Jane’s Addiction, the rock band renowned in the 80s and 90s, notified on Monday about their decision to terminate their reunion tour in North America, comprising the United States and Canada. The announcement came just days following a physical altercation between Perry Farrell, the band’s vocalist, and their guitarist during a performance in Boston.
The band revealed on Instagram that they chose to “take a break collectively” after thoughtful consideration. Their North American tour was interrupted halfway due to the incident occurring last Friday. The team also performed in Dublin in June as part of their European leg.
The tour was among many others this year that saw revivals by rock bands that have acquired dedicated fan bases over the decades. According to Rolling Stone, this was the first tour embarked by the original band lineup after a hiatus of 14 years.
The event transpired during a concert at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston. Verified videos captured by the audience showed Farrell clashing with Dave Navarro during their performance. Farrell was seen shoving his shoulder into Navarro and attempting to hit him before being restrained. In the footage, Farrell, while singing, abruptly shouted at Navarro, then bent over, looking distressed.
Navarro, on his Instagram, stated on Monday that the mental health challenges of their singer led to the band retreating from their tour. The band’s remaining members; Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins, co-signed the message, stating that they had no other option due to their concerns about his physical well-being and safety, as well as their own. The message concluded by expressing their heartache over the situation.
On the same day, Farrell’s representative released a statement from the singer.
An apology has been issued by the main member, in particular to Dave Navarro, supporters, kin, and pals for his conduct during a Friday concert, after a tough weekend and much reflection. The individual admits responsibility for his poor behaviour which was a result of reaching his limit.
Etty Lau Farrell, the spouse of Farrell, revealed after the gig on social media that her husband was continually upset about the sound levels in the band overshadowing his singing throughout the tour. He was dealing with tinnitus as well as a sore throat, according to her statement.
This disagreement increased tension that then ultimately exploded. “He was yelling just to make himself audible,” she explained in the post. While she commended Navarro for his cool demeanour, she blamed Avery for involving in the brawl and allegedly attacking Farrell, which was not captured on the film.
Jane’s Addiction, best recognised for their MTV smash Been Caught Stealing from the 1990 Ritual de lo Habitual album, was established in Los Angeles in the mid-80s. It followed the fan favourite Nobody’s Shocking (1988) and a live recording, Jane’s Addiction (1987). The track Just Because (2003) made it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S., holding the 72nd position for nine weeks.
In 1991, Farrell (65) spearheaded Lollapalooza, a touring festival that became a defining feature of the ‘90s alternative rock scene, and Jane’s Addiction was one of the headlining acts.
Jane’s Addiction has occasionally launched comeback tours, including one in 2001. A review at the time in The New York Times painted a picture of “Perry Farrell parading in garish attire and feathered caps as he performed, alongside a shirtless Dave Navarro striking traditional heavy-metal guitar stances”.
This year’s tour brought back the original bandmates, much to the delight of early followers. The Boston performance was scheduled midway through the North American tour. Fifteen performances, including one in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this past weekend, were postponed due to the band’s choice.
The cancellation notice was met with a cocktail of fans’ dismay and endorsement for the band’s decision to give importance to Farrell’s psychological well-being.
A few attendees have reported signs of disarray prior to the Boston concert. George Ingmire, a dedicated follower of the band and an established radio producer and DJ, remarked on the behaviour of Farrell during a performance in New Orleans in August. Farrell was reportedly making unusual remarks amidst songs and emitting high-pitched screeches into the microphone.
In a phone conversation, Ingmire shared his distaste for Farrell’s remarks about New Orleans being a prime location to procure heroin. To express his discontent, he left the concert before it concluded.
He nostalgically recalled seeing Farrell perform in the 1980s, remarking on the magic he brought to the stage. He questioned whether Farrell had been equally troubling back then but expressed scepticism.
This information was first reported in The New York Times.