Jane’s Addiction sure are sending out some mixed signals as of late. Following last weekend’s onstage implosion in Boston, MA, the multi-platinum alternative rockers have dropped a new single in the form of “True Love“.
Whether or not this a case of striking while the iron is hot or a last ditch content flush remains to be seen. The song is however the second single to feature the group’s classic era lineup of vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins in 34 years.
The group ended that dearth of new material this past July with the premiere of the song, “Imminent Redemption“. In an interesting wrinkle, this latest track also credits Josh Klinghoffer as a co-writer alongside the aforementioned quartet, suggesting it may have begun to come together during the latter’s stints filling in for Navarro amid his battle with long COVID in 2022 and 2023.
While it was previously revealed by the band that they had recorded several new singles, the timing of the reveal of this track does seem questionable. The outfit canceled their reunion touring this past Monday, September 16th, following an onstage physical altercation between Farrell and Navarro.
That incident was blamed on Farrell‘s alleged frustrations with the sound mix, paired with his own struggles with his voice and hearing that night. However, several nights prior, Farrell was severely criticized for delivering a worryingly sloppy performance.
Furthering the apparent divide between Farrell and his aforementioned bandmates, two different statements were issued this past Monday regarding the tour cancelation this and the decision to put the band on hiatus for the time being. The official social media for Jane’s Addiction stated at the time:
“To all the fans,
The band have made the difficult decision to take some time away as a group.
As such, they will be cancelling the remainder of the tour.
Refunds for the cancelled dates will be issued at your point of purchase – or if you purchased from a third-party resale site like StubHub, SeatGeek, etc, please reach out to them direct.
Thank you,
Jane’s Addiction”
That same day, a collective statement attributed to Navarro, Perkins and Avery was issued, it read:
“Due to a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour.
Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs.
We deeply regret that we are not able to come through for all our fans who have already bought tickets. We can see no solution that would either ensure a safe environment on stage or reliably allow us to deliver a great performance on a nightly basis.
Our hearts are broken.
Dave, Eric and Stephen.”
Following the arrival of that second statement, Farrell himself issued the below apology:
“This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family and friends for my actions during Friday’s show.
Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation.”
