Alice in Chains Sued by Layne Staley’s Mother

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Nancy McCallum, mother of late Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley, is now suing the band, claiming they’ve screwed her out of royalties:

“Staley’s mother Nancy McCallum contends the surviving members of Alice in Chains owe her half of the money due Staley – about 16 percent of the hard rock band’s income. According to the lawsuit, the band has attempted to cut her out of any further payments.

“Attorneys for the band contend McCallum illegally attempted to trademark the Alice in Chains name and that she has already been paid far more than she is due. Staley’s ex-bandmates also say Staley’s heirs will be able to collect royalties on songs he wrote or co-wrote, while arguing McCallum no longer has a role in the band’s business decisions.”

I find this news incredibly sad. For one thing, at least until it’s resolved, it’s going to mar the Alice in Chains name somewhat, because we’ve always believed that all the surviving members were doing everything they could to honor Staley’s memory — and even momentarily calling those intentions into doubt can’t help but make the whole endeavor feel, well, a little bit icky.

Furthermore, there can be little doubt that the lawsuit will irrevocably damage the relationship between the surviving members of the band and McCallum, who were on good terms as recently as 2008, when the above photo was taken.

More news as it develops.

[via Metal Insider]