Jane’s Addiction at Terminal 5

Perry Farrell and co delivered an epic feast for the senses in New York City with their show at Terminal 5 near the very end of the year, December 29^th. Hot dancers, wine, smoking on stage, giant topless statues, swings, firefighters, raging guitars and great music – this gig had it all.

Just after 8pm the show opened with TAB the Band. The Massachusetts indie rockers heated the increasing crowd with some bluesy garage rock. Their performance, which continued a mere half an hour, was neat and cool, with their last song Bull Fighter being a particular highlight.

At 10.10pm the stage lights started to dim whilst two gigantic female topless figures were brought on stage, along with small dolls, a praying hands figure and other perks to set the right mood for the headliners – the West Coast alternative rock kings Jane’s Addiction. The sound managers were playing Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond, while waiting for the band to go on stage.

Jane’s Addiction’s appearance was as flamboyant as expected, even though they were without their original bassist Eric Avery, replaced by Chris Chaney. The band opened with Whores from their debut self-titled album, accompanied by Japanese kabuki theater-style performance by the two beautiful female dancers, lifted high on swings in the air with flowing white skirts. 

Ain’t No Right, Just Because and Ted, Just Admit It followed – the last one bringing the hot girls back on stage for a dance on a rocking chair. Jane’s Addiction’s setlist had a good balance with songs from their new album The Great Escape Artist and classics such as Ocean Size, Three Days and Been Caught Stealing. The California rockers finished with an acoustic version of their biggest hit Jane Says, bathing the exalted audience in balloons and confetti, and leaving it smiling and satisfied after a true rock’n’roll fiesta.

Perry Farrell’s stage presence is undoubtedly awesome – he was all welcoming, smiling and full of killer wit. Perry pulled three firefighters that helped the recovery from Hurricane Sandy on stage, presenting one of them with the words: “We actually went to the same high school together, and ladies – he’s single!”

Moreover, the footage from the show was turned into one special 3D 60-minute documentary film, premiered on the LG Thrill 3D YouTube channel and presented as the world’s first user-generated 3D Concert – watch it below.

Martina Dechevska

Photos by Martina Dechevska

Purchase Jane’s Addiction’s new album The Great Escape Artist  from Amazon. CD prices start at $5.63, vinyl – from $15.25.