Jane’s Addiction Members Sue Perry Farrell Over Onstage Assault
Bandmates Seek $10M After Alleged Physical Attack Derails Tour and Album
Jane’s Addiction bandmates Dave Navarro, Eric Avery, and Stephen Perkins have filed a lawsuit against frontman Perry Farrell, alleging a violent onstage altercation last fall led to the cancellation of their North American tour and the postponement of a new album.
Allegations of Assault and Intoxication
The complaint, seeking $10 million, details an incident at a Boston concert where Farrell reportedly punched and shoved guitarist Navarro. Video footage captured the moment, with Farrell being restrained by crew members and escorted offstage. The suit further claims the attack continued backstage, with Farrell allegedly landing another blow to Navarro‘s face.
Band members contend that Farrell‘s actions were particularly egregious given Navarro‘s ongoing recovery from long Covid-19. The lawsuit also alleges that Farrell frequently appeared intoxicated during performances, exacerbating issues with his stage presence.
Tour Cancellation and Band’s Future in Doubt
The fallout from the September incident led to the cancellation of the remaining 12 dates of the band’s reunion tour. This tour marked the first time since 2010 that Avery had rejoined the lineup, and Navarro‘s return following his lengthy illness.
“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. Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs.”
—Dave Navarro, on behalf of himself, Eric Avery, and Stephen Perkins
In the wake of the cancellations, Farrell issued an apology to fans and his bandmates, stating, “This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family and friends for my actions during Friday’s show. Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation.”
The band’s legal action cites emotional distress, negligence, and breach of contract. Reports indicate that the production delays for their new album, which would have been the first featuring the classic lineup since 1990, have resulted in significant financial losses.
“Forever Destroyed” Band Relations
Dave Navarro has expressed deep pessimism about the possibility of future collaborations with Farrell. In an interview with Guitar Player earlier this year, he described the situation as “still very tender and unresolved,”
adding that the onstage altercation “forever destroyed the band’s life.”
Navarro concluded, “And there’s no chance for the band to ever play together again.”
Jane’s Addiction, formed in Los Angeles in 1985, became known for their fusion of hard rock and psychedelic sounds. Their early albums achieved platinum status in the United States, and their 2003 album, “Strays,” reached the top 10 on the US charts. The band’s seminal 1990 album, “Ritual de lo Habitual,” also continues to be a touchstone for alternative rock fans, selling over a million copies in the US.
