Layne Staley August 22, 1967 – April 5, 2002

April 5, 2020 marks the 18th Anniversary since Layne Staley’s death.  The reasons why have been well documented but today I’d like to remember his iconic voice and some of his brilliant performances.  

Most of the time when we praise an artist we talk in terms of era or genre.  In Layne’s case, it’s one of the best voices in musical history.  In the grunge era, his voice is already on the Mt. Rushmore of vocalists, but his raw emotion, subtle nuances, and vocal range make him arguably one of the best ever.

Here’s twelve of my favorite vocal performances Layne Staley put on a studio recording – starting from earliest to latest:

We Die Young – This song was the first thing you heard when you listened to Facelift.  It was a short song in time but it was full of that raw emotion and power that Layne showed us at the beginning of Alice in Chains career.

Love, Hate, Love – The mark of 4:25 of this song always amazed me.  The control and power of his voice is incredible.

Am I Inside – “Black is all I feel, so this is how it feels to be free” – One of the most haunting lyrical and vocal performances of Layne’s career.  Sends shivers every time I hear it.

Junkhead – This is one of three songs I would use as an example of the incredible harmony skills Layne possessed.  One is coming up later and one I want to acknowledge here.  X-Ray Mind – Mad Season.  The choruses are easily my favorites in the AIC catalog for those expert, multi-piece harmonies.

Would – Iconic.  Song and video.  A lot of iconic musicians have a certain look by which they are remembered.  Hair slicked back and dark glasses is how my memory will always picture Layne as.  The way he finished each verse over Jerry Cantrell’s low vocal was a thing of beauty.  

Wake Up – The first time I heard this song, I just came out of a Best Buy with the Mad Season disc in my hand.  I couldn’t even wait to get back in my car.  I ripped off the cellophane and had it open as I was getting in.  I started her up and threw whatever disc was in the CD player, on the the other seat.  I put ‘Above’ in a just sat there listening.  I was on my way to a friends but couldn’t drive.  I was mesmerized.  This was.. something like I never head before.  If I ranked these – this would be my number one favorite Layne Staley vocal ever.  

River Of Deceit – Not only one of the most beautiful songs to come out of the 1990’s but one of best Staley performances.  The vibrato in the verses are magic.  Just go listen.  Now.

Don’t Follow – This song is here because when the second half of this song starts, we are treated to one of the most purest, rawest Layne vocal ever put down on tape (see above for the other).  He was one of the few singers that sounded just as good with a big harmony piece as he did with a single tracked vocal.

I Stay Away – This song is combination of what I just said.  Great harmonies.  In fact, unbelievable harmonies throughout each part of the verses.  Then those chorus vocals.  No big harmony parts here, just a pair of double tracked vocals that are rich in the tone of his voice.

Shame In You – Go to 3:30.  Amazing.  The songs vocal gets completely overlooked (and I get it, there are so many great ones).  But I wanted to shed some light on one of my all time favorites.

Sludge Factory– This one is dark and evil.  His aw yeah’s are classic Layne Staley.  There are so many different register’s used in this song.  It’s so well put together from a vocal perspective.

Died – Last song recorded with Alice in Chains before he passed away.  This is third of three songs I referenced earlier.  This is how harmonies are done, kids.  Like many Layne vocals, there is a fifth in there that gives it a ghostly feel.  Other people try to do these and sometime with success but I think maybe it was a combination of innate ability and just amazing vocal tone that makes his stand out from everyone else’s.

When I listen now, I hear more pain than ever in his voice and I’m probably not the only one that it makes feel a sadness.  I feel fortunate to have so much music from him but the greedy side still wishes there was more locked away in a vault somewhere.  

Layne was born August 22, 1967 and passed away on April 5, 2002 at the age of 34.  He inspired many artists and there have been many bands that have written and recorded songs dedicated to Layne’s memory.  Some of the notable songs include the Staind song ‘Layne’, Cold’s 2003 ‘The Day Seattle Died’, ‘Shadow’ by Theory of a Deadman and Zakk Wylde’s song ‘Layne’ from his band, Black Label Society.

Thanks for taking this brief  but therapeutic journey with me.  Layne Staley forever.

-Tommy Marz

You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram let me know what some of your favorites are.  I’d love to know.

For more on Alice In Chains – You can check out our interview with Mike Inez