Members of the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction have filed competing lawsuits following an onstage altercation between singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro at a Boston concert last year. The fight led to the cancellation of the band's reunion tour and a planned album.
Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Eric Avery sued Farrell in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking at least $10 million. They allege that Farrell's behaviour during the tour was erratic and out of control, culminating in him punching Navarro both on stage and backstage. The lawsuit states that Farrell 'single-handedly destroyed the name, reputation, trademark, and viability of the Band'.
In a separate lawsuit filed the same day, Farrell and his wife, Etty Lau Farrell, blamed the other band members for the conflict. They claim that Navarro, Avery, and Perkins engaged in a 'bullying campaign' against Farrell, including playing their instruments at high volume to prevent him from hearing himself sing. The Farrells also allege that Navarro and Avery assaulted them.
Perry Farrell said he was 'blindsided' when the other members cancelled the remaining 15 shows of the tour and broke up the band without consulting him, costing all of them significant money. He also accused his bandmates of defaming him by publicly suggesting he had mental health problems after the fight.
Jane's Addiction, formed in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, became a national phenomenon with hits like 'Jane Says' and 'Been Caught Stealing', and founded the Lollapalooza tour. The 2024 tour was the first time the original members had performed together since 2010. Both lawsuits include claims of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract.
