Early Life and Education of Layne Staley: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Layne Staley. From birth to education, explore key events.

Layne Staley was the lead vocalist of the internationally acclaimed grunge band Alice in Chains. Emerging from Seattle's music scene in the early 1990s, Staley's distinctive vocal style and harmonies with Jerry Cantrell became a signature element of the band's sound. Before Alice in Chains, he was involved in glam metal bands like Sleze and Alice N' Chains. He also participated in the supergroups Mad Season and Class of '99, further showcasing his diverse musical talents.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

August 22, 1967: Layne Staley's Birth

On August 22, 1967, Layne Thomas Staley (born Layne Rutherford Staley) was born. He later became the lead vocalist of Alice in Chains.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Critical of Religion

In a 1991 interview, Layne Staley expressed his critical views on religion.

1993: Saved Starr's life

During the Dirt tour in Brazil in 1993, Staley saved Starr's life after he had overdosed.

April 1994: Kurt Cobain's death and Staley's sobriety

In April 1994, the death of Kurt Cobain scared Layne Staley into temporary sobriety, but he soon relapsed back into addiction. Alice in Chains' managers declined lucrative touring opportunities to help Staley, and Mike McCready invited him to his side project, Mad Season, hoping to encourage sobriety.

February 1996: Staley's Rolling Stone Interview

In February 1996, Layne Staley told Rolling Stone that drugs were turning against him and that he didn't want his fans to think that heroin was cool.

October 29, 1996: Demri Lara Parrott's death and Staley's depression

On October 29, 1996, Layne Staley's former fiancée, Demri Lara Parrott, died of a drug-related heart condition. Following this, Staley was placed on a 24-hour suicide watch and was reported to have fallen into a deep depression from which he never recovered.

October 31, 1998: Staley's final public appearance

On October 31, 1998, Layne Staley made his final public appearance at a Jerry Cantrell solo concert in Seattle. He declined Cantrell's request to sing on stage with him, and a backstage photo from this show is the last publicly released image of Staley.

July 19, 1999: Staley's last interview on Rockline

On July 19, 1999, Layne Staley unexpectedly called in to participate in a discussion on the radio program Rockline, which was hosting Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney to discuss the release of Nothing Safe: Best of the Box. This was Staley's final interview.

1999: Staley's reclusive period begins

From 1999, Layne Staley became more reclusive and depressed, rarely leaving his Seattle condo. He was rumored to spend most of his days creating art, playing video games, or nodding off on drugs.

1999: Meaning of "Get Born Again"

In a 1999 interview, Layne Staley stated that the song "Get Born Again" is about "religious hypocrisy".

2001: McCallum's Thanksgiving visit with Staley

Layne Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, claimed that she saw Layne Staley on Thanksgiving of 2001.

April 17, 2002: McCallum visits Staley's apartment

On April 17, 2002, Layne Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, visited his apartment to inform him of Demri Parrott's brother's death, but received no answer.

April 19, 2002: Staley found dead in his apartment

On April 19, 2002, Layne Staley's accountants contacted Susan Silver about no money being withdrawn from his bank account in two weeks. Nancy McCallum went to his apartment again and, concerned, called 911. Staley was found dead, weighing only 86 pounds; his body was partially decomposed and identified by dental records.

2002: McCallum's last visit with Staley

Around Valentine's Day of 2002, Nancy McCallum saw Layne Staley when he visited his sister's baby. This was the last time that McCallum saw her son.

2002: Staley's reclusiveness and rumored activities

From 1999 to 2002, Layne Staley was increasingly reclusive, rarely leaving his Seattle condo. During this time, he was rumored to spend his days creating art, playing video games, and using drugs.

2002: Lanegan's reflection on Demri's death

In 2002, Mark Lanegan told Rolling Stone that Layne Staley never recovered from Demri's death on October 29, 1996, and didn't seem to want to go on living after that.

2004: Indian Ocean tsunami

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami occurred, leading to a benefit concert in 2005 for the victims where Alice in Chains reunited.

2007: Nancy McCallum discusses Staley's isolation

In 2007, Layne Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, stated that despite his isolation, Staley was never far from the love of his family and friends, who left messages and letters for him. She emphasized that isolation did not mean a lack of connection.

2010: Mike Starr discusses being the last person to see Staley

In 2010, Mike Starr claimed he was the last person to see Layne Staley alive on April 4, the day before Staley's death. Starr said that Staley was very sick and refused to call 911, leading to an argument and Starr's departure. Starr regretted not calling for help and revealed Staley's threat to end their friendship if he did. Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, absolved Starr of any blame.