• 1986-2024

  Perry FarrellVocals

  Dave NavarroGuitar

  Stephen PerkinsDrums

  Eric AveryBass1986-2010, 2022-

  Chris ChaneyBass2002-2022
• The Lollapalooza festival was created by Perry Farrell and music executive Marc Geiger. It showcased many notable artists in its first year including Nine Inch Nails, The Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band and The Violent Femmes. Jane's Addiction led the first Lollapalooza tour in 1991 as their farewell before their first breakup. Since that time, the yearly Lollapalooza festival has become an alternative rock staple.
• The group was named Jane's Addiction after lead singer Perry Farrell's roommate at the time of the band's formation, Jane Bainter, who was addicted to heroin. Most bands named after regular people come from guys; Jane is a rare female representative in this group.
• From its initial formation in 1985 the band has gone through three different guitarists. In 1986 Dave Navarro joined the band as guitarist and made a lasting impression.
• Upon its initial release, the band's first album, Nothing's Shocking, failed to make much of an impression on modern rock radio and MTV. After the band gained greater success with their next album, Ritual de lo Habitual, their debut album's sales increased.
• After the release of their second album in 1989, the band toured for 13 months. Lead singer Perry Farrell says, "that 13-month tour was half the reason we wound up unable to stand one another." In 1991, guitarist Dave Navarro left the band and later joined Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Out of the embers of Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros was created with Perry Farrell and drummer Steven Perkins spearheading the project. Their best-known song is "Pets," released on the first of their two albums.
• Guitarist Dave Navarro's mother Constance Navarro was murdered by boyfriend John Riccardi in March 1983. Dave was only 15 years old at the time of his mom's death. Riccardi was arrested in 1991, thanks to a viewer tip after Navarro appeared on the television series America's Most Wanted.
• Dave Navarro first started playing the guitar when he was 7 years old, inspired by his singer-songwriter cousin, Dan Navarro. He told Ernie Ball in a "String Theory" episode:
  
  "I expressed an interest in learning guitar, and he showed me some chords. And that was probably one of the most profound gifts I've ever received from anyone. Just learning three simple chords led me on a journey that forever changed my life."
• Their 2024 tour came to an abrupt end when Perry Farrell lost it on stage during a show in Boston. He threw a punch at Dave Navarro and had to be removed by crew members. Apparently, he was upset with sound levels and the band starting songs before he was ready.
  
  The tour was canceled, with his bandmates issuing a statement that read: "Due to a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour."
  
  Farrell responded: "Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."
  
  It got more contentious from there. In July 2025, Farrell's bandmates sued him for money they lost by having the tour canceled, and Farrell sued them back. Dave Navarro also sued Farrell for assault and battery.
  
  The band is presumed to be broken up for good. Dave Navarro told Guitar Player in May 2025: "There's no chance for the band to ever play together again."

Comments

More Songfacts:

You're A Friend Of MineClarence Clemons

Clarence Clemons, who played the sax in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, had the biggest solo hit of anyone in the group - aside from Springsteen - when "You're A Friend Of Mine" hit #18 in 1985.

I WishSkee-Lo

"I Wish" by Skee-Lo was the first hit song to use the word "baller" in the chorus ("I wish I was a baller..."). That term pervaded pop music over the next several year.

Wild BoysDuran Duran

Duran Duran's "Wild Boys" is based on the book of the same name by William Burroughs.

Pork and BeansWeezer

The video for Weezer's "Pork and Beans" features YouTube stars Chris Crocker, The Chocolate Rain Guy, The "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" Banana, and the Star Wars kid.

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

The Austin Powers theme is "Soul Bossa Nova," written by Quincy Jones in 1962 - the same year the first James Bond movie was released.

Dance Hall DaysWang Chung

Wang Chung's '80s classic "Dance Hall Days" is about how things can start simple but end up complex. First you "take your baby by the hand," but by the end she has an amethyst in her mouth.

Editor's Picks

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.