Jane’s Addiction Comes Back To Houston

Formed in Los Angeles, Jane’s Addiction took over rock radio in the early 90s with songs like “Jane Says,” “Been Caught Stealing” and “Just Because.” Taking over the 713 Music Hall last week, the iconic rock band is still loud and legendary. Touring with Love And Rockets, the English industrial and electronic rock genre-dipping 80s trio, old and new fans were in for a treat.

Starting with the sensational song “The Light,” former Bauhaus band members Daniel Ash and David J‘s spunk emitted through the audience. Slowing down the crowd with drawn-out vocals and the mysterious undertones of their instruments, the subtle build-up from the drums cultivated the transformation of 713. Taking Houstonians back to classic club nights at Numbers, Love And Rockets kept the same mystifying esoteric musical influence as they had over twenty years ago.

Smoothly transitioning to my all-time favorite Love and Rockets song, “Haunted When The Minutes Drag,” the low whispering voice of Ash provided the song about the ghost of an old love as a “hauntingly” remarkable listen. Fans swayed back and forth, nodding their head with smiles as “So Alive” began, the backtracks of sparkling oos and ahs from the stage incited engaged hoots and hollers from the crowd.

Rolling onto center frame, Jane’s Addiction lead vocalist Perry Farrell wore a suit and hat serving as a reminder of the weirdness of the band. Though Farrell’s presence alone is enough to turn heads, the original band on stage was a blessing not to be taken for granted. Drummer Stephen Perkins‘s brought the rage into “Whores” and guitarist Dave Navarro helped drive the song toward its fullest potential.

Unsurprisingly, my favorite moment of the night began as the hollow intro to “Jane Says” picked up the pace from any slowed-down groove of the audience. Helping the slightly tired voice of Farrell, fans yelled “Jane Says!” and it seemed the lyrics were embedded into the brains of the long-time fans around me. Sweetly paying homage to what I consider to be the band’s anthem, the appreciation for the story of Jane rang out through fans’ drunk dance moves.

Leaving room to expose the talent of bass player, Eric Avery, “Mountain Song” was carried by the ever-present bassline, the grunts of Farrell were surrounded by the intense guitar. Bringing the reminiscent energy of angst and unfulfilled purpose, “Then She Did,” brought a personal touch into the show as Farrell sang about his mother’s idled artist past and his old friend’s tragic ending.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and eventually, the band gave their final thanks to Houston. Surpassing the typical expectations of when bands reach back to bring their days of stardom to the surface, Jane’s Addiction’s revival was as charming as could be.