Layne Staley, the singer of rock band Alice In Chains, passed away 20 years ago today. In music history, one cannot deny the remarkable impact that Alice In Chains had on the music world. As part of the ’90s grunge movement, Layne Staley and Alice In Chains took part in expanding the world of heavy and alternative music. Prior to his passing, Layne Staley helped to create the band’s first three studio albums.
Many artists throughout the rock and metal worlds fondly remember Layne Staley for all the good he brought into the world and his brilliant creativity. Back in 2020, the Museum of Pop Culture hosted a one-night only streaming event to honor the legacy of Staley and Alice In Chains. The evening consisted of Alice In Chains performing, as well as an array of artists coming together to provide their own take on iconic Alice In Chains songs.
One of the biggest performances of that night involved that of Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, and that of Chris Chaney and Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction. The group took the stage and performed a cover of the Alice In Chains song “Man in The Box,” which is part of their 1990 studio debut album Facelift. The performance is nothing short of riveting and heartfelt; and yet, one can’t help but also feel a melancholy watching the performance, given the recent passing of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
You can watch the performance of Corey Taylor, Chris Chaney, Dave Navarro, and the late Taylor Hawkins playing Alice In Chain’s “Man in The Box” below:
While today marks the 20th anniversary of Layne Staley’s passing, it is also the 28th anniversary of the passing of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
To Staley, Cobain, Hawkins, Joey Jordison, and all the rockers we’ve lost – we hope you are all at peace.
***
Words by: Michael Pementel
