Tis the season for reunion tours. But Jane's Addiction's highy anticipated Imminent Redemption tour has found several band members looking for redemption themselves. Here's a timeline of what happened:
13 September
Onstage fight
An altercation broke out onstage between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro. Footage taken at the Boston concert shows Farrell shoving and punching Navarro, before being restrained by crew members. He was removed from the stage, causing an abrupt end to the show.
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14 September
Etty Lau's first person account
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Farrell’s wife, Etty Lau Farrell, posted a "first person account” of what occurred on Instagram. “Clearly there had been a lot of tension and animosity between the members.. the magic that made the band so dynamic. Well, the dynamite was lit. Perry got up in Dave’s face and body checked him.”
She wrote that her husband’s “frustration had been mounting, night after night.” and that “his voice was being drowned out by the band.” She adds, “Perry had been suffering from tinnitus and a sore throat every night. But when the audience in the first row, started complaining up to Perry cussing at him that the band was planning too loud and that they couldn’t hear him, Perry lost it.”
Things blew up when the band apparently began performing 'Ocean Size' before her husband was ready. “The stage volume was so loud at that point, that Perry couldn’t hear pass the boom and the vibration of the instruments and by the end of the song, he wasn’t singing, he was screaming just be to be heard.”
Band issues statement
The band also issued a statement in an Instagram story taking accountability for what happened: “We want to extend a heartfelt apology for the events that unfolded last night. As a result we will be cancelling tomorrow night’s show in Bridgeport.” The message continued, “Refunds will be issued at your point of purchase.”
16 September
Tour cancellation
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A statement addressed to fans posted to the official Jane's Addiction Instagram page read, "The band have made the difficult decision to take some time away as a group. As such, they will be cancelling the remainder of the tour." The post also states that refunds for canceled dates will be issued at point of purchase, while fans who purchased tickets from third-party resale sites are advised to contact the site directly.
Perry Farrell apologises
The lead vocalist took to Instagram to say, "This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family and friends for my actions during Friday's show. Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."
Navarro’s statement
A statement posted on Navarro’s Instagram, signed by Navarro and bandmates Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins, reads: “Due to a continuing pattern of behaviour and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour. Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs.”
Navarro further shares that the band “deeply regret” not being able to perform for fans, but they "can see no solution that would either ensure a safe environment on stage or reliably allow us to deliver a great performance on a nightly basis. Our hearts are broken.”
The future
This sudden and dramatic developments will no doubt disappoint fans who were looking forward to seeing Jane Addiction’s classic-era lineup reunited after decades away. The band had been scheduled to play a dozen concerts across America and Canada in coming weeks.
But hey, if Liam and Noel Gallagher can make up after countless arguements and fist fights - so can Farrell and Navarro.
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