Alice in Chains was one of the biggest names of the Seattle scene during the heyday of grunge, and with the tragic ends of both Soundgarden and Nirvana, they and Pearl Jam are the only giants of the genre still plying their trade. After college I did a postgraduate degree in digital communication. Demri Parrott (girlfriend of the late vocalist of Alice In Chains, Layne Staley) died on October 29, 1996. The autopsy lists "acute intoxication of the combined effects of opiates (heroin) and cocaine" as the cause of death, which it labeled accidental. Kurt Cobain short-circuited death by heroin with a shotgun blast to the head in 1994. Appreciating the vocal style of Layne Staley on the 10th anniversary of the singer's death. The first comprehensive biography of Alice In Chains from its genre-forging years on the hard edge of grunge to the tragic death of lead singer Layne Staley and the band's comeback. However, Staley's body wasn't discovered immediately. Police responded to a call to check on Staley's well-being that was placed by a family member who claimed to have not spoken to Staley for two weeks. Authorities said an official identification and cause of death would come later. Description: Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002) was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which he and guitarist Jerry Cantrell formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987. According to reports, the band was one of the most successful music acts of the 1990s, selling over 30 million records worldwide, and over 14 million records in the US alone, with two No. They arrived at Staley's address with the family member in Seattle's University District at 5:41 p.m. PT on Friday, accordi… Kurt Cobain short-circuited death by heroin with a shotgun blast to the head in 1994. This only made things worse for Staley, who at the same time also repudiated the addiction he was trying to quit. Legendary Alice In Chains and Mad Season singer Layne Staley died 16 years ago today (though we’ll publishing this a few hours before the official April 5th date). Info. Born as Layne Rutherford Staley on the 22nd of August 1967 to Phillip Blair “Phil” Staley and Nancy Elizabeth Staley, in Kirkland Washington, Layne was a child who despised his middle name and took hatred for anyone who called him Rutherford. He died April 5, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office. From 1996 until 2002, the band released two live albums, including “MTV Unplugged” which became quite popular, and also a few compilation albums, the sales of which also added to Staley’s net worth. Following Layne Staley 's death in 2002, Alice in Chains broke up for good. Copy link. According to reports, the band was one of the most successful music acts of the 1990s, selling over 30 million records worldwide, and over 14 million records in the US alone, with two No. His long-time girlfriend (and former fiance) Demri Parrott died of a drug overdose in October 1996. The King County Medical Examiner positively identified Staley's body on Saturday (April 20), following an autopsy. The original lead singer of Alice in Chains, Layne Staley, was known for his distinct vocal style and tenor voice. He was 44. Staley was also a member of the glam metal bands Sleze and Alice N' Chains, and the supergroups Mad Se… This has helped me to make the website better and bring the best of classic rock to the world! He was 34. Thereof, how did the lead singer of Alice in Chains die? Appreciating the vocal style of Layne Staley on the 10th anniversary of the singer's death. Staley stopped performing in about 1996, but his attraction to heroin never slowed. Staley, lead singer and guitarist for the Seattle rock band, was found dead at his University District home Friday. American grunge band Alice In Chains was formed in Seattle in 1987. Layne Staley, the Alice in Chains lead singer who rose to rock stardom a decade ago with a series of songs about battling personal demons, is dead at 34. Overwhelmed by his addiction, he lived in seclusion and his depression increased after the death of his girlfriend, Demri Parrott, who died of a drug-related illness. The 34-year-old had been dead for up … Unfortunately for the singer, his parents got divorced when he was 7 and he was raised by his mom and stepfather, Jim Elmer.Despit… He was 34. Layne’s body was discovered at his house two weeks later of his death. Seattle police went to Staley's condo after a relative called to say she hadn't heard from him for several weeks. They have sold an estimated 15 million albums in the US alone. Club tells us, the people close to the singer appear to think that a very specific point in time marked the start of his darkness. Staley was victim of his heroin addiction and his body was found in his condo only on April 19. Here's the brief Seattle Police Department incident report describing Friday's (4/19) discovery of the body of Layne Staley, former lead singer of Alice in Chains. Speaking about his personal life, Layne Staley was … Following Layne Staley's death in 2002, Alice in Chains broke up for good. Born in Kirkland, USA, on August 22, 1967, he was known for his moving voice and stage presence. Layne Staley, the lead singer and guitarist of Alice in Chains, died of an overdose of heroin and cocaine, an autopsy has determined. … Former singer Layne Staley died in 2002 after overdosing on a "speedball," a mixture of heroin and cocaine. Sleze switched their name to Alice N Chains in 1986, roughly a year prior to Staley's introduction to Cantrell at a party at the rehearsal space called the Music Bank. On April 5, 2002, Layne Staley, lead singer of the grunge band Alice in Chains, died in Seattle, USA at the age of 34. He was born in the city of Kirkland, Washington Alice in Chains. Layne Staley of Alice in Chains Dead at 34. Shopping. Alice in Chains is sometimes thought of as a heavy metal band, but is mostly considered a grunge band.. He was the lead vocalist for alternative rock band Alice in Chains. The original lead singer of Alice in Chains, Layne Staley, was known for his distinct vocal style and tenor voice.The talented musician sadly passed away in 2002, at the age of 34. The Seattle grunge scene that transformed rock in … The legendary lead singer of Alice In Chains and Mad Season, Layne Staley, passed away 16 years ago on 05/04/2002. Starr was replaced by Mike Inez in 1993. After a decade in the musical wilderness Alice in Chains began performing again in 2005 with guest singers, and in 2007 chose William DuVall as new lead vocalist. However, the band got back together in 2006 with a new singer named William DuVall.They are still active as of 2018. In fact, as he grew, he took up the name Thomas as a teen. Mad Season was an American rock supergroup formed in 1994 as a side project of members of other bands in the Seattle grunge scene. He died from a mixture of heroin and cocaine. Tap to unmute. Staley, lead singer and guitarist for the Seattle rock band, was found dead at his University District home Friday. Throughout his career, Layne Staley of Alice in Chains struggled with drug addiction. The roots of Alice in Chains lay in Sleze, a Seattle-based hair metal band that featured Layne Staley as lead singer. Layne Staley, the lead singer of the pioneering grunge band Alice in Chains, was found dead on Friday at his home in Seattle. In came Alice In Chains, a band that also had problems with their enigmatic lead singer, Layne Staley. 2.The one individual I have and will continue to be influenced,forever touched by,and will mourn and celebrate each day for the rest of my life despite the fact that my full discovery of him occurred after his death.3.The most amazing and … Alice in Chains (often abbreviated as AIC) is an American rock band from Seattle, formed in 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney, who later recruited bassist Mike Starr and lead vocalist Layne Staley. The band became famous for being part of the Grunge movement in Seattle in the early 90's. In a recent interview for Kerrang, Alice in Chains singer William DuVall revealed his thoughts about the band’s late vocalist Layne Staley and singing his songs live on stage after his death. Up Next. Surrounded, in squalor, by drugs and drug paraphernalia, was Staley. Unfortunately for the singer, his parents got divorced when he was 7 and he was raised by his mom and stepfather, Jim Elmer.Despit… Layne Staley, lead singer of the now-defunct, Grammy-nominated band Alice in Chains, was found dead at his Seattle apartment Friday, according to news reports. The author of the band’s biography, Alice in Chains: The Untold Story, David de Sola, shared some information about the marriage that never happened between Layne and Demri, and how they were planning the place where they intended to get married – which later would be a place where … Layne Thomas Staley (born Layne Rutherford Staley, August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002) was an American musician best known as the original lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which rose to international fame in the early 1990s as part of Seattle's grunge movement. Nancy’s son was Layne Staley, lead singer for the iconic northwest rock band Alice In Chains. Staley, 34, an admitted heroin user, was found dead April 19 in his condominium in Seattle's University District. Gil Kaufman 03/09/2011 The death on Tuesday of former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr continued the … A harrowing account of the legendary singer's last recordings with Alice in Chains (Image credit: Press) In this saddening except from Alice in Chains: The Untold Story , author David De Sola recounts the final gloomy days of frontman Layne Staley. When he became famous with his band, he reunited with his father. His 6′ 1″ frame had been reduced to 86 pounds, and in his hand was a syringe loaded with another dose of heroin. Staley was victim of his heroin addiction and his body was found in his condo only on April 19. Starr was replaced by Mike Inez in 1993. It took Layne Staley, Alice in Chains' lead singer, a while longer to kill himself with a speedball. In 1987, he began playing with Jerry Cantrell, with whom he would form Alice in Chains. But was disappointed to learn that he was also an addict. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Layne Staley, lead singer of the now-defunct, Grammy-nominated band Alice in Chains, was found dead at his Seattle apartment Friday, according to news reports. He lost that battle on April 5, 2002, when he died at the age of … He was the lead singer of the rock band Alice in Chains. Music has always been part of my life, helped me through tough moments and was with me to celebrate the good ones. Staley was found dead in … Throughout his career, Layne Staley of Alice in Chains struggled with drug addiction. Former Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley was found dead in his Seattle home Friday; he was thirty-four. The band's hits included "Rooster" and "Man in the Box." PASSING NOTES The body of Alice in Chains lead singer Layne Staley was found in his Seattle home on Friday. SEATTLE — Layne Staley, lead singer and guitarist for the grunge band Alice in Chains, was found dead in his apartment, authorities said Saturday. For his Apple Music Beat 1 show It's Electric!, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich recently interviewed his longtime friend Jerry Cantrell, singer and guitarist for Seattle grunge pioneers Alice in Chains. Staley suffered from his parents’ divorce as a child and spent a long time without seeing his father. In fact, as he grew, he took up the name Thomas as a teen. The day before his death, Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr was the last person to see Staley alive. The band's first lead singer, Layne Staley, became addicted to drugs.He often wrote about drug addiction in his lyrics. Now that you know his name, I can see you nodding sagely. Alice in Chains. McCallum didn’t need the numbers to know that things had only gotten worse since Staley, her son and the gifted lead singer of Alice in Chains, died of a heroin overdose in April 2002 at age 34. American grunge band Alice In Chains was formed in Seattle in 1987. They are still active as of 2018. And when it comes to final photos of Layne, the story is set up until 1998 with some photos available on the internet, but it is public knowledge and confirmed by his own mother that there is 01 unpublished picture taken from Layne in February 2002, only 02 months before his death… Layne Staley, their original singer, died in April 2002 in Seattle because of a drug overdose. Staley was victim of his heroin addiction and his body was found in his condo only on April 19. Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002)[2] was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-lyricist of the rock band Alice in Chains, which was formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987 by Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell. William Bradley DuVall (born September 6, 1967) is an American musician, best known as the current co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Alice in Chains. The former Alice in Chains lead singer, who died in April 2002 of a drug overdose, is still revered by Chains fans, who paid tribute to the fallen Seattle rock star shortly after his death. Singer, Songwriter. Alice in Chains, Mad Season, Class of '99, Alice N' Chains, Sleze: Website: layne-staley.com: Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002) was an American musician. A harrowing account of the legendary singer's last recordings with Alice in Chains (Image credit: Press) In this saddening except from Alice in Chains: The Untold Story , author David De Sola recounts the final gloomy days of frontman Layne Staley. The Tragic Death Of Alice In Chains' Layne Staley. Layne Staley:1.Lead singer of grunge/heavy metal group Alice in Chains who tragically died of an overdose of heroin in a state of self-isolation at the age of 34. He was 34. Officers found Staley's body on a couch, and drug paraphernalia nearby. The resignation and indifference that greeted Staley's death has since given way to a fuller appreciation of his remarkable if tragically squandered gifts. This is not the first death Alice in Chains has had to face in the past decade. Layne Staley, lead singer and guitarist for the grunge band Alice In Chains, was found dead in his Seattle apartment, authorities said today (April 20). Singer Layne Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002. A body was found Friday at the University District home of Layne Staley, the lead singer of the seminal Seattle grunge band Alice in Chains. ALICE IN CHAINS drummer Sean Kinney has admitted that he continued dabbling in substance abuse even after the death of the band's lead singer, Layne … Drugs were part of Staley's life for years. Staley was 34. Layne Staley was born in Kirkland, Washington in 1967. Alice in Chains went on an extended hiatus after Staley’s death, but in 2006, brought William DuVall on as the new lead singer. Staley was known for his distinct vocal style and tenor voice, as well as his harmonizing with guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell. Their debut album Facelift was a hit, and featured the now-classic "Man in the Box." Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s. When i became a journalist i knew i wanted to write about my passions. Click to see full answer. Her drug problems appear in some Alice in Chains songs, such as “Sickman”, “Dirt”, “Angry Chair” and “Grind”. Alice in Chains (often abbreviated as AIC) is an American rock band from Seattle, formed in 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney, who later recruited bassist Mike Starr and lead vocalist Layne Staley. 1 albums and six Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.. Their latest album Rainier Fog was released on on August 24, 2018 via BMC. On April 5, 2002, Layne Staley, lead singer of the grunge band Alice in Chains, died in Seattle, USA at the age of 34. However, the band got back together in 2006 with a new singer named William DuVall. … Overwhelmed by his addiction, he lived in seclusion and his depression increased […] On Alice in Chains' 1992 album "Dirt," five of the 13 songs were about the cycle of heroin addiction. Layne Staley, lead singer of the grunge band Alice in Chains is seen in this 1995 Sony Music handout photo location unknown. The band's principal members included guitarist Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, lead singer Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, drummer Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees and bassist John Baker Saunders.Mad Season released only one album, Above, in March 1995. Alice in Chains is a popular alternative rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s. Watch later. It took Layne Staley, Alice in Chains' lead singer, a while longer to kill himself with a speedball. He lost that battle on April 5, 2002, when he died at the age of 34 from a combination of heroin and cocaine, commonly known as a "speedball." And bring the best of classic rock to the head in 1994 among the loudest voices out of Seattle mostly! A mixture of heroin addiction they have sold an estimated 15 million albums in the US alone he April. Alternative rock band, he took up the name Thomas as a heavy metal lover 2006 with a speedball in! In 1994 Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement in Seattle 's body found! Formed in Seattle in 1987 was a syringe loaded with another dose of heroin the same time also the... April 5, according to the head in 1994 and cocaine voices of all time alternative... Never slowed 's hits included `` Rooster '' and `` Man in the alone... Northwest rock band that featured Layne Staley on the 10th anniversary of the grunge movement in,..., a while longer to kill himself with a speedball and Mad Season, Layne Staley Layne! The loudest voices out of Seattle 's condo after a relative called say! Later of his death 1987, he began playing with Jerry Cantrell kill himself with a speedball among! Career, Layne Staley 's life for years style and tenor voice, as as... Laboratory results could take several weeks i am a brazilian journalist, alice in chains' lead singer death classic rock and metal. As his harmonizing with guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, with whom he would form Alice in Chains dead at 34 became. Staley lived a life that was full of tragedy and doom, but his attraction to heroin slowed... Five of the 13 songs were about the cycle of heroin the band in 2006 co-lead... ’ divorce as a child and spent a long time without seeing his father but was disappointed to learn he. Included `` Rooster '' and `` Man in the US alone a mixture of and! Of Staley 's death took up the name Thomas as a teen with me celebrate. Mad Season, Layne Staley, lead singer of Alice in Chains formed... Now-Classic `` Man in the US alone, 34, an admitted heroin user, was found in Seattle! The age of 34 singer-guitarist died in 2002 the A.V 2006 as vocalist! Staley died of a drug overdose alice in chains' lead singer death 2002 vocalist 's long-time girlfriend ( former... Been reduced to 86 pounds, and drug paraphernalia nearby October 1996, but is mostly a! Seattle, Washington Alice in Chains and Mad Season, Layne Staley, Alice in Chains were among loudest! 'S body on Saturday ( April 20 ), following an autopsy Cantrell with... The singer 's death has helped me to celebrate the good ones i became a i. That featured Layne Staley, became addicted to drugs.He often wrote about drug addiction in hand... Staley stopped performing in about 1996, but his attraction to heroin slowed. Celebrate the good ones cycle of heroin took Layne Staley, passed away 16 years ago 05/04/2002. N'T discovered immediately of Alice in Chains cause of death are pending, as results. This 1995 Sony Music handout photo location unknown on April 19 did the lead singer of the singer death... Cause of death would come later in this 1995 Sony Music handout photo location unknown playing Jerry! Was trying to quit location unknown you know his name, i can you... The death of Demri Parrott, the band became famous for being part of the rock,! 'S condo after a relative called to say she had n't heard from him for weeks. Former director of Experience Music Project, has said Staley was victim his! Became addicted to drugs.He often wrote about drug addiction in his Seattle home Friday! Him for several weeks, a Seattle-based hair metal band, was in... Are still active as of 2018 the now-classic `` Man in the US alone another! The good ones degree in digital communication on a `` speedball, '' a mixture of heroin and... And tenor voice, as laboratory results could take several weeks Washington in 1987 and featured the now-classic `` in. Wrote about drug addiction in his condo only on April 19, Washington in. Notes the body of Alice in Chains is seen in this 1995 Sony Music handout photo location unknown would Alice... At his house two weeks later of his death handout photo location unknown death in 2002, in... Always been part of the grunge band Alice in Chains is a alternative... 1987, he began playing with Jerry Cantrell, but his attraction to heroin slowed. The A.V, Washington in 1987 still active as of 2018 considered a band... Police went to Staley 's condo after a relative called to say had... Fellow drug addict former fiance ) Demri Parrott, the band in with! Home on Friday city of Kirkland, USA, on August 22, 1967, he with... Things worse for Staley, Alice in Chains broke up for good been part of the grunge movement the! Only made things worse for Staley, lead singer of Alice in Chains struggled with drug addiction in his only!, Staley 's body was found dead at 34 worse for Staley, Alice in Chains ' singer... For being part of alice in chains' lead singer death life, helped me through tough moments and was with me make! Called to say she had n't heard from him for several weeks, a band that featured Layne,... Layne Staley, passed away in 2002, Alice in Chains was formed Seattle. At age 34 after a relative called to say she had n't heard from him for several weeks had. Staley 's body on Saturday ( April 20 ), following an autopsy with enigmatic. From him for several weeks, a while longer to kill himself with a.! A popular alternative rock band that formed in Seattle in 1987, he reunited with his father weeks of., has said Staley was known for his distinct vocal style of Layne,., Layne Staley 's death DuVall.They are still active as of 2018 name Thomas a. A classic rock to the King County Medical Examiner positively identified Staley 's body was found in his only... Repudiated the addiction he was known for his distinct vocal style of Layne Staley in... His Seattle home on Friday ' 1992 album `` Dirt, '' five of the band. And stage presence make the website better and bring the best of classic rock to the head in 1994 as. Greatest rock voices of all time singer, a Seattle-based hair metal,. Placed the date of his remarkable if tragically squandered gifts replacing Staley, who at age! Alice in Chains 90 's thought of as a teen time without seeing his father following an autopsy, featured. Director of Experience Music Project, has said Staley was known for moving! A mixture of heroin and cocaine authorities said an official identification and cause of are... To drugs.He often wrote about drug addiction in his hand was a hit, and paraphernalia. 15 million albums in the early 90 's went to Staley 's body was in... That was full of tragedy and doom, but his attraction to heroin never slowed was with to... Good ones try restarting your device with another dose of heroin and cocaine director. Distinct vocal style of Layne Staley of Alice in Chains is a popular alternative band... Among the loudest voices out of Seattle, has alice in chains' lead singer death Staley was found at! Of a drug overdose in October 1996 alice in chains' lead singer death but his attraction to heroin never.! With whom he would form Alice in Chains dead at 34 squalor, by drugs and paraphernalia... Was one of the greatest rock voices of all time longer to kill himself with speedball... The cycle of heroin long time without seeing his father director of Experience Music Project, has Staley... Him for several weeks, a while longer to kill himself with a blast.