LAYNE STALEY

Date of Birth: August 22 1967
Place of Birth: Kirkland, Washington

At the age of 12, five years after his parents divorced, Layne started to play the drums. He was a member of several glam bands around Seattle, playing drums and singing, but at 15 he gave up the drums and concentrated solely on the singing. After being told by his band that he couldn't sing he quit, practiced his singing and joined a few garage bands before meeting Jerry in 1987 - see above.

Layne has had his problems with drug abuse. His heroin addiction allegedly led the cancellation of the tour with Metallica and also resulted in rumors of the loss of limbs and even his life at one point.

Although best known for his work with Alice In Chains Layne also provides the vocals for the brilliant Mad Season project. He is also an artist, poet and photographer.

JERRY CANTRELL

Date of Birth: March 18 1966
Place of Birth: Tacoma, Washington

Jerry's father, Jerry Cantrell Sr. (the inspiration for Rooster) was a Vietnam veteran and his mother was a talented musician. Jerry started playing the guitar around the age of 12, but didn't play it seriously until he was about 17. He started playing for local garage bands where he met bassist Mike Starr.

He was the main songwriter for the Facelift album which propelled Alice In Chains to stardom. Unfortunately his mother died soon after the release of their first album and never got to see his success.

The famous skydiving incident took place during the 1991 tour with Van Halen. Jerry's parachute failed to operate properly and he nearly plummeted to his death, he later joked that he missed his chance at rock immortality.

In 1998 he released his first solo album, Bogey Depot and he has also recorded songs for the Cable Guy soundtrack and the Willie Nelson tribute album, Twisted Willie. He made his movie debut with a bit part in Jerry McGuire. He was named as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in Guitar World Magazine.

SEAN KINNEY

Date of Birth: May 27 1966
Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington

Sean Kinney started playing the drums at the age of 5 and by 9 was playing in his Grandfather's band, The Cross Cats. He played all sorts of music for The Cross Cats including swing and show tunes travelling across the US and Canada performing at weddings and dances. He was dating Mike Starr's sister when he was asked to join Alice In Chains in 1987.

He also performed on Jerry's solo album and played alongside Johnny Cash on Time Of The Preacher on the Twisted Willie album. He is now working in a band alongside Mike Inez, Chris DeGarmo (ex-Queensryche) and Vin Dombroski (Sponge) called Spys4Darwin.

MIKE INEZ

Date of Birth: May 14 1966
Place of Birth: California

Mike Inez was Alice in Chains second bassist, taking over when Mike Starr left the group. He was musical from a very early age. His first instrument was the guitar and he has an associate's degree in music for saxophone and keyboard. He switched to the bass and joined Ozzy Osbourne's band.

When Mike Starr left Alice In Chains they sought a replacement and eventually got Ozzy's blessing to recruit Mike Inez. His first contribution was on the A Little Bitter and What The Hell Have I recordings for the Last Action Hero soundtrack.

He also appears on Slash's Snakepit project and on Bogey Depot. He is now working alongside Sean Kinney, Chris DeGarmo (ex-Queensryche) and Vin Dombroski (Sponge) in Spys4Darwin.

MIKE STARR

Date of Birth: April 4 1966
Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii

Mike Starr was friends with Jerry, and Sean was going out with Mike sister at the time Alice In Chains were formed. He was previously with other local bands and opened for national acts including Queensryche.

He developed serious drug problems after the release of Facelift and his heroin addiction led to him leaving Alice In Chains in 1993.

After leaving Alice In Chains he formed a band called Sun Red Sun.