This was such a hauntingly sad video, and sadly TH-cam is really strict about my AIC uploads so I had to dim the video a bit for it to be unblocked. I hope you all understand as I would love to keep listening to them and honoring their legacy ❤️
I really enjoy your reactions but find it absolutely ridiculous TH-cam has to be such assholes about the videos. Still a great reaction and so sad to see just how bad Layne looks. Drug addiction is a bitch. RIP dude
can you react to 'down in a hole' for your next AIC video.. you wont be disapointed.. its a trip because you can really feel his pain through this soung... like he trying to tell us something not rite.
It’s literally the greatest acoustic performance of all time. I don’t care what anyone says. The raw emotion Layne puts out is immeasurable. RIP his sweet soul.
I read a comment once that said 'this is the closest anyone has come to singing at their own funeral'. I gotta say, that one hit hard. Such pain in this performance, RIP Layne.
i read a similar comment somewhere ... "Nutshell was Layne singing his own eulogy". So sad and such a huge loss to the world given his creativity and gift of his unique voice.
@@jamesgregg5689 Hey fck nut it was 1 of his last live performances EVER. We’re ALL aware of when he died versus when this unplugged was. This is about as close to eulogizing oneself is possible. Right up there with Kurt Cobain in Nirvanas unplugged and Johnny Cash’s music video/cover of “Hurt” by NIN. OP is right, he had lost teeth to addiction by this time. He was emaciated and withering away firmly in the grips of heroin addiction by this point. He wore gloves and a long sleeve shirt NOT for esthetics, but to hide the track marks in his hand and on his arms. Just over 6 months after this was taped the love of his life Demri died to an overdose. This became one of his last (and best imo) concerts ever. He stopped playing shows shortly after Demri died I believe and became a complete recluse. Sticking a needle in his arms until it finally killed him 5-6 years later.
Me personally, I think that Mike Inez is very underrated as well. Even though man got to play with Ozzy Osbourne, he still doesn't get talked about that much.
I saw someone say once that this is the closest you'll ever see of someone singing at their own funeral. And I think about that at least every day, RIP layne 🤘❤️
In June I'll be 7 years clean from heroine. I used for the better part of 15 years. I feel this song so deep in my self. To anyone struggling, there is a great life on the other side of using. I promise.
In a hospital now. Just had surgery on my foot from an infection shooting this garbage fent tranq bs. Lucky I didn't lose my foot. This life is a nightmare. I hope I can kick it this time. I'm on 80 mgs of methadone and it barely helps. Hasn't been real heroin in CT in years.
“If I can’t be my own, I’d feel better dead.” I’ve listened to this songs thousands of times and that line always makes me tear up 😢 RIP LAYNE. You are greatly missed.
I listened to this when I was a teenager but it wasn’t until my 40s when I completed understood this verse. Who we become and what we identify as is more important than being alive if it’s taken away from us. I was badly injured at 42 and couldn’t walk for months. The darkest point in my life. When I heard this song during that time I cried like never before. I wanted death because I had an active life. Secretly I asked god to just take me if I couldn’t walk again. I wanted to be my own my self as I identified as. I eventually walked again and got my life back. No one knows that I desired death if this wasn’t the outcome.
Amen brother. We're blessed maniacs to even have been around when these jams were in play atm too. Those were pretty sweet times way back in the day and I've still got tons of memories left...minus all the brain cells lost to headbanging drug and booze filled nights that lasted well into the day. Decent enough for myself.
@@Jeff-ok6dr sheer greatness isn't truly appreciated until you can stop and soak it all in. I took em for granted back when I was 17 or 18 either man. Now I see it all much clearer
@@yduronerom6380 I was 12 when I first heard them back in the late 90s. But as I got into my mid 20s I truly appreciated them for being such a great band given all the problems they faced
One of the most iconically haunting performances. Layne was so bad at this point drug wise and no matter what he always delivered a flawless performance. The way he just walks right into his opening note, ugh. Chills
@@TheDeadStretch ....No he hadn't, he was on heroin not meth, and while it's obvious he is not in a good shape emotionally during this performance, there is absolutely no evidence he was high this night, and he didn't pass away until 6years after this performance.
again, im on youtube listening to nutshell reactions as if i can, vicariously, feel the pain with someone else. im going through a lot right now... i so dearly miss Layne and his voice. im a grown freaking man and yet, i'll admit that i get literal tears in my eyes every time i hear this. i lost my sister in 2003. this song will forever be attached to the last living memory i have of her. it never gets easier no matter how many times i hear this. thank you for reviewing this. keep this track alive forever. in this lifetime and the next
I hope life is easing up on you a bit now. This song is also attached to loss in my life. I somehow manage to find peace and joy through the tears too though. May you find that side as well. Someday if not today.
I have a hard time not completely breaking down every time I hear this song. This song really hits home for not only me but millions of people like me. Thank God for 9 years clean and sober. Rest easy Layne there is no more pain.
Nice job. One day at a time. Keep up the good fight against those demons. 5.28.2008 is the day I quit burying myself. I believe Layne sang this to worn us of the end game to addiction, Angels do exist.
Ahhhhh but I want it now lol. You also have to check out "Down in a Hole" unplugged from this same concert. So amazing and you will love it. Alice in Chains is my favorite band from the grunge era.
Layne wrote the lyrics to nutshell.... the other AIC band mates wrote the music.... you feel this in your bones because not only did Layne write this... he lived it and felt it .... RIP in Layne... gone but definitely not forgotten 😢
This was Layne's message to his bandmates and to the world. His own eulogy. He knew it was a battle that he was going to lose. For as sad and defeated as this tune is, he seemed at peace with knowing he made his own demise. It was inevitable to him, but he left us with his soul and emotion in his music.
@@KingOrpheus Reclusiveness isn’t exclusive to suicidal thoughts. Most people don’t understand heroin addiction. You don’t become reclusive because you’re suicidal which in turn was caused by heroin use; you become reclusive because you’re a heroin addict. You get to the point where you always want to use in order to get that rush. It’s not that you wish to be reclusive, but you hate the shame you feel when around family and friends, and any friends that do use heroin are trying to pickup or get money to pickup. The only times you care to be with someone else is when needing to pickup or getting help acquiring money to pickup. You end up alone not because you’re looking to die, but because heroin addiction’s biggest side effect is selfishness due to its overpowering ability to make you crave more of it and avoid anything that gets in the way of that.
Don't forget about Mike Starr the original bassist for Alice in Chains, with which he played from the band's formation in 1987 until January 1993. He was also a member of Sato, Gypsy Rose, and Sun Red Sun. RIP Mike Starr.
Layne accepted his fate by this point and his mates knew it. They all had such somber but loving expressions, like they were watching old footage of a friend that's already passed. He was far past a cry for help. I don't remember where it's from, but the most fitting description I've read was this performance is like Layne speaking at his own eulogy. I listen to this version weekly and it still brings me to tears sometimes.
You can certainly argue he was beyond saving at this point, but I don't think he or his bandmates had accepted this fate by the time of this show like you say. It's only a handful of months later, but people who were close to Layne have openly said (there are several Alice in Chains documentaries that reinforce this) that where he seems to have given up on life was later that same year (1996) when his long-time girlfriend/fiancee Demri Parrot passed away from a heroine overdose. Contrary to what you're suggesting, I think that this show was seen by all of them as an opportunity to potentially regain some momentum after repeatedly having to fade into the background because of Layne's addiction problems.
@@AndrewBairdarbe59 Thanks for the information, Andrew. It sounds very plausible and puts that performance into a different, somewhat less somber perspective.
@@AndrewBairdarbe59 agree 100%. I could understand if he died right after the fact, but 6 years later? Easily debatable he wasn’t as gone as a lot of folks think. He was just having bad withdrawals at unplugged to tell the difference
Watching this still makes me emotional 25 or so years later. Alice in Chains were so immersed in drugs and on one hand contributed to some timeless music, but also took layne and michael away from us. Rest in Power michael starr and layne Staley 🙏🖤
Raul Ozuna The disease of addiction is horrific. It not only affects the addict, but everyone close to him, including society as a whole. I used to drive wasted all the time, and managed not to kill myself or anyone else, thanks to some Power greater than myself.
Definitely gotta do the Love Hate Love live at the Moore....they're all so young and hitting on all cylinders....Rain When I Die live in Frankfurt Germany is f'n awesome too....there are so many great AiC songs....Layne to me is the GOAT!!!! Also don't miss Mad Season it was a supergroup formed with Layne, Mike McCready, John Baker Saunders, and Barrett Martin with the hopes of helping Layne get sober....album is deeeeeep....unfortunately the bass player Saunders also passed due to an overdose a few years before Layne
I'm 66 yrs old and recently watched this unplugged album and after only knowing man in a box I fell in love with Layne and Jerry's voices. I heard Nutshell from Upchurch who added in loving memory at the end. I was shocked because I didn't know he passed so I researched everything I could find and I love and respect Layne Staley and my heart is broken. They are my favorite band at 66. I cry over so many songs. Rip Layne❤
The talent of Chains is OFF THE SCALE. These guys are/were THE REAL DEAL. The songwriting, the production, the music and the choices made, the honesty. You'd be hard pressed to find a band that could do IT ALL and do it at the highest level. This band was my goto for something heavy and something that fires on all cylinders like no other. I can't think of a single song I dislike with the Staley lineup.
AiC are probably the best band of the 90s. much better than the other Seattle bands they were associated with, for better or worse. their songs hold up so well
I'm a genXer and this song says a lot about our generation. I was 25 when this was released. I am so glad to have been a part of this scene. It changed my life and I know people my age felt every word. I loved the dark music and I still listen to all of it to this day. We needed an outlet and we found one hell of a way to express it.
Aileen, your reaction is spot on. Layne was one of the greatest vocalists of his generation and is sorely missed. God bless everyone that is or has fought this demon.
Layne was one the best vocalist ever, his haunting voice and the way him and Jerry perfectly harmonize. He was so bad in addiction at the time of this show he had to wear the glasses to hide the fact he was high at the time. I’ve watched addiction take so many wonderful people, so many truly amazing people. I myself fought addiction for more than half my life and it’s very easy for everything to spiral out of control. I’m will say that I am so thankful we were able to hear his magic. Anyone who is suffering with addiction really needs to take a good hard look at your life. Heroin, Fentanyl, it’s not prejudice, color, social status, family values, none of them matter. You would think a man who has all the money he can spend would enjoy some of the fortune, yet Layne and so many in addiction cut themselves off from the world, sitting in silence in their own hell til finally the day comes when your body cannot handle anymore and it shuts down. Please don’t let the lure of drug culture grab a hold of ya, most won’t return, some will never be the same. The ones who do make it out should be spreading the word. We have been there and felt the loneliness, the disparity, the feeling that all hope is gone. Don’t be a victim to a drug. Don’t leave loved ones missing your presence.
@@oliverping5503 Layne was able to hit the sixth register, which is not usually in the vocal range of most men. I struggle just to hit some of the note he hits in this song.
im 16. i grew up listening to alice in chains but a couple years ago i really started analyzing the lyrics more, learning all their songs and reading about their stories. its truly sad. it breaks my heart. any time people say anything negative about alice in chains or layne i will get SO defensive about it
Your reaction brings me back to how we all felt. It is hard to watch someone so brilliant not know how to deal with it. RIP Layne. We sincerely miss you.
Knowing Layne spent the last two weeks of his life alone in a hotel room locked away with his demons is heartbreaking. One of the greatest voices......sad, very sad.
I completely agree but it wasn't a hotel....it was his own apartment. So at least he was home in a familiar place. His Mom and another close family friend found him.
but also selfish. he couldn't tour their 1996 self titled album because he was too busy shooting heroin. it's very sad what happened to him but, he made his own bed and mistakes
I'm 35, I don't remember a time in my life where Layne Staleys voice wasn't part of my daily life, due to my father raising me on his music. And even to this day, watching this reaction video, I still get emotional and start tearing up to this live performance. It's tough to watch yet still so beautiful.
As a Gen X kid, our music is filled with melancholy and haunting sadness. We are often regarded as the forgotten generation and it shows in our music. No one to cry to and no place to call home. That sums up the feeling and mood of my generation of which Layne Staley was a part of.
Alice In Chains Unplugged is an experience. It’s just so full of raw emotion, despair, and beauty. Layne’s crying out the anguish of his soul. It’s haunting, mesmerizing, sad and beautiful.
Layne had in my humble opinion had one of THE greatest voices to ever stand behind a microphone. Saw them twice and was just in awe of his vocal ability.
The lyrics alone are absolutely heart wrenching as you said ESPECIALLY knowing how he died to his addiction but what rips at my soul even more to me is the points after the lyrics where it truly sounds as if his soul is whaling out in deep pain. Rest peacefully Layne 💔🙏🏻
Something that hit me hard was learning about Layne Staley before listening to all of Unplugged. The glasses to hide his sunken eyes, the gloves to hide the needle and drag marks, and the slight lisp from his missing teeth killed me, damn near pushed me to tears.
Listen to Mad Season, his project after AIC, and last before his passing. It's a cry out about his addiction. An amazing voice, an amazing talent, a tragic loss.
He did the tripod album right after mad season. They were broken up for a few after jar of flies he did mad season but the label for Aic was owed 1 more album which kicks ass
I thought "Class of '99" was the last thing Layne recorded. The Pink Floyd cover for The Faculty soundtrack. That was 1998 or 1999, I believe? He was also in the middle of writing a possible guest vocal for a Taproot track in his apartment while he passed. Layne's mom said the demo instrumental was in his stereo when they found him.
I’m 33 and I grew up on ANC and after losing my big brother to a heroin overdose Thanksgiving morning 2011. I watched this and instantly got goosebumps all over my body! This song hits a part of me that’s unexplainable RIP Layne and Ty miss you both!!
So sorry to hear about your Brother. So many good people have died at the hands of this shit. Fought my own battle with prescription painkillers and thank goodness I got help. This song hits many a nerve for me, so hauntingly beautiful and tragic at the same time. R.I.P. to Layne, your Brother and everyone that has lost the battle .
So sorry for the loss of your brother. Too many people have lost their lives to heroin. I have two sons who were teens in the 90's. They had many friends that would hang out at my house who became like sons to me. At least half of them have lost their lives to heroin. There are no words to explain the pain and loss. Take care my friend.
I'm 38 and grew up on them, too. My little brother just lost his life to fentynal 8/26/23, and now this song has a whole new connection to me, so I feel like I know exactly what you're talking about
God I love your passion. Ima pretty tough ass dude but this makes me cry every time. These cats were my favorite band in my teens, them and Pantera plastered on my wall since I was 14. I played their songs on guitar AND bass. I had a shirt of his broken leg X-ray. Loved that fricken dude. I appreciate your concern for him. Once ina lifetime dude. I relate to some of his struggles, it's never exactly the same but AS AN EMPATH,I put my self in ppls shoes and relate to the crazy shit I endure. This is one of the most melancholy tracks ever. I've either felt or continue to feel every word of this song. Thank you for your recognition of him 💛
The emotion in “grunge” is what made it what it is. Nothing will even eclipse what that scene did, said, and was for so many people from that era. The music was everything for so many people from the 90s. It defined a generation. It made it okay to feel. My favorite band from that era, and Layne Stanley will always be the greatest for me.
Except they weren’t a grunge band. They considered themselves a heavy metal band but people assumed they were grunge just because they were from Seattle
You really do wear your heart on your sleeve, Aileen. Shows how much of a genuine person you are with your reactions to this and all the other emotional songs you've done so far and in the future. Keep on killing it.
Aileen, I’m not sure if you will see this, but you are such an incredibly kind and compassionate person. This is the first video I have seen from you and I will definitely like your channel. Take care!
I still cry when I hear this song. I grew up in the 90’s I was a teenager when I first heard AIC and I fell in love with them. I remember the struggle Layne was going through and I really hoped he would get better. The way he died alone in his condo and was there for 2 weeks before he was found broke my heart. I feel a piece of my childhood died with Layne. He had a voice that was unique and amazing I’ve never heard anything like it and haven’t since. He is irreplaceable but we still have the gift of his music forever. Rest easy Layne you will forever be missed❤
This entire unplugged album is in constant rotation for me. Frogs and Sludge Factory are two phenomenal tracks that often get overlooked. You could hear and feel the hurt coming through with every single song. He was a tortured soul. And in all of the darkness he faced, he somehow brought light to a lot of us. To die the same day as Kurt just years apart hurt. It hurt a lot. All of the powerful voices of my youth are slowly fading away. Freddie, Kurt, Layne, Scott, Chris - gone from this mortal coil, but live on forever in their music and their fans. RIP to my heroes.
You do a really good job of learning about the bands you review, understanding the context of the songs and the performances, and then examining and highlighting the emotions that the songs convey. We can see how hard these songs hit you and you put your feelings into words so eloquently. This performance was so powerful and raw, Layne might just as well have written the lyrics to Nutshell 5 minutes before he walked out there. As he sang those words, I can imagine Layne thinking how true they were turning out to be and perhaps even savouring the dark irony. I first saw their MTV live set shortly after he died. It was so prophetic and haunting that it was almost impossible to watch, similar in many ways to Nirvana’s live MTV performance. Layne looked like his life force was already beginning to ebb away and during this set he seemed to empty his soul just a little but more. I cried again as you echoed all those emotions in such a genuine and powerful way. But the impression that remains for me is one of astonishment that they could turn such negative thoughts into such beautiful music.
The Unplugged show in 1996 is so heartbreaking to watch because he was deep in his heroin addiction (and yes, I know he was doing other drugs on top of Heroin). His liver was damaged from the years of drug use and he knew it. He was just high enough to do the show to deal with the withdrawal symptoms and so he didn't get dope sick. He was such a ghost of himself during Unplugged. (Of course, Jerry had food poisoning) All Jerry saw when he looked over at Layne was his best friend was going to die soon due to the path Layne had chosen for his life. That show was filmed in April 1996, premiered in May 1996. They did four shows with KISS in June-July 1996, after which Layne survived an overdose and became a recluse. After that, it was a 6-year-long slow suicide. On Unplugged, Scott Olson was the second guitarist. He was there to boost the guitar sound on the stage. Layne was better Live than the studio version. LOVE HATE LOVE live at the Moore in December 1990 is UNTOUCHABLE PERFECTION performed live by a rock band. Other rock bands should strive to have a live performance that perfect. Layne Staley's vocal range can run rings around any other grunge singer in my opinion. Layne could sing the phone book and never hit a wrong note. Even at the end of his life, with no teeth and a lisp, his voice, wit and humor were all still there. Layne's voice and vocal range were so powerful he did NOT need auto tune or pro-tools until he lost his teeth and had a lisp around 1998, and even then he still killed the vocals. (He started losing his teeth in 1995 due to grinding) Barrett Martin (who played with Layne in Mad Season) said that when he stood to the side of the stage, he could hear the sound of Layne's vocal resonance come out of Layne's body LOUDER than it did coming out of the speakers, Layne's voice was that powerful. I'm in the camp of No Layne/No Chains, because no matter which singer you put up there to sing those songs, it'll only be a cover. Layne had a unique voice you cannot replicate or replace. A lot of those songs were great because Layne pretty much wrung his entire soul out singing them, others were personal to Layne and to have someone else sing those, the songs lose their meaning because the new guy didn't go through the ordeals those songs are inspired by. William DuVall singing THEM BONES on the 2006 reunion tsunami gig.... William DOES NOT have the power in his voice that Layne had especially for that song. Maynard James Keenan could get remotely close to Layne's vocal range for that song (and many others). And Maynard would have the reverence for Layne's memory, he was friends with Layne, he KNEW Layne, had a history with Layne, and saw what Layne went through from Lollapalooza 93 until Layne became a recluse. Besides, Maynard already had 3 bands going on, why not join a fourth band? He had tried rehab 13 times, but he could never completely give it up. He tried quitting cold turkey on two of the last attempts at rehab, but neither one worked either. Mad Season is made up of Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees, and John Baker Saunders and they all went through rehab. They all got together and dragged Layne out of his condo, got him excited about doing ABOVE album, thinking if he was creative he wouldn't want the drugs, and for the length of time it took to do that, Layne was excited about the project, but it didn't curb his drug habit. Layne wrote the lyrics to the songs he sang on the ABOVE album (minus the John Lennon cover song I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier) and he drew the cover art for the album. NUTSHELL was about how magazines like FOR EXAMPLE Rolling Stone only reported on Layne's addiction as if that were the only thing that defined the band as well as Layne's depression. Rolling Stone magazine has some unknown thing to do with the Hall of Fame, and after what Rolling Stone did to Layne and the band in the 1996 The Needle and the Damage Done article ("Oh no, it will be about the music" "Oh yeah, the band's picture will be on the cover" turns out it was only Layne on the cover and the article focused on Layne's addiction -- which Layne DID NOT want to happen -- and everything going wrong internally with the band.) that pissed off AIC management and the entire band to the point they threatened to kick the writer, Jon Weiderhorn's ass over it. I don't see Rolling Stone chomping at the bit to vote AIC into the Hall of Fame. Although if they do finally get in with William as the singer and NOT Layne. I'm going to be pissed. As far back as late 1992, Rolling Stone has personally had a bone to pick with Layne Staley, even though I can name a dozen bands who wrote about drugs in their lyrics that Rolling Stone never cared to target before or after Layne came along. Layne’s mentioned Rolling Stone hounding him in passing to Riki Rachtman during the New Orleans episode of Headbanger’s Ball in late 1992 when Layne and Mike Starr tour New Orleans and a Voodoo museum with Riki back then. There were other magazines and "reporters" BEFORE 1996 that hounded Layne over his drug addiction. Rolling Stone wasn't the only rag mag to do it. Spin Magazine and many other tabloid music mags only wanted to focus on Layne's addiction. It's why they stopped doing interviews for the longest time, and after the 1996 Rolling Stone interview, they closed ranks and as far as I know, while Layne was alive they never granted another interview. They DID do Rockline in 1998 (Layne called in while Jerry was promoting his Boggy Depot solo album) and 1999 (when the band was promoting Nothing Safe and the Music Bank box set). But for the most part, they closed ranks around each other. MTV (and the music industry) has more or less blackballed Layne (and yet, they laud over Kurt Cobain every April 5th, because Kurt was the "face of grunge", meanwhile Layne gets a "by the way"). The Grammys went so far as to invite Jerry, Mike, and Sean to the Grammy show in 2003 and then refused to put Layne's picture up in the memorial of the musicians who died in 2002. (Or they "forgot" to) which pissed Jerry, Mike, and Sean off and they walked out on the show. Even though the music industry would like to have written him out of history, Layne DID exist. He was on this earth for 34 years. In that time he wrote songs that gave a normal person insight into the mind and journey of an addict. The pain and depression he endured to write the most brutally honest lyrics a musician could write concerning his feelings on his own addiction, his depression, and the tumultuous relationship with his former fiancee Demri. The emotional and physical strength he had to perform those songs live when all he wanted to do was curl away and lose himself in the drug haze I can’t imagine what it was like for him. He was hounded by the press about his addiction. He was ridiculed for his addiction. The music industry blackballed him for his addiction. The Grammys forgot about him when he died. As far as MTV and music rag mags like Rolling Stone were concerned he’s just another addicted singer. They don’t want to acknowledge his contributions to music. Layne Staley WASN'T just some rock star junkie. HE DESERVED BETTER than what he received from the people around him who he thought mattered. He wrote about drugs, his addiction, what he was feeling and what he was going through with maturity and knowledge well beyond his years. He didn’t deserve to be turned into tabloid cannon fodder by the press. I remember a show in London on February 26, 1993 where a reporter who was based in London wrote about a concert they did in another part of Europe and got Mike Inez confused with Mike Starr. Layne got on the microphone between them finishing HATE TO FEEL and beginning ANGRY CHAIR and said, "I want to say um, I want to say hello to the guy who wrote the review on the show a few weeks back. You’re in London - an enemy. I want to introduce our bass player, MIKE INEZ, not Mike Starr, you fucking idiot! Fuck that prick! Fuck the press! We’re not playing for the fucking press, all right?” "Layne was just an incomparable talent. He was like a fucking myna bird. Any accent or sound or voice, he could just immediately repeat it. He just had a gift. And I’d like to think that I have a bit of a gift myself. One of the funniest descriptions I’ve ever heard, and I don’t know that it’s true, but it just sounds fucking great, was we sound like “the satanic Everly Brothers.” Together we were kind of a two-headed monster. It added a lot of depth to the material the way we worked together." -- Jerry Cantrell (Noisey, June 7, 2018) My Top 20 AIC songs... Love Hate Love (Live at the Moore, December 1990...Layne Staley in his prime and is UNTOUCHABLE PERFECTION performed live by a rock band. All other rock bands should strive to have a live performance this perfect), Man in the Box (Live at Weedsport, NY 1991 - the Layne’s Pissed Version...though the original version may be better to react to, because Weedsport was during Clash of the Titans tour where Slayer fans were giving the band crap and Layne got pissed and changed the lyrics), Bleed the Freak (Live at the Moore, December 1990), It Ain’t Like That (if you need a video use Singles Pro Shot video), Queen of the Rodeo (Live in Dallas, TX 1990), Real Thing (Live ANYWHERE), Them Bones, God Smack (Live at Hollywood Rock, 1993), Grind, Again, No Excuses, Brush Away, Frogs, Sludge Factory (During MTV Unplugged 1996, Layne screwed up the 2nd verse like 8 times, though the show only included one of those times), What the Hell Have I, God Am, Got Me Wrong, Swing On This, Social Parasite, We Die Young
the best unplugged MTV ever did!!! Layne's voice is fucking amazing. One of my favorite bands of all time. he lost the love of his life to heroin the same year they filmed this 💔
HUGE fan of AIC. Literally saved my life growing up. Had an older brother that had passed away due to a 10-year battle with cancer. AIC's music is what pushed me through. It's kind of weird in a strange way how someone else's struggles make such good art that ends up saving others. AIC will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart.
Song was written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell, sung by lead singer Layne Staley, lyrics felt by all! Even tho Jerry wrote many of their songs, Layne had that gift (that ability) of making them his, incredible! That voice is both remarkable and beyond unmatchable! RIP Layne Staley!
@@Darkdancer333 you're right. Reading as I respond it was written by Mike Inez, Sean Kinney, Jerry Cantrell, and Layne Staley. He's also credited with writing the lyrics. And all this time I (and many more) thought Jerry wrote it by himself.
You got yourself a new follower! I love how you express your emotions with this song and it's great to see how music affects people differently. Music has a way of touching you when you least expect it, I honestly shed a tear myself watching your reaction too
For those of us who remember this live... who remember those times... you can't not tear up when you hear this. Man, I miss his voice so much. And I miss those all too innocent days.
Great Reaction! Lane's story is a very sad one, but so is his friend Mike Star, who was the original Bassist for AIC. Mike was kicked out of the band fairly early on after they hit it big and he dealt with his own addictions. He ended up on a TV show called Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky and invited Lane's Mother. Mike had gone to Lane's apartment the day before he died and was racked with guilt because he hadn't called 911 when he saw how sick Lane was, but Lane told him not to or he would never talk to him again. Mike told Lane he would come back, but went on a drug bender for 2 weeks and then found out Lane had died the day after he was there with him. Lane's Mother was so good telling Mike that it was not his fault that Lane did it to himself and he could have called 911. A few years after that show Mike died of a drug overdose himself.
Man that made me cry. Layne mom is a beautiful woman I could only imagine showing up to the apartment in the U district with the police for a welfare check then the police saying you should not go in and she does anyways. Idk if she still has the layne Stanley foundation but everyone support if possible
This is a true reaction video of someone who appreciates one of the best vocalist in rock history. That era of music was very special and Layne can never be duplicated or replaced. Drug addiction will never be understood, “if you let yourself go and open your mind, I’ll bet you’ll be doing like me” If you appreciate real music you know that it’s dead. There are some good artist out there and some very talented musicians but the world has changed and evolved into something digital. 89-97’ was the prime of the best music ever made. Thank you for this video.
RIP Lane Staley this song helped me get through my addition and anxiety to the point where the medication couldn't do what this song done for me. Thanks for playing this 💯❤️🙏
I have to admit, this video actually surprised me. I came here rolling my eyes expecting a much different reaction. But watching your expressions? And your comments? You get it. You really get it. This is such a haunting song. Also my favorite. You can feel so much pain and emotion in his voice. I have listened to this song thousands of times and it's still touches me every time.
I love how Layne comes out, sits down and rips that first note with ease. It goes to show how much of a cry for help this song was, it's so genuine and heartfelt that he can just belt it out without it feeling rehearsed, as if he's opening his heart right then and there.
I’m really moved by the way you dive in to the song and be overwhelmed by empathy. Genuinely Human. You are an impressive spirit, and I am now a faithful subscriber .
This had been the first time I believe in a couple of years that the band had performed together due to Layne’s issues. It’s revered as one of if not the best unplugged performances of the shows history. Another song that will take you through the emotions is “Love Hate Love” I recommend the live version, such a contrast of emotions
Their MTV Unplugged performances are among the greatest and most powerful of their material, and you really do see all of them at their most naked. Layne especially, it's particularly potent because this was the last many of us ever got to see of him, and it's a really abiding memory. The performance of No Excuses is another one which I would heartily recommend, it's a song which Jerry wrote specifically about his sometimes difficult relationship with Layne and it's really something special, rightly regarded as one of the band's very best.
Huge aic fan. Every interview with him or those spoken about him, he was a very humble and thoughtful man. Kind beyond measure. Nit gonna lie, i still cry at times when i think of him.
Layne Staley may be gone from the living, but he will never be gone. Such an epic performance and knowing that this was his swan song couldn’t mean more. At the time of the airing us fans all knew something wasn’t right. But we never knew truly what was happening. Absolutely one of the best. One of the greatest voices
I think most fans have this as number one AIC song. Layne's voice is so epic here and how the story matches real life is amazing. Even back then when we didn't know about him and felt the music instead of the lyrics, this was unbelievable.
A music critic was at that show and his opinion of the show ... " I'm saddened inside for Layne... The entire set felt like watching Layne sing at his own funeral, yet he was alive. I'll never forget this show and I hope he gets help and heals his body and mind. " Sad all the way around. Every single real Alice fan cried the first time they saw this unplugged performance... Some of us cried every time. I pray he is in a much better place than us.
I really been getting into watching reaction videos and I fell asleep earlier so I woke up at like 10:00 last night and it's 6:30 in the morning and you and a few other reactors have had me on an emotional roller I love your reactions keep doing what you're doing Queen
I read somewhere that someone said this was like watching a man singing at his own funeral! That always struck me hard. I think Layne knew he had lost the battle at this point but still put his heart on his sleeve and showed his vulnerabilities! Great song. Miss you Layne! R.I.P.
I cannot sing this song without tears running down my face. Not just the sorrow of knowing his history, but it has some rocky road memories for me.... Yet it is my favorite song from them. RIP to him and the one I lost.
Cant watch this without tearing up and I'm a grown man! Haunting looking back at it now... Layne knew he was fighting a losing battle.. rip layne ! Thanks for giving us these timeless jewels!
Layne's death triggered my depression and ive been battling it since. But i got help and im doing fine now. I like seeing other people's reactions to this song and performance and then hearing their stories and thoughts. Thanks for this reaction.
Been waited a while on this one. This entire album was awesome! I couldn't imagine playing and look at the front row and there sits Metallica with bad haircuts.
Metallica was so terrified about AIC when they came out, at the point of calling their agent to set a meeting with AIC Metallica wanted to be friends with AIC due to fear of the grunge era, at the end, Metallica survived, and Idk if that friendship with AIC helped.
@@pablerry Dude I don’t know where you heard that but it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and it’s not in any way indicative of how they became friends.
@@xstatixtribalelectronicmus2787 sorry little dude, Just because you don't know something doesn't make it a lie, Metallica mentioned that in an interview, remember Metallica was the most important band at the time grunge appeared.
Best MTV Unplugged ever, So dark, sad , Deep, Awesome vocals , Awesome musicianship, And you can hear the desperation and pain in Layne's Voice. So sad. I have this on DVD and watch when I'm feeling down.
This song hits hard for me personally. I also struggled with addiction and this song explained my feelings when I went through that. And it's true about the media and the normal person that doesn't go through it. They will consider you a tweaker, a junkie, just some really harsh terms. I had to struggle everyday hearing those days and wanting to die myself. I almost lost my life to the addiction.
I'm so glad you're still around and got out of this painful place to be in. I know how it feels. And this was the ultimate song for me then, too, it's that good.:') The isolation and the addiction go hand in hand imo. The way it's treated these days, all that shaming and villifying, isn't working whatsoever. Being loved no matter what is what lifts you up so you just wanna feel better, so that there is this spark of joy and hope. Most of the time, trauma is at the root of addiction and so it's important to feel safe to heal and then see a brighter day. Stick through with it brother or sister, whatever may come 🤗
I think that this song hits every one of us that have struggled with addiction hard. I don't know you but I want you to succeed.. I think that Layne would agree.
Going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. Money wasn't really an issue (until the end obviously) which made exceptionally bad. This news didn't help, if anything it made me let go even further. Then friend after friend after friend after friend. Gone. Just a monumental hole to climb out of. An emotionless empty shell. Took me another decade (2009) to finally kick it for good but somehow I did. Having kids I think. AIC and especially Mad Season are always tough listens. Siiigh, but I do anyway. Nice job bro 💪 I know how hard it is.
To me this doesn't seem like just a song. I can't explain it but it's like I'm watching the most beautiful, sad, thought provoking, piece of art ever created, with a little bit of mystery involved in what Layne was thinking and going through at the time. Just powerful. Gets me every time.
It was a cry for help. I know exactly how he felt and still feel that way, but I have never gone on to do heroin, But I understand how one can when the mental pain is so bad.
You channel is exactly how a reaction channel should be. It's not only expressed in your commentary (which I feel is an accurate interpretation of the lyrics ) but also in your emotions which are honest and draw your viewers to you!
Back in high school, AIC had a direct line to my moody soul. With age and time, looking back at these performances makes me emotional in a way that it didn't back then, watching the decline that was happening, hearing his voice gradually lose its forcefulness. Your reaction says it all.
This is my favorite song which is so tragic. He was telling us in his own way, he needed help, but we just saw it as lyrics until it was too late. Layne, Chester, and Chris were my favorite frontmen because I felt like they were singing my unspoken thoughts. It never occurred to me growing up that they were human, experiencing their own problems, until they passed. I know it's stupid but sometimes I feel ashamed that I am still around and they aren't.
I don't consider Chester on the same level but a tragedy nonetheless. Cornell and Stayley are unmatchable with talent. I honestly dont even consider Cobain on the same playing field. Stevie Ray Vaughn is another lost legend but that is a whole different genre.
I know that you like to do what is requested of you,but this must have been a very tough one to do as a fellow empath this gets me every damn time that i hear it !! Love yah AS !!
When this showed on TV I was just a kid and really didn't understand the meaning behind it, now as a grown man and still a huge AIC fan it breaks my heart to hear and understand his pain. RIP brother
This was such a hauntingly sad video, and sadly TH-cam is really strict about my AIC uploads so I had to dim the video a bit for it to be unblocked. I hope you all understand as I would love to keep listening to them and honoring their legacy ❤️
Thanks for this video always love seeing your videos and you’re so beautiful 😊
The best channel
I really enjoy your reactions but find it absolutely ridiculous TH-cam has to be such assholes about the videos. Still a great reaction and so sad to see just how bad Layne looks. Drug addiction is a bitch. RIP dude
can you react to 'down in a hole' for your next AIC video.. you wont be disapointed.. its a trip because you can really feel his pain through this soung... like he trying to tell us something not rite.
Make sure you check out the original on Jar of flies EP. Worth it for the guitar tone alone
He wasn’t crying for help, he was saying goodbye. One of the greatest performances of all time!
Damn..
so heartbreaking true 😢
That's how's I interpret nutshell
Agreed he definitely did this for the fans
😭 I still cry for him and he's been gone for over 20 years.
It’s literally the greatest acoustic performance of all time. I don’t care what anyone says. The raw emotion Layne puts out is immeasurable. RIP his sweet soul.
It is so good that it virtually ruined normal AiC due to overplaying it.
I challenge that with Pearl Jam "Black" unplugged/ acoustic version... The emotion Eddie puts out is insane
Agreed Ozzy, Nutshell Unplugged w/Layne and Black Unplugged w/Vedder are my two favorite acoustic performances ever.
@@vitorocks18 neither one come close to Down in a Hole. That is one for the history books.
Nirvana “where did you sleep last night” would like a word
I read a comment once that said 'this is the closest anyone has come to singing at their own funeral'. I gotta say, that one hit hard. Such pain in this performance, RIP Layne.
Woof
i read a similar comment somewhere ... "Nutshell was Layne singing his own eulogy". So sad and such a huge loss to the world given his creativity and gift of his unique voice.
Damn
i just read the same comment.
this was mid 90s before he started down the drughole
“…if I can’t be my own, I’d feel better dead…”
Lyrics don’t come much more heartbreaking.
If the wetworks weren't kicking at any point before that line... they kicked in right there and then.
What will be left of me when I'm dead, there was nothing when I lived. MAYHEM
The band now omits the latter part of that during live performances. Very sad.
Enough is never enough ! We are our worst enemy, and the flesh is cruel.
Layne was literally singing his own eulogy. It is haunting and honest.
bruh he died in 2002
@@jamesgregg5689 I know this.
@@jamesgregg5689 Hey fck nut it was 1 of his last live performances EVER. We’re ALL aware of when he died versus when this unplugged was. This is about as close to eulogizing oneself is possible. Right up there with Kurt Cobain in Nirvanas unplugged and Johnny Cash’s music video/cover of “Hurt” by NIN.
OP is right, he had lost teeth to addiction by this time. He was emaciated and withering away firmly in the grips of heroin addiction by this point. He wore gloves and a long sleeve shirt NOT for esthetics, but to hide the track marks in his hand and on his arms.
Just over 6 months after this was taped the love of his life Demri died to an overdose. This became one of his last (and best imo) concerts ever. He stopped playing shows shortly after Demri died I believe and became a complete recluse. Sticking a needle in his arms until it finally killed him 5-6 years later.
Hard to watch this because you are spot on.
@@jamesgregg5689 He was already deep into his downward spiral before this was filmed in 96. He barley held on until 02.
Jerry’s one of the most underrated guitarists of the era. So talented.
Jerry, Marc Ford, Rich Robinson, Kim Thayil
Yes, but with Layne, he was nothing.
He just played the national anthem on his guitar at the Seattle Seahawks game the other day 🎸👍
Jerry has always been a hero of mine! Inspirational.
Me personally, I think that Mike Inez is very underrated as well. Even though man got to play with Ozzy Osbourne, he still doesn't get talked about that much.
I saw someone say once that this is the closest you'll ever see of someone singing at their own funeral. And I think about that at least every day, RIP layne 🤘❤️
Jhonny Cash singing "Hurt" is something like that too
Warren zevon singing knocking on heavens door is something else I believe he recorded his version knowing he had terminal cancer
Facts...
Layne & Kurt basically did this, Kurt suggested dark candles and lillies. He died mere months later, they both died the same day 8 yrs apart.
@@jamesvancam yeah such a shame 😕 so many of the grunge greats have died over the years. A rock stars lifestyle is not a kind one
In June I'll be 7 years clean from heroine. I used for the better part of 15 years. I feel this song so deep in my self. To anyone struggling, there is a great life on the other side of using. I promise.
Congratulations. I'm glad you're still with us
You rock man
That’s amazing, happy to hear you overcame such a tremendous struggle
Heroin or horoine? If you’ve watched the Big Lez Show you know what I’m asking
In a hospital now. Just had surgery on my foot from an infection shooting this garbage fent tranq bs. Lucky I didn't lose my foot. This life is a nightmare. I hope I can kick it this time. I'm on 80 mgs of methadone and it barely helps. Hasn't been real heroin in CT in years.
“If I can’t be my own, I’d feel better dead.”
I’ve listened to this songs thousands of times and that line always makes me tear up 😢 RIP LAYNE. You are greatly missed.
The part that scares me is that in most places, you can't even "kill yourself". A dog has more dignity
Has always been one of my favorite quotes. Have it tattooed on my wrist for that reason.
Yeah man it’s a sad song so is down in a hole very sad song
I listened to this when I was a teenager but it wasn’t until my 40s when I completed understood this verse. Who we become and what we identify as is more important than being alive if it’s taken away from us. I was badly injured at 42 and couldn’t walk for months. The darkest point in my life. When I heard this song during that time I cried like never before. I wanted death because I had an active life. Secretly I asked god to just take me if I couldn’t walk again. I wanted to be my own my self as I identified as. I eventually walked again and got my life back. No one knows that I desired death if this wasn’t the outcome.
It's also highlighted because all Guitars drop out and it's just the drums and vocals...so freaking good.
Jar of Flies hands down was one of the best album's of the 90's - absolute perfection - RIP Layne 🖤🖤🖤
Amen brother. We're blessed maniacs to even have been around when these jams were in play atm too. Those were pretty sweet times way back in the day and I've still got tons of memories left...minus all the brain cells lost to headbanging drug and booze filled nights that lasted well into the day. Decent enough for myself.
Tripod has that same effect on me. They were the band for me when I was growing up. Layne was truly 1 of 1
They recorded it in a week. Alice in Chains doesn't get enough credit on how talented they are. RIP Layne and Mike
@@Jeff-ok6dr sheer greatness isn't truly appreciated until you can stop and soak it all in. I took em for granted back when I was 17 or 18 either man. Now I see it all much clearer
@@yduronerom6380 I was 12 when I first heard them back in the late 90s. But as I got into my mid 20s I truly appreciated them for being such a great band given all the problems they faced
One of the most iconically haunting performances. Layne was so bad at this point drug wise and no matter what he always delivered a flawless performance. The way he just walks right into his opening note, ugh. Chills
Yeah he pretty much had lost all his teeth by this point.
well said!
Yeah, he walks right out and goes straight to the mic and starts singing like a boss. This performance is chilling.
@@TheDeadStretch ....No he hadn't, he was on heroin not meth, and while it's obvious he is not in a good shape emotionally during this performance, there is absolutely no evidence he was high this night, and he didn't pass away until 6years after this performance.
@@sunshynff You are incorrect..
again, im on youtube listening to nutshell reactions as if i can, vicariously, feel the pain with someone else. im going through a lot right now... i so dearly miss Layne and his voice. im a grown freaking man and yet, i'll admit that i get literal tears in my eyes every time i hear this. i lost my sister in 2003. this song will forever be attached to the last living memory i have of her. it never gets easier no matter how many times i hear this.
thank you for reviewing this. keep this track alive forever. in this lifetime and the next
I hope life is easing up on you a bit now. This song is also attached to loss in my life. I somehow manage to find peace and joy through the tears too though. May you find that side as well. Someday if not today.
i hope you are doing well my friend. i relate to your comment too well. peace be with you
I feel ya brother. Drugs took my youngest brother in 2012, and my mother is 1989. It's a pain that I can never shake. Keep strong.
I have a hard time not completely breaking down every time I hear this song. This song really hits home for not only me but millions of people like me. Thank God for 9 years clean and sober. Rest easy Layne there is no more pain.
Congrats on 9 years! I made it to 13.5 years but recently relapsed. Addiction is so crazy. Keep kicking it's ass!
I can’t do it and you know for Layne, I will shed tears every fucking time. Keep going on your sober journey brother.
@@joewerner6939 Yes you can💖💖🙏
Hell yeah
Nice job. One day at a time. Keep up the good fight against those demons. 5.28.2008 is the day I quit burying myself. I believe Layne sang this to worn us of the end game to addiction, Angels do exist.
Ahhhhh but I want it now lol. You also have to check out "Down in a Hole" unplugged from this same concert. So amazing and you will love it. Alice in Chains is my favorite band from the grunge era.
Down in a Hole, at leas for me, hits a lot harder than this one... and Nutshell hits you hard, belive me.
@@tatuhammer8247I think it does as well. But especially the unplugged version in this concert. It also really highlights Jerry's skills as well.
@@drewcliff82 Jerry's vocals in DIAH unplugged bring me to tears.
She already did
@@hmpf She already did the unplugged version from this exact concert????
Layne wrote the lyrics to nutshell.... the other AIC band mates wrote the music.... you feel this in your bones because not only did Layne write this... he lived it and felt it .... RIP in Layne... gone but definitely not forgotten 😢
Makes me cry brother every time I hear this I've myself been there but clean for 8 years 👊
Jerry Cantrell is the Song Writer of Chains ..... lost era of real music Hurts so much still ....LAYNE and MIKE
@@CP-kb1duLayne wrote many AIC songs and all of the songs of the album Above with Mad Season
@@CP-kb1du Ok, but the lyrics of this song were written by Layne
@@johnnyrichmond8359sane here. Keep at it!
This was Layne's message to his bandmates and to the world. His own eulogy. He knew it was a battle that he was going to lose. For as sad and defeated as this tune is, he seemed at peace with knowing he made his own demise. It was inevitable to him, but he left us with his soul and emotion in his music.
Well put. I think he wanted the pain to end and be at peace.
Not only this, but he disappeared into reclusiveness right after this performance. :(
@@KingOrpheus he was also reclusive for months leading up to this performance
@@KingOrpheus Reclusiveness isn’t exclusive to suicidal thoughts. Most people don’t understand heroin addiction. You don’t become reclusive because you’re suicidal which in turn was caused by heroin use; you become reclusive because you’re a heroin addict. You get to the point where you always want to use in order to get that rush. It’s not that you wish to be reclusive, but you hate the shame you feel when around family and friends, and any friends that do use heroin are trying to pickup or get money to pickup. The only times you care to be with someone else is when needing to pickup or getting help acquiring money to pickup. You end up alone not because you’re looking to die, but because heroin addiction’s biggest side effect is selfishness due to its overpowering ability to make you crave more of it and avoid anything that gets in the way of that.
I'm in tears reading this... All these beautiful souls....
Don't forget about Mike Starr the original bassist for Alice in Chains, with which he played from the band's formation in 1987 until January 1993. He was also a member of Sato, Gypsy Rose, and Sun Red Sun. RIP Mike Starr.
Layne accepted his fate by this point and his mates knew it. They all had such somber but loving expressions, like they were watching old footage of a friend that's already passed. He was far past a cry for help. I don't remember where it's from, but the most fitting description I've read was this performance is like Layne speaking at his own eulogy. I listen to this version weekly and it still brings me to tears sometimes.
You can certainly argue he was beyond saving at this point, but I don't think he or his bandmates had accepted this fate by the time of this show like you say. It's only a handful of months later, but people who were close to Layne have openly said (there are several Alice in Chains documentaries that reinforce this) that where he seems to have given up on life was later that same year (1996) when his long-time girlfriend/fiancee Demri Parrot passed away from a heroine overdose. Contrary to what you're suggesting, I think that this show was seen by all of them as an opportunity to potentially regain some momentum after repeatedly having to fade into the background because of Layne's addiction problems.
it still brings me to tears sometimes I love this song more than anything.
@@AndrewBairdarbe59 Thanks for the information, Andrew. It sounds very plausible and puts that performance into a different, somewhat less somber perspective.
@@AndrewBairdarbe59 agree 100%. I could understand if he died right after the fact, but 6 years later? Easily debatable he wasn’t as gone as a lot of folks think. He was just having bad withdrawals at unplugged to tell the difference
@@Jaxon8905 I agree. This wasn't even near the end. He was just on one.
Watching this still makes me emotional 25 or so years later. Alice in Chains were so immersed in drugs and on one hand contributed to some timeless music, but also took layne and michael away from us. Rest in Power michael starr and layne Staley 🙏🖤
They could very well be alive if it were not for prohibition.
Raul Ozuna The disease of addiction is horrific. It not only affects the addict, but everyone close to him, including society as a whole. I used to drive wasted all the time, and managed not to kill myself or anyone else, thanks to some Power greater than myself.
@@dboy2462 Prohibition? You sure that is your final answer?
@@kennypowers3984 Absolutely. Most of the problems associated with heroin addiction are caused by prohibition.
@@jaycorby You mean as far as you KNOW you didn't kill anyone.
I'm amazed at your empathy.. you feel so much and are vulnerable to the artists struggles. It's one of my favorite songs.. hits close to home!
Definitely gotta do the Love Hate Love live at the Moore....they're all so young and hitting on all cylinders....Rain When I Die live in Frankfurt Germany is f'n awesome too....there are so many great AiC songs....Layne to me is the GOAT!!!! Also don't miss Mad Season it was a supergroup formed with Layne, Mike McCready, John Baker Saunders, and Barrett Martin with the hopes of helping Layne get sober....album is deeeeeep....unfortunately the bass player Saunders also passed due to an overdose a few years before Layne
Love HATE Love is EPIC
live at glasburry on the live record
I'm 66 yrs old and recently watched this unplugged album and after only knowing man in a box I fell in love with Layne and Jerry's voices. I heard Nutshell from Upchurch who added in loving memory at the end. I was shocked because I didn't know he passed so I researched everything I could find and I love and respect Layne Staley and my heart is broken. They are my favorite band at 66. I cry over so many songs. Rip Layne❤
AIC are truly songmasters.
Love this, Donna.
The talent of Chains is OFF THE SCALE. These guys are/were THE REAL DEAL. The songwriting, the production, the music and the choices made, the honesty. You'd be hard pressed to find a band that could do IT ALL and do it at the highest level. This band was my goto for something heavy and something that fires on all cylinders like no other. I can't think of a single song I dislike with the Staley lineup.
AiC are probably the best band of the 90s. much better than the other Seattle bands they were associated with, for better or worse. their songs hold up so well
Upchurch needs to stay in his lane.
I'm a genXer and this song says a lot about our generation. I was 25 when this was released. I am so glad to have been a part of this scene. It changed my life and I know people my age felt every word. I loved the dark music and I still listen to all of it to this day. We needed an outlet and we found one hell of a way to express it.
The whole AIC unplugged album is well worth the time. Greatest unplugged album MTV ever put out
Hell YEAH.... Best album by them...
Agreed. It's the best by a wide margin too. Nothing comes close.
Nirvana and Alice in chains unplugged were the Roman empire of mtv unplugged experience.
@@Thirteenwindows Exactly. The two best unplugged performances by a country mile were Alice in Chains and Nirvana.
Probably one of the best things MTV ever did was the unplugged series. Too bad they can't or won't do such things anymore.
Don’t apologies sunshine we have all shed a tear watching this cry for help. He left us with this beautiful part of his soul he choose to share.🙏🏻
He knew he was loosing it all, yet he made it as beautiful he could, for everyone. And now I'm crying. RIP Laney.
Respect 😢❤!!!.
Aileen, your reaction is spot on. Layne was one of the greatest vocalists of his generation and is sorely missed. God bless everyone that is or has fought this demon.
Layne was one the best vocalist ever, his haunting voice and the way him and Jerry perfectly harmonize. He was so bad in addiction at the time of this show he had to wear the glasses to hide the fact he was high at the time. I’ve watched addiction take so many wonderful people, so many truly amazing people. I myself fought addiction for more than half my life and it’s very easy for everything to spiral out of control. I’m will say that I am so thankful we were able to hear his magic. Anyone who is suffering with addiction really needs to take a good hard look at your life. Heroin, Fentanyl, it’s not prejudice, color, social status, family values, none of them matter. You would think a man who has all the money he can spend would enjoy some of the fortune, yet Layne and so many in addiction cut themselves off from the world, sitting in silence in their own hell til finally the day comes when your body cannot handle anymore and it shuts down. Please don’t let the lure of drug culture grab a hold of ya, most won’t return, some will never be the same. The ones who do make it out should be spreading the word. We have been there and felt the loneliness, the disparity, the feeling that all hope is gone. Don’t be a victim to a drug. Don’t leave loved ones missing your presence.
Well said friend
He has THE best rock voice in history
About this... 🙏🏻🤘🏻
He was also suffering from food poisoning that night, making this performance that much more impressive.
@@oliverping5503 Layne was able to hit the sixth register, which is not usually in the vocal range of most men. I struggle just to hit some of the note he hits in this song.
It’s very heartening to see a young person such as yourself to really understand Laynes lyrics and see the meaning.
i am 23, and I can relate to everything he sings about..
I’m 19 and can relate to it
He had shrunk down to 90lbs, lost all his teeth, suffered incontinence, and was dead for two weeks before anyone noticed…
im 16. i grew up listening to alice in chains but a couple years ago i really started analyzing the lyrics more, learning all their songs and reading about their stories. its truly sad. it breaks my heart. any time people say anything negative about alice in chains or layne i will get SO defensive about it
Uh. They’re incredibly straightforward. Not exactly complex writing here, Steve.
I remember the first time I watched this live performance and it crushed my soul. Really looking forward to your reaction tomorrow. 🤘❤
Your reaction brings me back to how we all felt. It is hard to watch someone so brilliant not know how to deal with it. RIP Layne. We sincerely miss you.
I watch ALOT of reaction channels and this is by FAR the most beautifully heart wrenching reaction.
When I am depressed, I feel like this. The genius of an artist is to be able to describe the human condition. This is more than a song - it is art.
Knowing Layne spent the last two weeks of his life alone in a hotel room locked away with his demons is heartbreaking. One of the greatest voices......sad, very sad.
I completely agree but it wasn't a hotel....it was his own apartment. So at least he was home in a familiar place. His Mom and another close family friend found him.
He was at his condo in Seattle. A recluse for years. He couldn't even digest food anymore 😢
but also selfish. he couldn't tour their 1996 self titled album because he was too busy shooting heroin. it's very sad what happened to him but, he made his own bed and mistakes
He died in his condo , his body sat for 2 weeks before he was found , sad shit
@@aces553 he was in his condo
I'm 35, I don't remember a time in my life where Layne Staleys voice wasn't part of my daily life, due to my father raising me on his music. And even to this day, watching this reaction video, I still get emotional and start tearing up to this live performance. It's tough to watch yet still so beautiful.
Your father has great taste in music
I still remember the same radio station listening to all their music announcing his death. Tragic but so glad he left us this music
Looking forward to this reaction. Hoping you add Love, Hate, Love live from the Moore to your AIC reaction list.
As a Gen X kid, our music is filled with melancholy and haunting sadness. We are often regarded as the forgotten generation and it shows in our music.
No one to cry to and no place to call home. That sums up the feeling and mood of my generation of which Layne Staley was a part of.
I absolutely agrre
Agree 😢❤but those of us who survived got very strong the hard way
@@michelleabernathy9092 indeed
X
@@michelleabernathy9092 yes, we did
Absolutely love her reaction. She nailed this. Absolutely in the moment of what Layne was feeling... my favorite unplugged was Alice n Chains.
Alice In Chains Unplugged is an experience. It’s just so full of raw emotion, despair, and beauty. Layne’s crying out the anguish of his soul. It’s haunting, mesmerizing, sad and beautiful.
It wasn't just Layne, the whole band had really hard lives.
Well I know that..... The whole band was shooting up blues together there was no going back at that time
Layne had in my humble opinion had one of THE greatest voices to ever stand behind a microphone. Saw them twice and was just in awe of his vocal ability.
You are correct in your opinion. Definitely one of the greatest. Definitely the most unique rock vocals.
Happy 4 u
🐐
His voice is a national treasure
Personally I think their darkest song is Down in a Hole. Plus the vocal duet in the unplugged is insane
Down in a hole is a love song written by Cantrell
The lyrics alone are absolutely heart wrenching as you said ESPECIALLY knowing how he died to his addiction but what rips at my soul even more to me is the points after the lyrics where it truly sounds as if his soul is whaling out in deep pain. Rest peacefully Layne 💔🙏🏻
Something that hit me hard was learning about Layne Staley before listening to all of Unplugged. The glasses to hide his sunken eyes, the gloves to hide the needle and drag marks, and the slight lisp from his missing teeth killed me, damn near pushed me to tears.
Listen to Mad Season, his project after AIC, and last before his passing. It's a cry out about his addiction. An amazing voice, an amazing talent, a tragic loss.
Been listening to at least once a day since it came out it its flawless awesome fuckin album👊💯💯💯
Wake Up is screaming for help
He did the tripod album right after mad season. They were broken up for a few after jar of flies he did mad season but the label for Aic was owed 1 more album which kicks ass
River of deceit
I thought "Class of '99" was the last thing Layne recorded. The Pink Floyd cover for The Faculty soundtrack. That was 1998 or 1999, I believe? He was also in the middle of writing a possible guest vocal for a Taproot track in his apartment while he passed. Layne's mom said the demo instrumental was in his stereo when they found him.
I’m 33 and I grew up on ANC and after losing my big brother to a heroin overdose Thanksgiving morning 2011.
I watched this and instantly got goosebumps all over my body!
This song hits a part of me that’s unexplainable RIP Layne and Ty miss you both!!
So sorry to hear about your Brother. So many good people have died at the hands of this shit. Fought my own battle with prescription painkillers and thank goodness I got help. This song hits many a nerve for me, so hauntingly beautiful and tragic at the same time. R.I.P. to Layne, your Brother and everyone that has lost the battle .
So sorry for the loss of your brother. Too many people have lost their lives to heroin. I have two sons who were teens in the 90's. They had many friends that would hang out at my house who became like sons to me. At least half of them have lost their lives to heroin. There are no words to explain the pain and loss. Take care my friend.
I'm 38 and grew up on them, too. My little brother just lost his life to fentynal 8/26/23, and now this song has a whole new connection to me, so I feel like I know exactly what you're talking about
God I love your passion. Ima pretty tough ass dude but this makes me cry every time. These cats were my favorite band in my teens, them and Pantera plastered on my wall since I was 14. I played their songs on guitar AND bass. I had a shirt of his broken leg X-ray. Loved that fricken dude. I appreciate your concern for him. Once ina lifetime dude. I relate to some of his struggles, it's never exactly the same but AS AN EMPATH,I put my self in ppls shoes and relate to the crazy shit I endure. This is one of the most melancholy tracks ever. I've either felt or continue to feel every word of this song. Thank you for your recognition of him 💛
The emotion in “grunge” is what made it what it is. Nothing will even eclipse what that scene did, said, and was for so many people from that era. The music was everything for so many people from the 90s. It defined a generation. It made it okay to feel. My favorite band from that era, and Layne Stanley will always be the greatest for me.
Except they weren’t a grunge band. They considered themselves a heavy metal band but people assumed they were grunge just because they were from Seattle
Aic ,stp , pj, rhcp all of them are a major part of my life , I still listen to them even though I'm 53 gruge was the best .
You really do wear your heart on your sleeve, Aileen. Shows how much of a genuine person you are with your reactions to this and all the other emotional songs you've done so far and in the future. Keep on killing it.
I cry every single time I see this performance. Haunting and iconic. We love you Layne
As I was singing it, I was hoping you wouldn't cry. You did and then I did and now I love your heart ❤
Aileen, I’m not sure if you will see this, but you are such an incredibly kind and compassionate person. This is the first video I have seen from you and I will definitely like your channel. Take care!
Thank you for saying that 💕
@@AileenSenpai You’re welcome! If you ever do an Alice In Chains song again, “Don’t Follow” is an absolute vocal masterpiece for Layne.
I still cry when I hear this song. I grew up in the 90’s I was a teenager when I first heard AIC and I fell in love with them. I remember the struggle Layne was going through and I really hoped he would get better. The way he died alone in his condo and was there for 2 weeks before he was found broke my heart. I feel a piece of my childhood died with Layne. He had a voice that was unique and amazing I’ve never heard anything like it and haven’t since. He is irreplaceable but we still have the gift of his music forever. Rest easy Layne you will forever be missed❤
This entire unplugged album is in constant rotation for me. Frogs and Sludge Factory are two phenomenal tracks that often get overlooked.
You could hear and feel the hurt coming through with every single song. He was a tortured soul. And in all of the darkness he faced, he somehow brought light to a lot of us.
To die the same day as Kurt just years apart hurt. It hurt a lot.
All of the powerful voices of my youth are slowly fading away. Freddie, Kurt, Layne, Scott, Chris - gone from this mortal coil, but live on forever in their music and their fans.
RIP to my heroes.
You literally just experienced grief. It's beautiful that you shared with us
You do a really good job of learning about the bands you review, understanding the context of the songs and the performances, and then examining and highlighting the emotions that the songs convey. We can see how hard these songs hit you and you put your feelings into words so eloquently.
This performance was so powerful and raw, Layne might just as well have written the lyrics to Nutshell 5 minutes before he walked out there. As he sang those words, I can imagine Layne thinking how true they were turning out to be and perhaps even savouring the dark irony.
I first saw their MTV live set shortly after he died. It was so prophetic and haunting that it was almost impossible to watch, similar in many ways to Nirvana’s live MTV performance. Layne looked like his life force was already beginning to ebb away and during this set he seemed to empty his soul just a little but more.
I cried again as you echoed all those emotions in such a genuine and powerful way. But the impression that remains for me is one of astonishment that they could turn such negative thoughts into such beautiful music.
The Unplugged show in 1996 is so heartbreaking to watch because he was deep in his heroin addiction (and yes, I know he was doing other drugs on top of Heroin). His liver was damaged from the years of drug use and he knew it. He was just high enough to do the show to deal with the withdrawal symptoms and so he didn't get dope sick. He was such a ghost of himself during Unplugged. (Of course, Jerry had food poisoning) All Jerry saw when he looked over at Layne was his best friend was going to die soon due to the path Layne had chosen for his life. That show was filmed in April 1996, premiered in May 1996. They did four shows with KISS in June-July 1996, after which Layne survived an overdose and became a recluse. After that, it was a 6-year-long slow suicide.
On Unplugged, Scott Olson was the second guitarist. He was there to boost the guitar sound on the stage.
Layne was better Live than the studio version. LOVE HATE LOVE live at the Moore in December 1990 is UNTOUCHABLE PERFECTION performed live by a rock band. Other rock bands should strive to have a live performance that perfect.
Layne Staley's vocal range can run rings around any other grunge singer in my opinion. Layne could sing the phone book and never hit a wrong note. Even at the end of his life, with no teeth and a lisp, his voice, wit and humor were all still there. Layne's voice and vocal range were so powerful he did NOT need auto tune or pro-tools until he lost his teeth and had a lisp around 1998, and even then he still killed the vocals. (He started losing his teeth in 1995 due to grinding)
Barrett Martin (who played with Layne in Mad Season) said that when he stood to the side of the stage, he could hear the sound of Layne's vocal resonance come out of Layne's body LOUDER than it did coming out of the speakers, Layne's voice was that powerful.
I'm in the camp of No Layne/No Chains, because no matter which singer you put up there to sing those songs, it'll only be a cover. Layne had a unique voice you cannot replicate or replace. A lot of those songs were great because Layne pretty much wrung his entire soul out singing them, others were personal to Layne and to have someone else sing those, the songs lose their meaning because the new guy didn't go through the ordeals those songs are inspired by.
William DuVall singing THEM BONES on the 2006 reunion tsunami gig.... William DOES NOT have the power in his voice that Layne had especially for that song. Maynard James Keenan could get remotely close to Layne's vocal range for that song (and many others). And Maynard would have the reverence for Layne's memory, he was friends with Layne, he KNEW Layne, had a history with Layne, and saw what Layne went through from Lollapalooza 93 until Layne became a recluse. Besides, Maynard already had 3 bands going on, why not join a fourth band?
He had tried rehab 13 times, but he could never completely give it up. He tried quitting cold turkey on two of the last attempts at rehab, but neither one worked either. Mad Season is made up of Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees, and John Baker Saunders and they all went through rehab. They all got together and dragged Layne out of his condo, got him excited about doing ABOVE album, thinking if he was creative he wouldn't want the drugs, and for the length of time it took to do that, Layne was excited about the project, but it didn't curb his drug habit. Layne wrote the lyrics to the songs he sang on the ABOVE album (minus the John Lennon cover song I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier) and he drew the cover art for the album.
NUTSHELL was about how magazines like FOR EXAMPLE Rolling Stone only reported on Layne's addiction as if that were the only thing that defined the band as well as Layne's depression.
Rolling Stone magazine has some unknown thing to do with the Hall of Fame, and after what Rolling Stone did to Layne and the band in the 1996 The Needle and the Damage Done article ("Oh no, it will be about the music" "Oh yeah, the band's picture will be on the cover" turns out it was only Layne on the cover and the article focused on Layne's addiction -- which Layne DID NOT want to happen -- and everything going wrong internally with the band.) that pissed off AIC management and the entire band to the point they threatened to kick the writer, Jon Weiderhorn's ass over it. I don't see Rolling Stone chomping at the bit to vote AIC into the Hall of Fame. Although if they do finally get in with William as the singer and NOT Layne. I'm going to be pissed.
As far back as late 1992, Rolling Stone has personally had a bone to pick with Layne Staley, even though I can name a dozen bands who wrote about drugs in their lyrics that Rolling Stone never cared to target before or after Layne came along. Layne’s mentioned Rolling Stone hounding him in passing to Riki Rachtman during the New Orleans episode of Headbanger’s Ball in late 1992 when Layne and Mike Starr tour New Orleans and a Voodoo museum with Riki back then.
There were other magazines and "reporters" BEFORE 1996 that hounded Layne over his drug addiction. Rolling Stone wasn't the only rag mag to do it. Spin Magazine and many other tabloid music mags only wanted to focus on Layne's addiction. It's why they stopped doing interviews for the longest time, and after the 1996 Rolling Stone interview, they closed ranks and as far as I know, while Layne was alive they never granted another interview. They DID do Rockline in 1998 (Layne called in while Jerry was promoting his Boggy Depot solo album) and 1999 (when the band was promoting Nothing Safe and the Music Bank box set). But for the most part, they closed ranks around each other.
MTV (and the music industry) has more or less blackballed Layne (and yet, they laud over Kurt Cobain every April 5th, because Kurt was the "face of grunge", meanwhile Layne gets a "by the way"). The Grammys went so far as to invite Jerry, Mike, and Sean to the Grammy show in 2003 and then refused to put Layne's picture up in the memorial of the musicians who died in 2002. (Or they "forgot" to) which pissed Jerry, Mike, and Sean off and they walked out on the show.
Even though the music industry would like to have written him out of history, Layne DID exist. He was on this earth for 34 years. In that time he wrote songs that gave a normal person insight into the mind and journey of an addict. The pain and depression he endured to write the most brutally honest lyrics a musician could write concerning his feelings on his own addiction, his depression, and the tumultuous relationship with his former fiancee Demri. The emotional and physical strength he had to perform those songs live when all he wanted to do was curl away and lose himself in the drug haze I can’t imagine what it was like for him. He was hounded by the press about his addiction. He was ridiculed for his addiction. The music industry blackballed him for his addiction. The Grammys forgot about him when he died. As far as MTV and music rag mags like Rolling Stone were concerned he’s just another addicted singer. They don’t want to acknowledge his contributions to music.
Layne Staley WASN'T just some rock star junkie. HE DESERVED BETTER than what he received from the people around him who he thought mattered. He wrote about drugs, his addiction, what he was feeling and what he was going through with maturity and knowledge well beyond his years. He didn’t deserve to be turned into tabloid cannon fodder by the press.
I remember a show in London on February 26, 1993 where a reporter who was based in London wrote about a concert they did in another part of Europe and got Mike Inez confused with Mike Starr. Layne got on the microphone between them finishing HATE TO FEEL and beginning ANGRY CHAIR and said, "I want to say um, I want to say hello to the guy who wrote the review on the show a few weeks back. You’re in London - an enemy. I want to introduce our bass player, MIKE INEZ, not Mike Starr, you fucking idiot! Fuck that prick! Fuck the press! We’re not playing for the fucking press, all right?”
"Layne was just an incomparable talent. He was like a fucking myna bird. Any accent or sound or voice, he could just immediately repeat it. He just had a gift. And I’d like to think that I have a bit of a gift myself. One of the funniest descriptions I’ve ever heard, and I don’t know that it’s true, but it just sounds fucking great, was we sound like “the satanic Everly Brothers.” Together we were kind of a two-headed monster. It added a lot of depth to the material the way we worked together." -- Jerry Cantrell (Noisey, June 7, 2018)
My Top 20 AIC songs... Love Hate Love (Live at the Moore, December 1990...Layne Staley in his prime and is UNTOUCHABLE PERFECTION performed live by a rock band. All other rock bands should strive to have a live performance this perfect), Man in the Box (Live at Weedsport, NY 1991 - the Layne’s Pissed Version...though the original version may be better to react to, because Weedsport was during Clash of the Titans tour where Slayer fans were giving the band crap and Layne got pissed and changed the lyrics), Bleed the Freak (Live at the Moore, December 1990), It Ain’t Like That (if you need a video use Singles Pro Shot video), Queen of the Rodeo (Live in Dallas, TX 1990), Real Thing (Live ANYWHERE), Them Bones, God Smack (Live at Hollywood Rock, 1993), Grind, Again, No Excuses, Brush Away, Frogs, Sludge Factory (During MTV Unplugged 1996, Layne screwed up the 2nd verse like 8 times, though the show only included one of those times), What the Hell Have I, God Am, Got Me Wrong, Swing On This, Social Parasite, We Die Young
So glad you pointed out the bass line in the beginning. That always hits me first. Right in the chest. And then there is Layne...
Very sweet reaction. Layne was a troubled soul with a godly voice. Arguably the GOAT.
the best unplugged MTV ever did!!! Layne's voice is fucking amazing. One of my favorite bands of all time. he lost the love of his life to heroin the same year they filmed this 💔
HUGE fan of AIC. Literally saved my life growing up. Had an older brother that had passed away due to a 10-year battle with cancer. AIC's music is what pushed me through. It's kind of weird in a strange way how someone else's struggles make such good art that ends up saving others. AIC will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart.
Song was written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell, sung by lead singer Layne Staley, lyrics felt by all!
Even tho Jerry wrote many of their songs, Layne had that gift (that ability) of making them his, incredible!
That voice is both remarkable and beyond unmatchable! RIP Layne Staley!
Song was actually written by Layne
@@Darkdancer333 you're right. Reading as I respond it was written by Mike Inez, Sean Kinney, Jerry Cantrell, and Layne Staley. He's also credited with writing the lyrics. And all this time I (and many more) thought Jerry wrote it by himself.
Yeah this song was definitely written by Layne
These are Laine's lyrics!
You got yourself a new follower! I love how you express your emotions with this song and it's great to see how music affects people differently. Music has a way of touching you when you least expect it, I honestly shed a tear myself watching your reaction too
Thank you so much!!
This song still breaks my heart. So desolate. Look forward to the reaction
For those of us who remember this live... who remember those times... you can't not tear up when you hear this. Man, I miss his voice so much. And I miss those all too innocent days.
Great Reaction! Lane's story is a very sad one, but so is his friend Mike Star, who was the original Bassist for AIC. Mike was kicked out of the band fairly early on after they hit it big and he dealt with his own addictions. He ended up on a TV show called Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky and invited Lane's Mother. Mike had gone to Lane's apartment the day before he died and was racked with guilt because he hadn't called 911 when he saw how sick Lane was, but Lane told him not to or he would never talk to him again. Mike told Lane he would come back, but went on a drug bender for 2 weeks and then found out Lane had died the day after he was there with him. Lane's Mother was so good telling Mike that it was not his fault that Lane did it to himself and he could have called 911. A few years after that show Mike died of a drug overdose himself.
Man that made me cry. Layne mom is a beautiful woman I could only imagine showing up to the apartment in the U district with the police for a welfare check then the police saying you should not go in and she does anyways. Idk if she still has the layne Stanley foundation but everyone support if possible
This is a true reaction video of someone who appreciates one of the best vocalist in rock history. That era of music was very special and Layne can never be duplicated or replaced. Drug addiction will never be understood, “if you let yourself go and open your mind, I’ll bet you’ll be doing like me” If you appreciate real music you know that it’s dead. There are some good artist out there and some very talented musicians but the world has changed and evolved into something digital. 89-97’ was the prime of the best music ever made. Thank you for this video.
RIP Lane Staley this song helped me get through my addition and anxiety to the point where the medication couldn't do what this song done for me. Thanks for playing this 💯❤️🙏
I have to admit, this video actually surprised me. I came here rolling my eyes expecting a much different reaction. But watching your expressions? And your comments? You get it. You really get it. This is such a haunting song. Also my favorite. You can feel so much pain and emotion in his voice. I have listened to this song thousands of times and it's still touches me every time.
I love how Layne comes out, sits down and rips that first note with ease. It goes to show how much of a cry for help this song was, it's so genuine and heartfelt that he can just belt it out without it feeling rehearsed, as if he's opening his heart right then and there.
I’m really moved by the way you dive in to the song and be overwhelmed by empathy. Genuinely Human. You are an impressive spirit, and I am now a faithful subscriber .
This had been the first time I believe in a couple of years that the band had performed together due to Layne’s issues. It’s revered as one of if not the best unplugged performances of the shows history. Another song that will take you through the emotions is “Love Hate Love” I recommend the live version, such a contrast of emotions
Their MTV Unplugged performances are among the greatest and most powerful of their material, and you really do see all of them at their most naked. Layne especially, it's particularly potent because this was the last many of us ever got to see of him, and it's a really abiding memory. The performance of No Excuses is another one which I would heartily recommend, it's a song which Jerry wrote specifically about his sometimes difficult relationship with Layne and it's really something special, rightly regarded as one of the band's very best.
Huge aic fan. Every interview with him or those spoken about him, he was a very humble and thoughtful man. Kind beyond measure. Nit gonna lie, i still cry at times when i think of him.
Layne Staley may be gone from the living, but he will never be gone. Such an epic performance and knowing that this was his swan song couldn’t mean more. At the time of the airing us fans all knew something wasn’t right. But we never knew truly what was happening. Absolutely one of the best. One of the greatest voices
Never apologize for feeling deeply. Empathizing with the pain shows what a big heart you have.
I think most fans have this as number one AIC song. Layne's voice is so epic here and how the story matches real life is amazing. Even back then when we didn't know about him and felt the music instead of the lyrics, this was unbelievable.
This bands vibe is so powerful I can't describe it. Whenever im having a bad time I just listen to this album from Alice in Chains. Love Layne
A music critic was at that show and his opinion of the show ...
" I'm saddened inside for Layne...
The entire set felt like watching Layne sing at his own funeral, yet he was alive.
I'll never forget this show and I hope he gets help and heals his body and mind. "
Sad all the way around.
Every single real Alice fan cried the first time they saw this unplugged performance...
Some of us cried every time.
I pray he is in a much better place than us.
Every time this track is played. He is immortal. Let's keep his spirit alive. We miss you Layne......R.I.P brother
I really been getting into watching reaction videos and I fell asleep earlier so I woke up at like 10:00 last night and it's 6:30 in the morning and you and a few other reactors have had me on an emotional roller I love your reactions keep doing what you're doing Queen
I cry everytime I see this. Watching the downfall of such an amazing person is so difficult.
I read somewhere that someone said this was like watching a man singing at his own funeral! That always struck me hard. I think Layne knew he had lost the battle at this point but still put his heart on his sleeve and showed his vulnerabilities! Great song. Miss you Layne! R.I.P.
I cannot sing this song without tears running down my face. Not just the sorrow of knowing his history, but it has some rocky road memories for me.... Yet it is my favorite song from them. RIP to him and the one I lost.
Cant watch this without tearing up and I'm a grown man! Haunting looking back at it now... Layne knew he was fighting a losing battle.. rip layne ! Thanks for giving us these timeless jewels!
man, i love how special music is and how it emotional it is and how people can connect to it. it’s like each song has its own story and it’s beautiful
Layne's death triggered my depression and ive been battling it since. But i got help and im doing fine now. I like seeing other people's reactions to this song and performance and then hearing their stories and thoughts. Thanks for this reaction.
Been waited a while on this one. This entire album was awesome! I couldn't imagine playing and look at the front row and there sits Metallica with bad haircuts.
Metallica was so terrified about AIC when they came out, at the point of calling their agent to set a meeting with AIC Metallica wanted to be friends with AIC due to fear of the grunge era, at the end, Metallica survived, and Idk if that friendship with AIC helped.
@@pablerry Dude I don’t know where you heard that but it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and it’s not in any way indicative of how they became friends.
@@xstatixtribalelectronicmus2787 sorry little dude, Just because you don't know something doesn't make it a lie, Metallica mentioned that in an interview, remember Metallica was the most important band at the time grunge appeared.
Sadly that's the only part everyone can look back at laugh at.
Best MTV Unplugged ever, So dark, sad , Deep, Awesome vocals , Awesome musicianship, And you can hear the desperation and pain in Layne's Voice. So sad. I have this on DVD and watch when I'm feeling down.
This song hits hard for me personally. I also struggled with addiction and this song explained my feelings when I went through that. And it's true about the media and the normal person that doesn't go through it. They will consider you a tweaker, a junkie, just some really harsh terms. I had to struggle everyday hearing those days and wanting to die myself. I almost lost my life to the addiction.
I'm so glad you're still around and got out of this painful place to be in. I know how it feels. And this was the ultimate song for me then, too, it's that good.:') The isolation and the addiction go hand in hand imo. The way it's treated these days, all that shaming and villifying, isn't working whatsoever. Being loved no matter what is what lifts you up so you just wanna feel better, so that there is this spark of joy and hope. Most of the time, trauma is at the root of addiction and so it's important to feel safe to heal and then see a brighter day. Stick through with it brother or sister, whatever may come 🤗
I think that this song hits every one of us that have struggled with addiction hard. I don't know you but I want you to succeed.. I think that Layne would agree.
Going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. Money wasn't really an issue (until the end obviously) which made exceptionally bad. This news didn't help, if anything it made me let go even further. Then friend after friend after friend after friend. Gone. Just a monumental hole to climb out of. An emotionless empty shell. Took me another decade (2009) to finally kick it for good but somehow I did. Having kids I think. AIC and especially Mad Season are always tough listens. Siiigh, but I do anyway. Nice job bro 💪 I know how hard it is.
To me this doesn't seem like just a song. I can't explain it but it's like I'm watching the most beautiful, sad, thought provoking, piece of art ever created, with a little bit of mystery involved in what Layne was thinking and going through at the time. Just powerful. Gets me every time.
Every time
It was a cry for help. I know exactly how he felt and still feel that way, but I have never gone on to do heroin, But I understand how one can when the mental pain is so bad.
It's hard to not cry for his pain. He was the genuine article.
I really appreciate the fact that you picked up on it and it was their song and I knew it would have end badly
You channel is exactly how a reaction channel should be. It's not only expressed in your commentary (which I feel is an accurate interpretation of the lyrics ) but also in your emotions which are honest and draw your viewers to you!
Back in high school, AIC had a direct line to my moody soul. With age and time, looking back at these performances makes me emotional in a way that it didn't back then, watching the decline that was happening, hearing his voice gradually lose its forcefulness. Your reaction says it all.
This is my favorite song which is so tragic. He was telling us in his own way, he needed help, but we just saw it as lyrics until it was too late. Layne, Chester, and Chris were my favorite frontmen because I felt like they were singing my unspoken thoughts. It never occurred to me growing up that they were human, experiencing their own problems, until they passed. I know it's stupid but sometimes I feel ashamed that I am still around and they aren't.
Don’t forget about Scott Weiland in that list.
Jerry wrote Nutshell
I don't consider Chester on the same level but a tragedy nonetheless. Cornell and Stayley are unmatchable with talent. I honestly dont even consider Cobain on the same playing field. Stevie Ray Vaughn is another lost legend but that is a whole different genre.
I know that you like to do what is requested of you,but this must have been a very tough one to do as a fellow empath this gets me every damn time that i hear it !! Love yah AS !!
The whole unplugged is haunting, great band from the 90's and the grunge scene
When this showed on TV I was just a kid and really didn't understand the meaning behind it, now as a grown man and still a huge AIC fan it breaks my heart to hear and understand his pain. RIP brother
This video was beyond amazing. I literally cried. You are a dope person. Definitely subbed to you! 🤘🏻 RIP Layne Staley