What does this song mean to you? Leave a like and comment! Sorry I had to blur the video a bit. YT blocked it a few times, so I had to find a work around so I can get it out to you all :) Enjoy the ride.
Hi Rosalie, That's is understandable. Not showing the video often helps also. But plz plz plz stay away from the audio. I'm not sure if it was done on purpose, but I experienced a lot of small audio hiccups. Love your insight and your empathy.
Hello Rosalie, for me this song is a tragic example of people suffering through either addiction or depression, if not both, and the apathetic reaction that is too often given when we send out a cry for help. Beautiful reaction.
He couldn’t get out from under the drugs… And the sad thing is he died alone and was dead for a while before anybody discovered him. That broke my heart.
The mistake is to assume it was the drugs, and not real world problems that he just couldn't deal with. Drugs are a way to escape from, and temper, the real world. While they may ultimately be what does him in, it's short sighted to say "he couldn't get out from under the drugs". He had real problems. Those lyrics aren't about him having problems with drugs.
I have been clean 37 yrs now. When i first got clean...there was one guy with 2 yrs. We...the rest of us...idolized him. Placed him on a pedestal. He helped us get clean. Called us on our shit. Yet...he was never clean. He died using. He had used the entire time. None of us saw it. Yet of the 8 of us....6 are still clean. He and another died from our addiction. Layne...gave me music...a performance i needed without knowing. He kept me clean...when no one else spoke to me. I am forever grateful. Hopefully i can give back to the World to compensate for their sacrifice.
Not everyone is strong enough to break the chains but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any knowledge and can educate others about drugs. When I was young, over 30 years ago, my friend and I went on the wild ride. After a few years I came to my senses and was able to escape, unfortunately I can’t say the same for my friend. He is still around and we still speak from time to time but he hasn’t been able to escape. The toughest thing I’ve ever had to do was change my life the way I did. It’s my darkest moment but also what I’m most proud of. Those who have never been down that path can pretend to understand but they have no idea how hard it is to pick yourself up this way.
You really hit on something with the contrast of cheers and applause for such a sad piece of art. What always struck me the most about this performance was the crowd's excitement when Layne came out. He smiles a little, but you can't really tell if it means anything to him. Whatever he was thinking at the time, in the end he chose drugs and isolation over the cheering of a crowd or the camaraderie with his bandmates. He died as alone as anyone could've died in 2002. I don't know if I even believe in a heaven, but I can only hope Layne's in a better, happier place now. Because the way his life went and the way it ended is almost too sad to bear.
He was said to be the nicest guy around. Not a bad word about anyone. The cheers are from friends in the industry who knew and loved him. The cheers are because he had a gift no one has or will have. The ability to get his audience to feel the music. The cheers are for him. For Layne as a person. I can guarantee it.
Layne has one of my absolute favorite voices, but I can't make it thru this song without getting emotional! So heartbreaking that he wasn't able to fight his demons!
Their whole Unplugged show is by far my most favorite. This song is so gut-wrenching. I'd definitely recommend checking out his side band, Mad Season .
Watching this always hurts. You can see that Layne is just completely zapped of life by this point. He had one of the most beautiful voices anyone’s ever heard. I hope he knows how much people loved him.
This song is very moving. Lyrics are really heartfelt and real. I think the business/music world ran over Layne and ignored his obvious pleas for help.
His friends and bandmates tried to help, but he wouldn't accept it. When his girlfriend OD'd that was the end form him. The AIC song Died is about her.
This song takes me back to that place, where I just didn't want to be alive anymore. The place where the drugs were no longer fun, but necessary. The place I knew I'd never escape from alive. Clean since 8-12-2006 by the grace of God. This song is pain. The pain of Layne, and the pain of every person out there that lived the same life. You think you can understand, but I actually pray that today is the day that no one new has to understand this feeling.
To ALL men, To seek help is not a weakness. It is a strength. Only the blind see that there is no problem. But to tackle problems, makes u stronger. To tackle your problems makes u reach beter places. Talk,... dont take it in, but TALK. U will find that, when u do this.....good people will listen.
Lead singer is one of the best rock vocalists of all time. This is him at the height of his drug struggles which ultimately took his life. This performance is both beautiful and tragic. You should listen to the man in the box video to see him in his prime
Also, his Long time gf (now an ex but in his life) was in a coma (again) no one told him so he wouldn’t drop out, he found out RIGHT BEFORE going out. The pain was probably real in that moment because of Demri back Seattle.
I LOVE what you said about the dichotomy between the heavy content and the happy cheering. Loved your reaction, fantastic. This song is as gutting as it is beautiful.
'Nutshell' was the first song of this concert. This was the first time in 2.5 years that Alice in Chains had performed together. I think that the audience greatfully cheered for AiCs' awesome performance after a long layoff. This whole MTV Unplugged concert was beautiful.
Dammit, this song always makes me so sad. The world was robbed of an immeasurable amount of beautiful art that would have entertained millions and saved many people when Laine and his buddies lost the fight. RIP Laine, Chester, Chris, Kurt, Scott and the rest of you knuckleheads
TOP 5 GRUNGE ACTS OF THE 90'S ...ALICE IN CHAINS(RIP LAYNE), SOUND GARDEN(RIP CHRIS), PEARL JAM, NIRVANA(RIP KURT) AND STONE TEMPLE PILOTS(RIP SCOTT) (GRUNGE/POST GRUNGE/ ALT ROCK) ... ONLY ONE VOCALIST FROM THESE FIVE BANDS STILL LIVES, EDDIE VEDDER FROM PEARL JAM ......CRAZY FACT !!! THEY CHANGED THE WHOLE MUSIC INDUSTRY !!!
ALL THESE GUYS STRUGGLED WITH THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT THE INDUSTRY WANTED THEM TO BE. THEY DID NOT FIT THE TYPICAL ROCK STAR MODEL....THESE DUDES WERE DOWN TO EARTH AND TRULY ABOUT THE MUSIC !!!
Huge fan of AIC, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden…I’m 54, grew up in Canada, 30min from Washington border. Completely perplexed how that particular area produced so many tragically talented souls.
Why have We been so Damn Blessed to have had Bands like this Growing up to. Thr last of the Genius Rock Era! Forever will Myself Personally and likely all of You be Grateful and indebted to having been wittnesses to such artistic Masterpiece Musicians. A.I.C., Pearl Jam, S.TP., Soundgarden, Nirvana and So So many More! Btw little backstory to this Set Performance--James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich of Metallica were Present in the Audience as they were Massive Fans of Their Music and went on to say this Unplugged was so incredible and blew them Both away saying it was like watching Pure Artistic Genius. So thought that was cool AF! Spot on Girl on the Musical Breakdown of the Insteumental and Tones Well Done 👏👏👏👏👏
@@AlderPeak THNAK YOU!!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!! EVERYTIME I watch one of these videos I look for this comment just to give it a thumbs down (My contribution to society)🤣🤣
The stuff Layne was going through was so dark and deep. People publicly painted a picture of him (both accurate and lies) that it changed his own view of himself. Being an addict and shunned from his friends and family put him into a huge depression that he never came out of. Mike Starr (the bassist) found him dead from heroine OD. Sadly, Mike OD'd as well, years later. Rip Layne and Mike... Side Note: Mike Starr was on the celebrity rehab show and you really grow to love him. He was such a funny, sweet guy. They both will be missed.
Layne Staley was in the deepest darkest parts of drug addiction at this time, many of his friends have already died... And he knew his death was imminent.
@justinwalters7953. I lived through that time... With the same habit, You have obviously never had a habit like that. 6 years is a very short time my friend, you're obviously not very old. Nothing melodramatic about a heroin habit and what it does to you your friends and your family. You really can have no idea what you're talking about, I can clearly see that.
@ first of all, I am 54 yrs old and also lived through tthat time. Second, my best friend who was the most talented musician I’ve ever heard, died of a heroin overdose. Your assumptions are pointless. If you actually knew anything about his situation, you would know that at this time, he still had hope he could kick his habit. So him thinking his death was “imminent” is wrong. People that say that are trying to show just how”empathetic” they are. It wasn’t until about a year or two before he died that he had given up hope and knew he would die from his addiction. Instead of attempting to be a deep and profound person, you should actually listen to interviews he gave about it and you would know this already.
@justinwalters7953 good for you you made it out of an error without having a habit... I'm 59 years old, seeing that were just throwing that out there. You could never understand because you didn't have the darkness of heroin on you. I've seen all the interviews, I'm also a musician that knew a lot of these guys from the Pacific Northwest. You will never understand, and trying to put me down, as if I didn't live it. Is just a futile attempt at trying to justify this stupidity that came out of your brain to your fingers that made your comments. Easy to walk through life when you're on the outside and you never have experienced it. Tell that to the endless musicians that Layne Staley knew that died before him, but yet he still couldn't get out. You know nothing of what you're talking about. Run along fanboy.
Alice In Chains made the most depressing music I had ever heard, but it was so beautifully crafted with the special highlights that were Layne's & Jerry's beautiful vocal harmonies, Jerry's musicianship & ear for melody, & Layne's extraordinary vocal gifts. I almost felt a little guilty loving their depressing music so much, but if you have some compassion in your heart for the frailties that others must deal with, it's deeply satisfying beautiful music with a hard rock edge...
This band is known for the harmony between Layne Staley (lead vocals) and Jerry Cantrell (lead guitarist and backup vocals/sometimes lead). This song isn't the best example but still amazing. Checkout "Down in a Hole"
You are not alone in your reaction to the applause after Nutshell. I watch this concert all the time and cry every time at multiple points. Even watching your reaction to Laynes chorus evokes emotion. Even watching most first time reactions to the MTV Nutshell is special everytime. Most start to comment after the first verse, and as soon as Layne cries out, they all stop and endure the pain universally. The respect you showed in silence to the end is felt by all.
They rushed to put this together because he was dying , if I remember, this was one of if not his last performances. He knew what was coming and just accepted and gave in.
The third verse can be anything as long as it's the truth as you as am individual perceive it to be. You get it. Your education is obvious. Thanks for educating
The entire AiC Unplugged is a masterpiece. Hauntingly beautiful and sickeningly sad when you know how evening plays out afterwards. But there may never have been a better live performance ever recorded
Rosalie, your first experience and breakdown of this song, not knowing it was one of his last appearances before he died of Heroin OD, is astonishing. Well done. Check out the live version of "Bleed The Freak" and "Love Hate Love" at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. Also, the Videos of "Would?" and the story of Guitarist Jerry Cantrell's father " Rooster", about his Viet Nam war experience. There are many other songs where you'll hear and see Layne in his prime.
I watched this live. He was on a downward spiral. Everyone knew about his struggle with H. This song was beautiful and tragic at the same time. My favorite band of all thime!
The epilogue to Nutshell, for me, is Get Born Again. I have lost a couple of people in my life to addiction and was unfamiliar that treatment programs use the concept of a higher power/god as part of a sobriety program. I don't know the success rate on that, but I do know that Layne provides an example of when that fails. If Nutshell is his lament of trying and failing and trying again through rehab, then Get Born Again is the account of being betrayed or abandoned or left unanswered by that higher power. As someone who was very ignorant and judgemental, I've come to learn that not everyone experiences addiction to the same degree, not everyone is fighting the same thing. Nutshell is bittersweet, but both honest and tender. There's a hope in it. That hope would be lost at some point, and Layne would follow shortly after.
The beautiful vocals and musicianship are in a stark, yet profound, contrast with the deep melancholic sadness of the lyrics. Layne knew he couldn't escape the hold the drugs had over him.
A truly tragic loss. Very good at putting his pain on paper and relaying it in a way that people love. Like you said, strange how we can hear and feel something true, dark, and painful… and clap and cheer for the art of it.
Shortly after this performance he became a RECLUSE until he was found dead, HE was dead for 2 weeks when his accountant called his family and said he hadn't spent any money in 2 weeks, someone needs to check on him
Many a person has opted not to have that first try after knowing his story. My "adults (now 31 and 35) have both lost class mates and friends to "I can handel it". Not all passed on but recovery often creates a different person than the one you thought you knew.
AIC and Layne Staley are from my generation. Layne always seemed very gentle and sweet. It’s a shitty world for a gentle person. It’s easier to lose yourself drugs, I think. Anyone can judge you, but nobody knows what each individual is going through. This was the first performance in 3 years. I think the audience was just so happy to see him again.
I was a young teen during the height of grunge, and it was really tragic watching so many talented musicians losing their lives to drugs, while at the same time a lot of my friends were starting to discover hard drugs too. So many talented individuals that I grew up with are either no longer with us, languishing in jail or faded shadows of what they could have been. This song always makes me think of them.
Great reaction Rosalie! Alice in Chains is one of the great grunge groups of the 90s, comprised of singers Jerry Cantrell and the late Layne Staley. As iconic and unique as Layne's vocals are, in this song it's just masterful on another level. As one of the other comments here - this is about as close as you can come to singing at your own funeral. Alice in Chains is a huge rabbit hole to discover though I am very partial as they are one of my favorite groups. I would give "Rooster" a try - a song Cantrell wrote about his Father's experiences in Vietnam. "No Excuses," "Would," and "I Say Away" are some good ones though there are many other as well.
Hi, thanks for the video, I've seen other reactions to other videos and I appreciate the content, from the bottom of my heart. I understand that the description of the lyrics is interpreted from a general point of view but I think it should be interpreted from the point of view of the vocalist (Layne Staley) and his tragic life. In short, a complicated childhood, drug abuse, depression, the death of his girlfriend due to complications with drugs (a few months after the show) to finally die alone in his apartment and find her body after several days. In other songs of the unplugged Layne is seen quite gone and makes mistakes in some songs, then it was said that he was possibly high and that his bandmates helped him finish the show. They also had problems with some tours that could not be done because of Layne's addiction but the band always supported him. Anyway, I think that Alice in Chains is one of the best grunge bands but that also had its curse. th-cam.com/users/shortsF0TyGYvT57E
The song "Nutshell" was written by their singer, Layne Staley, to speak on Addiction and depression and living through them while in the public eye. This video was recorded about six months before he died of a drug overdose. Layne would be followed in death by the band's original bass player, Mike Starr.
Great reaction and analysis! You really hit the nail on head! I highly recommend Down in a Hole from the same concert. If you want to check out some of their more upbeat songs then Man in a Box, Again or Would (studio versions) are some of their best.
That man, Layne Staley, the singer was battery barely 20 years old in that video. He was still a teenager when Facelift came out. Jerry Cantrell, the guitarist, was also a young genius. Jerry is still touring with Alice in Chains, but it's not the same. Layne was gone by the time he was about 34, if I remember correctly. His death and the details of his death are gut punch sad. We are/were the same age. I found him and the music so relatable. His death really effected me.
Layne had a side project with the guitarist and few others named Mad Season and they released one fantastic album named Above. Check out the song “Wake Up” off that album. It’s equally as fantastic.
Nice reaction, this concert has actually become a tribute to Lane. You do get a feeling of the psychology of the band from this song. But I think Down in a hole and Man in the box are more introspective.
@@rosalieelliottofficialI personally think that songs like this is where we go even when not depressed just to feel something, because how we related when we were.
Alice in chains has been so impactful through my life. I remember where I was when Layne died the same way older generations knew where they were during the moon landing.
He died alone of heroin in his apartment in his seat in his apartment they found him 3 later at 27 voice of a Angel and for us 90s kids we had the best music ❤
Time is best measured in that dash between 2 dates on our headstones, all our memories and everything in our lives left in that line it's still unmeasurable to a degree of how that life was kived in that space.
Hoping to one day see a reaction to "River of Deceit" by Mad Season (Layne on vocals). I have all three of their (AIC's) albums, and this 'Unplugged', on both cassette and CD. There songs, all of them, are good enough to never want to press 'skip.' Some people connect with their songs...and some do not. I think it all has to do with your connection with your own emotions...or not.
I feel that pain, about to probably lose everything I hold most dear in the world. My wife of 17 years, home, safety, etc. I'm in limbo. Friends I thought were lifelong are MIA. Thanks for posting gf. Love all your reactions!
"When I tried drugs they were fucking great, and they worked for me for years, and now they're turning against me- and now I'm walking through hell and this sucks."
Layne always put his struggle of life in his lyrics. He showed us how depression takes the life of someone that has money/fame that matters not. Add heroine addiction into the mix done.
I can relate to this in many ways because I had the same habits but I feel so bad for him. He just wanted to be left alone and I can relate to this a lot. My superpower is to avoid people irl at all cost, I just want to be left alone and keep to myself. I’ve learned Layne couldn’t stand being famous and didn’t like people coming up and bugging him. I’m recluse without anyone wanting to come up to me but I would go literally insane if I was in his position.
There's alot to this song, for me. I watched a good documentary about Layne, can't remember off hand the name. In it they mention that during the tour that A/C was to open for Metallica, they pulled out partly due to Layne's addiction. Metallica proceeded to MOCK Lanye in stage during that tour. During THIS MTV Unplugged show, Metallica was in the front row. Never sat well with me. Alice in Chains is a band that you need to go down the rabbit hole, you can't really understand them or things like this performance without the dive. Although, as usual, you did an amazing reaction and analysis! I love your perspective on things!
This song is about Layne’s (lead singer) addiction to heroin. He was shit up right before going out on stage. Heroin raped his mind and body (he had lost most of his teeth by this point) he couldn’t be himself because the drugs took over, so he says he’d feel better dead. Unfortunately, he lost his battle. Rest easy brother.
You have to see "LOVE, HATE, LOVE, live at the MOORE theater, huge difference, he was in his prime, AND AT HIS BEST, while this is great, it's not his best, it was sad and scary seeing this show/ performance, he had lost so much weight, etc
The foretelling of the end of a great musical era and a great vocalist. This vibe captures the general feel in the air in the late 90s, for many people. Watching Layne's gradual demise, due to drugs, was heartbreaking. Watch one of his live performances for this song from years earlier. You'll see a tragic difference. I think he had lost his teeth by this point. Kinda sounds like it. It's all just heartbreaking.
I do believe his heart was at like 40 percent capacity when they recorded this, from what I read his doctors didn't want him to perform anymore, he was already dying.
Alice in Chains is a serious rabbit hole for someone like yourself who is all about the psychology of what you're listening to. Rooster, to me at least, is about a man disassociating under the trauma of war. No excuses is, again to me, basically the lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell's personal feelings towards Layne and his drug addiction, and so on. There's a lot of heavy, poignant topics to tackle in their discography.
So interesting, your comments about a third verse...when this came out, this was my favorite song and I always wanted a third verse but, back then I never deeply analyzed the song, I just wanted it to keep going.
What does this song mean to you? Leave a like and comment!
Sorry I had to blur the video a bit. YT blocked it a few times, so I had to find a work around so I can get it out to you all :) Enjoy the ride.
Hi Rosalie,
That's is understandable. Not showing the video often helps also.
But plz plz plz stay away from the audio.
I'm not sure if it was done on purpose, but I experienced a lot of small audio hiccups.
Love your insight and your empathy.
Done, thanks for this reaction!
Hello Rosalie, for me this song is a tragic example of people suffering through either addiction or depression, if not both, and the apathetic reaction that is too often given when we send out a cry for help. Beautiful reaction.
@@zackkullis5555 sadly true :(
Alice in chains - Down in a hole-MTV unplugged 🔥🔥
AIC Unplugged was the greatest thing MTV has ever played.
He couldn’t get out from under the drugs… And the sad thing is he died alone and was dead for a while before anybody discovered him. That broke my heart.
We die alone. Its okay.
RIP Layne and Mike
The mistake is to assume it was the drugs, and not real world problems that he just couldn't deal with. Drugs are a way to escape from, and temper, the real world. While they may ultimately be what does him in, it's short sighted to say "he couldn't get out from under the drugs". He had real problems. Those lyrics aren't about him having problems with drugs.
@@justbrowsing5279yeah Layne was tortured by mental health issues, sad to see.
Yes that's the story I heard! Poor guy!
The Layne Staley rabbit hole is intriguing and tragic. One of my favorite vocalists of all time. RIP
Him and Chris for me...
I have been clean 37 yrs now. When i first got clean...there was one guy with 2 yrs. We...the rest of us...idolized him. Placed him on a pedestal. He helped us get clean. Called us on our shit. Yet...he was never clean. He died using. He had used the entire time. None of us saw it. Yet of the 8 of us....6 are still clean. He and another died from our addiction. Layne...gave me music...a performance i needed without knowing. He kept me clean...when no one else spoke to me. I am forever grateful. Hopefully i can give back to the World to compensate for their sacrifice.
RIP Layne and Mike. Glad YOU are Here.
For me...layne sat with me at my best and worst. He never judged because he was there too. 30 + years later and I think he means even more....iykyk
Not everyone is strong enough to break the chains but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any knowledge and can educate others about drugs.
When I was young, over 30 years ago, my friend and I went on the wild ride. After a few years I came to my senses and was able to escape, unfortunately I can’t say the same for my friend. He is still around and we still speak from time to time but he hasn’t been able to escape.
The toughest thing I’ve ever had to do was change my life the way I did. It’s my darkest moment but also what I’m most proud of. Those who have never been down that path can pretend to understand but they have no idea how hard it is to pick yourself up this way.
You really hit on something with the contrast of cheers and applause for such a sad piece of art. What always struck me the most about this performance was the crowd's excitement when Layne came out. He smiles a little, but you can't really tell if it means anything to him. Whatever he was thinking at the time, in the end he chose drugs and isolation over the cheering of a crowd or the camaraderie with his bandmates. He died as alone as anyone could've died in 2002. I don't know if I even believe in a heaven, but I can only hope Layne's in a better, happier place now. Because the way his life went and the way it ended is almost too sad to bear.
He was said to be the nicest guy around. Not a bad word about anyone. The cheers are from friends in the industry who knew and loved him. The cheers are because he had a gift no one has or will have. The ability to get his audience to feel the music. The cheers are for him. For Layne as a person. I can guarantee it.
His performance always makes me cry. He was such an incredible vocalist. Rest in peace.❤
And this was when he was weak compared to in his prime, like Love Hate Love live at The Moore for instance!
He was telling the audience through his performance that his addiction was going to kill him, he knew it.
Layne has one of my absolute favorite voices, but I can't make it thru this song without getting emotional! So heartbreaking that he wasn't able to fight his demons!
Their whole Unplugged show is by far my most favorite. This song is so gut-wrenching. I'd definitely recommend checking out his side band, Mad Season .
Watching this always hurts. You can see that Layne is just completely zapped of life by this point. He had one of the most beautiful voices anyone’s ever heard. I hope he knows how much people loved him.
This song is very moving. Lyrics are really heartfelt and real. I think the business/music world ran over Layne and ignored his obvious pleas for help.
His friends and bandmates tried to help, but he wouldn't accept it. When his girlfriend OD'd that was the end form him. The AIC song Died is about her.
This song takes me back to that place, where I just didn't want to be alive anymore. The place where the drugs were no longer fun, but necessary. The place I knew I'd never escape from alive. Clean since 8-12-2006 by the grace of God. This song is pain. The pain of Layne, and the pain of every person out there that lived the same life. You think you can understand, but I actually pray that today is the day that no one new has to understand this feeling.
To ALL men,
To seek help is not a weakness. It is a strength.
Only the blind see that there is no problem.
But to tackle problems, makes u stronger.
To tackle your problems makes u reach beter places.
Talk,... dont take it in, but TALK.
U will find that, when u do this.....good people will listen.
Lead singer is one of the best rock vocalists of all time. This is him at the height of his drug struggles which ultimately took his life. This performance is both beautiful and tragic. You should listen to the man in the box video to see him in his prime
Or to "Love Hate Love" , or "Bleed the Freak" from Moore Theathre, this is his prime ❤
One of my favourite groups...and Layne was an incredible singer. (And he and Jerry Cantrell together were magic)
Do “ Love Hate Love” live at the Moore. It’s what Layne really was. He was pretty sick by the time of this show. In his prime he was unbelievable.
Also, his Long time gf (now an ex but in his life) was in a coma (again) no one told him so he wouldn’t drop out, he found out RIGHT BEFORE going out. The pain was probably real in that moment because of Demri back Seattle.
THE Best Unplugged in the history of TV ....R.I.P. Layne...
I LOVE what you said about the dichotomy between the heavy content and the happy cheering. Loved your reaction, fantastic. This song is as gutting as it is beautiful.
I really appreciate your thoughtful and detailed song breakdowns. Thanks.
'Nutshell' was the first song of this concert. This was the first time in 2.5 years that Alice in Chains had performed together. I think that the audience greatfully cheered for AiCs' awesome performance after a long layoff. This whole MTV Unplugged concert was beautiful.
I would absolutely listen to the studio version of this, on their Jar of Flies EP!!
Dammit, this song always makes me so sad. The world was robbed of an immeasurable amount of beautiful art that would have entertained millions and saved many people when Laine and his buddies lost the fight. RIP Laine, Chester, Chris, Kurt, Scott and the rest of you knuckleheads
TOP 5 GRUNGE ACTS OF THE 90'S ...ALICE IN CHAINS(RIP LAYNE), SOUND GARDEN(RIP CHRIS), PEARL JAM, NIRVANA(RIP KURT) AND STONE TEMPLE PILOTS(RIP SCOTT) (GRUNGE/POST GRUNGE/ ALT ROCK) ... ONLY ONE VOCALIST FROM THESE FIVE BANDS STILL LIVES, EDDIE VEDDER FROM PEARL JAM ......CRAZY FACT !!! THEY CHANGED THE WHOLE MUSIC INDUSTRY !!!
ALL THESE GUYS STRUGGLED WITH THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT THE INDUSTRY WANTED THEM TO BE. THEY DID NOT FIT THE TYPICAL ROCK STAR MODEL....THESE DUDES WERE DOWN TO EARTH AND TRULY ABOUT THE MUSIC !!!
Huge fan of AIC, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden…I’m 54, grew up in Canada, 30min from Washington border. Completely perplexed how that particular area produced so many tragically talented souls.
Why have We been so Damn Blessed to have had Bands like this Growing up to. Thr last of the Genius Rock Era! Forever will Myself Personally and likely all of You be Grateful and indebted to having been wittnesses to such artistic Masterpiece Musicians. A.I.C., Pearl Jam, S.TP., Soundgarden, Nirvana and So So many More! Btw little backstory to this Set Performance--James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich of Metallica were Present in the Audience as they were Massive Fans of Their Music and went on to say this Unplugged was so incredible and blew them Both away saying it was like watching Pure Artistic Genius. So thought that was cool AF! Spot on Girl on the Musical Breakdown of the Insteumental and Tones Well Done 👏👏👏👏👏
You want another AiC song for analysis? Down In A Hole.
TOMORROW??
Yessss! I agree
i´ve seen somewhere around here in youtube that this is "as closest to anyone singing at their own funeral"....
That's just a corny line people repost to get upvotes. I hate seeing it on every Nutshell video.
@@AlderPeak THNAK YOU!!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!! EVERYTIME I watch one of these videos I look for this comment just to give it a thumbs down (My contribution to society)🤣🤣
God make it stop
Peak Layne is the live performance of “Love Hate Love” at The Moore. So powerful
Totally agree!
The stuff Layne was going through was so dark and deep. People publicly painted a picture of him (both accurate and lies) that it changed his own view of himself. Being an addict and shunned from his friends and family put him into a huge depression that he never came out of. Mike Starr (the bassist) found him dead from heroine OD. Sadly, Mike OD'd as well, years later. Rip Layne and Mike...
Side Note: Mike Starr was on the celebrity rehab show and you really grow to love him. He was such a funny, sweet guy. They both will be missed.
This song hits home on several levels every time.
HI ROSALIE !!! GREAT JOB ! YOU GOTTA HEAR "DOWN IN A HOLE" FROM THIS BAND ! IT IS JUST AS DEEP AS THIS ONE !
ALSO CHECK OUT "THEM BONES" ,,, THERE IS A THEME FORMING HERE !!!
Layne Staley was in the deepest darkest parts of drug addiction at this time, many of his friends have already died... And he knew his death was imminent.
It wasn’t imminent at all. He didn’t die until 6 years after this. Melodramatic people that think they “relate” say these things
@justinwalters7953. I lived through that time... With the same habit, You have obviously never had a habit like that. 6 years is a very short time my friend, you're obviously not very old. Nothing melodramatic about a heroin habit and what it does to you your friends and your family. You really can have no idea what you're talking about, I can clearly see that.
@ first of all, I am 54 yrs old and also lived through tthat time. Second, my best friend who was the most talented musician I’ve ever heard, died of a heroin overdose. Your assumptions are pointless. If you actually knew anything about his situation, you would know that at this time, he still had hope he could kick his habit. So him thinking his death was “imminent” is wrong. People that say that are trying to show just how”empathetic” they are. It wasn’t until about a year or two before he died that he had given up hope and knew he would die from his addiction. Instead of attempting to be a deep and profound person, you should actually listen to interviews he gave about it and you would know this already.
@justinwalters7953 good for you you made it out of an error without having a habit... I'm 59 years old, seeing that were just throwing that out there. You could never understand because you didn't have the darkness of heroin on you. I've seen all the interviews, I'm also a musician that knew a lot of these guys from the Pacific Northwest. You will never understand, and trying to put me down, as if I didn't live it. Is just a futile attempt at trying to justify this stupidity that came out of your brain to your fingers that made your comments. Easy to walk through life when you're on the outside and you never have experienced it. Tell that to the endless musicians that Layne Staley knew that died before him, but yet he still couldn't get out. You know nothing of what you're talking about. Run along fanboy.
Alice In Chains made the most depressing music I had ever heard, but it was so beautifully crafted with the special highlights that were Layne's & Jerry's beautiful vocal harmonies, Jerry's musicianship & ear for melody, & Layne's extraordinary vocal gifts. I almost felt a little guilty loving their depressing music so much, but if you have some compassion in your heart for the frailties that others must deal with, it's deeply satisfying beautiful music with a hard rock edge...
You went and done it now......they have quite a rabbit hole 👍
Sadly, the lead singer passed away too young, hope he does feel better, R.I.P.
This band is known for the harmony between Layne Staley (lead vocals) and Jerry Cantrell (lead guitarist and backup vocals/sometimes lead). This song isn't the best example but still amazing. Checkout "Down in a Hole"
You are not alone in your reaction to the applause after Nutshell. I watch this concert all the time and cry every time at multiple points. Even watching your reaction to Laynes chorus evokes emotion. Even watching most first time reactions to the MTV Nutshell is special everytime. Most start to comment after the first verse, and as soon as Layne cries out, they all stop and endure the pain universally. The respect you showed in silence to the end is felt by all.
This is him singing at his weakest. Before the drugs took over, nobody had a stronger vocal than Layne.
My most favorite band ever! AIC is so preciously beautiful!!
They rushed to put this together because he was dying , if I remember, this was one of if not his last performances. He knew what was coming and just accepted and gave in.
Layne died approximately six years after this performance, and quit performing after overdosing while they were opening for Kiss in 1996.
The third verse can be anything as long as it's the truth as you as am individual perceive it to be. You get it. Your education is obvious. Thanks for educating
The entire AiC Unplugged is a masterpiece.
Hauntingly beautiful and sickeningly sad when you know how evening plays out afterwards.
But there may never have been a better live performance ever recorded
The voice of a generation🙏 R.I.P Lanyne You are missed my brother🙏
Rosalie, your first experience and breakdown of this song, not knowing it was one of his last appearances before he died of Heroin OD, is astonishing. Well done. Check out the live version of "Bleed The Freak" and "Love Hate Love" at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. Also, the Videos of "Would?" and the story of Guitarist Jerry Cantrell's father " Rooster", about his Viet Nam war experience. There are many other songs where you'll hear and see Layne in his prime.
Both Layne Staley and Mike Star died of Drug overdoeses. Both very talented. I really loved the Harmonies.
I watched this live. He was on a downward spiral. Everyone knew about his struggle with H. This song was beautiful and tragic at the same time. My favorite band of all thime!
The epilogue to Nutshell, for me, is Get Born Again. I have lost a couple of people in my life to addiction and was unfamiliar that treatment programs use the concept of a higher power/god as part of a sobriety program. I don't know the success rate on that, but I do know that Layne provides an example of when that fails. If Nutshell is his lament of trying and failing and trying again through rehab, then Get Born Again is the account of being betrayed or abandoned or left unanswered by that higher power. As someone who was very ignorant and judgemental, I've come to learn that not everyone experiences addiction to the same degree, not everyone is fighting the same thing. Nutshell is bittersweet, but both honest and tender. There's a hope in it. That hope would be lost at some point, and Layne would follow shortly after.
The beautiful vocals and musicianship are in a stark, yet profound, contrast with the deep melancholic sadness of the lyrics. Layne knew he couldn't escape the hold the drugs had over him.
A truly tragic loss. Very good at putting his pain on paper and relaying it in a way that people love. Like you said, strange how we can hear and feel something true, dark, and painful… and clap and cheer for the art of it.
Shortly after this performance he became a RECLUSE until he was found dead, HE was dead for 2 weeks when his accountant called his family and said he hadn't spent any money in 2 weeks, someone needs to check on him
No it wasn't. It was 6 years later
@bryanbarrera7475 he became a RECLUSE, shortly after this performance, until his death, 6 years later, I know/ knew that, but thank you.
Many a person has opted not to have that first try after knowing his story. My "adults (now 31 and 35) have both lost class mates and friends to "I can handel it". Not all passed on but recovery often creates a different person than the one you thought you knew.
Beautiful reaction. I love your videos. Thank you for what you do.
Very emotional. I cried when this first came out. Definitely a cry for help.
Love hate love live at the moore to see how powerful his voice was.
AIC and Layne Staley are from my generation. Layne always seemed very gentle and sweet. It’s a shitty world for a gentle person. It’s easier to lose yourself drugs, I think. Anyone can judge you, but nobody knows what each individual is going through.
This was the first performance in 3 years. I think the audience was just so happy to see him again.
I have that exact base model the Alvarez ab60. It’s amazing acoustic electric bass. Has an incredible pickup inside the sound hole
I was a young teen during the height of grunge, and it was really tragic watching so many talented musicians losing their lives to drugs, while at the same time a lot of my friends were starting to discover hard drugs too.
So many talented individuals that I grew up with are either no longer with us, languishing in jail or faded shadows of what they could have been.
This song always makes me think of them.
I can still remember watching this concert in my cellar apartment in Germany on MTV. The whole concert is incredible.
Great reaction Rosalie! Alice in Chains is one of the great grunge groups of the 90s, comprised of singers Jerry Cantrell and the late Layne Staley. As iconic and unique as Layne's vocals are, in this song it's just masterful on another level. As one of the other comments here - this is about as close as you can come to singing at your own funeral.
Alice in Chains is a huge rabbit hole to discover though I am very partial as they are one of my favorite groups. I would give "Rooster" a try - a song Cantrell wrote about his Father's experiences in Vietnam. "No Excuses," "Would," and "I Say Away" are some good ones though there are many other as well.
One of very few songs that bring tears to my eyes. I feel the pain in the lyrics.
Hi, thanks for the video, I've seen other reactions to other videos and I appreciate the content, from the bottom of my heart. I understand that the description of the lyrics is interpreted from a general point of view but I think it should be interpreted from the point of view of the vocalist (Layne Staley) and his tragic life. In short, a complicated childhood, drug abuse, depression, the death of his girlfriend due to complications with drugs (a few months after the show) to finally die alone in his apartment and find her body after several days. In other songs of the unplugged Layne is seen quite gone and makes mistakes in some songs, then it was said that he was possibly high and that his bandmates helped him finish the show. They also had problems with some tours that could not be done because of Layne's addiction but the band always supported him.
Anyway, I think that Alice in Chains is one of the best grunge bands but that also had its curse.
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13 years sober now...buy Nutshell was my prison then (early 90s)...it's my freedom now. If that makes sense. Powerful song😢
The song "Nutshell" was written by their singer, Layne Staley, to speak on Addiction and depression and living through them while in the public eye. This video was recorded about six months before he died of a drug overdose. Layne would be followed in death by the band's original bass player, Mike Starr.
I am playing this song on repeat for past 2 months. Perfect to how I feel right now!
He was playing at his own funeral and didnt know it😢
Great reaction and analysis! You really hit the nail on head! I highly recommend Down in a Hole from the same concert. If you want to check out some of their more upbeat songs then Man in a Box, Again or Would (studio versions) are some of their best.
That man, Layne Staley, the singer was battery barely 20 years old in that video. He was still a teenager when Facelift came out. Jerry Cantrell, the guitarist, was also a young genius. Jerry is still touring with Alice in Chains, but it's not the same. Layne was gone by the time he was about 34, if I remember correctly. His death and the details of his death are gut punch sad. We are/were the same age. I found him and the music so relatable. His death really effected me.
Layne had a side project with the guitarist and few others named Mad Season and they released one fantastic album named Above. Check out the song “Wake Up” off that album. It’s equally as fantastic.
Nice reaction, this concert has actually become a tribute to Lane. You do get a feeling of the psychology of the band from this song. But I think Down in a hole and Man in the box are more introspective.
Your face started out happy and anticipation of the video. Then it hits!
I hope your channel blows up, because you are special
Ive been dealing with depression for awhile now and I have my good days and bad days and on my bad days i always turn to this song.
I understand why you’d be drawn to that one.
Keep choosing life. I’m glad you’re here
@@rosalieelliottofficialI personally think that songs like this is where we go even when not depressed just to feel something, because how we related when we were.
@@TananJess oh absolutely I agree 100%. It's an amazing song no matter how you feel.
Alice in chains has been so impactful through my life. I remember where I was when Layne died the same way older generations knew where they were during the moon landing.
He died alone of heroin in his apartment in his seat in his apartment they found him 3 later at 27 voice of a Angel and for us 90s kids we had the best music ❤
By far the best analysis of “Nutshell” I’ve seen yet.
You should listen to the entire show, it's the best MTV Unplugged show ever aired.
You didn't even catch yourself, when you said it was all in a Nutshell in your description!😉
Too bad I feel it takes such suffering to have such a powerful song like this. RIP Layne. Check out down in a hole from the mtv unplugged
Time is best measured in that dash between 2 dates on our headstones, all our memories and everything in our lives left in that line it's still unmeasurable to a degree of how that life was kived in that space.
Hoping to one day see a reaction to "River of Deceit" by Mad Season (Layne on vocals). I have all three of their (AIC's) albums, and this 'Unplugged', on both cassette and CD. There songs, all of them, are good enough to never want to press 'skip.' Some people connect with their songs...and some do not. I think it all has to do with your connection with your own emotions...or not.
I feel that pain, about to probably lose everything I hold most dear in the world. My wife of 17 years, home, safety, etc. I'm in limbo. Friends I thought were lifelong are MIA. Thanks for posting gf. Love all your reactions!
Alice will always remind me of my friend Trevor who I served with, his demons took him. RIP Trevor I pray to see you again some day.AATW🇺🇸
"When I tried drugs they were fucking great, and they worked for me for years, and now they're turning against me- and now I'm walking through hell and this sucks."
AIC was the best MTV Unplugged session period. Followed by STP then Nirvana.
always thought these kind of songs is your vibe
Layne always put his struggle of life in his lyrics. He showed us how depression takes the life of someone that has money/fame that matters not. Add heroine addiction into the mix done.
I can relate to this in many ways because I had the same habits but I feel so bad for him. He just wanted to be left alone and I can relate to this a lot. My superpower is to avoid people irl at all cost, I just want to be left alone and keep to myself. I’ve learned Layne couldn’t stand being famous and didn’t like people coming up and bugging him. I’m recluse without anyone wanting to come up to me but I would go literally insane if I was in his position.
Jar of Flies is a MUST LISTEN !!! Rotten Apple is another great song off the Album!!
There's alot to this song, for me. I watched a good documentary about Layne, can't remember off hand the name. In it they mention that during the tour that A/C was to open for Metallica, they pulled out partly due to Layne's addiction. Metallica proceeded to MOCK Lanye in stage during that tour. During THIS MTV Unplugged show, Metallica was in the front row. Never sat well with me.
Alice in Chains is a band that you need to go down the rabbit hole, you can't really understand them or things like this performance without the dive.
Although, as usual, you did an amazing reaction and analysis! I love your perspective on things!
To me this song is a CRY FOR HELP, and description of his Struggle with his HEROIN ADDICTION
Down in a hole-live at the Moore theater. Mad Season - wake up also live at the Moore theater
Down in a hole-MTV unplugged. Oops😮
“Love, Hate, Love” live at the Moor.
Moore
One of the greatest bands ever. RIP Layne.
This song is about Layne’s (lead singer) addiction to heroin. He was shit up right before going out on stage. Heroin raped his mind and body (he had lost most of his teeth by this point) he couldn’t be himself because the drugs took over, so he says he’d feel better dead. Unfortunately, he lost his battle. Rest easy brother.
You have to see "LOVE, HATE, LOVE, live at the MOORE theater, huge difference, he was in his prime, AND AT HIS BEST, while this is great, it's not his best, it was sad and scary seeing this show/ performance, he had lost so much weight, etc
The foretelling of the end of a great musical era and a great vocalist. This vibe captures the general feel in the air in the late 90s, for many people. Watching Layne's gradual demise, due to drugs, was heartbreaking. Watch one of his live performances for this song from years earlier. You'll see a tragic difference. I think he had lost his teeth by this point. Kinda sounds like it. It's all just heartbreaking.
He wrote his own eulogy, so sad 😢 like he called for help but didn’t get it breaks my heart
I do believe his heart was at like 40 percent capacity when they recorded this, from what I read his doctors didn't want him to perform anymore, he was already dying.
Alice in Chains is a serious rabbit hole for someone like yourself who is all about the psychology of what you're listening to. Rooster, to me at least, is about a man disassociating under the trauma of war. No excuses is, again to me, basically the lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell's personal feelings towards Layne and his drug addiction, and so on. There's a lot of heavy, poignant topics to tackle in their discography.
You can feel his pain. Layne voice will never be matched.
So interesting, your comments about a third verse...when this came out, this was my favorite song and I always wanted a third verse but, back then I never deeply analyzed the song, I just wanted it to keep going.