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Members of Jane’s Addiction have sued the alt-rock band’s lead singer, Perry Farrell, after an on-stage altercation last fall that they claim derailed their North American tour and forthcoming album. Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins are seeking $10m from the 66-year-old singer.
Guitarist Navarro is also suing Farrell for assault and battery for the onstage altercation at a Boston gig in September last year. Footage from the concert showed Farrell punching and shoving Navarro before he was restrained by crew members. He was then escorted off the stage.
The band members reportedly allege in the complaint that “Perry’s repeated and unprovoked attack on Navarro was especially painful because Perry knew that Navarro was still weak and suffering from the effects of long Covid-19”. The attack allegedly continued backstage, where Farrell threw “another unexpected punch at [Navarro], striking him on the left side of the face”.
Following the incident, the band canceled the rest of their well-reviewed reunion tour, which marked the first time Avery joined the lineup since 2010, and Navarro’s return after his bout with long Covid. At the time, Navarro released a statement on behalf of him, Avery and Perkins that read: “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.”
Farrell later apologized to fans and his bandmates, saying in a statement: “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 altercation precipitated the cancellation of the remaining 12 shows in the band’s tour and delayed the production of their new album – the first featuring the band’s classic lineup since 1990 – resulting in major financial losses. All three musicians are suing Farrell for emotional distress, negligence and breach of contract for the altercation, according to TMZ, the first to report the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also alleges that Farrell was often intoxicated on tour and during shows. “The problems with Perry’s performance would often worsen as the night wore on and he became more intoxicated,” it reportedly reads.
In the months since the incident, Navarro has shut down chances of a rapprochement with Farrell. “I have to say that’s my least favorite gig, without throwing animosity around and without naming names and pointing fingers,” Navarro told Guitar Player in May, adding that the situation was “still very tender and unresolved”.
The altercation “forever destroyed the band’s life”, Navarro continued. “And there’s no chance for the band to ever play together again.”
Founded by Farrell, Avery, Chris Brinkman and Matt Chaikin in Los Angeles in 1985, Jane’s Addiction infused hard rock with psychedelic energy. Their first two albums went platinum in the US, and their 2003 comeback Strays reached the US top 10.
