A concert by Jane’s Addiction in Boston on Friday night was abruptly cut short following an onstage altercation between singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
During a performance of the song “Ocean Size,” Farrell became visibly agitated and approached Navarro, shoving him with his shoulder before throwing a punch at Navarro’s shoulder. Navarro, taken aback, questioned, “What the fuck?” as crew members intervened to restrain Farrell. Despite their efforts, Farrell attempted to confront Navarro again, prompting additional crew members and bassist Eric Avery to step in and escort him backstage. After 11 songs, the concert concluded prematurely, falling short of the usual 14 or 15 songs typically performed during the tour.
Reports suggest that tensions between Farrell and Navarro had been building since the band’s reunion tour kicked off in August. Navarro appeared frustrated during past performances due to Farrell’s extensive crowd interactions. Eyewitness accounts noted that Farrell had consumed a bottle of red wine during the show, and earlier incidents, including difficulties at shows in New York City, hinted at underlying issues.
The initial confrontation reportedly began during the previous song, “Mountain Song,” and escalated through “Three Days” before the punch was thrown during “Ocean Size.” Jane’s Addiction has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and Avery has not commented on social media.
Farrell’s wife, Etty Lau Farrell, took to social media to elaborate on the situation, highlighting the escalating frustrations within the band. She explained that Farrell was struggling with tinnitus and vocal strain, which was compounded when audience members at the front complained that they couldn’t hear him. According to her, a separate confrontation occurred backstage between Farrell and Avery.
British musician Liam Gallagher commented on the situation on Twitter, deriding the band’s behavior. Following the incident, Jane’s Addiction’s tour is set to continue with a performance in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Sunday, leading up to the tour’s conclusion in Los Angeles on October 16. This tour marks the first occasion in 14 years that the original “Core Four” lineup has performed together, following Navarro’s recovery from long Covid.