According to Jerry: Layne was playin’ with another band, but he came in to jam with us after we’d been playin’ together. He was just such a cool guy and his voice was just amazing, and we knew we wanted to be in a band with him right off the bat!! So it was just a period of time of waitin’ him out, so we told him,“We’re gonna get a new singer, and we started auditioning in his rehearsal room, just brought in the shittiest ones we could find. We auditioned a redheaded male stripper who was just terrible, and that was it. And Layne was like: Fuck it. I can’t let you guys play with these clowns. I’ll fuckin’ join the band.
I can only imagine to be like a 20 year old aspiring musician like Jerry Cantrell and stumble upon a Layne Staley singing in person. That would be a magical experience, I can only imagine.
@@krisfrederick5001 But especially Down In A Hole, it was tragically prophetic despite not being about Layne or his downward spiral, or even about drugs for that matter. Watching it now it's clear just how far down that hole Layne really was at that stage. Makes the performance more compelling and that song stands out as the highlight. But you are also right, that show was the pinnacle of the MTV Unplugged shows. None better.
I always thought Staley and Cantrell where more of a modern 90s Simon and Garfunkel how they where with the harmonies but yeah you can say Lennon and McCartney too
He said goodbye to Layne years before he died. He didn’t speak to him for 2.5 years while he was alive towards the end. When someone’s a junkie like that, the person you loved is gone. It was probably a relief when he died.
I can't even imagine how painful it was and continues to be for these guys. I didn't know Layne but it still hurts and I cry a lot thinking about him, how sweet and funny he was, how brilliant, and what he could have achieved.
I’m a huge fan of his solos because he really works the build up. Sure, he’s got a couple shred moments but it’s so melodic and haunting, like the Would solo or the end of Nutshell
Damn, it's always so beautiful to see Jerry talking about Layne. He always seems to start stutter a little bit, his eyes blink more like he's trying to find all the words to express how much he loved/respect Layne and his skills.
I LOVE Jerry so much. He's just the most real and nice guy. I'd love to know him personally. Since I can't, I'm thankful I get to still "know" and enjoy him thru AIC.
Jerry is an amazing vocalist and songwriter and I love that Jerry says Layne pushed him to sing and perform his songs. Layne was a good guy that just got himself in a really bad place that he just couldn’t get out of like so many of us have done. I hate that he didn’t get to grow old and have a long life. It’s so tragic. R.I.P. Layne Staley
Jerry Cantrell's singing makes it sound like Alice in chains. Layne was a big part of their sound BUT Jerry is a GREAT part of the sound. You can still hear them with Jerry, and say to yourself "That is Alice in chains".
Can’t agree either ….There’s something so haunting and special in Layne’s tone that made him one of best of all time …Jerry is a rock God as well, and together they made AIC legendary
Great interview! Jerry's voice is fantastic , him and Staley... Legendary!! I don't think Jerry gives himself enough credit regarding his vocals! Such truly talented musicians, they're absolutely brilliant!!!
Years ago I went to see a Cantrell show - it was maybe a couple years after Layne died. It was at kind of a smaller venue, so that was cool. Anyway, at the show there were these big ass bumper stickers being handed out that said... "JERRY CANTRELL ROCK GOD" So yeah, I think he gives himself plenty of credit.. 🙄
Barret Martin said, "Layne’s voice was so powerful that I could hear his voice coming off his body...Out of his chest [was] louder than what was coming out of the monitors."
@@carrie8541 Halford has more resonance(he also tended to sing MUCH higher) but Layne's sheer projection is almost unmatched. The only guy I can think of who outdid him there was the late Ronnie Dio. Tate, there again, more resonance(from his classical training no doubt) but there is no way in hell he could ever belt a chorus like "Confusion" or "It Ain't Like That" as loud and aggressively as Layne did. Tate is one hell of a singer though. Halford is arguably my favorite of all time. Unreal voice.
In 1990 when I first heard Chris Cornell and layne Staley I said to myself this is it I found them...for life this is love for life didn't even know what they looked like but fell in love with those two right thehere and then I had just moved to America from Portugal and well I'm 51 years old now my mind hasn't changed a bit, as I knew it wouldn't you just know these things in your life you know when you have a spiritual awakening and that's what I had back in march of 1990 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️thank you Chris thank you layne I'll be forever forever devastated my two babies my two saviors of so many barriers in my life my angels are both dead now, but my god for as long as I live you will never EVER be forgotten....
Chris and Layne are my favorite as well …every time I listen to “right turn” from the SAP album I think about how amazing it must have been to record that song all together ….and why on earth didn’t they record more songs together
They were so great together, the interviewer got it spot on saying they were the Lennon and McCartney of my generation. I love Jerry, he'll always be my rock God 💜
A gf back in the early 80s went out to visit relatives in L A California,, They went to Some Beach Somewhere for the Day, Upon arriving she notices this music blasting out,,, And soon realized that this is no recording but a band was jamming... Turned out to be,, Alice >N< Chains It was Free.. she calls me up from a pay phone she located,,, i said Hello, the only thing i heard was this incredibly mind blowing Wicked ass new sound pleasuring my ear,, She went on to tell me what was happening,,, Then i seen The Man in the box video on MTV some years later, I remembered that name and sound,,, Awesome,, now i am 60yrs old and suffer from short term memory loss,, so give or take a little on that date given.
Love it 😍 awesome to know that Jerry had so much respect for Layne’s heart ❣ provoking voice 🌟 miss you Layne and mike RIP angels 👼 rock on 🤘🏽 with the best of them guys love 💕 peace ✌️ and empathy 🕉 always loved never forgotten ☮️
Layne to this day is my all time favorite singer! So versatile.... soft. hard and everything in between... so sad that drugs have taken so many away before their time,,
i cant watch this without crying. it was fate. it was beautiful. it was human. it was real. they wrote morbid and yet true music that can never be forgotten in my heart and mind.
I put this era of rock music (later 80's to about mid 90's) against any era in music history. The amount of pure musical talent was simply astonishing. Never will be bested. I feel blessed to have witnessed it.
Aw, I feel what Jerry says about being with Layne makes you want to become a better singer and do it more (personally speaking, since I sing too) 🖤 still, I think you can see some form of pain in Jerry’s eyes:(
Saw them open for Iggy in 1990, Porter Hall Ottawa. Had no idea who they were at the time, but man they were good live. I remember the audience was a little quiet, didnt know how to process them, lol!
Although I do agree that the harmony between Jerry and Layne was phenomenal, it seems that Cantrell now wants to be the lead singer of Alice In Chains. Leaving William as a back up singer when Williams lyrical range is actually much wider than Jerry’s. All of AIC’s albums after losing Layne are exactly the same as Jerry’s solo albums. Without Layne… AIC has become one dimensional. I miss him… R.I.P brother.
I bought my first distortion pedal from Jerry at a music shop in Texas. BOSS Heavy Metal Distortion. It was Christmas eve. He is not much on customer service back then. LOL!
I hate to disagree with Jerry but his and Layne's voices didn't create one voice, both of them together made 3 voices. They probably will no not probably but had the absolute best harmonies since The Everly Brothers. Hands down.
The interviewer is on point about their harmonies. That is the one thing that no other band from that era had. No metal band either from any era, had harmonies that are any where near as haunting and just downright magical as Layne and Jerry had. The only other band that had that indescribable harmonic magic on the level of AIC besides The Beatles imo is The Band with Manuel, Danko, and Helm.
Layne Thomas Staley (Kirkland, Washington, 22 de agosto de 1967-Seattle, Washington, 5 de abril de 2002) fue un músico estadounidense, vocalista y letrista de Alice in Chains, una de las cuatro bandas más importantes del movimiento rock alternativo y grunge en Seattle. La banda se hizo famosa por su distintivo estilo vocal, que combinaba la desgarradora y talentosa voz de Staley con las voces armónicas del guitarrista y también vocalista de la banda Jerry Cantrell. Durante toda su carrera Layne Staley luchó contra una severa adicción a las drogas, que terminaría causando su muerte en el año 2002.
I was a good friend, and neighbor of Mike Starr. We had lots of great times at Mike's I remember meeting Jerry and Sean for the first time. Then a young Layne came over one night, and we locked him in the bedroom with a little hottie. Partied all night, and jumped in the window in the morning pulled back the covers, and slapped some ass :-D
ITS FKN MAGIC!!! Thats what the 2 of you had!!! Heaven is a BEAUTIFUL PLACE Dont be sa d if anything Jerry lets get the next chapter going!!! You are his right ar or left side of BRAIN AGAIN MGIC you are amazing and LAYNE is an ANGE TRUST!!!! KNOW it SING IT AND FKN SING YOUR ASS OFF!!!!
Everyone basically reps their music as the best to have come up through but the alt, grunge, post hair metal times were pretty darn epic to have been coming of age through.
Friends and musicians talking about Layne Staley:
ruclips.net/p/PL9PnF5M5bSl2QHK-n6sfmJKKJyGOf5XxY
Truly deeply I appreciate you work Shirley!!! Your incredible☆♡☆
According to Jerry: Layne was playin’ with another band, but he came in to jam with us after we’d been playin’ together. He was just such a cool guy and his voice was just amazing, and we knew we wanted to be in a band with him right off the bat!! So it was just a period of time of waitin’ him out, so we told him,“We’re gonna get a new singer, and we started auditioning in his rehearsal room, just brought in the shittiest ones we could find. We auditioned a redheaded male stripper who was just terrible, and that was it. And Layne was like: Fuck it. I can’t let you guys play with these clowns. I’ll fuckin’ join the band.
I can only imagine to be like a 20 year old aspiring musician like Jerry Cantrell and stumble upon a Layne Staley singing in person. That would be a magical experience, I can only imagine.
iCalebb I need a movie showing that scene
That’s one of those moments that some kind of cosmic magic made it happen
Chances are you wouldn't even realize
Once in a lifetime. How often do you hit the lottery in your life? That’s about the same chances you have coming across someone like that
........yes! And the rest is history
MTV "Down in a Hole" Unplugged is a masterpiece between Jerry and Layne. Unreal.
The whole show.
@@krisfrederick5001
But especially Down In A Hole, it was tragically prophetic despite not being about Layne or his downward spiral, or even about drugs for that matter.
Watching it now it's clear just how far down that hole Layne really was at that stage. Makes the performance more compelling and that song stands out as the highlight.
But you are also right, that show was the pinnacle of the MTV Unplugged shows. None better.
Warren Jensen no would sludge factory, and frogs all had arguably more passion than down in a hole
I have to take a deep breath & steady myself to watch that gig, it cuts right to the bone,jarring.visceral.
Beautiful yet heartbreaking at the same time.
Interviewer hits the nail on the head. Lennon and McCartney and Staley and Cantrell.
I always thought Staley and Cantrell where more of a modern 90s Simon and Garfunkel how they where with the harmonies but yeah you can say Lennon and McCartney too
@@matthewkramer8324 yeah true
@Foxbody Boogie Pinfield is a guy that definitely knows his shit.
Stockton and Malone 😁
Simon Garfunkel
I feel for Jerry. The loss of such a great friend and all they went through together. Has to be painful.
Yeah, Jerry lost important people he deeply loved in a short span of time. It's no wonder he hasn't married.
I feel sad for him because he’s lost so many of his good friends well before it was their time go, most notably Layne, Dimebag and Vinnie Paul
He said goodbye to Layne years before he died. He didn’t speak to him for 2.5 years while he was alive towards the end. When someone’s a junkie like that, the person you loved is gone. It was probably a relief when he died.
I can't even imagine how painful it was and continues to be for these guys. I didn't know Layne but it still hurts and I cry a lot thinking about him, how sweet and funny he was, how brilliant, and what he could have achieved.
No joke. Their harmonies are phenomenal! Huge part of AIC sound!
Jerry to layne : "First time i heard that guy i was inlove with him"
We lost Layne and that hurt so much. We must protect Jerry at all costs. Also I feel Jerry's solo work is extremely underrated.
You are correct absolutely underrated very good stuff
I’m a huge fan of his solos because he really works the build up. Sure, he’s got a couple shred moments but it’s so melodic and haunting, like the Would solo or the end of Nutshell
Very underrated, Degradation Trip was a great album.
Named “Riff Lord” *and* he ranks 37 & 38 on the best guitarists lists- definitely not underrated.
Layne & Jerry. What a duo🎤🎸
🎤🎼😇🎼🎸
His voice with Jerry's was a perfect match and gave me goose bumps.
Cantrell gives good interviews. He’s a good guy.
And so well spoken
He's amazing!!!
Not only that. He's also an amazing songwriter. Brighten is his best solo work
His ability to sing, pour part of his soul into it. Is why most people are fans of his band, Layne Staley was amazing. Rip
Damn, it's always so beautiful to see Jerry talking about Layne. He always seems to start stutter a little bit, his eyes blink more like he's trying to find all the words to express how much he loved/respect Layne and his skills.
The way they said " *N* 'Chains " together 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Love the way Jerry and Layne's voices blended together...Best examples are No excuses and Got me wrong (among others)
Hell yeah!
Heaven Beside You
Would
Grind
Brother, particularly the chorus.
I LOVE Jerry so much. He's just the most real and nice guy. I'd love to know him personally. Since I can't, I'm thankful I get to still "know" and enjoy him thru AIC.
So true I’d love to have a beer with Jerry and pick his brain about AIC…maybe in the next life
Jerry is an amazing vocalist and songwriter and I love that Jerry says Layne pushed him to sing and perform his songs. Layne was a good guy that just got himself in a really bad place that he just couldn’t get out of like so many of us have done. I hate that he didn’t get to grow old and have a long life. It’s so tragic. R.I.P. Layne Staley
Jerry Cantrell's singing makes it sound like Alice in chains. Layne was a big part of their sound BUT Jerry is a GREAT part of the sound. You can still hear them with Jerry, and say to yourself "That is Alice in chains".
Can't agree, Layne was the soul and the darkness of Alice. Layne and Jerry's vocals together is Alice in Chains.
Can’t agree either ….There’s something so haunting and special in Layne’s tone that made him one of best of all time …Jerry is a rock God as well, and together they made AIC legendary
Layne was the best
I still tear up every time I hear his haunting voice. You are so missed!!!!
bonbon vegabon I cry when I hear him especially Mad a Season Live at The Moore.... such dark beauty.
@@aleahaleaha2593 yes, all alone really gets to me
Dude knows a lot good interviewer.
Matt Pinfield. He was a host on "Headbanger's Ball" back in the day. I always liked him because he really knew his shit.
Great interview! Jerry's voice is fantastic , him and Staley... Legendary!! I don't think Jerry gives himself enough credit regarding his vocals! Such truly talented musicians, they're absolutely brilliant!!!
That really shows how humble Cantrell is and that is a rare quality in a musician.
Years ago I went to see a Cantrell show - it was maybe a couple years after Layne died. It was at kind of a smaller venue, so that was cool. Anyway, at the show there were these big ass bumper stickers being handed out that said...
"JERRY CANTRELL
ROCK GOD"
So yeah, I think he gives himself plenty of credit.. 🙄
These interviews are so precious
Layne has the most powerful voice I’ve ever heard
Barret Martin said, "Layne’s voice was so powerful that I could hear his voice coming off his body...Out of his chest [was] louder than what was coming out of the monitors."
Rob Halford and Geoff Tate had more powerfUl voices..more polished and classically trained, but he's def right up there..yeah.
@@carrie8541 Halford has more resonance(he also tended to sing MUCH higher) but Layne's sheer projection is almost unmatched. The only guy I can think of who outdid him there was the late Ronnie Dio. Tate, there again, more resonance(from his classical training no doubt) but there is no way in hell he could ever belt a chorus like "Confusion" or "It Ain't Like That" as loud and aggressively as Layne did. Tate is one hell of a singer though. Halford is arguably my favorite of all time. Unreal voice.
Uuum remember Chris Cornell, freddie Mercury and Shannon hoon
guy> gives his opinion
vocals coaches> ACTUALLY ....
In 1990 when I first heard Chris Cornell and layne Staley I said to myself this is it I found them...for life this is love for life didn't even know what they looked like but fell in love with those two right thehere and then I had just moved to America from Portugal and well I'm 51 years old now my mind hasn't changed a bit, as I knew it wouldn't you just know these things in your life you know when you have a spiritual awakening and that's what I had back in march of 1990 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️thank you Chris thank you layne I'll be forever forever devastated my two babies my two saviors of so many barriers in my life my angels are both dead now, but my god for as long as I live you will never EVER be forgotten....
Chris and Layne are my favorite as well …every time I listen to “right turn” from the SAP album I think about how amazing it must have been to record that song all together ….and why on earth didn’t they record more songs together
We never really die
Our souls live forever
Layne is still alive
Just in a different realm
That, or we just vanish. Who knows.
They were so great together, the interviewer got it spot on saying they were the Lennon and McCartney of my generation. I love Jerry, he'll always be my rock God 💜
A gf back in the early 80s went out to visit relatives in L A California,, They went to Some Beach Somewhere for the Day, Upon arriving she notices this music blasting out,,, And soon realized that this is no recording but a band was jamming... Turned out to be,, Alice >N< Chains It was Free.. she calls me up from a pay phone she located,,, i said Hello, the only thing i heard was this incredibly mind blowing Wicked ass new sound pleasuring my ear,, She went on to tell me what was happening,,, Then i seen The Man in the box video on MTV some years later, I remembered that name and sound,,, Awesome,, now i am 60yrs old and suffer from short term memory loss,, so give or take a little on that date given.
I've said it b4 Idk if I'll say it about any future banda but Layne and Jerry were musical soulmates. Period
Their voices were a perfect combination.
They remind me of the male equivalent of Ann & Nancy Wilson
Jerry and Layne sounded Great together. Great Band.
cantrell is the GOAT.
Love it 😍 awesome to know that Jerry had so much respect for Layne’s heart ❣ provoking voice 🌟 miss you Layne and mike RIP angels 👼 rock on 🤘🏽 with the best of them guys love 💕 peace ✌️ and empathy 🕉 always loved never forgotten ☮️
Layne to this day is my all time favorite singer! So versatile.... soft. hard and everything in between... so sad that drugs have taken so many away before their time,,
That man had the voice of an angel, this world was just too painful for him
Favourite Seattle Band ....since day one ....
i cant watch this without crying. it was fate. it was beautiful. it was human. it was real. they wrote morbid and yet true music that can never be forgotten in my heart and mind.
I put this era of rock music (later 80's to about mid 90's) against any era in music history. The amount of pure musical talent was simply astonishing. Never will be bested. I feel blessed to have witnessed it.
I love to see good interviewers asking interesting questions
Goddammit Layne. When you have it all and it's just not enough. Thanks for the pleasure of listening to your art.
listening to Jerry Cantrell always had this way of making you feel more legit about who you were; whether he was playing or speaking!
that was so cute when Jerry bumped into Shaun
Matt Pinfield - dude is an encyclopedia of music
I have always said that Layne and Jerry’s voices were made for each other
Layne and Jerry was amazing together and Layne sounded like a true friend to jerry
Aw, I feel what Jerry says about being with Layne makes you want to become a better singer and do it more (personally speaking, since I sing too) 🖤 still, I think you can see some form of pain in Jerry’s eyes:(
No one plans to take the path that leads you lower.
Miss Layne
Man when they still had Star they made some of the baddest ass music. Still my goto shit if I’m framing or hanging drywall 🤟🤟
Saw them open for Iggy in 1990, Porter Hall Ottawa. Had no idea who they were at the time, but man they were good live. I remember the audience was a little quiet, didnt know how to process them, lol!
Always good stuff about Layne, besides singing..
Which makes me really happy, and proud.. and sad a bit eventually
Great interviewer, right questions
I would have loved to see how much Layne could have done… I miss him. 🥺
Jerry 🥰😍🥰🥰🤟🤟
Maricel Muñoz 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Jerry....class act..!!
You gotta know, from the very first rehearsal with Layne, that you are gonna be a worldwide success
Lucius Malfoy is a great guitarist
This video was posted here on Layne's birthday, not sure if that was intentional
👌
Imiss Layne. I need more Jerry and the boys!
Damn Sean be rocking that beard for real.. 💋💞💞💞
Beard looks like a snapchat filter 😂😂😂
He looks great doesn’t he? It was hard for me to pay attention to what Jerry was even saying because I was too busy looking at Sean.
@@christar9527 with or without facial hair Sean Kenney is smokin hot!! Yes honey...😛
says alot of layne to be the lead singer and not have an ego about letting someone step up and sing lead
Tfw you aspire to sing like Layne but you discover you sing like Jerry
And there's nothin wrong with that!.....😉
I love Jerry's solo album Degregation trip parts I and II. It's a masterpiece!!!
God bless Layne Staley. Best 90s rock singer. Period. End of story.
Junkhead chorus harmonies!
Sean Kinney has some righteous face moss.
Although I do agree that the harmony between Jerry and Layne was phenomenal, it seems that Cantrell now wants to be the lead singer of Alice In Chains. Leaving William as a back up singer when Williams lyrical range is actually much wider than Jerry’s. All of AIC’s albums after losing Layne are exactly the same as Jerry’s solo albums. Without Layne… AIC has become one dimensional. I miss him… R.I.P brother.
I wish Jerry Cantrell was my father hes a god
What a great band , I’m appreciating them more than back in the day
I always forget how smart Jerry sounds. Then an interview pops up and I think "is this guy some kind of zen master?"
I bought my first distortion pedal from Jerry at a music shop in Texas. BOSS Heavy Metal Distortion. It was Christmas eve. He is not much on customer service back then. LOL!
Sean is such a chill dude
I wanna see more of this interview.
what a great segment.
two voices as one spot on.
Kinda blended together? Those vocals & harmonies are epic.
I hate to disagree with Jerry but his and Layne's voices didn't create one voice, both of them together made 3 voices. They probably will no not probably but had the absolute best harmonies since The Everly Brothers. Hands down.
"your vocals laid over each other so well, like I mean historically man, it was like I was listening to God himself"
Take it easy man.
Played Tacoma out 😂 born and raised here it only takes one show to outgrow Tacoma haha
I gotta admit. Those dudes make this dude sob like a baby but in a good way.
The interviewer is on point about their harmonies. That is the one thing that no other band from that era had. No metal band either from any era, had harmonies that are any where near as haunting and just downright magical as Layne and Jerry had. The only other band that had that indescribable harmonic magic on the level of AIC besides The Beatles imo is The Band with Manuel, Danko, and Helm.
Amazing story.. Musical soulmates
They look good here
Layne Thomas Staley (Kirkland, Washington, 22 de agosto de 1967-Seattle, Washington, 5 de abril de 2002) fue un músico estadounidense, vocalista y letrista de Alice in Chains, una de las cuatro bandas más importantes del movimiento rock alternativo y grunge en Seattle. La banda se hizo famosa por su distintivo estilo vocal, que combinaba la desgarradora y talentosa voz de Staley con las voces armónicas del guitarrista y también vocalista de la banda Jerry Cantrell. Durante toda su carrera Layne Staley luchó contra una severa adicción a las drogas, que terminaría causando su muerte en el año 2002.
Jeery cantrell is a very creative fellow
Legend!
The word Matt is looking for is "harmonizing"
such a legend
Weird...the original video was removed
Down in a Hole really shows their great voices together. My fave 90s band followed by Sound Garden.
Their harmonies are so good... like CSN
Junkhead, live. One of the best examples of that vocal harmony in my opinion.
Layne was the shit
Still is
I was a good friend, and neighbor of Mike Starr. We had lots of great times at Mike's I remember meeting Jerry and Sean for the first time. Then a young Layne came over one night, and we locked him in the bedroom with a little hottie. Partied all night, and jumped in the window in the morning pulled back the covers, and slapped some ass :-D
So cool.
Fuck I love this band!!!!
Is Jerry just about the coolest dude, or what?
Legends.
ITS FKN MAGIC!!! Thats what the 2 of you had!!! Heaven is a BEAUTIFUL PLACE Dont be sa d if anything Jerry lets get the next chapter going!!! You are his right ar or left side of BRAIN AGAIN MGIC you are amazing and LAYNE is an ANGE TRUST!!!! KNOW it SING IT AND FKN SING YOUR ASS OFF!!!!
If you're of a certain age, Staley/Cantrell also reminds you of David Byron and Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep.
Everyone basically reps their music as the best to have come up through but the alt, grunge, post hair metal times were pretty darn epic to have been coming of age through.