I was asked to listen to Alice in Chains - Down in A Hole (First Reaction) MTV Unplugged 

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In my opinion, Alice in chains unplugged is the best MTV unplugged there is! Every song is fire!

Layne's voice is just majestic

Truely, "A man singing at his own funeral." Haunting. Eloquent. Timeless.

Never before or after have two people harmonized more beautifully and effortlessly than Layne and Jerry! They were just magic!❤

I love Jerrys smile when Layne hits the notes .. he knows it’s something special

"Down in a hole, and I don't know if I can be saved" always gives me chills.

When Layne hit the note perfectly on the word "Denied" I loved the way Jerry smiled back at the drummer. It was like, "Yes, he's sick and not doing well but I knew he was still in there!" It kills me to see this performance. Layne couldn't open his eyes. He looks so weak. Though he "lived" 5-6 years after this I believe this was one of Layne's final performances. As someone who's battled heroin addiction myself off and on since age 16 I cant help but bleed a little to this song.

Layne Staley is by far has the best vocals in the music scene. The lyrics are dark from the suffer of an addict and the way he sings this song send chills down my spine. In a good way

The Unplugged version of "Nutshell" is another song that just hits me in the core every time I listen.

Man, it's been a minute since I've seen this unplugged version. It is brilliant. Layne Staley was pretty far down the backside of the hill towards a tragic descent into death by addiction at that point. You can easily see the effects on the dental and pallet area, as well as his overall emaciation. The fact that he could still sound so haunting is just a testament to a timeless voice. I heard on a documentary that he insisted on wearing the fingerless gloves to cover track marks on his hands. It is so damn sad that it is sometimes hard to watch. I was a huge grunge fan, and we lost so many icons of what I consider to be the last gasp of true rock-n-roll before all of the tech nonsense started taking over. Andy Wood, Kirk Cobain, Layne Staley, Shannon Hoon, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell, and so many other talented and iconic musicians of that era just gone. So damn tragic. Sorry, got off on a tangent. Awesome song! Jerry Cantrell is a master of melody, and those guys just had epic harmony. Great content; thanks!

I am a huge fan of AIC. Layne’s voice is unparalleled. I wish he could have lived a full life and he was still singing.

This entire acoustic performance has been called the greatest acoustic performance ever recorded. Layne was so far gone to addiction by this point, and the fact that he could still put forth such an effort, and sound this good was mind blowing, and a real testament to the kind of musician he was. It's like he knew his time was almost up, and put everything he had into this performance to make it as perfect as possible. He was so far gone, that only about a couple months after this was filmed, AIC gave what was their final public live performance with Layne while they were on tour with Kiss. They left the tour shortly after it started after Layne was hospitalized after a show one night. Sadly, they never played another show together after that. Layne basically became a hermit, until he finally succumbed to his demons in April of 02. Sad sad story.

Mike's bass pitch and tone is absolutely on point throughout this whole concert, it's a masterclass

Layne Staley was sick from his heroin addition during this performance. In fact he was so sick they rest of the band was worried if he was able to perform at all. And if you get a chance and watch it again. You'll notice that guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, looks over at the rest of the band and gives a wink and a little nod after Layne Staley hits a certain note. As if to say he's still got it.

Honestly it's songs like this, "Rotten apple" from Jar of Flies, and "Wake up", "Long gone day", or "River of deceit" from the side project Mad season that really put a spotlight on the vocal prowess Layne had.

If Layne doesn't grab your soul you must not have one. Never to be duplicated. The most powerful, well controlled and unique voice ever heard. Layne and Jerry's harmonies are fantastic. Lets not take away from the rest of the band, Jerry's a riff God, Sean is solid on the drums and Mike's badass bass I think as a whole they were defintly underrated. Rooster, Would, Brother, No Excuses, well everything they did during the Layne years is totally awesome. ✌❤

He knew he was dying by this point. Such emotional music.

Also love how jerry helps him out so much here. He was not well... even still... his voice and jerry's together were magic

Whenever Layne and Jerry sang together, it was magic. Rarely do you find two (or more) voices who seemed to be meant to be put together like theirs. And it's funny how some who feel so alone can make you feel less alone.

AIC and Layne Stayley’s story is one of the most heartbreaking of the 90’s…Art imitates life-life imitates art has never been truer… RIP Layne Staley and Mike Starr. Beautiful, powerful, heartbreaking all at the Same time. They really put all of their souls pain and struggle in every single song. What beautiful harmony ❤😔

I’m from Seattle and grew up in a very volatile and drug riddled household. I was 12 when the Dirt album came out. It let me know that other people felt like I did. It helped. I’m still a head case, but all that grunge music still helps me not do something stupid.

You can never question their authenticity, which is the number 1 trait all great artists share.

As I have gone through this life, (I am now 70), I have learned to EXPERIENCE music instead of just listening to music. Now, I can say I truly appreciate Alice in Chains--especially their LIVE performances. It hurts me to see what drugs can do to individuals; how they strip the person of self, constantly making them feel inadequate, unappreciated, and helpless. Layne Stayly had one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard (male or female). Any song AIC performs touches me, yet makes me realize I am ALIVE. I'll never forget how this group--and those two beautiful voices--helped me in my life. RIP Layne.

The harmony between Layne and Jerry is incredible. A perfect union of their voices.

I’m so excited to see your reaction to this one. Alice In Chains took pain and made it something hauntingly beautiful. Layne’s voice conveyed and evoked emotion so incredibly well. Couple that with Jerry’s amazing guitar playing and harmonies, Mike’s sludgy bass, and Sean’s tasteful drumming and you had magic. Rest easy, Layne. We miss you so much.

Don't follow is a must by them. Probably my favorite tune from them. Just heartbreaking.

AIC was incredible with Layne, a legendary voice who is so dearly missed - but Jerry is an absolute genius songwriter, and these guys are still making great music 25 years later.

"I will speak no more of my feelings beneath." Awesome lyric. Encapsulates the snowball effect of depression and how bottling it up doesn't help.

It's true that we all suffer depression at different times in our lives. But it could also be a reflection of society, we live in a world where life has become cheap and there is so much intolerance and misunderstanding. Glad you enjoyed the song, AIC was a big part of my young adulthood.

Knowing what this guy went through with drug abuse and depression, depression mostly because of drugs; this song is just eerie, ghostly more ghostly than ever due to the fact that he had passed. It was six years I believe after this performance that he passed, but wow hit's you differently every time I think.

Down in a Hole is powerful man. The guitar tone, the lyrics, the harmonized vocals. It takes a lot for me to be moved almost to tears, this song could do it.

I am so happy Layne made this unplugged appearance. His health was already bad, you can hear the lisp from his missing teeth. How they opened this set with nutshell was epic. He is so underrated. RIP Layne Staley. Your music remains hauntingly beautiful.

Some of the best music with harmonizing, vocals and instruments is from this group right here, Layne Staley had one of the most powerful voices out there..

Yes!!❤❤ Music gets me through my tough times also!! This is such a great performance! RIP Layne! He was in his worst time of addiction here😢😢

This is my favorite version of this song. There isn't a bad part. There isn't a part they could have done better. It is the pinnacle of perfection.

Layne Staley is the singer and Jerry Cantrell is the guitar player, they have awesome harmony and they are still the best band I have ever seen live. RIP Layne and Mike.

The thing you have to understand about "grunge" music is that almost every band went from playing small local bars to being international superstars almost overnight. A lot of them didnt know how to deal with it. Kurt Cobain tells the story of the day he learned he had the #1 album in the country he was homeless

Vocal harmony doesn’t get better than that

He was dying. Literally. And he did care about the audience. He left his hole to show up. Thank you as always.

He never looked like he was trying to sing. He was pretty amazing.

i miss MTV unplugged... such a personal showcase for musicians.

Correct... Layne Staley (lead vocals) was high on something, but he was still in good form that night in 1996... it was one of his last performances w/ Alice in Chains. Staley recorded 2 new AIC songs in 1998, but was more interested in disappearing and getting high after his longtime girlfriend died in '96 ... AIC was on hiatus in 2002 when news reached the band that he was found dead in his Seattle apt. Jerry Cantrell (guitar & vocals) wrote 'Down in a hole' about his own struggles w/ sobriety and his longing for a woman he was in love with... Cantrell wrote another standout AIC song about the same woman in '95 called - 'Heaven beside you'... which he performed on 'Unplugged'.

Laynes voice is unmatched in rock. They’re harmonies are some of the best as well, no joke;}>🤘🏼

Layne's voice live was often better than the studio recordings, which was incredible to begin with. His passion, soul & personality are oozing from his voice.

I have depression mainly because I have severe epilepsy. Listening to music constantly is what helps me the most.

This is one of my favorite AIC songs. I'm bipolar type 2 with ultradian cycles. Depression is just one part for me but when it swings down this song pretty much captures the feeling.

Goosebumps every time! I got to see AIC live at their peak several times, and Layne's voice live literally vibrated my entire skeletal system. It was THAT powerful! And Jerry holds his own with vocals as well. One of my fave bands of all time.

Even when he was 90% dead, Layne could out-sing the vast majority of people on Earth! I miss him and his musical talents so much. 😢

The whole band, especially Cantrell are excellent, even through a change of bassists

Side note about this MTV Unplugged, Metallica was sitting in the front row in support of their friends in AiC. Everyone was pretty sure that this was going to be the band’s last performance with Layne Staley the lead singer.

This song is part of the soundtrack of my life. I was 25, pregnant, single, and homeless. This song STILL strikes me deep and elicits that same feeling of desperation now that I’m 50 and living my best life.

This is one of the most beautifully written songs. Layne Staley, the main singer (RIP) was unfortunately loaded up on H during this show. He was so addicted that it’s the only way he was physically able to be there - though you mentioned he’s not really there. The initial video had to have the band’s approval prior to distribution. Layne said he looked asleep and was not happy with that. God bless him, he advised people to stay away from drugs until his dying breath. The addiction had completely consumed his life in the end. They found him dead, 6.2’ tall at 85lbs (I think). Such a tragic ending to a beautifully unmatched voice.

Personal favorite from this set on MTV was Nutshell. The bass in that is so good. And Layne of course do I have to say....This whole album is amazing.

Layne is deep down the rabbit hole of addiction, and this was recorded on 04 10 96, released 07 30 96. Between June 28th and July 3rd in 1996, Alice in Chains played four shows opening for KISS on their reunion tour. The last of these, at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, would prove to be Layne Staley's final performance with the grunge greats. On April 19 2002 in Seattle, WA Layne Staley was found dead in his home. The autopsy concluded that Staley died on April 5, two weeks before his body was found.

Thank you to whoever requested

My top 3 favorite songs of all time. Really helped me out in some dark times battling heroine addiction, a hole if you will. "They don't understand who they thought I was supposed to be." Layne and Jerry Cantrell were something different. One of a kind.

Alice in Chains, is my favorite band next to TOOL. Layne Staley the singer is very good. Jerry Cantrell is the guitarist and the person singing with Layne Staley. Layne Staley was so talented and in a lot of pain. It was so sad to see him fly away. Alice in Chains has a awesome catalog of music. Worth checking out. Listen to Would, Again, Grind, I Stay away, etc. Would has a wonderful bass intro that is so satisfying. Also side note: Maynard of Tool sang with Alice in Chains Man in the box. It was good.

Studio versions of “Rain when I die” “Bleed the freak” Both elite Alice In Chains songs.

Thank you. I interpret the music exactly how you do. Doesn’t mean I’m sad, it just puts me at peace. Thanks for putting that into words that I’ve tried to explain but couldn’t.

Rooster gets to me sometimes. Jerry wrote it about his father in Vietnam. I brought that album with me when i deployed to Iraq back in 03. I was part of the initial invasion. Rooster was and still is one of my favorite songs. While i was in Iraq it was the soundtrack of my life. Felt like i was living the song. Brings back some unpleasant memories from time to time but such is life.

🔥🔥🔥 FIRST 😎 "Frogs" from this same set is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Polo, I know exactly what you are feeling my friend. Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell are your friends harmonizing in this and many others.

I've been dealing with depression my whole life. Still waiting for my turn in life. Great song.

YOU WERE SO MEANT FOR DOING THIS GIG!!!!! I LOVED THIS REACTION!!!! ty so much!!!!!

"You guys know I like my music with a little pain in it" Amen brother. The more pain the more emotion.

The story behind this performance...lots of sadness, especially how everything turned out for Layne.

Nutshell..... Nutshell is one to check out of there's FOR SURE! From this set specifically.

Opening Acoustic… Jerry Cantrell still rocks today! Got to see him in Charleston SC this year! 💯🔥

Perfect reaction for this song. Everything you mentioned is what it’s all about for me too

This band continues, till this day, to help me get through the down times. 🤟 R.I.P. Layne

Thank you for doing this one brother...appreciate it always hits me a little harder every time I hear it. 😊

Love your review. Def one of the best I’ve seen. God bless my guy

I would love to see you react to any of these 3 AIC songs, “Rain When I Die” “Don’t Follow” or “I Stay Away” This is one of my favorite bands from the grunge era ❤🔥

Definitely do check out the studio as it's not acoustic like this one is and Layne was healthier when it was recorded. Here you're seeing Layne deep into addiction and his voice started to decline due to the drug abuse. The members of the band here are Layne Staley on vocals, Jerry Cantrell on backing vocals and guitar, Mike Inez on bass, and Sean Kenny on drums. Just know that for the first two albums the bass player was Mike Starr and later on the new vocalist is William Duvall. So happy to see you loving AIC. Such an amazing band. Rest in peace Layne and Mike Starr. Addiction is a terrible disease.

Layne's pain and despair in his vocals in this son always seems to be so therapeutic for me when I'm depressed. I don't know what it is, but it gets me so low that I can't help but pick myself back up and get back to myself. "Look at me now, I'm a man who won't let himself be." gets me every time.

Alice in Chains was such a big part of my emotional connection to music. Being a teenager and going through those dark emotions with this music coming out in real time, it was incredible.

Glad you picked this version to watch. Amazing performance. 🤘🏻

I've been in a dark place for awhile, but hearing this makes me feel better, because I don't feel alone in my feelings. Well done Polo. Take care

My absolute favorite AIC performance - the unplugged version of Down in A Hole surpasses the studio in my opinion. That entire album was amazing, but this one takes first place. The alchemy between Layne and Jerry's voices is just magic.

I'm 45, AIC was my favorite band of that era but also listened to a lot of bay area gangster rap. The best of both worlds, we didn't know how good we had it lol. Feel bad for this and future generations

Amazing opening dialogue and review. Not that you need it, but you've earned yourself a new subscriber and fan!

The entire Dirt album is top notch man. You should listen to Rain When I Die and Dirt.

Now go listen to the studio version!!!

I don’t know you but I love you man for the way you speak with so much grace and kindness to your listeners and about the way you speak about the music you are appreciating with such an open mind

The nod Jerry gave his band mates when Layne hits the note gets me every. single. time. 😢 The harmonies are just perfection.

😭💭 A lot of people assume Layne wrote this song about his drug addiction, and it's easy to think that's the truth. However, AIC's guitarist, Jerry Cantrell actually wrote Down In A Whole after a love gone wrong. It's about the insecurities and self-doubt that can come from a broken relationship❤

What you said about getting some of the greatest music from some of the most troubled artists is so on point and I couldn't have said it any better. A lot of great and natural musicians who are going through many troubles can only express them through music, whether it be songwriting, singing or through their instrument. Or all of the above

Layne Staley is the somber one with the pink hair, and Jerry Cantrell is the gentleman on the acoustic - amazing - one of my favorite MTV Unplugged every - Sludge Factory is a great one. Amazing!!!!

Layne Staley might have the most unique voice in history

Your opening words are probably the best I have heard in any reaction video, let alone non-reaction videos. You hit the nail on the head. Keep up the great content.

Thank you for sharing a little bit of you’re life issues with us. I was a depressed teen in the 90’s and I came across grunge alternative music wand found a place that I felt was my own. I found music that made me feel like I wasn’t alone in life. That music will always be apart of my life. Thank you for diving into the past music, the 90’s greats.

I could never tire of this performance Rest in peace Layne ❤

Mad Season - Lifeless Dead (from Live at the Moore)

I want a ton of react music videos. You are my favorite by far! You understand the emotions behind the music on a deeper level than most.❤

Can I just say that, while I enjoy your react videos very much, I mostly look forward to your intro... how you tie in your own knowledge and experience into whatever the song may be (or not be) about.) My man is a modern day thinker. Polocrates. Keep it up, bro.

@poloreacts27, awesome reaction! Please stay with the AiC rabbit hole. Next "Bleed the Freak" or "Love Hate Love"( many reactors pick LHL) it does well. Live at The Moore Theater 1990. Layne looks and sounds amazing. Love your channel Brother.🎙️🔥🎸🤘🖤

I love AIC mtv unplugged and especially the live performance of this song. The bass sound on any of the songs from the unplugged are amazing but I love the bass on the song “Would?” if you could react to that one too from the unplugged, live version from the movie “Singles” Proshot or the studio version? IMO they’re all great. Thanks. Also, the song “It Ain’t Like That” from movie “singles proshot” live video is amazing as well.

Thank you for sharing about your depression. Though I’ve never been through that struggle on a constant level, I have found music to be an extremely important part of reflecting my feelings. I believe there’s a song for everything!

Tysm for doing the unplugged version

Definitely check out the studio version of Down in a Hole. A whole other sound sonically. Appreciate your reactions.