Mother of dead Alice in Chains singer sues bandmates for royalties

SEATTLE — The mother of dead Alice in Chains lead singer Layne Staley is suing her son's former bandmates, saying they cut her out of royalties.

According to the seattlepi.com, Nancy McCallum said the remaining members owe her half the money owed to her son.

The lawsuit contends the band has tried to cut her out of any more payments, but lawyers for the band said McCallum has been paid much more than she is due.

Staley's former bandmates said Staley's heirs will be able to collect royalties on songs he wrote or co-wrote.

Staley, a Kirkland native, was found dead at age 34 on April 19, 2002.

He died from complications related to cocaine and heroin use.

The band has not yet responded to the lawsuit, which was filed May 2.

KIRO