Jane's Addiction literally skyrocketed to fame back in the 1987 when they came out from the LA rock scene.
During that time, Red Hot Chili Peppers were famous already and lording the punk funk genre in LA, so when another punky funky band came out but with a more rock band appeal burst through, they were just the rave of LA and the music world.
Jane's Addiction can be compared to Nirvana's ascent back in the day except the music industry wasn't as globally far reaching as during the advent of the 90s. Thats just my assessment why the band doesn't seem to ring a bell to many but true rockers would know about Jane's Addiction. For me, music distribution truly took off in the 90s where the music industry was the king of the world. The band was selling out venues in LA (in minutes tickets are gone)but the band stopped making music in '91.
Jane's Addiction is composed of Perry Farrell on vocals, Eric Avery on bass, Dave Navarre on the axe, and Stephen Perkins on drums.
The funny thing about the band is that Perry and Eric are goths while Dave and Stephen are metalheads. The fusion of punk and metal in this collaboration just melded so right that their hit song "Jane Says" was an instant classic the moment it hit the airwaves.
For some reason, the band broke up in 1991. If you didn't know, Dave Navarre even became a Chili Pepper at one point. Flea also stood in for one time as bassist for Jane's Addiction, so The Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction are good friends, not rivals.
Another tidbit, Perry Farrell started Lollapalooza. Bet you didn't know that? I only did while doing this blog ahaha.
So they reunited a couple of times here and there from 1997 to 2013 but the roster had been changing. Finally, 2023 there had been feelers of original members reuniting but somehow Dave Navarre excused himself due to prolonged effects of Covid. But I think the reunion of original members will happen anytime soon and with new materials, so I'm excited about that.
The song Jane Says as I've mentioned is already considered a classic. It's a story of Jane being abused by her junkie lover Sergio. The first time I heard this song I think I was in college and it already imprinted on me. Very few songs imprint to me on the first listen, usually on the second, third or more.
For first listens I only have Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley, Stinkfist and H by Tool and Not Enough Time by INXS if I remember right.
So many things really to write about this band, especially about each individual members but it might become a novel. Most fans agree that if any of the original members ain't there, it isn't Jane's Addiction. That's how good each band members are that fans are unwilling to accept a replacement. Guesting, yes, replacement, no.
The video here featured is where Flea was the one manhandling the bass. Credits to the owner of the video. Enjoy
