When discussing the rise of Seattle’s grunge movement, four bands are often highlighted as the pioneers of the sound that defined the early 1990s: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. While Nirvana shook the mainstream with punk-inspired melodies, Pearl Jam leaned toward arena-ready classic rock, and Soundgarden injected psychedelic heaviness, Alice in Chains carved a unique identity through their darker, doom-laden riffs and haunting harmonies.
Alice in Chains’ origins stretch back further than many realize. Lead singer Layne Staley first performed in a glam-metal outfit named Sleze. Despite the glitter and theatrics, Staley’s raw vocal power stood out. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell, impressed by Staley’s talent, soon connected with him at a party—an encounter that would spark one of the most influential partnerships in grunge history.
By the release of Facelift in 1990, Alice in Chains had already hinted at the sonic depth and lyrical darkness that would become their signature. However, it was the 1992 album Dirt that propelled them into the spotlight, becoming one of the defining records of the grunge era. The album explored themes of addiction, despair, and mortality, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Among its standout tracks was ‘Would?’, a song that has since become one of the band’s most enduring works.
Who inspired ‘Would?’
Jerry Cantrell wrote the song as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the charismatic frontman of Mother Love Bone. Wood had been a central figure in Seattle’s underground music community and one of the early architects of what would later be labeled “grunge.” With his flamboyant stage presence and larger-than-life personality, Wood brought elements of glam rock into a scene that would eventually become more associated with angst and raw emotion.
Tragically, Andrew Wood’s career was cut short. After years of battling drug addiction, he died of a heroin overdose in March 1990, just days before the release of Mother Love Bone’s debut album Apple. His passing devastated the Seattle music scene, leaving a permanent scar on its community.
In the liner notes of Music Bank (1999), Jerry Cantrell explained his mindset while writing ‘Would?’:
“I was thinking a lot about Andrew Wood at the time. Andy was a hilarious guy, full of life. It was really sad to lose him. But I always hate people who judge the decisions others make. So the song was also directed at those who sit back and pass judgment.”
Andrew Wood’s influence on Seattle’s music legacy
Andrew Wood’s death indirectly led to the formation of another legendary project: Temple of the Dog. Created by Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, the supergroup included Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, and Eddie Vedder. Songs like Say Hello 2 Heaven were direct tributes to Wood, cementing his influence as a pivotal figure whose presence continued to inspire even after his death. Pearl Jam themselves would frequently perform Mother Love Bone’s “Crown of Thorns” as a way of keeping Wood’s spirit alive.
Why ‘Would?’ still matters today
‘Would?’ stands out as more than just a song about loss. It reflects the complexity of grief, friendship, and the refusal to judge others for their struggles. The track closes Dirt with a haunting reminder of the fragile line between creativity and self-destruction—a theme that sadly mirrored Layne Staley’s own battles with addiction in later years.
More than three decades after its release, ‘Would?’ remains one of Alice in Chains’ most powerful works, not only for its crushing riffs and Staley’s unforgettable vocal delivery but also for the heartfelt tribute to Andrew Wood, a musician whose life and death helped shape the course of grunge history.
