Jane’s Addiction plays DeVos Performance Hall
Perry Farrell turns 53 years old next week and is still seriously smokin’ hot. In fact, Jane’s Addiction as a whole is way sexier today then the first time I saw them at Lollapalooza back in the early ‘90s.
When we heard that Jane’s Addition was coming to Grand Rapids, we didn’t hesitate to buy our tickets and begin our attempt to secure a photo pass. An exciting and edgy show coming to Grand Rapids is always welcome — particularly for a Gen-Xer like me.
DeVos Performance Hall served as the perfect venue for these guys. An intimate setting where any seat really is a great seat. I was excited to find that the tickets my husband had bought were in the ‘Dress Circle.’ I had no idea what that was until I walked up to the front of the theather, literally 3 rows aways from the stage. At showtime, the lights dimmed and recognizable Pink Floyd tunes played in the darkness. Floyd’s music was a perfect segway into with their mellow opener “Underground” from 2011 album “The Great Escape Artist”.
They didn’t stay quiet for long. Farrell, Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Chris Chaney kicked it into high gear with “Ted, Just Admit It…”, also known as the “Sex is violent!” song which got the crowd on their feet.
They played all of the gen-x classics – “Been Caught Stealing,” “Classic Girl,” “Ain’t No Right.” Of course they didn’t forget “Jane Says,” complete with the steel drums and encouragement for the audience participation.
The entire show was a mix of interesting theatrics consisting of local performers from Grand Rapids’ Daredevil Circus, kinky bondage videos, strobe-lights and super hot rockstars.
The end of the main set was played for over ten minutes with “Three Days,” transitioning into “Stop” giving Navarro an opportunity to grab the spotlight with his amazing guitar solos.
We cover a lot of music but this show stood out for me from all the rest. Maybe it’s because I’m in my 40s and it was a delightful trip back in time with great memories of parties and youth. Maybe it’s because at the end of the show, each of the band members walked along the edge of the stage, touching the hands of the fans. I am not one to get starstruck but when Dave Navarro looked into my eyes and held onto my outreached hands for several seemingly long seconds, I turned into a lovesick teenager. I will never forget that feeling.
The sexual sound and energy of Jane’s Addiction has truly only gotten better with time or perhaps it’s that I appreciate them so much more now. A huge shout out to Bari Lieberman for securing Tim a great spot to shoot. We wish the entire band all the best and look forward to their return. Shine on, guys!
Jane’s Addiction on the web: http://www.janesaddiction.com/
Jane’s Addiction of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanesAddiction
photography: Tim Motley :: story: Stellafly
