More details have emerged regarding singer Perry Farrell ’s meltdown at Jane’s Addiction ‘s September 13th Boston show that led to the alt-rock band’s tour being canceled . Dan Cleary, a guitar tech who was working the tour, has given a detailed account of the events leading up to the incident, while also divulging that Farrell punched guitarist Dave Navarro in the face backstage after the initial onstage skirmish.
As previously reported, Farrell shoved and punched Navarro onstage toward the end of the band’s show at Leader Bank Pavilion, ending the concert abruptly. He was pulled off the guitarist by Cleary and bassist Eric Avery, who subsequently landed a couple of punches on Farrell.
On the latest episode of his podcast Rare Form Radio (as reported by Variety ), Cleary discusses the Jane’s Addiction disfunction with Navarro’s longtime friend Todd Newman.
Cleary explains that the problems started when Farrell and his wife Etty Lau wanted a more elaborate production for the band’s North American tour, including dancers and backup singers. However, the other three members of Jane’s opted for a more scaled-down show.
“It’s 2024, it’s a bit of a different time,” said Cleary. “You know, having scantily clad chicks onstage or on video, I don’t think it’s as empowering as maybe the Farrells might think it is … The Farrells sort of couldn’t let go of this thing, to the point that before the first show, Perry quit the band.”
Farrell was ultimately persuaded to move ahead with the tour, but the lack of production apparently upset him so much to the point that he was despondent with his bandmates throughout the run.
Cleary noted that two other shows on the tour were particularly bad, including one in Tampa and the first of two nights in New York City.
“The first [New York City] show was the worst show I’ve ever seen in my life — I’m not saying just with Jane’s; it was the worst show I’ve ever seen,” recounted Cleary. “[Farrell] didn’t know where he was in the songs. He didn’t know the words. He was singing words from other songs. These are not sound issues. … And also, he had a bunch of fantastic shows throughout the tour. The sound doesn’t change — we’re the same all the time.”
Apparently, that show led to some arguments within the band, but Farrell and Navarro hugged it out and delivered a great performance the next night in New York City. However, the show after that was the infamous Boston gig.
Cleary explained that Navarro and Farrell were out of sync throughout the Boston show, to the point where the singer shoved and punched Navarro. The guitar tech also confirmed Etty’s claim that Avery punched Farrell a couple times while engaging him in a headlock.
On the podcast, Cleary actually included audio from backstage, where Navarro is heard saying to Farrell, “What the f**k was that, you motherf**ker?”
That’s when Farrell apparently punched Navarro square in the face. “That one, he actually connected with,” insisted Cleary. “You can hear it, the right hand to the left side of Dave’s face.”
Cleary went on to say that he didn’t think alcohol played a major role in Farrell’s actions, explaining, “He isn’t drinking a shitload of wine onstage.” He chalked it up to “emotional issues” and possible “substances.”
As for the status of Jane’s Addiction, Cleary believes the band is done, but hopes that Farrell gets the help that he needs. “No one’s trying to villainize Perry,” said Cleary. “He did do this, and I know this band is over with, but I really do hope that he’s able to figure [things] out… I think that Perry’s apology that was posted on Instagram was heartfelt — and I know that for sure because I’ve checked in and I know that he’s hurting.”
This past weekend, Etty posted an update saying that Perry is seeking medical help , including visiting an otolaryngologist and a neurologist for the vocal issues he experienced on the tour.
A handful of days after the incident, Jane’s Addiction released the new song “True Love,” with Navarro later lamenting that fans will likely never hear it played live.
For a more detailed account of what happened, check out Cleary’s entire podcast, which begins with a new video angle of the onstage altercation between Farrell and Navarro. Below that, hear Navarro’s recent appearance on Consequence’s own Kyle Meredith With… podcast.
Consequence (formerly Consequence Of Sound)5 days ago
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