SXSW: Jane's Addiction rock an abandoned Safeway for Playboy

There are a lot of odd places to rock here in Austin, Texas. Last night, Grizzly Bear played in a church, many have been playing on rooftops or in alleyways, but Jane's Addiction may have found the most unique venue: a gutted former Safeway off Interstate 35 as headliners for the Playboy/C3 party.

The 10th annual Late Night Party lived up to its name -- the original members of Jane's Addiction didn't hit the stage (what would have been aisles 6-13) until 1:45 a.m., but once they did it was a trippy, hard rockin' excursion through the quartet's greatest hits.

Welcoming the crowd (who were pleasantly oiled up from complimentary Jack Daniels) with the familiar bass lines of "Three Days," Jane's took their time before they unleashed the majesty of their wallop. Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro might be the poster boys of this mighty band, but the newly regrouped rhythm section of Eric Avery and  Stephen Perkins have always been the special sauce.

Although last year's secret Porno for Pyros show at South by Southwest was a delight, you could tell that Perry was especially excited to be playing with the original Jane's Addiction as they blazed through classics like "Been Caught Stealing" and "Stop."

Jane's Addiction might consider this a warm-up show before they head out as co-headliners with Nine Inch Nails on a summer arena tour, but those of us in attendance will long remember this gig as a special one, and not just because of its bizarre location.

Set list via Mog:

"Three Days"
"Ain’t No Right"
"Whores"
"Standing in the Shower ... Thinking"
"Ted, Just Admit It ..."
"Been Caught Stealing"
"Had a Dad"
"Mountain Song"
"Ocean Size"
"Stop"

-- Tony Pierce

Photos: Tony Pierce