Yes! The "YOU don't understand who THEY though *I* was supposed be" then "Look at ME now: a man who won't let HIMSELF be." The others, whoever they were were, eroded his own agency, his aspirations, and stole his comfort in his own skin.
The reason you can't describe what you are hearing from Layne's voice is because what you are hearing is raw emotion, not technique, he's not singing the songs, he's living the songs and expressing it. Also, the entire MTV Unplugged show is both amazing and heartbreaking; it's like watching Layne's suffering put out right in front of the world for all to see.
Also good to remember Layne literally had most of his teeth rotted out by this point and was on copious amounts of heroin. He is quite literally at his lowest point in life in this singing his own funeral with a barely working body
@@Ps1ClassicGameplay He hadn't lost any of his teeth yet. This is a rumor that goes around. If you look at mad season live at the Moore less than a year before his teeth were fine. Around the time of MTV unplugged they shot the Nona files and you can see all his teeth though they have deteriorated and are not in good health. I think he is super self conscious and is trying to keep his head down hide them here but they are there or his whole face would have lost structure. According to his father he started to loose them around 1998 after he had become reclusive x
Being depressed really does feel like being stuck in a hole with no hope of ever climbing out. The feeling of wanting to be free, to be able to fly but being denied that is very relatable.
For the “someone throwing you a rope” thing, sober for 31 years, I have flashes of moments, of the times I was thrown a rope and either didn’t see it for what it was, or was actively avoiding the opportunities given. I have had some of the most satisfying experiences of my life going back and reconnecting with those who tried to help me when I didn’t want it. Everything is a two way street.
Thank you for this. "You don't understand who they thought I'm supposed to be". Pressure, real or imagined, from parents or other important people in your life can really mess you up. I'm 64 and recently retired. I started living MY life just a few years ago. I don't really care what other people think of me anymore. I often felt/feel I've let other people down, despite giving it my best effort. Now I just don't give a crap.
Layne Staley's voice was one of the most hauntingly tormented ones ever!!!! In 1992 I bought Alice in chains' first 2 albums, I was 22. My son was born 6 years later, is now 26 and has had a poster of Layne in his room for over 10 years now. That voice......oh man that voice.
Layne was just magical... is so sad him sing this, knowing what happened to him... But im also feel happy, because he show me through his song the talent he had, the emotions he put into his singing... thx you Layne... and you will be FOREVER with ur fans
this song was played on repeat for several weeks after experiencing a very bad break up. I just felt like I couldn't function as a person and sadly, as a father. But this song also helped me heal because I used it as an outlet for my depression and self-loathing. Layne ultimately couldn't help himself, but he helped save my life.
Ya jerry definitely fid most of the songwriting. Don't get me wrong layne did do some songs too. But jerry is a freaking beast. he's the mastermind behind most lyrics.
A true description of what depression felt like for me. As an A in C’s fan for 30 years, this song has helped me climb out of a few “holes”. Thank you for bringing up some points that I haven’t thought about.
I love that you’re doing Alice In Chains. Please do “Rotten Apple”. Such a great addiction song, that very few understand. Lots to unpack in that one. Even the vibe of the instrumental parts take you to that point where you feel the hopelessness of being trapped.
This was one of my favorite songs about 12 years ago when I was still in the "fun" stage of opiate addiction. I am now 307 days sober and I can't watch this now without tearing up. Seeing Kurt so close to one of the two conclusions of drug addiction is heart-wrenching. I am thankful every day that I climbed the rope out of that hole.
It is interesting that you were talking about someone in depression/addiction yearning for that instant relief. I am an addict but clean for 9years and what I found for myself is that the yearning for instant gratification is a huge catalyst for the addiction process. So it makes sense from that view point that someone feeling this way gets stuck down in that hole. I was stuck for 6 years. Now that I am clean and time has passed I have learned patience and have never been happier. Well done reaction and a powerful powerful song.
“Look at me now, a man who won’t let himself be” is a line I’ve related to from the first time I heard this song back in the 90s. 30-plus years later, it might be more relevant now than it was when I was a young adult trying to find my way.
Hands down my favorite AIC song. I could listen to this one on a loop for an hour straight and feel it deep in my soul each and every time like it was the first time. Rest in peace, sweet prince. 😢
It’s heartbreaking seeing Layne so deep in his adiction…. RIP angry angel… I hope wherever you are now that you are happy and at peace.. You are so loved and missed Layne…❤
I read long ago that Layne was real dope sick that night & the group wasn’t sure if he would be able to perform. To everyone’s surprise, it was one of their best performances. It’s hauntingly beautiful. ❤
The greatest thing this channel does is not make me feel alone. The way you describe these songs just makes me feel understood - validated. I play so many songs for friends that I feel like they bare my soul lol, and my friends are just like "cool - maybe something more upbeat next time though"
You need to seen Layne at his peak, love, hate, love - live at the Moore. The unplugged session is so fucking bittersweet. I really wish Layne could of found a way out of his addiction
Hello. Just found you and it is 2:42 in the morning and I can’t stop watching. I’m going through some things and a number of songs have helped. Thank you for what you are doing. I don’t know if there a proper way to suggest a song so forgive me if it shouldn’t be posted here. In sticking with the 90s thing, I feel that hearing your reaction to Candlebox “Far Behind” would be interesting because he is singing to/about a friend that died. A lot of your reactions are from songs from artists singing about themselves so Far Behind would give us all a different perspective. Thank you for considering it. All my best.
I am so glad I found your channel, I was just trying to watch reaction videos but found something so much more meaningful, so much of what you say is so damn relatable. Thank you for what you are doing.
I read a comment somewhere that pretty said that much this performance was the closest thing you will ever get to somebody singing at their own funeral. Layne was so far down in his addiction at this point, he was really suffering. Yet they still managed to pull of one of the most legendary performances in history. We miss you Layne.
Agree with all of that. And what's crazy is that you can tell he's only operating at a percentage of his abilities. In this performance, the man was on heroin (he had to get a fix before the show to get through it, reportedly), forehead-deep in his addiction and decline, and circling the drain, and he still managed to give a performance that puts many other clean, healthy, and full-powered artists to shame. Dude was a beast.
@alexguitarman100, I agree my dude. If any vocalist that I know of who came the closest to singing at their own funeral it'd be Chris Cornell. I know he was definitely closer than Layne ever would of been for sure. If you go back & look & listen to the encore Soundgarden did on the night Chris passed away. It should be easy to see that Chris was trying to reach out in his own subtle way to anyone who'd listen. Without warning Cornell played the bands music conductor doing a song mashup starting with "Slaves & Bulldozers." (Every word I said is what I mean. Everything I held is what I freed.) Then Cornell led the rest of the band into "In My Time Of Dying by Zeppelin." (In my time of dying, want nobody to mourn. All I want for you to do is take my body home. Well, well, well, so I can die easy, etc..." Then went back into "S&B" to end the concert. (Everything I gave is what I need. Everything I've shown is what I feel. Now you know why I've been taken...) Just saying.... ++Peace & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friend++ 🤘😜🤘
Layne Staley was awesome! I saw him live so many times in my teens and he always sounded incredible! I had the honor of jumping up on stage with them and Layne pushing me back to the crowd! Best show seeing them ever! We lost so many of my favorite artists I grew up listening to, to addiction!
I am hitting three years sober on Thursday 11/14. This has always meant something since the first time I heard it when it was new. So glad that I am alive to hear it today 30 some years later.
I appreciate and liked this to keep real music alive. Hopefully younger generations find strength and remember that it's not over till it's over. It's ok to ask for help. Your not alone
Don't forget we as humans are the best at failure, the pains of addiction are real. But there is also a mental side that breaks you down, and it rules over you. I was fortunate enough to escape but I have many friends that aren't as a fortunate..😢
AIC my third fav band of all time. Layne R. I.P. Layne,jerry one of the best duo's in rock music ever, the melodies that they create are amazing. Jerry stills rock at 57.
Its hard to listen to Layne, cause you can feel the pain in his soul, and see the hurt in his eyes! There are days, I can relate to him! BTW I am proud of you for adopting Mosh! I grew up with dogs and cats, been around them all my life. And I can tell you, in these dark days that consume me, my cat and my dog are the only true friends I have! I doubt that I would be still here without the 2 of them!
So, there is the cover that Dallas Green did of Rain when I die. I can’t listen to it most of the time. He has that magic that makes you feel what that song is about.
It’s mind blowing hearing your analysis of this powerful 90’s record as the sounds of sirens and city madness in the background lol…. How you have focused to be so intelligent and inspirational with all that in the background is something else….
Nice reaction. Notice that Lane is reading lyrics. With one foot in the grave, he paints an absolute masterpiece. This concert would become a tribute to Lanes immense talent.
So happy to beeing a part of this when this happende!!! Rememer a friend getting Nirvana and we all just what the hell is this!!! Then grunge exploded! Lanye and Curt are missed!
Go watch Love,Hate,Love if you want to get some more of Layne’s crazy good vocals. Edit: The whole live 1991, is pretty prime AIC days so all those performances you’ll enjoy.
I'm not an addict but this song has spoken to me directly since the day it was released. I've always felt like I was on an island by myself and then Layne Staley captured the same feelings and then he died and I felt lost again
Don’t have to be an addict to relate to severe depression and anxiety. I’ve also used the same metaphor. I’m on an island by myself with nothing around but water and if I try to step off the ground I’ll drown. Be kind to yourself.
AIC is my favorite band. This has always been my favorite song. This always hits so hard for me for so many reasons. I started singing along and my husky came to check on me. She thought I was sad. Cantrell's new album is incredible too.
One of my top 5 bands. Have never had a serious addiction yet I find AIC so relatable. Would love to see you react to their entire Layne catalog tbh but as individual live performances you definitely need to see their performance at the Moore “Love, Hate, Love”.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!love what you shared about needing immediate solutions and that its often a fantasy. wow! and yes from lived experience it's building strength and often takes time feeling uncomfortable. so awesome song and yes grieving the fantasy and recovery is a process. over four and a half years in substance use and mental health recovery for me and i 100% agree. starting mmy job as a peer support specialist next week! you can recover
Chills! My favorite MTV unplugged by farrrrrr. Rooster should be next from this performance. Actually angry chair has more of a deeper meaning about addiction. Rooster is about Jerry's father in war, Layne wrote angry chair.
“i want to fly, but my wings have been so denied” i interpret it as a way of saying i want to become a better human, but when i’m gone i’ll reap what i sow, i’m not earning my angels wings for who I’ve grown into.
I am so incredibly jealous that I was not one of the audience members during this performance for MTV unplugged. It was my dream to always see them live in person especially in this special way. And I remember watching a ton of biographies on the band and how incredibly uncomfortable they were playing especially since Lane was very vulnerable at this time. I will forever miss the original band nothing can ever compare to it. Ever😢
On this night, Layne made this song his own…..it took on an entirely different meaning than Jerry originally intended. It is beautiful, yet heartbreaking. Truly, Layne’s soul was performing. The harmonies between him & Jerry have yet to be matched - they were a perfect duo.
From adv_mat: @sharonankelein9104 I hear you there, these two bands and that reaction to them.... They are so much filled with some kind of articulation of intense emotions and feelings that might be sometimes hard for us to express. They about that deep, constant and often exhausting struggle. This dark place called depression can feel like all this is everything, and nothing basically matters... I've been there... that deep black whole that sucks all the will, hope and motivation to be happy again. It fills like this is all we have. And in such moments, just you, us, recognizing that others have put these feelings into words it some kind of realization we are in this together. Music can a sorrow of recognizing that within ourselves, how difficult it is, that these are trully words descriging our bad spot, moment, part of our life. However at the same time it reminds us that others are feeling this too, that we are not alone in that weightlifting, that others are having similar questions of " why should i?, what's the point ?". We are not isolated in such struggle, we are not alone. If this song caused your tears, then i think it is because it spoke something true. It reached something in your that needed to be seen, heard, understood, and felt. I think that is not being week, that for me is to being a human. It's not easy but it reminds us that we feel that, we feel all of our life, however it sucks. These are human emotions that are true, hard, valid and you made some brave steps to open up. To say out loud what you are looking for, or maybe what you don't want to go through. It is something extraordinary to be open like that, to share you deep feelings that are often hidden. Even in the heaviness of it all, you’ve found a way to connect-through this music, through these words, through this moment. I hear you, i relate to your emotions as someone that been there in these dark places. There is something powerful in these songs, in relations to your emotions - it is not there to say cheer up, or tell you to be happy. This music, and I are here to say we see you, hear you, and these emotions are serious, and no one deserves to go through that. If you ever feel like sharing more-what this song meant to you or anything else there are for sure people to be there to listen, understand, be there for you- you deserve that. Always. I hope you find that space to solve your troubles. Sending all the love, light, warmth, support!!! Matt
When an addict has words so powerful they don`t need to look the therapist in the eyes, Layne already knew the battle was over, the band knew it was too, sadly you can`t babysit an addict it is their choice, mad season live was upsetting to watch but everyone with eyes could see what the outcome would be, thankyou for the reaction x
He was so young. So talented. So unique in vocal range. We were the same age. I guess we still are the same age. I wish he'd have made it to this stage in life. I wish he'd have been able to look back on his young self with pride. I often wonder what he would be doing now. So many musicians of that time didn't make it out of the addiction alive. Shannon Hoon, Scott Weiland, and Andy Wood all gone way too soon.
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth.........." hits hard for me. Better to just be quiet and figure it out instead of letting someone in.
Down in a hole- loved your explanation of what that means- add to that his addiction to heroin and that needle making a hole- filter the lyrics through that addiction
Alice in Chains made excellent music from the hellish existence that is life Rip Layne Staley Chris Cornell Kurt Cobain Pete Steele and Scott Weiland some people give up on life at 27 but don't die until 75!!!!
Although Layne died several years after this it it quite haunting as people have mentioned. The defeat in his voice, the pain, sadness... He seems to have come to terms with his addiction.
The Unplugged version is great but if you want to feel the pain and anguish listen to the original form. Jerry and Layne compliment each other wonderfully. I saw them in Dallas in 92 with Ozzy and they blew Ozzy out of the water😊
I always interpreted the song as an addict who lost his mother, and he’s mourning her. “Holding rare flowers in a tomb.” And actually the part where he says “I want to be inside of you.” He’s talking about being back inside her womb where he can finally feel secure again.
My therapist asked me to play her a song that describes how I feel when I'm at "the bottom" in my depression. I played her this song...she had to excuse herself from the room, crying
The best thing MTV ever did.
This is the best Alice in Chains performance on video. It ain't even close.
100% true
@@SheldonGoffFacts, Live at Moore theatre 1990 is a close second for me
It would be pretty cool if they played good music on mtv again!
Agree
"You don't understand who they thought I was supposed to be" just hits man.
Yes! The "YOU don't understand who THEY though *I* was supposed be" then "Look at ME now: a man who won't let HIMSELF be."
The others, whoever they were were, eroded his own agency, his aspirations, and stole his comfort in his own skin.
@@go-nogo1475some of the best lyrics he (Jerry) ever wrote
The reason you can't describe what you are hearing from Layne's voice is because what you are hearing is raw emotion, not technique, he's not singing the songs, he's living the songs and expressing it.
Also, the entire MTV Unplugged show is both amazing and heartbreaking; it's like watching Layne's suffering put out right in front of the world for all to see.
Also good to remember Layne literally had most of his teeth rotted out by this point and was on copious amounts of heroin. He is quite literally at his lowest point in life in this singing his own funeral with a barely working body
@@Ps1ClassicGameplay He hadn't lost any of his teeth yet. This is a rumor that goes around. If you look at mad season live at the Moore less than a year before his teeth were fine. Around the time of MTV unplugged they shot the Nona files and you can see all his teeth though they have deteriorated and are not in good health. I think he is super self conscious and is trying to keep his head down hide them here but they are there or his whole face would have lost structure. According to his father he started to loose them around 1998 after he had become reclusive x
Jeez yeah... it's crazy
So difficult to watch those Unplugged clips anymore. As people have said, it's like Layne is singing at his own funeral. Heartbreaking.
I enjoy the live videos. No need to feel down in a hole
I think it was worse when I saw Layne live and he couldn't even stand he was so wasted 😢
I know the true story, Laynes girlfriend(Demri) we must undestand him(Layne) because of dead tragedy became depressed
That reminds me of Amy Winehouse. Her last performance she was staggering
@@miletitytivadar4974 demri passed away after this
Suffering in front of his band, the audience & no one can get to him…so raw, so real and so painful. Miss you Layne.
Being depressed really does feel like being stuck in a hole with no hope of ever climbing out. The feeling of wanting to be free, to be able to fly but being denied that is very relatable.
so true, such a heavy sense of guilt, i put myself in this situation
For the “someone throwing you a rope” thing, sober for 31 years, I have flashes of moments, of the times I was thrown a rope and either didn’t see it for what it was, or was actively avoiding the opportunities given. I have had some of the most satisfying experiences of my life going back and reconnecting with those who tried to help me when I didn’t want it. Everything is a two way street.
Thank you for this.
"You don't understand who they thought I'm supposed to be". Pressure, real or imagined, from parents or other important people in your life can really mess you up. I'm 64 and recently retired. I started living MY life just a few years ago. I don't really care what other people think of me anymore. I often felt/feel I've let other people down, despite giving it my best effort. Now I just don't give a crap.
Layne Staley's voice was one of the most hauntingly tormented ones ever!!!! In 1992 I bought Alice in chains' first 2 albums, I was 22. My son was born 6 years later, is now 26 and has had a poster of Layne in his room for over 10 years now. That voice......oh man that voice.
Please do “Don’t Follow.” Layne had such a way to make you feel his pain. 😔❤️
that shit always gets me !
oh man that song...
Love this suggestion, this song is overlooked by people reacting to AiC but it's so beautiful
Jar of flies 😢
@@neurochrisI wish more people would listen to angry chair especially unplugged that song is easily my favorite aic song but no one ever reacts to it.
Alice in Chains - Love,Hate,Love (live at the moore)
Not enough people react to that performance. It’s jaw dropping
Yeeeaaaaahhhhh
THIS!
This is a song about pain…
Anyone there that night became a demigod
grunge's unpluggeds are top-tier live shows everyone should experience
Layne was just magical... is so sad him sing this, knowing what happened to him... But im also feel happy, because he show me through his song the talent he had, the emotions he put into his singing... thx you Layne... and you will be FOREVER with ur fans
"look at me now im a man who wont let himself be" is such a gut punch of a lyric
Especially when you know exactly the way and place he’s talking about
this song was played on repeat for several weeks after experiencing a very bad break up. I just felt like I couldn't function as a person and sadly, as a father. But this song also helped me heal because I used it as an outlet for my depression and self-loathing. Layne ultimately couldn't help himself, but he helped save my life.
Yeah….the lyrics were written by Jerry….
Jerry Cantrell is one of the best songwriters
I always wondered if Jerry wrote lyrics of what he sees through Layne.
@@frankydominguez6581 i thought this song was about a girlfriend jerry had and how he felt about their relationship at the time or something
@frankydominguez6581 he wrote this song about his girlfriend 😂
@@frankydominguez6581Jerry wrote this song about an ex girlfriend
Ya jerry definitely fid most of the songwriting. Don't get me wrong layne did do some songs too. But jerry is a freaking beast. he's the mastermind behind most lyrics.
A true description of what depression felt like for me. As an A in C’s fan for 30 years, this song has helped me climb out of a few “holes”.
Thank you for bringing up some points that I haven’t thought about.
That acoustic bass!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Favorite line " I'd like to fly, but my wings have been denied"
I love that you’re doing Alice In Chains. Please do “Rotten Apple”. Such a great addiction song, that very few understand. Lots to unpack in that one. Even the vibe of the instrumental parts take you to that point where you feel the hopelessness of being trapped.
This was one of my favorite songs about 12 years ago when I was still in the "fun" stage of opiate addiction. I am now 307 days sober and I can't watch this now without tearing up. Seeing Kurt so close to one of the two conclusions of drug addiction is heart-wrenching. I am thankful every day that I climbed the rope out of that hole.
There is nothing more organic than the audience's applause at the end of this...They realize they just saw something great
At 3:41 in your video, watch how Jerry looks back at the rest of the band and nods his head as to say to them "Yeah, Laynes still in there somewhere".
It is interesting that you were talking about someone in depression/addiction yearning for that instant relief. I am an addict but clean for 9years and what I found for myself is that the yearning for instant gratification is a huge catalyst for the addiction process. So it makes sense from that view point that someone feeling this way gets stuck down in that hole. I was stuck for 6 years. Now that I am clean and time has passed I have learned patience and have never been happier. Well done reaction and a powerful powerful song.
“Look at me now, a man who won’t let himself be” is a line I’ve related to from the first time I heard this song back in the 90s. 30-plus years later, it might be more relevant now than it was when I was a young adult trying to find my way.
Yeh... time served in the hole of self and not a day you've let yourself be 💙🖤
@anotherfaceless. Living in your head space can be rough…
The greatest voice to ever do it
Hands down my favorite AIC song. I could listen to this one on a loop for an hour straight and feel it deep in my soul each and every time like it was the first time. Rest in peace, sweet prince. 😢
It’s heartbreaking seeing Layne so deep in his adiction…. RIP angry angel… I hope wherever you are now that you are happy and at peace.. You are so loved and missed Layne…❤
Them harmonizing different lyrics has always blown me away on this song. I grew up in the grunge era in Seattle and always loved these bands.
I read long ago that Layne was real dope sick that night & the group wasn’t sure if he would be able to perform. To everyone’s surprise, it was one of their best performances. It’s hauntingly beautiful. ❤
He gave us his best when he was at his worst.
Jerry carried him that night. Makes me wanna go watch brother from the same performance straight away
The greatest thing this channel does is not make me feel alone. The way you describe these songs just makes me feel understood - validated. I play so many songs for friends that I feel like they bare my soul lol, and my friends are just like "cool - maybe something more upbeat next time though"
This song/band kept me alive more times than I care to admit
Me too. And they are still doing it!
Same, bro. Same.
You need to seen Layne at his peak, love, hate, love - live at the Moore. The unplugged session is so fucking bittersweet. I really wish Layne could of found a way out of his addiction
Hellfuckinyeah, that whole video is priceless!!
That acoustic bass tone, though!!!
A womb is also where you're protected from the outside world where as a tomb is where you go once the outside world is done with you.
I like this. Never thought of that. 👍
This RUclips channel is gold. So informative and inspiring and helpful. Good job Taylor and whoever else is involved in the project. Amazing
Hello. Just found you and it is 2:42 in the morning and I can’t stop watching. I’m going through some things and a number of songs have helped. Thank you for what you are doing. I don’t know if there a proper way to suggest a song so forgive me if it shouldn’t be posted here. In sticking with the 90s thing, I feel that hearing your reaction to Candlebox “Far Behind” would be interesting because he is singing to/about a friend that died. A lot of your reactions are from songs from artists singing about themselves so Far Behind would give us all a different perspective. Thank you for considering it. All my best.
I am so glad I found your channel, I was just trying to watch reaction videos but found something so much more meaningful, so much of what you say is so damn relatable. Thank you for what you are doing.
I've been hoping for this reaction!
I read a comment somewhere that pretty said that much this performance was the closest thing you will ever get to somebody singing at their own funeral. Layne was so far down in his addiction at this point, he was really suffering. Yet they still managed to pull of one of the most legendary performances in history.
We miss you Layne.
Agree with all of that. And what's crazy is that you can tell he's only operating at a percentage of his abilities. In this performance, the man was on heroin (he had to get a fix before the show to get through it, reportedly), forehead-deep in his addiction and decline, and circling the drain, and he still managed to give a performance that puts many other clean, healthy, and full-powered artists to shame. Dude was a beast.
@alexguitarman100, I agree my dude. If any vocalist that I know of who came the closest to singing at their own funeral it'd be Chris Cornell. I know he was definitely closer than Layne ever would of been for sure. If you go back & look & listen to the encore Soundgarden did on the night Chris passed away. It should be easy to see that Chris was trying to reach out in his own subtle way to anyone who'd listen. Without warning Cornell played the bands music conductor doing a song mashup starting with "Slaves & Bulldozers." (Every word I said is what I mean. Everything I held is what I freed.) Then Cornell led the rest of the band into "In My Time Of Dying by Zeppelin." (In my time of dying, want nobody to mourn. All I want for you to do is take my body home. Well, well, well, so I can die easy, etc..." Then went back into "S&B" to end the concert. (Everything I gave is what I need. Everything I've shown is what I feel. Now you know why I've been taken...) Just saying.... ++Peace & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friend++ 🤘😜🤘
RIP Layne....better than most of us! ❤❤😢😢😢
Layne Staley was awesome! I saw him live so many times in my teens and he always sounded incredible! I had the honor of jumping up on stage with them and Layne pushing me back to the crowd! Best show seeing them ever! We lost so many of my favorite artists I grew up listening to, to addiction!
I am hitting three years sober on Thursday 11/14. This has always meant something since the first time I heard it when it was new. So glad that I am alive to hear it today 30 some years later.
I'm so feeling this song today
Hang in there. I feel this song most days. If I can make it through, so can you. One day at a time.
I feel you!
Me too brother, stay strong
Stunning, stunning track - part of the perfect Album. His voice is (was) special, loaded with emotion, yet he made it seem totally effortless
I appreciate and liked this to keep real music alive. Hopefully younger generations find strength and remember that it's not over till it's over. It's ok to ask for help. Your not alone
Don't forget we as humans are the best at failure, the pains of addiction are real.
But there is also a mental side that breaks you down, and it rules over you. I was fortunate enough to escape but I have many friends that aren't as a fortunate..😢
AIC my third fav band of all time.
Layne R. I.P.
Layne,jerry one of the best duo's in rock music ever, the melodies that they create are amazing.
Jerry stills rock at 57.
Its hard to listen to Layne, cause you can feel the pain in his soul, and see the hurt in his eyes! There are days, I can relate to him! BTW I am proud of you for adopting Mosh! I grew up with dogs and cats, been around them all my life. And I can tell you, in these dark days that consume me, my cat and my dog are the only true friends I have! I doubt that I would be still here without the 2 of them!
So, there is the cover that Dallas Green did of Rain when I die. I can’t listen to it most of the time. He has that magic that makes you feel what that song is about.
Brings me back to listening to this as a teenager. I can definitely hear Layne’s pain before his passing.
It’s mind blowing hearing your analysis of this powerful 90’s record as the sounds of sirens and city madness in the background lol…. How you have focused to be so intelligent and inspirational with all that in the background is something else….
This was my go to song for so many years and still is some days, today is one of those days 😢
Nice reaction. Notice that Lane is reading lyrics. With one foot in the grave, he paints an absolute masterpiece. This concert would become a tribute to Lanes immense talent.
You are so spot on. Much respect.
So happy to beeing a part of this when this happende!!! Rememer a friend getting Nirvana and we all just what the hell is this!!! Then grunge exploded! Lanye and Curt are missed!
After his fiancee died, Layne gave up....... On a lighter note, "Friends don't let friends get haircuts!"
"Friends don't let friends get "Friends" haircuts", referring to the show Friends.
Was actually a dig at Metallica.
Always love that smile from Jerry when Layne hits that note @ 3:40
Go watch Love,Hate,Love if you want to get some more of Layne’s crazy good vocals.
Edit: The whole live 1991, is pretty prime AIC days so all those performances you’ll enjoy.
Totally agree!
So fkn beautiful, with Jerry Cantrell and Layne
I'm not an addict but this song has spoken to me directly since the day it was released. I've always felt like I was on an island by myself and then Layne Staley captured the same feelings and then he died and I felt lost again
Don’t have to be an addict to relate to severe depression and anxiety. I’ve also used the same metaphor. I’m on an island by myself with nothing around but water and if I try to step off the ground I’ll drown. Be kind to yourself.
Hands down the best Unplugged ever!
AIC is my favorite band. This has always been my favorite song. This always hits so hard for me for so many reasons. I started singing along and my husky came to check on me. She thought I was sad. Cantrell's new album is incredible too.
The fascinating thing about the lyrics is that you can interpret it from an addiction, depression, or relationship perspective and they all work.
One of my top 5 bands. Have never had a serious addiction yet I find AIC so relatable. Would love to see you react to their entire Layne catalog tbh but as individual live performances you definitely need to see their performance at the Moore “Love, Hate, Love”.
This album was literally the peak of anything that mtv ever did!
Thank you for the message you give in this video
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!love what you shared about needing immediate solutions and that its often a fantasy. wow! and yes from lived experience it's building strength and often takes time feeling uncomfortable. so awesome song and yes grieving the fantasy and recovery is a process. over four and a half years in substance use and mental health recovery for me and i 100% agree. starting mmy job as a peer support specialist next week! you can recover
Chills! My favorite MTV unplugged by farrrrrr. Rooster should be next from this performance. Actually angry chair has more of a deeper meaning about addiction. Rooster is about Jerry's father in war, Layne wrote angry chair.
AIC and Pearl Jam's unplugged are the best moments of MTV.
“i want to fly, but my wings have been so denied” i interpret it as a way of saying i want to become a better human, but when i’m gone i’ll reap what i sow, i’m not earning my angels wings for who I’ve grown into.
These are the best Taylor. Thank you for a different outlook sometimes. Easy to get stuck.
I am so incredibly jealous that I was not one of the audience members during this performance for MTV unplugged.
It was my dream to always see them live in person especially in this special way. And I remember watching a ton of biographies on the band and how incredibly uncomfortable they were playing especially since Lane was very vulnerable at this time.
I will forever miss the original band nothing can ever compare to it. Ever😢
On this night, Layne made this song his own…..it took on an entirely different meaning than Jerry originally intended. It is beautiful, yet heartbreaking. Truly, Layne’s soul was performing. The harmonies between him & Jerry have yet to be matched - they were a perfect duo.
i cried so much when you interpreted this song depression is awful its all my life
From adv_mat: @sharonankelein9104 I hear you there, these two bands and that reaction to them....
They are so much filled with some kind of articulation of intense emotions and feelings that might be sometimes hard for us to express. They about that deep, constant and often exhausting struggle.
This dark place called depression can feel like all this is everything, and nothing basically matters... I've been there... that deep black whole that sucks all the will, hope and motivation to be happy again. It fills like this is all we have. And in such moments, just you, us, recognizing that others have put these feelings into words it some kind of realization we are in this together. Music can a sorrow of recognizing that within ourselves, how difficult it is, that these are trully words descriging our bad spot, moment, part of our life. However at the same time it reminds us that others are feeling this too, that we are not alone in that weightlifting, that others are having similar questions of " why should i?, what's the point ?". We are not isolated in such struggle, we are not alone.
If this song caused your tears, then i think it is because it spoke something true. It reached something in your that needed to be seen, heard, understood, and felt. I think that is not being week, that for me is to being a human.
It's not easy but it reminds us that we feel that, we feel all of our life, however it sucks. These are human emotions that are true, hard, valid and you made some brave steps to open up. To say out loud what you are looking for, or maybe what you don't want to go through. It is something extraordinary to be open like that, to share you deep feelings that are often hidden. Even in the heaviness of it all, you’ve found a way to connect-through this music, through these words, through this moment. I hear you, i relate to your emotions as someone that been there in these dark places.
There is something powerful in these songs, in relations to your emotions - it is not there to say cheer up, or tell you to be happy. This music, and I are here to say we see you, hear you, and these emotions are serious, and no one deserves to go through that.
If you ever feel like sharing more-what this song meant to you or anything else there are for sure people to be there to listen, understand, be there for you- you deserve that. Always.
I hope you find that space to solve your troubles. Sending all the love, light, warmth, support!!!
Matt
When an addict has words so powerful they don`t need to look the therapist in the eyes, Layne already knew the battle was over, the band knew it was too, sadly you can`t babysit an addict it is their choice, mad season live was upsetting to watch but everyone with eyes could see what the outcome would be, thankyou for the reaction x
Exellent reactions. Your very in depth on the songs and relating it with like The dark night rises.
A womb your protected, the tomb your protected as now nothing can hurt you. Some yearn for the peace of the tomb as a release from the hole.
He was so young. So talented. So unique in vocal range. We were the same age. I guess we still are the same age. I wish he'd have made it to this stage in life. I wish he'd have been able to look back on his young self with pride. I often wonder what he would be doing now. So many musicians of that time didn't make it out of the addiction alive. Shannon Hoon, Scott Weiland, and Andy Wood all gone way too soon.
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth.........." hits hard for me. Better to just be quiet and figure it out instead of letting someone in.
Thing is here his raw vocals were even dialled down a notch for this performance, heavy live gigs his voice reminds me of a mountain lion .
Jerry and Laynes voices are so dam good together
Outstanding closing advice
Hearing Layne’s vocals truly lays a burden on my chest yet I don’t know why
Down in a hole- loved your explanation of what that means- add to that his addiction to heroin and that needle making a hole- filter the lyrics through that addiction
I was with Mike Starr 9 days before he passed here in Utah, such a tragic end for everyone.
Miss you Layne RIP. Gone way too soon
The best unplugged ever! AIC>Pearl Jam > Nirvana
Alice in Chains made excellent music from the hellish existence that is life Rip Layne Staley Chris Cornell Kurt Cobain Pete Steele and Scott Weiland some people give up on life at 27 but don't die until 75!!!!
I recommend listening to don’t fallow, such an amazing song.
Love hate love live at the Moore, it hits so hard
1:13 - I think that was Mike Starr's acoustic bass you're smelling.
That’s not Mike Starr, it’s Mike Inez
@@BC-qr6eo you're right. That's a weird one - the guys look really similar, both named Mike. I forgive myself.
@@carbon1479they do look similar
Although Layne died several years after this it it quite haunting as people have mentioned. The defeat in his voice, the pain, sadness... He seems to have come to terms with his addiction.
The self-titled album or Tripod because of the 3 legged dog on the cover, Dirt, Jar of Flies, and MYV UNPLUGGED are 4 MASTERPIECE ALBUMS. ALL 10/10
The Unplugged version is great but if you want to feel the pain and anguish listen to the original form. Jerry and Layne compliment each other wonderfully. I saw them in Dallas in 92 with Ozzy and they blew Ozzy out of the water😊
Love this...love your analyzes...
I always interpreted the song as an addict who lost his mother, and he’s mourning her. “Holding rare flowers in a tomb.” And actually the part where he says “I want to be inside of you.” He’s talking about being back inside her womb where he can finally feel secure again.
Keep up the great work hun love you.
My therapist asked me to play her a song that describes how I feel when I'm at "the bottom" in my depression. I played her this song...she had to excuse herself from the room, crying
Layne Staley's mom described Layne's voice as razorblades covered in marshmallows, i agree
Amazing band my favorite!
excellent reaction by the way, very inspiring.