Here We Go! 

Here We Go! A Night with Jane’s Addiction 

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In my continued quest to see every band I grew up with at least once, I had the opportunity to check off another one on the bucket list… Jane’s Addiction along with Love and Rockets. Not only did I have a chance to see this dynamic rock band but as a bonus was able to share it with one of my closest friends at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL. Back in the day we would spend many a night watching videos on MTV and staying up late to watch “Headbanger’s Ball” and “120 Minutes”. Jane’s and L&R were staples on “120 Minutes” and their sound was like nothing I ever heard before or since.  

As a wanna be skater and surfer Jane’s songs were the soundtrack of so many skating/surfing videos in the mid to late 80s that they became ingrained in my subconscious. The Hard Rock Hotel in South Florida was the backdrop for this latest adventure. You probably have seen the giant guitar shaped hotel in commercials over the years or while driving on the Florida Turnpike. Looks are deceiving in just how big that casino and property really are. After quickly putting in a losing bet on the Texas A&M game it was time to go in.  

Tucked in right next to the sportsbook was the entrance to the 7,000 seat theater. My buddy’s seats were dead center in the 100 section which provided a great vantage point of the stage and crowd. The theater is well known for both smaller acts as well as larger touring bands like Metallica and Rolling Stones who want the opportunity on tour to play a smaller venue (with just higher ticket prices).  

 I was pleasantly surprised there was an additional opener. An up-and-coming band out of Liverpool England, named Crawlers. Crawlers, led by Holly Minto on vocals, has started to gain momentum as so many do today on TikTok. Their song, ‘Come Over’ went viral in 2021 and have been touring around the world since they formed in 2018. This indie band had a great sound, and we will be hearing more about it in the coming years as their lead singer’s voice can easily fill the large theater. 

Now it was time for Love & Rockets. For those that are not familiar with them, Love & Rockets formed in 1985 from former Bauhaus members Daniel Ash (vocals, guitar), David J (bass, vocals) and Kevin Haskins (drums and synthesizers). Moving away from the darker Bauhaus sound they grew to prominence in 1989 with their song ‘So Alive’ which made it all the way to #3 in the charts. L&R did not miss a beat during their more than an hour set that included lots of back lighting, sunglasses and rock star suits that epitomized the late 80’s postmodern vibe. 

Setlist: 

1. The Light 

2. Kundalini Express 

3. No Big Deal 

4. The Dog End of a Day Gone By 

5. Haunted When the Minutes Drag 

6. No New Tale To Tell 

7. An American Dream 

 8. So Alive 

9. Ball of Confusion(Temptations Cover) 

10. Mirror People 

11. Yin & Yang( The Flowerpot Man) 

Senores y senoras 

Nosotros tenemos mas influencia con sus hijos que tu tiene 

Pero los queremos 

Creado y regado de Los Angeles 

Juana’s Adiccion 

Here We Go!  

Three little words well worth the wait, the place lit up thanks to Perry’s infamous intro. Jane’s Addiction hit the stage about 10:30 and brought the crowd to life immediately. Jane’s Addiction was formed in Los Angeles in 1985 with: 

Perry Farrell – Vocals 

Dave Navarro – Lead Guitar 

Stephen Perkins – Drums 

Eric Avery – Bass 

The band decided to break up in 1991 after years of success and multiple rock anthems. That break up was announced with a farewell tour that turned into the original Lollapalooza tour. I can’t say that I am happy that they broke up, but it did bring about 30+ years of great concerts across the world. There have been multiple attempts over the year for Jane’s to get back together and tour bringing in different musicians including Flea and Duff McKagan but this was the first time the original lineup was back together. Nothing can ever compare to the original. 

A frontman needs to have a great voice but almost as important they need to have a presence. That presence can come in many forms and with Perry it comes in his unique style and way that he interacts with the crowd. Perry talked to the crowd and shared stories of going to high school in Miami and making sure to forget about politics and focus on your family. I always knew Farrell was a great frontman but I forgot how great a guitar player Dave Navarro is. Dave has spent so many years in the public eye after Jane’s Addiction between reality shows and red carpets with Carmen Electra that you forget why he was famous in the first place.  

He shredded throughout the night with his big black hat and dark mascara he was playing the ultimate rock guitarist. Perkins on drums also killed it and provided one of the longest drum solos I have seen in a long time. 

Setlist: 

1. Kettle Whistle 

2. Whores 

3. Pigs in Zen 

4. Aint No Right 

5. Ted, Just Admit it 

6. Summertime Rolls 

7. Jane Says 

8. Mountain Song 

9. Three Days 

10. Imminent Redemption 

11. Then She Did… 

12. Ocean Size 

13. Stop! 

14. Been Caught Stealing 

15. Chip Away 

I was there to hear the hits, and they did not disappoint. ‘Mountain Song’ is still one of those songs I will play when I need a boost of energy and ‘Stop!’ and ‘Been Caught Stealing’ bring me back to the days of watching 120 Minutes hoping for the day I could see them play live. The show was better than I expected and is a must see while they’re touring the US. 

Your 90’s inner rockstar will be glad you did!