I never saw Jane's Addiction live and missed the first couple of Lollapaloozas as I wasn't in the country, but I was at the 3rd one, and the 5th one. I had friends who'd followed them around on tour, inspired to be in bands themselves. I was a particular fan of Nothing's Shocking. Honestly, I found the song and video for Been Caught Stealing ridiculous and cartoonish. But this album was special as it was released after I already loved them and was eager for more. Reliving the album in full in concert was a bit like discovering it the first time, unwrapping the CD. Yeah, they're still pretty awesome, was the exact feeling of relief I felt on both occasions.
The first thing that I was impressed by was the gogo dancers on scaffolding, gyrating behind the band on the opener, Stop! How perfectly Jane's, and how perfectly Ritual. So few bands do more than just show up, stand there and play. I really should have known to expect more from these inveterate showmen!
The band looked like they were having a good time with plenty of smiles and interaction. They sounded good and looked dapper and showy with just the right dash of maturity to acknowledge the 25 years past. I don't think I could have taken Perry in braids and a sundress.
The truly jaw-dropping moment of the show came at the end of the first encore when they play Ted, Just Admit It... Two girls in bondage gear thrashed around at the end of long lines dangling from the ceiling on either side of the stage. And yes, they were hooked through the skin, in the old native american sun-ritual way. The song's phrase "Nothing's Shocking" was surreal: I was genuinely shocked, and yet I would have been less shocked in 1990. Is this a function of aging? I don't know. I saw the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow back in the day (an act that benefited from Perry's promotion), but it's been so long since I've seen a band that want to play provocateur with their art. I miss it.
The evening wrapped up with a stripped back performance of Jane Says, encouraging the sing-a-long atmosphere everyone knew was coming. The band were all at the front of the stage with bongoes and acoustic guitars, with all the go-go dancers, satyrs and suspension girls joining them, making for an intimate finale, complete with theatrical bow.
Setlist:
Stop!
No One's Leaving
Ain't No Right
Obvious
Been Caught Stealing
Three Days
Then She Did...
Of Course
Classic Girl
Encore 1:
Mountain Song
Rebel Rebel (Bowie Cover)
Just Because
Ted, Just Admit It...
Encore 2:
Jane Says
