The Backstage Beat has just learned that Mike Starr has died.  He was 44 years old.

Mike Starr was the long time bassist for the archetype  grunge band of the 90’s,  “Alice in Chains.”

Starr struggled with drug use and was recently featured on “Celebrity Rehab”.

He and was arrested last month for felony possession of a controlled substance. Salt Lake City cops say he had 6 Xanax pills and 6 Opana (painkiller) pills when he was busted.

Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley,  struggled throughout his career with severe drug addiction, which caused his death in April 2002.

Our condolences to his family and friends.