Shows & Schedule

Jane's Addiction - October 31, 1997 - Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY

Setlist:

1. Ocean Size
2. Ain't No Right
3. Then She Did...
4. Stop!
5. Three Days
6. Mountain Song
7. Summertime Rolls
8. Jane Says
9. Classic Girl
10. Chip Away
11. Ted, Just Admit It...
12. I Would For You

Show Review:

Jane’s Addiction's Halloween show at the Hammerstein Ballroom was a wild celebration of their unique blend of rock and spectacle. This performance, also recorded for MTV's Live At The 10 Spot, was notable for its elaborate and immersive environment. Although only the first half of the concert was broadcast, with the end of "Three Days" cut from the MTV version, the entire show was expertly captured on video.

The venue, bursting with its 3,699 attendees, was transformed into a vibrant, slightly chaotic Halloween extravaganza. The crowd, a mix of eclectic costumes ranging from Pez dispensers to hypodermic needles, added to the surreal atmosphere. The Hammerstein Ballroom was decked out with large crepe paper flowers, metallic streamers, and strands of bare light bulbs, creating a festive yet slightly dystopian setting. Perry Farrell, leading the band, made a striking entrance in a glitzy cowboy suit, his hair styled in gravity-defying braids.

From the opening notes of "Ocean Size," it was clear that this was not merely a nostalgic trip through their greatest hits. The younger audience, many of whom were barely old enough to remember the band's early days, greeted the performance with enthusiastic energy rather than historical reverence. In response, the band, which included Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and new bassist Flea, delivered a high-octane performance.

Farrell’s voice, though aged, remained strikingly resilient, capturing both the nasal highs of "Jane Says" and the dreamlike quality of "Then She Did." While his stage presence had mellowed from its previous exuberance, he still exuded a captivating fervor.

The show was marked by its provocative visual elements. Exotic dancers, climbing poles and performing acrobatic feats, added to the sensory overload, while a jungle gym of performers engaged in simulated acts of debauchery. Navarro made a dramatic statement by shedding his devil’s cape to reveal his bare chest. Despite the overt sexuality of the performance, it inadvertently echoed Farrell’s well-known line, “Nothing’s shocking,” emphasizing the band's consistent thematic push against conventional limits.

One of the standout moments of the evening came with "Summertime Rolls," where Farrell, alone on a platform amid the crowd, showcased a raw, vulnerable side. His voice cracked with emotion, revealing a softer, more introspective facet of his persona. This performance highlighted the duality that defines Jane’s Addiction—combining a blend of idealistic hippie sensibilities with a modern, edgy cynicism. This contrast, along with their disregard for rock norms, underscores why Jane’s Addiction remains a distinct and influential force in rock music.