They Would for You: Jane’s Addiction Reunites

No one was leaving Jane’s Addiction’s reunion show Wednesday night. The beloved Los Angeles band played its first show with the original lineup (Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Eric Avery) since 1991 at the El Rey Theater in a mini-concert that ended the inaugural American edition of the NME Awards (NME being, of course, the widely read weekly English music magazine. ... For full coverage of the awards show, check out Todd Martens' Extended Play).

The influential quartet received NME's award for “Godlike Genius” and collected the hardware before their mini-set. Jane’s Addiction ringleader Farrell (wearing a corset with a horsetail attached, naturally) seemed genuinely excited to win the award, saying from the podium at the ceremony before their set, “I’m psyched that they’re coming here to Los Angeles and planting the flag here because they represent great music and we’re proud to be a part of that.”

But if there was any question whom the night belonged to, it was Avery. The bassist, who has been busy with various projects over the last decade and just released a solo record, received the loudest applause of the night when Farrell introduced him. Several fans shouted out, “Thank you Eric,” for his decision to bury the hatchet and rejoin the band, if only for a night (although it’s already rumored that the band will do more shows this year).

Jane’s Addiction made nice use of Avery in their mini-set, choosing signature Jane’s songs that featured Avery’s steady bass work (“Ocean Size,” “Stop” and a massive-sounding “Mountain Song”).

Of course, this isn’t the first time Jane's Addiction has reunited. The band most famously hit the road in 1997 with Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea subbing for Avery.

But for true fans, the chemistry of the original four members is what made the band special, and Wednesday’s show proved just what an intoxicating elixir Jane’s Addiction can brew up live when all four members are together, sober and living in the moment for the music.

-- Charlie Amter

Photo by Charlie Amter

Comments

[Hugo]

holy crap!!! I think I'm a well read music fan, I even tune into Dave's website and his Spread Ent. shows. I didn't know about this! Wow! Eric is back? Wow woo wee! This is huuuuge.

[KoreyAusTex]

I don't understand why people keep thinking that Eric A is going to do anything more than this mini show celebrating the past. He more or less said this is a one time thing celebrating the past not trying to recreate it and I for one agree with him!