The Jane’s Addiction concert in Boston was cut short on Friday night after lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro got into a physical altercation on stage during a performance of their song “Ocean Size.”
Video footage from the event showed Farrell becoming visibly agitated, walking up to Navarro and shoving him, which escalated to Farrell throwing a punch at Navarro’s shoulder. Navarro, confused by Farrell’s aggression, questioned, “What the fuck?” as crew members rushed to separate them. In an attempt to confront Navarro again, Farrell was held back by multiple crew members and bassist Eric Avery, who intervened to escort him backstage. After 11 songs, which is shorter than the usual setlist, Navarro left the stage, marking an abrupt end to the concert.
Reports suggest that tension between the band members had been brewing since the start of their reunion tour in August. Farrell’s extended banter with the audience often seemed to frustrate Navarro. It was also noted that Farrell had consumed a considerable amount of red wine during the performance.
Prior incidents earlier in the week, including two problematic shows in New York City, had hinted at underlying issues, but nothing compared to the explosion in Boston. The disagreement reportedly started during the song “Mountain Song” and persisted through “Three Days,” culminating in the physical confrontation during “Ocean Size.”
The band has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. However, Etty Lau Farrell, Perry’s wife, provided insight on social media, highlighting that the band had experienced significant tension. She explained that Farrell was frustrated with the loud stage volume, which he felt drowned out his vocals and aggravated his tinnitus and sore throat. This frustration reached a breaking point when audience members complained about not being able to hear him.
Etty also revealed that a heated exchange occurred backstage between Farrell and Avery, with Avery allegedly putting Farrell in a headlock and striking him. She described the backstage atmosphere as chaotic, with Farrell upset and in tears, while Avery reportedly took advantage of the situation.
In response to the incident, musician Liam Gallagher commented on Twitter, criticizing the band’s behavior and suggesting that intra-band conflicts do not bode well for their professional image.
The Jane’s Addiction reunion tour is expected to continue with a performance in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Sunday, and will wrap up on October 16 in Los Angeles. This tour marks the first time in 14 years that the band’s original lineup has toured together, following Navarro’s battle with long Covid.