guys on Headbangers Ball, and it seemed before they got into drugs... They had so much innocence and fun in them... and then the seedy side of the music business came, and when Demori passed away, Layne lost hope in life. His death, and the way he went about it was so tragic and sad. Yes, a memoir needs to be written about Layne, and the horrors of the music business, and drug addiction. They were by far my favorite band to come out of the 90's. R.I.P. Layne and Mike.

[@Shawn-Leider]

It’s crazy to me how he was so alone in that last apartment. Like completely alone. But the entire city around him adored Layne. The night the news broke of his passing the whole city was filled with candles. So alone yet so loved

[@gtx3337]

I feel that if he didnt OD...he def wouldve ended his own life, he was suffering since an early age it wouldve been similar to chris cornell

[@kibutsu]

I sincerely believe Chris Cornell was murdered.

[@lautzofriffs]

I'm not going to lie. I was really high watching this and, for some reason, kept searching for all these facts, and I was where this album was from 2000. 😂 I forgot what video I was watching, lol

[@oscarobrien]

🦞I'm so high I forgot what I was going to reply......🚙🌅What time is it?

[@Devarghagoswamiproject]

Man same here I'm like bro he died in 2002 then I rechecked the title and got confirmed what if he didn't die!!!!!

[@HildeAzul]

Yeah, at first I was like, “he went to rehab after the unplugged?”

[@cynthiahutchinson459]

In Layne’s lyrics he always warned of the foolishness and danger of drugs, but there were always some who didn’t get it. He told his mom about a fan approaching him after a show, giving him a thumbs up and telling Layne he was high. Layne said in desperation to his mother “ what’s the matter with them mom, don’t they listen to my lyrics? I like to think he didn’t die in vain, so many people stopped doing drugs because of him.

[@martin-pz6ds]

same exact thing i just went through lol

[@WhisperingEcho33]

The biggest point you didn't cover. Before his GF being his "running partner" his running partner was his dad. Especially AFTER her death. His dad was the reason of many relapses. When your @buser is a parent and you are the income that is grieving you will NEVER get well. I know, my mother was my running partner. This fact was what made me connect so much with Layne when I was growing up. I started shooting dope at 14, after my mom found out she joined me. We used together for 17 years, almost half of those years were us homeless on the street together. I choose sobriety, she didn't and passed away on February 11th of this year. Greif is very odd. When my mom was alive I grieved the mom I only had briefly, the sober one. She was getting high way before I was born. Now its almost like dealing with the death of two mothers. One I prayed I would get back and now just her. I would give anything to talk to her once more. Ive been clean since Oct 1st 2018.

[@southernstateofmindhelps]

I'm so happy for you than you obtained sobriety & wish you nothing but good health, gratifying goals & long happy life! I can relate to your circumstances as well. Please know that none of the decisions& the consequences of them by your Mom isn't your fault. I'm sure she's proud of you where she's at now & wouldn't want you to feel anything but love by her & for her.

[@WhisperingEcho33]

@@southernstateofmindhelps 💜💜💜

[@Noob_Guy2k]

Layne was sober for mad season until the 2nd album

[@autyyywelshhh]

@@Noob_Guy2k not true mike, had just got out of rehab and the other members were sober. Mike thought it would help layne to be around sober ppl but unfortunately thats not how it works.

[@RyanSellers0522]

Dude he was so close to winning the battle. So fucking close 🤦‍♂️😭😭😭🥺😢😢

[@Davidscomix]

Reminds of their song “so close”

[@dylanperry1882]

@@Davidscomix that song is actually about being bored being forced to write uninspired tracks because of record label quotas and time constrictions.

[@Shawn-Leider]

@@dylanperry1882he was writing about what happened to them. I forget what album

[@sipnscoot3049]

I miss him in Alice In Chains. One of the best grunge/ rock bands of the 90s I was always hoping he would beer his addiction.

[@BlazingShackles]

If Layne Staley hadnt died in 2002, he would have died in 2003.

[@Davidscomix]

If he was able to quit in ‘95 maybe not

[@BlazingShackles]

@@Davidscomix or certainly had he never been born.

[@AlphaNerdYT]

@@BlazingShackles Get born again

[@claykennedy6790]

I was thinking about this yesterday. The conclusion I came to was that, as fans, we'd all be happy he was alive. As an artist, I don't think he would have ever been the same, and might have even not performed anymore anyway. AiC was never going to be the same band they were in '93 again, regardless of what happened. The damage had been done, and there was too much of it to fully recover from. I could see him becoming a writer or a poet, but I think his days as a singer would have been over. I still prefer a world where Layne lived to the one we live in.

[@Skibiditoilet9894]

Losing his girl was the ending for him. He never got over it and that’s heartbreaking

[@hutchsawyer]

He never wanted to get sober. He was done with fame and all the fake people.

[@Jason-jw2wc]

If only....RIP Layne.....RIP Mike...

[@bradthomas2417]

Better yet, what would’ve happened if Andy Wood didn’t die. No Pearl Jam? No Temple of the Dog?

[@adamnerd1236]

I never met Layne but I miss him, every day, I hope you’re rested easy buddy

[@HildeAzul]

Addendum: Demri OD’d in October 1996 and almost died due to her weak heart and was in a coma for six weeks. This was enough time for her to detox and not feel the withdrawal. She was in the hospital for another six weeks and transferred to a level 5 treatment center (treating her heart and her addiction) and she ended up finally quitting drugs all together as she started up her art again. She was doing her own thing staying clean while Layne was fighting to stay clean. He and Demri reunited on April 3, 2002 when she and Mike Starr met up for lunch and wandered on over to visit Lay e as it had been a few years. She was nervous but still had the butterflies. Layne was home in a break and opened the door and fell in love all over again. The forged their way through life together. Navigating both of their fame her as an artist / actress and he as Layne. Now they are parents to three or so wonderful and gorgeous children who are well adjusted… Layne is still sober and is a mentor for others in the industry struggling.

[@WakeyUpU]

Huh???

[@HildeAzul]

@@WakeyUpU what?

[@mrconfusion87]

Perhaps in an alternate universe...

[@yourfriend9048]

If Only..... 😥

[@Carmela_Falco]

Could you possibly have more adds? He really tried many times to get and stay sober … RIP he’s never forgotten

[@Noob_Guy2k]

Um Demri led heroin to Layne and she always cheated on him for heroin multiple times

[@arizonagirl6474]

Exactly. I would have been worried about catching aids or STIs. Sad how she did him.

[@jasonwells9050]

I wonder if anybody has ever thought or has opened up a rehab center in Lanes named I think that would be the best way to honor him and his legacy

[@thesecondYouTube]

@@jasonwells9050 Mother love bone were a terrible band. Very old fashioned even for 1990.

[@braudhadoch3432]

His girl died in 96!!

[@danw9946]

Then I would be very happy that he never died.

[@jasonwells9050]

I really like this hypothetical synopsis Layne Staley's always been one of my favorite singers as well as Alice in chains one of my favorite bands and it was real tragedy when he died however I definitely could see him as a crusader to help those affected with the same afflictions as him so great job with the synopsis

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

Laynes death and Chris Cornells death hit me like a family member dying. They are both missed by many, especially this 58 year old man.

[@Steveo3332]

Rock in power brother Layne

[@Ravenseyes10]

This concept only works with make believe characters from comic books.. Layne NEVER would have gotten clean. Especially after Demmri passed away. That’s why he secluded himself in his box. And turned into them bones..RIP Layne!!

[@KyleAdams-lx6tq]

I agree! Layne would eventually go in 2003 or 2004 if not 2002.

[@Davidscomix]

He was still hopeful though, he went to rehab again around 2001

[@Ravenseyes10]

@@Davidscomix I’m not trying to argue,but going to rehab because your loved ones are pushing you to is not the same as deciding on your own.. look at how many times he went to rehab… even before Alice formed.. and look at the P.O.S. Father he had.. he only came back into his life to do Layne’s drugs on Layne’s dime. But, Demmri was the straw that broke his back.

[@gavinrolls1054]

he was closer earlier on

[@DiedraT.-qi2de]

The legend unfortunately at his death weighed only 80 pounds and close to 6 foot tall his body had wasted away. Depression is REAL and usually is a factor in addictions. Pride also can be a negative factor in keeping someone in the cycle of addiction. This i say from the heart learned by personal experience. Dont ever push away those you care about just because they are addicted. They need you more than ever during this period of life. You will regret it almost always which can become your own negative seed into your own Depression and or life decisions

[@Squirrel-i6u]

Well, it's done and it can't be changed. So there's no questions about it.

[@lilbrezyofficialchannel9115]

Thats why i never introduced my wife to drugs❤

[@bestnana66]

Wouldn't that be wonderful

[@klm4446]

Imagine if Layne had went on to do some solo albums like Mark Lanegan or another Mad Season record. Such a loss. RIP legend.

[@spiderdoom]

This was the way it was meant to be by God and Layne was with God long before he died. He spoke to people in his music. Had a heavy heart and no ego was present. He wishes people would stop being pussies and carry that cross he left behind. Bring back good music, because the shit that is being released today is boring the hell out of him.

[@kirstenbuckhalt5280]

Where does this guy get his material? Does he NOT know what really happened???

[@tmcmahon94]

What’s done is done we can only remember him for the legend he is

[@conorannells7613]

Where can I read more about his time in rehab? And more importantly, where can I read interviews with him after he came out? All the years I've read his story and I've never seen anything on 96-97 rehab and the subsequent interviews. I've even just looked now and can't find anything

[@januszpawlikowski6627]

"What If Layne Staley Didn't Die In 2002"

[@HildeAzul]

No, this is fictitious.

[@gavinrolls1054]

bro somehow missed the entire point of the video

[@conorannells7613]

Oh shit, I've just realised how much I missed the mark lol. Take no notice fellas

[@BCMoney1995]

Don’t feel bad I did the same thing at first

[@NathanDrakeFan9010]

mad season wouldn’t have continued. Baker passed away and Layne said that was it.

[@erronblack6763]

I started zoning out mid video and towards the end when he said he was 57 and enjoying life i snapped out of it and said wait wtf? Then I remembered what the vid was about lol

[@markduarte5531]

I honestly feel like if his ex demri didn't pass in October of 96 i believe he would of beaten his addiction but when she passed he basically figured it was way past getting any better

[@AdamDobbs-j5k]

I don't think he would've been with alice in chains

[@Opinionatedguy1989]

William Duvall would not have a job with alice in chains. Mike Starr would also still be alive as Layne would have helped him get clean.

[@therocknrollgamer9572]

Can you do a video on "What if John Lennon didn't die in 1980"?

[@vingaxoc6543]

I was gonna write this same comment. Maybe he might have succumb to his heroin addiction as well.

[@jordanwilliams1401]

@@vingaxoc6543 he was already clean by 79’.

[@CatalinaFOIA]

Layne Stayley 😢 the screaming angel. We miss you Layne. ☦️

[@ashleybass7889]

If only....

[@frederickfiliph3798]

This video makes me love him more than before, and makes me hate him more than before. Always love his talent, his voice, his presence but also hate him for the lifestyle he choose as a junkie.

[@JonHop1]

It wouldnt have mattered. Layne was in Liver failure and had serious complications from Hepatitis when he passed... Had he not died in 2002, he would have still been in extremely poor health. And Mike Starr said that in 2001-2002, Layne's singing voice was damaged from acid reflux. He couldnt sing that well anymore... Either way, Layne would have never been the same. His music career was pretty much over, even if he got clean, he would have struggled to ever replicate his past form. The real question should be "What if Layne never started using drugs in 1990-91?"... That is the real question. What heights would Layne and AIC gone to, if he had stayed clean and never gotten addicted?

[@jennifertrevino8004]

All the legends of Grunge have passed, well not all. I wish they could all be here again, Fuc*en drugs. They had the voice of Angels, they were not meant to live in today's society, everything's changed, music isn't the way it used to be. They were meant to be during the times they were meant to be in and remembered that way in our hearts 😢. It sucks, but that's the way its supposed to be. They were old souls, to beautiful for this world now 😢 🖤 Grunge lives forever 🤘

[@Baloothepibble]

I kinda hate this… I guess seeing what could’ve been. Also playing with his life and ‘relapses’ isn’t very cool. Idk, just love Layne.

[@AvecPoesie]

I feel the same.

[@morisco56]

Can you do what if jimi hendrix, jim morrison and amy hadn't died at 27?

[@J-Rod73]

What a voice 🤘

[@grungegods]

It would be a better world if Layne was still here... Kurt Cobain too... Courtney had him murdered!

[@madelineanabella6400]

Layne Staley has an addicting magical quality about his voice and the way he evokes deep emotions is just …. All consuming ♥️ The other two people that come to mind are Freddie Mercury and Frank Sinatra . Etta James is another one. Can’t forget Ozzy 🖤🦇

[@elianecampos2677]

Show LANE STALEY sempre será lembrado pela sua voz incrível, única. Uma pena morrer tão cedo 😔 Mas até hoje ouvimos suas músicas ❤❤❤❤ Eternamente um gênio ❤️

[@shelliewerner5624]

Hi, what was this EP called? For Mad Season i mean...I never heard of it before, and would like to buy it...if I can find it...

[@danieliger]

"What if", as in it never happened.

[@shelliewerner5624]

I guess it was a good story...I got too involved in it being real...

[@Dead_Again1313]

Mad Season: Above

[@schmurdashewrote]

@@shelliewerner5624 lol i guess it was a yap video

[@gmwhite1986]

Where is the background music to this video from??

[@justinthomas7042]

This messed me up i thought this guy was lying for a second then remembered its fake

[@theericmclaren]

"If my grandma had wheels she would be a motorbike"

[@giuliana2610]

Mark Lanegan survived and wrote beautiful songs. Covid killed him, so Layne be alive...

[@danavale3865]

We R AL GLAD that Layne became the singer for AIC!!!! He had the best voice ever like he was the male Mariah Carey!!!! Hope u know what I mean!!!!

[@williamberry8895]

The yt video the dark decent of Alice in chains is a bunch of crap. All that yt post is talking shit about Layne. Says nothing about how much pain he was in. Made him look like a junky shit bag. He never hurt anyone but himself.

[@BenRivered]

Not fucking healthy.

[@scottyjordan3036]

You like a band because you like that first song or record, AFTER you try to accept what they put out, His new stuff wouldn't be anything you would like. That sound was a SMALL moment.

[@dianneds14]

"In 2003 Layne started a non-profit foundation?!!" He died in 2002!!

[@TheMusicNarrative]

Hypothetical scenario. That’s the whole point of the video.

[@ClaireR-x3f]

Only 3 privileged voices:Robert Plank,Chris Cornell,Layne Stayley❤

[@joZieRockFit]

Wish this was true. He was magic

[@johnstoner666]

Uhh he never performed live again after 1996. So you didn’t do enough research. This is all wrong.

[@jasonwatson5724]

Layne u was the absolute best aic was absolute best!

[@johnstoner666]

This whole video is a LIE! Like ZERO research. They did NOT PLAY any shows after 1996 in Kansas City. You state they played sporadic shows in 1999…that’s a flat out lie! And a dumb one at that. You didn’t do ANY research.

[@TheMusicNarrative]

The whole video is a hypothetical scenario. Alternate timeline of events.

[@danieliger]

What if John wasn't such a stoner? Perhaps he would have understood that the narrative was intentionally fictional.

[@karenglenn6707]

@@johnstoner666 🤣🤣

[@gingernichols8419]

I think he would have gotten into doing yoga stuff with his sister

[@methrecovery6922]

What if i was. Millionaire. WHAT IF

[@shelliepage8271]

Only if,,, 😓

[@BrianRay-y7l]

childhood , root cause , some of us had great childhoods we just choose to destroy our lives by getting high, now hit rock star status with fat bank roll its game over , Sorry I love Layne just hate hearing shrinks blame everything on ones childhood, need to own it

[@leev444]

I've read close friends of theirs saying that Demri getting Layne hooked on hard drugs was a rumor started after her death, so yeah. Also I think that for any of this to work, Layne and Demri would've had to split from Seattle together. From everything I've read about him, I don't think he would've made it without her.

[@terrapin9ify]

nice

[@nicholaskruger9460]

Then he would of died the next year

[@skimasktheuglygod5865]

A lot of this doesn’t seem right

[@Scars.make.you.more.evolved]

He would die in 2003/2004/sometime later. Like with some friends of my past who just exited the rehab "6 months sober! I want to celebrate !" and here we go again 😂

[@BataraKado]

what are you on about alice never released any albums between 1996 - 2008. theres so many false facts inside this video... please get the details correct if your going to speak on such a delicate subject.

[@TheMusicNarrative]

Dude, it's a hypothetical scenario. The entire video is me explaining what I think would've happened if Layne lived. The overwhelming majority of what I said didn't actually happen.

[@WoKEWoRLdMAdNess]

🙄🙄🙄