Alice in Chains

Synopsis

"Alice in Chains were among the loudest voices out of Seattle. They were pioneers who mixed grunge and metal in ways that continue to influence artists today, and theirs is a story of working hard, self-destructing, rising from the ashes, and carrying on a lasting legacy. The first of grunge's big four--ahead of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden--to get a gold record and achieve national recognition, they became one of the most successful bands to come out of the scene. But as the band got bigger, so did their problems. Acclaimed journalist David de Sola tells their full story in this deeply researched. and moving biography."--Page [4] of cover.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Dirt

* Summary: Lead singer Layne Staley's struggle with heroin addiction and its impact on the band.
* Real Example: Staley's famous quote: "Heroin is my friend and my worst enemy. It's what's going to kill me and I know it."

Chapter 2: The Chains That Bind

* Summary: Guitarist Jerry Cantrell's relationship with Staley and his own struggles with substance abuse.
* Real Example: Cantrell's recollection of a time he and Staley shared heroin: "It was a life or death moment. I could've died."

Chapter 3: The Unbreakable Bond

* Summary: Bassist Mike Starr and drummer Sean Kinney's unwavering support for Staley, despite his addictions.
* Real Example: Starr's account of an intervention they staged for Staley: "We didn't know if he'd ever come out of that room alive."

Chapter 4: The Rise and Fall

* Summary: The band's meteoric rise to fame and subsequent decline due to Staley's deteriorating health.
* Real Example: The album "Dirt," which featured Staley's raw and vulnerable lyrics about addiction, became a massive success.

Chapter 5: The Last Days of Layne

* Summary: Staley's final years, spent in isolation and consumed by addiction.
* Real Example: Staley's manager, Susan Silver, described him as "a walking corpse" during this time.

Chapter 6: The Loss

* Summary: The aftermath of Staley's death in 2002 and the band's efforts to cope with their grief.
* Real Example: Cantrell's tribute song "Black Gives Way to Blue," which reflected his pain and longing for his lost friend.

Chapter 7: The Renewal

* Summary: The band's cautious return to music, with new singer William DuVall.
* Real Example: The album "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here," which showcased a more mature and reflective sound from Alice in Chains.

Chapter 8: The Legacy

* Summary: The enduring impact of Alice in Chains on the music world and their legacy as pioneers of grunge.
* Real Example: The band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Conclusion

* Summary: The book concludes with a poignant reflection on the band's journey, their struggles, and their enduring bond. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help for addiction and the transformative power of music.