Michael Christopher Starr (April 4, 1966 – March 8, 2011)[1][2] was an American musician best known as the original bassist for the rock band Alice in Chains, which he played with from the band's formation in 1987 until January 1993. She also told Starr: "Layne would forgive you. When his roommate returned about 1:45 p.m., he found Starr dead in his bedroom and called 911, said Salt Lake police detective Shawn Josephson. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. He was most often seen playing several variations of a Spector NS-2 bass guitar through an Ampeg SVT all-tube head and Ampeg 8×10" speaker cabinets. [5][8][6], This band gained attention in the Seattle area playing under several different monikers before they eventually settled on the name Alice in Chains, which they had taken from Staley's previous band Alice N' Chains. Age of Death. [26], On March 8, 2011, at 1:42 pm, police were called to a home in Salt Lake City where they found 44-year-old Starr's body. "[32], In 2013, Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney added the initials "LSMS" on his drum kit, a tribute to Layne Staley and Mike Starr. [39] In December 2019, Lost Realm announced an upcoming 250-copy limited edition vinyl release of Leather Warriors. Their song "Leather Warriors" appeared on Northwest Metalfest, a compilation album featuring various metal acts released in 1984 by Seattle label Ground Zero Records. In 2010, Starr recorded a cover of Sonic Youth's "Kool Thing" with singer Leiana. There were roughly 400 people in attendance. His subsequent stint staying in a sober living environment was then documented on the spinoff Sober House. I was wondering if any one heard whether or not they came out with an official cause of death for Mike Starr (former bass player of Alice In Chains)? In 1993 he left the group. Bassist. Once the official cause of death has been released, we’ll let you know. News broke yesterday of the death of the Love Island 2017 and Celebs Go Dating star. Former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr was found dead in Salt Lake City this afternoon, Sgt. Go Behind the Scenes of 2021 Presidential Inauguration With … [12] The song premiered on radio during Starr's last interview, which was for Dr. Drew Pinsky's show Loveline aired on February 16, 2010. Connors was 91-years-old. [3] He was also a member of Sato, Gypsy Rose and Sun Red Sun. The song was featured on Alice in Chains' 2018 album, Rainier Fog.[38]. The audio clip, provided by Artisan News Service, can be heard in the video above. Mike deserves a better life.”, Dr. Drew Tweeted about Starr’s death yesterday. "Mike Starr: Bassist and self-destructive founder-member of the Seattle band Alice In Chains", "Interview Alice In Chains – Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney about Layne Staley", "Alice In Chains Bassist Mike Starr Dies At 44", "MIKE STARR Featured On LEIANA's Cover Of SONIC YOUTH's 'Kool Thing'; Audio Available", "Alice In Chains' Mike Starr's Last Interview - Loveline (February 16, 2010)", "Ex-Alice in Chains Bassist Mike Starr Found Dead", "Ex-grunge Musician Jailed For Airport Luggage Theft", "Former ALICE IN CHAINS Bassist Arrested", "Exclusive: Celebrity Rehab's Mike Starr Arrested On A Drug Charge", "Mike Starr Layne Staley Death Alice in Chains Celebrity Rehab Sober House Confusion AIC", "Mike Starr Layne Staley Death Alice in Chains Celebrity Rehab Sober House", "Five Years Ago: Former Alice in Chains Bassist Mike Starr Dies of a Drug Overdose", "Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains Slams Dr. Drew's Celeb Rehab", "Alice in Chains Drummer Slams 'Celebrity Rehab' as 'Disgusting, "Encarte: Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue", "Former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr arrested in Salt Lake City", "Mike Starr, legendary Alice in Chains bass player, found dead", "Former Alice in Chains rocker Mike Starr dies", "Memorial held for Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr", "ESPN Music's 2011 bass-ball preview Mike Inez", "Joey Kovar: Real World Star's Hopes and Demons Before His Mysterious Death", "WMMR MMRBQ 2013 Alice in Chains Interview", "Alice in Chains Always Remember Orignal [, "Com "Dante" no vocal, Alice In Chains cria camisas personalizadas da seleção", "Mais extenso, show do Alice in Chains em SP foi impecável e superou o do Rock in Rio", "Sato (USA) 'Leather Warriors – Sato Anthology 82/86' CD+DVD Teaser Video", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Starr_(musician)&oldid=997953235, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2019, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Starr claimed his father forced him to shoot up in the plane, according to the report. He was sentenced to 30 days in a jail in Houston. Prato, Greg. [33] Born: Michael Starr July 29, 1950 (age 70) Flushing, New York, U.S. The bassist Mike Starr died at the age of 44. Mike was ready to go home.” Starr later claimed that he was fired due to his drug addiction. What was his cause of death? Born (Birthday) Apr 4, 1966. Starr was featured in the third season of the VH1 reality television series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2010, which documented his treatment for methadone addiction beginning in August 2009 at the Pasadena Recovery Center. Alice In Chains came together in Seattle in 1987, right as the local music scene was taking off with groups like Mudhoney and Mother Love Bone. During this appearance, Starr marked six months and seven days of sobriety. We want to hear from you! “Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness,” he wrote. Josephson tells Artisan News. Starr stated that Staley called after him as he left: "Not like this, don't leave like this". "Evidence" was seized from the scene, but there was no obvious cause of death, Josephson said. “Addiction is no joke, and we know that firsthand,” Alice guitarist Jerry Cantrell said in 2010. [5][6][7] Kinney and his girlfriend went to the Music Bank and listened to Cantrell's demos. Mar 8, 2011. He died of an overdose in 2002, and Starr later claimed to be the last person to see him alive. In Mike Starr's pockets, police said they found Valium, Xanax, and Celexa. "As tragic as that is to watch, almost 20 million people are living in recovery. Mike Starr’s Death – Cause and Date. “So very sad. Jerseylicious Star Mike Aktari Dead at 28: 'My Heart Has Never Hurt This Hard,' Says Ex-Girlfriend this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. [14] The project disbanded upon Starr's sudden death a year later. Starr in 2016. According to Daily Variety, the actor died of leukemia. [5] Kinney called Starr and a few days later he jammed with him and Cantrell at the Music Bank. Alice in Chains bass player Mike Starr was "mixing" methadone and anxiety medication hours before he died ... this according to Mike's roommate. [25], In February 2011, Starr was arrested in Salt Lake City for investigation of drug possession and on an outstanding warrant from 2003 for failing to show up for sentencing on a separate drug-related conviction. Fauci Describes Working for Trump, Receiving ‘Very Disturbing’ Death Threats in New Interview, Genesis Release Reunion Tour Rehearsal Footage, Push Start to September, David Crosby Answers Your Questions on Parenting, Joe Biden, and Fearing Death, Flashback: New Radicals Play ‘You Get What You Give’ on MTV’s ‘Rock n’ Jock Bowling Ball’ in 1999. A private memorial was also held, which was attended by Starr's former bandmates Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney. According to Utah court records, Starr was convicted in 3rd District Court in 2003 of felony drug possession, but a bench warrant was issued on August 25, 2003 when he failed to appear for sentencing. Mike Thalassitis, who shot to fame on the 2017 series of Love Island and became one of the biggest reality stars. [27][28] A public memorial was held for Starr at Experience Music Project in Seattle on March 20, 2011. ... North London Coroner's Court concluded on Wednesday his cause of death … There were roughly 400 people in attendance. Starr played with the grunge band on their first two studio LP’s – including their hit singles “Rooster” and “Man In The Box” – before leaving the band in 1993. Starr claimed that Staley was very sick but would not call 911. In an interview on VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Layne Staley's mother, Nancy McCallum, Starr said that he spent time with Staley the day before he died as Starr's birthday was April 4. [23][24] "I totally back Mike and I back his efforts to get clean and remain somebody that I and the band really care about," said Cantrell. After the disbandment of Sun Red Sun, Starr stopped playing music professionally until 2010, as his drug use spiraled out of control. Songwriting credits on "It Ain't Like That" and "Confusion". Profession. [citation needed], Starr parted ways with Alice in Chains just as the band was achieving its greatest commercial success while touring behind the album Dirt in 1993. Starr later recalled waking up to Staley hysterically crying. [6] Starr was with the group for the Facelift and Dirt albums and the Sap EP. “Mike [Starr] was a beautiful person who was fighting to stay sober,” said the roommate. [5][6] Then the trio began staging what Cantrell and Kinney later said were fake auditions in order to coax Staley into joining their band. “I wouldn’t have just walked out the door.”, Starr’s appearance on the VH1 reality show rankled his former bandmates. [5] Kinney pointed at his girlfriend and said: "that's weird cause that's his sister". Mike Starr’s cause of death remains unknown Tuesday evening. April 2009. The arrest was a felony narcotics charge. Explore Mike Starr's biography, personal life, family and cause of death. “I am going to miss him greatly.” And so will we. But both Roddan and Gunn said they believe the death was caused by Starr using both methadone and other prescription drugs. "He’s a friend of ours, you know, and we wish him the best. Not you.'" Josephson confirmed that the deceased body found was that of Mike Starr, and the cause […] p. 218. [19][20] "I wish I hadn't been high on benzodiazepine [that night], I wouldn't have just walked out the door", Starr said. Starr died of a prescription drug overdose at the age of 44 on March 8, 2011. "[9] Starr, however, contradicted this account on an episode of Celebrity Rehab, claiming that he was kicked out of the band due to his escalating drug use. News that the cause of death was by hanging. Discover the real story, facts, and details of Mike Starr. This page was last edited on 3 January 2021, at 01:31. He'd say, 'Hey, I did this. “We wanted to continue intense touring and press. The personal trainer died on Monday in his hometown of Westbury on Long Island, with police sources confirming the death … Mike's cause of death was drug related. With that said, Starr still blamed himself for Staley's death. 44 years. Mike Starr of Alice in Chains at 'Sea of Sorrow' video shoot in Hollywood, 1991. [10][11], Starr later was hired to play bass for the band Sun Red Sun, which featured Ray Gillen and Bobby Rondinelli, both former members of Black Sabbath. [34], On September 19, 2013, Jerry Cantrell paid tribute to both Starr and Layne Staley before performing the song "Nutshell" with Alice in Chains at the Rock in Rio concert in Brazil. I know it was first believed to be an overdose but that they had been running more tests and was curious if anyone ever heard the official reason. The project was cut short by Gillen's death in 1993. The group opened up for Iggy Pop, Van Halen, Extreme and Poison as their song “Man In The Box” climbed the charts – but Starr battled with drug addiction during much of his tenure in the band. Former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr can be heard begging for drugs in a voicemail left just hours before his death. sadly passed away in March 2019. He and fellow recovering addicts Mackenzie Phillips and Tom Sizemore appeared in the eighth episode of Celebrity Rehab's fourth season to provide testimonials about their recovery to that season's patients. Mahlon Reyes' cause of death has been revealed four months after he died in a Montana hospital. A coroner has ruled that Mike's death was suicide, following a cocaine and drink binge. Sign up for our newsletter. In addition, the officer found Starr had a warrant out for his arrest. TMZ reports that police found Starr's body in a Salt Lake City, … [5][7] Eventually, Staley quit the other bands he was performing with at that time and joined their band on a full-time basis. [13] That same year, Starr was reportedly putting together a new band which had secured a spot opening for the band Days of the New. There were no indications of foul play, and authorities suspected Starr died of a drug overdose. We wanted to continue intense touring and press, Mike was ready to go home. [4] Starr briefly joined another band, Gypsy Rose, which included early Alice N' Chains producer Tim Branom on lead vocals and his future bandmate Jerry Cantrell on guitar. [23][24] However, they stopped short of criticizing their former bandmate and expressed hope that Starr would turn his life around. Officially, the cause of death for the former Alice in Chains bassist has not been determined. [35] For the show in São Paulo on September 26, the band had T-shirts of Brazil national football team with the names "Staley" and "Starr" on display on the stage. Coroners are revealing how Love Island star Mike Thalassitis took his life. [29] A private memorial was also held, which was attended by Starr's former bandmates Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney. Prato, Greg. "[23] Kinney also thanked Starr along with all other members of Alice In Chains both past and present within the liner notes of Alice in Chains' Black Gives Way to Blue album. Former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr was found dead Tuesday afternoon (March 8). Mike Starr was seen going to the plane bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes. "[Starr's death] is alcoholism and addiction played out to its logical conclusion [when] absent recovery," he added. The Coroner's Service for North London confirms to E! “It was just a difference in priorities,” lead singer Layne Staley told Rolling Stone in 1994. Sgt. Mike Starr. Mike Mokoena Death / Obituary – Free State Stars founder and PSL Executive Committee member, Mike Mokoena died on June 16, 2020, following to an unidentified cause of death. Mike Starr, the original bassist in Alice In Chains who recently appeared on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab, died March 8th in Salt Lake City of unknown causes. According to jail documents, Starr was illegally in possession of prescription medication, including the painkiller Opana, also known as oxymorphone, and alprazolam pills, used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. A public memorial was held for Starr at Experience Music Project in Seattle on March 20, 2011. Shawn Josephson of the Salt Lake City Police Department has released an audio statement concerning the death of former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr. [16] On September 28, 2009, Starr was arrested in Los Angeles on drug charges. Yes! Discover what happened on this day. Michael Christopher “Mike” Starr was the original bassist in Alice in Chains. In April 1994, Starr was arrested for drug possession at Houston's Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Mike passed away on March 8, 2011 at the age of 44 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. As he was trying to check in for a flight to Los Angeles with a suitcase that he stole from the baggage claim area, authorities at the airport searched him and found he was carrying marijuana. Mike Starr, a bassist who had appeared on VH1's Celebrity Rehab, was 44. Death Date. [citation needed]. “I wish I hadn’t been high on benzodiazepine [that night],” Starr said on Celebrity Rehab. The next year he served 90 days in jail after being caught stealing luggage from a Houston airport. Published. Both Staley and Kurt Cobain gave him shots of heroin one night on tour. Mike Thalassitis: Love Island star left notebook at scene of death. Starr was the last known person to see Staley alive. Dr. Drew Pinskyhas said that Starr's death wa… The interview ended with Starr apologizing to McCallum for not calling 911, but McCallum was insistent that neither she nor anyone in her family blamed Starr for Staley's death. Starr admitted stealing the luggage after he discovered that his own luggage was damaged. 3/9/2011 4:00 PM PT. Thanks in advance. John Starr said he was taking his son to drug rehab in Seattle at the time, the report states. It was reported that his past charges included DUI, reckless driving, and various drug charges. LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Mike Starr is dead at 44. p. 219. Mike Connors, the star of the television show, Mannix, has died. Starr and Cantrell left Gypsy Rose and started working in other bands. Starr was the passenger in a van that was pulled over on a routine traffic violation near 1200 S. State about 12:30 a.m. "Grunge is Dead:The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music." Investigators found the Starrs to be in possession of a syringe and balloons filled with heroin, according to police records. Factory Yamaha Star Mike Bell hasdied, according to the following statements posted … Right after Staley had shot him up again, Starr collapsed, but was quickly revived by Staley by giving him CPR. Here is all you want to know, and more! “I wish I hadn’t been high on benzodiazepine [that night],” Starr said on Celebrity Rehab . Cantrell wanted to form a new band and his roommate, Layne Staley, gave him the phone number of Melinda Starr, the girlfriend of drummer Sean Kinney, so that Cantrell could talk to him. Mike Bell Death -Dead - Obituary - Cause of Death : Factory Yamaha Star Mike Bell has Died. "Love Island" star Mike Thalassitis' cause of death has been revealed. The two ex-bandmates briefly argued, which ended with Starr's storming out. When he returned, he handed John Starr something, and "John then turned towards the window with a cut up coke can and a lighter," the report states. Mike Starr Death. Want more Rolling Stone? [30] Dr. Drew Pinsky has said that Starr's death was the result of "a prescription drug overdose. He struggled with drugs during much of the past two decades, and last month was arrested in Salt Lake City after being caught with unauthorized prescription drugs. Our prayers are with his family.”. [6] But they didn't have a singer. A public memorial was held for Starr at Experience Music Project in Seattle on March 20, 2011. Mike Starr, ... Sean Connery's Cause of Death Revealed Weeks After He Dies at Age 90 There were no indications of foul play, and authorities suspected Starr died of a drug overdose. On March 8, 2011, at 1:42 pm, police were called to a home in Salt Lake City where they found 44-year-old Starr's body. "Grunge is Dead:The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music." [21][22], Both Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney criticized the show Celebrity Rehab, calling it "disgusting". Since Staley is believed to have died a day later, on April 5, Starr expressed regret that he did not call 911 to save his friend's life; Starr reported that Staley had threatened to sever their friendship if he did. But both Roddan and Gunn said they believe the death was caused by Starr using both methadone and other prescription drugs. Following the devastating news that Love Island 2017 star Mike Thalassitis was found dead at the age of just 26 back in March, an inquest has ruled today (Wednesday 5th June), the cause of his tragic death. What’s the Difference Between N95 Masks and KN95 Masks? Jerseylicious star Mike Aktari has died at the age of 28. Mike Sadek wife is popping in the audience’s mind since the news of the renowned backup catcher Mike Sadek’s unexpected death swirled on the internet. Occupation: Actor: Years active: 1978–present: Relatives: Beau Starr (brother) Early life. [18] Starr kept this story a secret to himself until his appearance on Celebrity Rehab in February 2010. He was 44. When they checked the Starrs' luggage, they found drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs. read According to the band's lead vocalist Layne Staley in a February 1994 Rolling Stone article, Starr's departure from Alice in Chains stemmed from "just a difference in priorities. He was held at the Bauchet Street Jail with bail set at $100,000.[17]. John Starr was witnessed injecting Mike Starr with a syringe, and the two began arguing after the needle broke off, according to the report. Sensing the changing times, Columbia Records signed the band in 1989 and the next year they released their debut Facelift. [10] Additionally, during this interview Starr claimed that Staley saved his life when Alice in Chains was on tour in January 1993 with Nirvana in Brazil. It’s sad news for baseball fans that he passed away on Wednesday on 20 January 2020, in San Andreas. Drug Overdose. In 1983, Starr formed the heavy metal band Sato. Starr battled drug addiction for years and recently appeared on VH1’s ‘Celebrity Rehab’ and ‘Sober House’. Mike Mokoena passed away leaving loved ones in total sadness, Mike Mokoena death has … [6] Cantrell mentioned that they needed a bass player to jam with them and he had someone in mind: Mike Starr, with whom Cantrell had played in the band Gypsy Rose in Burien. Share. Local news first broke the Starr’s death Tuesday. "[31] Drug addiction counselor Bob Forrest has described Starr and fellow Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew alum Jeff Conaway (who died two and a half months later) as having "such severe addictions. Sudden death of Walk Off the Earth’s Mike Taylor a ‘tragic reminder’ of life’s fragility, Sarah Blackwood says By Star staff Thu., Jan. 10, 2019 timer 2 min. Photo Gallery: Alice In Chains, Slipknot, Motley Crue Rattle The Heartland, Three years after Starr left, Alice In Chains dissolved as Staley faced his own drug problems. Another Salt Lake police report showed that in 2003, Starr and his father, John Starr, were arrested for allegedly doing drugs on a Southwest flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. [36][37], Jerry Cantrell revealed that the lyrics "Left me he so all alone, only for me to find/Hear your voice on waves we rode, echoes inside my mind/Disembodied just a trace of what it was like then/With you here we shared a space that's always half-empty" from the song "Rainier Fog" are about Staley and Starr. 5 June 2019. That will likely not be determined until toxicology tests were completed, which could take up to a month. He died of an overdose in 2002, and Starr later claimed to be the last person to see him alive. Should we be gawking at the medicated and the mentally ill for pleasure and profit?. Since then, Cantrell has always paid tribute to Staley and Starr before performing "Nutshell" at concerts. The death, at age 44, of former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr brings into question the real value of reality television shows like Celebrity Rehab and Sober House with Dr. Drew Pinsky. Starr was found dead today in a Salt Lake City home. April 2009. © Copyright 2021 Rolling Stone, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC.