Etty Farrell, the wife of Perry Farrell, has shared her perspective on the recent altercation between her husband and Jane's Addiction bandmate Dave Navarro during a performance in Boston. The incident occurred at the Leader Bank Pavilion while the band was performing "Ocean Size" on September 13, 2023. According to eyewitness reports and Etty's Instagram post, tensions had been escalating among the band members, and the atmosphere was charged before the incident.
Etty describes how Perry confronted Navarro directly, stating, "Perry got up in Dave's face and body checked him," after expressing frustration over the stage volume. She noted that this created significant frustration for Farrell, who had been experiencing issues with tinnitus and a sore throat during performances. The confrontation escalated when Navarro attempted to create distance, leading to Perry taking a swing at him. The chaos resulted in the show being called off prematurely, with bassist Eric Avery stepping in to restrain Farrell at one point.
Etty went into detail about the events that unfolded, suggesting that when Navarro attempted to walk off stage, Avery reacted aggressively, putting Farrell in a headlock and throwing punches. She characterized Perry’s emotional state following the incident, describing him as a “crazed beast” who eventually broke down in tears.
As for the future of the tour, which is set to continue with a show in Bridgeport, Connecticut on September 15, it remains uncertain. Etty's post has stirred conversations about the internal dynamics of the band and the pressures they face on stage. This incident marks a notable moment in the band’s history, highlighting the intensity of their long-standing relationship and the challenges presented in live performance settings.
For more details, you can read Etty’s full account of the incident.