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Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters - Learn to Fly

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May 19, 2014 - Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters - Learn to Fly

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Courtney Love Brings Interminable '90s Revival To Terminal 5

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Lights are dimmed but everything's clearly visible. Long, white candles dress the scenery in shaking shadows. The sense of anticipation is so tangible that almost felt physically. Then, on the stage of Brooklyn Academy of Music, here they come; long-haired, tall musicians. Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, Scott Olson, Sean Kinney. At the end, the vocalist Layne Staley - with pink hair, dark shades and a shy smile. With no welcoming or warning, Alice in Chains starts their legendary concert, Unplugged. The electricity-free performances
MTV Unplugged is a series of concerts played only with the acoustic instruments. First of those shows happened in 1989, with Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora on the stage. Among the musicians who enriched MTV's agenda with their presence, were (among many others) Pearl Jam, Nirvana, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Shakira, Bob Dylan... The concert of Alice in Chains, performed on the 10th of April 1996 in New York, was definitely one of the most significant in this series. Not because it was the band's first gig in the past 3 years, but also due to the fact that MTV Unplugged was the second last show when Layne Staley sang in public.

Alice in Chains Unplugged is a beautiful, musical-theatrical show; the characters know their roles perfectly well; with some moments of natural improvisation, spicing up the songs (loved by the crowd!). The scenery is perfectly synchronized with the atmosphere around; not showing off too much but highlighting what needs to be discovered and experienced. Above all, the performance is a unique music feast, where the sounds are the Big Director - dressing time in the rhythm, deciding on the temperature level in the room and leading the musicians' every move.

Alice in Chains played in total thirteen tracks, among which eight were typical 'studio songs'. Some of the tracks weren't much different from their original recordings, too (for example the primarily strongly acoustic No Excuses - the unplugged version just cut out the electric guitar and sometimes too loud drums). Is it bad? Well, the concert itself is not filled up with newbies or super-rearranged songs. But in the case of Alice, not present on the music stage for more than two years, it appeared to be the smartest strategy to implement.
Songs to remember
Nutshell is a song you just cannot pass without notice. The one of a kind melody, lead mainly by the guitar with not too pushy, yet still restrained rhythm, is a perfect background for the unique lyrics written by Layne himself. Nutshell unplugged is not much different though from the original version (when it comes to the form) but when you listen to it during the MTV concert, it seems to get a whole new meaning. Perhaps one of the reasons for it is that Layne starts it as the first track of the show; completely without any warning, yet smoothly synchronizing with Jerry's guitar.

With the music background being calmer than usual, you can focus more on the text layer of all the songs; Nutshells is, however, a special case in this rule. The lyrics of Nutshell tell us about sadness, despair and losing hope; all this packaged in a very tranquil yet sometimes poetic language - one of the characteristics of Layne's favorite esthetics. Even though, paradoxically, Nutshell is the track that's quite often covered by other bands, it's impossible to picture the most accurate person to perform it than Alice in Chains' vocalist himself.
The brotherhood of a vocalist and a guitarist
When describing Nutshell we cannot miss mentioning the long, beautiful guitar solo by Jerry, who, by the way, is considered to be one of the best guitarists in the world. The incredible Staley-Cantrell duo was very often the main character in the MTV Unpluggedperformance. Jerry's voice, quite different than Layne's, can be heard a little bit too often (especially in the last song, Killer is Me, when the vocal part was almost fully taken by the guitarist). This synergic voice relationship takes ownership also in the second played track - Brother. When comparing to a bit too squeaky original, the acoustic versions reaches a totally new level and uncovers its whole new potential.

Above all, you should clap extra loud after listening to the a capella parts, sung by both Layne and Jerry. You won't hear it though in the original version; the only brief moment when we could hear it happened during the Unplugged concert. Those few seconds of singing only stops the song in the tipping point and empowers its beauty. Check the last, solemnly prolonged verse - wonder how that color taste - and try not to have chills!

Source: Pinterest

A mixture of all rhythms
After the calm, almost melancholic intro, it's time for the more energetic No Excuses. You should know that Alice in Chains prepared the whole show especially for the specifics of MTV Unplugged performance. Directed by Alex Coletti, the whole concert perfectly balances between drama and tension. The more energetic tracks are mixed with the calm ones so that the audience experiences the proper rhythm of the performance. A little dissonance in the concert was to put two 7-minutes long songs - Frogs and Over Now - both of them quite heavy even without the unplugged background.

Despite this tiny detail, the whole show was designed very carefully and with lots of thought - that's why the concert is not just a series of songs played by a band, but a master performance of tracks which compose together a smoothly designed piece. Perhaps that's exactly the reason why Alice's MTV Unplugged was such a hit.

The boys from Alice took a really good care that we had plenty of the well-known songs, such as Down In A Hole or Rooster. Electric instruments, in both of those compositions, play quite an important role. That's why it was even more interesting to listen to them in the unplugged version. Luckily, none of them lost any quality with this experiment. However, they turn into a little bit different form; but definitely not a worse one.

It is truly remarkable that - even after such a long pause in performing - Alice in Chains were able to present such a high level of mastery in transforming their own artwork. Down In A Hole and Rooster don't lose anything from their essence of the composition. Even better - with the absence of electric sound they gain a whole new level of sound. They're somehow 'deeper', more vivid and centralized rather than played on a surface. Big bravo to the initiators of the whole MTV Unplugged series! Thanks to this idea we can reach a totally new meaning and potential of the well-known pieces. No doubt; we could experience just that during the Alice's concert.
When improvisation is on the agenda
One of the biggest advantages of the live video record is that it includes all the parts between the songs (this, however, was cut off in the audio record). Thanks to those records we can witness all the 'bloopers', mistakes and spontaneous behaviors of the musicians. It's great to see it all, not only for the band's fans but also for people for whom Alice's concert was the first contact with the group.

At the same time, all those moments were a very important touch point for the perception of the concert. It had this very special, characteristic atmosphere of a gig played spontaneously in a small bar, in front of a group of friends. A crowded, small stage of Brooklyn Academy and candlelight definitely helped to create this unique climate. Not mentioning an occasional sipping from the glasses filled with wine and beer - totally visible for anybody in the audience. Everybody who was watching a show seemed to feel very familiar and chilled; including the musicians from legendary Metallica, who were sitting in the front row. It was Metallica exactly, who got a witty tribute, as if totally unplanned by Alice's artist (intro of Battery and Enter Sandman, squeezed smoothly between parts of the concert).

Also, Jerry Cantrell simply can't help but improvise some country solos, which got Layne in a state of a polite astonishment. It's hard to get angry at Jerry though because his natural grace of a professional musician makes the crowd join the fun. Even despite all these moments of play, the band won't let the audience take charge of the performance. They never lose track neither of the rhythm nor the agenda but at the same they make it look like an improvised show.
Layne
An element which makes the concert absolutely unique is the presence of a charismatic and legendary vocalist of Alice in Chains - Layne Staley. This heroin addict, extremely sensitive and musically talented artist doesn't need to do much to put all the attention to him. Skinny, pale, with hair dyed pink and a sweater with long black sleeves; after he takes off his dark sunglasses we can clearly notice his restless, hazy look. Despite his dubious good condition, he performs as well as he can and lets the audience enjoy his incredible vocal.

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He behaves a little bit like a helpless, scared animal but as long as the performance goes, the braver Layne gets. As if music gave him a mysterious energy. He even joked at the end of the show, saying that this concert has been the best they gave in the last three years (it's funny precisely because it was the only gig they gave at that time).
Never to happen again
MTV Unplugged Alice in Chains is definitely one of the most successful ones in this series. The Seattle band's songs, played with no electricity, gained a whole new level of artistic depth which wasn't possible to get when using electric instruments. Paradoxically, those tracks got rid of the 'chains' of amplifiers. Set free to their raw form of acoustic sound unleashed their potential and presented themselves from a new side.

Everything, starting from the way musicians were displayed on stage, together with the low lightening, mysterious but comfortable atmosphere, and choice of songs was carefully planned and organized with mastery. It's hard to believe that it was the first time in three years since Alice played together; everything was so smooth and perfect. It just proves, once more, that they're true artists and professionals. It's also very sad to realize that MTV Unplugged was the second last performance with Layne as a vocalist. However, it only adds the show, even more, uniqueness and symbolism. With no chains of electricity, familiar yet ceremonial, but above all, perfectly performed. A composition which will never be repeated.

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You can also read the article on my blog: http://karography.com/mtv-unplugged-alice-chains/

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Alice with no Chains. Notes from MTV Unplugged, Alice in Chains

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Lights are dimmed but everything's clearly visible. Long, white candles dress the scenery in shaking shadows. The sense of anticipation is so tangible that almost felt physically. Then, on the stage of Brooklyn Academy of Music, here they come; long-haired, tall musicians. Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, Scott Olson, Sean Kinney.

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r/OldSchoolCool - Very Young Chris Cornell - 1990s

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109 votes and 8 comments so far on Reddit

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Yet another reason why Nirvana were amazing

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Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know - LIVE!

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Jun 4, 2016 - This Pin was discovered by Karissa M. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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Keep hearing about the '90s grunge comeback but not sure exactly what it is? Step this way for the ultimate guide on how to look grunge and gorge, from the top of your space bun-topped head to the tips of your Converse-clad toes. We'll show you how to rock grunge fashion and still look grown up, plus inspire you with a few grunge outfit ideas and simple tips to nail the grunge hair and make up look.

What is Grunge Style?

Grunge style emerged in the early '90s, ushered in by the era's indie rock heroes (think Nirvana's Kurt Cobain and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder). Despite hitting the big time, everyone's favourite shampoo dodgers made a point of rejecting designer threads in favour of retaining the "uniform" of the struggling artist - thrifted flannel shirts, battered Converse, ripped jeans and ill-fitting cardis.

As an "anti-fashion" statement, though, it wasn't too successful: by 1992, Marc Jacobs elevated grunge clothing to high fashion status, putting a veritable army of '90s supermodels - from Kate to Naomi, via Helena, Christy, Yasmin, Tyra and Carla Bruni - in beanies, bovver boots and all-checked errthang on the catwalk for Perry Ellis. Whilst this move lost him his job, it won him the CFDA's Designer of the Year Award. And the rest is history.

The '90s Grunge Look Comeback

As we know, history often repeats itself - particularly when it comes to fashion. Over the past few years, designers, celebs and street stylers alike have been piling on the plaid like it's (never) going out of style. Modern grunge outfits combine a too-cool-to-care mix 'n' match vibe with a hint of understated sex appeal, all tied up in a nice comfy package (with a checked shirt around the waist, natch) which will leave you with neither frostbite nor achy feet after a couple of hours on the town.

So, what's in it for you? Well, not only can you wave goodbye to those endless hours spent agonising over whether this top goes with that skirt (it doesn't? Perfect!) but those ladders on your tights are going to look like a style statement. Need we say more?

'90s Grunge Style Icons

Kurt Cobain

Grunge's best loved poster boy, the Nirvana frontman remains one of the twentieth century's most influential style icons. His 'charity shop' aesthetic spanned the gamut from vintage tea grunge dresses to tattered green cardigans - the most famous of which sold for $137,500 at auction in 2015, complete with original burn hole.

River Phoenix

Not simply one of the most promising young actors of the twentieth century and an humanitarian award-winning animal rights activist to boot, but also one of the best ambassadors for the tartan shirt to come out of the '90s. More often to be found in a (vintage) blazer than a ratty cardi, River's was a slightly more polished take on grunge fashion.

Kate Moss

Super-stylist Kate Phelan recently described Kate's 1993 Vogue cover story as grunge's 'big bang' moment. "Corinne turned up with this little sort of bin liner with all these little sort of rags in the bottom of it and everyone sort of sat around smoking. It was a very different vibe, all listening to Nirvana and psychedelic fuzz and Stone Roses ... so sort of unglamorous, but so interesting," she says of the iconic shoot. Kate's 1994 liaison with an Ed Wood-era Johnny Depp cemented her position as the decade's unofficial queen of grunge.

Drew Barrymore

The former E.T. cutie embodied '90s grunge style during her wild child days. From oversized double denim to that satin slip dress moment (doing Courtney Love better than Courtney Love ever did), she never failed to kill it.

Winona Ryder

Winona's trademark mom jeans, band tee, boots and biker combo transformed her from '80s prom princess to '90s grunge clothes queen.

How to Get the Grunge Look

Want to find out how to look grunge - without ditching the conditioner? Read on...

Grunge Hair

One of the best things about the grunge look has to be the opportunity to rock what one might typically refer to as 'festival' hair any darn time you feel like it.

Take a tip from Frances Bean Cobain, following in mummy and daddy's muddy, Converse-shaped footsteps with her grown-out pink dip dye (messy pigtails and/or double buns optional). To recreate her grunge look, try Bleach London's temporary colour in Rose or Violet Skies, which will last 2-10 washes (or, for less mess, give their Hair Crayons a whirl). Non-blondes may need to pre-lighten.

Feeling a bit braver? An undercut is one of the ultimate grunge hairstyles for the 21st century women. Keep it subtle and you'll still be able to flip it into a sensible-looking centre parting as and when required - clever.

Day(s) old hair and no time and/or inclination to wash it? Time to embrace the bandana. Or, if you're really serious about the whole '90s thing, the scrunchie...

Grunge Makeup

Grunge hairstyles may be more muss, less fuss, but, when it comes to grunge makeup, more is very much more. It's all about the statement lip: from chocolate brown through cherry red to deepest plum, the MAC counter is your oyster (although actual black is probably best avoided).

Now, prepare to get excited, because this is your chance to break all the rules and team a statement lip with a smoky eye. Play it safe with browns and blacks, or go for broke with red and pink tones. Your mascara can be as clumpy as you like and, as far as eyeliner is concerned, perfect feline flicks are out. Invest in a good kohl pencil and remember - the smudgier, the better.

To carry off such a statement eye and lip combo, your skin is going to have to look pretty darn good, without looking too 'done'. So switch your twenty-first century contouring/strobing/baking routine for a light dusting of blusher, but don't be tempted to skimp on the foundation.

Grunge Shoes

If you're not quite sold on going full out grunge girl, start with small steps. In ultra sassy footwear. Grunge shoes can be roughly divided into four main categories. And guess what? You can wear any of them with - quite literally - any outfit, to inject an instant grunge hit.

Worker Boots

You can't go wrong with a pair of Dr. Marten's finest - look out for unusual prints and colour ways to spice things up.

Canvas Trainers

Hi-top or lo-top, in classic white or pimped out prints, Converse is your go-to brand. And don't cry when you scuff them - it's character building.

Creepers

A favourite with London's '70s punk crew, the flatform creeper has remained a hit with succeeding generations of 'anti-fashion' fashion sets ever since. Found a creeper hi-top? You just hit the grunge shoe jackpot.

Chunky Sandals

If you're going to get your toes out, you need a suitably solid sandal. Tractor-soles are in; peep-toe courts are O.U.T.

Modern Grunge Outfits

Ready to give it a go, but in need of some grunge outfit ideas? You've come to the right place.

Switch up your go-to tee and skinnies for a crop top and mom jeans. And don't forget your oversized tartan shirt - whether layered up a la Kendall Jenner, or tied round your waist like Willow Smith, it'll bag you instant grunge style points.

Not a fan of the trad lumberjack look? Try a longline sleeveless shirt dress instead.

When in doubt, layer. The plaid shirt will always be your secret weapon, but don't stop there - the world (well, Oxfam at least) is your oyster. Try switching your flannel for a kimono or layering a lace bralet over a plain tee. And never be afraid to clash, clash, clash.

And don't forget the grunge dress. Even the girliest frock can be dressed down to perfection with a spot of judicious layering. Throw on a choker and your favourite pair of Converse or DM's and you're good to go.

How about that band tee gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe? Can you still get away with the groupie chic thing? Of course you can! Try to steer clear of jeans, though, and opt for cut-offs, dungarees or funky striped trews for an offbeat feel. Finish with statement shoes and a rock star fedora for a modern twist on the Converse 'n' beanie formula.

How to Dress Grunge Style: Your Essential Cheat Sheet

Not sure where to start? Check out our essential guide to the key items all twenty-first century grunge girls should have in their capsule wardrobes.

A checked shirt - layer over anything and everything, from basic tees to floaty dresses.

A crop top - pair a basic cropped tee with denim cut-offs or mom jeans, or layer a little lace bralet over a plain T-shirt or dress.

Ripped mom jeans - think high on the waist, relaxed on the legs.

Cut-off denim shorts or dungarees - layer over the most heinously laddered tights you can lay your hands on when the sun refuses to play ball.

A Nirvana/Guns N' Roses/Pearl Jam T-shirt - but only if you can name at least three of the band's songs...

A denim jacket or boyfriend cardi - and make it a big one.

A pair of DM-style lace up boots or Converse-style trainers - team with virtually any outfit for your quickest route to grunge nirvana.

A chunky choker or bolo tie.

Berry or coffee-hued lipstick, black kohl eyeliner and bronze or rust-toned eyeshadow.

Assorted pastel hair chalks (and don't even think about picking up that root touch up kit while you're there...).

Read more great articles on women's fashion here at alexie.co.

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Expert Tips on How to Dress Grunge Style

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Keep hearing about the '90s grunge comeback but not sure exactly what it is? Step this way for the ultimate guide on how to look grunge and gorge, from the top of your space bun-topped head to the tips of your Converse-clad toes.

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Resurfaced image shows Eddie Vedder supporting abortion rights

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In light of the US Supreme Court overruling Roe vs. Wade, an old image of Eddie Vedder supporting abortion rights is doing the rounds.

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Just think how many '90s nostalgia trends are being reblogged on Tumblr at this very moment because of Courtney Love. It's no wonder Nasty Gal tapped Hole's lead singer for a collaboration earlier this year, and Hedi Slimane put tiaras on his punk models for Saint Laurent in her honor.

Known to wear slips as dresses, Love has a way of making romantic pieces look edgy: She'll pair ruffles with effortless bedhead, or go barefoot onstage in a lace dress. Perhaps her style secret is as simple as knowing when to add a red lip or accessorize with a cigarette.

See all of Love's best looks throughout the years, starting when she walked the carpet with Kurt Cobain and Drew Barrymore, in our slideshow ahead.

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The Best Looks From Courtney Love, Queen of '90s Fashion

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Just think how many '90s nostalgia trends are being reblogged on Tumblr at this very moment because of Courtney Love. It's no wonder Nasty Gal tapped Hole's lead singer for a collaboration earlier this year, and Hedi Slimane put tiaras on his punk models for Saint Laurent in her honor.

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See Stone Temple Pilots Play "Big Empty" During MTV 'Unplugged' Session

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Alt-rock band played emotional version of 'Purple' single in November 1993

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Image in Grunge collection by ɛʌ1ℓαиɢ3ℓ on We Heart It

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Jan 31, 2021 - Discovered by ɛʌ1ℓαиɢ3ℓ. Find images and videos about grunge, friends and 90s on We Heart It - the app to get lost in what you love.

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51 Rarely Seen Backstage Photos of Grunge Bands in the 90s

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Eddie Vedder I could listen to only him, forever!

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27/out/2013 - Ryan Iser encontrou este Pin. Encontre (e salve!) seus próprios Pins no Pinterest.

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Grunge

Key motifs

plaid

old jeans
messed up clothes

Key values

Rejection of the mainstream, DIY culture, anti-consumerism, counterculture

Related media

Alice in Chains
Fangclub
Green River
Hole
Nirvana
Pearl Jam
Malfunkshun
Milk Teeth
Mother Love Bone
Mudhoney
Muskets
Soundgarden
Stone Temple Pilots
Temple of the Dog
The Gits
Title Fight
7 Year Bitch

Grunge is a darker, edgier style that is usually depicted these days with glitches, vinyl records, cigarettes, neon lights, and the color black (which has absolutely nothing to do with the original grunge).

Grunge, historically though, has its roots in the 1990s hard rock scene of Seattle, Washington. It was a countercultural, anti-consumerism youth movement and musical genre that defined Generation X. Grunge fashion was made popular by bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden, and was meant to be timeless and quite casual.

Grunge started in 1985 with Green River's album Come on Down, but it did not become mainstream until the 1990s with Nirvana's Nevermind. Grunge was most popular from roughly 1991 to 1997, and eventually lost its anti-consumerist philosophy. It can be argued that grunge began to decline in 1994, after the tragic suicide of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, though the genre maintained popularity until about 1997, when Soundgarden broke up and post-grunge bands like Creed became popular.

A majority of Grunge's visuals involve a large amount of dirty, grimy imagery. These show a sort of hopelessness and disenchantment with modern society. A lot of earth tones and pale colors are used to convey this sort of cultural depression often associated with Grunge.

Grunge fashion of the late 1980s and early-mid 1990s was often purchased out of thrift stores at the time. Some will argue it was done out of a rejection of the fashions of the time. It's generally agreed that it's because it was cheaper as, at the time, most grunge artists were dirt poor. As the fashion became more mainstream, editor of men's magazine Details James Truman was quoted in 1993, "to me the thing about grunge is it's not anti-fashion, it's unfashion. Punk was anti-fashion. It made a statement. Grunge is about not making a statement, which is why it's crazy for it to become a fashion statement."

Men often wore over-sized t-shirts, flannel shirts (that would be tied off around the waist when it got too hot), ripped jeans, and combat boots. These were considered timeless looks and were generally durable and reliable clothing to wear. Women tended to favor slip dresses, flannel shirts, ripped jeans, chokers, and the bell-bottoms/babydoll t-shirt was a popular combination as well. It went out of fashion after Kurt Cobain's suicide, but has started coming back into fashion in the 2010s and 2020s as '90s nostalgia began (an argument could be made this is what has led to the rise in prominence of Vaporwave as well). This trend began to regress as Y2K starts to become more and more prominent only to cycle back in another 20 years, as all trends seem to. But with the modern Grunge movement, the philosophical elements of the original Grunge movement were completely dropped in favor of just achieving the visual aesthetic of looking Grunge (although often paying far more exorbitant amounts of money compared to the original Grunge style icons, who almost exclusively shopped at Thrift Stores).

For more feminine, edgy fashion, however, there was also the Kinderwhore aesthetic, popularized by Courtney Love, who was Kurt Cobain's wife.

While the fashion has certainly come back into style, the music doesn't seem to have the same comeback, which was a blend of heavy metal sound and punk rock ethos. However, after Kurt Cobain's suicide, grunge started to trail off into two separate genres: post-grunge, which included bands like Creed, Nickelback, Staind, Puddle of Mudd, Bush, and the Foo Fighters (fronted by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl) and Nu-Metal, which included bands like KoRn, Limp Bizkit, Deftones, Kid Rock, Papa Roach, P.O.D., and Linkin Park. The Grunge revival has led to the old staples of the original grunge scene to see a return to popularity, but as of this writing, it has not led to any new grunge bands rising up the ranks, but not for lack of trying. Artists in the genre include:

Soft Grunge

Soft Grunge, also known as "pastel grunge", stems from the original grunge movement in the early 1990s. With noticeable gothic and Kawaii influences, the "cute" and deliberate soft grunge styles started to gain popularity in 2010, on social media. It is a modern take on the original grunge aesthetic, but adds in more colors and a feminine touch more modest than Kinderwhore.

Websites and stores

Pinterest boards

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Grunge is a darker, edgier style that is usually depicted these days with glitches, vinyl records, cigarettes, neon lights, and the color black (which has absolutely nothing to do with the original grunge). Grunge, historically though, has its roots in the 1990s hard rock scene of Seattle, Washington.