Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967 -ca. April 5, 2002) was the lead singer of the Seattle rock band Alice In Chains as well as the lead singer/songwriter of the rock supergroup Mad Season. Staley was arguably the heart of Alice In Chains.

His passionate and tortured singing style helped Alice In Chains become one of the most successful bands of the 1990's. However, he can also be blamed for why they didn't stay at the top. Despite AIC's chart success, the band had to pass on many tour and concert opportunities because of Staley's health.

This eventually led to the band's downfall. Most of Staley's lyrics focused on his addiction to drugs, most notably heroin. Unfortunately, it was this addiction that led to the band's break-up and ultimately Staley's death in 2002 from an overdose.

However, to many he was already dead, partly because he was out of the public eye for so long and also because of his never-ending drug problems. There have been a few reported sightings during his reclusive period. He was described as being "pale" and "sickly".

Although saddened, most fans were not surprised by his passing. Oddly enough, Staley died on the same day as fellow Seattle musician Kurt Cobain, although Cobain's death was eight years earlier.Sadly, Layne's body was not discovered until the 20th of April, over two weeks after his death. It's been over seven years now since Staley's death, but his legacy proudly lives on.

Bands such as Staind and Godsmack have been greatly influenced by AIC and Staley. Alice In Chains has been re-united as of 2006, minus Staley.

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