Alice in Chains Behind The Scenes of Their MTV Unplugged
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2019
- Find out how the Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged show came together in today's episode (and why it almost didn't happen)
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What's going on everybody and welcome to Rock N' Roll True Stories
And I had previously done a video on Alice in Chains as MTV Unplugged episode from 1996 but that one was more just about the performance itself
This video I want to talk about what happened behind the scenes and maybe talk about some stuff that you guys haven't heard before especially from some of the MTV people who were involved with the actual show
So there was a guy named Alex Coletti and he was a producer at MTV and he was involved pretty much with the whole MTV Unplugged series since its inception in 1989
So when it came time to go after Alice in Chains to do the show he said they have the songs they have the depth and they have the emotion where you basically strip it down you really find
something there
There was just something going on and according to Coletti it was MTV who approached the band
Even though the show took place in New York the rehearsals actually began in Seattle but they didn't go well initially
So Sean Kinney would tell journalist Greg Prato that it became more apparent that unless things seriously changed then the band couldn't go out and play to their potential at this level at least and he said we can't even get through a week and a half without drama and scary stuff going on
That's about right when I mentally started preparing that it's done
The same thing with MTV Unplugged they kept asking if we'd do it up to the moment it was a real nail-biter
So barely any rehearsing at all
The guys not showing up
Same stuff
We rolled out there and everything worked
Coletti corroborated Kenny's comments saying that there clearly was more going on behind the scenes than he was aware of
So Coletti claimed that one factor that was working in the band's favor was that at the time Alice in Chains wasn't touring so it wasn't a huge inconvenience to have them on tour and then do an MTV Unplugged show
Now this was a huge advantage because for a lot of bands who did MTV Unplugged they were
used to playing giant stadiums or even playing arenas and to go from playing that to scaling down their show and their set to something that's TV friendly and that's friendly to like a much smaller venue is often difficult for a lot of bands and requires a lot of time
Now Coletti recalled flying to Seattle and actually checking in on rehearsals and meeting the band and talking about the parameters of the show
Now the band had enlisted the help of a second guitarist which was Scott Olson who also worked with Heart as well
Now Coletti recalled going to rehearsals and he remember seeing Layne energetically walking into a room eating a bucket of chicken and greeting him saying hey man and his hands were covered in fingerless gloves and were greasy from eating the chicken
Now the band would travel to New York City in early April to prepare for the show which was scheduled to take place on April 10th 1996 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
So Toby Wright who produced Jar of Flies as well as the band's self-titled album would return once again and according to him rehearsals went great
Now Coletti recalled a last-minute request to add lava lamps to the set from the band
It was a difficult request because the lava lamps needed to be heated and then turned on for quite a while before they're used
So if you guys pay particular attention to the show you'll notice that some of the lava lamps aren't really moving a whole lot and in coletti's own words they were very grungy looking giving the set its proper appearance so it ended up actually working out in their favor
Now there were several issues that the band was dealing with behind the scenes
So a guy named Randy Bureau who worked with the band as a guitar and bass tech stated that both him and Layne were going through withdrawals at the time
So Bureau had somebody bring some to him at the actual show while Layne already had his own precooked supply which he tended to carry in an old glass pill bottle covered with a cork top
So according to Bureau Lane hadn't done enough to the point where he was nodding off or
drooling but he was right there before Layne went on the set and he did some just before he went on but he didn't do a lot and he said he had enough and no point did I see him run down to the bathroom or anything
Also adding complications was that Lane had dyed his hair pink which forced the lighting
director to match the background to his hair color
The dude walked on stage took a breathe and started instantly singing Nutshell!!! It was the best Unplugged ever!!
Shaman Warrior I’m pretty sure he just came back from doing a big smash at that moment, glasses on.
Because he's the best ever💕
Gives me chills every time I put that song on a nice system.
He's incredible talent......my favorite unplugged definitely......i dont like the ad photo was chose by the posting narrator.....just would prefer to see him in good light rather than click because he looks wasted and pale. Hes much more than his addiction the stigma sucks. Just my opinion. Im not judging or complaining just rather hoping to see him in good light. But i understand you may get more viewers if they see maybe inclination of his passing......
Great info though thank you
The bass alone in this performance was on a level all its own.
RIP Mike Starr
Mikey he did have a killer sound on the bass. is it a flanger? he’s got some rad effect on for most of it. very cool.
Teresa uNDERWOOD it’s Mike Inez
@@grillbuster1519 oh
Definitely, especially on "Nutshell."
It’s wild that MTV used to play music
JoeyF Bank those were the days... they would only take breaks at night to play Beavis and Butthead and a few other shows, then back to videos, reruns of Headbangers Ball, more videos and Beavis and Butthead...
At least that’s what I can remember anyway.
@@LostCause36 I remember Celebrity DeathMacth, It was cool.. but not quite sure if it was at the same years
That was in there too.. just wasn’t a big fan until later on.
And Real World
Many don't realize BET is owned by MTV. So it f-ed up 2 channels.
Greatest unplugged in my opinion
I also agree with this opinion.
Yeah, but the Pearl Jam hangs just beneath it, then Nirvana, stp
@@justintaylor8043 were there any other unplugged performances? I swear these are the only ones I know of.
As good as AIC's Unplugged was/is... I like Live's Unplugged much, much better. But as today's kids like to say, "it's all good. No worries". lol
Not really
I love that Jerry never bags out Layne, not like Stone Temple Pilots bags Scott Weiland. Of course AIC was sad Layne was an addict, probably angry at him. But they loved him, saw it for what it was, and never criticised him outwardly. Layne was such a sensitive, internal guy, it would have crushed him to see band members bitch about him.
misslornamae yea .. that and the fact that the whole band was on dope. Scott was the only one using heroin in STP. Jerry was going through the same thing Layne was.
Doing that is kicking someone while their down & its UNACCEPTABLE in my opinion.💜 BTW, totally agreed with your comment!! Stay healthy & safe!!🌞
Little know fact, jerry had a huge crack addiction. He had very little room to talk.
As an old fan what I remember from those year is that the band did bitch him about it around 94-97 but after recording the last session in 98 they realized they would never tour again.
Layne wasn't the only adddict in the band!!!!!! I was w you about how nice it is they don't talk shit NOW (bc it wasn't always that way) but some things they were guilty of as well...like shooting dope.
Awesome to hear Sean Kinney being recognised for his vital role in the success of the unplugged session. He is a brilliant drummer and often overlooked.
Lisa JustMyOpinion
Seriously? “Brilliant”? Sean Kinney?
Yep that's what I think and I'm sticking to my opinion LOL!!! @@Fakename70
@@Fakename70 he was brilliant....not going to explain music to an asshole like yourself 😆😆
Jeremy Burch
So, anyone with an opinion that differs from yours is an asshole. Got it. That’s pretty mature.
Lisa JustMyOpinion
Fair enough. I’ve always thought him to be the band’s weakest link though.
Jerry is straight up class. Loyal to the very end. He never ONCE threw Layne under the bus and I fully respect and admire his decision to suit up again with Will Duvall and put out some more great music.
I hear you brother ☺️
I'm 44 years old and I promise you this man 90s music 🎵 was like what my mom and dad were in to 60 and 70 music and too me 90 music was just the same way and I promise you this from the 2000 to now just fucking sucks ball's okay later friends 😘😘😘😘😘 you All
Any new AIC is embarrassing imo. I liked Jerry’s solo stuff. One of their first albums song was about California, how lame
Sad to see a guy like Layne with so much talent torn apart by addiction. He had so much more left in his life to give. Never be another voice like that.
Yes, Layne had such a voice! Raw and had such passion! 🥰
Listen to man in the box then listen to everything after face lift,he was losing everything to a slow suicide,you can tell he was tired,sick and lost.He knew that he lost the vocal power he had especially on man in the box.
No doubt man. That whole time frame was awesome to grow up in. I miss the 90s
I love Layne and I miss him! I hated to see him suffer! Some people just can’t get the monkey off of their back! Layne did a wonderful job at this MTV unplugged! Sean Kinney rocks and I don’t like Jerry! Can’t help it ! It’s a vibe thing
Not sure where my dad heard this, but apparently someone saw Layne sitting in broad daylight on a very sunny day wearing a winter coat, hood over his head and all, and sunglasses. He was very bad on heroin, it's heart-breaking
Best unplugged ever. Second place goes to Nirvana. I miss the old Mtv
Karen P yeah it was.nirvana broke down the door for all the other seattle sound bands to be on unplugged
Duke of Haphazard i know.all that shit can disappear and the people who cant get enough of em can disappear also.dukes of haphhazard.lol.i painted up an old bmx to look like the General.was gonna name it the Genital Lee but i settled on the Generic Lee
Nope. First place goes to nirvana
Wnerk o Actually Pearl Jam was the first Seattle "Grunge" band to do Unplugged. But yes, Alice had the best performance...
@Matthew Poff aic one of my favourtie of all time. But i would slightly rank nirvana one a bit higher. Even tho its all matter of opinions.
Layne’s album with Mad Season is one of the best albums ever. River of Deceit is haunting.
Long day gone
Wake up
@@ericbam1227 BaKe up. XanaX up
Can't stop listening to River of Deceit
@@whydothenationsrage are u listening to it for the first time? I didn’t discover Mad Season till few years after Layne passed. To me his writing and songs didn’t get the credit they deserved on that album. That song gives me chills every time.
I personally was at this performance in New York in 96, I knew someone that worked internally on MTV, who sent me a 🎫 and I drove up from Cleveland. I think I still have that ticket stub 🔥
WOW. That must have been amazing!!!!
I wana see ! That so cool
@@erinnjohnson4270 it was absolutely phenomenal
Hell yeah bro! Shout out from Youngstown!
@@Randaddy25 got friends from youngstown.crowd detterant band are my boys.cheers!!
One thing though, I don't think I've ever seen someone running so fast towards death who looked so beautiful as Layne did on that unplugged show. Strange and ironic. You could tell he was going down and lost, yet couldn't help but think he was the most beautiful thing in the world at that moment.
RedRusty66 so perfectly said! My parents raised me on awesome music and MTV and I was in elementary school at this time and still remember it. I remember when it was reported Layne was found dead and also Kurt Cobain. I’m from Seattle and those were both huge days in history and you could feel it everywhere you went in Seattle both of those days.
He truly was beautiful...so fuckin' beautiful ❤ 😪💔
Well said ❤
Yes, even if in bad conditions during the Unplugged, he was so handsome..a very beautiful guy ❤
True ❤
I wish that they could have performed "Dont Follow".
I read how they tried it in rehearsal,but they teared up too much....
That would've been so awesome, I would've killed to see Don't Follow and I Stay Away during the unplugged performance.
Oh god I was thinking the same damn thing the other day. Dont follow would have been perfect and I stay away would have been too
ive been thinking why didnt they for the past week. i need to look up on it
David Helmick Rotten Apple!!!
They did over now, but struggled to play dont follow? How?!
Rain When I Die has always been one of my favorite Alice In Chains tunes. While at a friends Kentucky Derby party that Sunday, we had a local rock station playing on the radio when I heard the news Layne had been found deceased. Being a gathering, initially I was the only one to hear it. I immediately walked out their back door into their back yard and the the tears immediately flowed. Almost as if on que, it then started raining. Coincidences often happen. That being a sunny day with no rain in the forecast, this felt like more. I guess for me it was.
Really sad day believe it was April 23rd
Richard Moorman Indeed.
I'm a riddle so strong, you can't break me💜
@@richardmoorman4227 from what I've read it fell on April 5th, the very same day that Kurt Cobain had died.
All I can say is that my life is pretty plain, I feel ya man. I was on the operating table April 5th 2002 and died twice. I didn't learn Layne had passed for years. I hate that the moment escaped me. Life took that moment from me, when I discovered he died the same time that I did, it inspired me to keep him alive, since I had to stay, so did he. I faithfully play aic every single day. and yes I am insane
Shannon Hoon a few years later and here in Lafayette, Indiana aic is treated just like Guns N Roses and Bind Melon. today I just found out Mike died too what the fuck. I'm, no I've lost touch with so much dude. I hate coronovirus. where is my life today.
This is layne at his worst making it his best and that in "nutshell" is what defines art....
That is gospel, brother. Hard to watch Layne without getting emotional.
Yes.
❤️💔
Jerry and Layne were fucking brilliant. I love the fact Jerry never talked shit about Layne, other than acknowledging his addiction. Still absolutely adore that Seattle sound and being so young; best fucking time ever for music.
Who didn't cry when Layne walked out & started singing Nutshell? 😢❤️
Loved this~ learned a few new things, thx!
AIC's Unplugged is, by far, my favourite. Sometimes difficult to watch, but also a celebration of these soul-grabbing, haunting, heartbreakingly beautiful songs. Love Layne~ precious, tormented, beautiful soul... RIP ❤️😢💔
That entrance and song, and River of Deceit at the Moore. Right at the end, he kinda bows as those last guitar notes play. Hell im a 38 yr old man and it gets my chest heavy and a lump in my throat every time. Honestly think there isnt anything else in all of music history that gets me that level of emotion. Its tremendously sad and heartbreaking. He was just a kid too! Sh*t , here it comes.....😥
noahkb80 Just reading your reply did me in... you’re completely, 100% right... 😢
@@sophiecat14i agree
@@sophiecat14 it hurt me so bad to learn he was 6ft and only 85 pounds when he passed away people think not only drugs but he was very sick :(
Um I never cried. You're kind of a weirdo if that made you cry.
You could feel the pain and struggle in Layne's voice. And how the band felt that unplugged was quite possibly gonna be there last performance as a whole. I love Alice in Chains from the first time I heard them in my older sisters room when I was around six or seven years old. 25 years later its still some of the best rock ever played.
when you know you're inevitably going to die for your choices and lose everyone around you, but you're still in your band and in front of hundreds of fans plus hundreds of thousands on tv, this happens
@@vine00 unplugged was in 1996 and he died in 2002. He could've saved himself for years to come, but couldn't. Just wanted to clarify that it's not like he was already doomed and dead in 96
@@wm1573 yeah i think the death of his girlfriend really set him off the deep end
Without a doubt, the best MTV Unplugged ever recorded. Layne seemed weak and ill from addiction and health issues stemming from addiction but WOW did he not let that destroy his performance. He came to life as soon as his ass hit that stool and rode that wave the entire show. That my friends, is a true artist!!!
Jerry, Mike and Sean walk on stage:
The crowd cheers!
Layne walks on stage:
THE CROWD EXPLODES!
"Frogs" was the #1 thing I took from that show. The lyrics were a kick to the nuts.
Why's it have to be this way???
umm... no. Got Me Wrong, was the best song from that session.
@@ivandaniel2596 Good song, but that's the pop song of the session.
Duke of Haphazard EVERY single opinion I have is wrong huh? okay dude... 🤷🏼♂️
Sludge Factory
To nod off but be able to hit your mark on time and nail it... that's pure talent. He's always mesmerised me and still continues to do so.
Your wings are no longer denied, Layne 💜💜
I said it before but I will say it again, you can't make enough AIC videos... Layne had it all, the looks, the brains, talent, charisma...the only thing he lacked was thicker skin
I see what you're saying but thicker skin would have meant different lyrics.
@@Fnberg744 Ha! Come to think of it, you are absolutely right
It is very difficult to cope with a high level of sensitivity - on one hand it produces incredibly artistic results, but on the other hand it can be incredibly painful. Layne's sensitivity was so obvious - I can see that sensitive little boy in all of his pictures. If only he could've coped with what life dished out. Being sensitive I know how hard it can be.
Lisa JustMyOpinion .
And teeth
So sweet how Jerry kept looking over at Layne to see how he was doing...or he was looking on with worry...
For me the 90s was Dimebag Darrel's guitar tone and Layne Staleys voice rip both
Same here.
S Waseem damn right 🤘🏻💀
Hell yes
Dime, Layne, and Cornell here.... (Cornell always came first for me though)
Best fucking youtube comment I've ever read.
Its too bad there isn’t a proper documentary for AIC
There’s a good documentary right here on UA-cam.
ua-cam.com/video/6sIOC_SxVKc/v-deo.html
@@spookshow6999 appreciate the share
Agreed
There is one on you tube. And mother love bone have a good docu here
Alice in Chains Unplugged was amazing. It breaks my heart that Layne it's no longer with us.
Always wish they did rotten apple at the unplugged
Right. Much better choice than "Frogs," their most pointless song. "Rotten Apple" would've definitely fit in this setlist in the unplugged format.
of course man in the box would have been awsome too, would have had to slow it way down unplugged
Jake we can’t complain can we.
Rotten Apple is my favourite of theirs.
rotten apple would have been great but still happy with the show.
imo AIC unplugged is not only one of the best unplugged shows, its also one of the best live shows ever, so haunting and beautiful, i can only imagine how hard it must've been for them getting together again and playing it knowing that the band is pretty much done
they wanted it to go out in a bang, especially since this was all just one show and they knew it'd be on cd as well
I remember when I that show first came out on MTV! I wasn’t really into the whole unplug series but when I saw Alice In Chains was there, I had to watch it.
Jerry Cantrell is so amazing 😍🥰❤️
THE most legendary and Greatest Of All Time MTV Unplugged session! 🐐 🎸
AIC and Nirvana were the BEST of "unplugged"!
Stone Temple pilots was good
Pearl Jam
Staind and STP are pretty good also
Yep..you guys are all right! All of them!!
Bill Brasky Agree👍💯💯
I remember seeing this unplugged session by AIC and I was mesmerised watching it, alot of it had to do with Layne, you couldn't take your eyes off him, that to me is a star, Layne was a star a complete star
Always felt sorry for Jerry.. He tried his best to keep the band together..RIP Layne.. Gosh.. These artists have gone through hell to fight their own demons inside.. Wish Layne were sober and did more tracks with AIC and Mad Season.. Thanks for the video man! 🤘
I believe after Demri died, he lost his will to live.
All related to drugs. Yet people continue to do them
If you haven't seen them with William you MUST go, he does a phenominal job honoring Layne.
Voices of seattle will live forever.
Music isn’t at the forefront of MTV because the internet came along and took music away. People used to watch MTV hoping to catch the latest video from their favourite artist. Now they go online and watch it immediately without having to wait around for a programmer to schedule it.
“Friends don’t let friends give friends hair cuts”
That was for the members of Metallica who were sitting in the audience sporting their new short haircuts
Iconic
Friends don't let friends get haircuts
Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts
Haha right?? Take that Metallica!
All we had to hear was that legendary Staley-Cantrell harmony. That's AIC......in a nutshell😬
It’s so sad that MTV Isn’t a music channel anymore. This IS the best unplugged ever. Layne is sorely missed.
Grew up in Seattle. Was in my late teens to mid twenties at the time all of this was happening. Saw all our local bands and ones who were not as well known. AIC blew my 18 year old mind unlike any other. So lucky to be present during that time and space. Seattle is not the same place and it breaks my heart.
I have to say that I think the saddest part (I have read)of Layne's life is that it took weeks for someone to notice he was dead..it's too bad someone with a voice like that was hurting so bad inside.. if only he knew how much he meant to his fans..🙁🖤🙃I hope Layne is now at peace
That's because he'd withdrawn so much from everyone by then, it wasn't unusual for him to not answer a phone call, or even his door (when he was home).
What was worse, imo, was that nobody was surprised by the news. I thought, now he'll only be remembered as a drug addict, and not for his talent/art. I'm glad that's less & less true. And after so many years, he's still making new fans. 🤘🏼
Christina G agreed!! I try n remember ppl for the art they put out n how it helped me.. I too was addicted to H..(thankfully I'm clean now),but I do have to say that I can relate..ya get to a point where ya just don't GAF.n then ppl start avoiding u.. I'm just glad that some of my friends were ruthless in their "annoying ways" cuz I'd certainly be dead.. I just hate that Layne had such a talent n it was taken away before he knew how adored he was
@@buckfuddy489 yeah, I agree. Congrats on your sobriety. That's awesome. My vice was pills after a neck injury, but still opiates. I can relate. It's amazing how much their music (as depressing as everyone called it, at the time) has actually helped so many with addiction/ depression. That was his true intent in his lyrics, so I think he'd be really proud of that.
Buck Fuddy I believe it was inactivity of his credit card that alerted them. I’ve seen an interview with his Mother that she pushed past police at his apartment and sat and held his body apologizing to him. Congratulations on your sobriety. I’m in recovery as well. I’m also a momma myself now and it makes those facts even harder to hear. I choose to listen to and remember him for his music and talents. Not as an addict who could not help himself.
Christina G I still struggle sometimes but my job keeps me busy
I have the unplugged DVD. I never thought Layne to be sleepy. He was just so into that awesome set -- it wasn't a headbanger ...it was pure art.
Exactly. I just posted same thing. I think it was to suit the environment and help him keep the brakes on and not go overboard. And i also think it was his shyness. The whole damn world watching him, theyd not performed in years, and hes shy. Sitting there with all of those judging eyes, i think he was just hiding. No damn way he performed the way he did if he were at the nodding phase. They prob wouldn't have even been able to record if he was. Right on brother!🤜🤛
No, he was pretty high. I am a former heroin addict and I recognize the behavior immediately. A tell-tale sign is when his eyes were rolling back. That's what heroin looks like.
@@seandana826 maybe so. I have personal experience to bring. If he was, thats even more incredible that he did what he did. I read or saw somewhere that their mgr gave him or had him take a bunch of methadone for that show. I know that stuff will zone you out. Who knows. Whatever it was, it was magic
noahkb80 did you watch the video? Layne shot up right before walking out my man...
@@noahkb80 it was heroin... him and the sound guy got high seconds b4 walking out. Hes lacking color and life to his face. The closing of eyes and covering them, even the band said he was high. He was an addict in a time when there wasnt much help. The addiction won.
You’re telling me, in regards to (by far) the best vocally executed Unplugged set in history, and my man Layne LITERALLY did it in his sleep?!? If that’s not a god damn rock & roll legend... holy fuck. 👊🏻🤣😂
That was a show you sit and question things in your life. That was a life changing concert and makes you incredibly sad to know how bad Layne was struggling with his issues and putting his soul into that performance
Layne always amazing! He was going thru hell and he still was amazing! I just hate him looking sad though, wish someone could have helped him I know many tryed but I just wish someone could have succeeded he was a gift to this world and he left it way too soon! Love you Layne no one can ever replace you! Layne the Legend!!
I wish his bandmates would have saved him. But then again I dont think he wanted to be saved
He died a little when Demri died...
@@jerredwayne8401 it's no saving an addict that doesn't want to be saved
We all tried really hard to help him. Not much you can do when someone lives in a locked building & won't let anybody in.
Cindy Fitzgerald he ate of the apple 🍎 so young Christ I miss him leaves 🍁 a wonderful blinder of a legacy ✌️✊😇🙏
Why don't they do unplugged anymore? I guess cuz none of the contemporary artist have the skills the preform without auto tune and special effects
@Amanda Somma more or less actually he did....
16 and pregnant unplugged? Mtv aint about music anymore.
I cant think of one band today id even want to hear. I imagine most couldn't play their own instruments. Unplugged would be hot garbage now. Unplugged worked because the artist were real , the music was real. I could picture it now, nice, intimate, low key setting, and some douche bag kids singing all emotional about their Instagram and some woke bs. That would be more fitting for comedy central. Unplugged died because real music died
Because auto tuners have electrical cords?
@@noahkb80 they can't play
Jerry Cantrell could educate a lot of people on how to handle the loss of a band member with extreme class. He truly cared about him as a person, not a paycheck. RIP Layne
I was there for the Detroit show my first and only time seeing them with Layne. I don't remember the entire show but I vividly remember when they performed them bones, Layne let out this scream that filled the entire stadium and felt like it went on forever... Totally epic!
Totally agree about Sean Kinney. Dude killed it that night and really showed off his versatility. I think that’s what set Alice In Chains apart from a lot of their peers...the musicianship was really there which especially shined through in live performances.
The most iconic Unplugged!! Layne wAs, is and will always be my favorite vocalist! 🖤
I never thought Layne looked like he was nodding off during the show. I just thought he was in his feelings and just listening.
My grand niece's middle name 'Layne' is spelled that way thanks to my sister who always loved the AIC 'Unplugged' album. 'Dirt' remains my favorite with it's inner sleeve sunburst logo tattooed on my right arm. Sean Kinney is a criminally underrated drummer.
Being an addict myself I remember first seeing Layne and his gloves and knowing what was up immediately. The unplugged performance was fucking magic. I never thought he was on the nod but instead in that sweet spot where you've done just enough that you feel good and can function
Why was he wearing gloves?
sealtite87 Intravenous addicts tend to use the veins on their hands, the area from the wrist to like the knuckles, when all their other veins are completely used up or scabbed out. Meaning he really was a full on hardcore junkie.
So very sad what happened to beautiful, talented Layne. And when I read why he was wearing gloves, it made me even more sad. Omg! I wish I could be present at that MTV Unplugged concert. I would run to the stage and give amazing Layne a huge hug. Poor guy was in so much pain and suffering
He did go backstage during a break in the set, I believe, to get himself back on even keel, to keep from getting sick and having an accident.
AIC was a big part of my childhood. I still cry sometimes when I see this performance. Nutshell and Down in a Hole show just how gone Layne was at this point. Still heartbroken
Everybody Loves Our Town. An Oral History Of Grunge is probably best book about Seattle scene. I really recommend it to anyone who's interested in that scene and what happened behind the scenes. Thanks once again!
Not any more, with the homeless junkie scumbags running rampant and shitting all over the streets .
Layne was so high and he messed up sludge factory 7x and frogs 2x but in all he did an amazing job his vocals was amazing. I have the full unplugged on vhs.
Really amazing considering the 2.5 year performance hiatus prior to unplugged.
@@maryjane1851 "really amazing..." suggesting that they didn't rehearse any of their songs.
@@Grunge666 if you haven't seen the DVD version, it does contain footage of Layne screwing up Sludge Factory once and they needed to restart the song but I've never seen the others
*his vocals WERE amazing
Wait I thought he only messed it up that one time? 7 times ???
The cover was absolutely fitting and foretelling. The other three guys in the background visible and present, overseen by a dark shadow where once a physical form existed in collaboration with the other three, now merely a haunting memory of what once was. Layne was a shadow of his former self, and soon to be even less than that. Fitting to show this, shadows are the last indication of the remainders of light. This show was the last remainders of Layne.
Those "other three guys" made Alice in Chains the band they were.
I took the closed eyes from Layne , as grooving on the jam .
Excellent video 👊
Layne did a great job regardless of his health. So sad he couldn’t beat those demons. 😞
Alice in Chains couldn't go on without Sean Kinney, they've said it themselves... he's a freaking beast man!
If they can move on without Layne, they can do it without the beat master too ! Sorry to say !
Don't forget about Mike Starr laying down some fat basslines.
@@mandersen7749 THEY CAnt do it without layne, they cant do it without Sean to a lesser degree...im sorry that other guy with AIC is just Jerry Cantrell running the show by himself
Can't go wrong with AIC Unplugged. I watched when it first aired & remember knowing atm how special it was. Also saw them & Layne's last show in KC. Brings back a whole lot of memories.
Thats so cool, im jelly
Moab T. Frican dude!! I just came to say the same!! (In those exact words!!)
TOTALLY JELLY!!!!
@@buckfuddy489 lol right? Sooo cool!
Ditto
It was like time stood still for that hour , only other unplugged moment to do that was Unleaded imo.
Must have watched it over a hundred times that month lol (might be an exaggeration lol)
Jason D I love several Unplugged shows..But AIC was def in the Top 5 for me!!
Thank you for sharing this story. It’s a great performance. We as viewers don’t always know or appreciate all that goes into the production for our viewing pleasure.
Alice was such uh raw band. So much so that u instantly felt connected ta those guys. Sumtimes i cant even listen 2 them cuz of how real sum of those songs are n how emotional they can make me lol. Beautiful vid
@WAFFEN COLLIDER exactly. Ive never been 1 ta listen ta alice in passing. N even if they come on unexpectedly, i always find myself zonin out of wutever im in2 at the time n just listenin n really reflecting. Thats the power of the band. N especially knowing wut layne was goin thru. His voice conveyed everything n like i said b4, as amazing as they were/are, theyre hard ta listenin 2 sumtimes bcuz of the emotion involved
I just found this channel and I'm really impressed with how professional the content is and I'm a fan. Thanks and keep it up!
So interesting. I am a former heroin addict and when they do the song Would, they get really close to Laynes face, I thought he was likely not high at all because his pupils were normal. I was wrong lol. I love Layne so much. I cried for 3 days when he died. it broke my heart. I wanted so much for him to get well and he chose not too. God Bless that beautiful sensitive man.
Miss you Layne. Touring with you guys in the 90’s was the best times
So when Layne is singing w/ the pink hair and the fingerless gloves held up to the mic, he's just smelling fried chicken.
I also want to point out that in addition to beautiful, amazing Layne making this MTV Unplugged the best show, I love how the whole stage is dark and it is decorated with candles. I think it was Layne's idea to decorate the stage with the candles. This whole performance is so beautiful, haunting, and heart-breaking. There is so much sadness and pain in Layne's beautiful eyes and voice, but all of these is making this show so unforgettable. I think it is not only the best MTV Unplugged, but the best concert in history of music. Every time I see beautiful, sad Layne in this show, wanna give him a huge hug. Today I ordered two awesome pictures to be printed at CVS - one picture of Layne and Jerry from this MTV Unplugged and one picture of Layne from amazing live performance of Mad Season at the Moore Theater in Seattle in 1995. Layne and AIC inspired me to buy and learn guitar, so I can't wait to hang these two amazing pictures on my wall. I absolutely love Layne, AIC, and Mad Season
the unplugged recording is so good that i use it to test headphones and speakers
Thank you for this...filled in a couple of things for me about the performance. I am late to the AIC party by about 30 years at 67. Now loving what I had missed.
I want to say, I am LOVING all these Alice In Chains videos you’ve been doing. They are one of my absolute FAVORITE bands and I would honestly be in favor if you started a channel dedicated to AIC, since you are obviously a big fan.
It was such a hauntingly beautiful performance.
I’ve been binge streaming your channel and love the Alice In Chains ones. Your channel is amazing…I’ve listened to another channel trying to do the same coverage but nope. Your my new favorite channel….,Not just Alice but all of them. Thank you for taking the time to research and edit all of these posts. 💫💫💫
Lars being pissed about it being on the front of the bass was the thing I didn't know I needed to start my Monday. 😆
Definitely the greatest unplugged there ever has been recorded, and ever will be recorded. No one could touch this show and the emotions in the music. Layne really dang his heart that night
Hit the nail on the head. I own this show on tape, on CD, DVD, Digitally... I'm somewhat young and Layne was the first death I really ever had to get through. RIP.
Jerry: Well, at least I’LL be healthy for the show.
*eats a rancid NYC hotdog 🌭
Great video!
I distinctly remember this MTV Unplugged episode. In my opinion, this was the best episode MTVU ever!
I still listen to this track often.
Loved your doc on this. One of my favorite Unplugged performances!
The best unplugged.
Layne was dying and still gave us his best performance
He was alive for another 6 years
so you commented because you read someone else's comment? do some research before you bother
@@Shagley i think the woman is looking for subscribers a troll!
@@Shagley He survived another six years, but I don’t know if you could call him ‘alive’.
@@kellylappin5944 True
Knowing what was going on years later and rewatching you can see Layne was already in serious trouble. The pallor of his skin compared to Jerry's is notable. This behind the scenes just confirms it.
John fruciante made it back from worse.It can be done but you really have to want it.
@newageassholes I saw the interview with John Frucianti when at the height of his addiction and thought he was not ever going to make it out alive. Glad to hear he made it.
@newageassholes Agree that your desire to quit has to be stronger than the desire for the drug. I've been there twice, never again, because I know if there is another again, I'll be a dead man.
@@newageassholesRiver Phoenix never made it back though
Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged was the greatest Unplugged show of All Time!!
Outstanding! You always have the best content on the most relevant/interesting aspects.. phenomenal. Please keep up the great work. 👍
Any Chains fan likely knows about Layne’s situation the night of the show…but regardless of his struggles that night, it was the greatest unplugged set of them all and one of the best live acoustic performances of all time, specifically Nutshell.
I love this kinda shit!! I’m always telling my husband and kids behind the scenes info and interesting facts about musicians and bands. (Even when they don’t ask me to 🤷🏼♀️) I’m like a walking fun fact teller 🙃 I thought I knew a lot already , but this channel has taught me soo many more things I didn’t know. So 🙏🏼👍🏼. You got a subscriber for life outta me.
Shannon Hoons story brought me to your channel, made me immediately subscribe...found one of my fav bands videos next, this one...dude, great content. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to get lost in this channel catching up with every video every chance I get. Once again, great job. ❤️🤘🏻
I love the ending with Lars.... He's absolutely right, I watch that unplugged often...it was just as perfect as it was supposed to have been. RIP Layne...
One of my all time favorite albums ever. I love listening to this album years later. Nothing comes close.
Layne looked rough and did what he had to to get through the show and give a professional performance. Jerry was sick....Sean saved the day too..Love it
Another Fkn great vid bro!! Especially the Lars and Jerry interview at the end!!!👍👍🤙
Longtime A&C fan. It brings me back to high school. RIP Layne: This was well narrated. I love this channel. 🎸
That’s because Layne was a natural! No matter how high he was or needed to be, he was there and had the talent to back him up!
Alice In Chains remains one of my all time favorite bands. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the Yucatan Liquor Stand on the NW Expressway in Oklahoma City on a Thursday night in 1992 (coin beer night) the night before they opened up for Ozzy Osbourne at the State Fair Sweedway during the fair. Incredible show and incredible people. You’d never know they were millionaires that’s for sure. RIP Layne and Mike. Love & respect to you all.
Thanks so much for this. I'm really glad to have learned about all this stuff.
Man, this is such an interesting and well done video. I discovered them with this album, and listened to this it over and over while I mowed grass every summer. It inspired me to play music today. It's cool to hear details about the album
Alice in Chains Unplugged, Nirvana Unplugged and Michale Graves Illusions Live/Viretta Park are the three best live acoustic albums ever.
You don't hear about Michale Graves often, completely true tho
Graves’s voice is still bloody fantastic. Hopefully seeing him live in a couple months 🤞🏼
Absolutely. Graves has such a powerful voice. I met him, he's super nice
I completely agree with you! But my favorite has to be Michale Graves Illusions Live/Viretta Park! That live performance is absolutely amazing! Graves has an excellent voice that surprisingly fits an acoustic setting.
Alice in Chains' unplugged is on a whole different level from Nirvana's. Don't get me wrong, I love Nirvana and I think they did great on the unplugged, however Alice in Chains' was so emotional and so haunting, it truly was something else. Plus there are some tracks on there that genuinely sound better than their studio version, (i.e. Got me wrong and Sludge factory to name a couple) which doesn't mean the original tracks sucked, just that they killed it so hard on the unplugged. Imo Nirvana never managed to sound better than their studio recordings.
Alice in Chains had the best unplugged hands down.
I have this cd and used have the cassette this is an awesome cd ❤️❤️❤️🎸🎸. I miss these MTV unplugged shows !
Great vid on my favorite band and vocalist.
Thank you. 💙
I picked the perfect time to finally get into alice in chains. Thank you so much dude.
Its a must. Once you know AIC, you can hear Layne in almost every rock singer from his time forward into the 2000s and on. Not copycats, but just that admiration of being a fan. I could name dozens of leads who have a piece of him. But theres only 1 total package. Lots of good music from back then. I was 15 in 95, so i got to jam to the music back then. But as an adult, ive been able to come back to it and gain a new appreciation for it as a grown man with the experience of living. Its almost like new again. Keep searching around, enough music even from just then to keep jammin for as long as you got ears. 😁🤝👍🤘
@@noahkb80 I was born in 92. It may sound strange, but even though I was a kid I feel such a connection to that era of the 90's, I cant really explain it... And I cant believe I skipped over this amazing band all of these years. They were so great. Layne was an astonishing singer, truly one of the best.
Best unplugged ever even tho layne was obv close to death..looking back on it just makes even more nostalgic to watch so thank you to all the band members of AIC
He lived another 6 years.
You just watch in silence from start to finish, then watch it again
Again
Again
Again 😢💖