History of Layne Staley in Timeline

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

1984: Joined Sleze

In 1984, Layne Staley joined Sleze, a band featuring future members of The Dehumanizers and Second Coming.

1985: Cameo in Father Rock

In 1985, Layne Staley and his band Sleze made a cameo in Father Rock, a low-budget movie from Seattle's Public Access Channel.

1986: Sleze Morphs Into Alice N' Chains

In 1986, Sleze morphed into Alice N' Chains, a band which Layne Staley said "dressed in drag and played speed metal." The new band performed around the Seattle area playing Slayer and Armored Saint covers.

1987: Joins Cantrell's Band

In 1987, Layne Staley joined Jerry Cantrell's band on a full-time basis after the funk project he was involved in broke up.

1987: Meeting Jerry Cantrell

In 1987, Layne Staley met guitarist Jerry Cantrell at a party in Seattle while working at Music Bank rehearsal studios. Staley invited Cantrell to live with him at the Music Bank.

1988: Demo Recordings and Police Raid

In 1988, Alice in Chains was due to record demo recordings at the Music Bank studio in Washington, but police shut down the studio during a cannabis raid.

1989: Signing with Columbia Records

In 1989, Alice in Chains signed with Columbia Records based on The Treehouse Tapes. The band also recorded another untitled demo over a three-month period.

August 21, 1990: Release of Facelift

On August 21, 1990, Alice in Chains released its debut album Facelift, shaping the band's signature style.

1990: Critical Recognition for "Man in the Box"

In 1990, Alice in Chains released "Man in the Box" as the second single from their debut album, Facelift. Layne Staley garnered critical recognition for his vocal style in the song.

1991: Critical of Religion

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

September 1992: Release of Dirt

In September 1992, Alice in Chains released Dirt, which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200.

1992: Cameo in Singles

In 1992, Alice in Chains made a cameo in Cameron Crowe's film Singles, performing the songs "It Ain't Like That" and "Would?".

1993: Saved Starr's life

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

1993: Collaboration with Ann Wilson

In 1993, Layne Staley shared lead vocals with Ann Wilson for a cover of Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells", featured on Heart's album Desire Walks On.

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.

October 12, 1994: First Show as "The Gacy Bunch"

On October 12, 1994, Layne Staley's side project with several Seattle musicians played its first show at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle under the name "The Gacy Bunch".

1994: "Jar of Flies" Debuts at Number One

In 1994, Alice in Chains' EP Jar of Flies debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made it Alice in Chains' first record—and the first-ever EP—to top the chart. Layne Staley entered a rehabilitation clinic due to his deteriorating condition from heroin abuse.

1994: Featured on Second Coming's Album

In 1994, the song "It's Coming After" from Second Coming's debut album L.O.V.Evil featured Layne Staley on lead vocals.

January 1995: Pearl Jam's Self-Pollution Satellite Radio Broadcast

In January 1995, Mad Season performed two songs on Pearl Jam's Self-Pollution satellite radio broadcast, "Lifeless Dead" and "I Don't Know Anything".

March 1995: Above Album Release

In March 1995, Mad Season released the album titled Above, which included the single "River of Deceit".

August 1995: Live at the Moore Home Video Release

In August 1995, Mad Season's live performance filmed at the Moore Theatre in Seattle was released as a home video, Live at the Moore.

November 1995: Release of Alice in Chains Album

In November 1995, Alice in Chains released their self-titled album, sometimes referred to as "Tripod", which debuted at the top of the U.S. charts.

1995: Footage Pulled From Live at the Moore

In 1998, Layne Staley's appearance in the "Another Brick in the Wall" music video consisted of footage pulled from Mad Season's 1995 Live at the Moore video.

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.

April 10, 1996: MTV Unplugged Performance

On April 10, 1996, Alice in Chains returned with a performance on MTV Unplugged in New York, marking their first concert in two-and-a-half years.

July 3, 1996: Staley's Final Live Performance

On July 3, 1996, Layne Staley gave his final live performance in Kansas City, Missouri, while supporting Kiss on their reunion tour.

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.

February 26, 1997: Alice in Chains at the Grammy Awards

On February 26, 1997, Layne Staley and the other members of Alice in Chains attended the Grammy Awards, where their song "Again" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance.

June 22, 1998: Staley calls Rockline to talk to Cantrell

On June 22, 1998, Layne Staley called the radio program Rockline during an interview with Jerry Cantrell, who was promoting his solo album, Boggy Depot. Staley expressed his love for the album during the call.

October 1998: Staley Records New Tracks with Alice in Chains

In October 1998, Layne Staley recorded two tracks with Alice in Chains, "Get Born Again" and "Died". Reports indicated Staley's health was severely deteriorated during these sessions, weighing only 80 pounds and appearing very ill.

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.

November 1998: Recorded "Another Brick in the Wall" with Class of '99

In November 1998, Layne Staley and Class of '99 recorded a cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" for The Faculty movie.

November 1998: Staley joins supergroup Class of '99

In November 1998, Layne Staley recorded additional vocal tracks as part of the supergroup Class of '99, which featured members of Rage Against the Machine, Jane's Addiction, and Porno for Pyros.

1998: Recordings with Alice in Chains and Class of '99

In 1998, Layne Staley recorded two more songs with Alice in Chains – "Get Born Again" and "Died" – and a cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" with Class of '99.

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: Music Bank Box Set

In 1999, liner notes of the Music Bank box set contained details about "Angry Chair", a song written by Layne Staley.

1999: Meaning of "Get Born Again"

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

2001: Rumored Audioslave audition

Around 2001, Layne Staley reportedly claimed he was asked to audition for Audioslave; however, this claim was later debunked by Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello.

2001: McCallum's Thanksgiving visit with Staley

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

April 5, 2002: Layne Staley's Death

On April 5, 2002, Layne Staley died from a speedball overdose at the age of 34.

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.

April 20, 2002: Informal memorial held for Staley

On the night of April 20, 2002, an informal memorial was held for Layne Staley at the Seattle Center, attended by friends, fans, and Alice in Chains bandmates. Memorial messages continue to be left on a wall outside his former home.

April 28, 2002: Private memorial service for Staley

On April 28, 2002, a private memorial service was held for Layne Staley on Bainbridge Island in Washington's Puget Sound. The service was attended by family, friends, Alice in Chains bandmates, and music personalities. Chris Cornell, along with Ann and Nancy Wilson, performed at the service.

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.

2002: Layne Staley Memorial Fund Established

In 2002, the Layne Staley Memorial Fund was established by his parents. On August 22, 2019, Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan officially proclaimed that day as "Layne Staley Day" in the city in honor of Staley's contributions to the world of music, also drawing attention to the memorial fund.

2002: Annual tribute concert for Staley begins

Since 2002, Seattle has hosted an annual tribute concert for Layne Staley on his birthday. The show proceeds benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund.

2003: Release of Layne Staley: Angry Chair biography

In 2003, Adriana Rubio released "Layne Staley: Angry Chair", containing an alleged final interview of Staley.

2003: Cold's tribute song

In 2003, Cold released the song "The Day Seattle Died" on their album Year of the Spider as a tribute to Layne Staley and Kurt Cobain.

2003: Release of Pearl Jam's "4/20/02"

In 2003, Pearl Jam released "4/20/02," a song written by Eddie Vedder eulogizing Layne Staley, as a hidden track on their B-sides and rarities album, Lost Dogs.

2004: Tribute songs by Staind and Black Label Society

In 2004, Staind featured a song called "Layne" on their album 14 Shades of Grey in memory of Layne Staley, and Black Label Society included a tribute titled "Layne" on their album Hangover Music Vol. VI.

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.

2005: Alice in Chains reunites for benefit concert

In 2005, Alice in Chains reunited for a benefit concert for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with several vocalists filling in for Layne Staley. This marked the band's first performance together since Staley's death.

November 2006: Staley ranked on Hit Parader's list

In November 2006, Layne Staley was ranked No. 27 on Hit Parader magazine's list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists."

2006: Alice in Chains formally reunites with DuVall

Following a positive response, Alice in Chains formally reunited in 2006, with William DuVall announced as Staley's replacement for reunion shows. The band paid tribute to Staley during concerts with a filmed tribute.

2006: Ranked in Hit Parader's List

In 2006, Layne Staley was ranked at No. 27 on Hit Parader's list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists".

2007: Smashing Pumpkins' song inspired by Staley

In 2007, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins stated that Layne Staley's voice had a unique quality and the song "Bleeding The Orchid" from their album Zeitgeist was indirectly inspired by his death.

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.

2008: Metallica's album inspired by Staley

In 2008, Layne Staley was an inspiration for the title of Metallica's album, Death Magnetic. The band also recorded a song in tribute to him, titled "Rebel of Babylon".

2009: Publication of 'Layne Staley: Get Born Again'

In 2009, Adriana Rubio released "Layne Staley: Get Born Again", a revised version of her earlier book about Staley.

2009: Alice in Chains release "Black Gives Way to Blue" album

In 2009, Alice in Chains released their first studio album in 14 years, "Black Gives Way to Blue", featuring a tribute to Staley in the title track. Jerry Cantrell invited Elton John to play the piano on the closing song, which was written as the band's goodbye to Layne Staley. The album's cover art was inspired by the heartbreak of Staley's death.

2009: Staley Featured in 'Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music'

In 2009, Layne Staley was featured in the book "Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music" by Greg Prato, which explores the history of grunge and touches upon Alice in Chains and Staley's life and death.

2009: Influence on Alice in Chains Catalog

Prior to the release of Black Gives Way to Blue in 2009, Layne Staley received credit for about half the lyrics from the entire Alice in Chains catalog.

2010: Staley's mother discusses his ashes

During her appearance on Celebrity Rehab in 2010, Layne Staley's mother stated that she keeps his ashes in a box.

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.

2010: Sadie the cat's death

In 2010, Sadie, Layne Staley's cat who was taken in by Jerry Cantrell and his family after Staley's death, died at the age of 18.

March 8, 2011: Mike Starr's Death

Mike Starr, who blamed himself for Layne Staley's death, was found dead on March 8, 2011, as a result of a prescription drug overdose.

September 6, 2011: Hank Williams III Dedicates Album to Staley

On September 6, 2011, Hank Williams III released his album "Attention Deficit Domination" and dedicated it to Layne Staley as a tribute.

2011: Sean Kinney and Jerry Cantrell pay tribute to Staley

In 2011, Alice in Chains' drummer Sean Kinney, paid tribute to Layne Staley and the band's former bassist, Mike Starr, who died in 2011 by adding the initials "LSMS" on his drum kit. Also, since 2011, Jerry Cantrell pays tribute to both Staley and Mike Starr before performing the song at concerts.

2011: Staley Featured in 'Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History of Grunge'

In 2011, Layne Staley was featured in the book "Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History of Grunge" by Mark Yarm, which explores the history of grunge and touches upon Alice in Chains and Staley's life and death.

2011: Cantrell pays tribute to Staley and Mike Starr

Since 2011, Jerry Cantrell pays tribute to both Staley and Mike Starr before performing the song at concerts.

2012: Staley ranked on Complex's list

In 2012, Layne Staley was ranked at No. 42 on Complex magazine's list of "The 50 Best Lead Singers of All Time."

2012: Ranked in Complex's Magazine List

In 2012, Layne Staley was ranked at No. 42 on Complex's magazine list of "The 50 Best Lead Singers of All Time".

2012: "Things You Do" in Grassroots Soundtrack

In 2012, a song titled "Things You Do" featuring Layne Staley on vocals was part of the soundtrack to the film Grassroots.

2013: Alice in Chains Includes Staley's Photo in "Voices" Music Video

In 2013, the music video for Alice in Chains' single, "Voices", featured a picture of Layne Staley next to a photo of Kurt Cobain.

August 2015: Release of Alice in Chains: The Untold Story

In August 2015, David de Sola released the biography Alice in Chains: The Untold Story, which focuses mainly on Layne Staley and features interviews with his friends and relatives.

2015: David De Sola Questions Rubio's Final Interview with Staley

In 2015, journalist David De Sola's book, Alice in Chains: The Untold Story, questioned the content of Adriana Rubio's book, including what she referred to as Staley's final interview. De Sola indicated that Rubio never spoke to Layne Staley, citing her refusal to release the tape with the interview.

August 22, 2016: Vedder dedicates song to Staley

On August 22, 2016, Eddie Vedder paid tribute to Layne Staley during a Pearl Jam concert in Chicago on what would have been Staley's 49th birthday, dedicating the song "Man of the Hour" to his late friend.

April 2017: Nancy Wilson releases "The Dragon"

In April 2017, Nancy Wilson revealed that she started writing the song "The Dragon" for Layne Staley in the '90s. The song was recorded in 2016 and is part of the EP of Wilson's new band, Roadcase Royale, released in 2017.

August 22, 2017: Alice in Chains Releases Tribute Video on Staley's 50th Birthday

On August 22, 2017, which would have been Layne Staley's 50th birthday, Alice in Chains released a video paying tribute to him, featuring Jerry Cantrell, Ann Wilson, Mike McCready, and Barrett Martin.

2018: William DuVall and Jerry Cantrell pay tribute to Staley on Rainier Fog album

In 2018, William DuVall revealed that he was thinking about Layne Staley, his grandmother and the Soundgarden lead vocalist Chris Cornell while writing the Alice in Chains' song "Never Fade", from their 2018 album, Rainier Fog. The album's title track, written by Cantrell, is partly a tribute to Layne Staley and Mike Starr.