Jane's Addiction

Jane's Addiction Artistfacts

  • 1986-2024
    Perry FarrellVocals
    Dave NavarroGuitar
    Stephen PerkinsDrums
    Eric AveryBass1986-2010, 2022-
    Chris ChaneyBass2002-2022
  • The Lollapalooza festival was created by Perry Farrell and music executive Marc Geiger. It showcased many notable artists in its first year including Nine Inch Nails, The Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band and The Violent Femmes. Jane's Addiction led the first Lollapalooza tour in 1991 as their farewell before their first breakup. Since that time, the yearly Lollapalooza festival has become an alternative rock staple.
  • The group was named Jane's Addiction after lead singer Perry Farrell's roommate at the time of the band's formation, Jane Bainter, who was addicted to heroin. Most bands named after regular people come from guys; Jane is a rare female representative in this group.
  • From its initial formation in 1985 the band has gone through three different guitarists. In 1986 Dave Navarro joined the band as guitarist and made a lasting impression.
  • Upon its initial release, the band's first album, Nothing's Shocking, failed to make much of an impression on modern rock radio and MTV. After the band gained greater success with their next album, Ritual de lo Habitual, their debut album's sales increased.
  • After the release of their second album in 1989, the band toured for 13 months. Lead singer Perry Farrell says, "that 13-month tour was half the reason we wound up unable to stand one another." In 1991, guitarist Dave Navarro left the band and later joined Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  • Out of the embers of Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros was created with Perry Farrell and drummer Steven Perkins spearheading the project. Their best-known song is "Pets," released on the first of their two albums.
  • Guitarist Dave Navarro's mother Constance Navarro was murdered by boyfriend John Riccardi in March 1983. Dave was only 15 years old at the time of his mom's death. Riccardi was arrested in 1991, thanks to a viewer tip after Navarro appeared on the television series America's Most Wanted.
  • Dave Navarro first started playing the guitar when he was 7 years old, inspired by his singer-songwriter cousin, Dan Navarro. He told Ernie Ball in a "String Theory" episode:

    "I expressed an interest in learning guitar, and he showed me some chords. And that was probably one of the most profound gifts I've ever received from anyone. Just learning three simple chords led me on a journey that forever changed my life."
  • Their 2024 tour came to an abrupt end when Perry Farrell lost it on stage during a show in Boston. He threw a punch at Dave Navarro and had to be removed by crew members. Apparently, he was upset with sound levels and the band starting songs before he was ready.

    The tour was canceled, with his bandmates issuing a statement that read: "Due to a continuing pattern of behavior 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."

    Farrell responded: "Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."

    It got more contentious from there. In July 2025, Farrell's bandmates sued him for money they lost by having the tour canceled, and Farrell sued them back. Dave Navarro also sued Farrell for assault and battery.

    The band is presumed to be broken up for good. Dave Navarro told Guitar Player in May 2025: "There's no chance for the band to ever play together again."

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