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{{Use American English|date=December 2024}}
{{Short description|American rock musician (1967–2002)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
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| image = Staley05 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Staley performing with [[Alice in Chains]] in 1992
| image_size =
| birth_name = Layne Rutherford Staley<!--Do NOT remove "Rutherford" from his middle name! That's his birth name and the legal change to "Thomas" is mentioned and sourced in the body of the article-->
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| birth_date = {{birth date|1967|8|22|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bellevue, Washington]], U.S.
|
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| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Grunge]]|[[alternative metal]]|[[alternative rock]]||[[hard rock]]|[[glam metal]] {{small|(early)}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/newly-unearthed-alice-in-chains-footage-shows-the-band-in-its-glam-metal-days|title=Newly Unearthed Alice In Chains Footage Shows Band In Its Glam Metal Days|work=Metal Injection|access-date=February 27, 2016|date=February 25, 2015|archive-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709191826/https://metalinjection.net/video/newly-unearthed-alice-in-chains-footage-shows-the-band-in-its-glam-metal-days|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter}}
| years_active = 1984–1998<!--Do NOT change this to "1984–2002"! His career wasn't active after 1998 and this is covered in the body of the article.-->
| website = {{URL|layne-staley.com}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Alice in Chains]]|[[Mad Season (band)|Mad Season]]|[[Class of '99]]|[[Alice N' Chains]]|[[Sleze]]}}
}}
'''Layne Thomas Staley''' (born '''Layne Rutherford Staley'''; August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002)<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=7|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rutherford">{{cite web |last1=de Sola |first1=David |date=July 22, 2017 |title=The Origin of Layne Staley's Middle Name |url=http://daviddesola.com/2017/07/origin-layne-staleys-middle-name/ |access-date=August 17, 2017 |website=DavidDeSola.com |archive-date=August 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170804215308/http://daviddesola.com/2017/07/origin-layne-staleys-middle-name/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He was the original lead vocalist of [[Alice in Chains]], which rose to international fame in the early 1990s as part of [[Seattle]]'s [[grunge]] movement. He was known for his distinctive vocal style as well as his [[Vocal harmony|harmonizing]] with bandmate [[Jerry Cantrell]]. Prior to his success with Alice in Chains, Staley was also a member of the [[glam metal]] bands [[Sleze]] and [[Alice N' Chains]]<!-- note: Alice N' Chains is not the same band as Alice in Chains -->. He was also a part of the supergroups [[Mad Season (band)|Mad Season]] and [[Class of '99]].
"[[Man in the Box]]", the second single from Alice in Chains' debut album, [[Facelift (album)|''Facelift'']] (1990), garnered Staley critical recognition for his vocal style.<ref name=":0" /> Alice in Chains' [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' (1994), debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], making it Alice in Chains' first record—and the first-ever EP—to top the chart.<ref name="Billboard" /> However, Staley's deteriorating condition due to heroin abuse<ref name="lastdays" /> led him to enter a rehabilitation clinic. He began to work on a side project with several Seattle musicians, [[Mike McCready]] of [[Pearl Jam]], [[Barrett Martin]] of [[Screaming Trees]], and [[John Baker Saunders]] of [[The Walkabouts]], which came to be [[Mad Season (band)|Mad Season]], while Alice in Chains went into hiatus.<ref name=":1" />
During Alice in Chains' hiatus, reports of Staley's [[drug addiction]] began to gain widespread circulation in fan and media communities, in part due to changes in his physical condition brought on by prolonged heroin abuse.<ref name=":2" /> On April 10, 1996, the band returned with a performance on ''[[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|MTV Unplugged]]'' in New York; it was Alice in Chains' first concert in two-and-a-half years.<ref name=":3" /> The band performed three more shows, supporting [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] on their [[Alive/Worldwide Tour|reunion tour]], with Staley's final live performance on July 3, 1996, in [[Kansas City, Missouri]]. Aside from recording two more songs with Alice in Chains – "[[Get Born Again]]" and "[[Died (song)|Died]]" – and a cover of [[Pink Floyd]]'s "[[Another Brick in the Wall]]" with Class of '99 during 1998, Staley was out of the public spotlight by the late 1990s.
Staley struggled with drug addiction for much of his adult life; he later died from a [[Speedball (drug)|speedball]] overdose on April 5, 2002, at the age of 34. He was ranked at No. 27 on ''[[Hit Parader]]''{{'}}s list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists" in 2006, and at No. 42 on [[Complex (magazine)|''Complex'']]'s magazine list of "The 50 Best Lead Singers of All Time" in 2012. Seattle officially declared August 22, 2019, as "Layne Staley Day." Staley earned six [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nominations as a member of Alice in Chains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2020 |title=GRAMMY Award Results for Layne Staley |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/layne-staley/14020 |access-date=October 31, 2021 |website=Grammy.com |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406183640/https://www.grammy.com/artists/layne-staley/14020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Early life ==
[[File:Layne Staley - Alice N' Chains 1987 photo (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|Staley in 1987 as part of the [[glam metal]] band [[Alice N' Chains]]]]
Staley was born as Layne Rutherford Staley on August 22, 1967, at [[Overlake Hospital Medical Center|Overlake Hospital]] in [[Bellevue, Washington]] to Phillip Blair Staley and Nancy Elizabeth Staley (née Layne; later McCallum).<ref>{{Cite book |last=De Sola |first=David |title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story |publisher=Thomas Dunne Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1250048073 |___location= |pages=7 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Jesse |date=2022-06-14 |title=The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Layne Staley |url=https://www.grunge.com/895318/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-layne-staley/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=Grunge |language=en-US}}</ref> Staley disliked his middle name "Rutherford" and would get angry every time someone called him by this name. He legally changed his middle name to "Thomas" during his teens because he was a fan of [[Mötley Crüe]] drummer [[Tommy Lee]].<ref name="Rutherford"/><ref name="NWMS">{{cite web|title=Layne Staley's legacy, through his mother's eyes|url=http://www.northwestmusicscene.net/layne-staleys-legacy-through-his-mothers-eyes/|website=Northwest Music Scene|access-date=April 5, 2018|date=July 20, 2017|archive-date=July 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726085517/http://www.northwestmusicscene.net/layne-staleys-legacy-through-his-mothers-eyes/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Staley joined a rhythm band in [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] when he was two or three years old, and was the youngest in the group.<ref name="NWMS"/> At nine years old, he wrote in his [[Dr. Seuss]] book, ''All About Me,'' that he wanted to be a singer.<ref name="NWMS"/>
Staley was seven years old when his parents divorced, after which he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Jim Elmer.<ref name="Jim Elmer">{{cite web |last1=de Sola |first1=David |date=July 2, 2017 |title=Jim Elmer Remembered |url=http://daviddesola.com/2017/07/jim-elmer-remembered/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817163024/http://daviddesola.com/2017/07/jim-elmer-remembered/ |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2017 |website=DavidDeSola.com}}</ref> He took his stepfather's surname while enrolled in [[Meadowdale High School (Washington)|Meadowdale High School]] in [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], and was known for some time as Layne Elmer.<ref name="Seattle Times 2007">{{cite news| url=http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/alice-in-chains-singers-legacy-lives-on-through-music/ |work=The Seattle Times |title=Alice in Chains singer's legacy lives on through music |first=Tom |last=Scanlon |date=August 24, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010164819/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/alice-in-chains-singers-legacy-lives-on-through-music/ | archive-date=October 10, 2015 |url-status=live | access-date=April 5, 2018}}</ref>
Staley was raised as a [[Christian Science|Christian Scientist]].<ref name="AN">{{cite web|title=Interview: Layne Staley's Mom Nancy Mccallum Talks Layne's Childhood, Unreleased Music & Final Days|url=http://archive.alternativenation.net/interview-layne-staley-mom-nancy-mccallum/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510063430/http://archive.alternativenation.net/interview-layne-staley-mom-nancy-mccallum/|archive-date=May 10, 2016|website=Alternative Nation|access-date=August 4, 2017|date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> However, he was critical of religion in his adult life,<ref name="Alice in Chains: To Hell and Back"/> stating in a 1991 interview:
<blockquote>"I have a fascination with how brainwashed people get with religion and how they'll give up their money, their time and their whole life for a cause that they're sure is right, but I'm sure is wrong. I think there's a lot of people who are scared of life and living and they want to make sure they get to Heaven or whatever. I try to stay away from it as much as I can. I was raised in the church until I was 16 and I've disagreed with their beliefs as long as I can remember, so when I had the choice I chose not to believe in anything apart from myself."<ref>{{cite news|last1=McFarlane|first1=Ian|title=Alice in Chains: Love, Sex, Pain And Suffering...|date=1991}}</ref></blockquote> Staley also stated in a 1999 interview that the song "[[Get Born Again]]" is about "religious hypocrisy".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/P8w-r7ApfW0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20190520153741/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8w-r7ApfW0&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8w-r7ApfW0&t=15m19s |title=Alice in Chains – "Nothing Safe" Rockline Interview, Jul 19. 1999 |website=YouTube |date=March 2015 |access-date=August 22, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
He approached music through his parents' collection, listening to [[Black Sabbath]] (regarded by him as his first influence) and [[Deep Purple]].<ref name="Jake Brown, Alice in Chains">Jake Brown, ''Alice in Chains'', SCB Distributors, 2010</ref> Other favorite bands include hard rock and metal bands like [[The Stooges]],<ref name="Rage">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Emt_WlEqlfU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120225060814/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emt_WlEqlfU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emt_WlEqlfU |title=Alice In Chains - 10-28-93 Layne Staley Guest Programming Rage |website=YouTube |date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Saxon (band)|Saxon]], [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]], [[Mercyful Fate]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/CWWforum/index.php?topic=2498.800|title=King Diamond pictures|work=Chips & Beer Magazine #2|first=King|last=Diamond|author-link=King Diamond|access-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113182556/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/CWWforum/index.php?topic=2498.msg349554#msg349554 |archive-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> [[Twisted Sister]], [[Van Halen]], and industrial/new wave acts such as [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]],<ref name="Rage"/> [[The Lords of the New Church]] and [[Skinny Puppy]].<ref name="Jake Brown, Alice in Chains"/> He also cited [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] and [[David Bowie]] as two of his biggest idols.<ref name="Rage"/>
Staley began playing drums at age 12; he played in several [[glam rock|glam]] bands in his early teens, but by this point, Staley had aspirations of becoming a singer.<ref name="lastdays">{{cite magazine |first=Charles R. |last=Cross |author-link=Charles R. Cross |title=The Last Days of Layne Staley |url=https://rollinpapers.blogspot.com/2006/01/layne-links.html |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=June 6, 2002|number=897|page=21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419095219/http://rollinpapers.blogspot.com.br/2006/01/layne-links.html|archive-date=April 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1984, Staley joined a group of [[Shorewood High School (Washington)|Shorewood High]] students in a band called [[Sleze]],<ref name="How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge">{{cite web |author=de Sola,David |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/04/how-alice-in-chains-found-the-most-memorable-voice-in-grunge/255469/ |title=How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge |work=[[The Atlantic]] |date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409002901/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/04/how-alice-in-chains-found-the-most-memorable-voice-in-grunge/255469/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which also featured future members of The Dehumanizers and [[Second Coming (band)|Second Coming]].
In 1985, Staley and his band Sleze made a cameo in ''Father Rock'', a low-budget movie from Seattle's Public Access Channel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feelnumb.com/2010/03/04/layne-staleys-80s-glam-metal-hair-band-sleze/ |title=Layne Staley's 80s Glam Metal Hair Band "Sleze" |work=Feel Numb |date=March 4, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208042350/http://www.feelnumb.com/2010/03/04/layne-staleys-80s-glam-metal-hair-band-sleze/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1986, Sleze morphed into [[Alice N' Chains]], a band which Staley said "dressed in [[Drag (clothing)|drag]] and played [[speed metal]]."<ref name="Music Bank">{{cite AV media notes | others=Alice in Chainz | title=[[Music Bank (album)|Music Bank]]| year=1999 |publisher=[[Columbia Records]] | id=69580}}</ref> The new band performed around the Seattle area playing [[Slayer]] and [[Armored Saint]] [[Cover version|covers]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=22|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote=We were just blown away by him – he had 'star qualities' even then. He was much more timid – he looked down while he sang. But the grain of his voice was there, the soul was there.<ref name= Prato>{{cite book|author=Greg Prato|title=Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC&pg=PT211|date=April 1, 2009|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-347-4|pages=211–}}</ref>|source= — [[Johnny Bacolas]] describing an 18-year-old Staley}}
==Career==
===Alice in Chains and Mad Season===
{{Main|Alice in Chains|Mad Season (band)}}
[[File:AiCBoston02.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Staley (front) and [[Jerry Cantrell]] performing at The Channel in [[Boston]] in 1992]]
Staley met guitarist [[Jerry Cantrell]] at a party in Seattle while working at Music Bank rehearsal studios in 1987.<ref name="Layne Staley 1996 Interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAJkqgGgVM|title=Layne Staley Interview Alice in Chains 1996 part 1 of 2|website=YouTube|date=November 21, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213191342/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAJkqgGgVM&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Untold">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ&q=introducing+layne+and+jerry&pg=PA57|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story by David de Sola|access-date=April 5, 2018|isbn=9781466848399|last1=Sola|first1=David de|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Macmillan|archive-date=March 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306045224/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ&q=introducing+layne+and+jerry&pg=PA57#v=snippet&q=introducing%20layne%20and%20jerry&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> A few months before that, Cantrell had watched Staley performing with his then-band, ''Alice N' Chains'', in his hometown at the [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma Little Theatre]], and was impressed by his voice.<ref name="Intimate">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WLlAx6PpE&t=10m02s| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520153739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WLlAx6PpE&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=May 20, 2019 | url-status=dead|title=Intimate interview with Alice in Chains|website=YouTube|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> Cantrell was homeless after being kicked out of his family's house,<ref name="Alice in Chains: To Hell and Back"/> so Staley invited Cantrell to live with him at the Music Bank.<ref name="lastdays"/> The two fast friends lived as roommates for over a year in the dilapidated rehearsal space they shared.<ref name="lastdays"/><ref name="FaceCulture"/>
Alice N' Chains soon disbanded and Staley joined a [[funk]] band,<ref name="Rolling Stone 92"/> which at the time also required a guitarist.<ref name="Rolling Stone 92">{{cite magazine|author1=Jeffrey Ressner|title=Alice in Chains: Through the Looking Glass|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-through-the-looking-glass-19921126|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 18, 2017|date=November 28, 1992|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728124745/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-through-the-looking-glass-19921126|url-status=live}}</ref> He asked Cantrell to join as a [[sideman]].<ref name="Rolling Stone 92"/><ref name="P1">{{cite web|title=Layne Staley Interview Alice in Chains 1996 part 1 of 2|website=YouTube|date=November 21, 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAJkqgGgVM|access-date=August 18, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213191342/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAJkqgGgVM&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> Cantrell agreed on condition that Staley join his band,<ref name="P1"/> which at the time did not have a name and included drummer [[Sean Kinney]] and bassist [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]].<ref name="Rolling Stone 92"/> They started auditioning terrible lead singers in front of Staley to send a hint, which made him angry.<ref name="FaceCulture"/><ref name="P1"/> The final straw for Staley was when they auditioned a male stripper in front of him – he decided to join the band after that.<ref name="FaceCulture">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/tJW77uMEHdI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130418123214/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJW77uMEHdI&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJW77uMEHdI|title=Interview Alice in Chains – Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney about Layne Staley|work=YouTube|date=January 12, 2010|access-date=July 8, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Cantrell said this about Staley's voice: "I knew that voice was the guy I wanted to be playing with. It sounded like it came out of a 350-pound biker rather than skinny little Layne. I considered his voice to be my voice."<ref name="lastdays"/> Eventually the funk project broke up, and in 1987, Staley joined Cantrell's band on a full-time basis.<ref name="FaceCulture"/> The band had names like "Fuck"<ref name="Rolling Stone 92"/><ref name="FaceCulture"/> and "Diamond Lie",<ref name="FaceCulture"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bacus.net/alice/images/diamond.htm|title=Diamond Lie Press Kit|access-date=July 8, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010303034928/http://www.bacus.net/alice/images/diamond.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> the latter being the name of Cantrell's previous band.<ref name="FaceCulture"/>
Two weeks after the band's formation, they were playing a gig at the [[University of Washington]], trying to fill in a 40-minute set with a couple of original songs along with [[Hanoi Rocks]] and David Bowie covers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jerry-cantrell-discusses-alice-chains-2009-comeback-black-gives-way-blue|title=Interview: Jerry Cantrell Discusses Alice in Chain's 2009 Comeback, 'Black Gives Way to Blue'|work=Guitar World|date=January 10, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2017|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702094006/http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jerry-cantrell-discusses-alice-chains-2009-comeback-black-gives-way-blue|url-status=live}}</ref> Diamond Lie gained attention in the Seattle area and eventually took the name of Staley's previous band, ''Alice N' Chains'', then renamed ''Alice in Chains''.<ref name="FaceCulture"/><ref name="Music Bank"/><ref name="Link with Brutality">{{cite journal |title=Link With Brutality | author=Kleidermacher, Mordechai |date=July 1990 |journal=[[Circus Magazine|Circus]]}}</ref> Staley got permission from his former bandmates to use the name.<ref name="page 79">{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=79|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
Local promoter Randy Hauser became aware of Alice in Chains at a concert and offered to pay for demo recordings. However, one day before the band was due to record at the Music Bank studio in Washington, police shut down the studio during the biggest cannabis raid in the history of the state.<ref name="Music Bank"/> The final demo, completed in 1988, was named ''The Treehouse Tapes'' and found its way to the music managers Kelly Curtis and [[Susan Silver]], who also managed the Seattle-based band [[Soundgarden]]. Curtis and Silver passed the demo on to [[Columbia Records]]' [[A&R]] representative Nick Terzo, who set up an appointment with label president [[Don Ienner]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|pages=109, 110, 113}}</ref> Based on ''The Treehouse Tapes'', Terzo signed Alice in Chains to Columbia in 1989.<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=110}}</ref><ref name="Music Bank"/> The band also recorded another untitled demo over a three-month period in 1989. This recording can be found on the bootleg release ''Sweet Alice''.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}
[[File:Staley01.jpg|Staley performing with Alice in Chains in 1992|thumb|left]]
Alice in Chains released its debut album [[Facelift (album)|''Facelift'']] on August 21, 1990, shaping the band's signature style. The second single, "[[Man in the Box]]", with lyrics written by Staley, became a huge hit. "Man in the Box" is widely recognized for its distinctive "wordless opening melody, where Staley's peculiar, tensed-throat vocals are matched in unison with an effects-laden guitar" followed by "portentous lines like: 'Jesus Christ/Deny your maker' and 'He who tries/Will be wasted' with Cantrell's drier, and less-urgent voice."<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/t2073209 |title=Man in the Box |website=Allmusic |author=Huey, Steve |access-date=February 27, 2009 |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306045236/https://www.allmusic.com/song/man-in-the-box-mt0008675007/reviewAjax |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Facelift'' has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales of two million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title=American album certifications – Alice in Chains – Facelift|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Alice+in+Chains&ti=Facelift#search_section|website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=August 17, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304142348/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=ALICE+IN+CHAINS&ti=FACELIFT#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref> The band toured in support of the album for two years before releasing the acoustic [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Sap (album)|Sap]]'' in early 1992.<ref name="timeline"/> Alice in Chains made a cameo in [[Cameron Crowe]]'s 1992 film ''[[Singles (1992 film)|Singles]]'', performing the songs "It Ain't Like That" and "[[Would?]]".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/J8ur5lg90sc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20151105084746/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ur5lg90sc&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ur5lg90sc |title=Alice In Chains - Would? & It Ain't Like That [Singles Pro-Shot] |website=YouTube |date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In September 1992, Alice in Chains released ''[[Dirt (Alice in Chains album)|Dirt]]''.<ref name="timeline"/> The critically acclaimed album, also the band's most successful, debuted at number six on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], and was certified quadruple platinum.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |title=RIAA Searchable database – Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=January 3, 2008 |archive-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622190816/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Billboard">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/alice-in-chains/chart-history/ |title=Billboard charts |publisher=[[Billboard charts]] |access-date=February 14, 2008 |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119201203/https://www.billboard.com/artist/alice-in-chains/chart-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Staley designed the sun logo on the album's inlay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Dirt/release/1745094|title=Alice in Chains – Dirt|website=Discogs|year=1992|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010004133/https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Dirt/release/1745094|url-status=live}}</ref> During the ''Dirt'' tour in Brazil in 1993, Staley saved Starr's life after he had overdosed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/alice-chains-untold-story-shows-band-drug-battle-article-1.2311802|title='Alice in Chains: The Untold Story' reveals the drug-addicted history of one of the greatest grunge bands: book review |date=August 1, 2015 |work=New York Daily News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130012828/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/alice-chains-untold-story-shows-band-drug-battle-article-1.2311802 |archive-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://diffuser.fm/five-years-ago-former-alice-in-chains-bassist-mike-starr-dies-of-a-drug-overdose/|title=Five Years Ago: Former Alice in Chains Bassist Mike Starr Dies of a Drug Overdose|date=March 8, 2016|work=Diffuser|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106122412/http://diffuser.fm/five-years-ago-former-alice-in-chains-bassist-mike-starr-dies-of-a-drug-overdose/|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of Staley's drug addiction, the band did not tour in support of ''Dirt'' for very long.<ref name="Staley dead-VH1">{{cite web| author=D'Angelo, Joe |date=April 20, 2002 |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1453520/04202002/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Layne Staley, Alice in Chains Singer, Dead at 34 |publisher=[[VH1]] |accessdate=November 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206010338/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1453520/04202002/alice_in_chains.jhtml |archive-date=December 6, 2007}}</ref>
Cantrell wrote almost all of the music and lyrics for Alice in Chains, but as time went on, Staley contributed more lyrics. Eventually, Staley would receive credit for about half the lyrics from the entire Alice in Chains catalog prior to the release of ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]'' in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warnerchappell.com/composer-songs/+STALEY+LAYNE+T.+%28CA%29|title=Songs written by Layne Staley|website=Warner/Chappell Music|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001134653/https://www.warnerchappell.com/composer-songs/+STALEY+LAYNE+T.+%28CA%29|url-status=live}}</ref> He also wrote the music and the lyrics to "[[Hate to Feel]]", "[[Angry Chair]]" and "Head Creeps", and melodies to other songs. Staley's lyrics are largely viewed as having dealt with his personal troubles, such as drug use and depression.<ref name="lastdays"/> Staley also played guitar on "Angry Chair"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Dirt/release/381181|title=Alice in Chains – Dirt (CD, Album)|work=Discogs|year=1992|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426201423/https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Dirt/release/381181|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/setlist-jerry-cantrell-alice-chains|title=The Setlist: Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains|work=Guitar World|date=September 23, 2008|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007041505/http://www.guitarworld.com/setlist-jerry-cantrell-alice-chains|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Hate to Feel".<ref>{{cite web|title=Jerry Cantrell Tells How Alice in Chains Buried Their Past with 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here'|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/jerry-cantrell-tells-how-alice-chains-buried|website=Guitar World|access-date=August 10, 2017|date=June 18, 2013|last=Bienstock|first=Richard|archive-date=March 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319004151/https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/jerry-cantrell-tells-how-alice-chains-buried|url-status=live}}</ref> Cantrell said of "Angry Chair" on the liner notes of the 1999 ''[[Music Bank (album)|Music Bank]]'' box set:
{{blockquote|Such a brilliant song. I'm very proud of Layne for writing it. When I've stepped up vocally in the past he's been so supportive, and here was a fine example of him stepping up with the guitar and writing a masterpiece.<ref name="Music Bank box">Liner notes, ''[[Music Bank (album)|Music Bank]]'' box set. 1999.</ref>}}
In 1994, Alice in Chains released their third EP, ''[[Jar of Flies]]''. It debuted at number one, making it the first Alice in Chains release—and the first-ever EP—to do so.<ref name="Billboard"/> The other members of Alice in Chains, seeing Staley's deteriorating condition, opted not to tour in support of ''Jar of Flies''.<ref name="lastdays"/> Following the album's release, Staley entered a rehabilitation clinic and began to work on a side project with several Seattle musicians, [[Mike McCready]] of [[Pearl Jam]], [[Barrett Martin]] of [[Screaming Trees]] and [[John Baker Saunders]] of [[The Walkabouts]].<ref name=":1">{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=218|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The band worked on material for several months and played its first show on October 12, 1994, at the [[The Crocodile|Crocodile Cafe]] in Seattle under the name "The Gacy Bunch".<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=221|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gilbert">{{cite magazine |last=Gilbert |first=Jeff |url=http://www.fivehorizons.com/archive/articles/gw04951.shtml |title=ALIVE - Pearl Jam's Mike McCready Says Goodbye To Drugs and Alcohol And Is a Better Man For It |magazine=[[Guitar World]] |date=April 1995 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730071719/http://www.fivehorizons.com/archive/articles/gw04951.shtml |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=May 18, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Within a few weeks, the band changed its name to Mad Season.<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|pages=221–222|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717093318/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1995, Mad Season performed two songs on Pearl Jam's ''Self-Pollution'' satellite radio broadcast, "Lifeless Dead" and "[[I Don't Know Anything]]".<ref>Gaar, Gillian G. "Radio Free Vedder". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. February 23, 1995.</ref> The band completed an album, titled ''[[Above (Mad Season album)|Above]]'', which was released in March 1995. The first single, "[[River of Deceit]]", became a modest success on [[alternative rock|alternative]] radio. A live performance filmed at the [[Moore Theatre (Seattle, Washington)|Moore Theatre]] in Seattle was released in August 1995 as a home video, ''[[Live at the Moore]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/mad_season_treat_live_at_moore_to_20th_anniversary_vinyl_release |title=Mad Season Treat 'Live at the Moore' to 20th Anniversary Vinyl Release |date=July 10, 2015 |website=Exclaim! |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807110606/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/mad_season_treat_live_at_moore_to_20th_anniversary_vinyl_release |url-status=live }}</ref>
During Alice in Chains' hiatus, reports of Staley's addiction began to gain widespread circulation in fan and media communities, in part due to changes in his physical condition brought on by prolonged heroin abuse.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=Rock Singer Lay Dead for Two Weeks |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/67400_layne22.shtml |newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=April 22, 2002 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207225334/http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/67400_layne22.shtml |archive-date=February 7, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Alice in Chains regrouped to record [[Alice in Chains (album)|''Alice in Chains'']], sometimes referred to as "Tripod" due to the cover featuring a three-legged dog, which was released in November 1995. The album debuted at the top of the U.S. charts,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/alice-in-chains/chart-history/tlp/ |title=Alice in Chains – Chart history – Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 22, 2015 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=May 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518115342/https://www.billboard.com/music/Alice-in-Chains/chart-history/billboard-200/song/176900 |url-status=live }}</ref> and has since been awarded — along with ''Facelift'' and ''Jar of Flies'' — double platinum status.<ref name="RIAA"/> With the exceptions of "[[Grind (song)|Grind]]", "[[Heaven Beside You]]", and "[[Over Now (Alice in Chains song)|Over Now]]", the lyrics were all written by Staley,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Alice-In-Chains/release/1008425 |title=Alice in Chains – Alice in Chains |work=Discogs |year=1995 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616170933/https://www.discogs.com/Alice-In-Chains-Alice-In-Chains/release/1008425 |url-status=live }}</ref> making this album his greatest lyrical contribution to the band's catalog. To accompany the album, the band released a home video, ''[[The Nona Tapes]]'',<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/v0Ohyj8FmLo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170619123456/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Ohyj8FmLo&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Alice in Chains – The Nona Tapes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Ohyj8FmLo|website=YouTube| date=June 19, 2017 |access-date=April 5, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but the band lapsed again, failing to complete tours planned in support of the album. When asked about the frustration of not touring to support the record, Cantrell provided some insight into how Staley's addictions led to tensions within the band: "Very frustrating, but we stuck it out. We rode the good times together, and we stuck together through the hard times. We never stabbed each other in the back and spilled our guts and [did] that kind of bullshit that you see happen a lot."<ref name="PopMatters 2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/feature/cantrell-jerry-021226/|title=Degradation Trip: An interview with Jerry Cantrell|author=Michael Christopher|work=PopMatters|date=December 26, 2002|access-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024122126/http://www.popmatters.com/feature/cantrell-jerry-021226/|archive-date=October 24, 2014}}</ref> "Drugs worked for me for years", Staley told ''Rolling Stone'' in February 1996, "and now they're turning against me, now I'm walking through hell and this sucks. I didn't want my fans to think that heroin was cool. But then I've had fans come up to me and give me the thumbs up, telling me they're high. That's exactly what I didn't want to happen."<ref name="Alice in Chains: To Hell and Back">{{cite magazine |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=February 8, 1996 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-to-hell-and-back-19960208 |title=Alice in Chains: To Hell and Back |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=April 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405210558/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-to-hell-and-back-19960208 |url-status=live }}</ref>
One of Staley's last shows with Alice in Chains was the ''[[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|MTV Unplugged]]'' performance in New York on April 10, 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bacus.net/alice/aicshows/960410.htm |title=Alice in Chains Concert Chronology: MTV Unplugged Session |publisher=John Bacus |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211090109/http://www.bacus.net/alice/aicshows/960410.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The recording of ''Unplugged'' came after a long period of inactivity for the band; it was their first concert in two-and-a-half years.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url=http://diffuser.fm/alice-in-chains-record-unplugged/ |title=20 Years Ago: Layne Staley Performs One of His Final Shows With Alice In Chains for 'Unplugged' |work=Diffuser |date=April 10, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413195813/http://diffuser.fm/alice-in-chains-record-unplugged/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Staley made his last performance on July 3, 1996, in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], Missouri, while Alice in Chains was touring with [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]].<ref name="lastdays"/>
==Other projects==
Staley shared lead vocals with [[Ann Wilson]] for a cover of [[Bob Dylan]]'s "Ring Them Bells", featured on [[Heart (band)|Heart]]'s 1993 album ''[[Desire Walks On]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/hearts-ann-wilson-still-a-fanatic-6764322|title=Heart's Ann Wilson: Still a Fanatic|website=Houston Press|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404135858/http://www.houstonpress.com/music/hearts-ann-wilson-still-a-fanatic-6764322|url-status=live}}</ref>
The song "It's Coming After" from [[Second Coming (band)|Second Coming]]'s 1994 debut album ''[[L.O.V.Evil]]'' features Staley on lead vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/lov-evil-mw0000988468|title=Second Coming – L.O.V. Evil|website=AllMusic|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=January 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123113939/https://www.allmusic.com/album/lov-evil-mw0000988468|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ACNPy2MKZuU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20121207012139/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACNPy2MKZuU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACNPy2MKZuU|title=Second Coming w/ Layne Staley / It's Coming After|website=YouTube|date=January 2, 2007|access-date=April 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Second Coming features Staley's bandmates from Alice N' Chains, his former band.<ref name="second coming">{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/layne-staley-songs-in-grassroots-film-have-previously-surfaced/|title=Layne Staley Songs in 'Grassroots' Film Have Previously Surfaced|website=Loudwire|date=June 18, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622083243/http://loudwire.com/layne-staley-songs-in-grassroots-film-have-previously-surfaced/|url-status=live}}</ref>
One of the last songs that Staley recorded was a cover of [[Pink Floyd]]'s "[[Another Brick in the Wall]]" with the supergroup Class of '99, featuring guitarist [[Tom Morello]] of [[Rage Against the Machine]], bassist [[Martyn LeNoble]], drummer [[Stephen Perkins]], both from [[Jane's Addiction]] and [[Porno for Pyros]], and keyboardist [[Matt Serletic]].<ref name=bomb/><ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|pages=277, 278, 279}}</ref> In November 1998, the group recorded the song for [[Robert Rodriguez]]'s 1998 horror/[[Science fiction|sci-fi]] film ''[[The Faculty]]''.<ref name=bomb/> A music video was also released.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/_JNU2lQRn3Q Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140206044438/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JNU2lQRn3Q&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JNU2lQRn3Q |title=Class of '99 - Another Brick In The Wall (Pt. 2)(Featuring Layne Staley & Tom Morello) |website=YouTube |date=October 27, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> While the other members of the band were filmed specifically for the video, Staley's appearance consisted of footage pulled from Mad Season's 1995 ''Live at the Moore'' video.<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=279}}</ref>
A song titled "Things You Do" featuring Staley on vocals was part of the soundtrack to the 2012 film ''[[Grassroots (film)|Grassroots]]''.<ref name="second coming"/> In the film, the song was credited to "The Bondage Boys featuring Layne Staley",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/movie/grassroots/|title=Grassroots (2012)|website=Soundtrack.Net|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528065513/https://www.soundtrack.net/movie/grassroots/|url-status=live}}</ref> but the song had been credited to "Layne Staley and The Aftervibes" and "Layne Staley and Second Coming" when it leaked on the internet years before.<ref name="second coming"/>
==Personal life==
In the early 1990s, Staley enrolled in several rehab programs, but he failed to stay clean for long. At one point, the other members of Alice in Chains flew to Los Angeles for weekly therapy at Staley's rehab.<ref name="lastdays"/> During the ''Dirt'' tour, Alice in Chains' manager, Susan Silver, hired bodyguards to keep Staley away from people who might try to pass him drugs,<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=187}}</ref> but he ended up relapsing on alcohol and drugs during the tour.<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=198}}</ref> [[Screaming Trees]]' Mark Lanegan recalled partying with Staley on tour and said that, "off stage, it was an insane, dark, drug and alcohol-fuelled frat party from start to finish, with Layne [Staley] and I raising hell, behaving like teenagers, staying up for days on end. We partook of whatever drugs came our way. Heroin, cocaine, painkillers, anything."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leatham |first1=Thomas |title=Mark Lanegan on touring with Alice in Chains and partying with Layne Staley |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/mark-lanegan-touring-alice-in-chains-partying-layne-staley/ |website=Far Out |access-date=October 30, 2022 |date=October 8, 2022 |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030050549/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/mark-lanegan-touring-alice-in-chains-partying-layne-staley/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kurt Cobain]]'s death in April 1994 scared Staley into temporary sobriety, but soon he was back into his addiction. Alice in Chains' managers turned down lucrative touring possibilities and kept the band off the road, hoping that would help Staley.<ref name="lastdays"/> [[Pearl Jam]] lead guitarist Mike McCready also tried to help Staley by inviting him to his side project, Mad Season.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5uoQ89JMh9M Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20190520153741/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uoQ89JMh9M&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uoQ89JMh9M |title=Mike McCready tried to help Layne Staley and John Baker Saunders with Mad Season |date=August 2, 2017 |website=YouTube |access-date=May 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popmatters.com/169666-i-dont-wanna-be-a-soldier-an-interview-with-mike-mccready-2495769346.html |title=I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier: An Interview with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready |date=April 2, 2013 |website=PopMatters |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505044301/https://www.popmatters.com/169666-i-dont-wanna-be-a-soldier-an-interview-with-mike-mccready-2495769346.html |url-status=live }}</ref> McCready had hoped that playing with sober musicians would encourage Staley.<ref name="lastdays"/>
On October 29, 1996, Staley's former fiancée, Demri Lara Parrott, died of a drug overdose.<ref name="record straight"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.kitsapsun.com/archive/1996/10-31/352637_obituaries.html|title=Obituaries – Oct 31st, 1996|work=Kitsap Sun|date=October 31, 1996|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730082103/http://web.kitsapsun.com/archive/1996/10-31/352637_obituaries.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Staley was placed on a 24-hour suicide watch,<ref name="lastdays"/> according to ''NME'', which quoted a friend saying Staley was taking Parrott's death "extremely badly" and had fallen into a deep depression.<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley">{{cite web| author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=April 6, 2004 |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1486206/20040406/alice_in_chains.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626233125/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1486206/20040406/alice_in_chains.jhtml |archive-date=June 26, 2008 |title=Remembering Layne Staley: The Other Great Seattle Musician To Die On April 5 |publisher=[[VH1]] |access-date=December 22, 2007}}</ref> Lanegan told ''Rolling Stone'' in 2002, "He never recovered from Demri's death. After that, I don't think he wanted to go on."<ref name="lastdays"/>
== Final years: 1997–2002 ==
[[File:LayneStaleyCondo.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|The apartment building where Staley spent the last part of his life]]
On February 26, 1997, Staley and the other members of Alice in Chains attended the [[Grammy Award]]s after the song "[[Again (Alice in Chains song)|Again]]" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance|Best Hard Rock Performance]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5926024/men_in_a_box |title=Men in a Box: With nothing new on tap, Alice in Chains drums up the past |magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 29, 1997|access-date=April 5, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323000259/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5926024/men_in_a_box |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref> In April of that same year, Staley purchased a {{cvt|1500|sqft|sqm}}, three-bedroom condominium in Seattle's University District via a trust. [[Toby Wright (record producer)|Toby Wright]], the producer of Alice in Chains' third album, set up a home recording system for him there.<ref>[http://www.guitarworld.com/alice-chains-untold-story-layne-staleys-final-gloomy-days-frontman-seattles-grunge-legends/25251 Alice In Chains: The Untold Story — Layne Staley's Final Gloomy Days as the Frontman of Seattle's Grunge Legends] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928171248/http://www.guitarworld.com/alice-chains-untold-story-layne-staleys-final-gloomy-days-frontman-seattles-grunge-legends/25251 |date=September 28, 2015 }} Guitar World. August 11, 2015.</ref>
In 1998, amid rumors that Staley rarely left his apartment, had contracted gangrene, and had lost the ability to ingest food and was living on a diet of [[Ensure]], Jerry Cantrell told ''[[Kerrang!]]'' that the members of Alice in Chains regularly hung out at Staley's house.<ref name="lastdays"/> On June 22, 1998, Staley made a phone call to radio program [[Rockline]] and gave a rare interview while Cantrell was promoting his first solo album, ''[[Boggy Depot]]''. Staley called the show to talk to Cantrell and stated that he had loved the album.<ref name="Rockline 98">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eMuo35cGNU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/7eMuo35cGNU| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Jerry Cantrell & Layne Staley on Rockline, June 22, 1998|website=YouTube|date=December 25, 2014 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In October 1998, Staley re-emerged to record two tracks with Alice in Chains, "[[Get Born Again]]" and "[[Died (Alice in Chains song)|Died]]", which were released on the ''Music Bank'' box set in 1999.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonymusic.com:80/artists/AliceInChains/bio.html |title=Alice in Chains Timeline |website=SonyMusic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991007164204/http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/AliceInChains/bio.html |archive-date=October 7, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 10, 2018 }}</ref><ref name=malice>{{cite magazine |first=Blair R. |last=Fischer |title=Malice in Chains? |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5920064/malice_in_chains |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=September 3, 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103064818/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5920064/malice_in_chains|archive-date=November 3, 2008 }}</ref> Additional reports of Staley's deteriorating condition persisted in the midst of the sessions. ''Dirt'' producer [[Dave Jerden]]—originally chosen by the band for the production—said, "Staley weighed 80 pounds…and was white as a ghost." Studio engineer Elan Trujillo commented that Layne "definitely didn't look like how he used to look" and noticed Staley had, in addition to no teeth, [[atrophy]] in his legs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coffman |first1=Tim |title=The Sad Story of Layne Staley's Last Alice in Chains Studio Session |url=http://www.wearethepit.com/2022/10/the-sad-story-of-layne-staleys-last-alice-in-chains-studio-session/ |website=The Pit |access-date=October 30, 2022 |date=October 9, 2022 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009223531/https://www.wearethepit.com/2022/10/the-sad-story-of-layne-staleys-last-alice-in-chains-studio-session/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cantrell refused to comment on the singer's appearance, and band manager Susan Silver said she had not seen him since "last year".<ref name=malice/>
Staley made his final public appearance on October 31, 1998, when he attended a Jerry Cantrell solo concert in Seattle. He declined Cantrell's request to sing with him on stage. A photo taken of Staley backstage at this show is the most recent photo of him that has been publicly released.<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=280}}</ref>
Thereafter, Staley was thought to have left behind his "self-imposed rock & roll exile", when in November 1998 he laid down additional vocal tracks as part of a supergroup called Class of '99, featuring members of Rage Against the Machine, Jane's Addiction, and Porno for Pyros.<ref name=bomb>{{cite magazine |title=Just Another Bombtrack: Layne Staley, Tom Morello and Stephen Perkins group to cover 'Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2' for film soundtrack. |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5924980/just_another_bombtrack |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=November 25, 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206181723/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5924980/just_another_bombtrack|archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref>
On July 19, 1999, the radio program ''[[Rockline]]'' was hosting Cantrell, Inez, and Kinney for a discussion on the release of ''[[Nothing Safe: Best of the Box]]'', when, unexpectedly, Staley called in to participate. This was Staley's last interview.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BlabberMouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=41166 |title=Alice in Chains: Final National Radio Appearance With Whole Band To Re Air Next Week - Blabbermouth.net |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=September 2, 2005 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104025023/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BlabberMouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=41166 |archive-date=November 4, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
From 1999 to 2002, Staley became more reclusive and depressed,<ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=978-1250048073|page=217}}</ref> rarely leaving his Seattle [[Condominium (living space)|condo]]; little is known about the details of his life during this period. Staley was rumored to spend most of his days creating art, playing video games, or nodding off on drugs.<ref name="lastdays"/> Staley's one-time roommate and friend Morgen Gallagher later said that around 2001 Staley said he was asked to audition for [[Audioslave]]; this claim was later debunked by Audioslave guitarist [[Tom Morello]].<ref name="Audioslave">{{cite web|url=http://daviddesola.com/2017/06/story-behind-story-layne-staley-going-audition-audioslave/|title=The Story Behind the Story: Was Layne Staley Going to Audition for Audioslave?|website=daviddesola.com|date=June 6, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630202844/http://daviddesola.com/2017/06/story-behind-story-layne-staley-going-audition-audioslave/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/tmorello/status/629342227148484612 |title=Tom Morello's response |date=August 5, 2015 |website=Twitter |access-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201143434/https://twitter.com/tmorello/status/629342227148484612 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, told ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' in 2007 that despite his isolation, he was never far from the love of his family and friends, who filled his answering machine and mailbox with messages and letters. "Just because he was isolated doesn't mean we didn't have sweet moments with him." McCallum has also claimed that she saw Staley on Thanksgiving of 2001, and again just around Valentine's Day of 2002, when he visited his sister's baby. This was the last time that McCallum saw her son.<ref name="Seattle Times 2007"/> Sean Kinney has commented on Staley's final years and isolation period:
{{blockquote|It got to a point where he'd kept himself so locked up, both physically and emotionally. I kept trying to make contact...Three times a week, like clockwork, I'd call him, but he'd never answer. Every time I was in the area, I was up in front of his place yelling for him ... Even if you could get in his building, he wasn't going to open the door. You'd phone and he wouldn't answer. You couldn't just kick the door in and grab him, though there were so many times I thought about doing that. But if someone won't help themselves, what, really, can anyone else do?<ref name="lastdays"/>}}
Staley's physical appearance had become even worse than before: he had lost several teeth, his skin was sickly pale, and he was severely emaciated. Close friends such as Matt Fox said, "If no one heard from him for weeks, it wasn't unusual". Staley grew increasingly disconnected from his friends and bandmates who repeatedly tried to get him into rehab, but Staley refused.<ref name="Blender">{{cite web|last1=Kearny|first1=Pat|title=We Left Him Alone|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=373|website=Blender|access-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123010426/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=373|archive-date=November 23, 2005|date=August 2002}}</ref> Staley's close friend [[Mark Lanegan]] said, "He didn't speak to anybody as of late… It's been a few months since I talked to him. But for us to not talk for a few months is par for the course."<ref name="Mark Lanegan on Layne">{{cite web |url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=2685 |title=Mark Lanegan on Layne Staley's Death: 'I Always Hoped It Wouldn't Happen' |publisher=Top40 Charts.com |date=April 23, 2002 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010045629/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=2685 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Death==
On April 17, 2002, Staley's mother Nancy McCallum went to his apartment to let him know about the death of Demri Parrott's brother, but there was no answer. On April 19, 2002, Staley's accountants contacted his former manager, Susan Silver, and informed her that no money had been withdrawn from the singer's bank account in two weeks. Silver then contacted McCallum, who went to his apartment again. There was some mail by his door. Staley owned a cat named Sadie at the time, who was usually quiet; upon hearing Sadie meow, McCallum became worried the animal was distressed and that Staley might be in trouble. Still not receiving an answer from Staley, McCallum called 911 to say she had not heard from him "in about two weeks".<ref name="AN" /> She entered the apartment with police and her ex-husband, Jim Elmer.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 19, 2002 |title=Alice in Chains Singer's Death |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/alice-chains-singers-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221131329/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/alice-chains-singers-death |archive-date=December 21, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |publisher=The Smoking Gun}}</ref><ref name="AN3">{{cite web |date=August 3, 2015 |title=Interview: Layne Staley's Mom Nancy Mccallum Talks Layne's Childhood, Unreleased Music & Final Days |url=http://archive.alternativenation.net/interview-layne-staley-mom-nancy-mccallum/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510063430/http://archive.alternativenation.net/interview-layne-staley-mom-nancy-mccallum/ |archive-date=May 10, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2017 |website=Alternative Nation}}</ref> It was reported that the {{convert|6|ft|cm|adj=on|sigfig=3}} Staley weighed only {{convert|86|lb}} when his body was discovered.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Rick |date=October 9, 2006 |title=Seattle News and Events | Smack Is Back |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2003-01-08/news/smack-is-back/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820042759/http://www.seattleweekly.com/2003-01-08/news/smack-is-back/ |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |publisher=Seattleweekly.com}}</ref> Staley's body was partially decomposed when he was found. Medical examiners had to identify the body by comparing dental records.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 20, 2002 |title=Body found in rock singer's home in Seattle |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/News/04/20/body.staley/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152822/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/News/04/20/body.staley/index.html |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=July 31, 2017 |website=CNN}}</ref>
The autopsy and toxicology report on Staley's body revealed that he died from a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as a [[Speedball (drug)|speedball]].<ref name="SP1">{{cite news|author1=Candace Heckman|title=Staley's death was from mix of heroin and cocaine|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Staley-s-death-was-from-mix-of-heroin-and-cocaine-1086752.php|website=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=August 18, 2017|date=May 6, 2002|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312043849/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Staley-s-death-was-from-mix-of-heroin-and-cocaine-1086752.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The autopsy concluded that Staley died two weeks before his body was found, on April 5—the same day fellow grunge musician [[Kurt Cobain]] died eight years prior.<ref name="report"/> Staley's death was classified as "accidental".<ref name="report">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1453818/layne-staley-died-from-mix-of-heroin-cocaine-report-says/ |title=Layne Staley Died From Mix of Heroin, Cocaine, Report Says |publisher=MTV |date=May 7, 2002 |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502061245/http://www.mtv.com/news/1453818/layne-staley-died-from-mix-of-heroin-cocaine-report-says/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Staley's Alice in Chains bandmates issued the following statement:
<blockquote>It's good to be with friends and family as we struggle to deal with this immense loss … and try to celebrate this immense life. We are looking for all the usual things: comfort, purpose, answers, something to hold on to, a way to let him go in peace. Mostly, we are feeling heartbroken over the death of our beautiful friend. He was a sweet man with a keen sense of humor and a deep sense of humanity. He was an amazing musician, an inspiration, and a comfort to so many. He made great music and gifted it to the world. We are proud to have known him, to be his friend, and to create music with him. For the past decade, Layne struggled greatly—we can only hope that he has at last found some peace. We love you, Layne. Dearly. And we will miss you … endlessly.<ref name="angry angel">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1453544/an-angry-angel-layne-staley-remembered-by-bandmates-friends/|title='An Angry Angel' – Layne Staley Remembered By Bandmates, Friends|publisher=MTV News|date=April 22, 2002|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=January 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104210032/http://www.mtv.com/news/1453544/an-angry-angel-layne-staley-remembered-by-bandmates-friends/|url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote>
In 2010, in an interview on VH1's ''[[Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew|Celebrity Rehab]]'' with McCallum,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-alice-in-chains-bassist-talks-about-death-of-his-best-friend-layne-staley-video-available/|title=Ex-ALICE IN CHAINS Bassist Talks About Death of His 'Best Friend' LAYNE STALEY; Video Available|publisher=Blabbermouth|date=February 17, 2010|access-date=August 22, 2019|archive-date=August 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822232806/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-alice-in-chains-bassist-talks-about-death-of-his-best-friend-layne-staley-video-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> former Alice in Chains bass player [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]] said that he was the last person to see Staley alive and had spent time with him the day before his death, on Starr's birthday, April 4. Starr claimed that Staley was very sick but would not call 911. They briefly argued, which ended with Starr storming out. Starr stated that Staley called after him as he left and said: "Not like this, don't leave like this."<ref name="Starr">{{cite web |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Mike Starr Layne Staley Death Alice in Chains Celebrity Rehab Sober House CONFUSION AIC |url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x32mb2c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512014517/https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x32mb2c |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref> Starr expressed regret for not calling 911 to save his life, and said that Staley had threatened to sever their friendship if he did. Starr regretted being high on benzodiazepines that night and having walked out of the door.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Alice in Chains Bassist Mike Starr Dies at 44|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-bassist-mike-starr-dies-at-44-20110309|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 9, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2019|archive-date=March 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313051314/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-bassist-mike-starr-dies-at-44-20110309|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="reuters">{{cite web|title=Former Alice in Chains rocker Mike Starr dies|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aliceinchains-idUSTRE72802X20110309|website=Reuters|access-date=August 22, 2019|date=March 8, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305172357/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aliceinchains-idUSTRE72802X20110309|url-status=live}}</ref> McCallum was insistent that neither she nor anyone in her family blamed Starr for Staley's death. She also told Starr: "Layne would forgive you. He'd say, 'Hey, I did this. Not you.'"
Starr still blamed himself for the death of Staley, and had kept the story a secret until his appearance on ''Celebrity Rehab''.<ref name="Starr" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/episodes/mh5tax/celebrity-rehab-with-dr-drew-family-weekend-season-3-ep-7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129061559/https://www.vh1.com/episodes/mh5tax/celebrity-rehab-with-dr-drew-family-weekend-season-3-ep-7 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 29, 2021 |title=Family Weekend – Season 3 Ep 7|publisher=VH1 |date=February 18, 2010|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref> During this same interview, McCallum said that Staley had attempted rehab 14 times, although it is not clear whether any of these attempts were during his reclusive years.<ref name="Starr" /> Starr was found dead on March 8, 2011, as a result of [[prescription drug]] overdose.<ref name="reuters" />
===Aftermath===
An informal memorial was held for Staley on the night of April 20, 2002, at the [[Seattle Center]], which was attended by at least 100 fans and friends, including Alice in Chains bandmates Cantrell, Starr, Inez and Kinney, and Soundgarden frontman [[Chris Cornell]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2933 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020627133803/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2933 |archive-date=June 27, 2002 |title=Jerry Cantrell, Chris Cornell, Others Make Appearance at Seattle Memorial For Layne Staley |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=April 21, 2002 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20020421/laynedeath21m/fans-gather-to-mourn-troubled-grunge-singer-layne-staley-dead-at-34 |title=Fans gather to mourn troubled grunge singer Layne Staley, dead at 34 |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=April 21, 2002 |access-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130224/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020421&slug=laynedeath21m |url-status=live }}</ref> Fans continue to leave memorial messages on a wall outside of Staley's University District home. Staley's body was cremated and a private memorial service was held for him on April 28, 2002, on [[Bainbridge Island]] in Washington's [[Puget Sound]]. During her appearance on ''[[Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew|Celebrity Rehab]]'' in 2010, Staley's mother said she has her son's ashes in a box.<ref name="Starr"/> Staley's private memorial was attended by his family and friends, along with his Alice in Chains bandmates, the band's manager Susan Silver and her then-husband Chris Cornell, as well as other music personalities. Chris Cornell, joined by Heart's [[Ann Wilson|Ann]] and [[Nancy Wilson (rock musician)|Nancy Wilson]], sang a rendition of [[The Rolling Stones]]' "[[Wild Horses (The Rolling Stones song)|Wild Horses]]" at the funeral.<ref name="funeral">{{cite web |url=http://www.guitarworld.com/we-die-young-tribute-layne-staley |title=We Die Young: A Tribute to Layne Staley |work=Guitar World |date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722063912/http://www.guitarworld.com/we-die-young-tribute-layne-staley |url-status=live }}</ref> They also performed [[The Lovemongers]]' song "[[Whirlygig (album)|Sand]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31f9vz |title=Heart With Alice in Chains, Dave Navarro, Duff Mckagan -Performing "Barracuda" ! Promo |work=[[Dailymotion]] |date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407020249/https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31f9vz |url-status=live }}</ref>
Jerry Cantrell dedicated his solo album, ''[[Degradation Trip]]'', released two months after Staley's death, to his memory.<ref name="Roadrunner Cantrell">{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/JerryCantrell/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119070122/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/JerryCantrell/| archive-date=January 19, 2008 |title=Well Worth The Trip |date=December 24, 2002 |publisher=Roadrunner Records UK |access-date=December 7, 2007}}</ref> Cantrell also took in Staley's cat, Sadie, who he and the family took care of until Sadie's death in 2010, at the age of 18.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://supurrb.com/layne-staleys-cat-sadie/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030405/https://supurrb.com/layne-staleys-cat-sadie/ | archive-date=January 21, 2022 | title=Layne Staley's cat Sadie | Supurrb }}</ref>
Shortly after Staley's death, his parents Nancy McCallum and Phil Staley started receiving donations from fans all over the world. Nancy and Phil worked with Seattle's Therapeutic Health Services clinic to create the Layne Staley Memorial Fund to help other heroin addicts and their families in the Seattle music community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ths-wa.org/ths2017/wp-content/uploads/Final-Summer-Newsletter-2011.pdf|title=Layne Staley Memorial Fund – Summer 2011 Newsletter|website=Therapeutic Health Services|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824235532/https://ths-wa.org/ths2017/wp-content/uploads/Final-Summer-Newsletter-2011.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ths-wa.org/about-ths/layne-staley-memorial-fund/|title=Layne Staley Memorial Fund|website=Therapeutic Health Services|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918111427/https://ths-wa.org/about-ths/layne-staley-memorial-fund/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Alice in Chains remained inactive following Staley's death. For the next several years, the band refused to perform together, out of respect for him.<ref name="PopMatters 2002"/><ref name="Benefit concert">{{cite news |author=Hay, Travis |date=February 21, 2005 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/212872_alice21q.html |title=Alice in Chains owns stage in tsunami-relief show full of surprises |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 25, 2007 |archive-date=December 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222013209/http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Alice-in-Chains-owns-stage-in-tsunami-relief-show-1166879.php |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, Cantrell, Kinney, and Inez reunited for a [[benefit concert]] for victims of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]], with several vocalists filling in for Staley.<ref name="Benefit concert"/> Following positive response, the band decided to reunite formally in 2006. [[Comes with the Fall]] vocalist [[William DuVall]], a member of Cantrell's solo touring band who often sang Staley's parts on the Alice in Chains songs that Cantrell performed, was announced to sing Staley's part for the reunion shows.<ref name="Reuniting">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Chris |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524813/02232006/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Remaining Alice in Chains Members Reuniting |publisher=MTV News |date=February 23, 2006 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218124026/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524813/02232006/alice_in_chains.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> In an interview with [[MTV News]], Kinney noted that the band would use the reunion concerts to pay tribute to the songs and to Staley.<ref name="Reuniting"/> The band used to have an intermission to include a five-minute filmed tribute to Staley in between sets.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/hWJD7K0USec Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130412081809/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWJD7K0USec&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWJD7K0USec |title=Layne Staley Tribute Video (Features Rare Footage)!!! |website=YouTube |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=June 24, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> DuVall has since become Staley's full-time replacement in the band, contributing to three full-length releases.
==Legacy==
[[Billy Corgan]] of [[The Smashing Pumpkins]] stated that Staley "had an amazing voice that had such a beautiful, sad, haunting quality about it. He was different because his heaviness was in that voice."<ref name="angry angel"/> The song "Bleeding The Orchid" from The Smashing Pumpkins' 2007 album ''[[Zeitgeist (The Smashing Pumpkins album)|Zeitgeist]]'' was indirectly inspired by the death of Staley.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=435704 |title=Corgan Talks New Pumpkins Art, Inspirations |date=July 6, 2007 |website=Friday Morning Quarterback |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708162701/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=435704 |archive-date=July 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 26, 2018}}</ref>
[[Cold (band)|Cold]]'s song "The Day Seattle Died" from their 2003 album ''[[Year of the Spider]]'' was an ode to Staley, as well as fellow grunge figurehead Kurt Cobain.<ref name="loudwire.com">{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/top-10-songs-about-alice-in-chains-singer-layne-staley/ |title=Top 10 Songs About Alice in Chains' Layne Staley |date=April 5, 2012 |publisher=Loudwire.com |access-date=July 28, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081004/http://loudwire.com/top-10-songs-about-alice-in-chains-singer-layne-staley/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year [[Staind]] featured a song called "Layne" in memory to the singer on their album ''[[14 Shades of Grey]]''.<ref name="loudwire.com"/> In their 2004 album [[Hangover Music Vol. VI]], [[Black Label Society]] also included a tribute to Staley, titled "Layne".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hangover-music-vol-vi-mw0000697096 |title=Hangover Music Vol. VI - Black Label Society |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 13, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603010601/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hangover-music-vol-vi-mw0000697096 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kat Bjelland]], formerly of [[Babes in Toyland (band)|Babes in Toyland]], wrote the song "Layne to Rest" about him on her band [[Katastrophy Wife]]’s 2004 album ''All Kneel''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chick |first=Stevie |date=May 24, 2004 |title=The Kat Who Got the Cream |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152365044562922&set=gm.10151992647230373&type=3&mibextid=SDPelY |journal=Kerrang! |access-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306045206/https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152365044562922&set=gm.10151992647230373&type=3&mibextid=SDPelY |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Eddie Vedder]], lead singer of Pearl Jam, wrote a song [[eulogy|eulogizing]] Staley, titled "4/20/02" (the day Vedder heard the news).<ref name="Q & A">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/bb/specialreport/pearl_jam/pg2.jsp |title=The Pearl Jam Q & A: ''Lost Dogs'' |author=Cohen, Jonathan |access-date=March 17, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050317103055/http://www.billboard.com/bb/specialreport/pearl_jam/pg2.jsp |archive-date=March 17, 2005 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}.</ref> The song featured only Vedder singing and playing the guitar in a [[ukulele]]-inspired tuning, and was released as a hidden track on Pearl Jam's 2003 B-sides and rarities album, ''[[Lost Dogs (album)|Lost Dogs]]'', roughly four minutes and twenty seconds after the conclusion of the final listed song, "Bee Girl".<ref name="Q & A"/> Vedder also paid tribute to Staley during a Pearl Jam concert in Chicago on August 22, 2016, which would have been Staley's 49th birthday, and dedicated the song "[[Man of the Hour]]" to his late friend.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/watch-eddie-vedders-heartbreaking-tribute-layne-staley-pearl-jams-us-show/ |title=Watch Eddie Vedder's Heartbreaking Tribute To Layne Staley During Pearl Jam's US Show |date=August 26, 2016 |work=Music Feeds |access-date=August 23, 2019 |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828172455/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/watch-eddie-vedders-heartbreaking-tribute-layne-staley-pearl-jams-us-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Jerry Cantrell]] said Staley gave him the self-assurance to sing.<ref name="Music Bank box"/><ref name="Intimate"/> "Layne was really responsible for giving me the confidence to become more of a singer. He'd say, 'You wrote this song, this means something to you, sing it.' He kicked my ass out of the nest. Over the years I continued to grow, and Layne started to play guitar, and we inspired each other".<ref name="Guitar World 2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jerry-cantrell-discusses-alice-chains-2009-comeback-black-gives-way-blue|title=Interview: Jerry Cantrell Discusses Alice in Chain's 2009 Comeback, 'Black Gives Way to Blue'|work=Guitar World|date=January 10, 2013|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702094006/http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jerry-cantrell-discusses-alice-chains-2009-comeback-black-gives-way-blue|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since 2002, Seattle has hosted an annual tribute concert for Staley on his birthday. Venues such as the [[Moore Theatre]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northwestmusicscene.net/concert-review-layne-staley-tribute-creates-magical-experience-for-moore-theatre-crowd/|title=Concert Review: Layne Staley Tribute creates magical experience for Moore Theatre crowd|website=NorthWest Music Scene|date=August 20, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824151102/http://www.northwestmusicscene.net/concert-review-layne-staley-tribute-creates-magical-experience-for-moore-theatre-crowd/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Showbox]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/layne-staley-eighth-annual-tribute-benefit-concert-announced/|title=LAYNE STALEY: Eighth Annual Tribute & Benefit Concert Announced|website=Blabbermouth|date=July 11, 2009|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405214733/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/layne-staley-eighth-annual-tribute-benefit-concert-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Fenix,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sixth-annual-layne-staley-tribute-and-benefit-concert-to-be-held-in-august/|title=Sixth Annual LAYNE STALEY Tribute And Benefit Concert To Be Held in August|website=Blabbermouth|date=May 30, 2007|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=April 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406040231/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sixth-annual-layne-staley-tribute-and-benefit-concert-to-be-held-in-august/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[The Crocodile]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northwestmusicscene.com/2015/08/layne-staley-tribute-show-set-for-august-22-at-the-crocodile/|title=Layne Staley Tribute Show Set for August 22 at The Crocodile|website=NorthWest Music Scene|date=August 17, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205213225/http://www.northwestmusicscene.com/2015/08/layne-staley-tribute-show-set-for-august-22-at-the-crocodile/|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> have hosted the event. The show proceeds benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/soulbender-confirmed-for-seattle-s-layne-staley-tribute-concert/|title=SOULBENDER Confirmed For Seattle's LAYNE STALEY TRIBUTE CONCERT|website=Blabbermouth|date=August 21, 2002|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405214731/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/soulbender-confirmed-for-seattle-s-layne-staley-tribute-concert/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Staley ranked at No. 27 on ''[[Hit Parader]]'' magazine's list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists" published in the November 2006 issue,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-robert-plant-bon-scott-ozzy-are-among-heavy-metal-s-all-time-top-100-vocalists/|title=ROB HALFORD, ROBERT PLANT, BON SCOTT, OZZY Are Among 'Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists'|work=Blabbermouth|date=December 1, 2006|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926112602/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-robert-plant-bon-scott-ozzy-are-among-heavy-metal-s-all-time-top-100-vocalists/|url-status=live}}</ref> and at No. 42 on [[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'s magazine list of "The 50 Best Lead Singers of All Time" in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2012/11/the-50-best-lead-singers-of-all-time |title=The 50 Best Lead Singers of All Time |last=Martin |first=Andrew |date=November 15, 2012 |website=Complex |access-date=August 23, 2019 |archive-date=August 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823204032/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2012/11/the-50-best-lead-singers-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref>
Staley was an inspiration for the title of [[Metallica]]'s 2008 album, ''[[Death Magnetic]]''.<ref name="loudwire.com"/> The band recorded a song in tribute to him, titled "Rebel of Babylon".<ref name="RS1-oct08">{{cite book |title = Metallica: Metal Machines (Louder Faster Stronger) |publisher = [[Rolling Stone]] |date = October 2008 |pages = 58–67}}</ref>
In 2009, Alice in Chains released their first studio album in 14 years, ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]'', with Cantrell and then-new vocalist and rhythm guitarist [[William DuVall]] sharing lead vocals.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2009/09/album-review-alice-in-chains-black-gives-way-to-blue/|title=Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way to Blue|magazine=Consequence of Sound|date=September 29, 2009|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103160927/https://consequence.net/2009/09/album-review-alice-in-chains-black-gives-way-to-blue/|url-status=live}}</ref> The title track is a tribute to Staley.<ref>{{cite news| author=Goodman, Dean |url=http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/2009/07/15/alice-in-chains-previews-new-album-in-los-angeles/ |title=Alice in Chains previews new album in Los Angeles |work=Reuters |date=July 15, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2018 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235818/http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/2009/07/15/alice-in-chains-previews-new-album-in-los-angeles/ |archive-date=December 30, 2013}}</ref> Cantrell invited [[Elton John]] to join Alice in Chains and pay tribute to Staley playing the piano in "[[Black Gives Way to Blue (song)|Black Gives Way to Blue]]",<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Gives Way to Blue – Alice in Chains Tribute to Layne Staley (Live at Later… with Jools Holland in 2009)|url=https://vimeo.com/230412512|access-date=August 22, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> the closing song in the album.<ref name=EltonJohn>{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/2009/08/qa-jerry-cantrell-alice-chains/ |title=Q&A: Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains |date=August 21, 2009 |work=Spin |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501072614/http://www.spin.com/2009/08/qa-jerry-cantrell-alice-chains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The song was written and sung by Cantrell, who described it as the band's goodbye to Staley.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teamrock.com/news/2016-07-16/jerry-cantrell-recalls-alice-in-chains-goodbye-to-layne-staley |title=Jerry Cantrell recalls Alice in Chains goodbye to Layne Staley |date=July 16, 2017 |work=Metal Hammer |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106062138/http://teamrock.com/news/2016-07-16/jerry-cantrell-recalls-alice-in-chains-goodbye-to-layne-staley |url-status=live }}</ref> The first concert that Staley attended was Elton John's and he was blown away by it.<ref name=EltonJohn/> According to Cantrell, the album's cover art featuring a heart surrounded by a black background was inspired by the heartbreak of Staley's death.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains "Black" and "Blue"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU39B3IVHig&t=2m50s|website=YouTube|publisher=Billboard|access-date=April 5, 2018|date=October 21, 2009|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004173656/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU39B3IVHig&t=2m50s|url-status=live}}</ref> Staley's former bandmates also thanked him in the album's liner notes.<ref>Liner notes, ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]''. [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]/[[EMI Records|EMI]]. 2009.</ref>
On September 6, 2011, [[Hank Williams III]] released his ''[[Attention Deficit Domination]]'' album and dedicated it to Staley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welovedc.com/2012/03/13/qa-with-hank3/|title=Q&A with Hank 3|date=March 13, 2012 |publisher=We Love DC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315233949/http://www.welovedc.com/2012/03/13/qa-with-hank3/|archive-date=March 15, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=April 19, 2018}}</ref>
Staley's Alice in Chains bandmates have stated that one of the saddest aspects of his legacy is to hear him remembered primarily for his drug use rather than the other aspects of his personality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains "Black" and "Blue"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU39B3IVHig&t=3m13s|website=YouTube|publisher=Billboard|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007144934/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU39B3IVHig&t=3m13s|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Guitar World 2013"/> Kinney and Cantrell have also expressed their frustration over the [[Grammys]] ignoring Staley during their annual tribute to the musicians who have died in the past year.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Ni84M4wXgCs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200226045257/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni84M4wXgCs&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni84M4wXgCs |title=Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney on Layne Staley being snubbed by the Grammys|website=YouTube|date=February 11, 2019 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In 2013, Alice in Chains' drummer, Sean Kinney, added the initials "LSMS" on his drum kit, a tribute to Staley and the band's former bassist, Mike Starr, who died in 2011.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/GIHg4blAutE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130602123231/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIHg4blAutE&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIHg4blAutE&t=15m26s |title=WMMR MMRBQ 2013 Alice in Chains Interview |website=YouTube |date=March 5, 2015|access-date=August 23, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.feelnumb.com/2015/01/11/alice-in-chains-alway-remember-orignal-members-layne-staley-mike-starr/|title=Alice in Chains Always Remember Original Members Layne Staley & Mike Starr|work=Feel Numb|date=January 11, 2015|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=January 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115093305/http://www.feelnumb.com/2015/01/11/alice-in-chains-alway-remember-orignal-members-layne-staley-mike-starr/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The music video for Alice in Chains' 2013 single, "[[Voices (Alice in Chains song)|Voices]]", features a picture of Staley next to a photo of [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]'s frontman, [[Kurt Cobain]], at the 2:20 mark.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/7YDPNl7PeUU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130907014514/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YDPNl7PeUU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YDPNl7PeUU&t=2m20s |title=Alice in Chains – Voices |work=YouTube|date=September 5, 2013 |access-date=August 23, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Since Alice in Chains reunited, Jerry Cantrell started paying tribute to Staley before performing the song "[[Nutshell (song)|Nutshell]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains – Nutshell – Live SWU 2011 Brasil|website = YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNswEM9DdI4| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115075507/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNswEM9DdI4&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=November 15, 2011 | url-status=dead|access-date=August 23, 2019}}</ref> Since 2011, Cantrell pays tribute to both Staley and Mike Starr before performing the song at concerts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/jerry-cantrell-remembers-panteras-vinnie-paul-he-lived-his-life-unapologetically-667051/|title=Jerry Cantrell Remembers Pantera's Vinnie Paul: 'He Lived His Life Unapologetically'|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=June 27, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050952/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/jerry-cantrell-remembers-panteras-vinnie-paul-he-lived-his-life-unapologetically-667051/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In April 2017, [[Nancy Wilson (rock musician)|Nancy Wilson]] revealed that she started writing the song "The Dragon" for Staley in the '90s. The song was recorded in 2016 and is part of the EP of Wilson's new band, Roadcase Royale, released in 2017.<ref name="The Dragon">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/heart-can-ann-and-nancy-wilson-go-on-after-family-assault-w473842|title=Heart: Can Ann and Nancy Wilson Go on After Family Assault|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 10, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2017|archive-date=April 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410225843/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/heart-can-ann-and-nancy-wilson-go-on-after-family-assault-w473842|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/nancy-wilson-interview-2017/|title=Heart's Nancy Wilson Explains the 'Beautiful Collusion' of Roadcase Royale: Exclusive Interview|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=May 30, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007162703/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/nancy-wilson-interview-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On what would've been Staley's 50th birthday, August 22, 2017, Alice in Chains released a video paying tribute to him, featuring Jerry Cantrell, Ann Wilson, Mike McCready, and Barrett Martin.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains Pay Tribute to Layne Staley on His 50th Birthday|url=http://loudwire.com/alice-in-chains-tribute-layne-staley-50th-birthday/|website=Loudwire|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823010043/http://loudwire.com/alice-in-chains-tribute-layne-staley-50th-birthday/|url-status=live}}</ref>
William DuVall revealed that he was thinking about Staley, his grandmother and the Soundgarden lead vocalist Chris Cornell while writing the Alice in Chains' song "[[Never Fade (Alice in Chains song)|Never Fade]]", from their 2018 album, ''[[Rainier Fog]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/as-the-fog-clears-alice-in-chains-address-the-ghosts-of-their-past-and-plot-a-glorious-future/ |title=Alice In Chains Address The Ghosts Of Their Past And Plot A Glorious Future |last=Hickie |first=James |date=August 23, 2018 |website=Kerrang! |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823205135/https://www.kerrang.com/features/as-the-fog-clears-alice-in-chains-address-the-ghosts-of-their-past-and-plot-a-glorious-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's [[Rainier Fog (song)|title track]], written by Cantrell, is partly a tribute to Staley and Mike Starr.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://i.imgur.com/FhYqyDm.jpg |title=No Excuses |author=Nick Hasted |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date=August 2018 |issue=252 |pages=62–63 |access-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803085310/https://i.imgur.com/FhYqyDm.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Layne Staley Day in Seattle===
On August 22, 2019, which would have been Staley's 52nd birthday, Seattle mayor [[Jenny Durkan]] officially proclaimed that day as "Layne Staley Day" in the city in honor of Staley's contributions to the world of music. The day was also a call to attention to the Layne Staley Memorial Fund, established by his parents in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kexp.org/read/2019/8/22/seattle-mayor-jenny-durkan-proclaims-august-22-2019-layne-staley-day/ |title=Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan Proclaims August 22, 2019 as Layne Staley Day |last=Headley |first=Janice |date=August 22, 2019 |website=KEXP |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822222513/https://kexp.org/read/2019/8/22/seattle-mayor-jenny-durkan-proclaims-august-22-2019-layne-staley-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Books===
Two biographies have been written about Staley, both authored by Adriana Rubio—''[[Layne Staley: Angry Chair]]'' released in 2003, which contains an alleged final interview of Staley that Rubio claimed to have conducted less than three months before his death,<ref name="record straight"/> and ''Layne Staley: Get Born Again'', released in 2009, a revised and updated version of her earlier book.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57654 |title=Alice in Chains: 'Layne Staley' Biography Used By Social Workers And Drug Counselors |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=September 3, 2006 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228213414/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57654 |archive-date=February 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Staley's family has disputed Rubio's work, stating they do not believe she interviewed him in 2002.<ref name="DeSola">{{cite web |author=David de Sola |url=https://icepicksandnukes.com/2012/01/02/statement-from-liz-coats/ |title=Statement from Liz Coats |website=Icepicks and Nukes |date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914001404/https://icepicksandnukes.com/2012/01/02/statement-from-liz-coats/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When questioned about the authenticity of the book, Rubio refused to confirm the interview was genuine.<ref name="record straight">{{cite web |author=David de Sola |url=https://icepicksandnukes.com/2011/12/16/setting-the-alice-in-chains-record-straight/ |title=Setting the Alice in Chains Record Straight |website=Icepicks and Nukes |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204232222/https://icepicksandnukes.com/2011/12/16/setting-the-alice-in-chains-record-straight/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Staley's last interview was for the radio program [[Rockline]] on July 19, 1999, promoting the release of the compilation album ''[[Nothing Safe: Best of the Box]]'' with the other members of Alice in Chains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-final-national-radio-appearance-with-whole-band-to-re-air-next-week/ |title=ALICE IN CHAINS: Final National Radio Appearance With Whole Band To Re-Air Next Week |date=September 2, 2005 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205005551/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-final-national-radio-appearance-with-whole-band-to-re-air-next-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The content of Rubio's book, including what she referred to as Staley's final interview, was called into question in journalist David De Sola's 2015 book ''Alice in Chains: The Untold Story''.<ref name="record straight"/> De Sola questions not only the content of the interview, which portrays Staley as using his lyrics in casual conversation, it also indicates that Rubio never spoke to him, citing her refusal to release the tape with the interview and the fact that not even her publisher had access to the tape.<ref name="record straight"/> One of Staley's sisters, Liz Coats, likewise doubted the veracity of the book.<ref name="DeSola"/>
Staley was featured on the books ''Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music'' (2009) by Greg Prato,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/music/grunge-is-dead-an-interview-with-greg-prato |title='Grunge Is Dead' - An Interview with Greg Prato |publisher=[[UGO Networks|UGO Entertainment]] |date=April 29, 2009 |access-date=August 23, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701192945/http://www.ugo.com/music/grunge-is-dead-an-interview-with-greg-prato |archive-date=July 1, 2011 }}</ref> and ''Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History of Grunge'' (2011) by Mark Yarm. Both books explored the history of grunge in detail and touch upon Alice in Chains and Staley's life and death via interviews with Staley's mother, friends and bandmates, including Cantrell, Kinney, Starr and Inez.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC|title=Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music|access-date=April 5, 2018|isbn=9781554903474|last1=Prato|first1=Greg|date=December 15, 2010|publisher=ECW Press|archive-date=March 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306045252/https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/paper-trail/8760-everybody-loves-our-town/|title=Everybody Loves Our Town|website=Pitchfork|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128055017/https://pitchfork.com/features/paper-trail/8760-everybody-loves-our-town/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2015, journalist David de Sola released the biography ''Alice in Chains: The Untold Story'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daviddesola.com/books/alice-in-chains/overview/|title=Alice in Chains – The Untold Story|website=daviddesola.com|access-date=August 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822235056/http://daviddesola.com/books/alice-in-chains/overview/|archive-date=August 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> which is mainly focused on Staley and features interviews with his friends and relatives; the surviving members of Alice in Chains did not partake in interviews for this book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-the-untold-story-entire-first-chapter-posted-online/|title='Alice in Chains: The Untold Story': Entire First Chapter Posted Online|website=Blabbermouth|date=August 2, 2015|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805002744/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-the-untold-story-entire-first-chapter-posted-online/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Alice in Chains===
{{Main|Alice in Chains discography}}
Staley appeared on all Alice in Chains releases from ''[[We Die Young]]'' up to the song "[[Died (song)|Died]]", later taking part in reissues and compilations containing material from his time in the band.
===Other appearances===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Other appearances by Layne Staley
!Title
!Album details
!Band
!Notes
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Desire Walks On]]''
|
*Released: November 16, 1993
*Label: [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
|[[Heart (band)|Heart]]
|Guest vocals on the song "Ring Them Bells".
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Above (Mad Season album)|Above]]''
|
*Released: March 14, 1995
*Label: [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
|rowspan="2" |[[Mad Season (band)|Mad Season]]
|US No. 24;<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1995-04-01/|title=Billboard 200: Week of April 1, 1995|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=October 2, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002043814/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1995-04-01/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]: Gold<ref>{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=Mad Season|title=Above|access-date=October 2, 2022}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon]]''
|
*Released: October 10, 1995
*Label: [[Hollywood Records|Hollywood]]
|Vocals on "I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier".
|-
!scope="row"|''[[L.O.V.Evil]]''
|
*Released: December 15, 1995
*Label: Red Rocket
|[[Second Coming (band)|Second Coming]]
|Guest vocals on the song "It's Coming After".
|-
!scope="row"|''[[The Faculty#Music|The Faculty: Music from the Dimension Motion Picture]]''
|
*Released: December 8, 1998
*Label: [[Sony Records|Sony]]
|[[Class of '99]]
|Vocals on "[[Another Brick in the Wall]] Part 1, Part 2"
|}
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links==
{{Sister project links|d=y|wikt=no|s=no|v=no|voy=no|b=no|n=no|c=category:Layne Staley|m=no|mw=no|species=no}}
*{{Official website|http://www.layne-staley.com}}
*{{Official website|http://www.aliceinchains.com||name=Alice In Chains - Official Site}}
*{{discogs artist}}
*{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p127777}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0821655}}
*[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/alice-chains-singers-death Archive Seattle Police incident report] at [[The Smoking Gun]]
{{Alice in Chains}}
{{Mad Season}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Staley, Layne}}
[[Category:Layne Staley| ]]
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:2002 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Accidental deaths in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Alice in Chains members]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Alternative metal singers]]
[[Category:American alternative rock singers]]
[[Category:American critics of religions]]
[[Category:American heavy metal singers]]
[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American rock songwriters]]
[[Category:American tenors]]
[[Category:Class of '99 members]]
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Deaths by heroin overdose in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Former Christian Scientists]]
[[Category:Glam metal musicians]]
[[Category:Grunge musicians]]
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