Unplugged

You can catch this performance in chunks on YouTube, I just wanted to be able to watch it in all one go. Even though it's packaged in that shiny MTV style, the final Unplugged performances are beautiful. Layne and Jerry's harmonies are untouchable, especially considering both might have been a little worse for wear at the time. The songs stand up on their own acoustically, and "Nutshell" and "Brother," maybe all the songs, are better than the studio versions. Breaks my heart to see Layne Staley in one of his last performances when he clearly still had the voice and a sweetness in his face, but glad the rest of the guys found their way through. Not just for "grunge" fans, for any music fan.

Incredible DVD. They pulled this performance off well. Sounds wonderful on my home system. Recommended

This is my absolute favorite of all the Unplugged concerts. I liked AIC the first time I heard them, but this performance cemented my lifelong love for them! Watch this over and over and never get enough.

This is a must have for any Alice in Chains fan. Their incredible talent is showcased in this performance, even in Layne Staley's final days as the front man. It's plain to see the toll that Layne's addiction is taking on him physically; he looks like a shell of his former self. It can be hard and depressing to watch, knowing that this beautiful, kind and talented man eventually shut everyone out of his life and lost his battle with drugs. Even though he looked to be in bad shape at this point, he still delivered an amazingly beautiful and haunting performance that will stick with you long after you've watched it.Seeing the band interact with each other in such an intimate, calm setting really tugs at the heart stings. If you watch closely, you can see how Jerry is watching over Layne, encouraging him to try again when he makes a mistake in the verse during "Sludge Factory". The band stops and Layne looks over to Jerry, as if he's looking for guidance. Jerry calmly tells him that it's okay, try one more time.In the beginning of Angry Chair, Jerry is intensely watching Layne almost anticipating a mistake but Layne performs beautifully.My favorite moment is during the stunning, tear-jerking performance of "Down in a Hole" when Layne first sings the part, "but my wings have been so denied." In the background, you can see Jerry wink and give the biggest smile when Layne absolutely nails his part here.Alice in Chains is one of the best bands, not only out of the Seattle "grunge" era, but anywhere, anytime. Layne's voice was so unique, so beautiful, and he sang from the depths of his heart and it really shows. Jerry is a brilliant song writer, guitarist and vocalist. No one can match the beauty of their vocal harmonies together. Sean Kinney and Mike Inez also deliver stellar performances, as well as the guest guitarist. Sean Kinney's percussion work on "No Excuses" is breathtaking. I also love when Mike busts out Metallica's "Enter Sandman" between songs.It is sad to watch this and see what a huge loss it was when Layne died. Not only did we lose an amazing musician, but a kind, smart and funny man as well. I hope that he has now finally found the peace in death that he could not find in life. It's easy to focus on his tragic death but I try to remind myself to be thankful for the short time Layne was alive and created this beautiful music for us to enjoy. Sometimes when I'm feeling down I put their music on and hearing Layne sing with so much pain and emotion, I know I'm not alone.I'm happy that Jerry has continued to write and perform music when he could have easily just given up and disappeared. He's still doing what he loves and touching people with his music. I think Layne would have wanted that.RIP - Layne Staley

Alice In Chains was one of the best bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to you Lane. Staley‘s voice is one of a kind for sure. Best show they ever did this unplugged. Love the DVD

It's a great performance, only wish it was HD and available on Blu-Ray. The audio is pretty great if you want to listen to it with 5.1 surround sound.

1st off AIC is an all time fave! 2nd this is the best MTV unplugged they ever made!

I watched this show when it originally aired on MTV back in 1996. At the time, none of us thought it was that special - but we DID think it was a good omen - and AiC was getting back on their "A-game" after basically a 3 year hiatus. We all knew Layne was an addict and the primary reason AiC wasn't doing shows. So we thought they were getting back to it.It's a whole different thing to watch this show now, which was, as many people point out - Layne singing the eulogy for his own funeral. Watching now, it truly is an epic and iconic performance. In my opinion, each of the songs they performed for Unplugged was the best iteration of that song ever performed. Better than the version on the record, better than any other live performance.William Duvall is a fine singer and I'm glad AiC is still together making music. They still "feel" like AiC. I still like them. I buy their records and I've been to some of their shows. But - it's just not the same without Layne, is it??