This band is as vital as ever. Guitarist Dave Navarro still looks like he represents everything wrong with L.A. Singer Perry Farral looks a lot healthier and less neurotic than he used to but there’s still something about him that says ‘anything can happen’. A strong duo that would be nowhere without their rhythm section. Drummer Stephen Perkins goes wild behind his kit, playing super tight. Bass player Chris Chaney is Jane’s Addiction’s real secret though. While Perkins and Navarro rock harder and heavier than on the record it’s Chaney who delivers the groove. He’s both the basis of the sound and the spice that makes it special.

Farrel’s voice is a little squeaky every now and then and some of the high parts are a bit of a problem. But by most of the tonight’s gig his high pitched vocals are as compelling as you’d expect them to be. The crowd sings along from the start and their cheering, screaming and shouting are infectious to the band, who seem to be genuinely honored by such a warm welcome. In return they give it their best. The emphasis of the set is on the Stray and Ritual albums. Surprisingly, a lot of the up tempo material is played in the first half of the show. Two acoustic songs in the middle are reason for a lot of people to visit the bar or the restrooms but their wrong. Especially “Just Because” works out really well.

One of the many high lights of the evening is the wonderful “Three Days” that ends in a great climax. With a crowd like this the two encores didn’t feel obligatory at all. One of the best gigs this year so far.

(Review: Walter de Korver
Pics: Marcia Gransbergen)