Jane’s Addiction @ Manchester Apollo – 21st August 2014

Tonight’s gig is to celebrate 25 years since Jane’s Addiction‘s seminal album Nothing’s Shocking was released. For many, it is hard to believe that this truly alternative and ground breaking record is really that old and the anticipation within the venue is growing with every minute.

First of all, a three piece from London called Lyger appear on stage to get the crowd warmed up. They have clearly immersed themselves in the musical genres of the early ’90’s, most noticeably grunge with a hint of stoner rock. After minor issues with the bass sound and backing vocals, the trio settle into the slot receiving a pleasing response to each track, however, most people are just desperate for the headliners to take to the stage that they are not fully focused on Lyger. 



As Jane’s Addiction take to the stage and the bass line of Up The Beach begins, the Manchester Apollo erupts and there is a dramatic surge to get close to the action. Even though there are limited vocals, Perry’s unique style rings throughout the venue with the same inimitable vigour and enthusiasm displayed 25 years ago. Whilst a topless Dave Navarro displays the phenomenal skills that have made him so well respected within the guitar fraternity, holding various poses allowing the photographers the opportunity to get a decent array of shots.

As the classic “3,4” ring out to announce the tempo change at the beginning of Ocean Size, the movement within the crowd intensifies; they are enjoying every single note, singing every single word demonstrating the impact that this band and album had on a generation. The set is very simply dressed with fairy lights wrapped around big bunches of lilies, it is only the main lights that alter during the songs but Jane’s Addiction know they do not need unnecessary visuals to detract from their performance as musicians.

The fervour displayed by the quartet deepens as they launch into Had A Dad, which is underpinned by Stephen Perkins blistering drumming and Chris Chaney’s intricate bass lines. Jane’s Addiction consistently demonstrate their ability at creating music which is adventurous with dynamics, tempo, melody and lyrical content illustrated perfectly in songs such as Ted, Just Admit It and Idiots Rule that translate superbly into a live venue. The quirky Standing In The Shower … Thinking sees Farrell making lewd gestures with his microphone with a cheeky smile and glint in his eye, connecting with every member of the audience as he flies around the stage with enviable energy.

The pace of the show takes a dip with Summertime Rolls with its serene and calm guitar and bass lines enhanced by the sensitive use of percussion to construct a truly experiential piece of music. After the tranquillity, the power explodes with the awesome Mountain Song that resounds with such dynamism and vivacity it is hard to believe that Jane’s Addiction have been playing for nearly thirty years.

One of the most popular tracks from the album, Jane Says, sees Perkins leave his drum kit to take percussion at the front of the stage whilst Chaney and Navarro sit down to play a beautiful rendition of an ode to one of Farrell’s previous housemates.

All too soon, the album is ending with the delightfully playful Thank You Boys which flows into Pigs in Zen with a triumphant call of “Now, let’s get back to business” from Perry, clearly we are going to get more than the album. The alternative classic, Been Caught Stealing sees the exuberance of Farrell cause even more liveliness within the crowd which continues into the newest track of the set, Just Because, that is welcomed as much as their earlier works. The epic symphony that is Three Days is the highlight of the show, it is a well-crafted ten minute masterpiece that displays Jane’s Addiction at their finest with its tempo changes and the use of dynamics produces an utterly beautiful song. The band are joined on stage by two scantily clad ladies, one of which is Farrell’s wife, who dance seductively using canes imaginatively, yet, despite this, the majority of the audience remain focused on the band which shows the true extent of their charisma.

Chip Away sees both Perkins and Navarro take to drums at the side of the stage whilst two girls are hoisted above via hooks through piercings in their back, a feat that I would not be willing to put myself through and you can see a number of people wincing. Yet this is a band that are renowned for provocative art and this certainly fits the criteria, as the girls are swinging overhead, Perry asks them if he is ok to perform another track. Stop kicks in and sees the audience go crazy for their final fling before the band leave the stage. I have seen Jane’s Addiction a number of times over the years but as they take their final bow, I can honestly say that this was the best I have ever seen them play. Musically they were so connected and the enthusiasm they oozed was truly infectious and added to the vibe of the evening. I struggle to believe that Nothing Shocking is twenty five years old and after hearing it live tonight, it has not dated as complete piece of work and remains one of the true authentically alternative records of all time.

Review – Toni Woodward
Photos – Steve Gerrard

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