The overdose dying of Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley in 2002 left an simple gap within the band.
Regardless that the group had been on an unofficial hiatus on the time – a number of of the members engaged with solo tasks to maintain busy — it nonetheless shook its basis. Three years later, Alice in Chains reunited for some exhibits however made clear that whilst their careers moved ahead, nobody would be capable of fill Staley’s footwear.
“If we discovered another dude, I might love to maneuver on,” drummer Sean Kinney informed MTV in 2006. “Write some cool tunes and alter the identify, and go on like that. I do not see persevering with as Alice and changing any individual. … We’re not making an attempt to interchange Layne.”
When the band set to work on its fourth album, an surprising visitor appeared within the type of Elton John, who knew firsthand the struggles of dependancy — he battled related substance points and at all times remembered the kindness his associates had proven him throughout his restoration. “Black Offers Strategy to Blue,” one of many songs Alice in Chains wrote for the new album, which was written as a tribute to Staley, struck a chord with John.
“I had lots of help once I was unwell and [in] rehab,” John said in 2021. “You help your folks by means of thick and skinny. I had lots of help once I went by means of the skinny finish of the wedge, and I always remember that.”
You’ll be able to try the entire story within the beneath video from our “Odd {Couples}” sequence.
Elton John Albums Ranked
Counting down each Elton John album, from worst to greatest.
