Music History

The Jane’s Addiction onstage bust-up was nothing. Let me tell you some stories.

[This was my column for GlobalNews.ca. – AC]

On Friday, Sept. 13 — auspicious, I know — Jane’s Addiction was 11 songs deep into their set at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston when singer Perry Farrell apparently snapped.

He began screaming at guitarist Dave Navarro, getting right into his face before giving him a forearm shot to the chest. Roadies and security appeared onstage and dragged Perry away. The fight apparently continued backstage with Perry punching Dave in the face.

The initial story was that Perry was frustrated with the onstage monitor mix and couldn’t hear his vocals, a struggle exacerbated by his tinnitus. Within 36 hours, the rest of this reunion tour was cancelled, refunds were issued, and apologies and mea culpas appeared on social media.

Perry was off to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist as well as a neurologist. If I had to guess, I’d say that Jane’s Addiction is done.

Onstage bust-ups and break-ups like this are as old as rock ‘n’ roll itself. And what the audience saw in Boston earlier this month is nothing when compared with other conflagrations.

Keep reading.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39044 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “The Jane’s Addiction onstage bust-up was nothing. Let me tell you some stories.

  • Where are the “stories”?

    Pick another job, you suck at this one.

    Reply
    • Jeezus man, can’t you read? Click on the “keep reading” link at the bottom to take you to the original post.

      Pick another job. You suck at leaving comments.

      Reply

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