The long-running tensions within Jane’s Addiction reached a boiling point this week as both sides of the band filed lawsuits against one another stemming from an onstage altercation last September. Rolling Stone reports on Wednesday (16th), guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins sued frontman Perry Farrell for over $10 million, citing an altercation that occurred during their September 13, 2024 performance in Boston. The band claims Farrell’s erratic behavior, including alleged intoxication and a physical outburst toward Navarro, led to the abrupt cancellation of their North American tour and a forthcoming album.
Just hours later, reported by Variety, Farrell responded with a separate 30-page legal filing, not a countersuit, alleging years of bullying and harassment by his bandmates. Farrell claims the tour’s cancellation was done without his consent and that the altercation stemmed from the others intentionally sabotaging his performance by blasting their instruments so loudly he couldn’t hear himself sing. He further alleges Navarro assaulted both him and his wife backstage.
Both lawsuits paint a picture of a fractured band struggling with internal dysfunction. Navarro’s suit accuses Farrell of assault and battery, negligence, and breach of contract. Farrell’s filing, meanwhile, claims defamation and reputational damage from public statements made by the other members regarding his mental health.
While it was a hopeful time towards Jane’s Addiction’s revival, especially following the release of two new singles, “Imminent Redemption” and “True Love,” the lawsuits signal a likely end to future plans. Earlier this year, Avery revealed he was working on new music with Perkins and Navarro, suggesting there may still be more to come. As the legal battle unfolds, we’ll be watching closely to see what’s next for the band.
