2012.03.24 Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:15 pm
the Jane's Addiction resource
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http://www.examiner.com/concert-photogr ... kee-reviewJane's Addiction play by their own rules and end exhilirating tour in Milwaukee
John Schulze
Milwaukee Concert Photography Examiner
Jane's Addiction ended the current leg of their Theater Of The Escapists 2012 tour in Milwaukee last Saturday night, and it was one of the most exhilirating, artistic and unique concert experiences to come through the city in a long time. The concert was a circus and carnival party atmosphere with an array of props, dancers and extras that each played their mystifying and disturbing roles such as the birdman that swung from the ceiling and the white masked gimp that, after hanging a baby doll in a hangman's noose, hung himself. And then there was the stuffed bear that hung out next to the guitar amps. It's very presence was both beautiful and menacing.
Two sensuous dancers also played large roles in the stage show. They could be seen swinging from the ceiling while wearing enourmous white gowns that flowed in the breeze, sitting on a bench overlooking the crowd and dancing around onstage to show support to the band.
The concert was a reminder that Jane's Addiction in 2012 is as vital of a band as ever. Although it's nearly thirty years since they helped pioneer and usher in alternative music, their specific brand of art-rock is as fascinating to watch come alive in concert now as it ever was. You get the feeling that these aren't just musicians onstage, they're musical magicians who could just as easily set fire to water as strum a chord or sing a verse. They're a phoenix that bursts into flames only to be reborn stronger. Jane's Addiction are an enigma in the world of music, and I mean that in the sense that they're like a question that doesn't really need an answer.
They played songs that spanned their entire career, including their newest release The Great Escape Artist. Released last year, it was the first new Jane's Addiction material since Strays in 2003. The new disc is the second to feature Chris Chaney on bass, but the lineup of Perry Farrell on vocals, Dave Navarro on guitar and Stephen Perkins on drums is otherwise unchanged since the vintage era of the band. The setlist was highlighted by the band's most brilliant tunes including "Mountain Song," "Been Caught Stealing," "Jane Says" and "Stop." Playing by their own rules, Jane's Addiction ended the night with "Ocean Size" instead of the planned "Pigs In Zen" typed on the stage setlists.
A last minute production change eliminated the photo pit area between the barricade and the stage, leaving only room for some speakers and one security guard on each end of the stage. This left the photographers who had planned on shooting from the pit to fend for themselves and find a spot in the crowd to get the job done. It was by no means an easy task for me to come up with quality concert photos, but here's a gallery of images I've created for your viewing pleasure.
For more information about Jane's Addiction, upcoming tour dates and merchandise you can visit their website at this link http://janesaddiction.com/