The performance lineup for Evolution Fest took another hit after rock band Jane’s Addiction canceled the remainder of its reunion tour.
The four original band members were scheduled to perform at the festival on Sept. 29 before The Killers’ headlining set that night. However, after members of the band came to blows at their Boston show on Sept. 13 and lead singer Perry Farrell was forcibly dragged off stage, the alternative metal band is no longer performing at this year’s festival.
“To all the fans, the band (has) made the difficult decision to take some time away as a group,†read a statement on the band’s Instagram page.
Evolution Fest organizers said in a statement that they are “sad by this announcement and are working hard to figure out how to replace them.â€
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The festival isn’t new to pivoting when lineup plans change. In July, festival organizers added rock star Billy Idol to the lineup not long after Blondie dropped out of the festival. The ’80s rockers behind hits like “Heart of Glass†and “One Way or Another†didn’t give a reason for having to cancel their August and September tour dates.
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Jane’s Addiction kicked off its reunion tour in August, hitting the road with the original members for the first time in 14 years. The band grew in popularity in the late ’80s and early ’90s with wavy, alternative rock records like “Mountain Song†and “Been Caught Stealing,†making them a leader in the alternative rock genre.
But during its Boston performance, singer Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins struggled when Farrell seemingly lost control and began yelling at Navarro.
Videos posted online show Farrell yelling at the guitarist early in the show. Later, while performing the song “Ocean Size Tab,†Farrell attacked Navarro and punched him in his torso. The mayhem continued as the other band members and crew attempted to remove Farrell from the stage.
Navarro posted a statement to his social media following the tour cancellation. The guitarist expressed regret over being unable to complete the tour but that the band wants to ensure a safe environment on stage. He also informed fans that the tour cancellation was a result of recurring issues with singer Farrell.
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“Due to a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour,†Navarro’s statement reads. “Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs.â€
In addition to their Evolution Fest performance, 14 shows are now canceled following the onstage brawl. The band ensured concertgoers would receive refunds for cancelled dates that would be “issued at your point of purchase — or if you purchased from a third-party resale site like StubHub, SeatGeek, etc, please reach out to them direct.â€