GIG REVIEWS

JANE'S ADDICTION
@ Manchester Apollo
November 2, '03
www.vanguard-online.co.uk

 2003? It's 1990 all over again! Not only are we having problems with Iraq, but also cock rock is back in the charts and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have crawled out of the sewer to enjoy a second wind. Tonight at the Apollo, further proof that we've secretly been transported back 13 years is evident with the appearance of a Pop Will Eat Itself top here and a Carter USM T-shirt there. There's even a couple enthusing about an upcoming Wonder Stuff and Voice Of The Beehive gig. What next? A Flowered Up revival? Stripey tights and Doc Marten's? And that's before I've mentioned Jane's Addiction who, until this summer, last released an album in 1990.

With an androgynous frontman, a superb guitarist capable of pulling off kaleidoscopic, Zeppelin-sized riffs and a bunch of songs that bridged mainstream appeal with alternative cool, Jane's Addiction were rock's dream come true. They could have been huge, bigger than Nirvana even, yet Jane's gave it all up in 1991 after just two albums, choosing to preserve their relevancy and reputation than chase mass acceptance. An admirable decision, sure, but one made way too early, so few doubted Jane's wisdom when they reformed in 1997.

With new bassist Chris Cheney joining vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins, a rapturous applause greets Jane's Addiction as the rumbling bassline to 'Up The Beach' builds up the anticipation, hailing the start of what promises to be a special performance. Clad in black leather vest and jeans, looking like he's just stepped out of a Frankie Goes To Hollywood video, Farrell bounces on stage with more energy than most men at 42 and a grin that not even a swift left hook could dislodge.

Songs from Jane's comeback album 'Strays', including the title track and an acoustic 'Just Because', go down fine but, let's be honest, they don't hold a candle to classics such as 'Been Caught Stealing' or the frantic, funk-metal brilliance of 'Stop'. The lovely, serene '... Then She Did' balances out the rock, showcasing Navarro's beautiful guitar work for those not too enraptured by the man's bare chest. With that, and the towering anthems 'Ocean Size' and 'Mountain Song', all stamped with Farrell's unique, yet engaging vocals, it's hard not to imagine Jane's Addiction as a nineties Led Zeppelin had they decided to stick around.

They won't get any bigger than they are now, so let's be thankful that Jane's Addiction are together again and still playing the wonderful, calypso-tinged 'Jane Says', which closes tonight's set, as good as they did in 1990. Standing at the front of the stage for a good five minutes, they lap up the praise from the appreciative audience, faces beaming as if to say 'we're back'. Inspired as always.

Ross Halewood