Layne Staley was an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Alice in Chains and the supergroup Mad Season. He was born on August 22, 1967, in Kirkland, Washington, and passed away on April 5, 2002, in Seattle, Washington.
Personal and Family Life
Layne Staley’s parents divorced when he was seven years old. He began playing drums at the age of 12 but soon realized he wanted to sing as well. His friends encouraged him to pursue singing, leading him to swap his drums for a microphone. Known for his distinctive style and artistic talent, Layne created album artwork for both Mad Season and Alice in Chains.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Layne Staley died on April 5, 2002, from a drug overdose. His struggles with addiction were well-documented, and his passing left a significant impact on his fans and the music community. His work with Alice in Chains and Mad Season remains influential, and he is remembered for his unique voice and contributions to the grunge movement.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Alice In Chains: MTV Unplugged | 1996-04-10 | Vocals |
| Mad Season – Live at the Moore | 1995-09-15 | |
| Pantera: Cowboys From Hell | 1991-03-11 | Self |
| The Nona Tapes | 1995-12-12 | Himself |
| Alice in Chains: Hollywood Rock Festival 1993 | 1993-01-22 | Vocals |
| Hard ‘N Heavy Volume 16 | 1991-01-01 | Self |
| Alice in Chains – Music Bank: The Videos | 1999-10-26 | Himself |
| Class Action Park | 2020-08-22 | Self (archive footage) |
| MoPOP Founders Award 2020 Honoring Alice in Chains | 2020-12-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Alice in Chains: Live Facelift | 1991-07-30 | Self |
| Singles | 1992-09-18 | Himself – Alice In Chains (uncredited) |