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Jane’s Addiction | Love and Rockets

Live at YouTube Theater

August 20, 2024 Review by Shane Pase

Nestled within the grand and massive architecture of SoFi Stadium, the YouTube Theater is a venue that provides an expansive, yet intimate setting for a great night of music. There is not a bad seat in the house and its modern, intimate design, coupled with superb acoustics, set the stage for a night where nostalgia meets raw energy.

On this particular evening, the legendary Jane’s Addiction headlined a show that was as much about celebrating the past as it was about embracing the present. But before they took the stage, two acts paved the way with fantastic performances that deserve attention.

The night kicked off with Crawlers, an English rock band that’s been making waves. As the first opener, they had the unenviable task of warming up a crowd that was likely more familiar with the headliners. However, from the moment they stepped onto the stage, it was clear that Crawlers weren’t just filler—they were a band who deserved to share that stage with two icons of alternative music.

Energetic and interactive, they brought a sense of urgency to their performance that quickly won over the audience.

Their sound—a blend of gritty guitar riffs, driving basslines, and a dynamic vocal presence—felt both fresh and familiar, echoing the best elements of classic British rock while carving out their own identity.

Crawlers’ set was tight, focused, and unpretentious. They played like they had something to prove, and by the end of their time on stage, they had undoubtedly gained new fans, myself included.

It’s not often that an opening act makes such an impression, but Crawlers managed to do just that, setting a high bar for the rest of the evening.

Next up was Love and Rockets, a band whose pedigree in the gothic and alternative rock scenes is unimpeachable. Formed in 1985 by former members of Bauhaus, Love and Rockets brought a different kind of energy to the stage.

The original lineup of Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins has lost none of its chemistry over the years, and their performance at the YouTube Theater was a masterclass in how to maintain relevance while staying true to one’s roots.

From the opening notes of “The Light,” it was clear that Love and Rockets were in their element. Ash’s vocals were haunting and precise, as if plucked straight from the band’s seminal recordings.

The interplay between the moody, atmospheric lighting and the band’s shadowy soundscapes created an immersive experience that transported the audience back to the late ’80s and early ’90s, when darkwave was at its peak.

Tracks like “Kundalini Express” and “Haunted When the Minutes Drag” were highlights, showcasing the band’s ability to blend melody with a brooding intensity that few bands can match.

The setlist was a well-curated mix of hits and deep cuts, ensuring that both longtime fans and newer listeners were kept engaged. “So Alive,” arguably the band’s biggest hit, was met with rapturous applause, but it was the deeper tracks, like “An American Dream” and “No New Tale to Tell,” that really resonated with the crowd.

By the time they closed with “Mirror People,” the audience was fully under their spell. Love and Rockets proved themselves to be the perfect precursor to Jane’s Addiction, setting a mood that was equal parts melancholic and electrifying.

Finally, it was time for the main event. Jane’s Addiction, a band that needs no introduction, took the stage to a wave of anticipation that had been building throughout the night. The original lineup of Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, and Eric Avery reunited for this tour and from the first note of “Kettle Whistle,” it was evident that the magic was still there.

Jane’s Addiction has always been more than just a band; they’re a cultural institution, a group whose influence on alternative rock cannot be overstated. And on this night, they lived up to their legend and the crowd was loud and there for it.

Perry Farrell, ever the charismatic front-man, was in great form. His voice, still as distinctive as ever, cut through the mix with a clarity that belied the years. Farrell’s connection with the audience was palpable—he shared stories, encouraged love and peace, and even spoke about his son, bringing a personal touch to the performance that added depth to the spectacle.

The setlist was a journey through the band’s storied career, with each song receiving a hero’s welcome from the crowd. “Whores” and “Pigs in Zen” were delivered with a ferocity that harkened back to the band’s early days, while “Summertime Rolls” and “Jane Says” provided a more reflective counterpoint, allowing the audience to catch their breath amidst the sonic onslaught.

The band’s musicianship was as tight as ever, with Navarro’s guitar work standing out in particular—his solos were blistering, yet never self-indulgent, serving the songs rather than overshadowing them.

“Three Days” was a centerpiece of the set, a sprawling epic that showcased the band’s ability to blend the visceral with the ethereal. The performance was both powerful and nuanced, a testament to the chemistry between the band members. As the song reached its climax, it was clear Jane’s Addiction remains a vital force in music.

The closing stretch included favorites, with “Stop!” and “Been Caught Stealing” bringing the house down. These tracks, perhaps more than any others, encapsulate what Jane’s Addiction is all about—up tempo, raw, and endlessly catchy. The band left the stage to lingering applause, having delivered a performance that was as exhilarating as it was unforgettable.

Jane’s Addiction, with the help of Crawlers and Love and Rockets, had crafted an evening that was both a celebration of their past and a powerful statement of their continued relevance.

The YouTube Theater, with its combination of intimacy and grandeur, proved to be the perfect venue for such a momentous occasion. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a night that reminded them why live music is such an irreplaceable experience—because when it’s done right, it’s nothing short of transcendent.

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SID 240819 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR