
Late Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley’s “never-before-seen poetry, raw handwritten lyrics, intimate scribblings, and heartfelt notes” will be published as the book This Angry Pen: The Lost Journals of Layne Staley in November.
The 176-page book, set to arrive on November 11th (pre-order here), is being released by Weldon Owen Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster. An official description on the Simon & Schuster website reads as follows:
“Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the first time, this stunning collection unveils the deeply personal and creative side of the legendary Alice in Chains frontman. Through never-before-seen poetry, raw handwritten lyrics, intimate scribblings, and heartfelt notes, Layne’s inner thoughts and emotions come to life, offering a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius who defined a generation.
Discover his striking original artwork, where every line tells its own story, and explore rare, candid photos that capture both the highs and lows of his journey. Experience the love and admiration of the fans whose lives he touched, beautifully expressed through evocative fan art that honor his legacy.
Through Layne’s scribblings and heartfelt musings are a window into the emotional depths of a man who gave so much of himself to his art and his fans, even as he struggled with his own battles. For fans new and old, this is an opportunity to connect with Layne’s artistry and humanity in a way that’s never been possible before. His story, told through his own words, creations, and the lives he forever changed, is a testament to the enduring power of music, art, and the human spirit.”
Staley died on April 5th, 2002, from a mixture of heroin and cocaine (also known as a speedball). He left behind an iconic discography with Alice in Chains, including their first three studio LPs: Facelift (1990), Dirt (1992), and Alice in Chains (1995).
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Three years later, Alice in Chains re-formed with new singer William DuVall, and remain active to this day. In fact, the band just announced a new run of US tour dates set for this spring.
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Cover artwork for This Angry Pen: The Lost Journals of Layne Staley has yet to be released. The hardcover is available to pre-order on Amazon for $40.