In a Christmas treat, Jane’s Addiction have come together “one last time” to resolve their differences, announcing that they’re officially breaking up but have made peace.
In September 2024, the American rockers made news after singer Perry Farrell threw a punch at guitarist Dave Navarro, ending their show in Boston early.
The band were playing their song Ocean Size when Farrell, who seemed to be struggling with his vocals, turned to Navarro, barged into him and said, “fuck you.”
Navarro raised his hands as Farrell swung at the guitarist’s face. Bassist Eric Avery and the security detail went to restrain Farrell as the remaining people on stage departed. After the incident had been cleared, Avery, Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins returned to the stage and told the crowd goodnight.
Following the incident, Jane’s Addiction cancelled the next show on their run and issued an apology to fans. They then cancelled the remainder of the tour.
Flash forward to July of this year, and Perry Farrell and his bandmates had filed lawsuits against each other. Navarro, Avery, and Perkins were seeking $10 million in damages from Farrell, while Navarro also sued Farrell for assault and battery for the on-stage altercation.
Meanwhile, Farrell claimed that Navarro, Avery, and Perkins assaulted him on stage after complaining about the volume at which Navarro played the song Ocean Size.
The frontman also said that the alleged assault was the result of a “years-long bullying campaign” in which his bandmates had attempted to “undermine” him while performing on stage by playing too loudly, and he therefore couldn’t hear himself or sing in tune.
Now, it seems the lengthy conflict has come to an end, with Farrell and the band sharing statements on social media that indicate they’ve made peace ahead of their disbandment.
“To everyone in Boston, and around the world. I’d like to address what happened on stage last year,” Farrell’s statement begins. “I’ve reflected on it and know I didn’t handle myself the way I should have. I apologize to our patrons and my bandmates for losing my temper and for disrupting the show.”
He continued, “Jane’s Addiction has been at the center of my life for decades. The band, the songs, the patrons and the impact that we’ve had on music and culture mean more to me than any words I could ever possibly write down.
“My aim has always been to give our audience the best possible show, something real, honest and positive. In Boston, we fell short of that, and I’m truly sorry to everyone who was impacted.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support. Perry Farrell.”
In a joint post, Jane’s Addiction aimed to “clarify” the events that took place around the altercation last year.
“After that show, without notice to Perry, we unilaterally determined it would be best to not continue the tour and made inaccurate statements about Perry’s mental health which we regret,” the band’s statement reads.
“Today we are here to announce that we have come together one last time to resolve our differences, so that the legacy of Jane’s Addiction will remain the work the four of us created together.”
“One last time” seems to indicate that it really is the end of the band. In the following paragraph, the band cited “separate musical and creative endeavours,” adding that Jane’s Addiction will “forever” live in the band members’ hearts.
They wrote, “We now look forward to the future as we embark on our separate musical and creative endeavors. Jane’s Addiction will forever live in our hearts. We are proud of the music we created together.
“You, the fans, are our lifeblood, and we will always appreciate you.”
Jane’s Addiction was founded by Farrell, Avery, Chris Brinkman and Matt Chaikin in Los Angeles in 1985. Navarro and Perkins joined the band in 1986 and returned after its reunions, playing on all the group’s releases.
