Remember the ’90s Band Featuring Layne Staley and Tom Morello?

The Class of ’99: A Unique Collaboration for a Sci-Fi Horror Film

In the late 1990s, a unique group of musicians came together for a special project. Known as the Class of ’99, this one-off band featured some of the most recognizable names in rock and alternative music. The group was formed to create music for the 1999 film The Faculty, directed by Robert Rodriguez. This movie centered on a high school where students and faculty are infected by a parasitic alien force, creating a mix of horror and sci-fi elements.

This collaboration marked the final studio recording for Layne Staley, the iconic lead vocalist of Alice in Chains. At the time, he had largely stepped back from public appearances. However, he still contributed to the project, appearing in the music video, which included footage from a 1995 Mad Season live performance.

Staley was joined by several other notable musicians. Tom Morello, the guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, brought his signature style to the group. Stephen Perkins, the drummer from Jane’s Addiction, added his rhythmic expertise. Martyn LeNoble, the bassist from Porno for Pyros, provided a solid foundation, while Matt Serletic, known for his work with Matchbox Twenty, handled production and keyboard duties.

Together, they recorded a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” for the film’s soundtrack. They also recorded “Part 1” of the song, which helped frame the overall track listing of the soundtrack. These two tracks became the only official recordings from the Class of ’99, making them a rare and interesting piece of musical history.

The Impact of the Class of ’99 Cover

The cover of “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” received positive attention, particularly from Roger Waters, the original composer of the song. In a 1999 interview, Waters praised the cover, saying, “It was great. It was really good. I liked the way they treated the line ‘All in all it’s just another brick in the wall’ without any gaps in it, just running one syllable into the next. I thought that was very cool.”

The single performed modestly on the charts, reaching No. 18 on Mainstream Rock radio and No. 34 on Alternative Airplay. While not a massive hit, it was part of a soundtrack filled with alt-rock hits from bands like The Offspring, Creed, Garbage, Soul Asylum, Oasis, and others. The film itself, though not a box office sensation, helped launch the careers of actors such as Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster, Shawn Hatosy, Clea DuVall, and Laura Harris.

A Special Connection Between Staley and Morello

On the surface, the Class of ’99 might seem like an unusual combination of artists from different bands. However, there was a deeper connection between two key members: Layne Staley and Tom Morello. Their relationship began during Lollapalooza 1993, where Morello left a lasting impression on Staley.

Jerry Cantrell, Staley’s bandmate in Alice in Chains, shared insights about their dynamic during a 2021 appearance on Morello’s Firepower podcast. He recalled, “I remember, during that tour, Layne really had a shine for you. He wanted to play guitar more, and he was kind of intimidated because he didn’t play that much guitar, but he really was turned on by how you played guitar – I was a little hurt by that. [Laughs]”

Cantrell continued, “You gave him the spark to learn how to play guitar and write more songs.” This influence led Staley to contribute guitar work to several Alice in Chains classics, including “Angry Chair,” “Hate to Feel,” and “Head Creeps.” Their collaboration not only shaped Staley’s musical growth but also highlighted the powerful impact one musician can have on another.