Layne Staley before he was famous

The nobody years

1. 

   1967 Born in Kirkland, Washington

   It's 1967, and in Kirkland, Washington, a boy named Layne Staley is born just across the water from Seattle. The city that will one day be the center of grunge is only a skyline in the distance.

   Was born in Kirkland, Washington, near Seattle. Source

2. 

   1974 Parents divorce, age seven

   He's about seven when his parents divorce. His father is largely absent through the rest of his childhood, and the house is one parent short from here on.

   His parents divorced when he was about seven and his father was largely absent through his childhood. Source

3. 

   Early 1980s Drums at twelve, glam bands

   At twelve he sits down behind a drum kit and starts keeping time. By his teens he's out front instead, singing in local glam-metal bands around the Seattle area.

   Started playing drums at twelve and sang in local glam-metal bands as a teenager. Source

4. 

   1987 Meets Jerry Cantrell, 1987

   In 1987 he crosses paths with a guitarist named Jerry Cantrell. Neither of them is anybody yet — two unknown musicians in Seattle, trading ideas.

   Met guitarist Jerry Cantrell while both were unknown musicians in Seattle. Source

5. 

   1987-1988 Living inside the Music Bank

   The two of them live inside a run-down rehearsal space called the Music Bank. There's rarely enough money for rent, and often not enough for food.

   Lived with Cantrell in a run-down rehearsal space called the Music Bank, the two often short of food and rent. Source

6. 

   1987-1988 Band named Alice in Chains

   His own funk project stalls out, so he joins Cantrell's band full time. They try a few names before settling on one: Alice in Chains.

   Joined Cantrell's band full time after his own funk project stalled, and the group settled on the name Alice in Chains. Source

7. 

   1989-1990 Columbia deal, Facelift released

   In 1989 the band signs with Columbia Records. A year later, Facelift arrives — the debut album from the group that came together in that rehearsal space.

   Signed to Columbia Records in 1989 and released the debut album Facelift in 1990. Source

Reconstructions of documented moments, generated with AI. Not archive photographs, and not depictions of real people. © The Nobody Years