There were threats of major summer thunderstorms this Friday night on the Brooklyn Waterfront; perhaps that is why one of the vital late 80’s/early 90’s rock and roll acts could only fill about half of the outdoor venue. Whatever the reason Jane’s Addiction didn’t seem to mind as they played with an energy that proved they still have fire in their veins.
While the winds howled and clouds passed by still holding their water, the band used two Pink Floyd songs as introductions to their set, “Shine On You Crazy Diamonds” was pumped in under purple stage lights, before the lights turned red and “Welcome to the Machine” got halfway finished before the foursome took to the stage. Opening the show the band choose a more recent number to open as “Underground” off of The Great Escape Artist started up while acrobats on high swings with long white dresses flowed above the stage. The bass rumblings of “Mountain Song” came out next and earned cheers from the crowd, but Perry Farrell seemed to be holding his voice back a bit in the early goings, and the song never lived up to its legendary status on this night.
The wind played a bit of havoc with the sound during “Just Because” but things got fixed quickly as the band broke into “Been Caught Stealing” much to the delight of those in attendance. The tune featured an extended breakdown complete with a female dancer gyrating all around the stage in a silver spandex suit. The sound problems were completely gone as the group tore through “Ain’t No Right” with Dave Navarro’s greasy six string fills sliding sexily around the stage.
The band cooled it down then with a mini acoustic set for the ever popular kettle drum laced “Jane Says” and the vocal effects laden “Classy Girl”. The full on thunder of the group returned as the band slammed “Up The Beach” and blasted straight into “Whores”; anyone doubting if this band still has it only needed to hear these two numbers to cast aside lingering questions. Jane’s Addiction ended their main set with an extended take on “3 Days” complete with sonic fireworks and dancers galore.
The encore focused on the metallic blast of “Ocean Size” and the speedy mega riffs it contains before head banging right into “Stop”. The group seemed to be told to do just that with ideas that the weather, which had mercifully held up until this point, may turn evil but Perry asked for one more number and the group played a set closing “Summertime Rolls”. Jane’s Addiction seemed to genuinely enjoy the Brooklyn night air and put forth a rocking show reminding fans that while their back catalog might not be deep, it sure is powerful.
