Alice in Chains 50214 225882463 2008-07-15T21:07:49Z Americash 2120225 {{Otheruses4|the rock band|the self-titled album|Alice in Chains (album)}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | Name = Alice in Chains | Img = Alice In Chains.jpg | Img_capt = Alice in Chains in September 2007. From left to right: William DuVall, Sean Kinney, and Jerry Cantrell. | Img_size = 250 | Landscape = Yes | Background = group_or_band | Alias = Alice 'N Chains | Origin = [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]], [[Washington]], [[United States|USA]] | Genre = <!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE GENRE WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT ON THE TALK PAGE FIRST! -->[[Grunge]], [[Heavy metal]]<br>[[Alternative metal]] | Years_active = 1987–2002<br/>2005–present | Label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] | Associated_acts = [[Class of '99]], [[Comes With the Fall]], [[Mad Season]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Slash's Snakepit]] | URL = [http://www.aliceinchains.com/ www.aliceinchains.com] | Current_members = [[Jerry Cantrell]]<br/>[[Sean Kinney]]<br/>[[Mike Inez]]<br/>[[William DuVall]] | Past_members = [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]]<br/><!-- ATTENTION: Do not add "deceased" or any other notation to any of the band members per the template's guidelines. -->[[Layne Staley]] }} '''Alice in Chains''' is an American <!-- Please do not change the genre without discussing it first on the talk page -->[[Rock music|rock]] band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987 by guitarist [[Jerry Cantrell]] and vocalist [[Layne Staley]]. Although widely associated with [[grunge music]], the band's sound incorporates more [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] influences then most grunge bands. Since its formation, Alice in Chains has released three studio albums, three EPs, two live albums, four compilations, and two DVDs. The band is known for its distinct vocal style which often includes the [[harmony| harmonized]] vocals of Staley and Cantrell. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, along with bands such as [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], [[Pearl Jam]], and [[Soundgarden]]. It was one of the most successful music acts of the 1990s and sold over 14 million albums in the United States alone[http://ultimate-guitar.com/news/video_news/alice_in_chains_readying_first_album_in_13_years.html]. The band achieved two number-one [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] albums (''[[Jar of Flies]]'' and ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]''), 11 top ten singles on the [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]] charts, and six [[Grammy Award]] nominations. Although never officially disbanding, Alice in Chains has been plagued by extended inactivity due to Layne Staley's problems with substance abuse, culminating in his death in 2002. Alice in Chains reunited in 2005 and as of 2008 are working on their first studio album in 13 years with new lead vocalist [[William DuVall]]. == History == === Formation === [[Image:Staley05.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Vocalist [[Layne Staley]]. Staley formed Alice in Chains along with guitarist [[Jerry Cantrell]].]] Following the demise of his band Sleeze in 1986, vocalist [[Layne Staley]] formed Alice N' Chainz, a band which he said "dressed in [[Drag (clothing)|drag]] and played [[speed metal]]".<ref name="Music Bank">{{cite album-notes | bandname=Alice in Chains | title=[[Music Bank]]| year=1996 |publisher=[[Columbia Records]] | publisherid=69580}}</ref> The new band performed around the Seattle area playing [[Slayer]] and [[Armored Saint]] [[Cover version|covers]]. Staley met guitarist [[Jerry Cantrell]] while working at Music Bank rehearsal studios, where the two struggling musicians became roommates, and lived in a rehearsal space they shared. Staley's Alice N' Chainz soon disbanded and he joined a [[funk]] band who at the time also required a guitarist. Staley asked Cantrell to join as a [[sideman]]. Cantrell agreed on condition that Staley joined Cantrell's band Diamond Lie, which at the time included drummer [[Sean Kinney]] and bassist [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]]. Eventually the funk project broke up and in 1987 Staley joined Cantrell on a full time basis. Diamond Lie played in clubs around the Pacific Northwest, often stretching 15 minutes of material into a 45-minute set. The band eventually took the name of Alice In Chains, although they switched the ''z'' in the title to an ''s''.<ref name="Music Bank"/><ref name="Link with Brutality">{{cite journal |title=Link With Brutality | author=Kleidermacher, Mordechai |year=1990 |month=July |publisher=''[[Circus Magazine|Circus]]'' magazine}}</ref> Local promoter Randy Hauser became aware of the band at a concert, and offered to pay for [[Demo (music)|demo]] recordings. However, one day before the band was due to record the Music Bank studio in the Washington, the police shut down the studio during the biggest [[marijuana]] raid in the history of the state.<ref name="Music Bank"/> The final demo was named ''The Treehouse Tapes'', and found its way to the music managers Kelly Curtis and Susan Silver, who also managed the Seattle-based band [[Soundgarden]]. Curtis and Silver passed on the demo to [[Columbia Records]]' [[A&R]] representative Nick Terzo, who set up an appointment with label president Don Lenner. Based on ''The Treehouse Tapes'', Lenner signed Alice in Chains to Columbia in 1989.<ref name="Music Bank"/> === ''Facelift'' and ''Sap'' === {{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}} {{listen |filename=Man in the Box - Alice in Chains.ogg |title="Man in the Box" (1990) |description=Sample of "[[Man in the Box]]" from ''[[Facelift (album)|Facelift]]'', representing the grunge music style Alice in Chains plays. This is the band's debut single and is considered the song that popularized the band. |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} Alice in Chains soon became a top priority of the label, who released the band's first official recording in July 1990, a promotional [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[We Die Young]]''. The EP's lead single, "[[Man in the Box]]", became a hit at metal radio. After its success, the label rushed Alice in Chains' debut album into production with producer [[Dave Jerden]].<ref name="AiC Dirt">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/dirt.aspx |title=Discography – ''Dirt'' |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> Cantrell stated the album was intended to have a "moody aura" that was a "direct result of the brooding atmosphere and feel of Seattle".<ref name="Who is Alice and why is She in Chains?">{{cite journal| author=Moses, Michael |year=1991 |month=September |title=Alice in Chains: Who is Alice and Why is She in Chains? |publisher=''Rockbeat'' magazine}}</ref> The resulting album, ''[[Facelift (album)|Facelift]]'', was released on [[August 21]], [[1990]], peaking at number 42 in the summer of 1991 on the ''Billboard 200'' chart.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History">{{cite web| url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=3943&model.vnuAlbumId=624727 |title=Alice in Chains - Artist chart History |publisher=[[Billboard.com]] |accessdate=2007-11-09}}</ref> ''Facelift'' was not an instant success, selling under 40,000 copies in the first six months of release, until [[MTV]] added "[[Man in the Box]]" to regular daytime rotation.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World">Gill, Chris (September 1999). "Dirt". ''[[Guitar World]]''.</ref> The single hit number 18 on the [[Mainstream Rock Tracks|Mainstream rock charts]], with the album's follow up single, "[[Sea of Sorrow]]", reaching number 27,<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History Singles">{{cite web| url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=3943&model.vnuAlbumId=454488 |title=Singles |publisher=[[Billboard.com]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> and in six weeks ''Facelift'' sold 400,000 copies in the US.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> The album was a critical success, with Steve Huey of [[Allmusic]] citing ''Facelift'' as "one of the most important records in establishing an audience for grunge and alternative rock."<ref name="AMG Facelift">{{cite web| author=Huey, Steve |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:hifyxq95ldje |title=Facelift |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> ''Facelift'' was certified [[Music recording sales certification|gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] by the end of 1990, while the band continued to hone its audience, opening for such artists as [[Iggy Pop]],<ref name ="Alice in Chains eNotes Biography">{{cite web| author=Glickman, Simon |url=http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/alice-chains-biography |title=Enotes - Alice in Chains |publisher=Enotes.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> [[Van Halen]], [[Poison (band)|Poison]],<ref name="Who is Alice and why is She in Chains?"/> and [[Extreme (band)|Extreme]].<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> In early 1991, Alice in Chains landed the opening slot for the Clash of the Titans tour with [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]], [[Megadeth]], and [[Slayer]], exposing the band to a wide metal audience.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59909 |title=Alice in Chains Guitarist Discusses 1990 Clash of the Titans tour, Touring With Ozzy |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=[[2007-10-07]] |accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> Alice in Chains was nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance|Best Hard Rock Performance]] [[Grammy Award]] in 1992 for "Man in the Box", but lost to Van Halen for their 1991 album ''[[For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge]]''.<ref name="First Grammy">{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/grammys.htm |title=34th Grammy Awards - 1992 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Image:Jerry Cantrell 2.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Jerry Cantrell is a co-founder of the band. He is credited, along with Staley, with creating the band's unique sound.]] Following the tour, Alice in Chains entered the studio to record demos for its next album, but ended up recording five acoustic songs instead.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> While in the studio, drummer Sean Kinney had a dream about "making an EP called ''Sap''".<ref name ="Alice in Chains eNotes Biography"/> The band decided "not to mess with fate", and on [[March 21]], [[1992]], Alice in Chains released their second EP, ''[[Sap (EP)|Sap]]''. The EP was released while [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]'s ''[[Nevermind (album)|Nevermind]]'' was at the top of the ''Billboard'' 200 charts, resulting in a rising popularity of Seattle-based bands, and the term [[grunge music]].<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> ''Sap'' was soon certified gold. The EP features guest vocals by [[Ann Wilson]] from the band [[Heart (band)|Heart]], who joined Staley and Cantrell for the choruses of "Brother", "Am I Inside" and "Love Song". The EP also features [[Mark Arm]] of [[Mudhoney]] and [[Chris Cornell]] of [[Soundgarden]], who appeared together on the song "Right Turn", credited to "[[Alice Mudgarden]]" in the liner notes.<ref>{{cite album-notes |bandname=Alice in Chains |title=Right Turn |year=1992 |publisher=[[Columbia Records]] |publisherid=Buttnugget publishing/Jack Lord Music 67059}}</ref> In 1992, Alice in Chains appeared in the [[Cameron Crowe]] film ''[[Singles (1992 film)|Singles]]'', performing as a "bar band".<ref name="Singles film">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_singles.aspx |title=Singles - Soundtracks and music scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> The band also contributed the song "[[Would?]]" to the film's [[Singles (soundtrack album)|soundtrack]], whose video received an award for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film|Best Video from a Film]] at the [[1993 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="MTV AWARD">{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1993/mtvvmas.htm |title=1993 MTV Video Music Awards |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> === ''Dirt'' === {{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}} {{listen |filename=Would? - Alice in Chains.ogg |title="Would?" (1992) |description=Sample of "[[Would?]]" from ''[[Dirt (album)|Dirt]]''. The song originally appeared on the [[Singles (soundtrack album)|soundtrack]] to the film ''[[Singles (1992 film)|Singles]]''. "Would?" is one of Alice in Chains' signature songs, appearing at nearly every concert the band has performed since its release. |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} In February 1992, the band returned to the studio, again with producer Dave Jerden, to record its follow-up album. With new songs written primarily on the road, the material has an overall darker feel than ''Facelift'', with six of the album's twelve songs dealing with addiction.<ref name="Digging Dirt">{{cite journal |year=1993 |month=February |author=Turman, Katherine |title=Digging Dirt |publisher=''RIP'' magazine}}</ref> "We did a lot of soul searching on this album. There's a lot of intense feelings."<ref name="Digging Dirt"/> Cantrell said, "We deal with our daily demons through music. All of the poison that builds up during the day we cleanse when we play".<ref name="Link with Brutality"/> On [[September 29]], [[1992]], Alice in Chains released its second album, ''[[Dirt (album)|Dirt]]''. The album peaked at number six on the ''Billboard'' 200, and since its release has been certified quadruple [[RIAA certification|platinum]] by the RIAA, making ''Dirt'' the band's highest selling album to date.<ref name="Music Bank"/><ref name="AiC Dirt"/> The album was a critical success, with Steve Huey of Allmusic praising the album as a "major artistic statement, and the closest they ever came to recording a flat-out masterpiece".<ref name="AMG Dirt">{{cite web |author=Huey, Steve |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:dbfyxq95ldse |title=Dirt |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> Chris Gill of ''[[Guitar World]]'' called ''Dirt'' "huge and foreboding, yet eerie and intimate", and "sublimely dark and brutally honest".<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> ''Dirt'' spawned five top 30 singles, including "[[Rooster (song)|Rooster]]", [[Them Bones]]", and "[[Down in a Hole]]", and remained on the charts for nearly a year.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History"/><ref name="Remembering Layne Staley">{{cite web| author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[2004-04-06]] |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1486206/20040406/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Remembering Layne Staley: The Other Great Seattle Musician To Die On April 5 |publisher=[[VH1]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> Alice in Chains was added as openers to [[Ozzy Osbourne]]'s ''No More Tears'' tour, but just days before the tour began, Layne Staley broke his foot in an [[ATV]] accident, forcing him to use crutches on stage.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> While on tour, bassist Mike Starr left the band to spend more time with his family, and was replaced by former Ozzy Osbourne bassist [[Mike Inez]].<ref name="Starr leave">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/biography/default.aspx |title=2006 band bio - Aliceinchains.com |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> In 1993, the band recorded two songs with Inez, "[[What the Hell Have I]]" and "A Little Bitter", for the ''[[Last Action Hero]]'' soundtrack.<ref name="Last Action Hero">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_lastAction.aspx |title=Last Action Hero - Soundtracks and music scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> During the summer of 1993, Alice in Chains joined [[Primus (band)|Primus]], [[Tool (band)|Tool]], [[Rage Against the Machine]], and [[Babes in Toyland (band)|Babes in Toyland]] for the [[alternative music]] festival [[Lollapalooza]], which was the last major tour Alice in Chains played with Staley.<ref name="Staley dead-VH1">{{cite web| author=D'Angelo, Joe |date=[[2002-04-20]] |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1453520/04202002/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Layne Staley, Alice In Chains Singer, Dead At 34 |publisher=[[VH1]] |accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> === ''Jar of Flies'' === Following Alice in Chains' extensive 1993 world tour, Staley said the band "just wanted to go into the studio for a few days with our acoustic guitars and see what happened".<ref name="Layne talks Jar of Flies">{{cite journal| author=Andrews, Rob |year=1994 |month=August |title=A Step Beyond Layne's World |publisher=''[[Hit Parader]]''}}</ref> "We never really planned on the music we made at that time to be released. But the record label heard it and they really liked it. For us, it was just the experience of four guys getting together in the studio and making some music."<ref name="Layne talks Jar of Flies"/> While never originally intended for a public release, Columbia Records released Alice in Chains' second acoustic-based EP, ''[[Jar of Flies]]'', on [[January 25]], [[1994]]. Written and recorded in one week,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/JarOfFlies.aspx |title=Jar of Flies - Discography |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> ''Jar of Flies'' debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, becoming the first ever EP—and first Alice in Chains release—to top the charts.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History"/> Paul Evans of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called the EP "darkly gorgeous",<ref name="Rolling Stone - Jar of Flies">{{cite web| |author=Evans, Paul |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/albums/album/284284/review/6211567/jar_of_flies |title=Jar of Flies |publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]'' |accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> and Steve Huey stated "''Jar of Flies'' is a low-key stunner, achingly gorgeous and harrowingly sorrowful all at once".<ref name="AMG Jar of Flies">{{cite web| |author=Huey, Steve |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:djfoxqlgldke |title=Jar of Flies |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> ''Jar of Flies'' features Alice in Chains' only number one single on the [[Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks|Mainstream Rock charts]], "[[No Excuses]]". The second single, "[[I Stay Away]]", reached number ten on the Mainstream rock charts, while the final single "[[Don't Follow]]", reached number 25.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History"/> After the release of ''Sap'', Layne Staley entered [[rehab]] for [[heroin]] addiction.<ref name="To Hell and Back">{{cite web|author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[1996-02-08]] |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5934699/to_hell_and_back |title=To Hell and Back |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref> The band was scheduled to tour during the summer of 1994 with [[Metallica]] and [[Suicidal Tendencies]], but while in rehearsal for the tour, Staley began using heroin again.<ref name="To Hell and Back">{{cite web|author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[1996-02-08]] |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5934699/to_hell_and_back |title=Layne Staley Found Dead |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2007-01-30}}</ref> Staley's condition prompted the other band members to cancel all scheduled dates one day before the start of the tour, putting the band on hiatus.<ref name="Rolling Stones on Stayley's death">{{cite web| author=Rothman, Robin |date=[[2002-04-22]] |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5934348/layne_staley_found_dead |title=Layne Staley Found Dead |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> === ''Alice in Chains'' === While Alice in Chains was inactive during 1995, Staley joined the "grunge [[Supergroup (bands)|supergroup]]" [[Mad Season]], which also featured Pearl Jam guitarist [[Mike McCready]], [[John Baker Saunders]] from [[The Walkabouts]] and [[Screaming Trees]] drummer [[Barrett Martin]]. Mad Season released one album, ''[[Above (album)|Above]]'', for which Staley provided lead vocals and the album artwork. The album spawned a number-two single, "[[River of Deceit]]", as well as a [[home video]] release of ''[[Live at the Moore]]''.<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> In April 1995, Alice in Chains entered [[Bad Animals Studio]] in Seattle with producer [[Toby Wright]], who had previously worked with [[Corrosion of Conformity]] and [[Slayer]].<ref name "Toby Wright">{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51361 |title=Meldrum Working With Producer Toby Wright |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=[[2006-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> While in the studio, an inferior version of the song "Grind" was leaked to radio, and received major airplay.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/AliceInChains/bio.html |title=Alice in Chains timeline |publisher=Sonymusic.com |accessdate=2008-02-01}}</ref> On [[October 6]], 1995, the band released the studio version of the song to radio via satellite uplink. [[Image:Laynemtv.JPG|thumb|175px|left|Alice in Chains' 1996 MTV ''[[MTV Unplugged|Unplugged]]'' concert was one of the band's last performances with Layne Staley (pictured).]] On [[November 7]], [[1995]], Columbia Records released the eponymous ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]'',<ref name "Toby Wright"/> which debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, and has since been certified double platinum.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History"/> Of the album's four singles, "[[Grind (song)|Grind]]", "[[Again (Alice in Chains song)|Again]]", "[[Over Now]]", and "[[Heaven Beside You]]", three feature Cantrell on lead vocals. Jon Wiederhorn of ''Rolling Stone'' called the album "liberating and enlightening, the songs achieve a startling, staggering and palpable impact."<ref>{{cite web |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[1995-11-30]] |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/179804/review/5943047/aliceinchains |title=Alice in Chains: Alice in Chains review |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> The song "[[Got Me Wrong]]" unexpectedly charted three years after its release on the ''Sap'' EP. The song was re-released as a single on the soundtrack for the [[independent film]] ''[[Clerks]]'' in 1995, reaching number seven on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_clerks.aspx |title=Clerks - Soundtracks and movie scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> The band opted not to tour in support of ''Alice in Chains'', adding to the rumors of drug abuse.<ref name="Layne Staley Found Dead">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5934348/layne_staley_found_dead |title=Layne Staley Found Dead |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |author=Rothman, Robin A. |accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref><ref name="Malice in Chains">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5925470/malice_in_chains |title=Malice in Chains |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |author=Fischer, Blair R. |accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref> Alice in Chains resurfaced on [[April 10]], [[1996]] to perform their first concert in three years for ''[[MTV Unplugged]]'', a program featuring all-acoustic set lists.<ref name="Unplugged show">{{cite video | people=Perota, Joe (Director) | date2=1996-04-15 | url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/unplugged.aspx | title=Unplugged - Alice in Chains | medium=Television production | location=[[New York City]] | publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref><ref name="Alice In Chains Concert Chronology">{{cite web| url=http://www.bacus.net/alice/aicshows/960410.htm |title=Alice in Chains Concert Chronology: MTV Unplugged Session |publisher=John Bacus |accessdate=2007-12-12}}</ref> The performance featured some of the band's highest charting singles, including "[[Down in a Hole]]", "[[Heaven Beside You]]", and "[[Would?]]", and introduced a new song, "Killer Is Me".<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History Singles"/> The show marked Alice in Chains' only appearance as a five-piece band, adding second guitarist [[Scott Olson]].<ref name="Unplugged show"/> A [[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|live album]] of the performance was released in July 1996, which debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was accompanied by a home video release, both of which received platinum certification by the RIAA.<ref name="Alice in Chains - Artist chart History"/> Alice in Chains performed four shows following the 1993 ''Lollapalooza'' tour,<ref name="Men in a Box">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aliceinchains/articles/story/5926024/men_in_a_box |date=[[1997-01-29]] |title="Men in a Box" |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref> with the final live appearance of Layne Staley on [[July 3]], [[1996]] in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]].<ref name="Casino Ballroom">{{cite web| url=http://www.casinoballroom.com/event-detail.php?event=94 |title=Alice in Chains - Sold Out |publisher=Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom |accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> === Hiatus and the death of Layne Staley === Although Alice in Chains never officially disbanded, Staley became a [[recluse]], rarely leaving his Seattle [[condominium]] following the death of his fiancée in 1996, due to [[Endocarditis|bacterial endocarditis]].<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> "Drugs worked for me for years", Staley told ''Rolling Stone'' in 1996, "and now they're turning against me, now I'm walking through hell".<ref name="Malice in Chains"> Unable to continue with new Alice in Chains material, Cantrell released his first solo album in 1998, entitled ''[[Boggy Depot]]'', which also featured Sean Kinney and Mike Inez.<ref name="Allmusic"</ref> In 1998, Staley reunited with Alice in Chains to record two new songs, "[[Get Born Again]]" and "[[Died (Alice in Chains song)|Died]]". Originally written for Cantrell's solo album, the songs were released in the fall of 1999 on [[box set]], ''[[Music Bank]]''. The set contains 48 songs, including rarities, demos, and previous album tracks.<ref name="Music Bank"/> The band also released a 15-track compilation titled ''[[Nothing Safe: Best of the Box]]'', serving as a sampler for ''Music Bank'', as well as the band's first [[greatest hits]] compilation. The band's last official releases include a [[live album]], simply titled ''[[Live (Alice in Chains album)|Live]]'', released on [[December 5]], [[2000]], and a second greatest hits compilation, titled ''[[Greatest Hits (Alice in Chains album)|Greatest Hits]]'' in 2001.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/music.aspx |title=Alice in Chains.com - Discography |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> After a decade battling drug addiction, Layne Staley was found dead in his condominium on [[April 19]], [[2002]]. An autopsy revealed Staley died from a mixture of heroin and [[cocaine]] 14 days previously. In his last interview, which was given months before his death, Staley admitted, "I know I'm near death, I did crack and heroin for years. I never wanted to end my life this way".<ref name="Staley's last interview">{{cite web| author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[2003-02-25]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470138/20030225/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Late Alice In Chains Singer Layne Staley's Last Interview Revealed In New Book |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> Cantrell, shaken by the death of his friend and band mate, dedicated his 2002 solo album, ''[[Degradation Trip]]'', to Staley.<ref name="Roadrunner Cantrell">{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/JerryCantrell/ |title=Well Worth The Trip |date=[[2002-12-24]] |publisher=Roadrunner Records UK |accessdate=2007-12-07}}</ref> === Reunion === [[Image:SeanKinney 2006a.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Sean Kinney in 2006. Kinney has been Alice in Chains' drummer since its inception.]] In 2005, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney reunited to perform a [[benefit concert]] in Seattle for victims of the [[tsunami disaster]] that struck [[south Asia]].<ref name="Benefit concert">{{cite web| author=Hay, Travis |date=[[2005-02-21]] |url=http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/212872_alice21q.html |title=Alice in Chains owns stage in tsunami-relief show full of surprises |publisher=Seattlepi.nwsource.com|accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> The band featured [[Damageplan]] vocalist [[Pat Lachman]], with other special guests including [[Wes Scantlin]] of [[Puddle of Mudd]], [[Maynard James Keenan]] of [[Tool (band)|Tool]], and [[Ann Wilson]] of [[Heart (band)|Heart]].<ref name="Benefit concert"/><ref name="AIC guests">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10518215/latest_news_jayz_the_strokes_r_kelly_and_more |title=Metallica man joins Alice in Chains |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |date=[[2006-06-09]] |accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> On [[March 6]], [[2006]], the surviving members performed at [[VH1]]'s [[Decades Rock Live]] concert, honoring fellow Seattle musicians [[Ann Wilson|Ann]] and [[Nancy Wilson (guitarist)|Nancy Wilson]] of Heart. They played "[[Would?]]" with [[Pantera]] and [[Down (band)|Down]] vocalist [[Phil Anselmo]], and "[[Rooster (song)|Rooster]]" with [[William DuVall]] and Ann Wilson.<ref name="AIC guests"/> The band followed the concert with a short United States club tour, several festival dates in Europe, and a brief tour in Japan. To coincide with the band's reunion, [[Sony Music]] released the long delayed third Alice in Chains compilation, ''[[The Essential Alice in Chains]]'', a [[double album]] that includes 28 songs.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/essentials.aspx |title=The Essential Alice in Chains |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> [[Comes With the Fall]] vocalist [[William DuVall]] joined Alice in Chains as lead singer during the band's reunion concerts. [[Velvet Revolver]] and ex-[[Guns N' Roses]] bassist [[Duff McKagan]] also joined the band for the reunion tour, playing rhythm guitar on selected songs.<ref name="AIC guests"/> Before the tour, Kinney mentioned in an interview that he would be interested in writing new material, but not as Alice in Chains.<ref name="MTV reunion article">{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524813/02232006/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Remaining Alice In Chains Members Reuniting For Summer Gigs |publisher=MTV.com |author=Harris, Chris |date=[[2006-02-23]] |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> However, AliceinChains.com reported that the band has begun writing new material, with DuVall on lead vocals. The band members plan to release their first studio album since 1995 by the end of 2008.<ref>{{cite web| |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=84801 |title=Alice in Chains Will 'Definitely Possibly' Release Studio Album In 2008 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=[[2007-11-14]] |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> == Musical style == {{Sound sample box align left|Music sample:}} {{listen|filename=Nutshell.ogg |title="Nutshell" |description=Sample of "[[Nutshell (song)|Nutshell]]" from ''[[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|Unplugged]]''. This song originally appeared on ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' and represents the unique acoustic sound Alice in Chains have created. |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} Although Alice in Chains has been labeled [[grunge]], [[alternative rock]], and [[hard rock]], Jerry Cantrell identifies the band as primarily [[heavy metal]]. He told ''[[Guitar World]]'' in 1996; "We're a lot of different things... I don't quite know what the mixture is, but there's definitely metal, blues, rock and roll, maybe a touch of punk. The metal part will never leave, and I never want it to".<ref>Gilbert, Jeff (January 1996). "Go Ask Alice". ''Guitar World''.</ref> Alice in Chains has cited musical influences such as [[Black Sabbath]], [[Led Zeppelin]], and [[Metallica]].<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/><ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web| url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:3ifwxqw5ldae~T1 |title=Alice in Chains Biography |publisher=Allmusic |author=Erlewine, Thomas; Prato, Greg |accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> Jerry Cantrell's guitar style combines what Stephen Erlewine of Allmusic called "pummeling riffs and expansive guitar textures" to create "slow, brooding minor-key grinds".<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref> {{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/review/14253942 |title=Degradation Trip Review |publisher=Allmusic |author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> While down-tuned distorted guitars mixed with Staley's distinctive "snarl-to-a-scream"<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> vocals appealed to [[heavy metal]] fans, the band also had "a sense of melody that was undeniable," which introduced Alice in Chains to a much wider pop audience outside of the heavy metal underground.<ref name="AMG Facelift"/><ref name="Staley dead-VH1"/> The band has been described by critics as "hard enough for metal fans, yet their dark subject matter and punky attack placed them among the front ranks of the Seattle-based grunge bands".<ref name="Allmusic"/> Three of the band's releases feature all acoustic music, and while the band initially kept these releases separate, Alice in Chains' self-titled album combined the styles to form "a bleak, nihilistic sound that balanced grinding hard rock with subtly textured acoustic numbers".<ref name="Allmusic"/> Alice in Chains is also noted for the unique vocal harmonies of Staley and Cantrell, which included overlapping passages, and dual lead vocals.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Alyssa Burrows said the band's distinctive sound "came from Staley's vocal style and his lyrics dealing with personal struggles and addiction".<ref>{{cite web| author=Burrows, Alyssa |date=[[2002-05-17]] |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=3778 |title=Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley dies on April 5, 2002. |publisher=Historylink.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> Staley's songs were often considered "dark",<ref name="Allmusic"/> with themes such as drug abuse, depression, and suicide,<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> while Cantrell's lyrics dealt more with personal relationships. == Legacy == [[Image:William Duvall.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Alice in Chains' current vocalist, [[William DuVall]] performing with the band. DuVall replaced Layne Staley as the band's vocalist when Alice in Chains reformed after Staley's death.]] Alice in Chains has sold more than 14 million albums in the United States, released two number-one albums and 19 top 40 singles, and has received six [[Grammy]] nominations. The band was ranked number 34 on [[VH1]]'s ''100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock''.<ref>{{cite web| date=2000 |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm |title=VH1: 100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2008-01-08}}</ref> Alice in Chains has had a large impact on many bands, such as [[Godsmack]], who, according to Jon Wiederhorn of [[MTV]], "have sonically followed Alice in Chains' lead while adding their own distinctive edge". Godsmack singer [[Sully Erna]] has also cited Layne Staley as his primary influence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453568/20020423/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=MTV.com – "'He Got Me To Start Singing': Artists Remember Layne Staley" |accessdate=2007-11-08 |author=D'Angelo, Joe; Vineyard, Jennifer; Wiederhorn, Jon |date=[[2002-04-22]] |publisher=MTV.com }}</ref> [[Staind]] has covered Alice in Chains' song "[[Nutshell (song)|Nutshell]]" live, which appears on the compilation ''[[The Singles: 1996-2006]]'', and also wrote a song entitled "Layne", in Staley's dedication, on the album ''[[14 Shades of Grey]]''.<ref>{{cite web| author=Snierson, Dan |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,631523,00.html |title=Layne Staley gets ''Born Again'' |publisher=''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' |date=[[2004-05-07]] |accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> Other bands that have been inspired by Alice in Chains include[[Taproot (band)|Taproot]], [[Puddle of Mudd]], [[Smile Empty Soul]], [[Creed (band)|Creed]], [[Nickelback]], [[Cold (band)|Cold]], and [[Tantric (band)|Tantric]].<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> [[Metallica]], who originally influenced Alice in Chains, in turn said they've always wanted to tour with the band, citing Alice in Chains as a major influence on the vocal melodies for Metallica's eighth studio album ''[[St. Anger]]''.<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> == Band members == * [[William DuVall]] – [[Singer|lead vocals]], [[rhythm guitar]] (2006–present) * [[Jerry Cantrell]] – [[lead guitar]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] (1987–2002, 2005–present) * [[Mike Inez]] – [[Bass guitar|bass]], backing vocals (1993–2002, 2005–present) * [[Sean Kinney]] – [[Drum kit|drums]], [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] (1987–2002, 2005–present) === Former members === * [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]] – bass, backing vocals (1987–1993) * [[Layne Staley]] – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1987–2002) ;Touring musicians * [[Scott Olson]] – [[acoustic guitar]] (1996) **Olson only played on the ''[[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|Unplugged]]'' performance. * [[Patrick Lachman]] – lead vocals (2005–2006) * [[Duff McKagan]] – rhythm guitar (2005-2006) == Discography == {{main|Alice in Chains discography}} === Studio albums === * ''[[Facelift (album)|Facelift]]'' (1990) * ''[[Dirt (album)|Dirt]]'' (1992) * ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]'' (1995) * Upcoming studio album (2008) === EPs === * ''[[We Die Young]]'' (1990) * ''[[Sap (EP)|Sap]]'' (1992) * ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' (1994) == Awards and nominations == === Awards === {| class="wikitable" width=90% !align=center| Year ! Award ! Category |- | 1993 | [[MTV Video Music Awards]] | [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film|Best Video from a Film]] – "[[Would?]]" from ''[[Singles (1992 film)|Singles]]''<ref name="MTV AWARD"/> |} === Nominations === {| class="wikitable" width=90% !align=center| Year ! Award ! Category |- | 1991 | MTV Video Music Awards | [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video|Best Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Video]] – "[[Man in the Box]]"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1991/mtvvmas.htm |title=1991 MTV Video Music awards |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2"|1992 | [[American Music Award]]s | Favorite New Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/amas.htm |title=19th American Music Awards |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | [[Grammy Award]]s | [[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance|Best Hard Rock Performance]] – "Man in the Box"<ref name="First Grammy"/> |- | 1993 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance – ''Dirt''<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1993/grammys.htm |title=35th Grammy Awards - 1993 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | 1995 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance – "[[I Stay Away]]"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1995/grammys.htm |title=37th Grammy Awards - 1995 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2"|1996 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance – "[[Grind (song)|Grind]]"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1996/grammys.htm |title=38th Grammy Awards - 1996 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Hard Rock Video – "[[Again (Alice in Chains song)|Again]]"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1996/mtvvmas.htm |title=1996 MTV Video Music Awards |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | 1997 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance – "Again"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1997/grammys.htm |title=39th Grammy Awards - 1997 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |- | 2000 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance – "[[Get Born Again]]"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/grammys.htm |title=42th Grammy Awards - 2000 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> |} == References == {{Reflist|2}} == External links == {{commonscat|Alice in Chains}} {{wikiquote}} * [http://www.aliceinchains.com/ Official website] * {{Myspace|aliceinchains|Alice in Chains}} {{-}} {{Alice in Chains}} {{featured article}} [[Category:1990s music groups]] [[Category:2000s music groups]] [[Category:Alice in Chains]] [[Category:American alternative metal musical groups]] [[Category:Columbia Records artists]] [[Category:Grunge groups]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]] [[Category:Quartets]] [[Category:Washington heavy metal musical groups]] {{Link FA|pt}} [[bs:Alice in Chains]] [[br:Alice in Chains]] [[bg:Алис ин Чейнс]] [[ca:Alice In Chains]] [[cs:Alice in Chains]] [[da:Alice in Chains]] [[de:Alice in Chains]] [[es:Alice in Chains]] [[fa:آلیس این چینز]] [[fr:Alice in Chains]] [[gl:Alice in Chains]] [[ko:앨리스 인 체인스]] [[hr:Alice in Chains]] [[id:Alice in Chains]] [[it:Alice in Chains]] [[he:אליס אין צ'יינס]] [[lt:Alice in Chains]] [[hu:Alice in Chains]] [[nl:Alice In Chains]] [[ja:アリス・イン・チェインズ]] [[no:Alice in Chains]] [[uz:Alice in Chains]] [[pl:Alice in Chains]] [[pt:Alice in Chains]] [[ru:Alice in Chains]] [[simple:Alice in Chains]] [[sk:Alice in Chains]] [[fi:Alice in Chains]] [[sv:Alice in Chains]] [[tr:Alice in Chains]]