A performance by the American rock ensemble Jane’s Addiction came to an abrupt conclusion after frontman Perry Farrell struck guitarist Dave Navarro during a song.
Footage shared on social media depicted Farrell, 65, expressing frustration while they were playing their 1986 track Ocean Size in Boston on Friday night.
The video shows the vocalist approaching Navarro and yelling directly at him before aggressively jostling against the guitarist’s shoulder.
Navarro, 57, ultimately ceased playing and raised a hand to Farrell’s chest as the lead singer continued to confront his longtime collaborator.
He then struck Navarro’s shoulder as other members, including bassist Eric Avery, stepped in to separate them.
Dave Navarro (R) expressed apologies to the audience while stage personnel held back Perry Farrell. Pic: @banditodelfuego via Storyful
Additional members of the stage crew then subdued Farrell, as Navarro stepped away, removed his guitar, and knelt at the front of the stage, reportedly to express remorse to fans.
Farrell appeared to be still agitated as he was pulled off stage.
Perry’s spouse, Etty Lau Farrell, mentioned on Instagram that he lost his composure due to “night after night… his voice being overwhelmed by the band’s volume.”
Farrell and Navarro performing together in New York last week. Pic: AP
She disclosed that Perry had been experiencing tinnitus and a sore throat each night, and he “lost control” when fans in the front row complained about “the band playing too loudly, making it difficult for them to hear him.”
She remarked that her husband was “an agitated figure for the following half an hour” [backstage], where he broke down and “sobbed repeatedly,” she noted.
The concert in Boston, part of the band’s Imminent Redemption reunion tour, concluded after 11 songs, whereas they typically perform around 14 or 15 tracks, according to Variety.
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Fans noted on social media that tensions appeared to have been escalating for several songs prior to the incident, as reported by Rolling Stone.
The incident followed a performance in New York where Farrell informed the crowd that “there’s something wrong with my voice. Suddenly, I’m unable to hit the notes.”
Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, the band includes Farrell, Navarro, Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins.
They are currently in the midst of a US tour, with their next performance set for Sunday in Hartford, Connecticut.
Sky News has reached out to Jane’s Addiction for a statement.
