Riot in Boston: Bandmates fight at Jane’s Addiction reunion concert | Jane’s Addiction

In the scene from Back to the Future where Michael J. Fox, playing Johnny B. Goode on stage, is so engrossed in the music that he knocks over his own amplifier, the room is filled with shocked, disapproving silence.

A similar silence spread through the audience at a concert in Boston on Friday night when Perry Farrell – also known as the “Godfather of Alternative Music” – fist-bumped guitarist Dave Navarro during a song, then, visibly angry, stood on top of him and delivered another punch that sent Navarro flying backwards.

After the fight, Farrell had to be physically restrained by crew members and dragged off the stage while fans began to boo. A few minutes later, the lights came on and the show ended.

The incident between the two experienced band members, which apparently surprised Navarro, was captured on camera by spectators from several angles.

On social media, fans who attended the concert to see the reunited Jane’s Addiction on tour reported that the “problems” began during an earlier song when Perry allegedly yelled at Navarro. Witnesses said this continued throughout the set, which, according to one fan, included a song with the ironic title “Summertime Rolls.”

On X, a videographer who said he was at the show tweeted that Perry “had a huge bottle of wine with him the entire evening.”

Farrell, 65, began his career in the 1980s in the American post-punk band Psi Com before becoming lead singer of Jane’s Addiction.

The band, which created its own unique blend of psychedelic rock, punk and heavy metal, broke up in 1991 after a dispute. Founding member Eric Avery refused to take part in reunion tours for years, but rejoined the band in 2022 after a 12-year hiatus. However, Navarro, now 57, was unable to take part in the band’s reunion tour this year or last year due to Long Covid.

In May of this year, the band finally reunited for their first joint performance in 14 years and were in the middle of a long tour of the USA.

Tensions apparently arose between the band members in New York City earlier this week when the band played two nights at The Rooftop at Pier 17, NME reported.

Farrell reportedly told the crowd at Pier 17 that his voice was not in the best shape. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have to be honest with you. There is something wrong with my voice. I suddenly can’t get the notes out anymore,” he said.

Bassist Eric Avery later acknowledged the weak New York performance in an Instagram post, writing: “I’m looking forward to performing again tonight in this spectacular rooftop venue. I’m optimistic we’ll be better.”