There’s nothing quite like a Jane’s Addiction concert.
Dave Navarro and Perry Farrell rocking out image: Getty
If you have never been, you should absolutely go to one. It is kind of like a crazy circus act with scantily-clad dancers, occasional pyromania, and characters, both listening to the music and in the band itself. Perry Farrell, Jane’s lead singer and resident lightning rod, has never been one to mince words, but that is one of the reasons why we love him. And this was the case last night when the band performed at The Elder Scrolls vs. Skyrim game launch at the Belasco Theater in downtown LA. In between songs and very large swigs of red wine-“not the cheap stuff”-he proselytized about a variety of subjects, ranging from indie rock band Modest Mouse (not a fave of his) to calling upon the mostly entertainment industry-based audience to rage against the machine and “throw away your leather jackets and dance like Perry Farrell!” Oh, and he also tried, half-jokingly, to get a guy kicked out of the venue because he wouldn’t give Farrell the ring on his finger. Then, throw in multiple F-bombs for good measure. And the crowd loved it!
Christina Aguilera at the Skyrim Party featuring Jane's Addiction image: Getty
What keeps Jane’s endeared to me (Nothing’s Shocking remains one of my fave albums of all time) is the fact that their sound is still amazing after almost three decades since the genesis of this band. Last night after delivering a serious beat down to his drum set, Stephen Perkins moved to the steel drums at the side of the stage to finish the night with the crowd-pleasing, “Jane Says.” Guitarist Dave Navarro, who is so incredibly talented, really had his shining moment during “Three Days.” And Perry’s unmistakeable and ethereal voice still has that visual quality to it, painting pictures of mountains, yellow buttercups, and pepper sunlight.
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