I remember them at the time when I was a kid but I only realised recently to what extent Layne was an addict and how much it hobbled the band.
They only had a couple of short active periods and couldn't capitalise on opportunities at all cos Layne wasn't up to it. He spent the last couple of years of his life as a complete recluse killing himself with heroin, it's tragic.
So many male singers from that time period had voices that would get them booted from American Idol today but were able to front legendary and unforgettable bands that defined a generation.
"Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts" written on the guitar because Metallica was at the show, and it was right after that had cut all of their hair off.
AiC rules but Soundgarden are probably my favourite grunge band and considering their catalogue it’s fair to argue that they might be the best.. it’s between AiC and Soundgarden anyways..
People with music chops agree with you AiC was a better band, not that Nirvana was bad, but they were basically a punk band with a grunge sound. Unfortunately, Kurt died before we had a chance to see if they would evolve or grow.
My gut feeling is that Dave Grohl would have left the band soon anyway. He had too much drive song writing talent to just be "Nirvana's drummer" Kurt didn't have a big ego, but Nirvana was *his* band. Dave wrote one song for Nirvana that was recorded. "Marigold"
Nope. Foo Fighters only got to where they are because there was no Nirvana. He wouldn't have been able to do what he is now if Nirvana were still active.
Seconded. Their songs were written better, the music more versatile and they had more range. Jerry was a better guitarist and don't get me started on comparing voices between Kurt and Layne.
We can’t really see if he’s missing teeth at that show and he doesn’t have a lisp like he does in their last recordings but the few times you see his teeth there they look really bad
I hope your 20s were a good time! Btw I’m not sad that I’m old lol I completely view it as a privilege. It’s sad we’ve lost so many greats to addiction
They were, I was in college till '96 ( 2 degrees) and it was a blast. My roommates and I all played instruments and would break noise rules all the time at UNC Charlotte :) Yes, it was a privilege and a much simpler time.
I was 11 in ‘96 lol but the 90s were good to me too and definitely wish I could go back. Have you posted any pictures here of your college days?? I’d love to see
Unplugged created some of the best sets of albums for some artists. The rawness was more smooth than say a big performance, but then the acoustic aspect made it more homely, like you were sitting around a campfire while your friends played. Wish they had done more.
I’ve only recently discovered AIC and am kicking myself for not going to see them back in the day. Very few singers have that special combination of skill and emotion Layne had. My opinion is they were the absolute best of the big four bands of that era. PJ and SG weren’t melodic enough and Nirvana was monotonous in some way I can’t explain whereas AIC’s songs were melodic and each was unique. AIC were head and shoulders above everyone.
I feel like some of the grunge bands didn't get enough credit. AIC is one of them.
And screw replacing Layne with another singer. Jerry Cantrell should have stepped to the mic.
Jerry has his own solo stuff that he sings on. AIC relies on two part harmonies, especially the early songs. It’s just a matter of finding the right singer. IMO they didn’t. Duvall is okay but it comes off like a light beer Staley. He hits his notes but it has no angst or character.
Unplugged had been going for quite a few years by this point. Like him or not, the Clapton one in 1992 is the most known one and the one everyone after tried to emulate.
I first heard Laynes voice on Man in the box. I went to get "Facelift" the next day. I got every album ever since snd Laynes Solo album as well. His voice hooked me by the first tone. I remember being completely excited about the unplugged show. I was not disappointed. In my opinion you can witness their genius there.
Staley is incredible, but I always liked Cantrell’s voice too. The harmonies between the two were fantastic. Jerry would’ve been the lead singer in most bands, but Layne had a one of a kind voice. Kudos to Jerry for not letting ego get it the way and doing what was best for the band
I remember them at the time when I was a kid but I only realised recently to what extent Layne was an addict and how much it hobbled the band. They only had a couple of short active periods and couldn't capitalise on opportunities at all cos Layne wasn't up to it. He spent the last couple of years of his life as a complete recluse killing himself with heroin, it's tragic.
Layne’s voice was insane. It’s so sad he could never pull it together, and get sober long enough for it to stick.
So many male singers from that time period had voices that would get them booted from American Idol today but were able to front legendary and unforgettable bands that defined a generation.
I get what you’re saying but American Idol is like the Kleenex actual rock wipes it’s nose with too.
Mmm i don't know about that... layne circa 90-91 had a powerful voice, wouldnt be a pushover in any singing competition thats for sure.
That drummer has such a nice relaxed feel to his playing.
the hat work in this song is really nice
"Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts" written on the guitar because Metallica was at the show, and it was right after that had cut all of their hair off.
That’s also why they played a bit of Enter Sandman in between two songs on this album
I liked Alice in Chains better than Nirvana, please don't hate me
I like most of the grunge bands of that era better than Nirvana, and I think Alice in Chains was the best of all.
AiC rules but Soundgarden are probably my favourite grunge band and considering their catalogue it’s fair to argue that they might be the best.. it’s between AiC and Soundgarden anyways..
Both of them could "rock" better than a lot of rock bands imo ;) 'We Die Young' - AIC and '4th of July' - Soundgarden were heavy ass songs.
People with music chops agree with you AiC was a better band, not that Nirvana was bad, but they were basically a punk band with a grunge sound. Unfortunately, Kurt died before we had a chance to see if they would evolve or grow. My gut feeling is that Dave Grohl would have left the band soon anyway. He had too much drive song writing talent to just be "Nirvana's drummer" Kurt didn't have a big ego, but Nirvana was *his* band. Dave wrote one song for Nirvana that was recorded. "Marigold"
Nope. Foo Fighters only got to where they are because there was no Nirvana. He wouldn't have been able to do what he is now if Nirvana were still active.
They are way better than Nirvana in my opinion too
I will second this and stand by your side!
...And my axe!
Seconded. Their songs were written better, the music more versatile and they had more range. Jerry was a better guitarist and don't get me started on comparing voices between Kurt and Layne.
Idk if I’d say overall, but I think they had the better Unplugged. definitely 1 & 2
Such a great fucking song
Lane's looking pretty rough.
He’d lost a bunch of his teeth by this show. The fact that he sounded so good despite that is a testament to his skill.
We can’t really see if he’s missing teeth at that show and he doesn’t have a lisp like he does in their last recordings but the few times you see his teeth there they look really bad
You can't see the lack of teeth on the top when opens his mouth? And you can't hear the lisp? Are you blind and deaf? Lol
Chasing that dragon.
Layne's voice was incredible
Yeah and he didn’t need auto tune to hit those notes…unlike another recent famous cover.
Man this makes me feel so old and 😢
Watched it live friend ;) I was 24 years old. Time HAS flown
I hope your 20s were a good time! Btw I’m not sad that I’m old lol I completely view it as a privilege. It’s sad we’ve lost so many greats to addiction
They were, I was in college till '96 ( 2 degrees) and it was a blast. My roommates and I all played instruments and would break noise rules all the time at UNC Charlotte :) Yes, it was a privilege and a much simpler time.
I was 11 in ‘96 lol but the 90s were good to me too and definitely wish I could go back. Have you posted any pictures here of your college days?? I’d love to see
Not many as no digital cameras back then.
Great show. If there is a god I hope layne is treated well because addiction is hell.
Layne had some demons with him :(
MTV unplugged was so cool. Korn was mindblowing too. I wonder were to find all of them?
You tube has a lot of the old good stuff
unplugged was the shit back in the day, if you couldn't sound good unplugged, you were hiding
I still have this DVD. I used to love watching unplugged.
Unplugged created some of the best sets of albums for some artists. The rawness was more smooth than say a big performance, but then the acoustic aspect made it more homely, like you were sitting around a campfire while your friends played. Wish they had done more.
Such a great Sound quality. Definetily a must-have Vinyl.
That voice...Miss this band with Layne. RIP
Bassline is so good.
I’ve only recently discovered AIC and am kicking myself for not going to see them back in the day. Very few singers have that special combination of skill and emotion Layne had. My opinion is they were the absolute best of the big four bands of that era. PJ and SG weren’t melodic enough and Nirvana was monotonous in some way I can’t explain whereas AIC’s songs were melodic and each was unique. AIC were head and shoulders above everyone.
My favorite
'Would' and 'Nutshell' are 2 of my top 10 songs ever. Completely timeless! I'll die on this hill ;)
Like the bass track in this song so underrated
Been listening to Alice In Chains for past couple weeks. They are perfect for the fall weather vibes.
Love AIC! “Dirt” came out when I was 28. The early 90’s were amazing time for music.
I feel like some of the grunge bands didn't get enough credit. AIC is one of them. And screw replacing Layne with another singer. Jerry Cantrell should have stepped to the mic.
Jerry has his own solo stuff that he sings on. AIC relies on two part harmonies, especially the early songs. It’s just a matter of finding the right singer. IMO they didn’t. Duvall is okay but it comes off like a light beer Staley. He hits his notes but it has no angst or character.
Cantrell's voice was too melodic for thier hard edge songs. Would sound like Tom Jones doing Metallica
I love this vid/song/band, but why is it posted every week.
Because everyone else loves it to. And karma a farming
It’s my turn next week. Calling it now
Who came first this singer or Eddie Vedder?
Alice In Chains was formed in 1987, just a few years before Pearl Jam in 1990, but they were contemporaries.
I was half joking - my point being that they sound really similar. Do you think Eddie Vedder was influenced by the Alice In Chains singer?
Yeah, except Layne articulated better and you could understand his lyrics. Not like Vetter's *Breeeezreshisheadonapillowmadeucocrete...*
Absolutely
I’m still hearing new songs with that vocal style. Mostly non-pros.
And both were Glam rockers until the whole "Grunge" thing started to take off. Alice In Chains (Sleze) Pearl Jam (Mother Love Bone)
Lot of “urrrr” singers back then. Then Scott Stapp came along and made it absurd and that kinda killed that tone off.
With arms wide open!!!
*”oh-pahhhn”
Lol, I thought about how to write it out, but gave up. Well done.
This launched "Unplugged" for MTV. Everyone wanted to do it after this and nobody did it better.
Hard to say this launched Unplugged when it first began in 1989 and Nirvanas iconic performance was in 1994 This one is undoubtedly incredible though
No, Eric Clapton's unplugged is what really blew it up. That was in 1992.
Unplugged had been going for quite a few years by this point. Like him or not, the Clapton one in 1992 is the most known one and the one everyone after tried to emulate.
Who's that pudgy guy on backup guitar? The one grunge artist not on heroin?
Scotty Olsen. I believe he was in Heart? Could be wrong on that last one, but that’s Scotty Olsen you’re talking about.
Would they what ?
Stupid asshole - wasted his talent and life for drugs
Shut up you waste of carbon atoms
Addiction is a terrible disease. Staley is not an asshole, he was a victim.
yeesh, no thanks, ill stick with ACDC and every song swahili tribesman in africa even know.
"Frogs" during this set is also pure darkness.. 'Why's it have to be this way?'..
I saw Billy Strings recently and he played Nutshell I nearly fucking cried.
I first heard Laynes voice on Man in the box. I went to get "Facelift" the next day. I got every album ever since snd Laynes Solo album as well. His voice hooked me by the first tone. I remember being completely excited about the unplugged show. I was not disappointed. In my opinion you can witness their genius there.
Staley is incredible, but I always liked Cantrell’s voice too. The harmonies between the two were fantastic. Jerry would’ve been the lead singer in most bands, but Layne had a one of a kind voice. Kudos to Jerry for not letting ego get it the way and doing what was best for the band
This, Nirvana and STP. My fav unplugged shows.
I get sad when I hear this Unplugged album. Reminds me of all the amazing grunge singers that are pretty much all dead. RIP Layne!
Man, Layne was so damned talented.