Los Angeles – Bandmates Sue Perry Farrell

Members of the alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction have filed a lawsuit against singer Perry Farrell following a violent incident during a Boston concert last year. Guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Eric Avery are seeking at least $10 million, claiming Farrell’s behavior on the tour escalated to the point of being volatile and resulted in physical assaults, including Farrell hitting Navarro.

The lawsuit states, “In a series of quick blows, he alone destroyed the names, reputations, trademarks and viability of the band and the people who built it.”

In response, Farrell and his wife, Etty Lau Farrell, also took legal action against Navarro, Perkins, and Avery, denouncing their accusations and the chaos that erupted. “It appears Navarro, Avery and Perkins have clearly decided,” Farrell’s lawsuit explains, “that Jane’s decades of success should be abandoned to pursue years of bullying campaign against Farrell, which includes harassing him on stage during his performance.”

Farrell expressed feeling “blinded” by his bandmates’ decision to cancel the remaining shows on their tour, effectively disbanding the group without any discussion with him. Furthermore, he claims that his former bandmates publicly slandered him, suggesting he has mental health challenges.

Jane’s Addiction emerged in the Los Angeles music scene during the late 1980s, blending punk, goth, and psychedelic influences. They rose to fame with hits like “Jane Says” and “Caught Stealing” and launched the original Lollapalooza Tour in 1991. Although they disbanded several times over the years, the 2024 tour marked the first time the original members performed together since 2010.

Farrell missed all seven rehearsals leading up to the tour, and the lawsuit claims his performance was erratic, raising public concerns about his well-being. “Perry forgot his lyrics, lost his place in songs he’s been singing since the 1980s,” the lawsuit notes, even mentioning his behavior on stage while drinking from a wine bottle.

According to the lawsuit, Farrell disregarded multiple attempts to address issues related to volume. During a performance in Boston, a physical altercation occurred where Farrell reportedly struck Navarro. Video evidence portrays a complicated scene, with both parties contributing to the on-stage conflict, as Navarro alleged he intentionally played loudly in response to Farrell’s actions.

Farrell claims that as he was subdued by the crew, Avery attacked him, and both Avery and Navarro confronted him and his wife behind the scenes. Shortly after the incident, Farrell offered an apology to his bandmates for his “unforgivable behavior.”

Both lawsuits include charges of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract. The lawsuit from Navarro, Perkins, and Avery concludes somberly, stating, “The band will never go on a revival tour. They celebrate new albums and deep, complicated chart-top recordings of over 40 years. Instead, history remembers the quick and painful death at the hands of Farrell’s unrestrained rage and total lack of control.”