17-07-2025
Rock Legend, 58, Sues Former Bandmate for $10M Over 'Brutal' Onstage Assault
Rock Legend, 58, Sues Former Bandmate for $10M Over 'Brutal' Onstage Assault originally appeared on Parade.
Dave Navarro, lead guitarist of Jane's Addiction, is suing his former bandmate Perry Farewell following a physical altercation during their show in September 2024.
Navarro, 58, clashed with Farrell, 66, on stage during a performance at Boston's Leader Bank Pavilion late last year.
According to the complaint, the frontman punched and shoved Navarro in front of the crowd in a 'brutal and unprovoked' clash, before the two were separated by bandmate Eric Avery and crew members.
In the aftermath of the incident, the band canceled the rest of their tour — the first in 14 years to feature all original members.
The lawsuit, filed by Navarro, Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins, claims the onstage blowup was the result of a string of erratic behavior by Farrell throughout the tour.
As the shows went on, the complaint states, Perry 'regularly appeared onstage in an advanced state of intoxication. He would often drink wine onstage and slur his speech.'
The suit adds the vocalist would go 'on long, rambling discursions between songs for no apparent purpose other than for his own amusement. The problems with Perry's performance would often worsen as the night wore on and he became more intoxicated.'
Navarro, who was reportedly still recovering from long COVID at the time, said in the filing that he was 'still weak' when Farrell attacked him during the show.
The viral moment has since made the rounds on social media, with multiple angles of the altercation surfacing online.
The conflict didn't end on stage. Backstage, Farrell allegedly 'threw another unexpected punch at him, striking him on the left side of the face.'
After the incident, Farrell issued a public apology, saying he took 'full accountability' for his actions.
"This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family and friends for my actions during Friday's show."
The complaint, filed on Wednesday July 16, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the band lost over $10 million due to the tour's cancellation.
"The Band can no longer function as a result of the Defendant's conduct, including his sudden, violent outbursts and demonstrated inability to serve as the Band's frontman and vocalist," the filing reads.
The group's attorney added that Farrell "abruptly and unilaterally ended all the plans for a JANE'S ADDICTION revival" and "left his bandmates holding the bag for an unfulfilled tour and record deal… Dave, Eric, and Stephen never wanted it to come to this. But they have been wronged, want the accurate story told, and they deserve a resolution."
Rock Legend, 58, Sues Former Bandmate for $10M Over 'Brutal' Onstage Assault first appeared on Parade on Jul 16, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
