Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band is currently composed of core members Perry Farrell (vocals), Dave Navarro (guitar), and Stephen Perkins (drums). For the majority of the band's career, its bassist has been Eric Avery. After breaking up for the first time in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001; both times, Avery declined to participate, and the band has used several bassists in his place. In 2009, the band's "classic" lineup, featuring Avery, reunited to tour with NIN for the Wave Goodbye Tour.
Avery subsequently left the band in early 2010, as the group began work on new material. Following Avery's departure and the completion of the Soundwave Festival, vocalist Perry Farrell stated:
"Everyone is so excited to get home now and start working on a new record and a show. I wrote a song today, "The Great Escape Artist" and I am going to write at least three more on the way back to LA. All I keep thinking is; 'This is the beginning of …something that already feels great; I cannot wait."
Legacy
Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands to emerge from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Their initial farewell tour launched the first Lollapalooza festival, an alternative rock showcase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation." The band is ranked 35th on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" list.
Current Lineup
- Perry Farrell: Vocals (1985–present)
- Duff McKagen: Bass (2010–present)
- Dave Navarro: Guitar (1985–present)
- Stephen Perkins: Drums (1985–present)
Former Members
- Eric Avery: Bass (1985–1991, 2008–2010)
- Flea: Bass (1997)
- Martyn LeNoble: Bass (2001–2002)
- Chris Chaney: Bass (2002–2004)
Body of Work
Studio Albums
- Nothing's Shocking (1988)
- Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)
- Strays (2003)
EPs
- NINJA 2009 Summer Tour EP (2009)
Live Albums
Jane's Addiction (1987)
Compilations
- Live and Rare (1991)
- Kettle Whistle (1997)
- Up From The Catacombs: The Best of Jane's Addiction (2006)
- A Cabinet Of Curiosities (2009)
Trivia
- The band was dubbed "Jane's Addiction" in honor of Farrell's housemate, Jane Bainter, who was addicted to drugs.
- The song "Had A Dad", from the band's 1988 album Nothing's Shocking, is sampled in "Ringfinger".