Dave Navarro files lawsuit against Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction for assault and battery.

Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro has initiated a lawsuit against the band’s lead vocalist, Perry Farrell, following a physical altercation that occurred during a performance in Boston in September. The dispute, which reportedly escalated both onstage and backstage, has significant implications for the band’s ongoing tour and future projects.

Navarro, aged 58, is suing Farrell for assault and battery, asserting that the confrontation not only disrupted their concert but also led to the cancellation of the remaining 15 dates on their North American tour as well as the halting of album recording sessions. According to reports from Media News Source, his bandmates, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins, are supporting Navarro’s claims and citing additional grievances, including negligence, emotional distress, and breach of contract. The trio is pursuing a minimum of million in damages connected to these incidents.

The conflict first became evident during a performance on September 13 at the Leader Bank Pavilion as part of the band’s Imminent Redemption Tour. Video footage from the event captures a heated moment where Farrell appeared to confront Navarro aggressively before physical violence ensued, prompting immediate intervention from stage personnel. It is alleged that Navarro suffered a punch to the face during a backstage incident afterward.

Tensions within Jane’s Addiction reportedly had been simmering prior to this confrontation. Farrell’s wife indicated on social media that there was growing “tension and animosity” leading up to the performance, stemming from Farrell’s concerns that his vocals were not sufficiently highlighted amidst the band’s collective sound. The lawsuit implies that these mounting pressures contributed to the breakdown of relations between the band members, with Navarro claiming that Farrell had previously threatened to leave the group.

In the aftermath of the altercation, Farrell publicly acknowledged his actions, describing his behavior as “inexcusable” and offering an apology on his social media platforms. However, Navarro and his fellow band members have attributed their challenges to a “continuing pattern of behavior” and the mental health struggles of Farrell, further complicating the band’s dynamics and future endeavors.

In light of these recent developments, Navarro, Avery, and Perkins have announced plans to work on a new project that excludes Farrell, marking a significant shift in the trajectory of Jane’s Addiction as their internal conflicts continue to unfold. The outcome of Navarro’s lawsuit could have lasting repercussions on the band’s legacy and their standing within the music industry.