It’s sad how quickly Layne went from a healthy teenager to a withering addict. It broke my heart when I heard the news of his death. Layne was such a huge part of my life at the time.
Yeah it only takes a few months to start losing everything. Especially with the harder non-prescription painkillers such as Hydrocodone. OxyContin is as bad as heroin and I’m sure Staley used it as well. If he was mixing with benzodiazepines, he’s lucky to have made it as long as he did…
@@zackamania6534 OxyContin wasn’t patented until 1996. Layne would’ve been deep into heroin addiction already. He did sing on a demo about stealing Vicodin however (hydrocodone)
💯agree. I can totally relate and remember exactly where I was when I heard the devastating news. my friends and I got together and just couldn't believe it. certainly one of many voices defining my generation
Last several photos are inaccurate. Those were taken in the fall of 98, layne completely withdrew from public life from 99 til his death in 02. The last photo is an artistic rendering of the last pic ever taken of layne holding his nephew, which his family has never released publicly.
Ikr, also the last pic with his new nephew in February 2002, it looks like it was sketched by a art coal pencil and it shows a top row of teeth from his profile, Layne had no front upper/lower teeth from the late 90s till his death.
Yeah the 2000 photo is from 1998 and the 2001 photo was taken in 1996 after their Detroit concert, the last one is obviously a fake as it has never been released and Layne had lost most of his teeth by then
It’s just so sad. Layne, Kurt, Andrew Wood, Chris Cornell, Mike Starr, etc etc - all these people should still be alive for their friends and families.
The death of Layne is so tragic. Out of the people who came out of the grunge scene and passed away. Layne was the one that saddens me the most. Such a huge talent that withered away cold and alone.
True, when I think about Layne, I always go back to him and Mike Starr's final conversation, which is heart breaking as well. What a tragic story overall. When you look at the pictures from his last years, it actually looks scary how much drugs can fuck you up
Heart breaking. For y'all that don't know...Layne's father disappeared without a trace when he was 7 yrs old. He was told his dad died...but he didn't. This was Layne's downfall. When he was 9 yrs old he already knew he wanted to be a rock star...thinking his Dad would find him. Sadly, at 21, his Dad came bk. But after claiming sobriety he quickly talked Layne into buying them heroin. Layne's life was destroyed looking for a POS father...then that father used him and sank him into a heroin fueled depression that would eventually take his life. This is one of the saddest stories in Rock to one of its greatest singers. I'm just touching on the facts. #RIPLayne Here's a video explaining what I mean ruclips.net/video/Ng2wXEOaZwQ/видео.html
Wow! I never knew that Layne’s father was such a profound negative influence in his life. Where did you learn this information? Were you a family friend?
Are you a dope fiend? I am and most of us don’t last very long , not a real one. Laynes dad should have done different. But addiction don’t give a damn about goodness, only more. Layne suffered for sure. It just shows how money and fame saves no one .
@@jameshuckvale7685 you talkin 2 me? Dude I been anywhere you been n then some. I'm 48 yrs old n 35 of that was...ya know how it goes. If anybody can sympathize I CAN. TRUST ME. I wish you well bro
@@james_the_animator no its common knowledge in books etc. That was THE PAIN OF LAYNE'S LIFE. Between 7-21 he had no idea if his Dad was dead or alive. He just vanished. N like I said before when Layne was only 9 yo he wrote that he wanted to be a rock star. For the sole purpose of luring his father out of the shadows and unfortunately that's what happened. When Layne was 21 n long gone his Dad saw him on a magazine cover. Found him. Said he left the fam so his addiction probs wouldn't interfere. Claimed to be sober. Then almost instantly used Layne to score dope n sent Layne from death's door into destruction Edit: here's a video about it ruclips.net/video/Ng2wXEOaZwQ/видео.html
90s singers had the most unique voices with Layne,Cornell,Chester bennington, scott weiland from STP, sublime's lead singer, all are gone from this earth.
In my opinion, the greatest rock vocalist of all time. Such a handsome man and a bright soul with an otherworldly talent. A tragedy we lost him and so sad to see the deterioration over the years. I'll remember him for his power, above all else. 🖤
That man had some of the most beautiful angelic eyes I've ever seen in my life to go along with that powerhouse voice..it wasn't the color of his eyes..it was the soul behind them. 🖤💙
I play Layne daily, whether it be AiC, Mad Season, or something obscure he did, I will miss the man and the voice, I share Laynes birthday, a few parallels, like the father my pos old man wouldn't believe me when I told him I had done it, I had gotten clean. Day 1 was Aug 22, three years ago this year. I wish Layne could have made it, would be amazing to have some new songs about it all. Miss ya Layne, hope you find that peace of mind and happiness and what ever else you were longing for here on the other side... No matter where ya go, there ya are.... 🤘👀🤘
My dad has his birthday. The weirdest part is that they were born on the same day of the month, the same day of the week (Tuesday) and the same time my dad was born at 7:30 am layne was born at 7:38 am. 17 years apart, but I didn’t know this till recently about the week day and time. I’ve always connected to layne since a teenager, that just blew me away though
Well, when he was found, it had already been weeks since his death, and I'm pretty sure it's impossible to be 6ft and weigh only 86 lbs alive, most of his fat had probably been decomposed already.
@@On1yFiji He wasnt 80 lbs... Mike Starr saw him the day he died... He was skinny, but not 80 lbs... The body was found like a week later, so it is impossible to know what his death weight was, but Mike Starr said he wasnt 80lbs.
@@JonHop1 wrong, Mike Starr was with Staley the night before he died, where they got into an argument over Layne’s Heroin addiction and Starr’s addiction to benzodiazepines
Even now, 20 years later it’s hard to watch how much he deteriorated and how quickly it happened. Will see AIC this Saturday and I know I will cry at some point
Whenever I am upset or contemplating everything and trying to sort things out in my mind or I am going through something difficult I put on the Jar Of Flies CD and put it on repeat. RIP Layne 💔
Love JoF. And if I'm not mistaken, it DEBUTED at number one on the album charts! You'd never get an album like that get anywhere the top twenty these days. (And yes, I'm aware I sound like an old man.)
@@satorified1612 I am not as young as I look..LOL. Jar Of Flies is just one of those amazing albums that seems to just fit when you've got a heavy head and heart.
He was sooo beautiful {Jerry too} handsome does not describe it. Standing in front of stages he and Jerry graced in WA & BC from '87 and seeing up close then . . . 'feeling' all that power that emitted vocally from Layne was something I still feel I cannot describe properly. Also all of us girls were gaga for Jerry's hair of course, haha.
Love you and miss you sooo very much Layne Staley!! That made me cry, thank you for sharing this awesome memory of Layne RIP my man, he was such a beautiful and talented man, miss him dearly!! FOREVER REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN 💝🌹✌️
There's a picture I've seen probably from around 2000 or 20001 were you can see his teeth are missing. I know when he passed they said he didn't have any teeth. It's really sad how the crack and heroin ate his body and he knew towards the end the damage was too much to fix. I damn near went the same way but mine was just pain pills and heroin for 15 years straight.
Congrats on getting your life together. I'm glad you did. Sadly I know 6 or 7 people who have od'd. My 22 year old nephew is one. God bless you and yours bro
Never saw the photo with him and Jerry circa '88; thanks for that. The photo of Layne in front of the Mac truck looked similar in dress/appearance/time period to one pic I'd seen him in from Lalapolooza tour with Les Claypool and Maynard Keenan. What a conversation that must've been. It's really difficult to look at all of the photos from the MTV Unplugged session onward. What a talent, and what song material the world lost. RIP friend.
I couldn’t watch this video without crying my fucking eyes out, rest in peace Layne, on behalf of all the AIC fans we love you and miss you dearly. Even though I never saw him in concert, his memory will always live on.
What a voice... It is still Him and Weiland, great rock singers. I remember "Mad Season" coming out and I played that cassette tape (yes: cassette tape), until it worn out completely that I had to buy a CD...
There will always be one ~ Layne Staley Long Live the King of Grunge Sleep well Love, may your dreams shine thru our hearts! Miss you so greatly! 🇺🇸🤘🏻☝🏻💪🏻👊🏻✌🏻💋🤍💋
God rest his soul. Such a sad story. I hope he at least got some joy out of his success while he was with us. I saw AIC this past Wednesday, just not the same without him.
A great and tragic life. Only AiC fans know how much he's helped them, and it's not just some emo thing, it's a philosophical question he demonstrated. It was like losing a friend, and if you've had good friendships, you'll still know
Definitely. The heart and soul in those lyrics: We chase misprinted lies We face the path of time And yet I fight, and yet I fight This battle all alone No one to cry to No place to call home
@@johngoldsworthy7135 Absolutely...great lyrics to Nutshell. Such a beautiful, powerful song. The lyrics written by Layne n Jerry were always deep and profound such as in Would? "Into the flood again Same old trip it was back then So I made a big mistake Try to see it once my way" It's about the way ppl demonized Andy Wood when he died from overdose. Now it rings even more heart wrenching
This man had a set of the most beautiful lips I ever since. He was simply gorgeous. He had the looks of model. His voice is the best out of the grunge era to me.
I've been with them ever since face lift myself. I'm 47 now I was lucky enough to see the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's and Alice n chains was definitely one of those bands that definitely left a mark on my musical soul with great sound and more importantly great lerics . Long live lane Stanley!
Amazing voice unlike any other. You don't need drugs. If you have the talent, its something you're born with or worked hard at developing over time. The drugs arent neccessary. Experimenting with herb or "open your mind" type things, in the name of creativity is one thing. Full fledged addiction to hard drugs is something entirely different. Stay away from drugs. They don't help creativity. They destroy everything and everyone in their path and have absolutely no mercy. You'll notice often that these artists who are mad talented and creative...once they are shackled by hard drugs, not alot of new quality material gets produced and eventually, nothing at all.
0:22 this is actually ‘91. This is how he had his hair for the Singles movie when they performed Would? and It Ain’t Like That, filmed during the earlier half of ‘91
88', and it was On. Yet sadly, the beginning of the end... RIP Layne. And In the words of Mr. Chris Cornell- 'No One Sings Like You Anymore...' And in following that, My words- 'And No One Ever Will...'
Just for a moment in 2001, he almost looked like his self as he did in 94-96. Any time after 96... He was unrecognizable. Last photo that was ever taken of him was him in very very early 02, holding his baby nephew with a big smile on his face. Who wouldve thought his mom would sit next to him just in April of that year. His body was just sitting there on the couch. She talked to him and said how sorry she was and said she never thought she would see the day that she would have to bury her own son. On the other hand, Layne was lied to when he was a child about his sh***y dad being "dead". When Layne was all grown up and famous, here comes that so called " dead" POS father. Lets his son do drugs... Watch the poor young man go into a slow downfall. This world misses you, Layne. You didn't waste your talent... You gave it for the world to see and hear for years and years... If I were to grind my teeth, I'd only do that when crying. I don't do drugs and never will. I promise to my mother and entire family. I know how it is to lose someone so close. My grandma (64) first when I was 18, hit too hard. Three years later, would be my Grandpa's (81).... Now imagine how I'll feel when I lose my parents and what's left of my two grandparents. Im still going strong at 22, grunge and metal music in general is my therapy music. The one of few escapes from reality. I was born in the wrong generation, I know it and so do my parents. I'd save Layne, Chris, Demri, Andrew, Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie, Neil, Eddie Van, Chester, and the list goes on. Bless the surviving members of each band. Y'all are legends.
I love his voice and music. I'm recovering heroin addict and I know the grip it has on you. I don't even know how he toured etc as long as he did...... It had to be absolute hell,. He was a soldier. I'm glad he's at peace now. I'll always listen to Alice in chains. My favorite band hands down
I'm right there with ya. I've put all over this page my probs as an addict. Ppl don't understand...it's your FIRST thought when you wake up...its either how can I cop or how to get bread to cop and the sickness and anxiety is just building. It's literally Hell on Earth. Yes. There is a Hell. I've been there. Thank God someone I love threw me in a room n locked me in for 3 weeks no matter what. Rehabs didn't work. That did for some reason. But I know that fight. Shout out to all the ppl she got especially most of the music scene I was into in the early 90s. It affected almost every one in some way. Most in the worst. RIP
Wow! That video made me miss my good friend Lane very much. I only wish I could have helped him out of his addiction. I’m so sad he’s gone. I’ll always miss our late night talks and playing Mortal Combat on PSP with him. He was a truly great soul! Rest in peace Layne! 🙏🏼
I'm not going to lie I have never seen those photos before. Had I known this video would have those photos in it I wouldn't have watched it. It's not that I haven't seen these photos because I don't know very much about Layne Staley. He's been my favorite singer since I first heard him driving to the beach with my dad when I was I think 7 years old. The only reason why I remember it that it was seven it was because it was right before my birthday that I heard that song. I was hooked from that point. I wake up 4ish of the seven mornings every single week listening to Alice in chains. I've done this since before the inception of RUclips. But I purposely and carefully made sure not to look at any of his photos prior to 1996 cuz I knew what I would see because I'm a recovering addict myself. But not heroin it was fentanyl. June 18th of this year was 10 years clean for me When I've lost quite a few friends as well and it's just not something that I wanted to see in regards to lame and now I can't unsee it. I truly wished that I did not watch this video.
There is always help if you need it. Everyone is talented in their own way. Lane was an unfortunate soul. He had no one willing to kick his ass when he needed it. Lane was one of the most powerful vocalists of all time. Drugs took his life. I don’t care if someone takes drugs, but if it consumes them, I will kick their ass. Please be the person that kicks the next Lane’s ass.
I was just talking to a friend about 90’s music. His wife died days ago. Right before Christmas. She was terminal but still.. We were talking about the song Nutshell. Sometimes when I need a good cry I put it on. It stays with me. I couldn’t sleep for 3 days because Nutshell was playing in my head! Crazy! (RIP) Layne 🤦🏼♀️😢
Gen X, here. '75. I often think of the Grunge/Alt scene of the '90s and all the awesome that came with being young and free during those years, but I eventually get around to thinking just how many icons of our time are no longer walking this rock and it saddens me to the point of actually feeling my stomach involuntarily twist up. I'm beginning to think that none of our 1990s musical greats are going to survive to old age. Layne, Kurt, Cris, Dolores, Shannon, Scott, Taylor, etc. The Hip Hop/R&B are no strangers to the untimely loss of performers, either - Biggie, Easy E, DMX, Coolio, Left Eye, Tupac, Nipsey, Ad Rock, Aaliyah, Prince, etc., the list just doesn't end. At this point we should probably start a Go Fund Me to get Eddie Vedder a Popemobile and Secret Service detail.
Wht a tragic 😥 loss of a beautiful handsome man & The voice of an ANGEL 😪 the pic of him in 1990 his piercing blue eyes looking deep in2 ur soul just mesmerising 😪😪❤️❤️
@@buckfuddy5561 apparently they smoked meth together at a show. Idk if that was a joke or reality when KC mentioned it in an interview. I'm sure they were friendly with one another bare minimum.
yes they were friends, when Layne found out about Cobain's death he was on tour with other grunge musicians, Chris Cornell told this, Layne ran in crying and freaking out " 🖤
Just to debunk: 1:20 was in 1999 1:24 was in 1997 1:32 was in the summer of 1998 1:39 was Halloween of 1998 1:45 is 2002 but merely a sketch, and his family were the only people to have a real photo of this sketch
What a fuckin incrreidble talent/ I mean he was self tortured and so much great music came from that AIC could only be rivavaled by Soundgarden. The way he dealt with that was a needle in the arm but his Lyrics always had a strange melancoly optimism that was intreging and The musak remains w/ us. One of the true greats n although Kurt got the credit I think AIC was the band who really started that thing.
You can just see the number drugs did to him over the years. I had my issues with drugs and relate a lot with him. I always hope the day my number comes that people remember me for the kind and genuine person I am and not the junky I once was. Layne Staley battled his demons but he was one hell of a performer and human being. I’m honored I got to see him in concert in 99.
I just saw them last Wednesday, my first time seeing them since I last saw them with Layne. I teared up when the stage lights showed the band but I lost it at “Nutshell”. Jerry dedicated it to Layne & Mike & the entire amphitheater lit up in cell phone lights & lighters. I just looked around, seeing everyone remembering & honoring & lost my shit 🥺
✨❤ Layne was absolutely gorgeous, enviously talented and a loving soul. He loved cats, was considered by many people to be their best friend and did what he could to help people. (The picture from 1990 was the best - big, beautiful blue eyes. That was the “real” him) GOD save his soul and Rest In Peace. ✝☦🙏🏻❤✨
90's Seattle guy here....I dated someone who knew him, and I specifically remember her telling me LS was 'the sweetest guy' and that she hoped he would clean up. But that was in 1997, and by that point he was already struggling with addiction. It was such a bummer how he went out, all alone in that U District apartment. What a talent he was....
Such an amazing talent. Addiction is a bitch and not easy to quit. It’s a battle that you deal with even after being clean almost 15 years those thoughts still pop up every now and then. RIP Layne 🤘
I was in the second year in the marines when he died. He died a day before my birthday and I never knew it. That band gave me memories in my youth. First discovered them in middle school
It’s sad how quickly Layne went from a healthy teenager to a withering addict. It broke my heart when I heard the news of his death. Layne was such a huge part of my life at the time.
Drugs sucks…
Yeah it only takes a few months to start losing everything. Especially with the harder non-prescription painkillers such as Hydrocodone. OxyContin is as bad as heroin and I’m sure Staley used it as well. If he was mixing with benzodiazepines, he’s lucky to have made it as long as he did…
@@zackamania6534 OxyContin wasn’t patented until 1996. Layne would’ve been deep into heroin addiction already. He did sing on a demo about stealing Vicodin however (hydrocodone)
@@robertbryant3252 I’m a former addict. You use anything you can get your hands on. 2000-2007 was PEAK oxy abuse
💯agree. I can totally relate and remember exactly where I was when I heard the devastating news. my friends and I got together and just couldn't believe it. certainly one of many voices defining my generation
Dude was so talented ...what a voice.. rest in peace
Pieces ❤
You can see in the pictures when rhe BIG H had him for good. Such a sad ending. The BIG H IS NOBODY'S FRIEND. STAY AWAY FROM THAT TEMPTREST
What a change in few years...2001 pic is terrible...
Last several photos are inaccurate. Those were taken in the fall of 98, layne completely withdrew from public life from 99 til his death in 02. The last photo is an artistic rendering of the last pic ever taken of layne holding his nephew, which his family has never released publicly.
Ikr, also the last pic with his new nephew in February 2002, it looks like it was sketched by a art coal pencil and it shows a top row of teeth from his profile, Layne had no front upper/lower teeth from the late 90s till his death.
Yeah the 2000 photo is from 1998 and the 2001 photo was taken in 1996 after their Detroit concert, the last one is obviously a fake as it has never been released and Layne had lost most of his teeth by then
And the 94 pic is from 92
The 94 pic is actually 92 also
I thought I did see a photo at his sisters that was on here in a real rare compilation. This is not the compilation. Let me see if I have it saved.
I still listen to Layne everyday, AIC in my opinion was and is the best group I’ve ever heard.
You should listen to mad season album. Layne there is something different
Mad Season is awesome!!! 😊💓🤘✌️
He was truly one of a kind!
Me too, bud.
@@OrsonSherman Long gone days, is dope as fuck. Chains rules!
It's hard to believe we have lived 20 years without Layne. 💔
should not have been a useless junky imo
It’s just so sad. Layne, Kurt, Andrew Wood, Chris Cornell, Mike Starr, etc etc - all these people should still be alive for their friends and families.
Ikr seriously 🤘😭😪😢🥲😓
Still remember the day his death was announced - I was at work............ I had to be excused for a while.
@@miguelramalho8792 mike was really haunted by layne’s death
He was basically cursed
The death of Layne is so tragic. Out of the people who came out of the grunge scene and passed away. Layne was the one that saddens me the most. Such a huge talent that withered away cold and alone.
True, when I think about Layne, I always go back to him and Mike Starr's final conversation, which is heart breaking as well. What a tragic story overall. When you look at the pictures from his last years, it actually looks scary how much drugs can fuck you up
His last words would just bum anyone out, regardless of position 😔
I know it's sad😢
Heart breaking. For y'all that don't know...Layne's father disappeared without a trace when he was 7 yrs old. He was told his dad died...but he didn't. This was Layne's downfall. When he was 9 yrs old he already knew he wanted to be a rock star...thinking his Dad would find him. Sadly, at 21, his Dad came bk. But after claiming sobriety he quickly talked Layne into buying them heroin. Layne's life was destroyed looking for a POS father...then that father used him and sank him into a heroin fueled depression that would eventually take his life. This is one of the saddest stories in Rock to one of its greatest singers. I'm just touching on the facts. #RIPLayne
Here's a video explaining what I mean ruclips.net/video/Ng2wXEOaZwQ/видео.html
Wow! I never knew that Layne’s father was such a profound negative influence in his life. Where did you learn this information? Were you a family friend?
Are you a dope fiend? I am and most of us don’t last very long , not a real one. Laynes dad should have done different. But addiction don’t give a damn about goodness, only more. Layne suffered for sure. It just shows how money and fame saves no one .
@@jameshuckvale7685 truth brother. And I’m there with you. Stay strong
@@jameshuckvale7685 you talkin 2 me? Dude I been anywhere you been n then some. I'm 48 yrs old n 35 of that was...ya know how it goes. If anybody can sympathize I CAN. TRUST ME. I wish you well bro
@@james_the_animator no its common knowledge in books etc. That was THE PAIN OF LAYNE'S LIFE. Between 7-21 he had no idea if his Dad was dead or alive. He just vanished. N like I said before when Layne was only 9 yo he wrote that he wanted to be a rock star. For the sole purpose of luring his father out of the shadows and unfortunately that's what happened. When Layne was 21 n long gone his Dad saw him on a magazine cover. Found him. Said he left the fam so his addiction probs wouldn't interfere. Claimed to be sober. Then almost instantly used Layne to score dope n sent Layne from death's door into destruction
Edit: here's a video about it
ruclips.net/video/Ng2wXEOaZwQ/видео.html
Their album Dirt is by far one of the best Rock albums of all time! RIP Layne.
Dude had some beautiful blue eyes and could sing like an angel or devil. Hats off!
De fato, um anjo ou um demônio.
O cara era sinistro mesmo, uma das vozes mais poderosas da década de 90. Que ele descanse em paz.
Layne and Chris Cornell had THE BEST voices - Ever. Rest in peace both gentlemen.
💯💯💯💯💯💯
90s singers had the most unique voices with Layne,Cornell,Chester bennington, scott weiland from STP, sublime's lead singer, all are gone from this earth.
No doubt. Great talents.
I agree with you. Two voices that kept the rock sound alive in the midst of flannel shirts.
He was a beautiful man! He radiated light. So sad he died alone🥺
He didnt really die alone.. He shot up with Mike Starr and 2 other junkies right before he died.
After he died jesus was there
In my opinion, the greatest rock vocalist of all time. Such a handsome man and a bright soul with an otherworldly talent. A tragedy we lost him and so sad to see the deterioration over the years. I'll remember him for his power, above all else. 🖤
I think he was one of the top 2 or 3 male rock vocalists in history. Loved everything he and AIC did.
Music now doesn’t hold a candle flame to what we used to have in the 90s
Absolutely ❤️
21 years. You're missed, Layne.
That man had some of the most beautiful angelic eyes I've ever seen in my life to go along with that powerhouse voice..it wasn't the color of his eyes..it was the soul behind them. 🖤💙
I play Layne daily, whether it be AiC, Mad Season, or something obscure he did, I will miss the man and the voice, I share Laynes birthday, a few parallels, like the father my pos old man wouldn't believe me when I told him I had done it, I had gotten clean. Day 1 was Aug 22, three years ago this year.
I wish Layne could have made it, would be amazing to have some new songs about it all.
Miss ya Layne, hope you find that peace of mind and happiness and what ever else you were longing for here on the other side...
No matter where ya go, there ya are....
🤘👀🤘
My dad has his birthday. The weirdest part is that they were born on the same day of the month, the same day of the week (Tuesday) and the same time my dad was born at 7:30 am layne was born at 7:38 am. 17 years apart, but I didn’t know this till recently about the week day and time. I’ve always connected to layne since a teenager, that just blew me away though
Best voice ever and his life was so tragic, I recovered from opiates because of Layne, Love you bro R. I.P
Good for you 👍 👏
By all accounts, Layne himself would have been proud of you ❤
At the time of his passing he was 6 foot and only 86 pounds. The suffering this man went through is truly a tragedy
Well, when he was found, it had already been weeks since his death, and I'm pretty sure it's impossible to be 6ft and weigh only 86 lbs alive, most of his fat had probably been decomposed already.
@@TortoiseRonin he was still extremely malnourished and terribly suffered with his addiction until his untimely death.
@@On1yFiji He wasnt 80 lbs... Mike Starr saw him the day he died... He was skinny, but not 80 lbs... The body was found like a week later, so it is impossible to know what his death weight was, but Mike Starr said he wasnt 80lbs.
@@JonHop1 wrong, Mike Starr was with Staley the night before he died, where they got into an argument over Layne’s Heroin addiction and Starr’s addiction to benzodiazepines
One of the best vocalist ever!
Even now, 20 years later it’s hard to watch how much he deteriorated and how quickly it happened. Will see AIC this Saturday and I know I will cry at some point
Quickly? Years and years of drug abuse
unlimited drugs will do that
I refuse to see them without Layne. He was the Alice in AIC.
@@yetivanmarshall1473 I've always seen Jerry as the heart of Alice In Chains. Their modern albums are proof of that.
@@RichardDeBerryOfficial it's the David Gilmour/Roger Waters argument, except Cantrell wrote 90% of the lyrics and the vast majority of the melody.
Whenever I am upset or contemplating everything and trying to sort things out in my mind or I am going through something difficult I put on the Jar Of Flies CD and put it on repeat. RIP Layne 💔
Love JoF. And if I'm not mistaken, it DEBUTED at number one on the album charts! You'd never get an album like that get anywhere the top twenty these days. (And yes, I'm aware I sound like an old man.)
@@satorified1612 I am not as young as I look..LOL. Jar Of Flies is just one of those amazing albums that seems to just fit when you've got a heavy head and heart.
I usually listen to Barry manilow in similar cases..when I’m upset or need to rage..manilow is key
Heartbreaking...an immense talent with a tortured soul. RIP Mr. Staley you were and always will be one of the greats.
He was sooo beautiful {Jerry too} handsome does not describe it.
Standing in front of stages he and Jerry graced in WA & BC from '87
and seeing up close then . . . 'feeling' all that power that emitted vocally
from Layne was something I still feel I cannot describe properly.
Also all of us girls were gaga for Jerry's hair of course, haha.
Layne, regardless of our differences in this sad and poisoned earth...I luv and miss your light!🎉
Drained and blue
Love you and miss you sooo very much Layne Staley!! That made me cry, thank you for sharing this awesome memory of Layne RIP my man, he was such a beautiful and talented man, miss him dearly!! FOREVER REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN 💝🌹✌️
There's a picture I've seen probably from around 2000 or 20001 were you can see his teeth are missing. I know when he passed they said he didn't have any teeth. It's really sad how the crack and heroin ate his body and he knew towards the end the damage was too much to fix. I damn near went the same way but mine was just pain pills and heroin for 15 years straight.
Proud of you for breaking the cycle. Stay strong man! 💪🏻
@@mythios23 Thank you very much.
Congrats on getting your life together. I'm glad you did. Sadly I know 6 or 7 people who have od'd. My 22 year old nephew is one. God bless you and yours bro
He also had to get one of his arms amputated before he died
@@Blade2vampirerave
Who? Layne?
No, I'm sure it's a rumor
Rip Layne. My gosh...
what a loss, great talent!
Mesmerizing, otherworldly talent. In all my years, the greatest rock singer I've ever heard!
This is so sad rip Layne ur a legend
He is
It is sad. Layne was a great singer. No legend though.
@@corytick1638HES A LEGEND BITCH.
Never saw the photo with him and Jerry circa '88; thanks for that. The photo of Layne in front of the Mac truck looked similar in dress/appearance/time period to one pic I'd seen him in from Lalapolooza tour with Les Claypool and Maynard Keenan. What a conversation that must've been.
It's really difficult to look at all of the photos from the MTV Unplugged session onward. What a talent, and what song material the world lost. RIP friend.
RIP LAYNE GREATEST SINGER I EVER HEARD
He was/is an all time great voice!
Rest In Peace Layne 🙏
I couldn’t watch this video without crying my fucking eyes out, rest in peace Layne, on behalf of all the AIC fans we love you and miss you dearly. Even though I never saw him in concert, his memory will always live on.
What a voice... It is still Him and Weiland, great rock singers. I remember "Mad Season" coming out and I played that cassette tape (yes: cassette tape), until it worn out completely that I had to buy a CD...
Mad Season was amazing, and Above was far better than the AiC album that came out that same year.
yeah that Mad Season CD is great. I wish they got together and made more music.
Mad season was a "Superband"
We chase misprinted lies
We face the path of time….
This hurts. RIP sweet Layne💔
I was born in 98 and believe me that seeing that picture from him really made me cried. 😥 - RIP My man
Born in the summer of 98, here #July
What a phenomenal musician
@@organizationish3 Me too, 7/7
I was 89, his 89 pic is peak Layne
Born in 97 here and it's sad to see these pics and know that bcus of some bullshit man made drugs he left way too soon
Easily the most heartbreaking stories in rock. RIP Layne.
R.I.P always man. Your music and the memory lives on for a long time. Forever 🤘🏼🙏🏼💪🏼
Wow, what a world we live in. Time passes so quickly. I’m sorry you had it so rough, Layne.
There will always be one ~ Layne Staley
Long Live the King of Grunge
Sleep well Love, may your dreams shine thru our hearts! Miss you so greatly! 🇺🇸🤘🏻☝🏻💪🏻👊🏻✌🏻💋🤍💋
God rest his soul. Such a sad story. I hope he at least got some joy out of his success while he was with us. I saw AIC this past Wednesday, just not the same without him.
What AIC? No fckn way without Layne!!! They should never have replaced him. Just dissolve the band. That's it.
A great and tragic life. Only AiC fans know how much he's helped them, and it's not just some emo thing, it's a philosophical question he demonstrated. It was like losing a friend, and if you've had good friendships, you'll still know
Definitely. The heart and soul in those lyrics: We chase misprinted lies
We face the path of time
And yet I fight, and yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home
@@johngoldsworthy7135 Absolutely...great lyrics to Nutshell. Such a beautiful, powerful song. The lyrics written by Layne n Jerry were always deep and profound such as in Would?
"Into the flood again
Same old trip it was back then
So I made a big mistake
Try to see it once my way"
It's about the way ppl demonized Andy Wood when he died from overdose. Now it rings even more heart wrenching
This was absolutely heartbreaking to watch. RIP Layne.
What a wonderful soul, a voice that cannot be touched.
Yep, especially by being replaced by another singer while keeping the same name of the band. No, no and no! AIC ain't AIC without Layne. wtf ?
I bought the "Sap" EP the week before high school graduation.....so their music has significance to me....Rest in Power Layne
This man had a set of the most beautiful lips I ever since. He was simply gorgeous. He had the looks of model. His voice is the best out of the grunge era to me.
I've been with them ever since face lift myself. I'm 47 now I was lucky enough to see the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's and Alice n chains was definitely one of those bands that definitely left a mark on my musical soul with great sound and more importantly great lerics . Long live lane Stanley!
Amazing voice unlike any other. You don't need drugs. If you have the talent, its something you're born with or worked hard at developing over time. The drugs arent neccessary. Experimenting with herb or "open your mind" type things, in the name of creativity is one thing. Full fledged addiction to hard drugs is something entirely different. Stay away from drugs. They don't help creativity. They destroy everything and everyone in their path and have absolutely no mercy. You'll notice often that these artists who are mad talented and creative...once they are shackled by hard drugs, not alot of new quality material gets produced and eventually, nothing at all.
Layne IS AWESOME !🥂🍾🎼🎵🎶🎶🎶🥲🥲
0:22 this is actually ‘91. This is how he had his hair for the Singles movie when they performed Would? and It Ain’t Like That, filmed during the earlier half of ‘91
🙌🏼Thank You For Posting Beautiful Pics Of A Beautiful And Talented Soul🙌🏼
Last few pics are wrong but still touching
Yes I agree, nothing like watching someone destroy themselves on heroin 😐
Yeah I was going to say, where did they get those? I had always heard the backstage 2000 picture was the last publicly known image of him
Rest easy Lane. You helped me get through some tough times ❤️
What a voice, what a band. ✌️💙
88', and it was On. Yet sadly, the beginning of the end... RIP Layne. And In the words of Mr. Chris Cornell- 'No One Sings Like You Anymore...' And in following that, My words- 'And No One Ever Will...'
It's like he had a new hairstyle every year.
Rest in peace, Layne. 🙏🏻
Just for a moment in 2001, he almost looked like his self as he did in 94-96. Any time after 96... He was unrecognizable. Last photo that was ever taken of him was him in very very early 02, holding his baby nephew with a big smile on his face. Who wouldve thought his mom would sit next to him just in April of that year. His body was just sitting there on the couch. She talked to him and said how sorry she was and said she never thought she would see the day that she would have to bury her own son.
On the other hand, Layne was lied to when he was a child about his sh***y dad being "dead". When Layne was all grown up and famous, here comes that so called " dead" POS father. Lets his son do drugs... Watch the poor young man go into a slow downfall. This world misses you, Layne. You didn't waste your talent... You gave it for the world to see and hear for years and years... If I were to grind my teeth, I'd only do that when crying. I don't do drugs and never will. I promise to my mother and entire family. I know how it is to lose someone so close. My grandma (64) first when I was 18, hit too hard. Three years later, would be my Grandpa's (81).... Now imagine how I'll feel when I lose my parents and what's left of my two grandparents.
Im still going strong at 22, grunge and metal music in general is my therapy music. The one of few escapes from reality. I was born in the wrong generation, I know it and so do my parents. I'd save Layne, Chris, Demri, Andrew, Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie, Neil, Eddie Van, Chester, and the list goes on. Bless the surviving members of each band. Y'all are legends.
I love his voice and music. I'm recovering heroin addict and I know the grip it has on you. I don't even know how he toured etc as long as he did...... It had to be absolute hell,. He was a soldier. I'm glad he's at peace now. I'll always listen to Alice in chains. My favorite band hands down
Good luck mate !
I'm right there with ya. I've put all over this page my probs as an addict. Ppl don't understand...it's your FIRST thought when you wake up...its either how can I cop or how to get bread to cop and the sickness and anxiety is just building. It's literally Hell on Earth. Yes. There is a Hell. I've been there. Thank God someone I love threw me in a room n locked me in for 3 weeks no matter what. Rehabs didn't work. That did for some reason. But I know that fight. Shout out to all the ppl she got especially most of the music scene I was into in the early 90s. It affected almost every one in some way. Most in the worst. RIP
Wow! That video made me miss my good friend Lane very much. I only wish I could have helped him out of his addiction. I’m so sad he’s gone. I’ll always miss our late night talks and playing Mortal Combat on PSP with him. He was a truly great soul! Rest in peace Layne! 🙏🏼
I'm not going to lie I have never seen those photos before. Had I known this video would have those photos in it I wouldn't have watched it.
It's not that I haven't seen these photos because I don't know very much about Layne Staley. He's been my favorite singer since I first heard him driving to the beach with my dad when I was I think 7 years old. The only reason why I remember it that it was seven it was because it was right before my birthday that I heard that song. I was hooked from that point. I wake up 4ish of the seven mornings every single week listening to Alice in chains. I've done this since before the inception of RUclips. But I purposely and carefully made sure not to look at any of his photos prior to 1996 cuz I knew what I would see because I'm a recovering addict myself. But not heroin it was fentanyl. June 18th of this year was 10 years clean for me When I've lost quite a few friends as well and it's just not something that I wanted to see in regards to lame and now I can't unsee it.
I truly wished that I did not watch this video.
Your HP needed you to see it apparently. It’s a learning moment. Congratulations on 10, keep going, you got the skills and the wisdom 🙏
A man in the box... RIP Layne, we keep loving you...
There is always help if you need it. Everyone is talented in their own way. Lane was an unfortunate soul. He had no one willing to kick his ass when he needed it. Lane was one of the most powerful vocalists of all time. Drugs took his life. I don’t care if someone takes drugs, but if it consumes them, I will kick their ass. Please be the person that kicks the next Lane’s ass.
I was just talking to a friend about 90’s music. His wife died days ago. Right before Christmas. She was terminal but still.. We were talking about the song Nutshell. Sometimes when I need a good cry I put it on. It stays with me. I couldn’t sleep for 3 days because Nutshell was playing in my head! Crazy! (RIP) Layne 🤦🏼♀️😢
Gen X, here. '75. I often think of the Grunge/Alt scene of the '90s and all the awesome that came with being young and free during those years, but I eventually get around to thinking just how many icons of our time are no longer walking this rock and it saddens me to the point of actually feeling my stomach involuntarily twist up. I'm beginning to think that none of our 1990s musical greats are going to survive to old age. Layne, Kurt, Cris, Dolores, Shannon, Scott, Taylor, etc. The Hip Hop/R&B are no strangers to the untimely loss of performers, either - Biggie, Easy E, DMX, Coolio, Left Eye, Tupac, Nipsey, Ad Rock, Aaliyah, Prince, etc., the list just doesn't end. At this point we should probably start a Go Fund Me to get Eddie Vedder a Popemobile and Secret Service detail.
Y por favor, también cuidemos a Jerry Cantrell!😅
Eddie y Jerry los últimos íconos del Grunge❤
True story
Eddie Vedder will live to be 100
He was a beautiful man. Outside and inside.
Rock in peace brother Layne
Some of the best memories of my youth included these songs, awesome times. R.I.P. Layne Staley
My favorite band ever!!! They kept me alive.
Layne, you were the shizznit!!! Forevermore, Rest In Peace.
Remember the MTV unplugged like it was yesterday..legendary performance
Wht a tragic 😥 loss of a beautiful handsome man & The voice of an ANGEL 😪 the pic of him in 1990 his piercing blue eyes looking deep in2 ur soul just mesmerising 😪😪❤️❤️
The Curse and insanity of addiction, loved ones and close friends can see the deteriorating but the suffering addict can’t.🙏
Thats the absolute truth. Spot on
Actually, the addict is often well aware of the state they’re in, just feel powerless to fight it…
Now that's the truth 💯 and very sad 💯
@@obsolise8063 No the addict is in Denial about his,her, addiction and will look for everything to blame and excuses to justify their behaviour.
@@robertcatterson8835 Yes, they are all the same, no exceptions. Denial is a proper noun now?
I miss him... No words...
One of the greatest voices EVER! Rest in Peace.
I stay away and no excuses is my 2 faves of Layne😔💔R.I.P Layne.
He was so beautiful. Just couldnt shake the monkey on his back. Layne, you are so missed, your voice is so missed.
He was so, so beautiful! What a shame how painfully thin he was toward the end. Such a loss to the world. RIP Layne!
Anyone talking about April 5th gives me chills, because 2 great musicians died on April 5th.
Never did look into if him and Kurt were friends
@@buckfuddy5561 apparently they smoked meth together at a show. Idk if that was a joke or reality when KC mentioned it in an interview. I'm sure they were friendly with one another bare minimum.
@@DigAPonyY kurt said they were shooting coke all night...
@@DigAPonyY I heard Kurt gave Layne a ride
yes they were friends, when Layne found out about Cobain's death he was on tour with other grunge musicians, Chris Cornell told this, Layne ran in crying and freaking out " 🖤
What a voice he had😢
Just to debunk:
1:20 was in 1999
1:24 was in 1997
1:32 was in the summer of 1998
1:39 was Halloween of 1998
1:45 is 2002 but merely a sketch, and his family were the only people to have a real photo of this sketch
U are sadly missed layne we always have your music to remember ur greatness
What a fuckin incrreidble talent/ I mean he was self tortured and so much great music came from that AIC could only be rivavaled by Soundgarden. The way he dealt with that was a needle in the arm but his Lyrics always had a strange melancoly optimism that was intreging and The musak remains w/ us. One of the true greats n although Kurt got the credit I think AIC was the band who really started that thing.
I named my daughter after him, voice of a tortured angel, and was too tender for this world rip
1990 was my favorite year, I hope he’s at peace now. Long live layne
What's the song at 1990?
R.I.P. One of my favourites singers of all time.
There’s no published pictures of him past 1998. The one with the green hat is the last photo of him that has been made public and that was 1998.
Such a beautiful voice😢
My favorite band. My Son's middle name is Layne. From 1995 on you can really see drastic changes in Layne's appearance. So sad.
Wow that’s incredible. It makes me so sad too. Such an incredible talent. ❤
Shit gives me goosebumps- yes I'm 38 now but greatful to see the best before they left us
You can just see the number drugs did to him over the years. I had my issues with drugs and relate a lot with him. I always hope the day my number comes that people remember me for the kind and genuine person I am and not the junky I once was. Layne Staley battled his demons but he was one hell of a performer and human being. I’m honored I got to see him in concert in 99.
I just saw them last Wednesday, my first time seeing them since I last saw them with Layne. I teared up when the stage lights showed the band but I lost it at “Nutshell”. Jerry dedicated it to Layne & Mike & the entire amphitheater lit up in cell phone lights & lighters. I just looked around, seeing everyone remembering & honoring & lost my shit 🥺
@@thatsoxgirl yeah I would’ve lost my shit too, I do listening to nirvana too. Such a shame
In 1999? He was already a recluse by then? Are you mixing up the years?
✨❤ Layne was absolutely gorgeous, enviously talented and a loving soul.
He loved cats, was considered by many people to be their best friend and did what he could to help people. (The picture from 1990 was the best - big, beautiful blue eyes. That was the “real” him)
GOD save his soul and Rest In Peace. ✝☦🙏🏻❤✨
90's Seattle guy here....I dated someone who knew him, and I specifically remember her telling me LS was 'the sweetest guy' and that she hoped he would clean up. But that was in 1997, and by that point he was already struggling with addiction. It was such a bummer how he went out, all alone in that U District apartment. What a talent he was....
He always came across as an absolute sweetheart who always made time for people- terribly missed
The real him?
Funny that it's the most fake looking picture of him.
It looks like a painting.
@@chilly6470 Nah, the photo just has a filter to make it more clear, but he really looked like that.
This breaks my heart!
Such an amazing talent. Addiction is a bitch and not easy to quit. It’s a battle that you deal with even after being clean almost 15 years those thoughts still pop up every now and then. RIP Layne 🤘
I was in the second year in the marines when he died. He died a day before my birthday and I never knew it. That band gave me memories in my youth. First discovered them in middle school
Todo mundo merece ser feliz. Descanse em paz, Layne ❤
When I think about all the music that came out of the 90's AIC stands out, I'm glad I saw them once. RiP LS
While life gave him great talent , it also gave him even greater hurdles to overcome ... Too much weight on one young man's shoulders ... RIP
Awesome glad you did this for Layne seen AIC back in 1992 I think when he had a broken leg on stage.. but glad I got to see him before he passed.