Layne Staley remembered by friends, fans

Former bandmates, friends and fans are honoring Layne Staley in various ways after the 34-year-old Alice in Chains singer was found dead in his Seattle home Friday.

Fellow Alice in Chains players Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, Sean Kinney and former bassist Mike Starr, along with former Soundgarden leader Chris Cornell gathered for a candlelight vigil Saturday at the Seattle Center – the same place mourners gathered after Kurt Cobain’s death in April of 1994.

A day later, the band released the following statement: “It’s good to be with friends and family as we struggle to deal with this immense loss . and try to celebrate this immense life. We are looking for all the usual things: comfort, purpose, answers, something to hold on to, a way to let him go in peace. Mostly, we are feeling heartbroken over the death of our beautiful friend. He was a sweet man with a keen sense of humor and a deep sense of humanity.

“He was an amazing musician, an inspiration, and a comfort to so many. He made great music and gifted it to the world. We are proud to have known him, to be his friend, and to create music with him. For the past decade, Layne struggled greatly – we can only hope that he has at last found some peace.

“We love you, Layne. Dearly. And we will miss you . endlessly.”

Former Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan said in a statement, “I saw Alice in Chains at one of their final performances . They played outside in the sunshine, and they were awesome. I think that’s a good way to remember someone who has and will be missed.”

– News gathered by Bethany Kohoutek from mtv.com