Jane’s Addiction / Roundhouse / London
A trip down to London for a show I simply couldn’t miss, a chance to see legendary LA alt-rockers Jane’s Addiction on their 2024 UK tour, and even better, it’s the original lineup !
A first visit to the Roundhouse, which I have to say is a spectacular venue, a former engine shed, its been converted into a stunning music venue, with it’s internal ring of massive iron pillars – visually very impressive, and acoustically too !
First up, in support we had a set from Rob Marshall’s Humanist project. Their debut album released in 2020 showcased vocal performances form the likes of Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode), Mark Lanegan (Queens of the Stone Age) and Mark Gardner (Ride).
I have to say, Humanist are an incredible live experience. The sound is industrial and has swirling fuzzy guitar melodies, delivering some deep, dark and brooding soundscapes. At times the vocals reminded me of Pete Murphy and there was a definite Bauhaus vibe at times, which is certainly no bad thing.
A brilliant set up for the main event, and well worth seeing if you get the chance. The second Humanist album “On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World” is due to be released in July 2024.
Jane’s Addiction are an alt-rock band with a unique bohemian style, originally formed back in 1985 in LA. The band consists of vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery. Probably one of the most influential bands around, best known for hits like Jane Says and Just Because.
Like many bands, they’ve had bad times, and bassist Eric Avery left, and its been eitght long years since they last performed in the UK, and their last studio album “The Great Escape Artist” was released back in 2011. Since then Perry and Stephen have been working on other projects such as Porno for Pyros, and Farrell’s involvement with Lollapalooza. With the departure of Eric and with Navarro suffering ill-health post Covid, a reunion seemed unlikely, especially without Erics involvement.
But with his return on Bass, the original lineup, are back on UK soil and ready to put on one hell of a show.
Jane’s Addiction head out onto the stage and start the set off with Kettle Whistle and instantly, it feels like the line up have been playing together forever and are at ease musically together. Eric is roving round the stage pounding out some rich pounding bass tones. It feels like a band re-born and finding their zen again.
Perry is a striking figure, dressed in a demin suit and wide brimmed hat, he has an air of elegance, not just in his looks, but in his movements, that seem thoughtful and meaningful. Dave Navarro is a joy to watch on guitar, effortlessly, he can make the guitar scream and roar. Standing in the gloom to the side of the stage, with hat, scarf and long torn black cardigan like top, he has the appearance of a western desperado.
The set is made up of iconic hit after hit with fan favourites such as Mountain Song, Ain’t No Right and Been Caught Stealing, all going down a storm with the full house crowd. But it’s great to see some new material in there, with the likes of Imminent Redemption which has a fresh feel and invigorating effect on the set, and one they clearly enjoyed playing live, especially Stephen, who delivered some great powerful drum beats.
They soar highest as they go deeper, though. Opening with Then She Did – an atmospheric piece, Farrell mulling over his mother’s depression and suicide – is a bold move, but showcases the tender power within their sleek heaviness. And Three Days once again sounds like the greatest rock epic of the alternative era, its tribal drums chasing one ecstatic crescendo after another as Navarro fires off glorious, alchemical solos stripped of cliche and Farrell weaves together the carnal and the spiritual.
Pigs In Zen is rich and powerful and Perry delivers the vocals beautifully with passion and vigour, and the audience is gripped by the performance. This continues through the set, especially in tracks such as Whores which is thunderous.
The set draws to a close with the impressive Three Days that has everyone waving their arms and loving every single moment.
With Humanist in support, it’s been an impressive night, and well worth the long journey. With the original line up back together, it’s clear that Jane’s Addiction are back, and refreshed and re-invigorated. I can’t wait to see what’s next, hopefully more new music and more live shows. Based on tonight’s performance - Jane’s Addiction are back, and ready to shake up the rock world !
Setlist
Kettle Whistle
Whores
Pigs In Zen
Been Caught Stealing
Ain’t No Right
Summertime Rolls
Imminent Redemption
Ted, Just Admit It…
Jane Says
Up The Beach
Ocean Size
True Love
Stop!
Mountain Song
Three Days
