Popular alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction recently shocked fans by announcing the cancellation of their 2024 tour, following an incident at their Boston show on September 13. The event marked a turning point for the band, who also announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus, citing lead singer Perry Farrell’s mental health issues.
An altercation on stage
The September 13 evening was supposed to be a classic performance for Jane’s Addiction fans gathered at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston. However, things quickly escalated toward the end of the show, when Perry Farrell got into a heated argument with guitarist Dave Navarro. According to witnesses, Farrell began yelling at Navarro and shoving him. In response, Navarro attempted to keep his distance, but the confrontation escalated, culminating in Farrell punching him. The incident required the intervention of crew members, who escorted the singer offstage, interrupting the show.
The following day, the band released a first statement on social media, apologizing to fans for the incident and announcing the cancellation of their scheduled concert in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on September 15.
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A difficult decision: cancel the tour
On September 16, two new statements were released. The first, shared on Jane’s Addiction’s official accounts, announced the cancellation of the remainder of the tour and a hiatus for the band. “After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to take a break as a band. As a result, we are cancelling the remainder of the tour.”the message said. The band also said tickets would be refunded at the point of purchase.
The second statement, posted by Dave Navarro on his personal Instagram account and signed by Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins, went into more detail about the reasons for the decision. “Due to the behavioural and mental health issues of our singer Perry Farrell, we have had no choice but to end the tour”they wrote, adding that they hope Farrell finds the help he needs.
The band also expressed their regret to the fans: “We are deeply sorry that we cannot honor our commitments to those who have already purchased tickets. We do not see a solution that would guarantee a safe environment on stage or that would ensure a quality performance every night. Our hearts are broken.”
Perry Farrell’s Public Apology
Faced with the backlash from his colleagues and fans, Perry Farrell posted his own apology on his Instagram account. “This weekend has been incredibly difficult and, with some perspective, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, as well as our fans, family and friends for my actions during Friday’s concert.”Farrell wrote. “Unfortunately, I reached my breaking point and this led me to inexcusable behavior, for which I take full responsibility.”
A situation that has been brewing for a long time
Tensions within the band appeared to have been brewing for some time. The singer’s wife, Etty Lau Farrell, shared her own version of events on social media, explaining that Perry had been suffering from tinnitus and throat irritation due to the excessive volume on stage for some time. These frustrations, combined with criticism from the audience at the front of the stage about the sound quality, reportedly led Farrell to reach her “breaking point.” She also said that communication issues between the band members during performances may have made the situation worse.
The incident marks a turning point for Jane’s Addiction, whose tour was originally scheduled to end in Los Angeles on October 16. The band has not said when, or even if, they will return to the stage in the future.
