Former ALICE IN CHAINS Bassist Found Dead

Former ALICE IN CHAINS Bassist Found Dead - Mar. 8, 2011

TMZ.com reports that former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist Mike Starr died in Utah.

Starr's body was found in a Salt Lake City home today. Cops say they were called to the house at 1:42 p.m. Police do not suspect foul play.

Starr was 44 years old.

Mike's dad tells TMZ.com, "It's a terrible shock and tragedy."

Starr was arrested last month for felony possession of a controlled substance. Salt Lake City police said he had several painkillers on him when he was arrested.

Starr was featured as a cast member of the third season of the VH1 reality series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew". Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, the season consisted of eight episodes that followed the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center.

Starr, a founding member of ALICE IN CHAINS, had been in legal trouble before in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. His past charges include DUI, reckless driving, and various drug charges.

Back in April 1994, Starr was sentenced to 30 days in the Houston jail for misdemeanor drug possession. Starr was arrested at Houston's Intercontinental Airport while trying to check in for a flight to Los Angeles with a suitcase he had stolen from the baggage claim area. Authorities searched him and found he was carrying marijuana.

Starr's February 17, 2011 mug shot (courtesy of Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office)

Source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155034


This is from a few days ago, but I just learned of this now.  He apparently had a rough time after his years with AIC.  RIP

Definitely a shame. Drugs really can often lead to bad news. 

R.I.P.

Oh no! 

Metal 4 the Main wrote: I think the frame of mind that produces unique music has a weakness for drugs and their effects. Shame

That's definitely true in some cases, notably with jazz innovators Charlie Parker and Miles Davis.  Then again, there are other artists, like Frank Zappa, who were very much anti-drugs and would never touch the stuff.