We all saw it, one way or another, happen. Perry Farrell, alt-rock hero who started Lollapalooza, which gave deliverance to so many bands that were underground until they weren't, became enraged on stage during a Jane's Addiction concert in 2024 and began being physically abusive to his bandmates.
It was ugly, as much for the worry that something was mentally wrong with Farrell as anything else. How could he act this way? Why would he? It was a disgusting episode.
Unfortunately for fans of the band and Jane's Addiction themselves, things have apparently not cooled. Farrell threw out an apology after the event, but maybe his bandmates were not satisfied with that. To be clearer, they weren't satisfied with that.
Lawsuits abound for Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction members Dave Navarro, Eric Avery, and Stephen Perkins have now filed suit against Farrell for a sum of $10 million. The result of Farrell's abusive interaction on stage with Navarro led to the band canceling the rest of their tour, which, of course, cost the band, the crew, and everyone else involved money.
The implication, though, is that no matter what Farrell has done since the incident in September 2024 has not been good enough to make the band feel OK with ever playing with him again, or that he is truly remorseful for what occurred.
Moreover, Navarro is suing Farrell for assault and battery over the issue. If anyone has taken a look at the Boston concert footage, it would seem as if any court would find in favor of Navarro. Ferrell was clearly not in control of himself. Navarro's lawsuit also states that Farrell knew that Navarro was in a weakened state due to suffering from the effects of COVID-19.
The real shame is for fans, of course. Jane's Addiction was a formidable presence and influence on 1990s alt-rock culture. Their reunion tour was well-received and was going well until Farrell's meltdown. The members of the band will continue to make money. Fans will miss out on the potential memories of seeing them live.