Perry Farrell has apologised for starting the physical altercation on stage last year that ended Jane’s Addiction, with remaining members Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins saying they have “come together one last time to resolve our differences”.
Last September, Farrell instigated a fight with guitarist Dave Navarro during a show in Boston as part of their live return with the band’s original line-up. The altercation brought the show to a premature end the tour was cancelled leading to the band’s hiatus.
The other members of Jane’s Addiction then filed a $10 million lawsuit against Farrell, for “assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract”. Farrell responded with a legal filing of his own, denying “each and every allegation”.
Now, in a message posted to both Farrell and the band’s Instagram account, Farrell has issued a formal apology for what happened.
“To everyone in Boston, and around the world. I’d like to address what happened on stage last year. I’ve reflected on it and know I didn’t handle myself the way I should have. I apologize to our patrons and my bandmates for losing my temper and for disrupting the show,” Farrell began.
“Jane’s Addiction has been at the center of my life for decades. The band, the songs, the patrons and the impact that we’ve had on music and culture mean more to me than any words I could ever possibly write down.
“My aim has always been to give our audience the best possible show, something real, honest and positive. In Boston, we fell short of that, and I’m truly sorry to everyone who was impacted.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support. Perry Farrell.”
Jane’s Addiction also shared their own message. “We would like to clarify the events surrounding the cancellation of the tour after the show in Boston in September 2024,” they began.
“After that show, without notice to Perry, we unilaterally determined it would be best to not continue the tour and made inaccurate statements about Perry’s mental health which we regret.
“Today we are here to announce that we have come together one last time to resolve our differences, so that the legacy of Jane’s Addiction will remain the work the four of us created together.
“We now look forward to the future as we embark on our separate musical and creative endeavors. Jane’s Addiction will forever live in our hearts. We are proud of the music we created together.
“You, the fans, are our lifeblood, and we will always appreciate you.”
Farrell previously apologised to his fans and bandmates, “especially Dave Navarro” shortly after the incident. He added: “Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behaviour, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation.” Farrell’s wife Etty has also said he was taking time to “reflect and to heal”, and would be seeking help from an otolaryngologist and a neurologist.
Farrell returned to the stage last month for The Doors‘ 60th anniversary show, his first performance since the altercation.