Bayfest 2014, Part 2: Jane’s Addiction Delivers the Weekend’s Best Set
A review of Bayfest 2014 in Mobile: Kid Rock headlines Saturday while Jane's Addiction delivers the weekend's best set, performing a classic album in full.
Bayfest 2014 gave Mobile audiences a wide musical spread, but arguably the best performance of the weekend belonged to Jane’s Addiction. Lead singer Perry Farrell and company played the band’s 1988 landmark album, Nothing’s Shocking, in its entirety.
Kid Rock Closes Saturday
Saturday evening belonged to Kid Rock, who headlined the AT&T/Southern Ford Dealers stage backed by his Twisted Brown Trucker band. After up-tempo sing-alongs like the 1999 hit "Cowboy," he delivered a mellow acoustic "Picture" with backing vocalist Shannon Marie Curfman filling in for Sheryl Crow. He also worked in country-rock material such as "All Summer Long" and rap-rock staples like "Bawitdaba."
Jane’s Addiction in Full
For many fans, the chance to hear seldom-played non-single tracks live was irresistible. Guitarist Dave Navarro let his distorted riffs carry the set, comfortable on both electric and acoustic guitars, while percussionist Stephen Perkins moved out from behind his kit for "Jane Says," playing steel pan and bongos. Bassist Chris Chaney — a session musician and former member of Alanis Morissette’s band — appeared thoroughly at home as a new official member.
Farrell repeatedly engaged the crowd, at one point recounting a story of the band being chased by KKK members in the Southeast and congratulating Mobile on progress overcoming discrimination. He even coaxed a hovering quadcopter camera closer to the stage, tossing it a bouquet of flowers for a memorable shot.
An Unforgettable Finale
High points included "Mountain Song," "Ocean Size" and the album-closing "Pigs in Zen." The band then surprised the audience with "Been Caught Stealing," followed by "Just Because." During "Stop!" two female suspension artists joined the stage, hanging from hooks pierced through layers of skin — a signature Jane’s Addiction spectacle. It was, simply, the most exciting performance of Bayfest 2014.
Beyond the Album
Nothing’s Shocking was the band’s major-label debut on Warner Bros. Records. Several songs played beyond the album came from later records: “Been Caught Stealing” and “Stop!” were singles from 1990’s Ritual de lo Habitual, and “Just Because” was the lead single from 2003’s Strays.
