Late Alice in Chains Singer's 'Inner Thoughts' Revealed in New Book Audio Ink Radio

Late Alice in Chains Singer’s ‘Inner Thoughts’ Revealed in New Book

2025-02-21

For Alice in Chains fans craving some news regarding the late Layne Staley, a new book looks to uncover some of his mysterious life. – Author: Charles Ken, Artwork via Sony Legacy

Alice in Chains are still one of the most active bands from the 1990s grunge scene, but it’s obviously hasn’t been the same since they lost their lead vocalist Layne Staley in 2002 at the age of 34. Staley was one of the pioneers of the Seattle scene and grunge movement, but his drug addiction caught up with him. Following his death, the band kept engaged and released their comeback album, “Black Gives Way to Blue,” in 2009 with new vocalist William DuVall, who sounds incredibly similar to Staley.

But, for Alice in Chains fans who are craving some news regarding Staley and want to know more about the mysterious late singer, a new book looks to uncover some of that mystery.

A Book of Journals From Late Alice in Chains Singer Layne Staley

The lost journals from Staley will be published in a new book, which is due out later this year. The book, called “This Angry Pen: The Lost Journals of Layne Staley,” will offer a set of poetry, artwork, fan tributes, lyrics, photos and more pieces from Staley’s collection. It’s due out November 11, according to an announcement from Simon & Schuster.

Staley is named as the only author of the book, lending to the idea that it could really take fans inside his mind. The book is currently priced at $40 for a hardcover copy. As the the cover, the book’s page on the Simon & Schuster site current just says “cover to be revealed,” so it’s forthcoming.

“For the first time, this stunning collection unveils the deeply personal and creative side of the legendary Alice in Chains frontman,” the books official description states.

“Through never-before-seen poetry, raw handwritten lyrics, intimate scribblings, and heartfelt notes,” it adds, “Layne’s inner thoughts and emotions come to life, offering a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius who defined a generation.”

The description also notes that these writes and bits and pieces of work are “from Layne Staley himself,” adding that the collection will give an “unprecedented look” at the singer’s “personal writings, artwork, and photographs, revealing the visionary artist behind the voice.”

The book’s description also says this book is the “perfect gift” for fans of rock and grunge, because Alice in Chains was “one of the top bands” from the Seattle scene.

The Journal Could Be a Good Way to Know Layne

According to a report from Seattle-based music publication Nehi Stripes Seattle, Nancy McCallum, Staley’s mother, gave them confirmation that that the book is authorized, but that hasn’t been confirmed. In the post, they state that this is “an authorized release,” as reported by them.

They add, “I’m writing the same thing I wrote in the comments on my IG post; I have confirmed this by Nancy as an authorized release. The rest is it is really none of our business. Let’s all be happy it’s finally being published.”

Nehi Strips Seattle adds that the journal could be “a great way to better understand & get to know Layne. It’s also something that will continue Layne’s legacy and introduce him to new audiences & our younger generations. He was more than a musician; a magnificently brilliant, multitalented human.”

Author
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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.

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