Complete List of Mad Season Band Members

Mad Season was a rock supergroup formed in Seattle in 1994. The band emerged during a period of immense creativity and experimentation in the Seattle music scene, bringing together members from several iconic bands. Mad Season’s music blended elements of rock, grunge, and blues, creating a unique sound that resonated deeply with the era’s fans. Their sole studio album, Above (1995), achieved critical acclaim and has since become a cult classic. The band featured some of the most prominent musicians in the Seattle music scene, including members of Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Screaming Trees. However, despite their success and potential, the band disbanded following the tragic death of bass player John Baker Saunders in 1999.
Mad Season’s lineup featured some of the most talented musicians in rock music, with each member contributing to the band’s signature sound. Though the band only released one full studio album, Above, they left an indelible mark on the music world. The members of Mad Season pursued individual projects, and the group reunited in varying forms over the years. However, the untimely deaths of both Layne Staley and John Baker Saunders cast a long shadow over the band’s legacy. The band’s influence remains strong in the grunge and alternative rock scenes, and their music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
The members of Mad Season each had distinguished careers both within and outside of the band, contributing to a range of influential rock projects. Below is a detailed account of each member’s time with Mad Season and their broader musical careers.

Barrett Martin

Barrett Martin was the drummer for Mad Season from 1994 to 1999, and he also reunited with the band during their brief returns in 2012 and 2014–2015. As a founding member, Martin played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound, contributing to their deep, rhythmic foundation. He performed on their sole album, Above (1995), where his drumming was an integral part of the group’s distinctive rock style. Martin also worked with the Seattle-based band Screaming Trees, where his drumming style was highly regarded and helped define their sound on several albums. After Mad Season, Martin went on to work with a variety of other bands, including 2012’s Walking Papers, and he has collaborated with artists such as Chris Cornell, the Frogs, and Joseph Arthur. His work outside of Mad Season solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented drummer in the rock music scene.

Mike McCready

Mike McCready is best known as the lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, but he was also a member of Mad Season from 1994 to 1999, and he reunited with the band during the 2012 and 2014–2015 periods. McCready’s guitar work on Above (1995) contributed to the band’s dark, blues-influenced sound, offering evocative solos and powerful riffs. McCready’s contributions helped to shape Mad Season’s sonic identity and showcased his ability to craft deeply emotional and technical guitar lines. Outside of Mad Season, McCready is known for his work with Pearl Jam, contributing to the band’s multi-platinum albums and worldwide success. Additionally, McCready has worked with various side projects and collaborated with other artists across different genres. His influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his contributions to the Seattle music scene continue to resonate.

John Baker Saunders

John Baker Saunders was the bassist for Mad Season from 1994 to 1999, contributing to their only studio album, Above (1995). His bass lines provided the backbone for the band’s music, adding a groove that helped drive their unique fusion of rock, blues, and grunge. Saunders had previously played with the Seattle-based band The Walkabouts, and his work with Mad Season marked a key part of his musical legacy. After Mad Season, Saunders continued his career in music but tragically passed away in 1999, shortly after the band’s disbandment. His untimely death was a significant loss to the Seattle music community, and his contributions to Mad Season remain an essential part of the band’s sound.

Layne Staley

Layne Staley, the lead vocalist of Alice in Chains, joined Mad Season in 1994 and was with the band until 1997. He contributed to the band’s only studio album, Above (1995), providing haunting vocals that resonated with the darkness and vulnerability of the band’s sound. Staley’s voice became synonymous with grunge music, known for its raw emotional depth and melancholic delivery. Outside of Mad Season, Staley was best known for his work with Alice in Chains, where he helped define the sound of the genre with albums like Dirt (1992) and Facelift (1990). Staley’s life was marked by struggles with addiction, and he passed away in 2002. Despite his tragic end, Staley’s vocal contributions to Mad Season and Alice in Chains have cemented his place as one of the most distinctive voices in rock history.

Mark Lanegan

Mark Lanegan joined Mad Season in 1997 and remained a member until 1999. As the band’s second lead vocalist, Lanegan brought a unique, raspy voice to the group, complementing Layne Staley’s vocals. He contributed to the latter half of Mad Season’s career and the band’s recordings during this period. Lanegan was best known for his work with Screaming Trees, where his distinctive voice helped define the grunge movement. Lanegan also had a prolific solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums, and collaborated with various artists, including Queens of the Stone Age, Isobel Campbell, and the Gutter Twins. His contributions to rock and alternative music spanned decades, and he remained a respected figure in the music world until his death in 2022. His time with Mad Season was a significant chapter in his storied career.