ALICE IN CHAINS REMEMBER LAYNE STALEY IN NEW SHORT FILM
Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 2:39pm by Vince NeilsteinI finally got around to watching this 12-minute short film about Alice in Chains that was released last Friday, and I’m quite glad I did. The video [posted on SMNnews.com] features interviews with all four band members speaking about the tragedy of former singer Layne Staley’s death and the eventual return of the band with new singer William Duvall. Follow the band as they recount their first performance without Layne in the wake of the Tsunami tragedy, their introduction to William, and the creative processes that led to the birth of Black Gives Way to Blue.
I’m not sure why the guys are getting dolled up as members of KISS in this video, but perhaps a more knowledgeable AIC fan can fill us in. I also don’t understand the significance of the laundromat at the end…. is it a metaphor for cleaning up and dealing with the past? Not sure, but whatever it means this video is an excellent, personal look into the reformation of one of my favorite bands of all-time.
Black Gives Way To Blue drops everywhere September 29. It’s really good, folks.
-VN
Yoo I watched the clip last night a friend of mine uploaded it to his FakeBook Profile.. I really liked the honesty in which they talk and express their feelings about the tragedy.. I must admit that I did not feel confortable with Cantrell choosing Duvall as the singer when they started touring now I must Admit that Duval really got my respect as I started to pay more attention to his way of singing and playing the guitar.. I cant wait for the CD to come TO Dominikan Republic.. I feel they did a good job in the Album
I could be wrong, but I thought it was just the guys showcasing their collective sense of humor. Never forget: These are the same dudes (well, 3 out of 4) that did Headbangers’ Ball in speedos and floaties, back when grunge was king and everyone was supposed to be too pissed off at the world to have any fun. (Jerry “checking for coverage” at the bottom of the water slide is an image burned indeliably on my brain. Wait, that was JERRY, right? All I remember is a snorkle, a blue Speedo, and lily-white butt cheeks. Never again, please. I’m still too young.) Not even talking about something as heartbreaking as the loss of a dear friend is going to keep these guys down. And as for the laundromat, all traveling musicians are initimately familiar with them.
Rock stars doing their laundry in KISS paint? Not in MY neighborhood. Crap.
Maybe the KISS-paint thing is a way for them to ironize about their newfound status as a middle-aged-reunion-used-to-be-the-shit-kind of band. And maybe their ablity to ironize shows that they’re reuniting for the not-wrong reasons. And mybe that’s why theyr’e actually able to pull it off with some dignity (unlike so many other reunited bands).
just a thought…
Huh. I don’t think of them that way, so that angle never occured to me. You’re probably right about that being their own , though, and if so… hilarious.
[Not directed at BadMongoMan] All the AiC was/was not grunge talk led me to go back and re-read my original post. I realize that while I never labeled AiC as grunge, it could have been inferred that I had. For the record, that wasn’t my intention. I was merely commenting on the fact that grunge was king at the time that classic HBB episode was filmed, and that the band was bucking the current trend at the time — in attitude, if not also in music.
In so keeping with my usual M.O., I’ve not taken the opportunity to stream the new album. As usual, I’ll wait to process the new music while I read the liner notes. It’s very encouraging to see how many people here are so impressed by it and enthuasiastic.
The best part is the rap/midi mix of “check my brain” at the beginning. I could actually see Lil’ Jon making a hit out of that…
Let’s hope not. And the wrong people could be reading this, so stop giving them crappy ideas.
HAHAHAHAHA! Thanks Shinaain, you hit that nail right on the head.
very nice find.
Know what needs to go back on the internet? The fuckin’ Nona Tapes.
And I love people that love Alice in Chains. :)
Will you marry me?
I believe I am a bit young, lmao.
In all honesty I really do love Alice In Chains. Always have. Being a recovered heroin abuser I can tell you, there is more soul in their worst effort, than anything from any other “grunge” band that ever piddled around in a recording studio.
Also I would totally give you my last name…
Agreed. They’re also an acquired taste… most Nirvana fans don’t see AiC’s value, along with thrash fans. But they really do grow on you.
Jerry Cantrell was a big fan of KISS (as were the rest of AiC, I’m guessing). Had to dig it up, but here’s a link to an old interview with Layne and Jerry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk5yUxjf348