Jane's Addiction
Jane’s Addiction thrust subversive, underground sounds into the mainstream, blazing the trail for Soundgarden, Nirvana, and other alternative artists. Formed in 1985 in Los Angeles, Jane’s Addiction rejected extravagance and made their own rules, creating an energy-filled concoction of punk, glam, metal, and art that shook up the Sunset Strip hair metal scene.
Self-described as a “hodge-podge” band, each member of Jane’s Addiction brought their own influences and style of playing to L.A.’s underground. Stephen Perkins’ tribal-influenced drumming propelled Jane beyond the rhythms of rock, while Eric Avery’s heavy bass grooves formed the backbone of their sound. Dave Navarro’s power riffing and astral solos proved that an undeniably great guitarist can be in an underground band, while Perry Farrell’s voice swung between innocence and urgency, crafting gothic tales of living in L.A. As Dave Navarro admitted in 2003, “There wasn’t a single unified thread between us.” And yet, the fusing of stylistic differences created an idiosyncratic tension – inspiring countless artists to create their own voice in music.
During their short and turbulent career, Jane’s Addiction were given complete control at Warner Brothers, releasing two albums that defined this era of rock: Nothing’s Shocking and Ritual de lo Habitual. Their final tour created the first-ever Lollapalooza, which for over thirty years has provided the blueprint for the modern festival by giving a diversity of artists, subcultures, and fans a communal platform to shine.
They lit the beacon of the alternative nation subculture that Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, and Måneskin have picked up and carried. Jane’s Addiction sound like their city – the signature, contradictory combination of violence, drugs, beauty, fear, and the redemptive power of the City of Angels permeates their lyrics and sound. In the words of Tom Morello, “Various important bands get credit for being the first ‘alternative’ band to break through. Let’s set the record straight: it was ‘Juana’s Adicción.’"
Forgers of the alternative nation.
Selected discography:
“Jane Says,” “Pigs in Zen,” Jane’s Addiction (1987) • “Mountain Song,” “Summertime Rolls,” Nothing’s Shocking (1988) • “Stop!” “Been Caught Stealing,” “Three Days,” Ritual de lo Habitual (1990) • “End to the Lies,” The Great Escape Artist (2011)
Nominees: Eric Avery, Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins
