Jane's Addiction Reunion Highlights NME Awards

Posted on Apr 24th 2008 2:00PM by Steve Baltin
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It's been a long time coming; 17 years and some change, to be more precise. On Wednesday night in L.A., at the first-ever U.S. NME Awards, the four founding members of Jane's Addiction reunited for the first time since disbanding in 1991. Taking the stage together to receive the Godlike Genius Award, bassist Eric Avery, who was the lone holdout during the band's recent reunions, lead the foursome's thank you's, saying, "I drew the short straw, so I'm going first." Avery then thanked the British magazine for the honor, while guitarist Dave Navarro thanked NME for "facilitating this reunion" along with frontman Perry Farrell. Drummer Stephen Perkins' message was more personal, declaring, "I want to thank these guys behind me. I love you guys."

Jane's opened their performance -- which was broadcast on MySpace -- with 'Stop,' before launching into 'Mountain Song' and 'Ocean Size.' The crowd pushed to the front of the stage and ladies in cocktail dresses pogoed to the band's fury. Even media types in the balcony were suitably impressed. The quartet toned down the intensity with a seated Navarro and Avery, and Perkins on steel drums for the finale of 'Jane Says.'

Meanwhile, several other honors were given out throughout the evening, including an inspiration award to Clash, Big Audio Dynamite and now Carbon/Silicon's Mick Jones. Before the show Jones talked to Spinner about his inspirations. "I remember the first couple of records I bought with my own money," he recalled. "They were Jimi Hendrix 'Smash Hits' and Cream 'Disraeli Gears.' Now, inspiration comes in other forms, like Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld."

Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. took home the award for Best Solo Artist. "I was shocked when I found out I was nominated, and I was really shocked when I won," Hammond told Spinner. "Just imagine being able to do something that you love to do and slowly being recognized for it. It's hard to do -- -the position of the guy in a famous band who doesn't sing and usually gets made fun of. The fact that I'm here is great." He then rushed off to see Jane's.