Argentinian writer Adriana Rubio has written a new book called The Heroin Impact in Seattle that examines the lives of Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley and Nirvana front man/icon Kurt Cobain. The book looks at the singers' addictions to heroin; not only the effect of the drug on their lives, but also the external causes that led to their addictions. Rubio will also explore the media's coverage of the two singers, the Seattle scene, and the influence of heroin on their music.

 

Rubio is the author of several other music-related books, including the Layne Staley biography Layne Staley: Angry Chair.

 

To find out more about The Heroin Impact in Seattle, check out the book's official website. Honestly, it sounds like a really interesting book. I think everyone knows about the devastating effects of heroin on musicians. Not only did it contribute to (or cause) the deaths of Staley and Cobain, but several other musicians suffered as a result of the drug also. I'm convinced John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers died from 1993-1996 before coming back to life for Californication. And many 80s bands, like Motley Crue, fell victim to heroin as well. We all know how it fucks people up. We also know about heroin's impact on music. It's sad to say, but in a lot of cases the drug is responsible for some great work. Look at STP's Tiny Music. Scott Weiland was ripped out of his mind during that album, and it's brilliant.

 

But what should be really interesting is the explanation of how these guys became addicts in the first place. It's not like they had never seen the effects of drugs. Pre-grunge band Mother Love Bone's singer died of an overdose before any of the Seattle bands even took off.

 

I'm curious to see what led to Staley and Cobain's addictions. Here are a few reasons that singers might become addicted to heroin...

 

-It sometimes helps them makes good music.

 

-Chicks dig a guy with track marks.

 

-Tying off is easier with help from a second person, thus encouraging social interaction.

 

-Dying is the best way to get positive publicity for your band; Critics never want to rip on a dead guy.

 

-They might get to go to rehab and meet Britney Spears.

 

-It provides extra motivation to get that forearm tattoo they've always wanted.

 

-People will refer to you as a "tortured genius," even if you're just a hack junkie.

 

-Kurt Cobain did it.

 

 

 

(PS - Don't do drugs)