Layne Staley

We survived a Slayer crowd every night for about 50 days and thought we could do about anything after that.

Our perception of songs that we've written... the meaning changes from day to day... to whatever stage we're at in our life and careers.

Los Angeles, I don't like that town. Too decadent, and it's slimy.

There were a lot of drugs. We kinda just passed the time that way. For a couple of years we were all doin' anything we could get our hands on.

We write about ourselves because we know about ourselves.

Drugs will have a huge effect on my work for the rest of my life, whether I'm using or not.

At home I'm just a guy who has interests that extend far beyond music.

Music is the career I'm lucky enough to get paid for, but I have other desires and passions.

I don't think any drug that can cause brain damage, failing kidneys, hardening arteries, pain, and suffering should be made available.

Andrew Wood's death changed things for a few weeks. I probably got even heavier into drugs after that.

One of the first bands to break out of Seattle was Heart.

I was in a band when I was 15. We were a glam band. Then I couldn't afford to buy makeup. At the time that was the thing.

There's no huge, deep message in any of the songs. We recorded a few months of being human.

There are lasting consequences for using drugs. I'll still be paying for my prior use.

The songs are about things that we were thinking and we wrote 'em down, and when you listen to 'em, whatever you think it's about... THAT'S what it's about!

Music is the doorway that has led me to drawing, photography, and writing.

I don't take part in it the way I used to-the bimbos, the free beers, free drugs, all that. That's still there if you want it, but I don't really seek that out any more.

A lot of power-pop comes out of LA, a lot of speed metal comes out of New York.

I started out when I was about 12, playing drums. I started singing when I was about 15.

I've always looked for the perfect life to step into. I've taken all the paths to get where I wanted. But no matter where I go, I still come home.

My bad habits aren't my title. My strengths and my talent are my title.

When everyone goes home, you're stuck with yourself.

I wish I could just hug you all, but I'm not gonna.

We try to be real nice and friendly to people, but sometimes they take advantage of that.

I guess I can go anywhere I want. If only I knew where to go.