Funeral themes recur both in compositions for the iconic grunge band and in the guitarist’s solo career.
Melancholy is a hallmark of Alice in chainsregardless of its phase. Both in the classical period, with the nostalgic Layne Staley in the voice, or in the last two decades, with William DuVall in the post, the band explores dark themes, often talking about death.
Guitarist and co-singer Jerry Cantrellthe group’s main composer, explained in an interview with Pogopedia (go Chatty) the reason why his compositions are so funereal. This element is also present in his solo works, such as the recent one “He arrives”from the album I want blood (2024). And even when choosing a cover, the argument was repeated: he recorded again “Until we meet again”from Elton Johnin 2021
In his reflection on the recurrence of the theme, Cantrell demonstrated that he treats death in a natural way. He said:
“It’s just a part of life. It’s a very human thing. Life isn’t permanent, so it’s a topic I come back to. Life ends for all of us. So these are just the natural parts of existence, I guess.”
The musician also stressed that it is important to be able to make the most of the time you have in life. For him we should do “as much as possible in that time”.
“Along the way, people will leave. And so will you. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it morbidly, but it’s a real, difficult subject. And I like to touch on things that maybe are difficult to deal with. Words, I guess.”
Alice in Chains deaths
Throughout its history, Alice in Chains has only had six members. Two of them have already died, for the same reason: overdose.
Singer Layne Staley passed away on April 5, 2002, at the age of 34, due to a fatal dose of speedball (a combination of cocaine and heroin).
In turn, the bassist Mike Starr he died on March 8, 2011, at the age of 44, due to excessive and combined intake of prescribed drugs: the opioid painkiller methadone and antidepressants. He had not been part of the group since 1993, when he was replaced by Mike Inez.
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Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
