How Alice in Chains was formed

The band Alice in Chains is widely known for its incredible vocal performances from both Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell - but how did the two meet? This is the story of how Jerry Cantrell met Layne Staley and changed music forever!

In the latest episode of “Icons”, Gibson TV sits down with one of the most iconic rock musicians of our generation, Jerry Cantrell to learn about his early years in Spanaway, Washington and the birth of the Seattle sound. The show takes a deep dive into his 30-plus year career in music as the guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter of Alice In Chains, and as a solo artist.

In this exclusive clip from ICONS, Jerry Cantrell reflects on the first time he met Layne Staley, the iconic vocalist of Alice in Chains. The two crossed paths at a house party in West Seattle, though Cantrell had already been struck by Layne's talent after seeing him perform with his band. "The first time I heard him sing, I thought, ‘Man, that guy’s cool. He’s got a great voice. I’d love to be in a band with him,’” Cantrell recalls. Their connection deepened a few months later at a show in Tacoma, where Layne's guitarist introduced them at a party. At the time, Cantrell was going through a difficult period after returning from Texas, but meeting Layne marked a turning point in his life which would forever change the history of music as we know it. Learn how Staley worked at The Music Bank, a 24/7 rehearsal space with over 40 rooms—a hub of creativity that Cantrell fondly describes as "one of the coolest things ever" and in the full episode, listen as Jerry recalls being in a band with Layne, and how Layne convinced him to sing in the band.

Discover more about Jerry Cantrell’s journey as a guitarist, songwriter, and singer in the full ICONS episode on Gibson TV.

Learn about his growing up around music, his love for Willie Nelson, Elton John and Ace Frehley's Gibson Les Paula and how these artists were influential in his own songwriting for Alice in Chains and his solo projects. Watch as Jerry discusses his first guitars, the legacy of Alice in Chains, restarting the band and how it was Layne who convinced him to sing for Alice in Chains in the first place. We also get some insight into what it was like being in a band during the explosion of the Seattle Grunge scene in the late 80s as well as stories on how songs like 'Rooster' and 'Man in the Box' were written, and what really happened during the MTV Unplugged recording.


ABOUT GIBSON BRANDS
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialEpiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands.