The legendary alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction is in turmoil as its members exchange legal blows following a physical altercation that erupted on stage during a concert in Boston last year. The incident not only derailed their reunion tour but also brought plans for a new album to a screeching halt.
In dueling lawsuits filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, bandmates aired explosive accusations. Guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Eric Avery are suing frontman Perry Farrell for at least $10 million, claiming his erratic and violent behavior caused irreparable damage to the band’s reputation and business prospects. The lawsuit describes Farrell’s actions as a direct attack on the integrity of Jane’s Addiction, stating he “single-handedly destroyed the name, reputation, trademark, and viability of the Band.”
In response, Perry Farrell and his wife and bandmate, Etty Lau Farrell, launched their own legal counterattack. Their suit paints a picture of a hostile environment orchestrated by Navarro, Perkins, and Avery, accusing them of a long-term campaign of harassment. According to the Farrells, their fellow bandmates tried to sabotage performances by playing at excessive volumes and physically assaulted them during the Boston confrontation.
Farrell expressed shock over the sudden cancellation of the remaining 15 tour dates, claiming he was not consulted. He also condemned the trio for publicly implying he suffered from mental health issues, a claim he says was defamatory and damaging.
Jane’s Addiction, pioneers of a genre-blending sound that fused punk, goth, and psychedelia, rose to fame in the late 1980s and became a defining voice of the alternative rock movement. Known for iconic tracks like “Jane Says” and “Been Caught Stealing,” the band also helped launch the influential Lollapalooza music festival in 1991.
Now, instead of planning their next tour, the band members are preparing for courtroom battles, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a triumphant comeback.