Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets By Brad Stevens October 1, 2024 Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets Captivate South Florida While Perry Farrell gives shaky performance By Brad Stevens | Photos: Chris Schmitt Two bands that helped kickstarted the alternative rock revolution and were mainstays on college radio station playlists throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s took the stage at Hollywood’s Hard Rock Live August 31st, 2024. Jane’s Addiction and openers Love and Rockets, both featuring their original line-ups, brought decades of post-new-wave, pre-grunge rock history with them. Back in 1987, while riding high on the alternative charts and promoting their third album Earth, Sun, Moon, Love and Rockets headlined a double bill at South Beach’s Club 1235, with Jane’s Addiction supporting—tickets were just $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Fast forward to 2024, and these two bands are sharing the stage again, but this time, Love and Rockets opens for Jane’s Addiction. The lights dimmed and British trio, Love & Rockets, consisting of former Bauhaus members Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins took the stage and promptly dove into its catalog to treat concert goers to the band’s distinctive blend of atmospheric rock, infused with moody psychedelic elements. Lead singer and guitarist Daniel Ash, donning a spiky hairdo, large black shades, and a shiny silver suit with red scarf, looked ageless and sounded marvelous. They opened their set off with “The Light” and delivered a powerful performance that honored their rich history while showcasing their timeless influence. Fan favorites “No New Time to Tell” and “So Alive” got even the back of the venue swaying to the group’s once-signature grinding guitars and tense rhythms. And based on its impressive 60 minute opening set at Hard Rock Live, the band is still more than worthy of that headlining status, especially based on the unforgettable performance that was about to follow. As the lights dimmed and the Jane’s Addiction’s logo shined brightly at the rear of a darkened stage, the elaborate lighting and captivating visual elements set the tone for slow building “Kettle Whistle”. Jane’s Addiction has always been known for their ability to blend music with visual art. Frontman Perry Farrell emerged with his signature voice, looking dapper and stylish with slicked-back silver-blonde hair and a black fedora, casually holding a full bottle of wine in one hand. Unfortunately, that set the tone for the rest of the show—and, as it turns out, the rest of the tour. The band launched into “Whores,” hitting their stride both visually and musically, with the return of guitar virtuoso and style icon Dave Navarro, who had been sidelined from touring while battling long COVID since their last run with Smashing Pumpkins. Sporting a fedora, dark, edgy eye makeup, and proudly showcasing his tattooed sleeves, Navarro commanded the stage with a bold presence. His guitar tone was a perfect fusion of aggression and clarity, delivering breathtaking moments throughout the night. Drummer Stephen Perkins delivered his steady, powerful machine-like precision combined with Eric Avery’s rich and driving bass lines, laid down a solid foundation for the show. Chugging from a full bottle of wine throughout the performance, Farrell’s delivery was often late and disjointed, making it difficult to reconcile his lackluster performance with the sheer power the band was generating behind him. While the group’s struggles with addiction have been a significant part of their history, it was initially unclear whether his performance was influenced by illness or intoxication. As the night progressed, Perry’s behavior seemed to spiral; he launched into nonsensical rants about living in Florida, surfing, and arguing with his brother about politics, among other incoherent topics. I remember sitting there, genuinely disappointed and concerned for vocalist Perry Farrell, who appeared to mumble and ramble throughout the night, forgetting lyrics and stumbling around the stage like some strange Corey Feldman imitation. Farrell was incoherent and unfit to perform. I’m sorry, but Perry was lit, too lit. Despite his struggles on stage, the crowd went wild and cheered enthusiastically, mirroring the family members of addicts who often enable destructive behavior and unwittingly contribute to their loved ones’ struggles. The band’s 90-minute set ended with two of its most well-known alt-rock classics to end the show- “Stop!” and “Been Caught Stealing” and “Chip Away”. We’ve all heard by now about what happened at their show in NYC and ultimately their confrontation in Boston leading to their break up and cancelation of their tour, and it serves as cautionary tale – I truly hope and pray Perry Farell seeks the help he needs. Share It!
