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Alice in Chains' Mike Starr 'Pleads for Drugs in Final Voicemail'

Marty Temme, WireImage

The tragic death of original Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr this week left many presuming he died from his long battle with drugs. The musician had previously taken part in the VH1 show 'Celebrity Rehab' which documented his recovery from heroin addiction, later appearing as a guest mentor for other celebrity addicts.

Although toxicology reports could take up to two months to confirm the cause of death, a voicemail recording released today by TMZ suggests Starr's recovery from drug dependence had failed.

According to the tape, the fatigued caller introduces themselves as Mike Starr and offers someone a vague business proposition before trying to get a "half ounce of bud or whatever, you know, a killer price ... I need it so bad."

The full transcription reads:

"Hey, what's up? It's Mike Starr, Alice in Chains.

Hey, give me a call right away. I got something really important to tell you. You'll be really excited.

Yeah, give me a call right away, I was waiting for you to call. You're gonna make some good money on this.

Also, if you could score me an eighth, quarter ounce, half ounce of bud or whatever, you know, a killer price...

Just come up this way. I need it so bad. Alright, call me. Later."

The authenticity of the tape has not been confirmed.

His housemate told TMZ that Starr had been taking medication to battle anxiety issues after being arrested for possessing controlled drugs Xanax and Opana last month, but was mixing the medication just hours before he died.

The housemate added, "Mike was a beautiful person who was fighting to stay sober ... I am going to miss him greatly."

Tributes have poured in this week from fans and collaborators alike, with an NME report highlighting comments from Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, Avenged Sevenfold and Matchbox Twenty.

Watch Alice in Chains Perform 'Would' on the BBC's 'Later'

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14 Comments

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crisandralee

I LOVED Mike since 1993! I was never one to be "star strucked" but he was so beautiful and talented! Anyone can guess the song "Would" just by the bass intro. I have loved him long before Celebrity Rehab. I still have the complimentary CD that came with some of the Facelife CD's. I loved him then and will love him always!! I write this to Mike so he realizes just how much he was loved!! Maybe if he had believed he could be loved and remembered so fondly... He would still be here. You can never be replaced!!!

August 29 2011 at 5:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lovetoocater

MIKE STARR, WAS A VERY COMPLICATED MAN. HIS BEST WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BEAT THE ADDICTION. WE ALL PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS. I MET HIM ONCE A LONG TIME AGO. I AM A PROFESSIONAL COMEDIAN IN A WHEELCHAIR. HE SAID I WAS THE FUNNIEST COMIC HE EVER MET.

June 29 2011 at 1:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CHIVO

Mike was here in the north Seattle area trying to get on THS methadone clinic but the day I took him to his intake he was caught stealing a stature out of the directors office and the police were called so he was kicked off the property... He was a good person caught up in the grips of drug dependence. It is sad to see his passing as he wanted so badly to just be clean... Please remember him for the good things that he did... R.I.P. my friend, - CHIVO

April 20 2011 at 3:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vira

Would have been nice to have posted a video with Mike STARR in it...just saying.

March 15 2011 at 11:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deninBC

RIP Mike,hopefully you will find the peace you deserve in death that you could'nt find in life.We will always Love you & miss you GOODNIGHT

March 15 2011 at 1:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bertha starks

I had never heard of Mike Starr until 2010 when I intentionally tuned in to Dr. Drew and Celebrity Rehab. Being a psychology major, I was interested in knowing why celebrities turn to drugs and alcohol when they attain fame and fortune. My real interest was in Dennis Rodman whose behavior was of an unorthodox nature throughout his history of fame. And, for him to admit there was a problem was of special interest to me. But, I soon learned that it was Mike Starr that held my interest. He appeared to be one of the kindest and most down to earth individuals associated to this group. He truly struggled with matters of the heart, rather than of the mind. His remorse/guilt associated to his friend passing from an overdose...that he felt he could have prevented, obsessed him.

It was also clear that he wanted to pay this debt with his life. I truly felt your agony. Rest in peace Mike Starr.

March 12 2011 at 8:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wayne

What a loser. These rock stars live a life most people dream about then throw it all away by getting hooked on drugs. I feel sorry for his family and friends who supported him during his troubles, abviously he was not man enough to keep getting support to stay clean. I really loved there music. What a waste.

March 11 2011 at 8:07 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Wayne's comment
George

Clearly you have never been around, or known, anyone with an addiction. It's not about the money they make, or how famous they are. The personality that begins the addiction is there from the beginning, the drugs (or booze), only enhances the tendancies that are dormant within.
As for calling them losers, well....
I am glad you can type from your high horse

March 12 2011 at 12:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kasey

oh my... hope to see that you get what you deserve for this!!!! A busted mouth for starters, and you shouldn't judge no one ever let alone make nasty comments about mr. starr. hope u get to sip soup thru a straw for more that 6 weeks. enjoy

September 06 2011 at 5:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
browndirt

As if pot would be considered a drug that would contribute to his death. If he had said, bring me a beer or a cigarette, would there be any talk of him falling off the wagon? This whole gateway thing is out of control.

March 11 2011 at 7:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sarita

Im very sorry for Mike he was trying to get off the darn drugs, I guess is not easy, I would not be surprise if Charlie Sheen end up the same, lets pray for that doesnt happen, please Charlie dont play with your life yo have children that need a sober father.

March 11 2011 at 2:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to sarita's comment
dizzymisslizzy

How do you get from talking about someone as talented as Mike Starr to Charlie Sheen? Ridiculous dude!

April 25 2011 at 5:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
robin smith

I AM SORRY TO HEAR THIS NEWS. IKNOW EVERYONE ON CELEBRITY REHAB WAS WORRIED ABOUT HIM, AND FEARED HIS DRUG USE WOULD KILL HIM, AND IT HAS. EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE THIS TO HEART AND REALIZE THAT THINKING YOU CAN DO THIS ALONE NEVER PANS OUT. HEALRTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE PEOPLE THAT LOVE HIM. ROB/SHIPPENSBURG, PA

March 11 2011 at 12:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to robin smith's comment
Nikolai

You're yelling.

March 13 2011 at 12:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply