Jane’s Addiction Sues Perry Farrell For Assault and Battery Over Onstage Fight

Dave Navarro has taken legal action against his former Jane’s Addiction bandmate Perry Farrell, accusing the vocalist of physical assault during a live performance in Boston in September 2024. Navarro, along with bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins, has also filed a joint lawsuit against Farrell citing emotional distress, negligence, and breach of contract. The trio is pursuing damages of no less than $10 million following the abrupt cancellation of their reunion tour.

The altercation reportedly occurred mid-show at Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion, where Farrell allegedly struck Navarro onstage. The situation was quickly defused by Avery and crew members. The performance was part of the group’s first tour featuring the full original lineup in 14 years, which was immediately halted after the incident.

Mounting Tensions Behind the Scenes

According to the lawsuit, tensions had been simmering long before the Boston confrontation. The band claims Farrell nearly withdrew from the tour before it even began, after a vote went against his request to include his wife, Etty Lau Farrell, as an onstage dancer — a decision made under their agreed group decision-making process.

As the tour progressed, Farrell’s behavior allegedly became more unpredictable. The suit accuses him of appearing on stage intoxicated, drinking wine in front of audiences, slurring his words, and launching into extended, meandering rants between songs. His conduct reportedly deteriorated as performances went on, frustrating the rest of the band and raising concerns about his ability to continue.

Health and Safety Concerns Cited

Navarro claims that during the incident, he was still recovering from long COVID symptoms, leaving him physically vulnerable. He says the attack continued backstage, where Farrell allegedly hit him again without warning.

Following the Boston show, Farrell publicly apologized and acknowledged his role in the altercation, stating he took full responsibility. He also reportedly sought medical help for ongoing vocal strain that had affected his performances during the tour.

The remaining shows were canceled shortly after the incident, along with plans for a reunion album. Navarro, Avery, and Perkins say they lost significant income and future opportunities as a result — losses they now seek to recover through legal channels.

Farrell Pushes Back Against Allegations

In a statement through his legal team, Farrell denied the allegations and described the lawsuit as a calculated smear campaign. His team claims the legal action was filed in retaliation after Farrell prepared his own legal response to what he views as unfair treatment by the rest of the band.

“This is a clear attempt to cast Perry as the villain and rewrite the narrative to make the others appear blameless,” the statement reads. Farrell’s lawyers argue that the other members sidelined him from key decisions and unjustly portrayed him as unstable when they canceled the tour without his consent.

Speaking to Guitar Player, Navarro reflected on the band’s final show, calling it “the worst gig I’ve ever played,” and confirmed there is no intention — or expectation — for Jane’s Addiction to reunite again.