Dave Navarro has returned to Jane’s Addiction following a challenging period marked by long COVID and the heart-wrenching loss of his close friend and musical collaborator, Taylor Hawkins.
In an honest interview with Guitar World, Navarro opened up about his emotional and physical struggles and his path to rediscovering his passion for music.
Navarro’s friendship and collaboration with Hawkins were profoundly significant.
Only months before the tragic death of the Foo Fighters drummer in March 2022, Navarro, Hawkins, and bassist Chris Chaney had debuted their new band NHC.
The trio had just completed and mastered an album, a milestone overshadowed by Hawkins’ sudden passing.
“I’d just completed making a record with Taylor Hawkins and Chris Chaney,” Navarro shared.
“We mixed and mastered it, and then we lost Taylor. That was in the middle of COVID-19, and it was harrowing for me to pick up the guitar afterwards. I didn’t pick up the guitar for about a year. He was an inspiring artist — not only a phenomenal drummer, he was an amazing songwriter and lyricist… just one of those humans everybody loved.”
Hawkins’s loss profoundly impacted Navarro, making it difficult for him to engage with his instrument. However, Navarro began to reconnect with his love for the guitar as time passed.
“After losing Taylor, I didn’t play for a long time. Then, about a year into it, I picked up the guitar, started playing some cover songs, and just got used to the instrument in my hand again,” he explained. This gradual return to playing was a significant step in his healing process.
Navarro’s recovery from COVID also played a crucial role in his journey back to music.
During his illness, he spent much time at home, which allowed him to delve deeply into the works of guitarists he admired but had not previously studied in detail.
“Since I had the illness, I was housebound for a long time, and that’s when I really started getting into some out-there guitar players I normally didn’t study, like (session great) Jay Graydon. I started studying Jay, diving deep into Van Halen, tone chasing, and reading everything I could about the gear (Eddie Van Halen) used, may have used, or that’s rumoured to have been used,” Navarro recounted.
Navarro’s dedication to his craft paid off when he made his live return to Jane’s Addiction at a show in London in May.
By then, he had already rejoined his bandmates in the studio, contributing to new music.
“I spent most of my days during my illness just kind of woodshedding guitar and relearning things,” Navarro said.
“I played Jane’s Addiction records front to back and tried to relearn things I’d played in the ’80s and ’90s that I’d forgotten. That was a challenge, and that was fun. And because I knew I was gearing up to join again at some point, the band wanted to start working on new music. I was well enough to go to a studio and sit in a chair. I’d sit for 10 hours, so that was easy, and we wrote some new music.”
One of the fruits of this renewed collaboration is the song “Imminent Redemption,” released last week. This track marks the first new music from the classic Jane’s Addiction lineup in 34 years, illustrating a notable milestone for the band and Navarro personally.
Looking ahead, Navarro is set to venture on a co-headlining North American tour with Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets, beginning on August 9th in Las Vegas.
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Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets join forces for co-headlining the 2024 North American Tour
Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets had revealed plans for a co-headlining North American tour in 2024.
The tour, spanning 23 cities, marks a notable return for both legendary bands, each bringing their classic lineups back to the stage.
Starting on August 9th in Las Vegas and concluding on September 29th at the Evolution Festival in St. Louis, the tour promises an electrifying experience for attendees.
Along the way, fans in major cities like Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Boston, and Chicago will have the chance to witness these iconic acts perform live.
Tickets for the highly anticipated shows are available now, allowing fans to secure their spots for this unique musical journey.
This tour is particularly noteworthy for Jane’s Addiction, as it will be their first US run featuring the classic lineup in 14 years.
The band, known for their influential role in the alt-rock scene, will see singer Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins reunited on stage. This reunion follows Navarro’s return during a recent London gig after a prolonged battle with COVID that kept him from performing.
Avery’s rejoining of the band in 2022 after more than a decade apart further fuels the excitement surrounding their return, according to recent band interviews.
For Love and Rockets, the tour represents an unexpected continuation of their journey.
After reuniting in 2023 for their first concerts in 15 years, frontman Daniel Ash had initially stated that those UK shows would be their final performances.
However, the band’s renewed energy and the overwhelming fan response have led them to extend their tour into North America. This move highlights the band’s enduring influence and their deep connection with their audience.
Tour Dates and Venues
The complete list of tour dates and venues is as follows:
- 08/09 — Las Vegas, NV @ Fontainebleau Las Vegas
- 08/11 — San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park
- 08/13 — Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater
- 08/15 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- 08/18 — Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
- 08/19 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
- 08/21 — Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP
- 08/23 — Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
- 08/25 — New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore
- 08/27 — Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
- 08/29 — Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
- 08/31 — Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
- 09/03 — Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
- 09/05 — Portsmouth, VA @ Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
- 09/07 — Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- 09/10 — New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
- 09/13 — Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
- 09/15 — Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
- 09/18 — Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
- 09/20 — Rochester Hills, MI @ Meadow Brook Amphitheater
- 09/22 — Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Pavilion
- 09/24 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
- 09/26 — Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
- 09/28 — Huntsville, AL @ South Star Music Festival
- 09/29 — St. Louis, MO @ Evolution Festival
The joint tour of Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets is shaping to be one of the most anticipated rock events in 2024.
Fans eagerly await seeing these iconic bands perform their classic hits and experience their unmatched stage presence.
According to various sources, the return of both bands’ classic lineups adds a layer of nostalgia and excitement, promising unforgettable performances.
The tour celebrates both bands’ rich history, resilience, and ability to reconnect with their audiences after years apart.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, this tour offers a rare opportunity to witness two of alternative rock’s most influential bands in a dynamic and thrilling live setting.
Get your tickets
Tickets for the upcoming shows are available now. Enjoy this chance to see Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets live in concert.
Secure your tickets and prepare for a memorable night of music, nostalgia, and rock ‘n’ roll energy.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official ticket page here.
