Layne Staley, who rose to prominence with Alice in Chains, one of the forerunners of the Seattle grunge scene throughout the late 1980s and into the first half of the 90s, had a voice like none other and is often overlooked as merely a The band's unique sound staccato rhythms, throbbing groove riffs, and alternating guttural and harmonized clean vocals made the album pretty perfect for a Layne Staley guest spot, and according to Alice in Chains: The Untold Story, Staley was enthusiastic about recording the vocals, though he asked that producer Toby Wright come alone because he "wasn't looking or feeling great, and he didn't want to be seen.". TRAINED LAYNE STALEY, CHRIS CORNELL, GEOFF TATE There's a trope that rock stars overindulging in bad behavior and harmful drugs "think they'll live forever." Layne Staley was definitely a way more talented singer. .Rd5g7JmL4Fdk-aZi1-U_V{transition:all .1s linear 0s}._2TMXtA984ePtHXMkOpHNQm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;margin-bottom:4px}.CneW1mCG4WJXxJbZl5tzH{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:none;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;vertical-align:middle;margin-bottom:2px;margin-left:4px;cursor:pointer}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover ._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{display:inline-block}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs{border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B.IeceazVNz_gGZfKXub0ak,._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk{margin-top:25px;left:-9px}._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:focus-within,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:hover{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border:none;padding:8px 8px 0}._25yWxLGH4C6j26OKFx8kD5{display:inline}._2YsVWIEj0doZMxreeY6iDG{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;padding:4px 6px}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;margin-left:auto;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg,._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;cursor:pointer;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;-webkit-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none}._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq{font-weight:700;color:#ff4500;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:4px}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq,.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-weight:400;-ms-flex-preferred-size:100%;flex-basis:100%;margin-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX{margin-top:6px}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._3MAHaXXXXi9Xrmc_oMPTdP{margin-top:4px} I ripped off the cellophane and had it open as I was getting in. However, his body wasn't discovered until April 20 , two weeks after the singer had passed away from an overdose. WebLayne Thomas Staley (born Layne Rutherford Staley; August 22, 1967 April 5, 2002) [2] [3] was an American singer and songwriter who was the original lead vocalist of the rock band Alice in Chains, which rose to international fame in the early 1990s as part of Seattle 's grunge movement. He had gained a mastery of his voice without the strain he once used to hit those highs. I just found it recently. I just try to console people.") In the grunge era, his voice is already on the Mt. In the grunge era, his voice is already on the Mt. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} B4 (Man in the Box, Love, Hate, Love, Fairytale Love Song, Lifeless Dead, Would?, Social Parasite, Godsmack, I Cant Remember, Killing Yourself, Chemical Addiction, Real Thing, Got Me Wrong, I Know Somethin (Bout You), Put You Down, Again, Godsmack, Right Turn, Queen of the Rodeo, What the Hell Have I, Would demo, Dam That River demo) . also Down In a Hole, Man In the Box, Rooster, Nutshell, Sludge Factory and sooo much more, the real original band that he co-formed not the imitation with Duvall, as Jerry should have renamed the band especially not wanting to give Laynes mom her portion of earnings saying that when Layne passed so did his earnings??? . Associated Acts: Alice in Chains (1987 - 2002), Mad Season (1994 - 1997), "Alice N' Chains" (1986 - 1987; the band evolved from a group previously called 'Sleze') I have to agree that Bleed The Freak is great. Not to mention hes a pretty damn good guitarist as well. I love the Mad Season songs. Its so well put together from a vocal perspective. Id love to know. Most vocalists find their range and stick to i.t and diversify by adding power in that range. @keyframes ibDwUVR1CAykturOgqOS5{0%{transform:rotate(0deg)}to{transform:rotate(1turn)}}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq{--sizePx:0;font-size:4px;position:relative;text-indent:-9999em;border-radius:50%;border:4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20);border-left-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);transform:translateZ(0);animation:ibDwUVR1CAykturOgqOS5 1.1s linear infinite}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq,._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq:after{width:var(--sizePx);height:var(--sizePx)}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq:after{border-radius:50%}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq._2qr28EeyPvBWAsPKl-KuWN{margin:0 auto} The most powerful performance from Layne is when he and AIC did the unplugged show and played Down in a Hole. Sends shivers every time I hear it. On October 29, 1996, she passed away due to inflammation of the heart caused by a previous overdose, according toFind A Grave. A moment before, Staley had revealed: "My liver is not functioning and I'm throwing up all the time and sh*tting my pants. The voice Alice In Chains' frontman lives through this dude. WebHe also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Makes you wonder what could have been if he kept his voice on that level. WebHe also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Voice type: Low tenor He was a much improved & consistent singer at that time, and I think he actually thrived in an acoustic setting where he didn't have to compete with loud instrumentation. It almost makes me cry at times to know that we no longer have this wonderful, beautiful talented Layne here with us. Staleys passion for music started with percussion when he was 12, and then continued with drums in his "I know I did my best or what I thought would be right," he said. You can follow me on TwitterandInstagram let me know what some of your favorites are. According to Seattle Weekly , police were forced to break down Staley's door after his mother had called them to his University District apartment. Layne Staley I just found it recently. .LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH{fill:var(--newRedditTheme-actionIcon);height:18px;width:18px}.LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH rect{stroke:var(--newRedditTheme-metaText)}._3J2-xIxxxP9ISzeLWCOUVc{height:18px}.FyLpt0kIWG1bTDWZ8HIL1{margin-top:4px}._2ntJEAiwKXBGvxrJiqxx_2,._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{vertical-align:middle}._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center} Its pure, clean sonic goodness streaming right off Layne's vocal chords. Keeping the songs in the upper fourth octave is an intentional signature sound of AiC, going up to the fifth octave would really change the vibe of their sound. In many ways, Nancy is still haunted by her son's addiction addicts and fans send her letters all the time but she also sees Layne's lyrics on the subject as helpful and prophetic. ._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{width:100%}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF,._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;max-width:100%}._1CVe5UNoFFPNZQdcj1E7qb{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:4px}._2UOVKq8AASb4UjcU1wrCil{height:28px;width:28px;margin-top:6px}.FB0XngPKpgt3Ui354TbYQ{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:start;align-items:flex-start;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;margin-left:8px;min-width:0}._3tIyrJzJQoNhuwDSYG5PGy{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%}.TIveY2GD5UQpMI7hBO69I{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;color:var(--newRedditTheme-titleText);white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.e9ybGKB-qvCqbOOAHfFpF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%;max-width:100%;margin-top:2px}.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5{font-weight:400;box-sizing:border-box}._28u73JpPTG4y_Vu5Qute7n{margin-left:4px} He pushed a lot, and it gave him a ton of grit and volume in his early days. He didnt loose any range, he doesnt sound like he got any serious vocal issues throughout his career, one of the most (vocally speaking) healthy vocalists in rock history. ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{background-color:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,.1),0 2px 3px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.2);transition:left .15s linear;border-radius:57%;width:57%}._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS:after{content:"";padding-top:100%;display:block}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-navIconFaded10);border:2px solid transparent;border-radius:100px;cursor:pointer;position:relative;width:35px;transition:border-color .15s linear,background-color .15s linear}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-buttonAlpha10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq{border-width:2.25px;height:24px;width:37.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:19.5px;width:19.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3{border-width:3px;height:32px;width:50px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3 ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:26px;width:26px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD{border-width:3.75px;height:40px;width:62.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:32.5px;width:32.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO{border-width:4.5px;height:48px;width:75px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:39px;width:39px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO{border-width:5.25px;height:56px;width:87.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:45.5px;width:45.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{cursor:default}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{box-shadow:none}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-buttonAlpha10)} F2 (Bleed the Freak, Sludge Factory) Its cool to find other web masters out there who have put time and effort into keeping the music and the story alive online. Layne Staley Some of the notable songs include the Staind song Layne, Colds 2003 The Day Seattle Died, Shadow by Theory of a Deadman and Zakk Wyldes song Layne from his band, Black Label Society. That was Laynes former name of his band and Layne made AIC who they werehis mom was only wanting to use the money for the memorial in Laynes honor to help recovering addicts! In aRolling Stone profile of the band, while Alice in Chains are playingWhirlyBall,a combination of lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars that only rock stars can ever dream of enjoying, "Staley [bows] out to play video games on his portable Sega system.". Watch Intro Video. Most vocalists find their range and stick to i.t and diversify by adding power in that range. I've never see such raw power before, what do you think? Thats the only one I can think of where he goes yayheeeee. ._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4{width:100%}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} C5 (Queen of the Rodeo , Bleed the Freak demo) (i.e. Aside from pure volume, I think Layne's voice was powerful for its raw emotion. All blooming life youre feeding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8L-gMvlM2k. Rushmore of vocalists, but his raw emotion, subtle nuances, and vocal range make him arguably one of the best ever. I cant claim to really understand it, but what I can say is that I think Layne Staley had possibly the most beautiful and unique voice of the last century. Such a shame to have lost such a talent. His expressed his struggles with depression and drug abuse through his chilling vocals that were equally beautiful and haunting. January 31, 2019. I Stay Away This song is combination of what I just said. I disagree. Such a tormented, talented soul. when he sings why you act crazy, not an act maybe no other singer I have heard can do what he can do. Rushmore of vocalists, but his raw emotion, subtle nuances, and vocal range make him arguably one of the best ever. The cracks & lines from where you gave up they make an easy man to read . ._1sDtEhccxFpHDn2RUhxmSq{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap}._1d4NeAxWOiy0JPz7aXRI64{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}.icon._3tMM22A0evCEmrIk-8z4zO{margin:-2px 8px 0 0} And while much of Alice in Chains' appeal can be credited to the swampy, languid riffs of guitarist Jerry Cantrell, even more of the band's uniquely powerful sound is owed to the vocals of original lead singer Layne Staley. I think its pretty obvious that he kicks serious ass! RIP Layne. His body was discovered on April 20, seemingly two weeks after his death. Vocal Died Last song recorded with Alice in Chains before he passed away. Dope sick hurts the entire body.". . His voice so pure, so haunting then, now & forever . As such, it might not surprise some to learn that Layne Staley was actually planning to record guest vocals on a song with alternative metallers Taproot for their 2002 album Welcome. Was Layne Staleys incredible rock voice due Visit Renadas Photobucket for more Layne pics.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9GAEFTeWko. WebLayne Thomas Staley (born Layne Rutherford Staley; August 22, 1967 April 5, 2002) [2] [3] was an American singer and songwriter who was the original lead vocalist of the rock band Alice in Chains, which rose to international fame in the early 1990s as part of Seattle 's grunge movement. Layne Staley Despite Staley having a better vocal range, Cobain will always be remembered as the face of 90's rock. Layne Staley's official date of death was declared April 5, 2002. look up the Mad Season Live At The Moore performance of "Lifeless Dead" and you can get a good feeling for how loud he could be when pushed. Staley's body was sitting upright on his couch. The reasons why have been well documented but today Id like to remember his iconic voice and some of his brilliant performances. Sadly, Staley's vocals never got recorded, though he was interested in the project right up until his death. As all of us Layne fans feel the sametheres not a song that he sings that we dont absolutely LOVE his voice in. For more on Alice In Chains You can check out our interview with Mike Inez. Then, she received a call from his accountant saying that Staley had taken out a large sum of money weeks ago and that no one had heard from him since. Layne Staley WebVocalist, guitarist, producer known as 'Madlock'. (She's quick to note, "I don't have any magic answers. In Laynes case, its one of the best voices in musical history. Original Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr spent the day before Layne Staley's death Starr's birthday, in fact hanging out with the singer at his University District apartment.