As much as this was imminently expected, the force with which the news hit was unpredictable. Layne Staley is actually gone now, and the world of music has lost one of its true legendary artists.
Many times I've told the story of how I sat vexed in front of the television watching the premier of "Man in the Box" on MTV's Headbangers Ball. There was something genuinely different about this gang of grinders.
I was at the record store door when it opened a few hours later to purchase the album.
Having been raised and infatuated by the likes of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, there had been nothing to hang my hat on for many years until Alice in Chains thundered onto the scene. To hear them lumped in with any other music of the past 15 years is a disgrace to their strength and ingenuity.
Layne Staley was the voice of this refreshing but dark music that conjured images of clenched fists and thumping hearts.
Since Black Sabbath, no band had ever touched the soul-drenching power that Alice in Chains came to revolutionize in their own beautiful way.
The voice of Layne was no less genuine and moving than Paganini's violin bow or Robert Johnson's guitar hands.
The power that spewed from the lungs of this compelling vocalist was immeasurable in terms of decibels or album sales. It could only be gauged by the size of your grin while listening to a song like "Sunshine" or the force with which the drum inside your gut thumps along to "Rain When I Die".
Layne's influence is lodged in me and within many others forever.
No, he wasn't a god of some sort. He wasn't even superhuman. But he truly was a fantastic and spiritual artist to such a degree that I don't feel he ever realized.
Through all of his recordings, Alice in Chains or Mad Season, I sang, played, and stirred along. Through their performances, from “Clash of the Titans” to “Lollapalooza”, it was clear that no one else captured what they brought to the table.
It's a very sad time for myself and the respectful artists and fans of the music world. It's no doubt a heart wrenching and emotionally devastating time for those of you who had the opportunity to be close to Layne.
Never again will I hang on to hope that there will be another recording bearing his voice. Never again will there be a vocalist with the directional magic that struck in such a way that only your soul could comprehend and process.
You will be missed, Layne Staley. You took so much with you that you neglected to share with us. I'm jealous of those of whom you are sharing it with now.
I'm sorry for the Staley family for the pain they've going through for so long. They should know his contributions, though limited in time, are vast in quantity and of course, quality.
He made the world a much more enjoyable place for myself and countless others and will continue to do so. After all, his music raised me through some of my most important years.
So long, Layne Staley. Thank you for everything you shared with us and for all the genuine happiness you brought us. You will always be appreciated. Always.
With sincerest wishes,
Gero von Dehn
Pitsburgh, PA
Kgero1@aol.com
