Lathan McKay, the actor who will play late Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley in the upcoming movie ‘Get Born Again’ — based on the biography of Layne Staley by Argentinean journalist/author Adriana Rubio — recently met with Rubio and they spent 10 days together working on the movie project. A local rock band, Motherweiser, played numerous Alice In Chains songs to assist Lathan in his vocal performance and character development. When Lathan took to the microphone, Staley’s presence “was definitely felt and acknowledged by everyone in the room,” according to a press release.
McKay shares an incredible likeness to Layne Staley, and has an inner ability to channel Layne’s energy.
Lathan has a tremendous respect for Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell’s music, and is very passionate about the opportunity to portray Layne as the beautiful, talented soul that he was.
Lathan McKay was born on January 10, 1978 in Austin, TX. He started his acting career a few years ago landing one of the lead roles in a coming of age story set in suburban Texas, premiering at 2003 Tribeca Film Festival.
via Blabbermouth
Wow…can’t wait to see this one, sounds like it could be really great.
I like the new trend for musicians to get their own movie - Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, etc. It seems slightly odd that Layne Staley would get one, it hasn’t been so long since his rise and fall…heck, Ian Curtis was probably the most recent of all of them, in terms of major career dates.
I hope they cover the ‘Mad Season’ portion of his life, in addition to ‘Alice In Chains’.
I played that Mad Season album to death. I remember it blew me away at the time and I had it on repeat for weeks on end!
Such a sad day when this guy passed away. Alice In Chains were a unique and amazing band that sprung forth from the ‘Grunge’ movement.
I miss them and him… dearly!
(BTW, the Ian Curtis film ‘Control’ was pretty damn special too! And this is coming from a non-Joy Division fan)
Yeah that’s my boy Lathan! Fuck yeah he gonna tear that shit u up!
Oh yeah - still listen to Mad Season a whole lot. So sad, he was in a downward spiral and he knew it.
Haven’t seen ‘Control’ yet, but as I’m not a Joy Division fan either…I still give it a try, anyway.
On the other hand, I don’t think I’ll be seeing this movie…
I really miss layne I know alot of people focus on the negative aspects of his life rather than focuson what a uniquely gifted performer that he was, everyone has problems in life no-one is immune. However i hope that they portray him as accurately as possible because ive never read the book but heard it was shit. Alice in Chains/m season changed my life & I couldnt believe how good this music was, if only they had made more. I also hope that aic have given them the green light for this project cos I heard both aic & nancy backed away from this book. I also hope they cover his mad season stint & include his fiance Demri who also died of complications due to drug use. Please give Layne Staley the respect he deserves & don’t botch it!
Alice in Chains is an amazing band. Layne Staley was beautifully talented. I am so excited to see this!
RIP!
I really hope this film doesn’t turn out to be a disappointment. Unfortunately I hear this book is total shiz.. But you never know. Oh, and by the way, where are this actor’s angel blue eyes?
we have been talking about someone doing a movie about layne. because of his music he has made me who i am today and we miss him so much. i can’t wait to see how it turns out. this is so great. miss you layne.
How can the movie be a flop, as long as the music is in it, how can we not be entertained!!
When do you think the movie will be released? I really hope they get this right.Layne had a great sense of humor,loved his cat and couldn’t put down his video games.In my opinion he has a voice that continues to cut right thru the soul as AIC songs will stand the test of time forever and ever.Amen
I am truly anxious to see this up and coming movie. I just hope it foucuses on the facts and the positive instead of the negative fictionalized drama. I am a “til the day I die”, Layne fan. He was special and it takes special people to truly realize that. The book wasn’t the greatest, but he spoke his feelings in it, I give the author that. She didn’t sugarcoat it to spare his family’s feelings. Enough said. I love you, Layne.
Control was great because Anton Corbijn did it. I’m kinda iffy on the Layne movie just cos if it has to do with that stupid author, I hope she doesn’t make money off of this. I hope it’s good and shows people how awesomely talented he was, Mad Season will always be one of my favorites, love that tape Live at the Moore and Nona Tapes.
i heard Cantrell in an interview this morning say that there wont be any of chain’s music in the movie and this Rubio journalist never talked to Layne or anyone in the band when she wrote the book. i cant decide whether to protest the movie or see it just for the hell of it. Either way, the members of Chain’s dont seem to happy about “Get born again”..
If you are interested I know someone who looks closer to Layne staley then this dude. If you are interested send me an e-mail.
mfloyd@stx.rr.com
It’s too bad I did not know anyone was going to make a movie about Layne Staley. I’d have been more than happy to submit pics of a real awsome likeness of Layne Stayle.
Jerry Cantrell (lead guitarist and co-singer of AiC) has publicly denounced both this film and the book it is based on. According to him, Rubio, author of the book, preyed on Layne’s mother in order to elicit details used in writing the biography. This movie does not have the support of any surviving AiC band members nor does it have the rights to any AiC music. It makes you wonder how they’re actually going to make this movie if they can’t even use any of the music that it’s supposed to be about.
Hey all. Layne’s mom didn’t approve of the book ONLY in the end. She was all for it 99% of the time. She just didn’t like some of the things said in it that may of made her and the family look bad. But there were only a few things that would (maybe) be embarrassing. Layne was a super private person but he didn’t speak to his Mom either. She shouldn’t of done that radio interview a few yrs b4 he died. (Layne wasn’t too happy about THAT so she has no room to talk….) I’m not trying to hurt Nancy it’s just that everyone puts her up on this holier than thou pedestal and it drives me crazy at times. She (unfortuantely) has NO CLUE what Layne would of wanted about the AIC (new) music either (sorry to say). AND I will (and always have) backed this movie along with the book. I mean just think for once everyone; why NOT believe that Layne called Adrianna in the end?????!!!! Layne knew he was “going to die very soon”….and he finally called her and let her (someone) know how he felt….AND..I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE REFUSE TO BELIEVE THIS??!! All the other interviewing was true with Nancy and Liz….what is everyone afraid of??? Adrianna respected Layne and I believe this movie will FINALLY help Layne’s legecy and allow the audience to see him for the true artist/musician and super funny witty and personable guy that he was. He came across very natural in that it allowed people to feel comfortable around him. He was a beautiful person and Adrianna knows that. I do have one question: (as said above), is it true (or NOT) about using AIC music in the movie??? Is Jerry right about his comment?
Thanks and peace to all.
Yes, you can google it for yourself; Jerry has specifically stated that he, along with every other AiC band member, does NOT approve of the movie or the book. As such, the movie will not feature any AiC music. I find it hard to believe that this movie will help the legacy of Layne in any way, shape or form.
I did a bit of quick googling around myself about the book “Get Born Again.” I eventually came to the book on Amazon and read the reader reviews (all of which were horrendous, btw.) I think A Bronx Girl puts it in great perspective:
“I received this book in the mail less than two days ago and have finished it already. Not because it was insightful or the least bit enjoyable but because I kept hoping the author would redeem herself. Basically, I got through the book as quickly as possible the way a child gets through a plate of forced spinach. The writing is choppy and disjointed. There is no cohesion, only interviews and statements by family members that seem out of context. Layne himself is depicted merely as a pathetic soul. I’m certain that there were happy and fulfilling moments in his life but the author chose to concentrate almost exclusively on his suffering. Layne’s mother comes off as a total nut job who didn’t have a clue how to handle her son’s addiction. It’s no wonder that she rescinded her support for this book. The author portrays the other members of Alice in Chains in an extremely negative light, solely because they did not choose to support her project. In reality, they made a very smart decision. I understand there are plans to make this book into a film. God help us. In the end, it seems that what Layne Staley feared about journalists came to fruition. He should have told his own story or trusted it to someone who really knew him.”
http://www.amazon.com/Layne-Staley-Get-Born-Again/dp/0976659018/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203585864&sr=8-1
This book, and consequently, the movie is a total injustice to the band, the men behind it, and the music they created.
My name is Terry D. Hilmer. I am the author/screenplay writer who developed the script for “GET BORN AGAIN, The Layne Staley Story”, which is based on the book “Layne Staley: Get Born Again” by Adriana Rubio. Without trying to be slanted, Ms. Rubio has gone to great lengths and great expense to conduct a thorough research of Layne. I was able to verify much information she provided to me. As for my script, I could never explain to you the amount of research I did and the hours I invested in writing this script. With all that I am, I have tried to make the script more about the music, the art and the life of Layne Staley, than about anything else albeit I would have been remiss in my responsibility if I had not put some focus on the addiction that ended his life. In writing it, I tried to inject some humor and for you, his fans and those who loved him, there will be times where tears will fall. In its present state, subject to editing and production concerns, I incorporated 16 music videos and 17 soundtracks into the script. My intent was, wherever possible, to let Layne tell the story, in his own words, through his music. The response I got from Adriana Rubio upon her first reading was; “Terry, thank you for loving Layne.” To me, that means that I did, somehow manage to capture the truth and present what must come out. I will admit taking limited literary license. In the art show scene, Layne did not display his Egyptian Art, but so his interests in that genre could come out without making the movie run too long, I included it with that scene. As well, because of the significance of his recorded date of death to that of Kurt Cobain, I wanted to bring Kurt into the movie and did so by adjusting the date of the art show from June 1994 (Sharp Wit Gallery) to January of 1994 with Kurt attending the show. Beyond that, I think you will agree that the movie will be a fair depiction of Layne Thomas Staley, the personality, the artist and the musician. Believe it or not, I just this day submitted it for review so I have not, as yet, posted it to my own Web Site, but I have included a brief statement. Unless otherwise restricted, I will be posting the script in the near future. Please feel free to check it to find out. http://www.terrydhilmergroup.com. It was my desire to be sensative to his memory, to his fans, to his friends and to his family. There will be tracks/performances by: SLEZE, ALICE IN CHAINS, MAD SEASONS, a group called KHAOS THEORY, NIRVANA and two tributes created by two of his fans (provided this all gets through the legal stuff). In the end, I hope I did Layne justice. I earnestly believe he guided my through it. This is scheduled for prodction and the editing could be finalized as early as tomorrow. PS: Because this is what we call “book” to “film” scripting, my title may or may not be the final title of the movie. I altered the name of the script from that of the book for copyright/registration purposes. Just thought I’d share that with you. For obvious reasons I wanted to maintain control/ownership over the script. Thanks! Terry D. Hilmer - Off the subject, just for kicks and grins, check out my other works while you’re on my site and if you are a REALITY TV buff, check out my newest creation in that genre; “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” at http://www.wethepeopleinprimetime.com as well. Again Thank You!
I cant wait for ‘Get Born again’ to be released,although like some others I just wish it was a different author that wrote the book beacise it does it no further justice with all the non revelance of subjects she put in.
In saying that,I am so glad that finally Layne is getting the recognition and respect that he deserves,I really hope they do include every aspect of layne’s life,it truly will be something remarkable and definetely poingnant.
Why not let his real family and friends make his movie Terry? How about letting his Alice in Chains bandmantes make this book or movie, to tell the TRUE story? Not some half-assed attempt from some typical, boring, white, suburban, script writer looking to strike it big. Layne didn’t help you through it, greed did.
As an abuser of certain things, and someone who is diagnosed with and suffers from Major Depressive Disorder (real depression, in other words), I find it insulting that people who know nothing about the circumstances of addiction and depression as diseases are trying to tell the story of an amazing man whose career was overshadowed by his battle with both ailments.
Make no mistake, Layne wasn’t kidding when in the song junkhead he said “You can’t understand a user’s mind.” Because all you morons out there don’t know what a mental disorder or dependency is like, because your brain functions normally. A brain like mine or Staley’s is controlled by obsessive thoughts that wear down one’s esteem, confidence, self-control, and will to live like that of EROSION. It’s not something people can shake off, and it certainly isn’t something to have a profit made off of. It’s reasons like these that Staley didn’t speak to anyone out of fear of increasing or expanding upon more rumors.
In short, you and Rubio are like vultures, capitalizing on the death and misfortune of another being. Let someone who knew him write and tell his story and film his movie.
And furthermore, get an actor who might have actually suffered from depression and addiction like Staley and I have, not just cause he looks similar. I find no heart or soul in that kind of acting portrayal.
Lastly, stop plugging yourself. You make me sick, saying all that b.s. like “layne guided me”. Man, seriously, F you. Say he guided you and follow it with a plug of your website. You and this Rubio and everyone else in this project should be ashamed, but at the same time, don’t give up, but rather INCLUDE THE PEOPLE WHO KNEW HIM in the PRODUCTION of the movie ABOUT THEM. Keep in mind AIC and their music had a big influence and Layne as friends and artists, and especially the influence of his mother. To NOT have the support of these people means you f*cked up somewhere along the line.
Sincerely,
Andrew Marsala
R.I.P. Layne Staley
August 22, 1967 - Circa April 5th, 2002.
Andrew, along with your many flaws (self-pity included) you judge people and assume you know more than others. What if that actor has seem serious issues he just doesn’t make public. Everyone has problems. Not everyone makes them public or makes them worse by falling into self-destructive patterns.
” Not some half-assed attempt from some typical, boring, white, suburban, script writer looking to strike it big” Why did you have to add “boring, white, suburban”? As if she were some pink-haired, tattooed city girl she’d be “edgy” and “cool” enough to write a script? You don’t know the depths of her ability to empathize and understand other people’s lives and emotions. She writes for a living. You might not be the right person to evaluate the motivations of other people.
Terry, thanks for that - am definitely looking forward to seeing this one. Good to hear it’s still in the works.
I read the book Angry Chair and feel that Layne would not have wanted a movie made the same way he didn’t care about a book being written about him. Love you Layne! R.IP.
Everyone’s opinions vary…there will always be skeptics, no matter what.
Calling Adriana out that she is only doing this to make money is pure BS! She is a passionate writer…she’s in it to tell the story…
Do some freakin’ research before you start calling people out like that.
There will be those who hate the movie and those who love it…because, let’s face it, you cannot please everyone.
I am excited for this movie as well as proofing the script. Yeah, did I mention, I’m the proofreader/editor of the script.
And Scott…you need to stop going to every site about this movie posting your BS crap. It’s getting quite annoying…
For those who are excited about this…you will not be disappointed…
DarkAngela and Terry, did either of you actually hear the taped “last interview”? I’d really like to know if it were verified. Most of his friends and family say it is fabricated.
Alice in Chains and Layne own mother have both wanted nothing to do with this book and Nancy was preyed on her time of grief by this author. Nancy’s words were twisted and the book is more about the suthor and her comparing herself to Layne. I sincerely hope this movie focuses on the MAN Layne was and not totally on his addictions. If this movie f*cks up, heads will roll and I hope Layne’s family and bandmates, Alice & Mad Season alike call for blood if it does.
I agree with Machel, has this tape ever been heard by anyone to verify Layne actually spoke to this woman? I am in two minds of wether to view this film, I just cannot see anyone doing Layne justice, I would have preferred to see a Docufilm with clips of the real Layne and the people who really knew and loved him tell his story, This book has had so many bad reviews i’m surprised someone is basing a film on what could be total fabrication and as Taylor said twisted version of what his own Mother said, Layne I know what i need to know from your voice, your lyrics, your interviews to see what sort of man you were i don’t need someone pretending to be you to make others a quick buck xx
It will be interesting to see the finished project. Hope it shows both sides to his story… HE was so brillant and touched so many lives… Wish he was still here
I’m looking forward to this, a decent portrayal of Layne’s life is long overdue. And what an incredible likeness Lathan McKay has to Layne. I’m sure that whichever way you look at it, this movie’s going to be a far better tribute to Layne than the Angry Chair and Get Born Again books by Adriana Rubio. I own a copy of the Angry Chair book, and although it’s collectable it’s still a bad read and so I welcome this movie.
When’s this meant to be out?
MiraculouslyMajestic
Jul 14th, 2008 at 10:31 am
When’s this meant to be out?
You have got to be kidding me!! This bitch should NOT be allowed to make this movie. First off, she never knew Layne Personally, His own family are against it, and she can’t use The real band in the movie anyways, their against it too! Besides that, its obvious she is only really gonna focus on his time with AIC and his drug problems.
Wow, Diana, you are everywhere just like that Scott guy.
It amazes me that people are so freakin’ freaked about this. You have no right calling Adriana a bitch like that.
Did you know Layne personally?
Don’t believe everything you read or hear…
As you like to repeat your same message on various sites, I’ll do the same.
Was there this much criticism when they made The Doors?
You have no idea what the focus on the movie is…you are WAY off.
I for one am really looking forward to this movie. Laynes story deserves to be told. As a musician/vocalist I have the greatest respect for Layne, his life, his music and lyrics. I am proud to say that his music has had a major influence on my own. In any event, those of us who have respect for the man desire to know more about him. Give the script writer, et al a break man… You can tell that they actually care and took the time to research his life fully and intend to portray his life as accurately as possible. Negativity always expects the worst! I say give the movie a chance and then judge accordingly after the fact. To those making this movie, please do Layne the justice that he has earned and give us the fans the movie that we deserve!
One other thing that I’d like to note re. Laynes last interview. I believe that these are Laynes spoken words. I do not believe it was fabricated as some are saying. My reason is this… I have been off smack 4 almost 5 years now, I am completely drug and alcohol free. However four years ago, I was in a very bad way and on my way out. As with Layne, I to could no longer get high, went from recreation to necessity in a hurry. I was one of those who thought that It could never happen to me. Well let me tell you this man, when your to the point where your body processes the drug like insulin, there’s no turning back… You absolutely need it to live. And if you can’t get it, there are no words to describe the pain… and if you go too long without it, the withdrawl can kill you. Getting off smack was and still is the battle of my life. There is not a day that passes, even after 4 years that I don’t get a craving… It’s the epitome of addiction! In this I can so much relate to Layne. The words he chose, paint a accurate picture of a horrifying reality. These were not the words of someone making up a story to fabricate an interview… These are the words of heroin.
Slitechguy,
Thank you for your words. Your honesty and openness about your own struggles is appreciated. YOu didn’t have to say anything, but you did. I am proud that you have been clean.
I hope more and more start to show their support. It’s taking some great time, but the movie will be made. Always run into obstacles…it’s the business…lol
Be patient. It will be done. It will be great. It will be Layne’s story.
Please see the letter below directly from Adriana Rubio. She should not have to deal with the flack she is getting for this movie or her book. She should not be threatened, nor should her family. People are entitled to their opinion, but some have taken it way too far….Please read the letter in its entirety to get the TRUTH!
Thank you.
GET BORN AGAIN
BEHIND THE SCENES
By Adriana Rubio
It is with much respect that I write this letter to you as I always do.
The purpose of this letter is to let you know about a number of serious issues happening behind the scenes of the Get Born Again movie which are really hurting the entire project. Although I have received a lot of positive feedback from Layne’s fans, I have also received many insults and threats which are also addressed to my family and the crew who works for the project.
For the people who think the movie is based on a book full of crap…well, I must tell you that the book entitled “Layne Staley: Get Born Again”, which is a revival of the “Angry Chair” book, has 160 pages and about 50 of those pages are filled with pictures of Layne from when he was a baby, from his childhood, from his teens years, some family pictures, Layne’s drawings, Layne’s letters and poetry in his own hand writing, and pictures of his clay objects made by his own hands. There are 71 pages filled with the story his mother and sister told me including Layne’s last words. Additonally there is a Memoriam letter that was written by Mad Season drummer Barrett Martin. If you do the math, this totals 121 pages and is 75% of the book. Do you really think these materials are “crap”? Pictures of Layne are crap? The Alice In Chains first draft logo made by Layne’s own hands is crap? The grief of a mother saying “I want him to have peace but I don’t want him to die”…is crap? The stories his mother tells about school and the statement Layne wrote on Public Education are crap? The funny story Liz tells when Layne asked her to let him cut her hair and the mess that resulted is crap? I could be here writing many passages of the book and ask the same question over and over again…Are these stories crap? And if you are still thinking these passages are crap…well, in that case you need to know that you are insulting Layne’s mother and Liz, not me. It is the story they told me, and not to say the lack of respect to Layne Staley since those words are about his life, his first steps, childhood, school, artworks, music, and the pain he went through with drug addiction.
Then you can find about 39 pages, to complete the 160 pages the book has and which represent 25% of it. These 39 pages include Table of Contents, Note From The Author, Introduction, my journey, as a journalist, to Alaska and Seattle to meet Layne’s mother and sister, pictures of some relevant places in Seattle, citation of Kurt Cobain, interpretations and highlightings of Layne’s drawings, the Ink & Pen Collection, some heroin history, a short story from an inmate who read the first book “Angry Chair” in prison ( the book was ordered by the Correctional Facility ), and a few comments on myself as requested by Layne himself. Why? Just because he simple said “Put your feet into my damn shoes, you writer”. He meant that journalists use to write mostly about what happen to others unkindly, but they never talk about their innermost feelings or sufferings in public. I did. I’m a human being first, then a journalist so I perfectly understood his words.
Another thing I want to comment about is that although I may disagree in some aspects with Layne’s mother, I was sat with her for hours during several days talking about Layne, and I must say that she touched my heart. I won’t forget her words and tears. She spoke so frankly to me and all those words, except the ones she asked me to keep OFF the record, were transcribed in the book. Six years have passed since Layne died and I’m sure she is still in pain. It must be hard for her and the rest of the family to realize that Layne is not with them anymore and that the idea they had on his recovery was not the way they thought. Here are Layne’s mother own words which are on page 125 of the Get Born Again book:
“You know how scared I was for him, but I never gave up hope that he would ask for help. Every day I am faced with the realization over and over again that I will never see him here again, that his recovery will not be as I had imagined. I am still stunned at the constant reminders of his loss”.
And here is another on page 127:
“There’s nothing more I can say or do. The work I need to do is to keep my head above the water on that subject and not let it kill me off a little at a time. And to know that we are intact, as mother and son. And that we live in a safe place. That he and I live in our successes and joys and that the rest is kind of a nightmare that isn’t real. I fully expect my son to recover. And that’s strange because for five years or so I’ve been preparing myself for his death”.
I started writing about Layne Staley from when he was still alive. I had the chance to meet his mother and sister several months before his death. Our first communications were by telephone and e-mails. Then we met in person in late July and early August of 2001, just ten months before he died. Layne’s story was told by his mother, sister and Layne himself. Do you think I’m kind of robot or something? It was hard for me to choose the most critical moments of Layne’s life. It was extremely difficult for me to close my eyes to the problem of drugs. I can assure you all that I never, ever asked any questions about it, as I never intended to base Layne’s story on this matter. But, Liz and Nancy mentioned it spontaneously in every conversation. Of course, he died ten months later! What do you think? He was just walking to die when I met them. How would I know it if it weren’t for what HIS family told me? They were in a desperate situation without knowing exactly what to do. And there I was listening to them and trying to do my best to help Layne. I even called a rapid Detox Clinic in Seattle for an appointment and gave all the details to Liz so she can talk with the doctor. It was on a Saturday night and I will never forget Liz desperately crying over telephone. She was pregnant. You can’t even imagine how sad and stressful that was. I’m based in a different country and was trying to help Layne and his family overseas. How can you possible insult me and a book which is based on a human being’s story that was told by his family and he himself?
Going back to the movie project. We are making great efforts to get it done. Although we count the support of a DVD company distributor in California, we are working hard as an Independent Production. I have donated all of my book royalties to the project. Actor Lathan McKay travelled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to meet me last February. He is very much involved in the realization of this project. We need positive feedback. We understand how much you all love Layne, so please stop hurting and do the right thing. Do you want a film that gives justice to Layne? Ok, that’s what we are doing. However, we are open to receive ideas, suggestions and for the most part positive feedback. If you want to be a part of it we need the following:
-A sales representative capable to bring serious Investors within the music industry: rock magazines, rock bands’managers, records stores and recording studios. The sales representative must provide a CV and valid references. Send resume to infoartspublications@mchsi.com Subject line: Get Born Again Sales Representative
-3000 fans to be a part of a crowd for a show filming performance. You must be 18 years old or older. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. Send your full name, a valid mailing address, e-mail and phone number to P.O BOX 3006, EVANSDALE, IOWA 50707. ATTN: ARTS Publications/Get Born Again Crowd.
-Fashion Designers, Hair Stylists and Make-up Artists. Please send resume including full name, valid mailing address, e-mail and phone number to P.O BOX 3006, EVANSDALE, IOWA 50707. ATTN: ARTS Publications/Get Born Again Designers.
Spread the word. Thank you!
This is an important project. True fans of Layne and his legacy will truly enjoy this movie. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream out in anger…most of all, you’ll get a look into the life, the heart, the man who was Layne Staley.
Adriana Rubio
Journalist/Author
ARTS Publications
http://www.artspublicationsbooks.com
Thank you for that Adriana, very informative and in your face! You did what Layne and his family asked of you… for that you deserve a BIG Hug
Your doing your best and I totally support you, the book and all of those involved with the making of this film! Don’t let the haters break you or bring you down… Let the blind lead the blind! But you hang in there Adriana, your heart and sincerity is realized by this fan 
Slitechguy,
Thank you for your comments. I will make sure I pass your words to Adriana.
Thank you again.
if his mother was getting ready for his death for 5 YEARS, why didnt she push her “help”. my brother was also a heroin addict and we had to get him help. i just dont understand this BS. if she cared so much it wouldnt have taken almost two weeks to find him in his OWN apartment. anyway much love for layne, you meant so much to me.
Gonna be the best movie ever, Lathan does look like him !
Wow! this could turn out to be good !! Look how well this guy resembles Layne !! Im very excited !!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1532404/mediaindex
Coming from someone who DID know Layne personally, I know he would have wanted his own music involved in this movie.
And as far as all the bickering, he would be against that, but at the same time, I can understand as his fan’s you all do have a right to be pissed, when he is misquoted,etc…I myself have found myself raging in area’s when I read and hear of lies regarding Layne…HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON, AND I MISS HIM DEARLY….R I P LAYNE…
layne staley was a liveing masterpeice
it showed in his music
this is what the fans needed
a reminder of what he whent through
and how fuckin amazing he was
The name of the movie should be “The Man in the Box”
I agree with you there…regarding the name…STILL MISSING YOU, LAYNIE….R I P….
I don’t think Erik (Lathan) Mckay even likes Alice in Chains. I remember he was really into The Bangles.
I would still like to know if anyone has personally heard these tapes fromt he last interview. If Adriana really wants to put an end to all of this bickering and doubt, why doesn’t she upload a portioin of the audio tapes onto the internet. That would shut up all of us doubters. I don’t know Sher but I do know several of Layne’s friends. None of them think the final interview is real. There is no way that Layne would have quoted his lyrics 26 times in a phone call to a reporter. He had a phone - why would he go to a gas station and buy a gas card in the middle of the night to make this call? Just let us hear a little proof and end all of the guessing.
^ meant phone card, not gas card. LOL
To Berah:
Listen, I don’t mean to lash out at you via internet on this blog or whatever it is, but seriously, I don’t use the word cunt that much, but you are quite the cunt.
To assume I pity myself is quite presumptuous, ignorant, and assumes you know more about addiction and mental illness then I do, someone who suffers from it for the past ten years. Now, I don’t want to say you have a flaw, like you said to me, but, yeah, your thinking is quite flawed.
The saying goes “…there is no teacher like experience.” So, being that I have ten years experience in, well, experiencing the affliction, I can honestly and safely say I DO know more than YOU on this particular subject. Sorry, Berah, but sometimes, you know very little, and someone else knows a lot. In this instance, I am well educated on the topic, and your ignorance screams at me through the computer screen. It’s laughable really.
Now, I don’t apologize for calling you the cunt that you are, because I wasn’t making an accusation, I was telling the truth. Anyone who writes Non-Fiction for a living about someone who died horrible or about someone still a live whom went through a traumatic experience, and does not have said individual’s support, or said individuals’ loved ones’ support, than they are gold diggers. I’m sorry to burst your country bubble. (I assume that because YOU assume I think people from the city are more edgy, meanwhile, I’m a suburbanite too, I guess we’re both asses now).
So, in conclusion, people writing against the will of the individual or party associated with the individual, against the will of said groups, are obviously doing so with disregard to their wishes. So, if they are not able to “empathize and understand other people’s lives and emotions.” They should not be writing about the party strictly for money. And also, if “She writes for a living.” then maybe she’s doing this for her livelihood, not for the sake of telling someone’s sad story to help us understand him. The majority of us posting here understand Layne Staley, Berah, so maybe it is you who “might not be the right person to evaluate the motivations of other people.”
Again, don’t argue what you don’t understand you stupid cunt. It pisses me off to hear ignornace broadcast via broadband. Seriously! What an idiot. This book and movie no longer have support of the individuals whom mattered most to Layne. It should not be done. Case closed, end of discussion, next fucking case.
Sorry to everyone else who may find my language offensive, but I find it offensive when an idiot radiates stupidity to us all. And for those of you who care, (which I doubt there are any of,) I receive treatment for my depression and only use the drugs of pharmaceutical nature. Counseling, treatment and some light rehab for things like Pot and Pain Killers were all I needed to get healthy. I call it the tri-fecta of health haha. So to anyone whom knows of someone suffering, and has turned to drugs, give ‘em the Trifecta of Health, and they should shape up in 3-6 months. It’s been 3.5 for me, and I feel like a new man.
R.I.P. Layne Staley.
First of all, Alice in Chains IS NOT Alice in Chains without Layne Staley. I find it incredibly disrespectful to Layne for the band to be carried on by another front man. Those songs, those feelings were Layne’s. No one else’s. A new band and NAME should have been created. I don’t even listen to the “new” Alice in Chains. There is no such band as far as I am concerned. I hope the movie is tasteful and well written. I hope it pays homage to a unique, sadly missed person who will forever be in my heart. I miss you and I love you dear sweet Layne.
BethanyAnn, join us on our Layne Fan Board. http://forlaynefans.bigforumpro.com/