Odd {Couples}: When Elton John Sang on an Alice in Chains Music

The overdose dying of Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley in 2002 left an simple gap within the band.

Although 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 at the same time as their careers moved ahead, nobody would have the ability to fill Staley’s sneakers.

“If we discovered another dude, I might love to maneuver on,” drummer Sean Kinney instructed 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 anyone. … We’re not attempting 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 habit — he battled related substance points and at all times remembered the kindness his pals had proven him throughout his restoration. “Black Provides Option 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 numerous help once I was ailing and [in] rehab,” John mentioned in 2021. “You help your pals by means of thick and skinny. I had numerous help once I went by means of the skinny finish of the wedge, and I always remember that.”

You possibly can try the entire story within the under video from our “Odd {Couples}” sequence.