Whoever said 'Rock and roll is Dead' wasn't at El Cid last night. They must not have seen Eric Avery, (the band's 'secret sauce' according to Perry Farrell during his introduction of the wonderful bassist) thumping his heart out. They must not have seen Stephen Perkins beaming behind his drumset, (perhaps the happiest drummer in rock and roll history,) or Dave Navarro graciously grinding his kickass solos in our ears at scorching speed. And than there's Perry himself. How could you not get nostalgic? They did songs from all first three albums, every one a smash, every one a composition of perfection. How the hell did this miracle happen? How did this wonderful band finally decide to let bygones be bygones and settle down once again to produce some of the greatest rock music ever known to mankind? I don't know, but I want more.
From the eerie chanting bass lines of 'Whores' to the percussive chaos of 'Chip Away' the set was everything a fan could ever want and more. Perry's joshing between songs was provocatively entertaining, regaling us with stories of the past and the guy is hilarious. At one point he thanked the "troubador trooper' in the front who 'keeps slapping my hand every five seconds.' With Artaudish theatricality, Perry entertained us on a level that is extremely hard to top in the world of rock and roll. Epic Brechtian hard rock art is what it is. And Avery's intensity, amazing concentration, dedication to his instrument makes us all realize that there is no replacement worthy of him in this particular band, NO MATTER WHO IT IS.
At one point during the set, Perry quipped, "We LIVE to Please you." And then, "They think we're kidding!" What is so amazing about this band as that they have all survived the chaos of so many complications in life and lived to tell the story. They have come out the other side, and are now on top. I want to keep seeing them go up and up. I remember the last time they played with Eric in 91, being sad that I'd never get to see them. I did see them on their reunion tours, which were great. But Janes Addiction, with their 'secret sauce,' TAKES THE CAKE.
Set List:
whores
trip away
standing in the shower thinking
mountain song
ain't no right
no one's leaving
then she did
1%
stop
had a dad
ocean size
chip away
2 comments:
It was very nice to meet you last night! Killer review. The whole night was very surreal...almost can't believe what I witnessed!
:)
Christy
Just saw this after 12 years lol! thank you !
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