Jane's Addiction Soundgarden Grunge the night Away

Jane’s Addiction and SoundGarden Grunge the Night Away
review and photos by Orest Dorosh/Front Row Pictures

First up and over the course of about 60 minutes, Farrell and his friends (Jane’s Addiction) rocked the house at Kitchener’s Big Music Fest. They played a classic collection of Los Angeles pre-grunge, and it flew thanks to the spectacular trio behind lead singer Perry Farrell, which included guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins, as well as longtime bassist Chris Chaney.

Having never a big follower of Jane’s Addiction, they surprised me that they still like to shock, having a pair of dominatrix dancers flying around the stage, hung by wires like some weird circus or burlesque show. Farrell spent a lot of time twiddling knobs on a synthesizer and reacting like he just got electrocuted.

Now Navarro doesn’t just play his guitar, he’s blistering on the instrument. He’s a much underrated guitar player who should be given more credit. Photographing the band for the first time I had heard that he could give you a hard time but he was nothing but great. Even mugging for the camera. Navarro is a tabloid fave for his Hollywood excesses and brief marriage to Carmen Electra, as well as his Ink Master reality tv show.

Set List:
Up the Beach
Mountain Song
Had a Dad
Stop!
Just Because
Ted, Just Admit It…
Ocean Size
Been Caught Stealing
Three Days
Whores
Jane Says

After Jane’s Addiction’s set it was time for the main headliner – Soundgarden. Hailed as grunge innovators, Soundgarden redefined rock music for a generation. In the 80s and 90s, the band’s mesmerising soundscapes and compelling lyrics seduced audiences hungry for originality. During the opening few songs thought, I found them to disinterested. There was very little interaction between band members and to me it seemed like not enough energy as compared to bands like The Glorious Sons who came out earlier with all their guns blazing and showing that they had something to prove. Not trying to be negative, but Soundgarden did put on a great show despite the disinterest. Chris Cornell still has the pipes and is not afraid to show off. Kim Thayil put on a great guitar clinic as well. Just a little more animation please gentlemen.

Set List
Searching With My Good Eye Closed
Spoonman
Kyle Petty, Son of Richard
Attrition
Outshined
By Crooked Steps
Taree
Black Hole Sun
Jesus Christ Pose
Fell on Black Days
Blow Up the Outside World
Hunted Down
My Wave
The Day I Tried to Live
Been Away Too Long
Birth Ritual
Rusty Cage
Slaves & Bulldozers