April 30, 2002 13:21

FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO ALICE IN CHAINS SINGER

Hundreds of fans pay their respects to Layne Staley in Seattle...

A second candlelit vigil has taken place for ALICE IN CHAINS singer LAYNE STALEY in his hometown of SEATTLE.

As previously reported on NME.COM, the body of Staley, who was 34, was discovered at his apartment in the University district of the city earlier in the month (April 19).

A day after his body was found, a small group of friends, fans and family organised an impromptu vigil at the International Fountain at the Seattle Center.

According to the local Seattle Post Intelligencer newspaper, on Friday night (April 26) a much larger memorial took place at the same venue, attracting hundreds of fans. Staley's family were also at the event, and took time out to speak to fans.

His father, Phil Staley spoke of his son. He said: "Layne was a hell of a guy. I've watched him outside of concerts sign hundreds and hundreds of autographs. I'd say, 'C'mon, let's go already,' but he'd stay for the longest time. He didn't want to turn anybody down."

Toxicoligy tests are pending to discover the cause of death. The singer had a long battle with heroin addiction.