The Mayor of Seattle, Jenny Durkan, has today declared August 22nd Layne Staley Day. August 22nd 2019 marks what would have been the influential Alice In Chain’s frontman’s 52nd Birthday. Staley passed away in 2002 from a drug overdose.
The day is a celebration of Staley’s unmatched contributions to the golden era of Seattle’s early ’90s grunge. It is also an opportunity to bring awareness to the Layne Staley Memorial Fund. The fund was founded by Staley’s parents, its mission is to provide “hope, education, support and treatment funds for heroin recovery in the Seattle music community.”
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Durkan signed a proclamation that declared Staley “an influential and incredible musician.”
“Layne’s voice was legendary, and other musicians are heavily influenced by his instantly recognizable vocal style. Layne tragically passed away after a long battle with substance use disorder, propelling his fans, friends, and family to advocate for addiction recovery and treatment.
“We support our residents who struggle with substance use disorder, and commend Layne Staley Memorial Fund for providing hope, education, support and treatment funds for heroin recovery in the Seattle community…The city of Seattle celebrates Layne’s artistry and the promotion of the arts in Seattle as we work toward a more vibrant, healthy and safe city.”
You can read the proclamation in its entirety below.
The city will be hosting a gathering at the International Fountain in Seattle Centre at 7 pm. Members of Staley’s family are set to attend the event for a “meet and greet.”
Earlier this month, Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell has revealed that the band are set to take some well-deserved time off, reaching the end of the touring cycle of their latest record.
