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They were BOTH great! What made them so was, their individuality. When you listen to "Dirt" (the album), it feels like you're practically sitting there while Layne is high, or shooting up, and he's telling you what it feels like. Where Chris, was more cerebral and he made misery and confusion sound like some kind of rock opera, given his vocal skills. I'm in the same age range as those guys, and I STILL listen to it on a daily basis, because as a former drunk, I can relate to both sets of lyrics and emotions those guys put out. They both NAIL IT.
I agree with Mike Portnoy that although you can't forget the enormous talent of Layne, Jerry deserves much recognition for songs, lyrics and voice. And Mike Inez, Mike Starr, and Sean Kinney deserve much credit too. My favorite band ever. And, not to forget the contributions of William Duvall.
Ho Hosko Layne wrote half of the *lyrics* with the exception of Angry Chair and Head Creeps, he never actually wrote music in its entirety. All of the *music* was Cantrell's. People seriously need to learn to distinguish the two. Music is the tune itself, the composition, chord progression, melody, tune, pitch...etc. Lyrics is words written to music. Without the music, there's no song to write lyrics to or sing. That's Cantrell's credit. The music always started with him.
@@hermitoing You’re right. The irony about it is, from what I’ve heard and read about Layne, he would be fully on board with his story being used as a cautionary tale but he would absolutely detest being glorified or used as a fashion statement in the way you’re describing. Even during his reclusive years, there are accounts of him stopping sober friends from relapsing by literally using himself as an example and saying that he wouldn’t want that for them. It’s just such a sad story...
Very well-spoken and glad he is holding his addictions at bay. Layne was great but as he said, Jerry was a big part of that vocal sound. Lots of good singers in the whole grunge era but Layne was great at hitting his pitches and holding his notes so smoothly. I can think of another guy who was great and that's the singer for Sound Garden. Cornell. But that's another video.
Even musicians from some of the heaviest old school bands out there (Mustaine, Hanneman etc...) have appreciated the staley/cantrell duo. It was really one of the most iconic duo's out there. Layne is such a legend. Rest in peace.
underrated ? Not really, he gets a lot of love, for millions of fans all over the world ... maybe in his time he did not have the due recognition, and even there, he was already considered one of the best!
Vinyl Diary666 Layne Staley is my favorite vocalist but compared to the other so called grunge vocalists (Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder) he's still way too unknown (for the masses)...and probably it's better that way.
i never forget the moment when i first heard Layne and Alice in Chains music and fell in love with hes voice one of the best singers of all time period
Dirt never leaves rotation in the car stereo. Definitely one of my favourite albums of all time. I've been struggling with heroin addiction for over 20 years and I understand the entirety of the album VERY well....at first it's just a mental/physical pain blocker and something to do but then before you know it, the hooks are in deep and you've got a full blown addiction. You become a shell of the person you once were. Layne and Jerry's lyrics and perfect harmonious collaboration make AIC hard not to love and be in awe of. We definitely lost a legend on that sad day of 5th April '02.Rock In Peace,Layne. Your wings are no longer denied 💜
Hope you're doing ok. I'm at five years now. I never thought it was possible. Sometimes it's still a fight, but I have a life now. I know from my experience, that no one can really tell you anything to make you want to stop. So I'll just say this. I hope you have. If not, you're still worth it. Your loved ones are still worth it. The struggle of life is even still worth it. There is life beyond the dope. You just have to see it for yourself. Be at peace my friend. You're more than capable of beating this thing.
Layne will forever be my favorite singer of all time! He sang with so much grit and emotion and pureness! Songs like Don't Follow, Rain When I Die, and Man In The Box really showed off pure talent from Layne! 🤘🏼❤
Yes especially the part where he says "I want you to scrape me from the walls and go crazy like you've made me" and Mike is right! He really was crying out in that whole album pretty much!
Layne and Jerry were so incredible together, their two voices harmonized perfectly. Of course it would not have been possible without Jerry. But when I look at them individually, Layne always stands out for me. I pay tribute to Jerry, but Layne was the bigger one for me. With distance!
Jerry's guitar playing is quite something though. His cadence and use of effects is just impeccable. Layne is undeniably the magic, but Jerry's guitar is quite something.
I wish aic got as much love as nirvana. like you'll see ppl that probably don't even listen to this type of music but they just like to wear nirvana shirts for fashion. I love nirvana but aic was so much better imo. Chester from linkin park reminds me of layne.
Black Phillip I agree nirvana is one of my favorite bands ever even got the logo tattooed on my arm I've got every album possible home recordings even demos from fecal matter the whole 9 yards!!! But I agree Alice In Chains was better and they should've got just the same amount of limelight as nirvana
joseph sherlock yeah nirvana rocks but they're songs are pretty simple compared to aic. their song writing was on another level, it's so deep and touches your soul.
Black Phillip +Black Phillip yeah Alice In Chains had way better structure in there songs as you said they were deep and hit you in heart and they had some meaning nirvana it seemed like they just put random shit together hahah but that's why I like Kurt so much he didn't give a fuck! But may they both Rest In Peace they're both legends of equal status in my book 👌🏻🤘🏻💯
Black Phillip I think they get the right amount of attention. Now you have so many people being all obsessed with Teen Spirit, or don't listen to them at all. The people who worship AiC genuinely like them, so that's why I'm glad they're there
I think Kurt and Layne are the two most important, real singers. Kurt was a rebel. and layne had feeling in his lyrics. layne and Alice In chains will last forever
Why do you think they're the most "important", "real" singers and why was Kurt a rebel for you? Elaborate please. Kurt was no rebel at all for me and Layne maybe had more feelings (anyway it's subjective) but expressed through his tortured voice imo.
after meanwhile 15 years,i'm still terribly sad about what happened to Layne. He was the greatest vocalist of all time. but he lives on through MUSIC. I wish, i could tell him "THANK YOU" for that! "THANK YOU" for sharing this amazing voice with us.
Mike is such a humble guy Recognized Jerry's talent, even when Jerry is so underrated And talked about rockstars drug addictions without hiding his own past addiction When we have this kind of personality in a person who's alive, we need just to admire and hope that someone look to them as a reference
Irreplaceable Layne Staley. What a huge talent he was. Of all the bands I listened to back in the day, Layne's music is what I still listen to today. The voice of 90s grunge for me with Cornell a close second. RIP.
Facelift is the ascension , Dirt is the descent! Just like Staley Died ... Cocaine and Heroin you know! I Love both, for me, it's more a matter of state of mind.
I really appreciate his honesty and straightforwardness about the horrors of addiction! I’m a recovering addict and know firsthand how once a addict always a addict it’s always there you just don’t listen to those little rotten thoughts that pop into your head that try to take you down again! Thank you Mike excellent interview!
Just seen this today in my paying tribute to Layne's birthday today. Thanks Mike. You and James Hetfield carried my ass over to the straight edge world. Thanks and much love.
Mike pointed something out I hadn’t really thought of. Layne and others who have died quite possibly saved other peoples lives as they were an example. Bitter sweet.
So true,thanks MR Portnoy,you are here talking to us now because you stopped and got off the train, dirt is an incredible album and it's the whole band melding together......😶...land o' lakes,WI.usa...we need more drummers.
What a great fact - once an attic always an attic - it does'nt matter if you have been clean 100 days or 100 years - one can still trip and take a dive - but I give a thumbs up for those that can remain clean because it is very boring when one has been living on the edge - it just becomes a way of life - but still my thumb is up for those who choose to stay clean.
That was a sad day, and it got worse when Layne had been deceased two weeks, IIRC. Mike Starr blamed himself for Layne's death, even though his mom said he wasn't responsible. Unfortunately, it wasn't long after that when Mike had died as well. One of my favorite basslines was the intro to 'Would?' #LSMS #DowninaHole
Nirvana was a straight replica/rip off (down to using songs - music words exact) of Mudhonney - look it up if you dont know. I didn't for years. Was shocked at sheer volume of Covers. But explains that blahnik quality when compared to others at time. Still dont know why people/kids glorify this jackass (kurt).... Look at The Foo fighters, WAY BETTER BAND
Waffles For Days yeah I think Layne , Cornell and Vedder were awesome and all amazing talented singers... Cornell is my favorite.. and I listen to so much AIC music ... BUT I’m sorry Kurt was just a way better performer than the rest ... he had an amazing talent and made you feel like you’ve changed after being completely silent and listening to Kurt perform ... 😂🤷🏻♂️ sorry
I went to that show in Portland. Clash of the Titans. I remember being out in the parking lot getting primed. We heard the thumping of the opening band. We were there for the thrash, but left the Coliseum a fan of Alice in Chains. Still have my ticket stub! 🤘
Alice in chains with Layne was a unicorn....but everyone need to remember it wouldnt have been that without Jerry too...his voice enhanced Laynes and his songwriting is amazing...four people in time that really changed music as it was.
Mike is 100% right about both Layne and Jerry's ability to harmonize the lyrics in there music. They were awesome together and to me they were the best grunge band because of the albums they made during the 90's. Every album start to finish was absolutely amazing. That's not easy to do and that is what sets them apart from the other grunge bands who were awesome as well.
No! Mark Lanegan is! If you do not know I recommend! Kickass singer and Frontman... One of my all time favorites! Very underrated, for me with the departure of Cornell, is the best vocalists today.
Layne Staley has gotta be one of the most ripped of vocalist of all time. After his death everybody and their mother tried to emulate him. Staind, Godsmack, STP, Creed, Puddle of Mudd, etc, etc, etc.
Great video but the interview was WAY quiet... adjusting the volume meant the end guitar jingle was obscenely loud. Just an FYI in case no on mentioned it. However- excellent interview, thank you for this.
Good talk- enjoyed your perspective. Alice in Chains seems to be back on track with their new CD and Jerry Cantrell has definitely improved on his vocals, not that he had a choice, but hey man he's coming on strong. The song "Voices" is awesome.
Jerry gets his credit. Just because he wrote the songs doesn't mean Layne wouldn't of been Layne without him...Layne over shadows Jerry in a good way for a good reason, Jerry is underated on his guitar lol , he prolly gets more credit for writing the lyrics to Alice in chains songs tbh
AIC - cut off at the knees. Two number one albums back to back and absolutely NO touring to support them. What a legacy Jerry and the guys had to pick up and carry along....
