The reason you can't describe what you are hearing from Layne's voice is because what you are hearing is raw emotion, not technique,he's not singing the songs, he is living the songs and expressing it
I was thinking, if you’ve never been through heroin withdrawals and been dope sick, there is no way to explain the physical pain and the pain you feel in your soul, perfectly said, you’re hearing his pain.
This entire performance to me is Layne singing his own eulogy. There will never be another like Layne Staley. He was completely battered and broken from his heroin addiction here. There are interviews from people who worked on this performance and it’s known that Layne shot up heroin moments before taking the stage, and went right into performing with no hesitation. Knowing this makes it much harder to watch the performance. Layne is barely moving, eyes shut, head down, he can barely look at his band mates. Yet, he absolutely killed this performance, and I would argue this is the holy grail of MTVs unplugged era. RIP Layne Staley and everyone else gone from Alice In Chains.
So what if he used.... I used to use everyday at work and work on Million dollar equipment making million dollar shit.... just because he used I highly doubt he was in a coma... for Christ's sake at a certain point in addiction.you just use so u aren't sick.... u still function fine .. you act like he took haloperidol or what ever it's called...lmao.. he just used.... he was perfectly normal I guarantee u
as much as I love layne this song is not about him its about Jerry Cantrell (guitarist singing) and his relationship with Courtney Clark. We need to stop feeling like everything is a cry to help from Layne. He wouldnt of wanted us to feel this way about him!
As a lifelong Alice fan I still find this Unplugged performance really hard to watch. Layne seems so beaten by his demons at this point. For me they were by far the best band to come from the Grunge scene. Legend
@@mmaaddict78 Stop. You are just repeating gossip that isn’t true. He was missing one tooth by this time and it was on the side. Granted they weren’t in good shape but they definitely were there
I find it easy and good for my soul to watch. Watched it when it originally aired. Their best performance ever, not to be cliche with that, but it’s unreal to see bands in that type of setting. They nailed it.
My husband is an American combat veteran. I remember when he got out, he got on the alcohol other things. We were both athletes together in University. He enlisted in Navy and I went to grad school. We got married at the court house. I’m spent 8 deployments with him, not to count the trainings he was away for constantly and his instructor duty, where he came home every day, but was gone before I woke up and back after I was already asleep. When he got out, he hit a hard place. Not to count, he had some friends over time, but also students he had that passed. On top of a broken back, loosing much weight, working at a factory after the military where he says its such a world difference while also using his Gi bill for an engineering degree. Alice in Chains is his favorite band but he always tears up.
I mean, it's almost that. He was already dead inside (as far we know) and you can feel him drag his chains like a living ghost. It's too much heartbreaking, he was such a talented one, I usually cry listening to this unplugged and I tend to avoid the videos because it's impossibile to me not to cry seeing him like this :c
@@oggyoggy1299 yea layne struggled with drugs, predominately heroin, for a long time. He died shortly after this performance. It's really tragic and many of alice in chains' songs hint at laynes personal life within the lyrics
This unplugged was so good, but it makes me so so sad. You could see Layne was in a bad way and they were trying to pull him out of it. Layne's story is so tragic and he will be forever missed.
This unplugged version of Down in a hole, is the most hauntingly beautiful song ive ever heard. I'm a middle aged man, and this song makes me cry every time i hear it. The pain in Layne's voice is weirdly enchanting and emotional. It is hard to make me cry, but this song always does it to me.
A fun fact i really love. Layne gives these little looks and smiles to Jerry during the set. He does them because he always really loved Jerrys voice, and Layne actually lays back a little here and there to let him shine. He didnt tell Jerry, so he sort of puts him on the spot and he nails it. :3
I can’t remember but Jerry smiled at layne early in the show the open I think nutshell because he knew was layne was on and the rest is history to be enjoyed
Jerry had the flu and was sick as a dog vomiting but made it through the show. You can see a small wastebasket to the side of him in case he had to boot.
@@kanachanwhisper7174Jerry did said that Layne was the one that pushed him to sing so I don't see how this could be far from reality. Also, it was the right call to make Jerry shine a little on his own, his softness really puts it all together
Gosh, you can easily go down a rabbit hole with AIC. The studio version of this song will give you an idea of Layne’s range. I would recommend the unplugged version of Nutshell. RIP Layne!
@@md22773that’s the one that always got me. I was in an addiction when this came out. 7 years sober now and it reminds me of how quickly things can slip away.
I’ve always felt like Layne and Jerry’s voices combine to make this incredible third voice when they duet. So beautiful and haunting and I can’t think of another band with a sound like that.
Oh man, yes!!! I have also had this thought. They both have their own voices, and we’re all especially familiar with how Layne is able to soar in his own idiosyncratic way. But his and Jerry’s voices are also similar enough, and the harmonies constructed in such a way, as to form one solid tornado of beauty and sadness. Usually my ear just sort of automatically separates a main vocal from any harmonies going on. With AiC, I don’t even bother to try and pry the two melodic lines apart. It’s just magic. Thanks for verbalizing this, OP.
She is absolutely awesome. To be able to talk about Alice in chains like she does the first time she's ever heard of them makes me miss them and like her more.
It's Layne for me as well... ALWAYS, however I love Shannon Hoon as well, also Chris Cornell "of course," Corey Taylor, and last but not least Chester Bennington. ❤
To me, the Alice in Chains Unplugged show is one of the greatest live performances of all time. All of their songs are beautifully arranged for the acoustic medium, and Layne and Jerry's vocals blend amazingly. I was 14 when this concert aired on MTV and I was blown away.
To truly appreciate this video/song, you owe it to yourself to learn about Layne Staley's life and spiral downwards, to include the moments leading up to this performance. This song still gives me chills. I'm old enough and lucky enough to have enjoyed their music from the very beginning. Truly remarkable. RIP Layne.
Layne is so fragile here. His addiction had decimated his body by this point. This whole show is a crushing experience. Layne's voice is huge and powerful and here he's really struggling to get sound out, but still giving an incredible, singular, haunting performance. Apart from the sadness, Layne & Jerry have one of the best harmonies in all of rock. Just stunning, every song.
I heard once that early on Jerry was terrified to sing on stage, but Layne insisted that they sing together. To think, if Layne had been less supportive, we never would have had these amazing harmonies. It's heartwarming to know that they had each others backs the way that they did.
Now watching this, seeing Layne not looking towards the audience during the performance, the shame and disappointment he must have been feeling. So crazy to think about, let alone being in a band with him and competing with inevitabilty. Feel for everyone in the band, must've been so heartbreaking to deal with, and carry on after. Ugh. I miss him so much.
This is such a sad performance for me to see every time. Layne was so deep into his heroin addiction at this time, and the band hadn't performed together in months. You really nailed Layne's whole being into place when you described the fragility of his voice. He was fragile, but also powerful in his delivery of that feeling. As a former heroin addict (6 years sober now), I can relate to so much of what he was putting out into the world. I'm hooked on your videos of 90's and 2000's metal bands. Thank you 🖤
@@Deam7666 Thank you! My life certainly is much different today. I am a Designated Care Engineer and Certified Recovery Specialist. I work for an amazing paramedicine company, and have a high level of involvement in community events. It has been a journey! Thank you for the love you're sending!
Jerry was flawless in this show in every aspect, he put the show on his back, best unplugged ever, I do wish we could’ve seen this show years earlier when Layne was in better health and had more power, he was still great here but obviously well past his peak. Jerry/Layne duo is unmatched and their classic harmonizing really shined in this show. Anyway I agree with you on Jerry’s voice, he obviously doesn’t have the biggest range out there but for me his voice is just so smooth and easy on the ears, one of the most enjoyable voices to ever listen to imo
@@puppetmaster8551 It was an amazing performance but youre right Layne was not healthy or probably at his peak cause he hadnt been performing much during that period even though im sure they did alot of rehearsing. When I listen to these performances I cant really find any faults but I also know Layne's teeth were falling out at this point and that cant be good for your voice.
@@dmphax Same here, you can see how he wears his emotions for everyone to see while he performs. This is my favorite performance by them, i've seen it so many times and I still tear up when I watch it.
I just turned 40. At the time, when their radio songs became current, I dug them to an extent. I’m revisiting more stuff lately. And, I’m appreciating them on a different scale.
These guys have always been one of my favorite bands. All of them incredibly talented, the vocal combination of Layne and Jerry is soooo good. In this song especially, their harmonies are superb.
Jerry and Layne's harmony vocals were so special in the grunge genre. In this video, you're seeing Layne nearing the end of his battle with drug addiction, RIP. I'll echo the requests below for Love Hate Love live at the Moore Theater. It shows Layne at the height of his power, but no harmonies from Jerry on that one.
Layne was in bad shape here but he wasn’t really near the end of his battle, he lived 6 more years after this, people act like he was about to die in this show when in reality his death was still pretty far away and he definitely could’ve turned his life around, sad he wasn’t able to tho. I agree with the rest of your comment and recommending love hate love for people who want to see Layne healthy and with all his vocal power still
Truly haunting - what you are hearing is pure pain and sadness turned into vocals, without filter. Almost a death rattle foreshadowing the future, as Layne fought so hard to keep his head “above water” and stave addiction. One of the greatest vocalists of this era and I would argue of the genre. RIP Layne, Chris, Scott and so many others…. 🪦 👏 🪦
I know it’s two different styles but Bradley Nowell was the same with a lot of his music. It’s like he ever foreshadowed his battle with heroin was going to end in death
Layne’s tone and vibrato is the most unique. He also has tricks where he covers his voice and compresses the sound. He also has amazing breath control.
Umm, no. Layne was a heroin addict, not an alcoholic. He lived on for another 6 years after this. They hadn't played together for over two years before this, and it was his last performance with AIC.
@@ChrisGili-t4iehh Layne was a lot more then just a heroin addict. That might be the addiction that was the root of his troubles but the guy did literally everything, and he was also an alcoholic as well. By the time he died he lost function of his digestive system entirely, and was dead of an overdose of cocain mixed with heroin for over 2 weeks before they even discovered him, but the last guy who was with him, may he also rest in peace said Layne was literally in dire need of medical attention so he definitely had a lot of medical issues not just because of his heroin addiction but all the substance and alcohol abuse and diet. Idk about this particular show him having liver failure, I know jerry played this entire show with a bad case of food poisoning though and Layne played it right after shooting up a bunch of dope and had already suffered noticeable teeth loss and decay which is why in the final edits you don’t really see many shots of Layne where it can be seen.
What you're hearing is timeless, a legendary voice that will never be duplicated or forgotten. I would kill to see where this band was today with both of them still with us.
Layne dope sick and wasting away yet still delivers a fantastic performance. Prime Layne from the early 90s like the "live at the moore" show was unreal.
Yeah nah he was a heroin addict, he was probably just on enough for him not to be sick. If he was actually high, he wouldn't be sweating or anything like that. Those are withdrawal symptoms. And shades are lovely during withdrawals cause you simply hate everything ( eye contact ) when sick.@@david-nance
@nickelliott7327 he nodded out so hard he fell off the stool and had to be picked up also got lyrics wrong A LOT through the show but they kept going because when he was on he fucking nailed it its widely considered one of his best performances ever recorded and yes he was HIGH as fuck Jerry admitted to having to shoot him up a couple of times just to get him on stage through the whole thing
Love Hate Love live at the Moor is a must to get Layne at his absolute best. Edit to add that during this Unplugged recording Layne was battling his addiction really hard and at times had to be put back in his chair because he was nodding off from the heroin so it’s incredible that he managed to get so many beautiful songs recorded. This was shortly before his departure from the band so having this artwork in the world is something I’ll always be grateful for. Rest well, Layne.
As an avid Alice in Chains fan, I wanted to put this out there, particularly regarding Layne's demeanor during this performance. Layne Staley (the lead vocalist) was high on heroin for this show...not completely nodding out faded, but high enough to keep withdrawals away...apparently he was in withdrawals before the show and shot up right before so he wouldn't be sick/withdrawing for the performance...of course this is all anecdotal, but I am a musician/songwriter/vocalist and also a recovering addict (4 years clean) who managed to overcome the same type of addiction that ultimately killed Layne...and the anecdotal information described appears to accurately describe his disposition, at least in my experience. Fortunately his uniquely haunting and beautiful voice will live on forever. Thank you for your thoughtful review/reaction.
Dude nobody cares if he shot up before like you really knew him just shut up and listen to the music you aren't his brother and you dont have a mutual aquantince or some special bond
You don't just hear Layne you feel him. One of the most powerful, well controlled, effortless and unique voices ever heard. Check out the Live At The Moore concert, Love Hate Love, Man In The Box. Layne live and in his prime. RIP Layne.
Thanks for showing such respect and appreciation for Alice In Chains. I love how you described their voices. I’m still get chocked up when I hear them.
Very few people realize what a unicorn of a talent Layne was... You are describing it exactly right. It's the perfectly controlled emotional wail. There's angelic, crying, and anger... Think of like a male witch or something like that. He has that perfect strain / wail and a hell of a range if you listen. It's magic. If you really want to see what he can do, go watch Alice in Chains live at the Fillmore. It's 27 minutes long right here on TH-cam. The recording quality, cinematography, his vocal performance is absolutely outstanding even for him.... You need to go see that immediately if you haven't seen it. The whole thing is just wildly amazing. Pay close attention to the last two songs, especially from 17 minutes to 27 minutes in the video. To me, those 10 minutes are like the best real Rock ever recorded. It's absolute magic. I return to it all the time. Live at the Fillmore. Go look. It's so damn good.
I love them. When the dude heckled him when he forgot a lyric...mind you they hadn't performed in a while, they handled it with such class. They didn't address him directly, and Jerry was so beautifully protective, and the connection between the two is touching. I watch a part during Rooster over and over....right at the first chorus, Layne looks back at Jerry, who gave him a big smile. You could see the comfort on Layne's face. When Jerry pulled up next to him and had brought the lyrics...damn dude. I have a feeling it was probably difficult to be able to have him come. I can imagine he was pretty scared to sing and his look had changed. Jerry was so proud, and you could see it. Man, what at amazing show they put on. I'm so glad Jerry said something when dude was a jerk, then Layne made the remark, "What's my motivation?", and got cheers for it. He was able to get his bit in last without insulting anyone. A lot of talent, a lot of touching moments. Bittersweet. Their music never gets old.
Jerry was sick that day. That's why he has a trash can next to him to throw up in. And Layne was withdrawing from Heroin, so he was sick as well, but they still killed it and made history.
I was there. I was a guitar tech/stg mgr for them. Take into account Layne was slowly dying at this point. He was broken hearted. We never thought this even going to work. And now it’s iconic.this was the power of a.i.c.
Very cool job... I always have looked at this as him performing at his own funeral... sad but it is the truth..people that talk don't know about it and people that know don't talk about it....🤘☠️🤘
I saw Layne in a three piece suit at the start of their set on Lollapolooza in 93 and it was like 95 degrees that day! Needless to say he took the jacket tie vest and shirt off after playing Would the first song to start the show! Very charismatic singer and great stage presence! His voice very unique and an unbelievable range! RIP Layne! Layne’s mom said it best regarding his voice: it’s like Nails surrounded by marshmallows! I agree👍🏻 RIP LAYNE❤️
That wouldn't happen to have been in Waterloo, NJ was it? I was at that Lollapalooza as well. It was hot as hell that day and I remember the event bringing in firetrucks to hose down the crowd. Then the water bottle fight during AIC....
@@fubar1217 no this was in San Bernardino California where being in the desert in July was someone’s brilliant idea that caused heat stroke and sun poisoning for others! As for me I stayed in the shade!
@@garylagstrom3864 The venue in NJ allowed people to bring in sealed water bottles and provided water tanks for people to refill from. By the time AIC came on, the sun started to go down so everyone was pretty much done with their water bottles. At one point, I saw people in front of me looking behind me so I turned around and there were a few people tossing their empty plastic water bottles. Before you knew it, everyone was tossing them. If you were facing forward, looking from low to high was crowd, AIC on stage and water bottles in the air!
Great analysis. You put into words exactly what I feel when I listen to this. Truly a once in a lifetime vocal duo. Also, Love your hair, it reminds me of my wife's :)
It’s the fact that Layne was in really bad health condition during this show with his drug addiction, to still perform at this high level is just outstanding and showed how much of a talent this man was, we miss you Layne ❤️
True, Layne's voice somehow sounded high and low at the same time. His unique tone gave him that grittiness, I would say he's easily one of the best singers in rock history 💗
To me Layne and Jerry are one of the best vocal duos ever, their voices just compliment each other's so perfectly, and the way they harmonize and play off each other is just perfection
His voice is nothing that can really be described. Being in many bands over the years, I could never duplicate or come close to sounding like Layne. The only thing you could do was stay in key and try to hit the notes. If you watch Layne he never has to dig that deep to hit his high notes, he was just a natural talent who sang with raw emotion. Most haunting and beautiful voice of all time.
May you rest in peace Layne Stanley. Such a huge loss to this world! Jerry Cantrell and Layne sounded absolutely angelic together. I’m so fortunate to have grown up with Alice & Chains. Their “Jar of flies” album was played on repeat for years in our house. ❤
I think one of the reasons Staley is such an incredible vocalist is he literally sounds like he will never be able to hit the notes, or it sounds like he's about to cut off his voice, then he hits this insanely beautiful vibrato that nobody else can do, higher than you'd ever expect. Go check out his song with Heart. Shows a completely different side of him.
I have been watching a few of your reaction videos this evening and it is so exciting watching you discover some of the great performances of my youth. I was fortunate enough to get to see Layne and the rest of the guys in 1994 at Lolapalooza.
Layne Staley wasn't singing, he was crying for help. And it's the most beautiful cry you will ever hear from another man. It's heartbreaking and beautiful to listen to at the same time.
So nice to hear a vocal coach compliment my favourite band of all time so much. I’ve spent years trying to explain the complimentary duets of Staley and Cantrell.
“Love hate love” live at the Moore is a MUST watch, back when Layne was healthy. The entire show is phenomenal, but that song shows his true breath control and support.
Layne is one of my favorite vocalists from my youth (the other being Chris Cornell). Grunge music represented the angst and pain of that time for young people. Coming out of the Cold War, the decade of excess, and hair bands that did seem to represent our feelings. It is sad that Layne was already badly addicted to heroin by the time of this recording. He had one of the greatest and most powerful voices of our generation. Check out is live version of Love Hate Love from the Moore and you we see what I mean. Still hard to believe most of the great singers from that era left us to soon. RIP Layne, Chris C, Chris B, Kert, and Andrew you will not be forgotten.
That sound you can’t pick up on is pain. Jerry had to pick up a lot more vocals bc of Laynes deteriorating condition, he had a lisp bc of missing teeth. This unplugged session is epic 😢 RIP Layne
Layne didnt have missing teeth at this point... Thats a myth started by the internet because people had head he lost them at some point..if you watch the entire concert you can see his mouth several times and his teeth are there. He lost them months after this. His "lisp" is because of his singing style..it requires his tongue to be in the roof of his mouth, and farther back. Trying to do that and hit an "s" is hard to do...listen to him in the parts where he hits high notes and an "s"...its perfect... His voice was always like this.
Layne Staley sounds exactly like what living in Seattle feels like. It's cold and dark and gray and foggy here for 10 months a year. You hear that in his voice.
We all knew at the time that Layne was really sick but we didn't know how soon he would be taken from us. He sadly lived his lyrics. Layne's voice is pure pain, and Jerry's voice is angelic. Together, perfection. RIP Layne p.s. if you want to hear perhaps their best duo, I recommend Heaven beside you. But as other mentioned if you want to see Layne and how incredible he was when he was healthy, Love Hate love at the Moore will blow you away
Echoing, also: Love, Hate, Love at The Moor....one of the most stunning performances I have ever witnessed. RIP, Layne. You are MISSED!! Great reaction, AS ALWAYS!
I watched a documentary and everyone couldn't get over how much actual sound Layne could put out. Like it radiated from him core. Just a special talent and sadly a tortured soul. Very missed.
He was truly talented, I love how he also stood up for people. One time was in their book, their book was soo good. He saw a guy with a shaved head throwing up Nazi signs and messing with a believe a girl in the crowd. He pulled him on the stage and punched him. The cops went to go arrest him, but he was already on a ferry trying to get to the next city and they caught them. They finally let the crew and their equipment go after the guys brother days Layne was right and in fact shook his hand. The book was soo good!
@@Lizzie-h3j That and when they did the concert at the Moore when he said I used to walk six miles barefoot in the snow and someone yelled "UPHILL" and Layne pointed at him and goes uphill, good answer before he sung love hate love. It really shown Layne's amazing character. The book the untold story is just amazing. It highlighted his amazing character and how great of a person he really was.
It’s crazy becauthos was their 1st performance together in 2 years. Layne was in the throws of heroin addiction and all his teeth were rotted out. And still, he gave us this. Amazing.
His vocals are gritty but beautiful because he’s singing from his heart about his life , there will never be another layne 🤘🏻 I’m glad you’re hearing it and liking it
AIC always stood out to me from the rest of the grunge bands, with the two vocalists and their combination of acoustic and electric guitars gave them a very unique sound that buried into your soul. Great analysis, keep up the good work 🙂
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
This entire Unplugged show is both amazing and heartbreaking; it's like watching Layne's suffering put out right in front of the world for all to see.
Why is it always the pain that's so beautiful...
@@antivanti I think it's not so much the pain that is beautiful, but the vulnerability.
It's just absolutely devastating seeing him so fragile and broken.
He looks like he's singing to his own funeral.
It was like a signature for his obituary.
The reason you can't describe what you are hearing from Layne's voice is because what you are hearing is raw emotion, not technique,he's not singing the songs, he is living the songs and expressing it
never have I heard it better said.Bravo Bro.what she hears is pain...
So well said
100% spot on...
Spot on
I was thinking, if you’ve never been through heroin withdrawals and been dope sick, there is no way to explain the physical pain and the pain you feel in your soul, perfectly said, you’re hearing his pain.
This entire performance to me is Layne singing his own eulogy. There will never be another like Layne Staley. He was completely battered and broken from his heroin addiction here. There are interviews from people who worked on this performance and it’s known that Layne shot up heroin moments before taking the stage, and went right into performing with no hesitation. Knowing this makes it much harder to watch the performance. Layne is barely moving, eyes shut, head down, he can barely look at his band mates. Yet, he absolutely killed this performance, and I would argue this is the holy grail of MTVs unplugged era. RIP Layne Staley and everyone else gone from Alice In Chains.
You mean the other guy from the guy on the guitar
Agreed,,, 100%...
facts
So what if he used.... I used to use everyday at work and work on Million dollar equipment making million dollar shit.... just because he used I highly doubt he was in a coma... for Christ's sake at a certain point in addiction.you just use so u aren't sick.... u still function fine
.. you act like he took haloperidol or what ever it's called...lmao.. he just used.... he was perfectly normal I guarantee u
as much as I love layne this song is not about him its about Jerry Cantrell (guitarist singing) and his relationship with Courtney Clark. We need to stop feeling like everything is a cry to help from Layne. He wouldnt of wanted us to feel this way about him!
As a lifelong Alice fan I still find this Unplugged performance really hard to watch. Layne seems so beaten by his demons at this point. For me they were by far the best band to come from the Grunge scene. Legend
You can see that Layne is missing a lot of teeth here from the drugs if you watch the entire show.
High as hell.ADDICTION SUCKS!!!💯❤️
I agree. I love AIC but this was a bit rough to watch but they were so good.
@@mmaaddict78 Stop. You are just repeating gossip that isn’t true. He was missing one tooth by this time and it was on the side. Granted they weren’t in good shape but they definitely were there
I find it easy and good for my soul to watch. Watched it when it originally aired. Their best performance ever, not to be cliche with that, but it’s unreal to see bands in that type of setting. They nailed it.
Layne and Jerry's voices together is one of the best duets ever. Compliment each other perfectly.
"Dont Follow" might be best song w jerry.
i think jerry founded Silverchair too.
@jonathanehlers6855
Agree 100%
Their harmonys are truly almost a religious experience for me … truly they are the another’s twin flame ….
I totally agree! 100%!
I wish Layne was here today to see new people falling in love with his voice. He deserved it.
He and Mike Starr (the former bassist) who Layne introduced to Heroin.
We all loved them when they came out. This is not new.
Your right. I wish he was here, as well as my friends lost in the same hole.
My husband is an American combat veteran. I remember when he got out, he got on the alcohol other things. We were both athletes together in University. He enlisted in Navy and I went to grad school. We got married at the court house. I’m spent 8 deployments with him, not to count the trainings he was away for constantly and his instructor duty, where he came home every day, but was gone before I woke up and back after I was already asleep. When he got out, he hit a hard place. Not to count, he had some friends over time, but also students he had that passed. On top of a broken back, loosing much weight, working at a factory after the military where he says its such a world difference while also using his Gi bill for an engineering degree. Alice in Chains is his favorite band but he always tears up.
You mean the other guy from the guy on the guitar
The entire Unplugged set seems like Layne is singing for his own funeral.
I think he was the one who wanted the candles if I remember correctly
I mean, it's almost that. He was already dead inside (as far we know) and you can feel him drag his chains like a living ghost. It's too much heartbreaking, he was such a talented one, I usually cry listening to this unplugged and I tend to avoid the videos because it's impossibile to me not to cry seeing him like this :c
@@fujisawahaz
Jesus fucking Christ! Are you for real?
@@oggyoggy1299 yea layne struggled with drugs, predominately heroin, for a long time. He died shortly after this performance. It's really tragic and many of alice in chains' songs hint at laynes personal life within the lyrics
wasn't that nirvana?? @@charleshughes6636
This unplugged was so good, but it makes me so so sad. You could see Layne was in a bad way and they were trying to pull him out of it. Layne's story is so tragic and he will be forever missed.
For real
Spot on, exactly this
Man hearing these singers that were so young gone through tragedy makes me tear up at times.
Nutshell gives me chill bumps every time I hear it🥺
Yes.I remember watching this set and Jerry giving Layne a thumbs up at the end as if to say "It's ok,you did good" ❤
This unplugged version of Down in a hole, is the most hauntingly beautiful song ive ever heard. I'm a middle aged man, and this song makes me cry every time i hear it. The pain in Layne's voice is weirdly enchanting and emotional. It is hard to make me cry, but this song always does it to me.
Grown man myself. It's a lot of pain in that song. I shed a couple tears listening. Especially knowing Layne died so young. 😢
Credit to the sound guys on these old MTV Unplugged shows, the mix on all of them is so good.
This doesn't get stated enough. Amazing work by a group of humans that doesn't always get the fanfare that they should.
Great point! So true
Truth!
Absolutely. So good.
@@shandongunter7075100%
A fun fact i really love. Layne gives these little looks and smiles to Jerry during the set. He does them because he always really loved Jerrys voice, and Layne actually lays back a little here and there to let him shine. He didnt tell Jerry, so he sort of puts him on the spot and he nails it. :3
You are so sure that your opinion and perception is a fact...
I can’t remember but Jerry smiled at layne early in the show the open I think nutshell because he knew was layne was on and the rest is history to be enjoyed
Jerry had the flu and was sick as a dog vomiting but made it through the show. You can see a small wastebasket to the side of him in case he had to boot.
@@kanachanwhisper7174Jerry did said that Layne was the one that pushed him to sing so I don't see how this could be far from reality. Also, it was the right call to make Jerry shine a little on his own, his softness really puts it all together
Gosh, you can easily go down a rabbit hole with AIC. The studio version of this song will give you an idea of Layne’s range. I would recommend the unplugged version of Nutshell. RIP Layne!
Studio version of Nutshell is better
@@kimoronen1823of course it is but the emotions in the live version hits different
Yea he definitely sounded a bit bland in this version. I would have loved the album version. It's majestic.
Nutshell is so good on unplugged
@@devinclark8689It's because he's out of his mind on drugs and he didn't have any teeth.
“i’ve eaten the sun so my tongue has been burned of the taste” i’ve heard this song probably a million times and that lyric gets me everytime.
..."Look at me now, I'm a man that won't let himself be"... another one that just never ceases to ring out
@@md22773that’s the one that always got me. I was in an addiction when this came out. 7 years sober now and it reminds me of how quickly things can slip away.
@@md22773 "I've been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth" hits hard for me every time.
Same
"Oh you dont understand who they thought i was supposed to be"
It's crazy how powerful Layne's voice is but physically you can barely tell he's singing.
A live wire doesn't look powerful but it just is. Grab it and you will find out quick.
He had so much meaning behind what he was singing. I think he really wanted the the world to see what he seen.
Voice is still available even when strung out. So hate he couldn’t beat his demons. Fantastic front man and singer.
Their harmonic melodies were so hauntingly beautiful and hair-raising.
I’ve always felt like Layne and Jerry’s voices combine to make this incredible third voice when they duet. So beautiful and haunting and I can’t think of another band with a sound like that.
I'm dating myself, but Simon & Garfunkel had the same harmonious blend that was so unique (minus the grittiness of Layne's tone)
YES THIS
Haunting is a good word.
Whigfield!
Oh man, yes!!! I have also had this thought. They both have their own voices, and we’re all especially familiar with how Layne is able to soar in his own idiosyncratic way. But his and Jerry’s voices are also similar enough, and the harmonies constructed in such a way, as to form one solid tornado of beauty and sadness. Usually my ear just sort of automatically separates a main vocal from any harmonies going on. With AiC, I don’t even bother to try and pry the two melodic lines apart. It’s just magic. Thanks for verbalizing this, OP.
Layne Staley is the most unique and underrated voice of the grunge era. Jerry Cantrell, again, is an underrated genius of composer.
Cantrell is one of music’s greatest composers. Not just rock or grunge but all of music across all time to include music, lyrics and composition
I do wish Jerry would keep his stale somewhat boring voice out of the vocals or spotlight and let Layne be the unique star lead singer he is.
This is correct.
@@jasonkelly8451crazy take, the harmonies set them apart, plus most of those are his songs. Love jerries voice. Adds an awesome layer.
❤100%
She is absolutely awesome. To be able to talk about Alice in chains like she does the first time she's ever heard of them makes me miss them and like her more.
Lane's mother described his voice as razirblades covered in marshmallow. Very unique voice.
Very apt description, in my opinion. While not the same, I think Chester Bennington from Linkin Park had this quality too.
I appreciate that description very much.
That, is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! 😢
@@denniscarney5249spittin
Their unplugged was one of the best live sets ever. Hits me every time
Agreed. It’s perfect front to back
💯💯❤️❤️
and side 2 syde @@pristineacupuncturewellnes5549
Indeed
Thee best MTV live unplugged...100 percent.
Laynes voice hits me in the feels. No other voice like his
Shannon Hoon for me
It's Layne for me as well... ALWAYS, however I love Shannon Hoon as well, also Chris Cornell "of course," Corey Taylor, and last but not least Chester Bennington. ❤
Jerry doesn’t get enough credit as a singer. His solo stuff is solid.
Love his solo stuff, too!
Yup
And writer
Lol this is the obligatory comment on every Alice In Chains video on TH-cam
Prism of Doubt is honestly one of my favorite songs Jerry's ever written.
To me, the Alice in Chains Unplugged show is one of the greatest live performances of all time. All of their songs are beautifully arranged for the acoustic medium, and Layne and Jerry's vocals blend amazingly. I was 14 when this concert aired on MTV and I was blown away.
STP, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in chains all had incredible unplugged performances.
Absolutely
Eenzaamheid. Zo hartverscheurend mooi
It's the best that has ever been done. Ever.
Oh please, do you mean to tell me that KISS' "unplugged" wasn't better. /s
To truly appreciate this video/song, you owe it to yourself to learn about Layne Staley's life and spiral downwards, to include the moments leading up to this performance. This song still gives me chills. I'm old enough and lucky enough to have enjoyed their music from the very beginning. Truly remarkable. RIP Layne.
Layne is so fragile here. His addiction had decimated his body by this point. This whole show is a crushing experience. Layne's voice is huge and powerful and here he's really struggling to get sound out, but still giving an incredible, singular, haunting performance. Apart from the sadness, Layne & Jerry have one of the best harmonies in all of rock. Just stunning, every song.
I heard once that early on Jerry was terrified to sing on stage, but Layne insisted that they sing together. To think, if Layne had been less supportive, we never would have had these amazing harmonies. It's heartwarming to know that they had each others backs the way that they did.
Yeah, jump from this to Love, Hate, Love live…
@@Nick17354 Yea, Layne was so smart that he knew they would sound better harmonizing together
Now watching this, seeing Layne not looking towards the audience during the performance, the shame and disappointment he must have been feeling. So crazy to think about, let alone being in a band with him and competing with inevitabilty. Feel for everyone in the band, must've been so heartbreaking to deal with, and carry on after. Ugh. I miss him so much.
Haunting is the perfect word to use here
Definitely need to do "Love Hate Love" live at the Moor. You won't be disappointed. Love your content.
This.
Here to boost this. Love Hate Love from Live at the Moore (1990) is out of this world.
For sure!
I totally agree!
To me, it is truly one of the greatest live vocal performances ever. Period. Not saying that it is the Greatest, just one of...
He was literally on his deathbed at this concert. Your ending is sad. RIP Layne Staley, you can’t ever be replaced.
No, he wasn’t. He was a junkie but Layne lived another 6 years. This was before his ex-fiancé passed.
This is such a sad performance for me to see every time. Layne was so deep into his heroin addiction at this time, and the band hadn't performed together in months. You really nailed Layne's whole being into place when you described the fragility of his voice. He was fragile, but also powerful in his delivery of that feeling. As a former heroin addict (6 years sober now), I can relate to so much of what he was putting out into the world. I'm hooked on your videos of 90's and 2000's metal bands. Thank you 🖤
Congratulations on your sobriety-truly. Keep staying strong- you’re worth it and deserve to have peace in your life. Take care!!!
@@Deam7666 Thank you! My life certainly is much different today. I am a Designated Care Engineer and Certified Recovery Specialist. I work for an amazing paramedicine company, and have a high level of involvement in community events. It has been a journey! Thank you for the love you're sending!
It's not air pressure sister, it's pain 💔
@@TheLoneCamper Yikes bro. Sounds like someone needs to take a break from the internet...
@@TheLoneCamper Dude put down the Adderall please.
Spot on. It’s pain. 💔🖤
@@TheLoneCamperdamn man, you hit the nail on the head with that!
Uh, nah. It’s air pressure
I love the ways you described Layne’s voice because his is definitely a very unique sound, so hard to put into words. Great reaction!
I absolutely love Jerry's voice, especially in this performance, and with Layne it's just pure bliss.
Jerry was flawless in this show in every aspect, he put the show on his back, best unplugged ever, I do wish we could’ve seen this show years earlier when Layne was in better health and had more power, he was still great here but obviously well past his peak. Jerry/Layne duo is unmatched and their classic harmonizing really shined in this show. Anyway I agree with you on Jerry’s voice, he obviously doesn’t have the biggest range out there but for me his voice is just so smooth and easy on the ears, one of the most enjoyable voices to ever listen to imo
@@puppetmaster8551 It was an amazing performance but youre right Layne was not healthy or probably at his peak cause he hadnt been performing much during that period even though im sure they did alot of rehearsing. When I listen to these performances I cant really find any faults but I also know Layne's teeth were falling out at this point and that cant be good for your voice.
Jerry's passion and pain are on full display here. He makes me tear up.
@@dmphax Same here, you can see how he wears his emotions for everyone to see while he performs. This is my favorite performance by them, i've seen it so many times and I still tear up when I watch it.
He was the very first person I ever saw in concert. Jerry Cantrell and Days of the New opened for Metallica.
I heard it described somewhere as Layne's voice sounds like he's singing at his own funeral. It just resonated with me.
Wheww... That's deep, I can totally see that... Layne was so deep in his addiction, but still managed to sing his head off
Love that simili, who could state that better!
That was a good perspective.
The unplugged album is just something that will silence you. I've listened to it a thousand times, and will a thousand more.
Best band from the 90s! I’m 50 now but still feel 22. RIP Layne!!
Same!
Agreed
I just turned 40. At the time, when their radio songs became current, I dug them to an extent. I’m revisiting more stuff lately. And, I’m appreciating them on a different scale.
Dude, I'm nearly 49... and I STILL love Alice In Chains.
We were really lucky that HFS in the dc area played Alice in Chains non stop
Layne is a GOAT, nobody will ever have the same voice
A Goat as in rugged, raw, and stubborn, vocally, and emotionally, speaking?
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhdunno man. No disrespect, but CHRIS CORNELL?
@@Tiangco1you're talking about 2 different arenas. This time in music was..... ground breaking. Infact, it was the realization of a broken nation.
@@brickovenfarmandfare8653 interesting thought. Thank you.
He is the Jordan of rock singers.
These guys have always been one of my favorite bands. All of them incredibly talented, the vocal combination of Layne and Jerry is soooo good. In this song especially, their harmonies are superb.
Jerry and Layne's harmony vocals were so special in the grunge genre. In this video, you're seeing Layne nearing the end of his battle with drug addiction, RIP. I'll echo the requests below for Love Hate Love live at the Moore Theater. It shows Layne at the height of his power, but no harmonies from Jerry on that one.
Layne was in bad shape here but he wasn’t really near the end of his battle, he lived 6 more years after this, people act like he was about to die in this show when in reality his death was still pretty far away and he definitely could’ve turned his life around, sad he wasn’t able to tho. I agree with the rest of your comment and recommending love hate love for people who want to see Layne healthy and with all his vocal power still
great point I agree
Definitely agree on Love Hate Love live at the Moore. Mind blowing.
Exactly what I was thinking @@puppetmaster8551
Moore Theater is an absolute must for any AIC afficionado. Epic.
Truly haunting - what you are hearing is pure pain and sadness turned into vocals, without filter. Almost a death rattle foreshadowing the future, as Layne fought so hard to keep his head “above water” and stave addiction.
One of the greatest vocalists of this era and I would argue of the genre.
RIP Layne, Chris, Scott and so many others…. 🪦 👏 🪦
I know it’s two different styles but Bradley Nowell was the same with a lot of his music. It’s like he ever foreshadowed his battle with heroin was going to end in death
Layne’s tone and vibrato is the most unique. He also has tricks where he covers his voice and compresses the sound. He also has amazing breath control.
Staley and Cantrell are pure magic together...i miss them together 😢 Rip Layne
Does she know?
I don't reckon she does.
Hey! The Vocalyst doesn't even know their names!??!
I'm guessin no.
In your research on lead vocalist Layne Staley you will understand why he looks and acts the way he does here. RIP LAYNE ❤
🥹😞
Why are all the greats so troubled and leave us too soon?😢
He was in agony here, going through organ failure from alcoholism.
Umm, no. Layne was a heroin addict, not an alcoholic. He lived on for another 6 years after this. They hadn't played together for over two years before this, and it was his last performance with AIC.
@@ChrisGili-t4iehh Layne was a lot more then just a heroin addict. That might be the addiction that was the root of his troubles but the guy did literally everything, and he was also an alcoholic as well. By the time he died he lost function of his digestive system entirely, and was dead of an overdose of cocain mixed with heroin for over 2 weeks before they even discovered him, but the last guy who was with him, may he also rest in peace said Layne was literally in dire need of medical attention so he definitely had a lot of medical issues not just because of his heroin addiction but all the substance and alcohol abuse and diet. Idk about this particular show him having liver failure, I know jerry played this entire show with a bad case of food poisoning though and Layne played it right after shooting up a bunch of dope and had already suffered noticeable teeth loss and decay which is why in the final edits you don’t really see many shots of Layne where it can be seen.
No two voices have ever meshed together better than Layne and Jerry.
The pure torment of Layne's voice is agonizing and beautiful at the same time.
WooWw perfect description!!!!
Hearing Layne sing certain lines always hits so hard knowing his story. RIP
What you're hearing is timeless, a legendary voice that will never be duplicated or forgotten. I would kill to see where this band was today with both of them still with us.
Layne dope sick and wasting away yet still delivers a fantastic performance. Prime Layne from the early 90s like the "live at the moore" show was unreal.
Im pretty sure he was high here. Thats why hes sweating and wearing shades in the dark. Trust me i know the signs lol
Yeah nah he was a heroin addict, he was probably just on enough for him not to be sick. If he was actually high, he wouldn't be sweating or anything like that. Those are withdrawal symptoms. And shades are lovely during withdrawals cause you simply hate everything ( eye contact ) when sick.@@david-nance
His teeth were falling out at this point, that’s why he had the lisp
He wasn’t dope sick here. He was actually nodding out a lot and they had to do a couple takes because he would nod out
@nickelliott7327 he nodded out so hard he fell off the stool and had to be picked up also got lyrics wrong A LOT through the show but they kept going because when he was on he fucking nailed it its widely considered one of his best performances ever recorded and yes he was HIGH as fuck Jerry admitted to having to shoot him up a couple of times just to get him on stage through the whole thing
It’s great when Jerry gives that nod and smile when he hit that note.
Layne's voice and Jerry's voice combined are like the threads that make a rope ...so powerful!
Still gives me chills after the millionth listen…
Love Hate Love live at the Moor is a must to get Layne at his absolute best.
Edit to add that during this Unplugged recording Layne was battling his addiction really hard and at times had to be put back in his chair because he was nodding off from the heroin so it’s incredible that he managed to get so many beautiful songs recorded. This was shortly before his departure from the band so having this artwork in the world is something I’ll always be grateful for. Rest well, Layne.
Layne was not battling his addiction by this point. He had already given up.
Also the chair thing is disputed a lot.
The harmony they produce is absolutely brilliant and haunting. The art they produced was so underrated.
Layne is without a doubt the best singer from this time period. Jar of Flys is one of my favorite albums.
Chris Cornell is right there also IMO
@@aspjake123many do argue that, but personally Layne invokes much more emotion compared to Chris, who to me is more... Monotone or colorless.
chris cornell definitely, but layne is amazing in his own right, as a singer and lyricist.
jar of Flys was one of worst chains albums
@@jammiehill5466 everyone has an opinion, yours just happens to be wrong.
As an avid Alice in Chains fan, I wanted to put this out there, particularly regarding Layne's demeanor during this performance. Layne Staley (the lead vocalist) was high on heroin for this show...not completely nodding out faded, but high enough to keep withdrawals away...apparently he was in withdrawals before the show and shot up right before so he wouldn't be sick/withdrawing for the performance...of course this is all anecdotal, but I am a musician/songwriter/vocalist and also a recovering addict (4 years clean) who managed to overcome the same type of addiction that ultimately killed Layne...and the anecdotal information described appears to accurately describe his disposition, at least in my experience. Fortunately his uniquely haunting and beautiful voice will live on forever. Thank you for your thoughtful review/reaction.
Dude nobody cares if he shot up before like you really knew him just shut up and listen to the music you aren't his brother and you dont have a mutual aquantince or some special bond
@@DH-cj7nmman you sound like a fun person to be around
@@calebc5057 the framus intersects with the ramistan approximately at the poternostra
He doesn’t seem high to me at all. Not nodding out or anything. Very aware and in tune with the music.
Thats rude as hell and I think people do care, not everyone has done heroine so it provides perspective. @DH-cj7nm
I love how you come to this song for the first time and are able to tune right in and conceptualize that which captured our ears 30 years ago.
You don't just hear Layne you feel him. One of the most powerful, well controlled, effortless and unique voices ever heard. Check out the Live At The Moore concert, Love Hate Love, Man In The Box. Layne live and in his prime. RIP Layne.
Absolutely right. Will check that gig out, thanks. What a troubled soul he was. 😢
Unplugged in the 90's can never be replicated.
Thanks for showing such respect and appreciation for Alice In Chains. I love how you described their voices. I’m still get chocked up when I hear them.
SAME
Very few people realize what a unicorn of a talent Layne was... You are describing it exactly right. It's the perfectly controlled emotional wail. There's angelic, crying, and anger...
Think of like a male witch or something like that. He has that perfect strain / wail and a hell of a range if you listen. It's magic. If you really want to see what he can do, go watch Alice in Chains live at the Fillmore. It's 27 minutes long right here on TH-cam. The recording quality, cinematography, his vocal performance is absolutely outstanding even for him.... You need to go see that immediately if you haven't seen it. The whole thing is just wildly amazing.
Pay close attention to the last two songs, especially from 17 minutes to 27 minutes in the video. To me, those 10 minutes are like the best real Rock ever recorded. It's absolute magic. I return to it all the time. Live at the Fillmore. Go look. It's so damn good.
I love them. When the dude
heckled him when he forgot a lyric...mind you they hadn't performed in a while, they handled it with such class. They didn't address him directly, and Jerry was so beautifully protective, and the connection between the two is touching. I watch a part during Rooster over and over....right at the first chorus, Layne looks back at Jerry, who gave him a big smile. You could see the comfort on Layne's face. When Jerry pulled up next to him and had brought the lyrics...damn dude. I have a feeling it was probably difficult to be able to have him come. I can imagine he was pretty scared to sing and his look had changed. Jerry was so proud, and you could see it. Man, what at amazing show they put on. I'm so glad Jerry said something when dude was a jerk, then Layne made the remark, "What's my motivation?", and got cheers for it. He was able to get his bit in last without insulting anyone. A lot of talent, a lot of touching moments. Bittersweet. Their music never gets old.
Jerry was sick that day. That's why he has a trash can next to him to throw up in. And Layne was withdrawing from Heroin, so he was sick as well, but they still killed it and made history.
That was actually one of the guys from Metallica 😂
@@siobhanwalsh7050🔔ends
Take a look at "Love Hate Love" live at the Moor. And you will see how much he was contained! :) Btw amazing work! Please continue !
Yeah, Love Hate Love really shows off Laynes range
I was there. I was a guitar tech/stg mgr for them. Take into account Layne was slowly dying at this point. He was broken hearted. We never thought this even going to work. And now it’s iconic.this was the power of a.i.c.
Very cool job... I always have looked at this as him performing at his own funeral... sad but it is the truth..people that talk don't know about it and people that know don't talk about it....🤘☠️🤘
Love hate love live at the moore layne at his peak
Agreed, love to see a reaction to this.
I saw Layne in a three piece suit at the start of their set on Lollapolooza in 93 and it was like 95 degrees that day! Needless to say he took the jacket tie vest and shirt off after playing Would the first song to start the show! Very charismatic singer and great stage presence! His voice very unique and an unbelievable range! RIP Layne!
Layne’s mom said it best regarding his voice: it’s like Nails surrounded by marshmallows! I agree👍🏻 RIP LAYNE❤️
That wouldn't happen to have been in Waterloo, NJ was it? I was at that Lollapalooza as well. It was hot as hell that day and I remember the event bringing in firetrucks to hose down the crowd. Then the water bottle fight during AIC....
@@fubar1217 no this was in San Bernardino California where being in the desert in July was someone’s brilliant idea that caused heat stroke and sun poisoning for others! As for me I stayed in the shade!
@@garylagstrom3864 The venue in NJ allowed people to bring in sealed water bottles and provided water tanks for people to refill from. By the time AIC came on, the sun started to go down so everyone was pretty much done with their water bottles. At one point, I saw people in front of me looking behind me so I turned around and there were a few people tossing their empty plastic water bottles. Before you knew it, everyone was tossing them. If you were facing forward, looking from low to high was crowd, AIC on stage and water bottles in the air!
Dude you comment this on like EVERY Alice In Chains video I watch ! Love it !
I was also at the Gorge ,hot as hell,enjoying every moment watching Layne sing his ass off
Great analysis. You put into words exactly what I feel when I listen to this. Truly a once in a lifetime vocal duo. Also, Love your hair, it reminds me of my wife's :)
This is a man singing his own eulogy. Its brilliance brings me to tears every time I hear it.
I loved hearing you try to describe his voice. It's so pure of pain and emotion. It makes me feel something so real
It’s the fact that Layne was in really bad health condition during this show with his drug addiction, to still perform at this high level is just outstanding and showed how much of a talent this man was, we miss you Layne ❤️
True, Layne's voice somehow sounded high and low at the same time. His unique tone gave him that grittiness, I would say he's easily one of the best singers in rock history 💗
Such a beautiful, yet sad video. RIP Layne, there will never be another voice as astounding as yours.
To me Layne and Jerry are one of the best vocal duos ever, their voices just compliment each other's so perfectly, and the way they harmonize and play off each other is just perfection
Can't say Jerry really compares
Seeing this performance for the first time in many years, brought tears to my eyes. The world lost a truly great vocalist and lyricist. RIP Layne 🤘🏻
i just found you, and as a music guy, bass player, born in 80s, who loves Alt rock and metal...I think I love you
His voice is nothing that can really be described. Being in many bands over the years, I could never duplicate or come close to sounding like Layne. The only thing you could do was stay in key and try to hit the notes. If you watch Layne he never has to dig that deep to hit his high notes, he was just a natural talent who sang with raw emotion. Most haunting and beautiful voice of all time.
If you don’t watch them perform Nutshell from this same set you’re doing yourself a disservice
Totally agree 👍
💯
Absolutely. It was perfection for my ears.
So true. And heaven beside you. Really the whole unplugged performance was legendary.
When you say twang, you are spot on. There is a country esque nature to his voice. Almost like a grunge Hank Williams Sr
May you rest in peace Layne Stanley. Such a huge loss to this world! Jerry Cantrell and Layne sounded absolutely angelic together. I’m so fortunate to have grown up with Alice & Chains. Their “Jar of flies” album was played on repeat for years in our house. ❤
I think one of the reasons Staley is such an incredible vocalist is he literally sounds like he will never be able to hit the notes, or it sounds like he's about to cut off his voice, then he hits this insanely beautiful vibrato that nobody else can do, higher than you'd ever expect. Go check out his song with Heart. Shows a completely different side of him.
I never thought of it that way but that's a perfect description!
I have been watching a few of your reaction videos this evening and it is so exciting watching you discover some of the great performances of my youth. I was fortunate enough to get to see Layne and the rest of the guys in 1994 at Lolapalooza.
Lane was dying and his voice was a plea from the grave he knew he was falling in. So sad yet so beautiful.
💔
Dying? This was in 1996 and he died in 2002 m9
@@planetcaravan2925heroine tends to slowly kill from the inside, unless you shoot a bunch at once and OD. So yes he was dying, slowly and painfully.
He OD'd three weeks later
Layne Staley wasn't singing, he was crying for help. And it's the most beautiful cry you will ever hear from another man. It's heartbreaking and beautiful to listen to at the same time.
Unfortunately no one can help us addicts 😢
So nice to hear a vocal coach compliment my favourite band of all time so much.
I’ve spent years trying to explain the complimentary duets of Staley and Cantrell.
“Love hate love” live at the Moore is a MUST watch, back when Layne was healthy. The entire show is phenomenal, but that song shows his true breath control and support.
Layne is one of my favorite vocalists from my youth (the other being Chris Cornell). Grunge music represented the angst and pain of that time for young people. Coming out of the Cold War, the decade of excess, and hair bands that did seem to represent our feelings. It is sad that Layne was already badly addicted to heroin by the time of this recording. He had one of the greatest and most powerful voices of our generation. Check out is live version of Love Hate Love from the Moore and you we see what I mean. Still hard to believe most of the great singers from that era left us to soon. RIP Layne, Chris C, Chris B, Kert, and Andrew you will not be forgotten.
🙏🏿🕯️💜
Can’t forget Scott Weiland! All great vocalists👍🏻
Yeah, you nailed it: Layne was wailing during this performance - a beautiful song that is tough to listen to at the same time.
That sound you can’t pick up on is pain. Jerry had to pick up a lot more vocals bc of Laynes deteriorating condition, he had a lisp bc of missing teeth. This unplugged session is epic 😢 RIP Layne
Layne didnt have missing teeth at this point...
Thats a myth started by the internet because people had head he lost them at some point..if you watch the entire concert you can see his mouth several times and his teeth are there. He lost them months after this.
His "lisp" is because of his singing style..it requires his tongue to be in the roof of his mouth, and farther back. Trying to do that and hit an "s" is hard to do...listen to him in the parts where he hits high notes and an "s"...its perfect...
His voice was always like this.
His teeth were definitely there. The shadows from the overhead lights have the illusion of no top teeth.
Layne Staley sounds exactly like what living in Seattle feels like.
It's cold and dark and gray and foggy here for 10 months a year.
You hear that in his voice.
I teared up hearing you tiring to explain their sound. They will never be duplicated! Growing up in the 90's was a gift!
He clearly wasn't well in his addiction to heroin at this point, you can hear it in his voice yet still sounds more amazing than most! RIP Layne
Missing teeth will definitely do that. He does quite a great job masking it, as well.
What strikes me is how even at that point, his voice was so on point....its so natural to him, so engrained...
You realize he shot up about 30 minutes right before this entire performance, right? He was fucked at this point.
We all knew at the time that Layne was really sick but we didn't know how soon he would be taken from us. He sadly lived his lyrics. Layne's voice is pure pain, and Jerry's voice is angelic. Together, perfection. RIP Layne p.s. if you want to hear perhaps their best duo, I recommend Heaven beside you. But as other mentioned if you want to see Layne and how incredible he was when he was healthy, Love Hate love at the Moore will blow you away
Aw man, binging on your channel and seeing all these incredible artists that are no longer with us that I grew up with 😢
Echoing, also: Love, Hate, Love at The Moor....one of the most stunning performances I have ever witnessed. RIP, Layne. You are MISSED!! Great reaction, AS ALWAYS!
I watched a documentary and everyone couldn't get over how much actual sound Layne could put out. Like it radiated from him core. Just a special talent and sadly a tortured soul. Very missed.
It was said you could hear him belting the lyrics through his chest louder than the loud speakers.
@@B20V-SOL That's true! One of his Mad Season mates said that
He was truly talented, I love how he also stood up for people. One time was in their book, their book was soo good. He saw a guy with a shaved head throwing up Nazi signs and messing with a believe a girl in the crowd. He pulled him on the stage and punched him. The cops went to go arrest him, but he was already on a ferry trying to get to the next city and they caught them. They finally let the crew and their equipment go after the guys brother days Layne was right and in fact shook his hand. The book was soo good!
@@B20V-SOLI've heard that. What a gig that would have been!
@@Lizzie-h3j That and when they did the concert at the Moore when he said I used to walk six miles barefoot in the snow and someone yelled "UPHILL" and Layne pointed at him and goes uphill, good answer before he sung love hate love. It really shown Layne's amazing character. The book the untold story is just amazing. It highlighted his amazing character and how great of a person he really was.
@7:02 the way Jerry looks over at Mike. "Nailed it"
One of the most beautiful and at the same time heartbreaking performances you’ll ever see.
here crying with my father in the ICU. This was one of his favorite performances ever, we listened to it endlessly.
❤️❤️🫂
❤
It’s crazy becauthos was their 1st performance together in 2 years. Layne was in the throws of heroin addiction and all his teeth were rotted out. And still, he gave us this. Amazing.
His vocals are gritty but beautiful because he’s singing from his heart about his life , there will never be another layne 🤘🏻 I’m glad you’re hearing it and liking it
Have you ever listened to the band Chout? It's as though Layne is reincarnated. Blew my mind hearing this dude sing.
One of the best vocal duos in rock ever.
The Harmony between Layne and Jerry’s voice is why I love this band so much
Now you have to listen to all their songs. Layne will blow your mind.
AIC always stood out to me from the rest of the grunge bands, with the two vocalists and their combination of acoustic and electric guitars gave them a very unique sound that buried into your soul.
Great analysis, keep up the good work 🙂