On a recent Tuesday night, Jane’s Addiction stopped by the humble burg of Baltimore and gave an inspirational, memorable performance. By 1985, Perry Farrell’s band Psi Com was dissolving and he met original JA bassist Eric Avery. In 1987, after several guitarists and a drummer change, they began supporting other bands, like Love & Rockets, with Dave Navarro (guitar, duh), Stephen Perkins (double duh), and Avery, gaining a loyal following in their native Los Angeles. Heavy touring grew their fan base. With a new contract with Warner Bros., the band released Nothing’s Shocking in 1988.
The Baltimore gig was a celebration of these roots, proving that Jane’s Addiction are polished and creative musicians that have survived decadent and grueling experiences. Avery, Navarro, and Farrell have all gone through drug and addiction recovery. Chris Chaney has been the go-to bass player in the studio since the Strays album (2003). The internal tension and individual battles along with addiction added to the mystery, causing the band to break up several times. However, they create infectious rock music magic when they set aside their differences and collaborate, in the studio and live.
Opening act Band of Skulls, an English blues-rock trio, played a tight, professional, and well-received set, clearly winning over some new friends. A friend of mine also attending the show, not having heard BoS before, texted me during their set: “Who is this band? They’re awesome!” The audience cheered after every song, and “Sweet Sour”, “The Devil Takes Care Of His Own”, and “Death By Diamonds and Pearls” were high points. Great songwriting, vocals, and an original twist on an old formula should keep them around for decades, hopefully.
The vibe and energy from the crowd was electric from the moment the Janes members could be seen in silhouette taking their places, as Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” played as an intro.
There was some polite banter, with Perry asking the crowd about their sex lives, but otherwise the guys kept it tight, moving from one classic JA song to the next. For true fans, this was a career-spanning, fan-based set, as their energy was substantial, but they didn’t take any real risks either. Considering where they are in their career, this is understandable, if not expected: you’re not going find the pure adventurous spirit of a 1980s Jane’s or that of the early Pearl Jam, with the lead singer scaling scaffolding and leaping into the crowd. Of course, they are mostly sober, I assume, based on my research, but Perry did toast the crowd a couple of times what with what looked like a carafe of wine.
But the crowd wasn’t at the Lyric to watch the band members imbibe. All and all, it was a love fest, even if a little kinky, with two leather-clad goddesses strutting around the stage with riding crops at the ready. Jane’s Addiction has always been about raw sexual energy, and that’s what they delivered: a polished and confident performance. You could feel Perry’s appreciation and joy from the back, as he smiled beamingly between every song.
Dave Navarro’s guitar work was very impressive with some great solos, punctuated by jumps off of his monitor. He played a black Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitar, which is appropriate since it’s made in Maryland. Later, JA mixed things up with a passionate version of “Jane Says”, Dave and Chris sitting on tall-backed, velvet seated Victorian chairs, Perkins tapping out the steel drum melody and accents, and Farrell telling us about Jane’s search for her wig. The night’s highlights were “Mountain Song,” “Just Because,” “Ain’t No Right,” “Irresistible Force,” “Up the Beach,” “Three Days,” and “Ocean Size.” Hell, every song played was a highlight.
The fact that this group keeps coming together, for tours and albums, is acknowledgement that an important chemistry and tension are still there. By their mass and enthusiastic volume, this Baltimore crowd voted approval. Hopefully the Great Escape Artists will reappear soon to celebrate their legacy as an innovative American rock band.
Setlist
1. Underground
2. Mountain Song
3. Just Because
4. Been Caught Stealing
5. Ain’t No Right
6. Irresistible Force
7. Jane Says
8. Classic Girl
9. Up the Beach
10. Whores
11. Three Days
Encore:
12. Splash a Little Water on It
13. Ocean Size
14. Stop!
