Layne Staley was better known as the frontman of the rock band; Alice in Chains. The group rose to fame in the early 90s and was doing rather well in the grunge scene. But what happened to Layne Stanley?
Layne Stanley was discovered decomposing in his home. His accountants contacted his former manager and informed her about the lack of movement on his accounts. The manager contacted his mother, who then called 911.
Who is Layne Staley?
Layne Rutherford Staley was born on August 22, 1967, in Kirkland, Washington. He was not amused by his middle name that he would often get upset when someone called him this. In his teens, he legally changes his middle name to Thomas, just like the drummer; Tommy Lee.
He was very interested in music. At a very young age, he joined a rhythm band in Bellevue. He was the youngest member of the group at the age of 3. In his Dr. Seuss book All About Me, he noted that he wanted to pursue a career in music by being a singer.
His mother and step-father raised him after his parents finalized their divorce when he was 7. He was raised as a Christian Scientist but was quite skeptical of religion in his adult life.
I have a fascination with how brainwashed people get with religion and how they’ll give up their money, their time and their whole life for a cause that they’re sure is right, but I’m sure is wrong. I think there’s a lot of people who are scared of life and living and they want to make sure they get to Heaven or whatever. I try to stay away from it as much as I can. I was raised in the church until I was 16 and I’ve disagreed with their beliefs as long as I can remember, so when I had the choice I chose not to believe in anything apart from myself.
Layne Staley
(Source: David de Sola)
How Did Staley’s Music Career Start?
Staley started playing the drums at the age of 12, and he worked with several glam bands. By 1987 he met Jerry Cantrell. Since he was kicked out of their family house, Staley invited him to live with him in the Music Bank. They lived as roommates for many years after that.
He and Cantrell formed a band after Staley’s first group went their separate ways. Cantrell wanted Staley to step up and take the role of the lead singer, but Staley was not convinced he would do well. So in a plot to persuade him, Cantrell auditioned several horrible singers, including a stripper who was the last straw for Staley.
I knew that voice was the guy I wanted to be playing with. It sounded like it came out of a 350-pound biker rather than skinny little Layne. I considered his voice to be my voice.
Jerry Cantrell
The group they formed disbanded as well, and Staley created the Alice in Chains band, which was a huge success. (Source: Alice in Chains: The Untold Story)
What Happened to Staley?
Staley’s accountants grew worried when they realized that Staley hadn’t made a withdrawal in 2 weeks. So they contacted his former manager, Susan Silver. She then got Staley’s mother, who placed the call to 911.
When the police and family arrived at his house, he was found partially decomposed. Medical examiners needed to use his dental records to confirm his identity. They also confirmed that he has been dead for two weeks.
His death was classified as accidental after the toxicology report showed that he overdosed with heroin and cocaine. (Source: CNN)