Live Review + Photos: Jane's Addiction featuring Love Rockets and Crawlers at YouTube Theater

Noah Shapiro August 19th, 2024 - 10:00 AM

On August 13th an unforgettable trio of bands — Crawlers, Love Rockets, and Jane’s Addiction —rocked the YouTube Theater at SoFi Stadium in LA with an addicting show. The atmosphere was lively as early as 6:26 pm, as 200 eager fans had already lined up, with another line of at least 60 lucky VIP attendees granted early entry. By 6:30 pm, the regular line started moving in. Met with four food trucks, fans were offered a variety of bites as they mingled, chatted, and grabbed merch before the show in the theater’s lively courtyard. The merchandise line was already massive.

By 6:50 pm, fans began taking their seats as a mix of country and rock played over the speakers. Two massive screens displayed upcoming concerts while the mostly middle-aged crowd settled in. At 6:56 pm, the lights dimmed, signalling the first act. The Crawlers, hailing from Liverpool, exploded onto the stage with an intensity that immediately captivated the audience with a powerful presence. The lead singer, with blue hair and tattoos, took the stage with honor. The band consisted of a male drummer and two female guitarists. Their music was a blend of emo rock, heavy metal and grunge. Most of their sound was driven by powerful guitar overlays and riffs. The singer had a perfectly tuned voice, one in which she was able to hit impressive notes and different pitches. The singer at one point had the crowd clapping along as she stomped and twirled around the stage, fully immersed in her performance. The Youtube Theater’s two large screens would showcase close-ups of the band as they performed, capturing an extra layer of real emotion throughout the night. With each song, it was evident that the band was dedicated to their craft, delivering a quality sound with heart and effort.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the set came when the singer, while deeply immersed in lyrics about love and heartbreak, kissed both her guitarists, to the crowd’s delight. The warmth of the moment resonated through the audience. Her stage presence was magnetic, effortlessly hitting high notes that sent shivers down spines. Among the setlist was a slower, more emotional piece about liars and cheaters, contrasting sharply with the grunge vibes of the rest of the show. Accompanied by mood-setting colored stage lights, this song created an immersive experience, with the audience swaying their phone lights in the air.

As she sang about betrayal, the singer carried her mic stand around the stage, swinging it playfully, fully engaging with the crowd, who clapped along to the rhythm. The drums were also a standout for they reverberated through the theater, while the singer’s voice soared effortlessly over the powerful beats and melodies of the guitar. The Crawlers’ performance was a hit, with the crowd dancing and cheering throughout. After playing more than five songs, The Crawlers left the stage to thunderous applause, undoubtedly winning over new fans that night.

As the lights returned, the theater buzzed with enthusiasm. By 8:00 pm, Love and Rockets took the stage, commanding attention with their distinctive retro rock flair. The lead singer, clad in a striking polka dot suit and funky square glasses, was complemented by a band member in a crisp white suit playing the bass and the drummer. The band’s retro rock sound was immediately apparent, accentuated by the lead singer’s smooth and resonant voice. With the theater now half full, the audience eagerly rose to dance as dynamic stage lights flickered in sync with the performance. The visual presentation was further enhanced by atmospheric smoke and vibrant lighting. However, a few songs were marred by an intense screech that momentarily detracted from an otherwise solid set.

Despite encountering some sound issues, the crowd remained fully engaged, dancing and singing along throughout the performance. One of the night’s highlights came when the stage was bathed in red light, accompanied by a pulsating electronic sound that perfectly complemented the guitarist’s strumming. By 8:10 pm, the theater was at full capacity, with the its screens capturing and showcasing fans dancing in the crowd, adding a dynamic visual element to the atmosphere. The bass player took the spotlight for a heartfelt song about finding love, though the persistent screeching sound continued to intrude. Nonetheless, the band’s musicianship shone brightly, with their intricate harmonies and extended instrumentals standing out as they played through the harsh noise. The set concluded with an energetic, fast-tempo track, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Love Rockets ended their set precisely at 8:58 pm and exited the stage.

During the intermission, the stage underwent a meticulous transformation in preparation for the headlining act, Jane’s Addiction. Stagehands laid down new carpets, and a gleaming brown drum set was prominently positioned at the center of the stage. By 9:29 pm, the air was thick with anticipation, as the crowd’s excitement grew. As the lights dimmed once more, a thunderous round of applause erupted to welcome Jane’s Addiction. The band’s name, styled in a bold, cool red cursive, illuminated the screen behind them. The lead singer Perry Farrell, distinguished by a distinctive cowboy hat, commanded the stage, accompanied by another guitarist also donning a cowboy hat. In contrast, the bassist and drummer maintained a classic rock look, which provided a striking counterpoint to the flamboyant attire of Perry Farrell and the guitarist. The band’s visual presentation was complemented by a vibrant light show and a dynamic stage setup, creating an immersive atmosphere.

The set commenced with “Kettle Whistle,” highlighting the singer’s deep, resonant voice against a backdrop of a dark, groove-laden introduction. The stage was enveloped in a moody haze, with pulsating lights casting shifting shadows that complemented the song’s deep bassline and atmospheric groove. This setting created an immersive prelude that drew the audience into the performance’s emotive landscape. As the songs progressed, Farrell’s, dynamic movements and commanding stage presence became the focal point. His energetic gestures and passionate delivery stirred the crowd, building a connection between the performer and the audience. His charisma was magnetic, as he moved across the stage with an intensity that mirrored the track’s rhythm, effectively drawing the audience into the heart of the performance.

Meanwhile, the guitarist, adorned with a striking array of tattoos and an open shirt that revealed his ink, delivered a blistering solo that electrified the crowd. His intricate guitar work, filled with rapid fingerings and soaring riffs, ignited the crowd’s excitement. The performance was further enhanced by a synchronized light show, which highlighted each dramatic chord and crescendo, creating a visual spectacle that amplified the guitarist’s fiery solo. Some notable songs played were “My Cat’s Name is Maceo” and “Jane Says.” These songs served as a nostalgic homage to the band’s history, with Perry Farrell reflecting on the legacy of the old LA scene and recognizing the audience — predominantly seasoned rock aficionados — as the cornerstone of the burgeoning new LA music scene. The performance of “Kettle Whistle” was a display of musical prowess, intertwining the band’s historical significance with the present moment, reinforcing deep bonds between their devoted fans.

“Three Days,” was a standout track of the evening. It exemplified a masterclass in musical intensity and drama. The song’s opening was marked by an atmospheric guitar solo that resonated through the venue, paired with a thunderous, pulsing drum beat. The brooding, reverberating tones of the guitar created a captivating introduction along with Perry’s explosive energy. Ever the consummate showman, Perry Farrell punctuated the moment with dramatic shouts of “Mama Mia” as it was signaling the start of an extended, rhythm-heavy jam session. His impassioned delivery and dynamic stage presence further heightened the intensity of the performance and entire show. The band’s seamless interplay and intricate musicianship were on full display during this extended jam, with each member contributing to the song’s driving energy and complex textures. The evocative and introspective nature of the song’s words struck a chord with the audience. Many in the crowd responded with fervent, heartfelt singing, creating a powerful communal experience that underscored the song’s impact.

Another song that left a significant impact was the revered “Mountain Song,” a perennial fan favorite that ignited the crowd and had everyone standing again on their feet. From the moment the song began, the audience had their phones out recording as well as singing word for word. The guitarist unleashed a series of powerful, intricate strums with intensity. Each riff was complemented by a relentless barrage of thumping drum beats which propelled the song. The rhythm’s forceful pulse allowed the rest of the band to build upon it with relentless energy.

Farrell’s vocals soared above the rich mix of instrumentation, delivering each line with a potent blend of passion and clarity. His voice, full of dynamic range and emotive power, soared through the venue, cutting through the dense soundscape and capturing the audience’s full attention at all times of the show. He engaged with the crowd and encouraged them to join in during the chorus. The theater was alive with the collective energy of fans singing along, their voices melding into a powerful chorus that reverberated throughout the venue. The shared experience of singing together created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Each member of the band fed off the other’s energy and seamlessly integrated their contributions. The guitarist’s energetic solos, the drummer’s commanding beats, and the bassist’s driving lines created a cohesive performance. This synergy was evident in aspects of every song.

The night was still young when Jane’s Addiction played “Jane Says,” a song that provided a striking contrast to the high-energy anthems earlier in the evening. The performance of this slower, introspective tune invited a moment of deep collective reflection as a fan favorite. The song’s introduction was marked by the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars and its bongo drums. This was the first time acoustics were used in the show in which the warm and organic tones set a serene and intimate mood. The rich and clear sound complemented Perry Farrell’s soothing voice. He sang with a remarkable sense of sincerity as he sings “Jane.” Fans were seen swaying back and forth in unison to the rhythm. The soft glow of phone flash lights filled the darkened theater, casting a sea of twinkling lights that added to the song. When the final notes of “Jane Says” were played, the theater erupted into a massive cheer, a powerful testament of the song’s impact on everyone present.

Farrell then spoke to the audience, sharing his love for the ocean and how it allowed him to bond with his son. His heartfelt words set the stage for “Ocean Size,” a track that carried deep emotions. Farrell also took a moment to shout out to Los Angeles, humorously referencing the city’s infamous traffic before transitioning into “Then She Did…” This song, with its groovy, upbeat tempo and catchy hook, encouraged fans to sing along. Another popular song, “Imminent Redemption,” was played as well. The aggressive guitar solos on this song left the crowd in enthusiastic cheers. The intensity was a stark contrast to the preceding track, in which the band can transition between different musical styles and moods well.

The evening culminated with “Chip Away.” A powerful track that served as a fitting finale. Fans seemed to have anticipated this closing number. The guitar solo brought the concert to a high-octane close. Perry had passionate goodbyes during the delivery of his final song. As the song concluded, the audience erupted into cheers. As the final notes of “Chip” faded, the band took their final bows amid the enthusiastic applause and cheers echoing in the amphitheater.

In a triumphant exit, electric guitarist Dave Navarro tossed his guitar pick into the crowd. Jane’s Addiction left a lasting impression on fans with exceptional music that night. By 10:58 pm, the theater began to empty, with fans grabbing last-minute merch and food from the trucks outside. Jazz music played over the speakers as people found their rides. Jane’s Addiction, Love Rockets and The Crawlers delivered a night of pure rock and roll.

Setlist