Jane's Addiction

Taking the artistry of Led Zeppelin, the hardcore intensity of Bad Brains, and numerous influences from funk, punk, and jazz to gothic, hard, and progressive rock, Jane’s Addiction became the poster child of a new wave of artistic rockers, creating a sense of theatrics with their music.

Formed in 1985 by Perry Farrell after the demise of his previous band, the gothic-death metal rock band of Psi-com, Jane’s Addiction was comprised of Farrell at vocals, future Red Hot Chili Peppers’ member Dave Navarro at guitar, Eric Avery at bass, and Stephen Perkins on drums. Three albums, their live self-titled debut from 1987, the Grammy-nominated Nothing’s Shocking (1988) and Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990) would be made with this incarnation of the band before breaking up for the first time in 1991 after internal strife and disagreements.

Jane’s Addiction would reform again in 1997 for a special tour with Flea replacing Eric Avery at bass. The tour was a success, yet the band would not be back again for another four years afterward; however, this time with Martyn LeNoble was on bass while Flea was still touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in support of Californication. The tour was also a success, and bassist Chris Chaney was brought in to record their first new album in 13 years, Strays, which was released in the summer of 2003. Unfortunately, Jane’s Addiction would break up again the following year.

Jane’s Addiction changed the blue print of rock music, and undoubtedly was amongst the bands that gave birth to alternative rock. Theatrics, eclectic activity (especially with the Lollapalooza Music Festival), and their artistic, thoughtful, and complex approach to their compositions became the poster child of daring and genre bending alternative rock. Currently, Navarro, Perkins, and Chaney are with The Panic Channel with singer Chris Issacs, as Farrell continues to work on a collaborative project. Jane’s Addiction’s greatest hits CD is expected to be released in the summer of 2006.


Jane’s Addiction Discography
Jane’s Addiction (1987) – Live
Nothing’s Shocking (1988)
Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990)
Kettle Whistle (1997) - Compilation
Strays (2003)