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JANE'S ADDICTION

Reviewed By Matt Strangwayes Mesa Amphitheater Mesa, AZ 12/04/97

Due to the massive amount of traffic and people, I was unable catch any of British superstar "Goldie's" set - though judging from the sound of the crowed from outside the venue, he went over quite well. The next band, however, was certainly who the audience was there to see. It has been over half a decade since "Jane's Addiction" has toured, and in the interim, it's members have been quite prolific in their other projects. Lead singer/visionary, Perry Farrell, has been releasing music with his other project, "Porno For Pyros," while guitarist, Dave Navarre, and bassist, Flea (a new addition to "Jane's"), have been busy as members of one of the most recognizable bands in the world, "The Red Hot Chili Peppers." So, it seems as though the inactivity of the band as a unit has actually increased popular interest in them, creating the perfect mix of tension and curiosity. The fans were literally giddy with excitement, and when the curtains opened, the spectacle that followed was truly worth the wait. As their intro music played, complete with samples from some of their songs, the crowd began to slowly move to and fro, like some sort of amorphous creature. Then, without delay, there they were - arguably the most anticipated and hippest band of the year. The first note of "Up The Beach" literally sent shivers up the spine of this reviewer, and it was obvious I was not alone. The eyes of the audience were immediately fixated upon Farrell, who stood up on the drum riser with his hands in the air like some sort of King, but certainly a benevolent one.

From "Up The Beach," they launched into its follow-up, "Ocean Size." (Both are from their landmark album, "Nothing's Shocking.") As Farrell jumped off the riser and danced to the front of the stage, the crowd became a frenzied mass of humanity. A true cross section of fans, there were punkers, metalheads, hippies, and everyone in between, and they were all loving it. As their next song began, "Ain't No Right," from "Ritual delo Habitual," I took note of the elaborate stage set up, and unique outfits the band was wearing. Now, in this the era of rock extravagance, it may seem a bit blasé to describe such things, but if anyone can make a statement with a stage and clothing design, it's "Jane's." The stage consisted of a playground of giant umbrellas and flowers, Hawaiian leis, climbing rings, poles and structures, much of which came in handy when a bevy of bikini- clad "über-dancers" invaded the stage to the delight of the many men in attendance.

Then there were the outfits. Flea was wearing a loud black and white lounge jacket, complimented by bleach bond spikey hair and an intense stare at all times. Navarre was an enigma. He was blatantly effete, homoerotic even, yet there wan an element of the macho Latin about him that offset his femininity. It seems this aspect of him (and of Farrell, for that matter) has earned him as many fans as it has turned away. Not to be outdone, Farrell performed wearing a drab, brown woman's housedress, with a full body-underwear piece that covered even his hands, topped off with Coolio styled hair set with mini plastic roses - a sight to behold indeed!

After a few more songs, including the epics "Summertime Rolls" and "Three Days, " the band made it's way (with the help of security) to the sound board area in the center of the crowd. Here, an acoustic set was performed with the assistance of some wireless amplifiers and microphones, and some "herbal medicine" courtesy of Farrell. (Very potent medicine judging by the smell!) Moments like this are where "Jane's" shines their brightest. As much as they are a band of explosive, psychedelic bombast, they are even more effective when Farrell can touch his people. For as esoteric (read: weird) an individual he is, he really does seem to love his people.

Editions of "Jane Says" and "Classic Girl" were delivered with an honesty and integrity that left the crowd in awe. Even technical difficulties couldn't kill the mood, as Flea danced merrily until roadies remedied his malfunctioning bass. Truly a moment to remember. Upon returning to the stage, "Jane's Addiction" performed a few more songs, including the chilling "Ted, Just Admit it." Truth be told, it seems as though the time off has only made the band stronger. Whether or not this momentum will carry on into the recording studio remains to be seen, but a great night was had by one and all.

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