This honestly isn't Layne's lowest point. A lot of people are saying he didn't have teeth or anything at this point, but he did. They filmed this in April 1996, and it was aired in May 1996. Layne had been separated from his ex fiance Demri for a while now but she suffered another overdose and was in the hospital in October 1996 and ultimately died from inflamation of the heart( very common among heroin addicts). This is when Layne started his downward spiral. The next five and a half years Layne let himself go drastically and yes by the end he was pretty much without teeth which is also common among addicts. I was friends with Mike Starr and subsequently got high with layne quite a few times and knew Demri and her mom Kathleen through friends. I saw Layne at his U-District condo (just north of downtown Seattle, Washington) about 3 months before he was found. He had been dead a couple weeks before he was found. Opioids (prescription and elicit) have been and is currently killing so many right now here in Seattle and every other corner of the states and I'm sure so many other places around the world. I have never brought up the fact that I knew Layne but I had a hard time scrolling through the comments and it seemed like every other comment was on his appearance , primarily his teeth. It's obvious to anyone with eyes he's but a shell of a man physically but how do "fans" find it necessary to comment on? To each his own I guess. If anything I hope somebody thinking about trying pills, heroin, Fentanyl, or any drug for that matter will stop and look around first.and will realize it can take anybody, even a celebrity or musician. Addiction knows no bounds, it don't matter what race you are, man or woman or where you're from and it can sometimes only take one time. And I will tell you first hand it will take everything from you, friends, family your home your car, your health , it will make those closest to you not recognize you physically and morally. Eventually it's either your life or your in prison, I promise you that!. There's no Middle Road, I've been an addict since I was in junior high and I'm 45 and I can't even count the friends and family I have lost to prison or death. So please don't ever try it! Great reaction as always guys! I'm a long time subscriber, and I appreciate you and your Channel!
@@FalseStartpA I can honestly only speculate for I was not there. But he had his go to people that either brought what he needed with them or could score in the town they played. Most H. addicts don't show obvious signs of being "high" and I use that term lightly for you need your daily fix just to bring yourself up to "normal" its only after this point one might feel any sensation of being high or showing signs like nodding off or being incoheriant. That's also why eventually you add some kind of an upper into your dose, some coke, some meth, barbs, etc. I know Layne tried his best not to overdo on nights of a show, but was known to have a few alcoholic beveys before hand, lol. Thanks for commenting.
@@mehlliont Thank you I am still fighting the good fight but as any addict will tell you talking about it helps, and you can only hope someone else too.
@@The1minutetomidnight Being alone isn't a matter of proximity exclusively. Its also about not having any people in your life to bear you up when your life experiences are to heavy to carry alone.
@@trafficking2596 as a former addict I know a bit. Plus on Layne's case Alice in Chains was always a dark band so the probably thought it was part of the show. It wasn't like people were blasting there addictions to the public. Well most anyway, RIP Layne a talented voice taken by addiction
Agreed, was really hoping they were gonna do the studio version. I just think the electric guitar in the original adds something that is missing from the acoustic performance.
Finally!!!! Background: They hadn’t performed for about two and a half years prior to this due to Layne’s addiction. They tried touring for the JOF album, but Layne was too far gone. So, at this point, Layne’s vocals aren’t nearly as good as they were during the studio recording of this...due to both not performing and the drugs. Also, Jerry’s guitar riffs cry out much more potently on the album version with the electric guitar. Given the hiatus...he absolutely crushed this. Sat down and went right into it like a boss. Rumor has it, he pounded a speedball into his veins 15 minutes before walking onstage because he couldn’t go more than 4-5 hours without drugs without becoming ill. He still had all his teeth. His fiancé hadn’t died yet. All of that is bullshit. This was April 1996. His fiancé overdosed in October 1996. He didn’t die until April 2002. His teeth didn’t start falling out until a few years prior to him actually passing. That being said, he was still a shell of his former self here for sure. The reason it’s so powerful, is because it was a prognostication of his death...like he’s prefacing his own funeral. He accepted his fate and realized that the depths he had fallen were too deep to climb out. That, and the fact you can feel his pain through his voice and see his lips quiver and it is visceral. Once Demri, his fiancé, died...they said he gave up and that’s when he became a recluse and spent 6 years playing video games and doing drugs. Didn’t find his body for 2 weeks and he weighed 90lbs when he died from that overdose. Unpopular opinion...the album version is better as far as the vocals and guitar...but this is the version that gives you a glimpse into Layne’s psyche. Also...I’m a hip hop head through and through like you guys...Lyrical, conscious hip hop...and this is my favorite band and has been since I was a kid.
Couldnt agree more man. He sat and sang. When he sings you have a window to look into his soul. How many art pieces provide you with that? Far too few. Shivers ALL the times I listen (and its been a LOT).
Great comment Chad. I agree with everything you said. I hare it when people say he has no teeth here because if you actually watch the videos from here and a few of the shows after this you can clearly see he still has teeth here
@@BradCross1982 He had apparently lost two teeth the day before this show, but still had most of his teeth. You can hear he has somewhat of a lisp here.
Im a recovering addict. 8 yrs clean. This song still brings me to tears. He described my life and many others. Unfortunately he didnt make it out. RIP Layne Staley
I dont think so. Pausing and discussing/analyzing/giving thoughts is exactly what a reaction video is and should be. Not pausing throughout is just like listening to the original, with nothing new added. Why would anyone watch a reaction video where it is just the original song played and the reactor just sitting there and listening without adding any input
I suggested that in another video. I would rather them end the AIC videos on a positive note than to end on this depressing unplugged. Its not an image you want to remember him by
@@aqualung1466 It sucks they said that this "felt final", because Facelift really hasn't gotten it's due. There's a few songs on there I'm sure they'd think are absolute bangers, hope they give this marathon at least one more video.
This reaction was historical. First time ever our Lost In Vegas boys didn’t pause the song. When it gets as good as Nutshell you need to hear it all the way through. Congrats gentlemen, you experienced a brilliant song.
My best friend died from leukemia after 9 hard years. He listened to this one night and posted it on Facebook. Heartbreaking. He went home on hospice and died peacefully last week.
Unplugged is a true masterpiece. The people at the show. The feelings these musicians were experiencing. The end of a family/generation. Absolutely incredible. RIP Layne may god bless you. AIC ✊🏽
@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 because he was practically dying from all the heroine he was doing. Guy didn't have a tooth left in his head and weighed like 80lbs of course his voice was weak.
@@RoyRagnar well then why not recommend a stronger performance? Why not the studio version of “Nutshell” instead of the far inferior live unplugged version? I don’t understand people putting their morbid fascination over the quality of the music.
@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 lol you need to get a life.. my comment to this bothered you this much? Sounds like Someone needs to get laid... read my post and tell me where I recommended this? I was referring to the entire album.. This was the last performance they had as a group hense why it was powerful for the men in the band and the fans that loved them. Good luck to you buddy. 🤣
Yeah, I'm with George. I always recommend the studio version of any song on first listen. This is actually a good performance though, about as close to the recording as you can get. Funny story about the bassist. This came out around the time that Metallica came out with the Load album and they cut their hair had a new look, etc. They happened to be up front for this show. So to have a little bit of fun with them, he wrote Friends Don't Let Friends Get Haircuts on his bass. You can see it in this video and throughout the entire Unplugged performance.
Not only that, but James Hetfield (who himself is an addict) made fun of Layne Staley while on stage when AIC wasn't touring due to Layne's addiction. Scumbag
It’s a good final tune for the Layne Staley era, but Jerry Cantrell is a force and the newer AIC stuff is excellent in its own right. It made this old AIC fan listen again...
Layne didn't have most of his teeth by the time this performance took place, so sad. Jerry had food poisoning for the show, the band hadn't really been together in months before this...the whole MTV unplugged for Alice In Chains shouldn't have worked, everything was stacked against it and yet I think it's the best Unplugged that MTV ever put out (sorry Nirvana fans, their set was fantastic too). Thanks for the video, guys!
Alice in Chains: "It Ain't Like That," "Bleed the Freak," "Junkhead." Also, you guys might wanna check out Mad Seasons "Wake Up," Long Gone Day," and "River of Deceit." It's a side project with Layne and the guys from Pearl Jam.
Worth saying, to anyone listening to this song and relating, ( i do too), there are places to reach out to and places to find someone to talk to. Don't feel that you're all alone, there are people to talk to, find them.
Those are some great recommendations. Love all three of those. I blast Sea of Sorrow and We Die Young all the time. Now I gotta go listen to Bleed the Freak 🤘🏼
Layne was super High here but he ended up dying like in the 2000’s. He never hid he had a drug problem. It was like he didn’t want to stop. It’s sad, he was so gifted with a unique voice.
Maybe off-topic. But I have a friend who has fallen into the deepest pit of addiction. I know there's no saving him, constantly mixing huge amount of drugs, paying the mental hospital a visit like every week. The cycle just continues. There is no stopping. He even abuses steroids even if he's not working out etc. Going in and out of different levels of psychosis. For some people, there is no saving and they know it. I manage to hold my head above the water, luckily. Some of us aren't so lucky.
Finally! I love this song, but I like "Rotten Apple" more and in my opinion is a much more powerful song. also, concerning this performance, Layne was at the height of his addiction to heroin, he had lost most of his teeth and his eyes were pretty fucked up as well hence why he wore sunglasses through out the performance. also Jerry helped Layne in a lot of the choruses because he no longer had the energy to sing some of the songs. Between this and Nirvana's unplugged performance, these are some of THE saddest concerts and also being one of Layne's last shows.
I can barely handle Layne doing this unplugged as I can not think of ANY sadder song. Its a song I have to be hesitant to listen to myself at times because he can push me into a darker place. I miss Layne.
He also had the gloves on because he had so many track marks from shooting up junk. I always found it unsettling how you can actually hear in his voice that he has missing teeth.
“No Excuses” “Heaven Beside You” “Brother (MTV Unplugged)” highly recommend these if ur doing more especially “Heaven Beside You” if you want to listen to their final studio album with Layne in it
the whole vibe of Grunge was tragically beautiful poets, speaking the honest truth about the pain we can ALL go through, speaking to the fringes of disillusioned young gen Xers, without sugar-coating the shit life threw at us. & it wiped it's ass on the vile mutterings of shallow hair pig rock of the 80's that was all about decadence & wanking, & the relentless power-mongering of the Reagan admin! it WAS the only other huge, global, anarchist-type shape-shifting genre, since punk rock, & still remains so.
Man, you summed it all up beautifully. I don't think we'll have another music revolution again. I had hopes but I think social media has put a stop to these phases happening. Once upon a time scenes could develop in isolation and build up a cult following. No chance Now!
while I like a lot of hair metal (there was some great musicianship-but simple minded lyrics for sure) you nailed the whole vibe of grunge (fookin' shame this was the term that labelers came up with for such powerful music) and as in ALL facets of life, honesty and transparency should be our guide! Beautifully defined and dug reading your paragraph! Peace.
@@treffbennett6534 yes since you mentioned Im coming out 😄I was a fan of some Hsir Metal as well. Even was front and center MANY of Crew concerts LOL What better choice of expressive music was there for a teenager at that point. Thank god for the birth of "Grunge" (not a fan of the term either). Those bands spoke for all of us without beating around the bush or sugar coating shit
Absolutely agree ecspecially about "grunge"being up there with punk, rock, etc. as a genre! But never would I have been able to express or word it so perfectly as you have. Very SPOT-ON and I felt it was absolutely beautiful!
This shouldn't be the end for you with AIC and Layne Staley. You should definitely check out the only album from the superband Mad Season, Above. With members of AIC, Pearl Jam & Screaming Trees. - Wake Up, River of Deceit, Artificial Red, Locomotive, & Long Gone Day are amazing songs! You can dedicate a whole month to a superband with a single album like this one, or Temple of the Dog...
I don't get why nutshell is always recommended on reaction channels, it's a very depressing song, it's just not a good song to react to, I thought this was awkward
“Friends don’t let friends get friends haircuts” Directed towards Metallica sitting in the front row after they cut all their hair off. 😂 😭😭. Edit: Not Kirk. Un-Edit: Including Kirk but grew it back kinda my bad.
Hellabaydude yep, and you can see Jerry look at Mike and Mike turn to Metallica to show them his guitar. Then Mike turns back and Jerry bursts out in laughter.
UnEdit, yeah, Kirk got his fro mowed down & edged too. It appears that Kirk let his grow out after the initial clipping, this could lead one to question: Why the hell did he do it in the 1st place then? A Publicity stunt by the band upon releasing a shitty album is my best guess (im talking about Metallica & their Load album/drink coaster, not A.I.C.) Now the Lost In Vegas crew should play Confusion or Sunshine from the Facelift album. Peace
@@jaymzb.1713 Kirk openly admitted that he cut- then shaved the hair, as it was falling out anyway at the time. I remember around March April 1996 when Kerrang magazine interviewed them for the first time in ages. It was the first time the haircuts were seen- and Kirk's hair - short- but was thinning rapidly. Those promo shots are easy to find online, and you can clearly see it. He told the same magazine later on, that he used Rogaine, cos he would have "looked like Michael Stipe" if he didnt!😃 A coupla years later when Garage Inc. is out, and he's back in business sproutin' a full head o'hair, thanks to the rogaine. Load itself has some brilliant songs,- Bleeding Me, Outlaw Torn,for example. Huge, brooding songs with massive shades of Black Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity, - and theres defo Alice in Chains influences in there too.
@@illtoxic6 Agreed. Maybe not as vocally perfect, or pitch perfect, but has 10 fold more emotion, pain and depth than the studio version. Ultimately what the song is about
Obscure AiC request: "God Am" from the s/t record/Tripod Alternatively: "Bleed the Freak" from Facelift. I don't *think* these are as popular with others as they are awesome to me, but hey!
When I saw them in early 1990s Layne was so sweet. A tender heart. But boy he could sing and bring such emotion. Loved them! RIP Layne. We can still hear you in Seattle from our wonderful memories. 💞✌
Tears every damn time. It’s such a beautiful, song that also rips your heart right out. His performance - says it all. The entire set is captivating-they are all SO GOOD. Must give props to each of them. But Layne, doesnt put forth much effort and still manages to turn out the best unplugged show ever……this is talent, this is a gift, this is heartbreaking.
There’s so much more! Keep it going, it’s a marathon right???? Everyone has a good cry to this song, then we throw on It Ain’t Like That, Angry Chair, Got Me Wrong....and all is good.
I think you need to hear the studio first to get the full impact of that performance. Plus by listening to the studio version first your brain will autocorrect a lot of imperfections in the live performance so that you can better enjoy it.
I just made a comment similar to this prior to seeing yours, and 100% agree. You can absolutely appreciate the beauty of the song coming to it the first time on Unplugged as it's a wonderful performance, but without knowing the original, this won't have the same impact for people like George and Ryan. For most of us in the comments, who were already huge fans at the time, when this dropped it hit like a ton of bricks.
Always been a big fan of AIC , many years long . Recently though, Sunshine , i found myself playing on repeat . I analyzed the song for me personally and realized, this song represents my being a single mother to two children. - it’s resonates hard . - even after many years of listening, and being blessed to attend concerts, this band still amazes me , in my personal life . Thank you . Rip Layne & Mike .
You have no idea how happy I am that you guys are doing SO MANY Alice In Chains songs. They are one of the most talented bands ever that of course took a dramatic turn when Layne took his life...oh what could've been.
Cool little side note: Mike Inez’s bass has the phrase “Friends don’t let friends get haircuts”. Some members of Metallica were in the audience. Around the time “Load” came out and they had cut their hair short.
Why so many requests for Nutshell Unplugged? This is a song in a format that really resonates to the AIC fan base. It’s special to us for more reasons than being a great song. Ryan and George don’t have the emotional context so the stand alone unplugged version isn’t the one to have requested, the studio version would have been better. Not saying they can’t like it, but those of us who bleed AIC need to temper expectations. Thanks for the review guys!
Yeah i agree, need to hear the studio version before hearing live versions to have the correct initial appreciation for its origin. Like listening to a cover of a song before the original. I was disappointed they went for the live version when the video started but other than that still a great song.
I haven’t really seen anybody suggest some of their newer songs with William DuVall, so here goes All Secrets Known Your Decision A Looking In View Stone
I had just turned 16 and had moved to Seattle when this came out. Like most teenagers I was struggling, especially being far from my original home/friends and in a strange place. I would go on drives with my new license through the neighborhood listening to Jar of Flies over and over. By the time the album restarted I arrived at a favorite spot overlooking the water with city lights far in the background and this song would come on again and hit me hard. It must be a heavy burden putting your deepest emotions out there and in some way speaking for others who can't express it themselves since you'll never really know where it'll land. I lived near him when he passed and had no idea what was going on a few blocks away to someone so important in my younger years. He's still deeply missed. Thank you for sharing your experiences with AIC's music.
He actually lived awhile after this performance, but this is considered their swan song. Layne was my generations voice, and he was gone much too soon. Always remember that this world is gonna break your heart.
Junkhead really hits you alot more powerfully if you were an actual junkhead. Not recommending becoming a heroin addict, just sharing my experience. Lol, just wanted to make that clear for the people riding the short bus.
Bro y'all didn't stop that once. That's gotta be a first. I think you dudes had some love built up for Layne and felt that pain in his vocals and the beauty of the performance, added to knowing this was their last show and he died alone a few years later... To pause that would have been unnatural. Y'all haven't ever reacted like that, and I think that's a good thing. I'm glad you allowed yourselves to go there and feel it. The studio version with the "ooohhs" is even better, so you'll grow to love it as a song. It's a masterpiece. The studio version of that album is straight Playlist.
Check out "MAD SEASON" Layne's other band.. *river of deceit* *lifeless dead* *I don't want 2 be a soldier* I regret putting them off for as long as I did. Their only album "ABOVE" is definitely a hidden gem. Mike McCready from pearl Jam plays guitar and he is just as good as Cantrell but with a different style. I know you guys love a good 🎸 riff.
What makes an Iconic singer? Simply put, is that no one sounds like them. There are only a few singers who stand alone with only "their voice". Layne, Johnny Cash, Lemmy(Motorhead), Eddie Vedder(Pearl Jam), Ed Kowalchek(Live),Dolly Parton, Cher, John Fogerty(CCR), James Hetfield(Metallica), Ice T, Elvis, Notorious BIG..... etc etc. If you can close your eyes and tell who is singing and not just because of the song music.....That is an Icon
Another of those videos where I click "like" before the intro is over. Because, no matter whether boys like the song or not, it's gonna be good. Having said that, I must agree with those saying it should've been studio version first. This performance, while legendary, has nothing on studio version. Jerry's solo on the latter is so haunting...
This whole acoustic session was fantastic. My favorite version of down in a hole was on this recording! When I heard the album version I didn’t think that song could make you feel the emotion of it any stronger until I heard the acoustic version.. it’s haunting.. you guys should react to it.
I was thinking the same thing. After listening to this I immediately went to go listen to “Dont Follow”. You get a good dose of Jerry singing and Layne belts it out in the last verse
1:57. Since you did this live, balance it out with *Real Thing from the Moore* 1990 or any song from that show. Layne was healthy, pre-addiction. The band was hungry. It’s the tour BEFORE Dirt. (This unplugged was ‘96 - the end of the band). Quite frankly, a lot of AIC fans are almost too infatuated with the heroin addiction and Layne’s descent. Let’s remember the good times, not just the original singer’s demise. For the sake of the band’s history.
They had a lot of great shows up until the end of 93 but the Moore one was so great because it was professionally recorded, not much of their early stuff was. Hollywood 91 and Glasgow 93 are two of my personal favorite shows
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
![[UNCUT] "เสรีพิศุทธ์" แฉยับ! งัดหลักฐานใหม่ชั้น 14 ได้นอนคุกสมใจแน่!! I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 2 ก.ย.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/O1SSg4p9Izs/mqdefault.jpg)
“If I can’t be my own...I’d feel better dead.” That lyric will forever be like a dagger.
That's the one that gets me everytime, too.
At the height of my own drug addiction and mental illness this song really struck a chord with me.
And yet I fight this battle all alone. No one to cry to. No place to call home.
But yeah those Pierce the heart with intensity
I've probably heard this song a 1,000 times and it f@#$s me up every time.
This honestly isn't Layne's lowest point. A lot of people are saying he didn't have teeth or anything at this point, but he did. They filmed this in April 1996, and it was aired in May 1996. Layne had been separated from his ex fiance Demri for a while now but she suffered another overdose and was in the hospital in October 1996 and ultimately died from inflamation of the heart( very common among heroin addicts). This is when Layne started his downward spiral. The next five and a half years Layne let himself go drastically and yes by the end he was pretty much without teeth which is also common among addicts. I was friends with Mike Starr and subsequently got high with layne quite a few times and knew Demri and her mom Kathleen through friends. I saw Layne at his U-District condo (just north of downtown Seattle, Washington) about 3 months before he was found. He had been dead a couple weeks before he was found. Opioids (prescription and elicit) have been and is currently killing so many right now here in Seattle and every other corner of the states and I'm sure so many other places around the world.
I have never brought up the fact that I knew Layne but I had a hard time scrolling through the comments and it seemed like every other comment was on his appearance , primarily his teeth. It's obvious to anyone with eyes he's but a shell of a man physically but how do "fans" find it necessary to comment on? To each his own I guess. If anything I hope somebody thinking about trying pills, heroin, Fentanyl, or any drug for that matter will stop and look around first.and will realize it can take anybody, even a celebrity or musician. Addiction knows no bounds, it don't matter what race you are, man or woman or where you're from and it can sometimes only take one time. And I will tell you first hand it will take everything from you, friends, family your home your car, your health , it will make those closest to you not recognize you physically and morally. Eventually it's either your life or your in prison, I promise you that!. There's no Middle Road, I've been an addict since I was in junior high and I'm 45 and I can't even count the friends and family I have lost to prison or death. So please don't ever try it!
Great reaction as always guys! I'm a long time subscriber, and I appreciate you and your Channel!
Sikpuppy wasn’t he on heroin throughout this performance
I hope you are better and recover from your struggles
@@FalseStartpA I can honestly only speculate for I was not there. But he had his go to people that either brought what he needed with them or could score in the town they played. Most H. addicts don't show obvious signs of being "high" and I use that term lightly for you need your daily fix just to bring yourself up to "normal" its only after this point one might feel any sensation of being high or showing signs like nodding off or being incoheriant. That's also why eventually you add some kind of an upper into your dose, some coke, some meth, barbs, etc. I know Layne tried his best not to overdo on nights of a show, but was known to have a few alcoholic beveys before hand, lol. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for this. And hope you are good x
@@mehlliont Thank you I am still fighting the good fight but as any addict will tell you talking about it helps, and you can only hope someone else too.
So sad. Layne is like a man singing at his own funeral. Pain, despair and sadness
The audience's massive applause and enthusiasm during the opening chords of this song definitely shows just how alone he was.
NightMoves just because you have people around you doesn’t mean you can’t be lonely
Cobain did the same thing
@@The1minutetomidnight Being alone isn't a matter of proximity exclusively. Its also about not having any people in your life to bear you up when your life experiences are to heavy to carry alone.
@@trafficking2596 as a former addict I know a bit. Plus on Layne's case Alice in Chains was always a dark band so the probably thought it was part of the show. It wasn't like people were blasting there addictions to the public. Well most anyway, RIP Layne a talented voice taken by addiction
Agree with George...studio versions are always the way to go FIRST. After letting that soak in, hit up the live performances.
100% with you. I don't think it makes sense to hit this performance first...
I also agree... studio versions first!
Yep, 100%.
Your ears deserve to hear the studio version.
Agreed, was really hoping they were gonna do the studio version. I just think the electric guitar in the original adds something that is missing from the acoustic performance.
Finally!!!! Background:
They hadn’t performed for about two and a half years prior to this due to Layne’s addiction. They tried touring for the JOF album, but Layne was too far gone. So, at this point, Layne’s vocals aren’t nearly as good as they were during the studio recording of this...due to both not performing and the drugs. Also, Jerry’s guitar riffs cry out much more potently on the album version with the electric guitar.
Given the hiatus...he absolutely crushed this.
Sat down and went right into it like a boss. Rumor has it, he pounded a speedball into his veins 15 minutes before walking onstage because he couldn’t go more than 4-5 hours without drugs without becoming ill.
He still had all his teeth. His fiancé hadn’t died yet. All of that is bullshit. This was April 1996. His fiancé overdosed in October 1996. He didn’t die until April 2002. His teeth didn’t start falling out until a few years prior to him actually passing.
That being said, he was still a shell of his former self here for sure. The reason it’s so powerful, is because it was a prognostication of his death...like he’s prefacing his own funeral. He accepted his fate and realized that the depths he had fallen were too deep to climb out. That, and the fact you can feel his pain through his voice and see his lips quiver and it is visceral. Once Demri, his fiancé, died...they said he gave up and that’s when he became a recluse and spent 6 years playing video games and doing drugs. Didn’t find his body for 2 weeks and he weighed 90lbs when he died from that overdose.
Unpopular opinion...the album version is better as far as the vocals and guitar...but this is the version that gives you a glimpse into Layne’s psyche.
Also...I’m a hip hop head through and through like you guys...Lyrical, conscious hip hop...and this is my favorite band and has been since I was a kid.
Couldnt agree more man. He sat and sang. When he sings you have a window to look into his soul. How many art pieces provide you with that? Far too few. Shivers ALL the times I listen (and its been a LOT).
Great comment Chad. I agree with everything you said. I hare it when people say he has no teeth here because if you actually watch the videos from here and a few of the shows after this you can clearly see he still has teeth here
@@BradCross1982 He had apparently lost two teeth the day before this show, but still had most of his teeth. You can hear he has somewhat of a lisp here.
Man I agree with you a lot on the studio version sounding better. It feels like a different song with the electric guitar
I remember when Layne said this was the most fun they had in 2 years. You could see how much they were all relishing it as maybe the last time
Im a recovering addict. 8 yrs clean. This song still brings me to tears. He described my life and many others. Unfortunately he didnt make it out. RIP Layne Staley
good shit man
I hope you're doing well man
8 years is awesome, dude. Hope you're doing well, buddy. Keep it going.
Wishing you all the best, one day at a time ❤
Good for you, brother. Me too. 10 years clean. Stay strong.
Reactors that didn’t pause? That’s respect for an artist.
They usually do pause and discuss, that's what makes this one remarkable.
I like it when they pause and discuss, this is a reaction video after all.
I dont think so. Pausing and discussing/analyzing/giving thoughts is exactly what a reaction video is and should be. Not pausing throughout is just like listening to the original, with nothing new added. Why would anyone watch a reaction video where it is just the original song played and the reactor just sitting there and listening without adding any input
And for copyright
He almost did towards the end but he stopped himself and noticed a good vocal was about to hit
I'm surprised more people aren't suggesting "We Die Young." I really think you guys would love it. Super groovy, nasty riffs, and Layne goes off!
And Bleed the Freak.
You are right. Amazing way to start an album I just wish the song was a bit longer.
Sunshine or Real Thing!
I suggested that in another video. I would rather them end the AIC videos on a positive note than to end on this depressing unplugged. Its not an image you want to remember him by
@@aqualung1466 It sucks they said that this "felt final", because Facelift really hasn't gotten it's due. There's a few songs on there I'm sure they'd think are absolute bangers, hope they give this marathon at least one more video.
it makes me tear up to hear laynes voice, i really wish he was still alive he was such a beautiful singer 😢
Azula this song makes me cry too... hits super close
Azula me too.
Facts. So so so sad
Me too.
The unplugged version will choke me up every time. Addiction is a real bitch
This reaction was historical. First time ever our Lost In Vegas boys didn’t pause the song. When it gets as good as Nutshell you need to hear it all the way through. Congrats gentlemen, you experienced a brilliant song.
This song is beautifully sad.
Nice picture
@@tretre3892 yours too!
My best friend died from leukemia after 9 hard years. He listened to this one night and posted it on Facebook. Heartbreaking. He went home on hospice and died peacefully last week.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
May your heart be healed of pain, and great memories left to remain.
Sorry 😭 live on your best for them
“No excuses” is a must. One of their best songs
John Molerio For sure!
John Molerio they could do that off the unplugged as well
It really is. The more I think of it.
"Don't follow" is the perfect song to end the marathon! That would be amazing.
Dalton C and Swing on this
Damn, can I just say, George is actually a really good lyric analyst
That's one of the main things that pulled me into their videos. I could tell they were really listening to the music. It's authentic.
He really appreciates good lyrics! He's analyzed lyrics for songs I've heard a thousand times and never thought about the meaning.
You guys should check out Mad Season “wake up” It will not disappoint
Excellent song
Excellently superb cd
THIS. A million times this. Such a great song, and a great album, really.
YES
Or any song off that album
Don't stop!!! Gotta do "Angry Chair", "Grind", "Rotten Apple", and if you want something new do "Phantom Limb" !!!
Angry Chair unplugged for sure
Yes! Phantom limb is my favorite Alice In Chains song
Rotten apple
No Excuses is also a must. I'm 100% sure they will enjoy it.
Phantom Limb, 1000%
Unplugged is a true masterpiece. The people at the show. The feelings these musicians were experiencing. The end of a family/generation. Absolutely incredible. RIP Layne may god bless you. AIC ✊🏽
This isn’t a good performance. Laynes voice is pretty weak here.
@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 because he was practically dying from all the heroine he was doing. Guy didn't have a tooth left in his head and weighed like 80lbs of course his voice was weak.
@@RoyRagnar well then why not recommend a stronger performance? Why not the studio version of “Nutshell” instead of the far inferior live unplugged version? I don’t understand people putting their morbid fascination over the quality of the music.
@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 lol you need to get a life.. my comment to this bothered you this much? Sounds like Someone needs to get laid... read my post and tell me where I recommended this? I was referring to the entire album.. This was the last performance they had as a group hense why it was powerful for the men in the band and the fans that loved them. Good luck to you buddy. 🤣
@@RoyRagnar duh dur dur duh this is a channel where people recommend music I’m obviously referring to the song rec
Yeah, I'm with George. I always recommend the studio version of any song on first listen. This is actually a good performance though, about as close to the recording as you can get. Funny story about the bassist. This came out around the time that Metallica came out with the Load album and they cut their hair had a new look, etc. They happened to be up front for this show. So to have a little bit of fun with them, he wrote Friends Don't Let Friends Get Haircuts on his bass. You can see it in this video and throughout the entire Unplugged performance.
Brandon Wiesner I didn’t knew that, and he performed the Enter Sandman riff too.
Haha didnt know thats what it was for
“Friends don’t let friends get Friends haircuts”
I disagree this is a POOR PERFORMANCE laynes voice is weak here
Don’t let this be the end. Y’all gotta do “We Die Young” and “Dam That River.” The two meanest riffs they ever played.
Definitely need to do Dam That River
@@jaid2383 Dam That River is a classic. We Die Young is good, but I honestly like Man In a Box better.
They would love dam that river
And "It ain't like that"
Junkhead
Do “Black Gives Way To Blue”. Was Jerry’s tribute to Layne after his death, with Piano by the legendary Elton John.
I'm surprised Junkhead and Bleed the Freak weren't requested more. I have loved watching you both react to AiC. Great Marathon
I’ve requested them over and over along with It Aint Like That and a few others, much better songs in my opinion
The studio version is underrated af
It's not. Everyone who ever heard the song gives it top ratings.
I'd say it's overshadowed by the unplugged due to the context of it all
8 Ball Bowler the studio is way better than the live version in my opinion
@@connorlachs3871 I agree. The studio is my favorite version too.
I don't think so... the studio version is awesome, but the unplugged version is just raw, and real. I like it better.
“Friends don’t let friends get haircuts” Mike wrote that with a sharpie on his bass after Metallica showed up to the gig freshly shorn.
Ugh, Load was the first disappointing Metallica album.
Was it not even more specifically 90s as: Friends don’t let friends get ‘Friends’ haircuts?! Haha!
I believe it was "Friends Don't Let Friends Get Friends Haircuts". It was a pop culture reference to the current biggest show on TV: Friends.
@@V0KAN Yeah, that was exactly what I said 2 days prior, haha!
Not only that, but James Hetfield (who himself is an addict) made fun of Layne Staley while on stage when AIC wasn't touring due to Layne's addiction. Scumbag
It’s so haunting. Every time.
It’s a good final tune for the Layne Staley era, but Jerry Cantrell is a force and the newer AIC stuff is excellent in its own right. It made this old AIC fan listen again...
Jeff Holiman , exactly! Rainier Fog is a damn good album!
I only got to listen to DPDH from their newer stuff but damn that was amazing.
Jerry Cantrell’s solo stuff is really good too.
I absolutely love The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
@@rialovestoread they sound very mature lyrically and musically in that album
And oc the soul in their music is still present
EVERYTIME.... EVERY SINGLE TIME when i sit bye myself and listen to this i cry
For real.
Layne didn't have most of his teeth by the time this performance took place, so sad. Jerry had food poisoning for the show, the band hadn't really been together in months before this...the whole MTV unplugged for Alice In Chains shouldn't have worked, everything was stacked against it and yet I think it's the best Unplugged that MTV ever put out (sorry Nirvana fans, their set was fantastic too).
Thanks for the video, guys!
I guess I’m in the minority who doesn’t really like it I prefer the album studio version so much more
@@Pegasus_p12 I agree. Laynes vocals MTV unplugged weren't his best.
Andrew Kelley layne & Kurt have similar voices
The Stone Temple Pilots show was really something special too.
Yeah Nirvana and AIC are neck and neck when it comes to MTV Unplugged. Just too good.
Alice in Chains: "It Ain't Like That," "Bleed the Freak," "Junkhead." Also, you guys might wanna check out Mad Seasons "Wake Up," Long Gone Day," and "River of Deceit." It's a side project with Layne and the guys from Pearl Jam.
definitely long gone day.. have they done any lanegan?
Mad season! yes
All alone by mad season has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever made
Wake Up is so good.
There were more guys from the Screaming Trees in Mad Season than Pearl Jam.
When Staley sang "I'd feel better dead" you could see that hit George hard....
Don’t stop the marathon yet guys! Many more great songs you haven’t got too
"Dam That River" 🎸 🎸 🎸
You fellas need to rock out!!!
Worth saying, to anyone listening to this song and relating, ( i do too), there are places to reach out to and places to find someone to talk to. Don't feel that you're all alone, there are people to talk to, find them.
You guys should listen to "Sea Of Sorrow" " We Die Young" & "Bleed The Freak"
Q 🤘
Q YES!!!🔥👊👌🏼
Sea of Sorrow probably their most radio-friendly song, and Bleed the Freak possibly my favorite of all their work.
Those are some great recommendations. Love all three of those. I blast Sea of Sorrow and We Die Young all the time. Now I gotta go listen to Bleed the Freak 🤘🏼
We Die Young is a friggin BANGER. No one gives it enough love.
I've been telling you : "DAM THAT RIVER"!!. Y'all ain't listening, c'mon!
Varun Sharma YES!!! BEST RIFF!!!
Yes yes yes
They would lose their shit to that song, I also gotta recommend the song dirt
Super agree!!!
i cant listen to that without listening to them bones first.. compulsory 1-2 combo
Layne was super High here but he ended up dying like in the 2000’s. He never hid he had a drug problem. It was like he didn’t want to stop. It’s sad, he was so gifted with a unique voice.
So true. I think the passing of his fiancé did him in more than the drugs
Maybe off-topic. But I have a friend who has fallen into the deepest pit of addiction. I know there's no saving him, constantly mixing huge amount of drugs, paying the mental hospital a visit like every week. The cycle just continues. There is no stopping. He even abuses steroids even if he's not working out etc. Going in and out of different levels of psychosis.
For some people, there is no saving and they know it. I manage to hold my head above the water, luckily. Some of us aren't so lucky.
Well, you just decide that youre going to let it take you and you give up.
"Hate to Fell"
Arguably explains why, he became like his father but unlike his old man, Layne's body couldn't take the abuse.
@@V4Now whats the story behind his dad?
Finally! I love this song, but I like "Rotten Apple" more and in my opinion is a much more powerful song. also, concerning this performance, Layne was at the height of his addiction to heroin, he had lost most of his teeth and his eyes were pretty fucked up as well hence why he wore sunglasses through out the performance. also Jerry helped Layne in a lot of the choruses because he no longer had the energy to sing some of the songs. Between this and Nirvana's unplugged performance, these are some of THE saddest concerts and also being one of Layne's last shows.
Rotten Apple is my jam dude! It's sounds so dark, but so beautiful. The harmonies on that song are some of my favorite that they did for sure.
@@blueorpheus5693 they really are, everytime i wanna listen to Alice in Chains i always put on Rotten Apple.
I can barely handle Layne doing this unplugged as I can not think of ANY sadder song. Its a song I have to be hesitant to listen to myself at times because he can push me into a darker place. I miss Layne.
He also had the gloves on because he had so many track marks from shooting up junk. I always found it unsettling how you can actually hear in his voice that he has missing teeth.
@@robertupson5274 yeah, its sad and haunting all the little tells you can find in this performance.
“No Excuses” “Heaven Beside You” “Brother (MTV Unplugged)” highly recommend these if ur doing more especially “Heaven Beside You” if you want to listen to their final studio album with Layne in it
double those 3 recommends, some of my favorites to sing when things get down
the whole vibe of Grunge was tragically beautiful poets, speaking the honest truth about the pain we can ALL go through, speaking to the fringes of disillusioned young gen Xers, without sugar-coating the shit life threw at us. & it wiped it's ass on the vile mutterings of shallow hair pig rock of the 80's that was all about decadence & wanking, & the relentless power-mongering of the Reagan admin! it WAS the only other huge, global, anarchist-type shape-shifting genre, since punk rock, & still remains so.
Man, you summed it all up beautifully. I don't think we'll have another music revolution again. I had hopes but I think social media has put a stop to these phases happening. Once upon a time scenes could develop in isolation and build up a cult following. No chance Now!
while I like a lot of hair metal (there was some great musicianship-but simple minded lyrics for sure) you nailed the whole vibe of grunge (fookin' shame this was the term that labelers came up with for such powerful music) and as in ALL facets of life, honesty and transparency should be our guide! Beautifully defined and dug reading your paragraph! Peace.
That was beautifully put! I never heard anyone express it that way before. The 90's were such a great era for music!
@@treffbennett6534 yes since you mentioned Im coming out 😄I was a fan of some Hsir Metal as well. Even was front and center MANY of Crew concerts LOL What better choice of expressive music was there for a teenager at that point. Thank god for the birth of "Grunge" (not a fan of the term either). Those bands spoke for all of us without beating around the bush or sugar coating shit
Absolutely agree ecspecially about "grunge"being up there with punk, rock, etc. as a genre! But never would I have been able to express or word it so perfectly as you have. Very SPOT-ON and I felt it was absolutely beautiful!
You should do “black gives way to blue” it’s Jerry’s ode to Layne on their first album after Layne was no longer with us.
Yeah that song rips
Ahmed Winchester “Rips” my heart apart, man,
All Secrets Known makes me tear up thinking about Layne
@@RenegadeSith AiC keeping the tradition of opening an album with an incredible song. Beautiful lyrics, the riff, ah, it's such a great tune.
This shouldn't be the end for you with AIC and Layne Staley. You should definitely check out the only album from the superband Mad Season, Above. With members of AIC, Pearl Jam & Screaming Trees.
- Wake Up, River of Deceit, Artificial Red, Locomotive, & Long Gone Day are amazing songs! You can dedicate a whole month to a superband with a single album like this one, or Temple of the Dog...
I don't get the fascination with Mad Season. It really wasn't very good.
Absolutely.
@Francis Q Christopher I disagree, Mad Season was incredible. Watch Live at the Moore and see if you still feel the same way. :)
I don't get why nutshell is always recommended on reaction channels, it's a very depressing song, it's just not a good song to react to, I thought this was awkward
@@francisqchristopher8684 It's amazing if it comes at the right point in your life. Sometimes the emotional relevance of a song is everything.
“Like watching a man sing the dirge at his own funeral.” (Great reaction video fellas)
“Friends don’t let friends get friends haircuts” Directed towards Metallica sitting in the front row after they cut all their hair off. 😂 😭😭. Edit: Not Kirk. Un-Edit: Including Kirk but grew it back kinda my bad.
Hellabaydude true story 😂😂
Oh no, Kirk got his cut too. Look at the pic on "Load" and Lars' hair is longer than Kirk's.
Hellabaydude yep, and you can see Jerry look at Mike and Mike turn to Metallica to show them his guitar. Then Mike turns back and Jerry bursts out in laughter.
UnEdit, yeah, Kirk got his fro mowed down & edged too. It appears that Kirk let his grow out after the initial clipping, this could lead one to question: Why the hell did he do it in the 1st place then? A Publicity stunt by the band upon releasing a shitty album is my best guess (im talking about Metallica & their Load album/drink coaster, not A.I.C.)
Now the Lost In Vegas crew should play Confusion or Sunshine from the Facelift album.
Peace
@@jaymzb.1713 Kirk openly admitted that he cut- then shaved the hair, as it was falling out anyway at the time. I remember around March April 1996 when Kerrang magazine interviewed them for the first time in ages. It was the first time the haircuts were seen- and Kirk's hair - short- but was thinning rapidly. Those promo shots are easy to find online, and you can clearly see it. He told the same magazine later on, that he used Rogaine, cos he would have "looked like Michael Stipe" if he didnt!😃 A coupla years later when Garage Inc. is out, and he's back in business sproutin' a full head o'hair, thanks to the rogaine. Load itself has some brilliant songs,- Bleeding Me, Outlaw Torn,for example. Huge, brooding songs with massive shades of Black Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity, - and theres defo Alice in Chains influences in there too.
Please do "River of Deceit" when Layne was with Mad Season
Anything on that album is utterly fantastic.
"God Am" has an outstanding one-two punch of those crunchy guitar tones and harmonic vocals you love...
Great song that not a lot of people know.
I like this version but the studio version is what made it epic. And his voice is so beautifully displayed in that version.
I strongly agree. It's a shame that they don't experience the intense, emotional instrumental end to the song, either.
Yah, also his voice wasn't too on point at this venue. And the electric guitar on the album is part of what paints such a unique picture.
@@BensSoZen I think the acoustic and his voice were immaculate during the unplugged performance..
@@illtoxic6 Agreed. Maybe not as vocally perfect, or pitch perfect, but has 10 fold more emotion, pain and depth than the studio version. Ultimately what the song is about
Obscure AiC request: "God Am" from the s/t record/Tripod
Alternatively: "Bleed the Freak" from Facelift.
I don't *think* these are as popular with others as they are awesome to me, but hey!
Would love to see Sludge Factory, Head Creeps, and Nothin Song too. Also So Close. Anything off Tripod honestly.
We could be friends. My two fav songs by Alice.
Too bad they only listen to Patreons now
They’ll really like a Bleed the Freak, good one.
WHY IS TRIPOD ALWAYS OVERLOOKED
When I saw them in early 1990s Layne was so sweet. A tender heart. But boy he could sing and bring such emotion. Loved them! RIP Layne. We can still hear you in Seattle from our wonderful memories. 💞✌
'Dam That River' - the second song on the Dirt album. It's a great track - really worth a listen!
Layne just entered the stage and started singing like a boss.
Layne Staley recorded an album in 1995 with Mad Season: "I Don't Know Anything" rocks. "Wake Up" n "River of Deceit" are good too.
Just want We Die Young before the marathon ends
I second this!
Seriously
Yes!
“The One You Know” so you can hear what they’re up to currently
or Choke.. love that one
dude all 3 of their new albums kick ass
I love Acid Bubble from album Black Gives Way To Blue
Hollow please this is just such amazing piece!
Its honestly hard to pick from their new stuff. They've been putting out banger after banger
Tears every damn time. It’s such a beautiful, song that also rips your heart right out. His performance - says it all.
The entire set is captivating-they are all SO GOOD. Must give props to each of them. But Layne, doesnt put forth much effort and still manages to turn out the best unplugged show ever……this is talent, this is a gift, this is heartbreaking.
“Don’t follow” reaction has to be next
Drew Batuba i agree!
Definitely check the studio version. Jerry’s guitar solo is some of his absolute best work.
The best Unplugged ever, with the best vocalist of a generation, RIP Layne
There’s so much more! Keep it going, it’s a marathon right???? Everyone has a good cry to this song, then we throw on It Ain’t Like That, Angry Chair, Got Me Wrong....and all is good.
I think you need to hear the studio first to get the full impact of that performance. Plus by listening to the studio version first your brain will autocorrect a lot of imperfections in the live performance so that you can better enjoy it.
I just made a comment similar to this prior to seeing yours, and 100% agree. You can absolutely appreciate the beauty of the song coming to it the first time on Unplugged as it's a wonderful performance, but without knowing the original, this won't have the same impact for people like George and Ryan. For most of us in the comments, who were already huge fans at the time, when this dropped it hit like a ton of bricks.
Can't believe that I haven't seen a request for "Got Me Wrong" totally underrated song. It just feels good
they have so many underrated songs, AIC is just so damn good man
Dudes. “Sunshine” off of Facelift is AMAZING. Please check it out. Groovy af
Sunshine is one of my all time favorite songs
Always been a big fan of AIC , many years long . Recently though, Sunshine , i found myself playing on repeat . I analyzed the song for me personally and realized, this song represents my being a single mother to two children. - it’s resonates hard . - even after many years of listening, and being blessed to attend concerts, this band still amazes me , in my personal life . Thank you . Rip Layne & Mike .
I'd say either "Don't Follow" or one of their newer songs like "Stone" to end the marathon.
Joshua Taylor don’t follow is one of my all time fav. Aic is my favorite band hands down I’m also niner faithful baby!
Don't Follow!
Don’t follow would be great!
Dont Follow is my favorite
You have no idea how happy I am that you guys are doing SO MANY Alice In Chains songs. They are one of the most talented bands ever that of course took a dramatic turn when Layne took his life...oh what could've been.
Do the studio version.
"NO EXCUSES"
"Again"
I've been asking them to do Again! Great song so heavy
He was in rough shape in this video. And still sang the hell out of it
Usually like studio better myself, but this is the greatest live concert ever. I prefer this acoustic version of their songs to their studio.
Man it is just crazy to see how far y’all have come!!! I remember when y’all just had like 20,000 subs !! Keep it up guys. 👊🏼💯 almost 1 million!!!
You still haven't done their actual song "Dirt", and it's absolutely amazing.
This one. Please. They gonna love it.
My favorite off that album!
Oh God it's the bad joke maker
@@ash_aiden what bad joke are you referring to? I'm being serious, the song "Dirt" is amazing 😂
@@scumdog666 I saw you making a bad Nirvana jokes in a different video, or it was someone with the same profile picture as you
Cool little side note: Mike Inez’s bass has the phrase “Friends don’t let friends get haircuts”. Some members of Metallica were in the audience. Around the time “Load” came out and they had cut their hair short.
Friends don't let friends get Friend's haircuts.
@@justaguy1109 You beat me to it. Hehe.
If you wanna end this marathon on a high note, IT AINT LIKE THAT.
He looked pretty high to me!
Why so many requests for Nutshell Unplugged? This is a song in a format that really resonates to the AIC fan base. It’s special to us for more reasons than being a great song. Ryan and George don’t have the emotional context so the stand alone unplugged version isn’t the one to have requested, the studio version would have been better. Not saying they can’t like it, but those of us who bleed AIC need to temper expectations. Thanks for the review guys!
The studio version just has a special magic to it, I think it's Jerry's electric guitar
I love the unplugged version. I have on dvd I watch at least 1 time a month. AiC is amazing live so I see why us fans pick this.
Sweet Cyanide I love it too. But it’s not the best suggestion for this review. The studio version is.
I don't think Layne was singing at his best here either. The studio version would've blown them away. What a shame.
Yeah i agree, need to hear the studio version before hearing live versions to have the correct initial appreciation for its origin. Like listening to a cover of a song before the original. I was disappointed they went for the live version when the video started but other than that still a great song.
He named the song "Nutshell" because to him he was explaining "life in a nutshell."
I haven’t really seen anybody suggest some of their newer songs with William DuVall, so here goes
All Secrets Known
Your Decision
A Looking In View
Stone
Seriously. Stone and Private Hell are two of my favs.
“If I can’t be my own, I’d feel better dead.” ❤️
".. feel better dead." Not to nit-pick, but the word choice there is pivotal.
I love this song so much!! I have the word "nutshell" tattooed on me in tribute to this this song 🖤🖤🖤
We Die Young! It's the perfect contrast to this, somewhat same message, but different approach. A beautiful dichotomy.
“Last of my Kind” off Black Gives Way to Blue is EXCELLENT. It was their first album without Layne.
Black gives way to blue , is their tribute to
Layne . Song still hits me every time. Give it a listen.✌🏻👍🏼
Please react to “Heaven beside you” and
“No Excuses”
I think they’d love Heaven Beside You. The verses are so groovy.
I agree “heaven beside you” is a must!
No excuses
Yep, they're missing out massively by not listening to these two!
I love both, and Junkhead, God Am, We Die Young.
But I guess no Excuses is really a must.
I had just turned 16 and had moved to Seattle when this came out. Like most teenagers I was struggling, especially being far from my original home/friends and in a strange place. I would go on drives with my new license through the neighborhood listening to Jar of Flies over and over. By the time the album restarted I arrived at a favorite spot overlooking the water with city lights far in the background and this song would come on again and hit me hard.
It must be a heavy burden putting your deepest emotions out there and in some way speaking for others who can't express it themselves since you'll never really know where it'll land. I lived near him when he passed and had no idea what was going on a few blocks away to someone so important in my younger years. He's still deeply missed. Thank you for sharing your experiences with AIC's music.
He actually lived awhile after this performance, but this is considered their swan song. Layne was my generations voice, and he was gone much too soon.
Always remember that this world is gonna break your heart.
Y’all gotta do “Junkhead” - such a powerful song!
Agreed! Bleed the freak live was phenomenal too
Junkhead really hits you alot more powerfully if you were an actual junkhead. Not recommending becoming a heroin addict, just sharing my experience. Lol, just wanted to make that clear for the people riding the short bus.
Gotta do "Don't Follow" from Jar of Flies. It's haunting & heartbreaking. Sounds like Layne writing his own eulogy. And just a great all-around song.
Such a heartbreakingly beautiful song. Songs like this that suck you into the feeling of the song are always the best and the way music should be
‘DIED’ BY ALICE IN CHAINS
Very underrated song I believe it was the last song layne recorded
Grant Heyns very underrated
Yes and get born again from the same recording is maybe even better could be the darkest song
PLEASE do more sometime!
Dam That River
What the Hell Have I?
We Die Young
No Excuses
Don't Follow
etc...
Layne was in a dark place during this time....There will never be another Layne. RIP my man. Miss ya.
Bro y'all didn't stop that once. That's gotta be a first. I think you dudes had some love built up for Layne and felt that pain in his vocals and the beauty of the performance, added to knowing this was their last show and he died alone a few years later... To pause that would have been unnatural.
Y'all haven't ever reacted like that, and I think that's a good thing. I'm glad you allowed yourselves to go there and feel it.
The studio version with the "ooohhs" is even better, so you'll grow to love it as a song. It's a masterpiece. The studio version of that album is straight Playlist.
Gotta do “Grind”, “Again”, “Over Now” from the last AIC studio album with Layne Staley.
Sludge Factory
yes -grind -one of my favorite ones
shame in you
"I can't remember" is one of their hidden gems. I wish anyone would react to that.
Man I couldnt agree more, facelift in general is a masterpiece
Check out "MAD SEASON" Layne's other band..
*river of deceit*
*lifeless dead*
*I don't want 2 be a soldier*
I regret putting them off for as long as I did. Their only album "ABOVE" is definitely a hidden gem. Mike McCready from pearl Jam plays guitar and he is just as good as Cantrell but with a different style. I know you guys love a good 🎸 riff.
So many more good songs, don't stop yet guys! Haven't touched their self titled album yet even. 'Again', 'Grind' and 'Heaven Beside You'.
Hell-Knight couldnt agree more, do any song from the self-titled album!
What makes an Iconic singer? Simply put, is that no one sounds like them. There are only a few singers who stand alone with only "their voice".
Layne, Johnny Cash, Lemmy(Motorhead), Eddie Vedder(Pearl Jam), Ed Kowalchek(Live),Dolly Parton, Cher, John Fogerty(CCR), James Hetfield(Metallica), Ice T, Elvis, Notorious BIG..... etc etc.
If you can close your eyes and tell who is singing and not just because of the song music.....That is an Icon
You guys have to do something from the Duvall era.
- A Looking In View
- Check My Brain
- Stone
Another of those videos where I click "like" before the intro is over. Because, no matter whether boys like the song or not, it's gonna be good.
Having said that, I must agree with those saying it should've been studio version first. This performance, while legendary, has nothing on studio version. Jerry's solo on the latter is so haunting...
This whole acoustic session was fantastic. My favorite version of down in a hole was on this recording! When I heard the album version I didn’t think that song could make you feel the emotion of it any stronger until I heard the acoustic version.. it’s haunting.. you guys should react to it.
Please do “Don’t Follow”
Yes! The best off Jar IMO.
Dude, let us get out of lockdown first. lol No need for causing mass suicides yet. hehe
I was thinking the same thing. After listening to this I immediately went to go listen to “Dont Follow”. You get a good dose of Jerry singing and Layne belts it out in the last verse
Yes yes yes yes!
Don't Follow is the song from Jar of Flies I belt out in the car while driving.
My suggestion is do What The Hell Have I next from the Last Action Hero soundtrack. That’s the sleeper Alice In Chains track.
This is Layne singing at his own funeral. It’s one of the most beautiful and most hurtful things I’ve ever seen.
Not even the most beautiful Alice In Chains performance
1:57. Since you did this live, balance it out with *Real Thing from the Moore* 1990 or any song from that show. Layne was healthy, pre-addiction. The band was hungry. It’s the tour BEFORE Dirt. (This unplugged was ‘96 - the end of the band).
Quite frankly, a lot of AIC fans are almost too infatuated with the heroin addiction and Layne’s descent. Let’s remember the good times, not just the original singer’s demise. For the sake of the band’s history.
Goodfella couldn’t have said it better myself. Amen.
That Moore show is straight up fire though 🔥
They had a lot of great shows up until the end of 93 but the Moore one was so great because it was professionally recorded, not much of their early stuff was. Hollywood 91 and Glasgow 93 are two of my personal favorite shows
BMC 1982 agreed. That was their window.