Jane's Addiction End Theater Of The Escapists Tour At Home in L.A.!

The last show of Jane's Addiction's epic Theater Of The Escapists Tour 2012 took place, appropriately, at home in Los Angeles, at the classic Wiltern Theater.

As it was the Saturday before Halloween, there was a steady stream of ladies as sexy whatevers, ghouls, zombies, and even furry cows filing into the old building, milling around in the lobby, getting drinks. Ruling.

Also in the lobby were escapists entertaining the crowd with the "Immersive Theater" that has come to be a trademark of this tour.

There were girls chained to railings, old-timey looking guys getting into play-fights (so realistic that the Wiltern staff told them they had to tone down the violence a bit), and a girl contorting herself inside a cage.

As many people were in costume at the event, there was that fine line blur of what was for the show, and what was real. Perfect tone to set.

thenewno2 opened the night for Jane's, and the experimental indie group fronted by Dhani Harrison were waaaay more rocking than how I remembered them at Lollapalooza. Even Harrison's band mate (in Fistful Of Mercy), Ben Harper, was seen practically David Lee Roth jumping off the sound board, so into his friend's jams was he.

It was great stuff to get in a rock trance to, but I had a lot of catching up to do backstage with friends I rolled with earlier this summer when I was lucky enough to be along for the Theater Of The Escapists East Coast ride.

Getting backstage just in time for the "Boiler Room" jams was a great choice. We squeezed into a little tiny room to get to hear Perry, Dave, Stephen and Chris fully rock out "Standing In The Shower Thinking" to just a handful of friends. I was squished in next to Tom Morello, and we agreed that this was exactly like listening to your friends jam in the basement back in the day. Only this was the monstrous, huge Jane's Addiction we were being sweat-splashed by this time. Life is so fun.

Show time! The Pink Floyd intro music that will now forever be related to this tour for me began, and the sold out Wiltern crowd began to collectively lose their mind as the house went dark. Then BAM! "Underground" began the show and Los Angeles finally got to see Etty Farrell and Stephanie Spanski swinging in their giant white dresses off of their trapezes, as the band whipped the place into a frenzy that would last throughout the set-list. "Mountain Song" is always a highlight, and tonight was no different.

L.A. LOVES their "Mountain Song". It was HUGE and blew right into "Just Because" (my friend Steph's favorite jam), then "Ain't No Right" and "Been Caught Stealing" back to back. All the Jane's songs are so intricate and huge, you can look around at the crowd and see them not even knowing where to look during the songs, because there's so much excellence going on.

From Dave Navarro's scorching guitar solos to Stephen Perkins' wailing on those drums, to Chris Chaney's bass resonance to Perry Farrell's inimitable voice and front man theatrics, never mind the hottest lady dancers ever, Bubba Carr's performance art, and video screen visuals swirling above it all, and you're sweating yourself just to take it all in.

"Irresistible Force" (off the newest JA album, The Great Escape Artist) made it abundantly clear that the new stuff is as BIG as the old tracks, and blends in to the set list so well that they're just all classics. This hometown crowd would probably have been stoked if they'd just played the Empire Carpet jingle, but they didn't have to settle for that, as next up was everyone's jam, "Jane Says". The guys were all up front of the stage and acoustic for this all-time classic, but I can't say the same for myself, as "All Access" at the Wiltern does not mean that, and the security guys wouldn't let me go down into the pit mix with the superfan people. That is dumb.

So back to the side of the stage for me, which no one can ever be mad at. I just like to be in the middle of it all at rock shows I love, you know?

Halloween's vibe was evident, and Perry at one point said, "If Mitt Romney wins the election (God forbid, even typing that is scary), it's gonna be SPOOKY in this country." Uh, yeah. No dwelling on that b.s. on this night though, not when Jane's Addiction is blowing up "Chip Away" and "Up The Beach" and "Whores"!!! The ENTIRE crowd was losing their shit, from the lucky ones in the pit to the very last row of the balcony, on their collective feet, SCREAMING.

"That is some original Los Angeles shit right there!" yelled Perry, who then told a tale about singing that one on Hollywood Boulevard ("when Dave Navarro was underage") and old hookers with their big tits would come by and listen. Ahhh, L.A. in the dirty old days ....

Led to "Three Days." EPIC. This extravaganza featured every player at the very top of their game. Navarro's solo was just ... ridiculous:

... and Perkins' solo threatened to implode the old Wiltern.

Perry was throwing down some Jim Morrison style shaman dancing, crawling around on his stomach, twirling and toasting the crowd - the entire time.

The dancers were gagged and teasing Dave and Perry with their canes as they acted out the world's sexiest three way ... for three days (or 10 minutes or so, but you felt transported away for days). LOVE it.

I seriously think of "Splash A Little Water On It" every time I'm in the shower since I got back from this tour.

That one was next, and as Bubba flung mud everywhere, we all watched from the side of the stage, arms raised, reflecting the ones up and facing us from the audience.

The people were absolutely loving every second of it, as were we.

A dreamy instrumental opening led to the massive scope of "Ocean Size". Wow. WOW! I love this one every time it's ever played on any speaker, but to hear it live is just a perfect example of how ROCK is supposed to feel.

And how BIG this band has always been and will always be. I can't think of any band today whose songs are ALL this well-crafted and tightly played, never mind one who feels so fresh even 20+ years into their existence. SO much respect.

We all had a bunch more songs we hoped for, but the last one (of the relatively short set list) was ... HERE WE GO!!! - "Stop!" I wrote "Crowd = ECSTATIC" in my book here. And they were. This was Jane's Addiction tearing up Los Angeles! The crowd all sang along, and this extra fast paced one was over in no time, and then so was the show.

The band and the dancers took their bows, Dave Navarro put on a Slash costume, and performers and fans beamed mutually at each other as the crowd kept screaming for more.

But that was it, and as the band waved and left the stage, you could hear the people's thunder all the way back downstairs. Jane's Addiction definitely left them wanting more, just like all the very best things in life do.

THANK YOU to Jane's Addiction for all the great rock they threw down in 2012 ... I can't wait to see and hear what's next! Classic, guaranteed.

New York/Jersey With Jane's Addiction - My Last Stop

The Jane's Addiction company pulled in to our New York City hotel around 5:00 in the morning, after squeezing the tour bus around the labyrinth that is Soho. An exhausted bunch slept for a few hours, and then tried to cram as much New York stuff in as possible before show time that night across the river in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I hit the Museum of Natural History with the kids, saw the giant tower going up on the World Trade Center site, the very pretty High Line, and everything else I love about New York from my cab window. Then I raced back to meet up at the hotel to head to Jersey.

Traffic was so bad in Soho that we decided to hoof it to our bus stuck in it 6 blocks away, so we wouldn't be late for the show. We were probably quite a sight, the band and entourage filing through cars, carrying pizza (the perfect New York plain cheese) and all. You do what you gotta do, laughing all the while.

Once we arrived at the State Theater in New Brunswick, it was quick change time. The Great Escape Artist tour is full of what Perry calls "Immersive Theater", and as it was my last show on the tour, I tagged along with dancer, Bubba Carr, as he rounded up what they call the Chain Gang.

Bubba goes out into the crowd with chains and straps and picks out people from the crowd that he finds interesting or super-fan or just plain hot, and chains them up together to lead them back for a private Jane's Addiction jam in the "Boiler Room". It was hilarious to observe, as the fans have no idea what's going to happen, and I heard one wife's husband say, "This show might end up in Divorce Court", as she happily split in chains, and he watched her go.

Once backstage, Bubba led the group into the Boiler Room, where the band was already jamming "Pigs In Zen" in what felt exactly like a basement party. Their faces were thrilled, and I imagine it will be an experience they brag about the rest of their natural lives. It's that cool.

After a couple songs, the guys adjourned to get ready to ROCK the place, but not before we caught a minute of the mock-able Olympic closing ceremonies. WHERE was the punk rock that we loved England for?! Anyway ...

The night felt electric, and I don't think it was just me feeling nostalgic already. The fans were fired up and slamming drinks (JERSEY!) when I was out in the crowd with Bubba, and you just knew the place was going to go OFF. Which it did as soon as "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" began and the lights dimmed.

"Underground" and the giant white skirts had everyone's jaws gaping, and they never shut. Because "Mountain Song" was next, and it never let up from there. "Before I came here, I thought New Brunswick was a bowling ball ... Now I know better!" said Perry to the adoring throng. "Just Because" is Hezron Farrell's favorite tune, and the kids were rocking out on the side of the stage the entire show. Get ready for the next generation, everyone, because it's in these little ones DNA. Fun.

I don't know if the guys were showing off for me or what (ha), but they were simply on fire, to a man. "Been Caught Stealing" found Perry telling the crowd to move up to the stage, and once that happened, it was a madhouse of people reaching for his legs, holding their arms up for Dave to slap, screaming while smiling.

Perry took someone's camera and took a photo of them, managed to sign peoples' stuff and slap fives, all while singing these monstrous tunes. "Ain't No Right" had simply ferocious drums from Stephen Perkins, and Perry was a spinning, dancing machine.

 I marveled at how little sleep I know we all had, how Perry had a surfing injury on his hip that's been bothering him, and yet from the look, sound and feel of it, it was as if it was their first headlining show ever. MARVELOUS.

"Irresistible Force" was huge, and Etty once again flew and sang above the crowd from her perch high above on a trapeze. Then the crazy music plays as Stephanie Spanski as an Automaton in a baby carriage walks across the stage and trips everyone out. I love it.

The acoustic "Jane Says" is always a crowd pleaser, and sure enough, everyone in that joint was on their feet, front to back, singing along LOUDLY to every word, absolutely beside themselves with elation. Ask 'em.

Someone handed a flask to Perry, who took a swig, and then he returned the favor by passing around his wine bottle down front.  The good times were rolling, for sure. New Brunswick!!!

"We always get requests for this next song {often by me}, and this one will always help you get laid, fellas", said Perry to introduce the pure classic of "Classic Girl". I, and everyone else, almost died. You don't get to hear this one very often, and I've loved it from first listen back in college.

Women were all over Perry and Dave in the front, hanging on to their arms and legs to the point that it was surprising they could still move and play. One lady even had a custom "I heart Perry" shirt on. Meaning it. Looking at the faces, it was as if everyone was having a collective holy experience. Beatific smiles that you couldn't help but return.

"What are you drinking?" asked Perry to one guy, who replied, "I Would For You!" probably thinking he should get his request in vs. answer the question. "You're drinking I Would For You?!"

But instead they got "Up The Beach", which is so massive you could only throw your head back and soak it in. Dave's guitar on that is full Pink Floyd huge, and I had chills the whole time. Which carried over into "Had A Dad", because it too is beyond big.

"Three Days" was the hottest thing ever, with Etty and Steph gagged and wielding canes to surround Perry in a threesome of fever dream proportions. Married ten years, Perry and Etty still look at each other like they're about to devour each other on stage, and having been a bunk mate of theirs along this tour, I can tell you that their love is true, palpable, and one of the few marriages I admire these days.

Aside from the obvious hot as hellness, the music on this one takes you on an epic journey, with Dave and Chris Chaney's guitar and bass swirling around Stephen's heavy drums that had the drooling fans hooting and hollering at how very metal it was.

After the screaming and stomping and clapping for an encore reached frantic proportions, Perry came back out and said, "President Perry told you so, you work your ass off, so you need to party your ass off!" and no one disagreed in there.

They gave them the awesome "Splash A Little Water On It" that went right into "Ocean Size", where I don't believe I'd ever seen Dave so animated or Perry so possessed by the moment. He was rolling around on the ground, giving his fucking ALL to these New Jersey people, who were jumping and holding up their arms like it was the first and last show they'd ever see.

"Stop" was last and when it got to the part everyone knows every word to: HUM along with me, hum along with the tv, hum along with the GODDAMN RADIO!!" the poor State Theater's roof was blown off and I don't even know where it went. But it did have to Stop, and when the sweaty and spent band left the stage to people shouting for even more, it was a group that knew they had kicked some serious ass. The crowd looked it too, wrung out, but joyously happy.

As was I. It was a complete blast going along on this leg of the Jane's Addiction journey, and documenting it along the way. I'll have these monumental memories for a lifetime, sad as I was to wind it up for now. I am blessed. I am inspired. I am thrilled that I get to know these creative, talented, visionary people, and even more so that I get to call them true friends.

THANK YOU from the depths of my heart to Perry and Etty Farrell, Hezron and Izzadore, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Chris Chaney, Stephanie Spanski, Bubba Carr, Doug Goodman, Monique Sanchez, and all the crew, drivers, venues, and places that we rocked together ... for sharing your world with me ... and the whole world. Wow. For the people at the rest of the tour stops, I sure hope you all get out to see this tremendous show, because you will carry it with you the rest of your days. I know I will.

And Summertime Rolls on ....




*Bus and Me photos by Mr. Bubba Carr.

Jane's Addiction Tea Party - Boston in Brief

Phhheeeew! Jane's Addiction's stop in Boston, Massachusetts was a whirlwind of historical sites, great food, and lots of family and friends. And a day off!

We stayed at a hotel right across from a cemetery that dates back to 1660, and it felt a little ghosty around there, if I'm honest.

Hot summer days had the streets choked with tourists, which was a little daunting, but I did make a wish (why?) on Paul Revere's grave ...

And his house ...

... Saluted old Ben Franklin ...

... peaced out in a little peace garden ...

and generally soaked it all in. Literally, as it was so extra hot. And stormy.

I had perhaps the best oysters of my life with the Farrell family at the delicious Little Creek Oyster Bar, and the "Best Cannoli in Boston 2012" at darling little Cafe Paradiso. Wow. Yum.

The Jane's show was at the Bank of America Pavilion, an outdoor venue next to the harbor that was breezy - thankfully - and fun.

The show was all kind of a blur, as there were a lot of visitors at this show, and a lot to keep track of. Once again, the fans were INTO it, and it's so inspiring to see this troupe of performers (Band, Dancers, Crew!) out there, night after night, giving it their absolute ALL.

From "Underground" to "Mountain Song", from "Jane Says" to "3 Days", people were pumping their fists throughout, all the way to the back row. It's just so rock and roll! From old fans from day one, to people just learning Jane's Addiction's epic music now, it doesn't really matter, because the minute they start a show ... it's ON.

"Splash A Little Water On It" had the band on fire, and Bubba Carr putting it out with his clay man splashing antics. This production is definitely a SHOW - and it's hard sometimes to even know where to look, as so much is going on, but it always comes back to the band.

Perry was very into the fact that Boston had their tea party, and rebelled against the man waaaay back in the day ... "You threw that shit into the sea and didn't take no shit!", he yelled, and though today's audience probably had nothing to do with that whole uprising, they were happy to yell for themselves anyway. Kind of like Celtics fans. (Just kidding).

After a massive singalong to "Stop", the band left the stage to thrilled screaming. A little visiting with people backstage, and then it was time for the overnight bus trip to NYC.

We'll see you again, Boston!  - Perry Farrell

* George W. and Cemetery photos by Bubba Carr
** Crowd and band shot by Casey Riddles