Why Mike Starr Was FIRED From Alice in Chains

Mike Starr was the original bassist of Alice in Chains. He was with the band from 1987 until 1993, playing on a few of their most acclaimed releases including Facelift (1990), Sap (1992), and Dirt (1992). He was fired from the band in January 1993 following a chaotic night in South America. Most fans of the band are unaware of this story, so in this video I explain what happened that night as well as cover other reasons for his firing.
My information comes directly from the book “Alice in Chains: The Untold Story” written by David De Sola.
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#aliceinchains

[@shelliewerner5624]

Rest in peace Layne and Mike ❤ you are both sorely missed...❤...

[@joshuafult84]

The sad part is they didnt even need to kick him out since the band would basically become inactive after 1993

[@ArtoriasTheme]

“Would” is my favourite bass line in rock music. So freaking iconic. Mike’s playing is integral to the classic AIC sound.

[@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns]

I have never had this confirmed, but I always suspected that Jerry fired Mike because he was a bad drug influence on Layne. I believe that Jerry chose to sacrifice Peter to save Paul, which was a necessary business decision. If it was Mike who was the iconic vocalist/lyricist and Layne the bassist, he would have sacrificed Layne to save Mike. In the end they both weren't able to save themselves. Layne never got over the OD death of Demri and Mike never got over the OD death of Layne. If someone close to you dies from ODing, even if you had some sort of a role in their addiction, you gotta accept people's own decisions and that sometimes in life, people needlessly die.

[@ChristopherFava-z2y]

@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns jerry was struggling himself to,alcohol and cocaine addiction

[@anniecroteau3598]

They were all addicted at that time. But yes fired Mike was a professional decision

[@sabpac459]

Yaah this is a really stupid interpretation

[@cathy2210]

@@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns I’ve always thought the same.

[@johnhowell8228]

The story about Mike selling tickets is only partially true. I went to school with a guy who was a roadie for them and he told me the story right after it happened. What Mike was selling was back stage passes. People don't realize that if you don't have royalties from the album you aren't making that much money. Yes a lot, but not if you have a bad drug problem. Mike Starr sold back stage passes to support his heroin addiction, not tickets. He was allowing unknowns in to private and secure areas. It was a huge breach of trust. The overdose had little to do with it other than being a building block of frustration, but they overlooked that since they all had problems. I can provide the receipts of person. He worked for them and other Seattle bands for several years and all know him

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Yeah once you cross the line into being physically addicted to opiates everything changes. Never shot up but did various opiates on and off for a long time. Thought withdrawals were a myth because I'd never had any problems just stopping. Guess I did it one too many times somewhere along the way because when I went out of town for work and I decided to not bring anything I was introduced to the hell of being "dope sick". It's an absolute waking nightmare and I do mean waking because maybe the worst part for me was you cannot sleep at all in the neighborhood of three days at the absolute minimum but more likely over a week, then you'll still only be able to sleep for 15-30 minutes. You gradually get more sleep as time goes on but on top of that you puke all the time being unable to eat or drink, you sweat profusely, you're hot and cold at the same time, you're more depressed than you've ever been and every single cell in your body hurts. It's not a class if drugs to play with.

[@ChewyChumChum]

After we lost Layne, the music industry changed forever. Now that we've lost Chester and Chris C,I just don't know HOW to feel. Especially with all of the controversy surrounding their deaths. Rest in peace my friends. ❤

[@Lengsel7]

...and now Taylor.

[@ChewyChumChum]

@@Lengsel7 I feel like an ass for not mentioning him. Thank you 😊

[@np466]

How did the music industry change because Layne died?

[@AndrewLemmings1998]

It didn’t change much in the sense of how they approach addiction because it’s still one of those issues where they take you out within 30 days which isn’t long enough to get clean and stay clean. They did this to Layne which really is truly sad. It’s about keeping them “content” enough to keep peddling them all that money.

[@ChewyChumChum]

@AndrewLemmings1998 That's a VERY good point. They ONLY care about how much money they can make and how to exploit to the fullest

[@Ontariosound]

Starr created the essential and creepy basslines that really elevated certain AIC songs. Inez never has come close to this contribution.

[@gregoryporch8395]

@@Ontariosound Except Rotten Apple

[@Ontariosound]

@@gregoryporch8395 Wonder if Jerry created that line…

[@gregoryporch8395]

@@Ontariosound Not true, Mike Inez has the sole credit for that track's music.

[@Ontariosound]

@@gregoryporch8395 Good to know. Thanks.

[@BedroomBull]

That is not true, and you know it. Stop being a fanboy.

[@tracyrichards6545]

Gone too soon Mike and Layne...best band ever imo 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@gregoryporch8395]

When everyone in the band is on drugs, one member is scapegoated and fired. The Stones did it to Brian Jones, Sabbath did it to Ozzy, ad nauseum.

[@scottpannell2286]

Guns did it to Steven Adler too!

[@CharlieBoy360]

He wasn't scapegoated. He would do things like pawn his gear before a show or tour and the record company would have to front him the money to get it back, leaving him with even less money for his drug habit when he did get paid. The final straw was when they caught him before a show scalping back stage passes he was given for free to his own bands show, for drug money of course. Since Layne and Jerry wrote the songs, both music and lyrics, they rightfully received a much larger portion of the bands income. He was only credited on one or two tracks that I remember and story is Jerry and Layne were very generous with those publishing credits. Mike just wasn't able to afford his junk habit and basically had deteriorated to such a state that he was in constant limbo and unreliable. Either too fucked up to play well or to strung out to play well and was basically in junkie money seeking mode for most of the Dirt tour. Him and Layne were close and Sean had dated Mike's sister for years but even they couldn't rationalize his behavior as being anything but detrimental to the band and he just wasn't able to make the changes to stay on. Plus that shit is embarrassing having your bands bassist caught scalping tickets for drug money. I bet they'd have preferred he hock some equipment rather than do that and it reach the media. It was a band decision and word was he was giving many, many chances to turn it around. It's why you never heard Mike complain or make excuses until maybe very late in his addiction but never publicly that I saw. He knew he fucked it up and was the only one to blame.

[@I.Am.Beezus]

Except he wasn't a scapegoat. From what I heard all over, Starr was illegally selling tickets for drugs and apparently fooled around with underaged girls.

[@benburndred2226]

​@@CharlieBoy360I can't believe bands do not split the royalties evenly, regardless of who wrote the songs

[@gregoryporch8395]

@@benburndred2226 This is why the music industry has moved away from bands and centered around solo acts. A band is just as much a brotherhood as it is a business. In Heavy Metal even the greatest drummers were paid significantly less and left the band as a result (Sabbath with Bill Ward, Slayer with Dave Lombardo). The band frontmen don't need to be more worshipped; we already look up to them and they can't sustain a band lineup with the attitude that they should be overpaid.

[@TheLordGoat]

Also rumors, Jerry wasn't keen on Mike grabbing up and nailing all the groupies at the time.

[@genghis_connie]

Great video, as always! I hope new folks will check your back catalogue of videos. On a weird note. It’s crazy how different Mike S. looked when he was drinking more and (maybe) doing less H. He looked so foolish on that MTv celebrity sobriety show. It was sad to see - and sadder that he was the “I was the bassist from AIC” guy.” Being **that** guy may be what kept him using with his father until it finally became fatal. He was an excellent musician. He seemed to have childlike enthusiasm, but peppered with childishness. And man, I would love to have seen him get sober and mentored and in to another band. I think he would still be around. And like your Jeff Buckley video, I wish I had more music and he, more time - but I’m so grateful for what we all were gifted from Jeff and Layne; all the others. Sorry for the novel!

[@TheMusicNarrative]

I always appreciate your comments Laura!

[@genghis_connie]

@@TheMusicNarrative Hey! Did you ever do a Brad and/or Mad Season video? Even Mother Love Bone (and Temple of the Dog). All heavily put together and/ or included Pearl Jam. Just a thought.

[@futureghost6932]

apparently Mike was one of the last people to see Layne alive.. Mike was trying to get some money and or junk.. He hid out for 2 weeks after going to Layne's place which seems shady. R.I.P Layne.

[@AndrewLemmings1998]

I never heard he hid out. But it does seem shady nonetheless he was the last person to see him. Apparently they got into a heated argument because Layne didn’t like when Mike took benzos since they made him “stupid”, and Mike wanted to call 911 since Layne didn’t look to well but Layne ultimately threatened to sever their friendship if he did so. Idk if it’s true, I mean he was blacked out. But it’s the only account we have of his last day alive.

[@gregoryporch8395]

I found his story about that hard to believe. Jerry and Sean said they hadn't spoken to Layne in over 2 years when they heard the news.

[@sconni666]

I heard something about him hawking backstage passes and /or tickets when they opened for Van Halen. If true, that doesn’t help either.

[@bassbosstedfnf6285]

I believe that it was a pretty big contributing factor in the decision to let him go. Jerry and management, and possibly even Sean made the decision from everything that I’ve read with Layne either dissenting or not being part of it. Layne has stated that he didn’t want Mike out of the band. And the fact that they shot up together would make sense for him to oppose Mikes firing. Mike had a reputation for being shady according to what Mark Lanegan has written. Management cannot put up with anything involving financial issues because of contractual agreements. While overdosing is a major concern, it’s not the same as a civil lawsuit alleging fraud brought against the band and their management. And promoters don’t play. With that in mind he was already treading on thin ice imo. The accusations that Jerry did it out of jealousy is complete nonsense. The future of AIC is far more important than anything trivial. His interactions with his best friend Layne and subsequent health problems years later are proof of that. His ego is in check, he’s not a prima Donna. Jerry is all about the music. He’s also very intuitive and knows how things will play out in the future so I absolutely agree that Mikes side deals are part of this story

[@LayneStaley-vs4th]

RIP LSMS❤

[@robvonky]

what a time to be alive ! and look what drugs did what a bummer !

[@Matt-oy7pz]

wrong: the main reason was, Layne was actually trying to get clean.. which Jerry desperately wanted, because Layne was his friend… and, he truly thought Layne Staley was the best rock vocalist, ever… so of course, Jerry wanted Layne singing HIS songs… the songs, he had labored over… and he knew Layne’s addiction was REAL, and that Layne might DIE, if he continued using… and every time Mike Starr got high, he’d talk Layne into getting high with him… he liked getting high with Layne… but he was only thinking about HIMSELF, like people do… so, Jerry thought Mike Starr might get Layne killed, by CONSTANTLY TEMPTING HIM to use… which Mike Starr DID EXPRESS FEELING GUILT around, after Layne Staley DIED, from his addiction… that’s why Jerry fired Mike

[@TheMusicNarrative]

You’re right about Jerry wanting to protect Layne and help him stay clean. But there were many factors in Mike being fired. He got caught scalping tickets, wanted to play a bigger role in the writing process (which was never going to happen) and excessive drug use on top of that. There’s even rumors he would hook up with underage girls which I didn’t mention in the video. Mike’s OD was the final straw. It wasn’t the defining or even main reason he was fired, more so the culmination of many factors.

[@Matt-oy7pz]

@@TheMusicNarrative ok.. thanks for that

[@anniecroteau3598]

​@@TheMusicNarrativethe decision to let Mike go was taken by december 1992. Jerry called Mike Inez on New Year's Eve 1992. Mike Starr wanted to play the two shows in Brazil. Afterwards, the band went to London and Mike Starr went home

[@anniecroteau3598]

Jerry wanted to protect Layne... Jerry wanted to protect his milk cow yes. No Layne, no tour, no more album, no money. Jerry would have done anything for money. He fired Mike Starr and tried to push Demri away from Layne as well. Layne & Mike were buddies. Layne never been the same after Mike's departure. But Jerry forgot Mark Lanegan was around and unfortunatly he had a bad influence on Layne as well. Money and fame took over love, friendship and humanity

[@Matt-oy7pz]

@@anniecroteau3598 it’s not all about money.. there’s the art side, too… it’s not easy to write a great song… and Jerry had written a bunch of them… how many “Alice in Chains” level songs have we had since the early 90’s ?? that’s right. none. and Jerry knew those songs, needed the singer.

[@fastfred321]

He was a young man caught up in fame and fortune and couldn’t escape the grips of addiction and all the attitude and behavior that goes with it! I LOVE seeing people succeed! I just wish they weren’t so full of hate and dislike for God! I wish they were able to see the rarity and blessing of their success and then become mature enough to bless a family with good things and great memories!

[@83reggieT]

He played on sap too.

[@I.Am.Beezus]

from what I heard, Jerry and Sean didn't get along with Starr. there were also rumors that he slept with underaged groupies, so that explains it.

[@caseymccormick1813]

No kidding what sucks is I love all the grunge bands. I was born in 91 so by the time I got into all these bands and playing guitar they were all dead pretty much or disbanded

[@kylepatton2423]

What were other grunge bands other than Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Alice In Chains? When you say that you got into all these bands do you mean just those 4? Wasn't everyone into them? What are the other bands?

[@CharlieBoy360]

That sucks man, same thing happened to me as a kid. I was in love with Ozzy/RR Blizzard of OZ and Tribute and was devastated to learn that "Tribute" was for the long since passed away Randy Rhoads and that I would never be able to see Ozzy/Randy show. It was harder news to handle than the long running Santa Claus/tooth fairy hoax that turned out to be my mom and dad, who also picked the same time to come clean about the tooth fairy. Scammers how can you do this to children?! lol.

[@jessiejeanne9717]

As a former opiate enthusiast, I'm not sure how that 1st shot would've lasted long enough to effect him later. I'm sure he got better shit, so that could be it. RIP Mike Starr!

[@r.g.armstrong2688]

Is Mike Starr gone? I mean, i’ve heard he passed away but now i don’t know…

[@CharlieBoy360]

Yes many years ago man over a decade now.

[@r.g.armstrong2688]

@@CharlieBoy360 Thanks, sometimes i’m confused.

[@derekpierkowski7641]

You left out alot a other crap that he was doing. Getting with underage girls and selling comp tickets to shows for drugs. Unsavory things such as these got him canned.

[@caseymccormick1813]

But Courtney still out there raising hell lol those that have so much to give are gone those that are just crap still here. That discludes remaining Alice In Chains and nirvana members

[@angelcitystudio]

blind ambition and resentments will take you much further than talent will, sadly.

[@theprogressingdrummer1631]

Man he looks young there

[@StONed-yx5qq]

I’m am glad both had these addictions… We would not of had AIC as we knew them…

[@YankMil1]

Didn’t they do Sap with him as well? He died for 11 min? Brain cells die way before that.

[@vegan.atheist.weirdo]

Mike's the one using the word "dead." His pulse was probably super slow and hard to detect and he may have stopped breathing regularly. I'm guessing the 11 minutes was actually how long he was unconscious before he came around to Layne hitting/slapping him.

[@doom_81]

@@YankMil1 Yes, Mike played on the Sap e.p. too.

[@CharlieBoy360]

He said he just needed to ummm, spend more time with his family because ummm, he just hadn't ummm seen his family much. Yeah...

[@eriknelson45]

My neighbor sold H to all those fools at 12th and Stewart, used to give them Sh$t for being all crumbly out my back porch,

[@Storm_Maiden]

Fuckin CL n kurt had to be envolved-in helping keep everyone high it just destroyed everything-

[@bryanrasmussen6840]

So basically, Kurt Cobain,Courtney Love and Layne Staley Killed Mike Star and then Lane brought him back to life. Then he was a zombie for 18 yearsish....sweet grungy grunge! Delicious

[@CrystalCooper-w3z]

Dude. Mike quite. He refused to go to Brazil. Get over yourselves

[@danielle5980]

So as long as you shoot up, and nothing goes wrong, you get to stay in the band. Seems pretty stupid to me, especially when you dont want to sort out the issues of what drives you take the crap inthe first place.

[@vincents9620]

mike had many issues not mentioned underage girls was the biggee

[@AndrewLemmings1998]

Not the issue. He was just not doing good, he was scalping tickets which is a big no no. And he slept with underage girls a lot, his addiction to heroin was keeping Layne one it as well since they both shared that addiction and Layne introduced it to Mike. They couldn’t kick Layne out since Layne was the voice behind the band. Layne didn’t sleep with underage girls anyway, and was more financially responsible. Mike was like a big kid being handed a bunch of money and it was putting a financial strain on the band.

[@vegan.atheist.weirdo]

1) There are many reasons why people self medicate rather than getting mental health care, and stigma is just the most obvious one. It's _still_ a problem, if the denials from Chris Cornell's widow are any indication. But 35 - 40 years ago, you'd better believe it was preferable to be seen as a rock star indulging in drugs than a rock star with depression, anxiety and CPTSD. The fact that it's a stupid situation doesn't change how it was, sadly. 2) Layne would have had to do some serious evil for Jerry to even consider firing him, and even then it wouldn't be guaranteed. It wasn't just because he was the singer. It wasn't even just because he was possibly one of the best vocalists to ever live. Jerry essentially begged Layne to join them, and Jerry is not the kind of guy who takes commitments like that lightly. I believe in his mind, he dragged him in so kicking him out would be an uncommittable betrayal. @AndrewLemmings1998 3) Layne wasn't "more financially responsible." He just earned more from their work because he had greater authorship (while Mike had almost none). This is a nasty reality of music as a business. I can't speak for why credit wasn't just shared, but speculate if you must. 4) I've never seen credible confirmation that any of Mike's partners were underage, just that they looked it. Yes, that's still pretty dangerous even if they were "legal," from a publicity standpoint. If this evidence exists, I'd be curious to see it. Otherwise, I'm not down with painting the guy as that on top of all the other stuff. He messed up. Drugs do that to people. These guys were all fucked up, but the media made the dead ones more famous for that than their talent.

[@plasmaborn369]

They wouldnt of kicked Mike out if he was the singer😂

[@vegan.atheist.weirdo]

You really mean "Why Mike but not Layne?" so just say that. There were different things going on with Mike's addiction and behavior that endangered the band in ways that Layne's didn't, as this video explained. Also consider that they may have been getting pressure from the money people to get their shit together already, and Mike almost dying was terrifying. They tried to do the right thing. It's just that sometimes there is no one right thing.

[@MarkMay-cr6bv]

@@vegan.atheist.weirdo Everything you wrote is absolutely true. But it's also true most bass players -- not all, but a high percentage -- are way easier to replace than a gifted, and in Layne Stale's case a uniquely original and iconic lead singer. Translation: When it comes to self-destructive vices and job-related security, some guys have a lot more leverage and are allowed more strikes than others.

[@vegan.atheist.weirdo]

@@MarkMay-cr6bv I could write paragraphs expanding on this, but let's just say we're on the same page and leave it at that.

[@djshad1885]

Anyone who knows anything knows that Mike Starr was one of the biggest poseurs in that late 80s 90s Seattle scene.

[@Spector06111]

Yet wrote some of the most memorable bass lines in grunge with his time in Alice in Chains 🤷‍♂

[@djshad1885]

@@Spector06111 Decent bass player. Granted.

[@djshad1885]

@@Spector06111 Memorable grunge bass lines dont say much. Pop musicians are so easily impressed. 🤤

[@PadreAlgodón]

I thought that was Rob Zombie’s wife….lol

[@ChewyChumChum]

@@PadreAlgodón You've just been virtually punched 👊

[@PadreAlgodón]

@@ChewyChumChum 🤣🤣

[@ChewyChumChum]

@@PadreAlgodón 🤣🤣

[@infernicide666]

Yeah AIC was never quite as good after Mike left. Jar of Flies was good but had some filler and the 95’ S/T album was quite a step down as far as the quality of the songwriting. Had Mike been on that album it might’ve been a bit more memorable.

[@nickbush2300]

Was it because he looks like an 11 year old girl in the thumbnail?

[@robduck4812]

Coke wasn't going to cut it? Lol

[@ProCoatsSylvanLake]

Yip😂😂

[@DildoDaggins69]

Was fired for looking like your friend's grumpy older sister.

[@T.Maximus]

Strange thing to say

[@jessiejeanne9717]

I like "Fear the Voices"...I think Jerry was just super jealous of how hot Mike was (he was featured in a magazine as a "babe" or some dumb shit like that). I mean, look at Mike Inez- he has signature "Mike hair", but is 1 bellybutton jewel away from being a beloved troll doll- they look nothing alike! Things that make u go "hmmm......"😂

[@Springfeeeel]

Jerry has no reason to be jealous over dumb shit like that.

[@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns]

"Fear the Voices" had no place being on _Dirt._ If anything, it may have fit on _Facelift._ Jerry had personality clashes with Mike among other things. Ultimately bands are not democracies. One or two people have to be the boss and everyone else just have to follow orders or start their own band. It had nothing to do with hair or looks.

[@klm4446]

That's ridiculous when Jerry is 10x sexier AND packs a giant... 😂

[@karinaf8326]

@@jessiejeanne9717 I don’t think Jerry was jealous of Mike’s good looks bc they were both very attractive. It just that the Mike’s addiction plus other incidents

[@jessiejeanne9717]

​@@Springfeeeellisten to the story about the magazine calling Mike a "babe", cuz that's what music's all about- what ppl fuckin look like- and Jerry's temper tantrum... it's embarrassing.

[@deemann123]

who the F are you to make these claims?

[@TheMusicNarrative]

All comes from the book “Alice in Chains: The Untold Story.” They’re not just claims, buddy.

[@YankMil1]

@@TheMusicNarrativewas the book accurate?

[@sardonicsisyphus]

How was Mike a liability when he was shooting with Kurt and Layne who were also in bands, with the same behavior? because Layne and Kurt were the voice and song writers probably and a bass player is easily replaced

[@TheMusicNarrative]

Exactly. The band couldn’t just kick Layne out because he was the face and voice of Alice in Chains.

[@poppyseeds999]

There you go, i believe he has something to do with Layne's passing. I think he might have had a grudge and gave him some bad stuff when he saw Layne was already a hermit and at his weakest point. I don't believe he tried to call the ambulance. Layne was found with a needle in his arm. He could've done it himself, but i wouldn't doubt Mike left him behind like that...