Later this year, fans of Alice in Chains will be offered a rare glimpse into the private world of Layne Staley. A new book, titled This Angry Pen: The Lost Journals of Layne Staley, is set for release in November and will feature pages directly from the late singer’s notebooks.
The project gathers together writings, poetry, personal reflections, and sketches that Staley created during different periods of his life. Alongside the handwritten material, the collection will also showcase never-before-seen photographs, giving readers an intimate look at the creative and emotional journey of one of rock’s most enigmatic voices.
Rumors have circulated about the possibility of alternative versions of lyrics to Alice in Chains classics appearing in the book. While the journals are expected to include rough drafts and fragmented ideas that hint at his songwriting process, there is no confirmation that finished or complete alternative lyrics to the band’s most iconic tracks will appear. Instead, the collection seems designed to highlight his creative flow and the deeply personal ways he expressed himself outside of the studio.
The book’s release coincides with the ongoing interest in Alice in Chains’ history and the enduring fascination with Staley’s artistry. His words and sketches, preserved in these journals, provide fans not only with a new perspective on his creativity but also a deeply human portrait of an artist whose struggles and brilliance shaped an era of heavy music.
