Jane’s Addiction delivers the goods at La Cita
Kevin Bronson on
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Jane’s Addiction brought Hollywood to downtown Los Angeles on Thursday night, 20 years late. Or maybe just in time.
The fearsome L.A. foursome, in their original lineup, played a muscular 10-song set that reminded you of when some other guy named Bush was president (and before). And they played it to a crowd of 157 at La Cita — the Hill Street bar that until a little more than two years ago was a neighborhood watering hole and dance hall with a largely Mexican clientele.
I heard no ranchero music on this night. The occasion was a party; the DJ was celebrity artist Shepard Fairey (the Boston Globe was in town to do a piece on him); and the overtones were faintly political — even if Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell did confuse how far away the election was when he gave his get-out-the-vote spiel. And the band’s sweat-drenched admirers soaked it up. “A Top 10 moment,” one told me unblinkingly. Added a music executive who moshed in the wings near the likes of Karen O, Nick Zimmer, Adrian Grenier, Tom Morello and Taylor Hawkins: “I’ve loved that band since I was in diapers.”
That band — and the 200-amp sound system it brought along — made this ride in the Time Machine sound pristine. Even with La Cita’s low-slung ceilings, the
volume from the temporary stage erected at the back of the main room was not oppressive, and the mix was perfect. Virtually start to finish, the quartet played a set worthy of their rock-star stature, as well as their fans’ undying devotion.
With the guest list incredibly tight (more on that later), Barton Saunders took no chances. The 37-year-old from Toronto, who spent $410 on a plane ticket to L.A. after reading about the show on a local blog, arrived at La Cita on Wednesday, slept on the sidewalk outside the bar and hung out at the bar all day Thursday to ensure he was there for the set. “A defining moment,” he called it.
OK. It might have been defining for the venue, too. I arrived around 7, about the same time the fire marshals did. They had concerns about all the juice coming into La Cita (an outside generator was used), and the myriad cables and lighting gear that the band’s production crew spent all day assembling. After a last-minute scramble to solve those problems (including moving the stage a couple of feet, no easy feat), officials turned their attention to the capacity, which they capped at 157 — the legal limit for La Cita’s main room. Many on the VIP and industry lists did not get in.
Two of the bar’s owners, Carl Lofgren and Dave Neupert [that’s them, holding the set list above], embraced afterward. “I can’t believe this happened,” Lofgren said. Neither could a lot of others.
More photos from the night:
The temporary stage, likely the smallest one Jane’s Addiction has played on in quite some time.
LAFD: They weren’t looking for a setlist.
Sorry for the poor photo quality; the wristbands were embossed with “J.A.,” the date and the venue.
Farrell seemed especially exuberant the whole evening.
Dude can shred.
great article. thanks!
What about pictures of Stephen? He is the best part of the band..
the show was incredible!
“officials turned their attention to the capacity, which they capped at 157 ”” the legal limit for La Cita’s main room.”
That should be the legal limit for sweaty bro dudes in any venue.
In a bar community full of elitist douchebags, Carl the fat, bald owner of this joint takes the cake. Though I was able to get into the show, the way this guy treated the people outside was shocking, even for LA. Last time I’ll ever go to this shithole.
I hate you all.
Please tell me that LittleRadio or someone taped this show. I mean, this was truly historic…this was the original lineup, first time since like Lollapalooza’s first year.
Almost didn’t get in to see the show. Stood in line since 4pm, Fire Marshall put a stop to letting 60 people from each line (RSVP & Non-RSVP). Hung out late, figured what the heck, got two limited (that’s right! Limited edit 413 & 418/450) posters from the show and finally (the wife and I) got in for the last 4 songs thanks to Peter, Perry’s long time friend and (I believe) manager. Got a pic with Perry early on, with Eric and few pics of Dave and Stephen as they all loaded up into a rented van conversion that took them to their hotel. I’m glad I got there early that stuck up conversation with Peter. Peter, if you’re out there, thanks a million brother, see you soon!
-JA
I’m gonna put this out there.
For a band that chose that venue b/c it was such a cool place filled with a cool crowd of hip-non Hollywood douchebaggy partiers, they totally stiffed all the real fans and people that make that club special. They only let in industry douches and aging groupie vagina. Yeah, I said it.
I thought it was supposed to be about playing in a small club for the people and going back to their roots…apparently you have to have been at the first show 17 years ago to gain entry into the show…lookin at the douchy demographic they were letting in.
Yeah…some people are a little upset (I’m thinking the DIE-HARD fans that sat outside the club in lawn chairs for almost 10 hours)…or the people that support the club on a weekly basis.
None of the blame is to be put on the venue or the party. It’s just that the Hollywood Rock Scene machine just pulled its dick out and tried to use power plays that denied access to some die hard fans.
I’m actually not that upset that I didn’t get in after waiting for 2 hrs in a “VIP Line” HAHAHAHAHA.
I’m just trying to speak up for those that were there b/c they loved the band…but the love for the band was not reciprocated.
so…with that I say…Fuck you Rock & Roll Douchebags.
I hope you choke on Christian Audigier’s Dick.
mutha fuck al bundy
Glennjamn — To tell you the truth, a lot of industry people did NOT get in. Of the people standing around me, 4 or 5 were die-hards who came from distant places (the Canadian guy I quoted, several from San Diego and another from northern Californai) to see the show and a couple were friends of the band/La Cita owners. Bottom line: 157 just ain’t that many people.
Trip — Stephen was too far back from where I was standing (and in a dimly lit area) for me to get any decent photos with my crappy little digital.
Update: Mr. Navarro vows to make it up to you:
http://www.6767.com/archives/2008/10/ja_1.html
Hugo — The show was being taped and recorded (I believe, though I’m not 100% positive, that it was for Dave Navarro’s show on Mania TV.
no…i saw the people walk in.
and yes…a lot of douchebags.
and yes…blame Al Bundy.
Eric Avery’s long absence from the band is what allowed douchebaggery to set in and compromise the danger and freakishness that was the inspiration behind all of their old great songs. Have they written a worthwhile song WITHOUT Avery in the band? I don’t think so. Now that he’s back, maybe he can beat the Hollywood out of Navarro and slap Perry across the face to wake him up from his hippie dream.
All that said, I wish I could’ve seen this show.
I’m gonna go with GlenJamn on this one.
After receiving RSVP confirmation, I waited in line five hours and didn’t get in. Had friends in front of me who waited 8 hours and didn’t get in until the very last song (10 minutes of show after taking time off work to wait in line on the hottest day of the year).
Go crazy with the VIP parties. All the more power to you. But don’t tease the ‘normal’ people turning them away after welcoming them with open arms.
Way to reteach all of us the lesson that waiting in line and being a normal hardcore fan is for suckas. We knew better, and we did it anyhow because we were so psyched. Bummer.
God,I can’t imagine seeing them in that venue! Can’t wait till they play again!Also,I’m sick when I hear people complaing! Janes had ever right to expierence there first night out the way they wanted it.I think in there minds there would have been a mix of friends,family,industry and fans. In none of the words on the rsvp letter(which I got too),did it ever sound overly confident about RSVP’s getting in.It clearly said the majority will not get in.This small show probally made Janes feel like it’s there begining,a small show not some huge civic center or something. I think they need to feel that there a band that deserves to recarnate.Especially after all who have been there to credicize them during the past few years.You diehards were ready to write Janes Addiction off for good,especially Perry Farrell!All U guys do is knock the band and there members(except Steven and Eric).That’s one half of tthe band. It’s funny,everyone acts like JANES owes us for leaving us prematurely!I don’t get it.Anyway,I too consider myself a huge fan.I was gonna fly out there but thought the risk was super high. I guess if I had gone I’d be pissed I,but at who,probally myself!
The wife found some videos from last night’s show.
Ted, just admit it:
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/lawomanphotography/?action=view¤t=TED-JANES_LACITA_LA_102308.flv
Ocean size:
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/lawomanphotography/?action=view¤t=OCEANSIZE_JANES_LACITA_LA_102308.flv
And there’s bond to me a lot more, security was letting all types of camera through, so post when you find them!
-JA
[…] – 3pm Reviews and bitchy comments galore: Kevin Bronson, Califaudio, more Flickr photos, Dave Navarro blogs it (Did I mention? Those who went to Stereolab […]
Hi everybody — While wondering why I never got a single bit of porn spam until I posted about Jane’s Addiction, I just want to let you know that I’ve left a cople comments unapproved. Reason: If you’re going to assassinate someone’s character, then don’t do it anonymously.
That said, thanks for reading.
Thanks for the report, Kevin. I couldn’t get in.
Carrie —
To clarify: Based on the RSVP vibe — which was fairly clear that getting in would be tough — We didn’t feel confident either about getting in which is why we lined up 5-8 hours early.
Once we were there, we were told that approximately 120 people in line would be admitted. We were about 30th-40th in line, so that took us from the ‘let’s give it a shot’ to ‘wow, we’re actually going to get in’ feeling.
So. . . we stood in line. About ‘getting in time’ (9pm maybe?) some random guy came out and sort of muttered ‘no one’s getting in fire marshal ‘.
So like everyone else we got concerned but — knowing La Cita’s usual capacity — we didn’t really take it too seriously.
At the end of the day, maybe 15 diehard “I got here at 6am” fans got in in in good time for the show.
That’s 15 fans out of maybe 500 in line, 120 of whom had been given the feeling that they were going to probably get in.
So No. Jane’s Addiction usually doesn’t owe anyone anything. But I think if you’re going to be attempting to do something ‘for the fans’ then you owe it to them to not be big fat concert teases.
I got in, but was also waiting in line for 18 hours (I was 2nd person in line). The video posted above was shot by me…incredible show- one that I will never forget. I feel terrible for those that were waiting with me and weren’t let in…lots of video cameras, so I think the show will be made available at some point. Hopefully more shows will be forthcoming and everyone who waited and didn’t get in will get to see them!
More pics that I took can be found here:
http://perryfarrell.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=721&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30
[…] UPDATE:” See the great full report and pics from the show here… Thanks to DNfamJArox for the tip! […]
i’m still bummed out! As i was one of many who sat in line not that cool to get the RSVP but, i was in such a line got there at 3:30pm to stand in line till 10:15 pm… Got my heart pumping all day long as drove from behind the orange curtain to see my favorite band and in such a venue that i only saw the outside of… Had many conversations about why didn’t they play two sets? hmmm, it just doesnt seem cool that we got turned away gosh i remember yes, when standing in line all day long you would be in forsure… Now, those’s were the days….
COUNTRYOFCALI
I’M NOT SAYING IT DOESN’T SUCK.ALL I WAS SAYING IS I DIDN’T THINK IT WAS THE BANDS INTENTION TO LEAVE IT THIS WAY.I WENT TO BED THINKING,WHY THE HELL DIDN’T I GO , I THOUGHT EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE WOULD GET IN BY THE SOUNDS FROM THE BLOGS!JUST BY READING ALL THE THREADS THERES SOME SHITTY COMMENTS OUT THERE!I MEAN NO DISRESPECT,IT WOULD HAVE SUCKED!
You guys are complainers. The minute I heard Jane’s was playing, I knew if I wasn’t there at least 8 hours before, I wouldn’t get in. One of the most famous bands of all time that hasn’t played in 17 years, and you think you can walk up a few hours before and get in. Whatever.
And to add, they were amazing. Hints of 80s Perry were abound, along with the Ibanez, and Trip Away, even Thank You Boys.
Just read Eric and Dave’s blogs (Erics’ is on blogger) and you will see what the deal was and why they kept turning everyone away.
I got there at 7pm, waited in the RSVP line and got in for the last 2-3 songs.
At least I didn’t bribe the security at the door (60-100 bucks per person as some did) to get let in for the last 4 songs.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they headline Coachella 2009.
Enough with the “die hards” and “true fans” stuff. Please! Jane’s Addiction makes music, beautiful music that has obviously affected all of us, but that doesn’t mean they owe us anything. Of course we, the fans, are an important piece of the puzzle, but we are only one piece. We are owed nothing. They are artists, just as many of us are, and we create because we want to or have to. It was a beautiful show with what seemed to be only fans in there. It doesn’t matter who’s list they were on, if they were friends, family, people who waited in line or even industry people, they were having a damn good time and were thoroughly into it. They are fans. You didn’t have to be there at 6am, but you did have to put in about 8hours to be one of the lucky ones.
Of course some things could have been handled better, but that is always the case. Hopefully if there is a next time it will be a bit smoother, but that is all one can ask for. You certainly can HOPE for much more.
enough already! Jane’s, just sign up to do a Wiltern show on the quick and quiet, put tickets up for sale 48 hrs in advanced, and let that be the big L.A welcome back show.
And in retrospect…Jane’s Addiction at La Cita, 150 sweaty people…that’s what every big band fondly remembers, so I am happy for the band.
Still, I hate those of you who got in. No seriously, I hate you all.
[…] Buzzbands.LA has the most extensive review of the performance, complete with enough pictures of Perry to make even the biggest fan’s heart content, while Billy Morrison and Tom Morello are among the musicians to have offered their thoughts on the evening. Based on these and fan reaction, it certainly appears most are in agreement that Jane’s Addicition one-off was a smashing success. […]
[…] Buzz Bands pueden ver fotos del concierto y tanto Blabbermouth como Stereogum publicaron varios videos tomados […]
Anyone know how I can get a hold of Barton Saunders who was mentioned in this article? We lost contact back in 1991. Please reply if you have info.
Thanks,
Larry Wohrman