What if Layne Staley Beat His Addiction?

In April 2002, we lost Layne Staley. Legendary frontman of Alice in Chains and Mad Season. As sad as his death was and is, no one was shocked to hear the news. Layne struggled with addiction throughout most of his adult life. By the end, he was sadly a shell of his former self. The drugs robbed Layne of his energy, his creativity and ultimately his life.
This begs the question, what if Layne Staley didn't die in 2002? What if he overcame his addiction and got his life back on track before it was too late? This hypothetical answers both of those questions. Hope you enjoy!
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[@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".

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@__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.

[@Noob_Guy2k]

Layne was sober for mad season until the 2nd album

[@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

[@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 😇

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mirawondafication5731]

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

[@vincentrobinson9325]

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

[@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

[@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 💜💜💜

[@Jason-jw2wc]

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

[@yourfriend9048]

If Only..... 😥

[@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

[@adamnerd1236]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@J-Rod73]

What a voice 🤘

[@danw9946]

Then I would be very happy that he never died.

[@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.

[@morisco56]

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

[@braudhadoch3432]

So much wrong in this.. Dates are off

[@Noob_Guy2k]

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

[@jasonwatson5724]

Layne u was the absolute best aic was absolute best!

[@joZieDiMaria]

Wish this was true. He was magic

[@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.

[@shelliepage8271]

Only if,,, 😓

[@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.

[@grungegods]

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

[@justinthomas7042]

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

[@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.

[@nicholaskruger9460]

Then he would of died the next year

[@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.

[@MisanthropicTimeSlipperz]

🙄🙄🙄

[@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

[@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

[@CP-kb1du]

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

[@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.

[@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😢

[@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!

[@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.

[@bradthomas2417]

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

[@karipogue5647]

Miss you Lane 😢

[@aces553]

Layne

[@Steveo3332]

Rock in power brother Layne

[@bestnana66]

Wouldn't that be wonderful

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kirstenbuckhalt5280]

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

[@hutchsawyer]

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

[@BenRivered]

Not fucking healthy.

[@lilbrezyofficialchannel9115]

Thats why i never introduced my wife to drugs❤

[@ashleybass7889]

If only....

[@braudhadoch3432]

His girl died in 96!!

[@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.

[@Carmela_Falco]

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

[@johnstoner666]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@GregDavidson-si8kt]

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

[@NathanDrakeFan9010]

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

[@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...

[@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!!!!

[@user-bonezstayley]

😢RIP Layne 😢

[@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

[@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 ❤️

[@AdamDobbs-j5k]

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

[@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 🤘

[@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?

[@tmcmahon94]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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’.

[@gingernichols8419]

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

[@skimasktheuglygod5865]

A lot of this doesn’t seem right

[@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.

[@theericmclaren]

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

[@terrapin9ify]

nice

[@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 🖤🦇

[@Destroyer.no.XV.after-Rome]

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 😂

[@tboztheish]

Dumb story! How can one of the best voices ever stop music for 20years?!

[@Hollyucinogen]

This is just my opinion, but I think that after his ex-fianceé Demri passed away in 1996, he just gave up, and between 1996 and 2002, he was just slowly k*lling himself. 😔

[@WakeyUpU]

Love Layne ❤❤❤❤❤