Alice in Chains Members: Complete Story & Where Are They Now

Photo by Kreepin Deth, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ever wondered what happened to the members of Alice in Chains after their legendary rise from Seattle’s grunge scene? From 1987 to today, the story of Alice in Chains members reads like a classic rock odyssey filled with triumph, tragedy, and remarkable resilience. Whether you are curious about the original lineup that created groundbreaking albums like Facelift and Dirt, the heartbreaking losses that nearly ended the band, or where these classic rock artists are today, this complete guide reveals the full story behind one of music’s most influential alternative metal bands. The journey of Alice in Chains members spans decades of creative evolution, personal struggles, and the continuation of a legacy that continues to inspire classic rock bands worldwide.

The Original Members of Alice in Chains

The formation of Alice in Chains began in 1987 when Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals) and drummer Sean Kinney joined forces with bassist Mike Starr and vocalist Layne Staley. This lineup would create some of the most influential albums of the 1990s grunge era.

The band took its name from Staley’s previous glam metal group, Alice N’ Chains. What set these Alice in Chains members apart from other Seattle bands was their unique blend of heavy metal riffs with dark, introspective lyrics and hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies between Staley and Cantrell.

Layne Staley’s Role in Formation

Layne Staley brought an unforgettable vocal presence to Alice in Chains. Born on August 22, 1967, Staley originally started as a drummer before transitioning to vocals. His distinctive voice, characterized by its haunting quality and emotional depth, became the defining sound of the band’s early era. Staley met Cantrell at the Music Bank rehearsal studios, and the two quickly discovered their vocal harmonies created something magical.

Early Musical Background of Key Members

Jerry Cantrell, born March 18, 1966, in Tacoma, Washington, brought his heavy metal background and songwriting prowess to the band. His guitar work combined influences from metal legends with a darker, more atmospheric approach that would define Alice in Chains’ sound.

Sean Kinney provided the powerful drumming foundation, while Mike Starr laid down thunderous bass lines on the band’s first two studio albums. Together, these original Alice in Chains members created a sound that bridged heavy metal and alternative rock, setting them apart from their grunge contemporaries.

Alice in Chains Lineup Changes Through the Years

The story of Alice in Chains members includes both triumphant highs and devastating lows. The band experienced two major lineup changes that would forever alter their trajectory.

The Departure of Mike Starr

In January 1993, during the tour supporting their breakthrough album Dirt, original bassist Mike Starr left the band. Initially, the band stated that Starr wanted to return home rather than continue the intense touring schedule. However, Starr later revealed on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab that he was actually fired due to his escalating drug addiction.

Starr was replaced by Mike Inez, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Inez brought a solid, reliable presence to the group and has remained the band’s bassist ever since, making him one of the longest-serving Alice in Chains members.

The Tragic Loss of Layne Staley

The most devastating change came with the loss of Layne Staley. After years of struggling with heroin addiction, Staley became increasingly reclusive following the death of his former fiancée Demri Parrott in 1996. The band’s last performance with Staley was on July 3, 1996, in Kansas City, Missouri.

On April 5, 2002, Layne Staley died of a speedball overdose (heroin and cocaine) in his Seattle condominium. His body was not discovered until April 19, 2002. He was only 34 years old. The loss of Staley left fans wondering if Alice in Chains could continue without one of rock’s most iconic voices.

New Blood: William DuVall Joins the Band

In 2006, four years after Staley’s death, the surviving Alice in Chains members reunited with a new vocalist. William DuVall, born September 6, 1967, brought his own powerful voice and guitar skills to the band. DuVall had previously performed with his band Comes with the Fall and had toured with Jerry Cantrell as both an opening act and backing musician.

DuVall made his first public performance with Alice in Chains at VH1’s Decades Rock Live! concert in 2006. According to drummer Sean Kinney, after DuVall’s first audition singing “Love, Hate, Love,” the search was over. The new lineup released Black Gives Way to Blue in 2009, marking a successful new chapter for the band.

Where Are the Members of Alice in Chains Today?

The current Alice in Chains members continue to create music and perform, while honoring the legacy of those who came before.

Jerry Cantrell: Solo Success and Current Projects

Jerry Cantrell remains the creative force behind Alice in Chains. Beyond his work with the band, Cantrell has released four solo albums: Boggy Depot (1998), Degradation Trip (2002), Brighten (2021), and most recently I Want Blood (October 2024).

His latest album, I Want Blood, features contributions from rock legends including Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, and Faith No More’s Mike Bordin. Cantrell described it as a return to his heavier, darker sound. In 2025, he announced a headlining tour with Filter as support, showcasing both his solo material and Alice in Chains classics.

For more on Cantrell’s recent activities, check out our article on Jerry Cantrell’s 2025 tour plans.

William DuVall: Leading the New Era

William DuVall has successfully carved out his place as co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Alice in Chains. He has recorded three studio albums with the band: Black Gives Way to Blue (2009), The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013), and Rainier Fog (2018).

DuVall also maintains an active solo career, releasing his album One Alone in 2019, which showcased his singer-songwriter side with stripped-down acoustic arrangements. He continues to perform with the supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra and his longtime band Comes with the Fall. In May 2025, DuVall expressed excitement about returning to the live stage with Alice in Chains, though the band canceled festival appearances due to Sean Kinney’s health issues.

Sean Kinney: The Heartbeat Continues

Sean Kinney is the only drummer Alice in Chains has ever had, making him one of the most consistent members since the band’s formation in 1987. In May 2025, Kinney experienced a non-life-threatening medical emergency that forced the band to cancel their spring tour dates and festival appearances. The band stated that Kinney’s long-term prognosis is positive, and his health remains the band’s top priority.

Kinney has been instrumental in keeping the band together through its darkest times. He honors fallen bandmates by displaying the initials “LSMS” (Layne Staley and Mike Starr) on his drum kit. Alice in Chains performed at the Black Sabbath farewell concert in Birmingham, UK, on July 5, 2025.

Mike Inez: Bass Anchor Since 1993

Mike Inez joined Alice in Chains in 1993, replacing Mike Starr, and has been the band’s bassist for over 30 years. His steady presence and powerful bass lines have been crucial to the band’s sound on albums including the self-titled Alice in Chains (1995) and all subsequent releases with William DuVall.

During Alice in Chains’ hiatus following Staley’s death, Inez toured and recorded with Heart from 2002 through 2006. He has remained committed to Alice in Chains through their reunion and continues to anchor the band’s rhythm section alongside Kinney.

Musical Legacy of Alice in Chains Members

The impact of Alice in Chains members on rock music extends far beyond their commercial success. The band has sold over 30 million records worldwide and received 11 Grammy Award nominations.

Songwriting Contributions by Each Member

Jerry Cantrell has been the primary songwriter throughout the band’s history. He wrote or co-wrote most of the band’s biggest hits, including “Man in the Box,” “Rooster,” “Them Bones,” and “Would?” His ability to craft dark, heavy riffs paired with memorable melodies defined the Alice in Chains sound.

Layne Staley contributed deeply personal lyrics about addiction, depression, and inner demons. His raw, honest approach to songwriting resonated with millions of fans. Songs like “Junkhead,” “Angry Chair,” and “Nutshell” showcased his ability to turn personal pain into powerful art.

Mike Starr co-wrote several tracks during his tenure, including “It Ain’t Like That,” “Confusion,” and “Rain When I Die.” These contributions helped shape the band’s early sound.

William DuVall has brought his own songwriting talents to the band’s newer material, co-writing tracks on all three albums he has recorded with Alice in Chains. His song “Never Fade” from Rainier Fog was written as a tribute to Staley, his grandmother, and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell.

Influence on Modern Rock and Metal

Alice in Chains members have influenced countless artists across multiple genres. Bands like Godsmack took their name from an Alice in Chains song, while groups such as In Flames, Opeth, and Breaking Benjamin have cited the band as a major influence.

The distinctive vocal harmonies pioneered by Staley and Cantrell have become a blueprint for modern rock bands. The dark, heavy sound combined with melodic sensibility bridged the gap between metal and alternative rock, inspiring a generation of classic rock artists.

Even today, the legacy of Alice in Chains continues to grow. Their music has been covered by numerous metal and rock acts, and their influence can be heard in everything from alternative metal to doom metal to post-grunge.

Essential Alice in Chains Albums Featuring Different Lineups

Facelift (1990)
Featuring: Layne Staley (vocals), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Starr (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
The debut album that introduced the world to Alice in Chains. Featuring the breakthrough hit “Man in the Box,” this album became the first grunge album to be certified gold. It perfectly captured the band’s ability to blend heavy metal with alternative rock, setting the stage for their future success.

Dirt (1992)
Featuring: Layne Staley (vocals), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Starr (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
Widely considered Alice in Chains’ masterpiece, Dirt is a dark, intense exploration of addiction and despair. This album features some of the band’s most iconic songs including “Would?,” “Them Bones,” “Down in a Hole,” and “Rooster.” It has been certified 5x platinum and remains one of the most influential albums of the grunge era.

Jar of Flies (1994)
Featuring: Layne Staley (vocals), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
This acoustic EP made history by becoming the first EP ever to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. Featuring the hits “No Excuses” and “I Stay Away,” it showcased the band’s softer, more introspective side while maintaining their emotional intensity.

Alice in Chains (1995)
Featuring: Layne Staley (vocals), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
The band’s self-titled third album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Darker and more experimental than their previous work, it featured hits like “Grind,” “Heaven Beside You,” and “Again.” This would be the last studio album recorded with Layne Staley.

Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)
Featuring: William DuVall (vocals/guitar), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
Alice in Chains’ triumphant return after 14 years marked the beginning of the William DuVall era. The album features the emotional title track with Elton John on piano, serving as a tribute to Layne Staley. It proved that Alice in Chains could continue while honoring their legacy.

The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)
Featuring: William DuVall (vocals/guitar), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
The second album with DuVall solidified the new lineup’s chemistry. Featuring singles like “Hollow,” “Stone,” and “Voices,” this album demonstrated that the band was moving forward while maintaining the Alice in Chains sound.

Rainier Fog (2018)
Featuring: William DuVall (vocals/guitar), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums)
The band’s most recent studio album pays tribute to their Seattle roots. The title track honors Layne Staley and Mike Starr, while the entire album showcases the mature sound of the current Alice in Chains members working at the peak of their powers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alice in Chains Members

Who were the original members of Alice in Chains?
The original Alice in Chains members were Layne Staley (vocals), Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Mike Starr (bass), and Sean Kinney (drums). This lineup formed in 1987 and recorded the first two studio albums, Facelift (1990) and Dirt (1992).

Are any original members of Alice in Chains still alive?
Yes, two of the four original Alice in Chains members are still alive and active with the band. Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney continue to perform and record with Alice in Chains. Sadly, Layne Staley passed away in 2002, and Mike Starr died in 2011.

What are the members of Alice in Chains doing now?
The current Alice in Chains members are actively making music and performing. Jerry Cantrell released his solo album I Want Blood in 2024 and toured in 2025. William DuVall continues as co-lead vocalist and has his own solo projects. Sean Kinney and Mike Inez remain the rhythm section. The band had to cancel some 2025 dates due to Kinney’s health but plans to perform at the Black Sabbath farewell concert in July 2025.

Why did Layne Staley leave Alice in Chains?
Layne Staley never officially left Alice in Chains. He struggled with severe heroin addiction that made him increasingly reclusive, especially after the death of his former fiancée Demri Parrott in 1996. The band went on an extended hiatus after their last performance with Staley in July 1996. He died of a drug overdose on April 5, 2002, at age 34.

How many members did Alice in Chains have?
Alice in Chains has had six members throughout its history. The original lineup included Layne Staley, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Starr, and Sean Kinney. Mike Inez replaced Mike Starr in 1993, and William DuVall joined as co-lead vocalist in 2006 after Layne Staley’s death.

Who replaced Layne Staley in Alice in Chains?
William DuVall joined Alice in Chains in 2006 as co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Rather than trying to replace Staley, DuVall brought his own style while respecting the band’s legacy. He shares vocal duties with Jerry Cantrell and has appeared on three studio albums: Black Gives Way to Blue (2009), The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013), and Rainier Fog (2018).

What happened to Mike Starr from Alice in Chains?
Mike Starr left Alice in Chains in January 1993 during the Dirt tour. He later revealed he was fired due to his drug addiction. Starr struggled with substance abuse for years and appeared on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab in 2010. Tragically, he died of a prescription drug overdose on March 8, 2011, at age 44 in Salt Lake City.