Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Jane's Addiction - Shoreline Amphitheatre

(Cross posted from Other Stuff)


If Shoreline Amphitheatre had a roof it would be gone this morning. As it was, Jane's Addiction shredded that tent last night like shears on paper.

It was so great to see this amazing rock band again, especially the original line-up with Eric Avery back on bass. That guy plays everything hard & angry; he was dropping bombs on virtually every note he played.

Maybe it was where I was sitting, right in front of Avery, but the bass was BLASTING, and it was clear within 30 seconds how different this band sounds with him on bass. I've heard that he & Farrell continue to hate each other and are having a hard time on this tour, and for the first half of the show it felt to me like Avery was kind of playing his parts (RIPPING his parts) but wasn't particularly jelled with the band, but again that could have been because of the mix where I was.

It was still great from the very beginning, but for me about halfway through the set it loosened up, the sound jelled and they simply destroyed the place.

As much of a glammy LA poser as Dave Navarro is, that guy is a GREAT guitar player. He doesn't just play his riffs as so many hard rockers do, he plays the moment, and because of that the songs all felt raw and alive and not as if they were just being re-played for the paycheck. He is the real deal, a face melter for sure.

To me Perry wasn't as intense as I've seen him in the past. Of all the times I've seen him with Jane's or other projects last night was probably the least impressive. He was still good, but that guy can be absolutely MEZMERIZING.

Last night his voice was not as strong as I've heard and he was off key at times (not particularly unusual for him) but mainly he just didn't move and dominate the stage quite as much as I've seen him before. Still, he was Perry Farrell; a facinating, truly GREAT rock star front man, and I'll always be happy to pay to see any band he's playing in.

And what can you say about Steven Perkins? What a pure power rock drummer. Oh man, that guy is a fucking TERMINATOR! He plays almost no super-fast runs or with any techno-impressive displays, he just powers that band constantly like the Guns Of Navarone. He is literally a BLAST to watch & listen to and is one of the great rock drummers of our time.

All in all this was not the best JA show I've ever seen, but it was close, and for a band that broke up 18 years ago and have only toured a handful of times since, it was pretty damn impressive and totally satisfying. I was tired and not feeling well when they started, but an hour and a half later I was RAGING!

Jane's Addiction is one of those rare bands where every member is brilliant and has equally great material, and IMO they are one of the GREAT rock bands of all time. Where are they playing tonight?


BTW, I have seen Nine Inch Nails a few times in the past and have never been much of a fan, but last night they were nothing but droning and dull to me.

They played before JA and it wasn't completely dark for much of their set, so their huge lightshow/production didn't get the full treatment, which was the argument a friend who's a NIN fan made to me. My feeling is if you NEED the smoke & mirrors to make it all work than something is missing. In all fairness, I didn't see all of their set, but I don't feel like I missed anything.

NIN may be more popular now that Jane's Addiction, but they were second fiddle to Jane's 18 years ago on the original Lollapalooza tour, and they were again last night.

Nice job

Nice review, thanks. Looking forward to seeing this show Saturday @ Deer Creek. Haven't seen either band since Lollapalooza 1. Wasn't willing to see Jane's w/out Eric. IMO he's crucial.

good work lance

passion and excitement
good to hear / read

nice metaphors
well structured review

i have not had the pleasure of addiction (Janes) - but am interested now
that is a desired outcome , no?

I saw the show, too and had the same impressions re: Avery and the band and the mix.He was ripping and luckily, Perkins was up to the task.

Dave Navarro got all Hollywood and that's why he isn't given his due as a guitar god. That guy is just flat out kick ass. Kudo's for being that old and still looking good w/ no shirt, too.

Perry Farrell can be hypnotic as a front man. PF light is still a damn good rockshow. We got a bit of PF Lite, but the moments where he brought it were worth the price of admission alone.Isaw Jane's @ the first Lollapalooza in Orlando and Perry and band was ON all night. That stands as my mark of best JA shows and this Shoreline was #2.

PS I d/l the complete show, so if you want a copy, e-mail my profile addy.