Perry Farrell attacked Dave Navarro during Jane’s Addiction’s concert at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday night (September 13).
The incident occurred towards the end of Jane’s Addiction’s set, as the band was finishing the song “Ocean Size.” Farrell, who reportedly appeared drunk or intoxicated and was mumbling lyrics throughout the night, aggressively confronted Navarro, shoulder-to-shoulder with the guitarist, and began cursing at him. A confused Navarro stopped playing and asked what was going on, eventually placing a hand on Farrell’s chest. In response, Farrell punched Navarro before roadies and bassist Eric Avery intervened. Jane’s Addiction’s road crew then surrounded Farrell, bear-hugging him in an attempt to restrain him, and forcibly escorted him off the stage.
After Farrell’s removal, the remaining band members, including drummer Stephen Perkins—who was celebrating his 57th birthday—came forward to embrace one another and express their appreciation to the audience.
Navarro, visibly shocked by the unexpected assault, threw an ax into the crowd before exiting the stage.
This week has been rough for Farrell, who was reportedly in poor shape during the band’s performance on Tuesday (September 10) at Pier 17 Rooftop in New York City. However, he managed to pull himself together for the following night’s show at the same venue.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have to be honest with you. There’s something wrong with my voice,” Farrell admitted to the crowd on Tuesday, saying, “I suddenly can’t hit the notes.” The next day, Avery posted on Instagram, “Excited for another chance tonight at this incredible rooftop venue. Hope we’ll do better.”
The Boston show was part of Jane’s Addiction’s co-headlining tour with Love and Rockets, with 15 more gigs remaining. The tour is set to conclude on October 16 at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. In a recent interview with Guitar World, Avery expressed uncertainty about the band’s future, stating, “I still don’t know if we’re the kind of band you can think will still be here a year from now.” He added, “That said, yes… there is a revival and a reconnection. Let’s hope it lasts.”
