Funeral themes recur both in the compositions for the iconic grunge band and in the guitarist’s solo career.
Melancholy is a hallmark of the Alice in Chainsregardless of its phase. Whether in the classical period, with the nostalgic Layne Staley in vocals, or in the last two decades, with William DuVall at the post, the band explores dark themes, often discussing death.
Guitarist and co-vocalist Jerry Cantrellthe group’s main composer, explained in an interview with Pogopedia (via Blabbermouth) the reason why his compositions are so funereal. This element is also present in his solo works, such as the recent “It Comes”from the album I Want Blood (2024). And even when choosing a cover, the subject was repeated: he re-recorded “Goodbye”from Elton Johnin 2021
In his reflection on the recurrence of the theme, Cantrell demonstrated that he treated death naturally. He said:
“It’s just a part of life. It’s a very human thing. Life is not permanent, and so it is a subject I return to. Life ends for all of us. So those are just the natural parts of existence, I guess.”
The musician also highlighted that it is important to be able to make the most of the time you have in life. For him, one should do “as much as you can with that time”.
“Along the way, people will leave. And you will too. I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking morbidly about it, but it’s a real, difficult subject. And I like touching on things that are maybe hard to put into words, I think.”
Alice in Chains deaths
Throughout its history, Alice in Chains had only six members. Two of them have already died, for the same reason: overdose.
Vocalist Layne Staley left us 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 died on March 8, 2011, at age 44, due to excessive and combined intake of prescribed medications: 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: Rollingstone
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.
