Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Most people are familiar with the expression, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” right? Such is the case with longtime indie rockers Jane’s Addiction.
They have reunited their original lineup for the release of “Imminent Redemption,” the Southern California-based band’s first new single in 34 years. It also marks the return of original JA guitarist, Dave Navarro, who had not been performing with the group for several years due to complications from COVID-19.
Jane’s Addiction (Perry Farrell, lead vocals; bassist Eric Avery; drummer Stephen Perkins; guitarist Dave Navarro) first performed “Imminent Redemption” during a early summer show in London, which also marked Navarro’s return to performing live with JA.
“It is different this time,” a press release from the group states. “To have everyone back together, releasing new music. Welcome to the next chapter of Jane’s Addiction. ‘Imminent Redemption’ is only the beginning.”
The band first burst onto the rock scene in a big way with the release of their 1989 debut album, “Nothing’s Shocking” (which featured hit single “Says”), followed by “Ritual De Lo Habitual” in 1990, their final album before the quartet’s initial breakup in 1991.
Ritual was a huge commercial success, certified platinum and featuring the hit single, “Been Caught Stealing” which was the rage of rock and college radio when released, and, like most of Jane’s Addiction’s music, sounds as good today as it did back then.
Besides welcoming bassist Avery back to the band in 2022 (Chris Chaney had been filling in for Avery), Jane’s Addiction recently kicked off a North American tour with another quality band from the past, U.K.-based Love and Rockets, formed in 1985 by former members of goth-rockers Bauhaus, Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins. L&R achieved chart success in 1989 with the single, “So Alive,” but subsequently broke up and reformed several times, most recently in 2023.
Jane’s Addiction/Love & Rockets is one of the coolest shows to hit Atlantic City in 2024. They perform together at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $69.
casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/janes-addiction
Labor Day Weekend Music Offerings at The Jersey Shore: Can’t believe I’m writing this; summer at the Jersey Shore goes so quickly! Next Monday is Labor Day, so why not make it a long four-day weekend, with one (or all) of these musical choices:
Joe Louis Walker & His Big Band will perform at the free Tony Mart Somers Point Beach Concert Series, Friday, Aug. 30.
One of the oldest classic blues guitarists still alive, he’s a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Blues Music Award winner who NPR called “a legendary, boundary-pushing icon of modern blues.”
Walker’s latest album, “Weight Of The World,” was released last February on Forty Below Records. Opening for Walker: Fat Mezz, a young-ish, Linwood-based foursome known for playing meticulous versions of classic rock tracks, who also released a two-song original disc, “Fat Mezz Loves Cooter,” last fall.
Speaking of Tony Mart, their final outdoor Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk show is Wednesday, Sept. 4, “Tony Mart Classic Rock Guitar Tribute” featuring the talented Billy Walton on guitar, plus Brian “Coconutz” Varhelyi and the Tony Mart All-Stars. This will be the final free Tony Mart concert on the Boardwalk until next June, so it’s not to be missed! Tonymart.com and somerspointbeachconcerts.com for more on both.
AC’s premiere live music non-casino room, Anchor Rock Club, keeps the chill vibes going on Thursday, Sept. 5, with Israel Vibration and Roots Radics, a reggae harmony group known for their positive vibrations and spiritual messages. They were formed back in 1970 by a group of polio survivors from Jamaica, and are still fronted today by original member Lascelle “Wiss” Bulgin. This show promises to be special. Anchorrockclub.com.
Lastly, our music-loving friends in the Tuckerton area, Lizzie Rose Music Room, present the popular Neil Young Tribute, Sugar Mountain on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Sue and I were at the ‘Rose last Saturday night and caught two smoking sets by blues guitarist, Skyla Burrell. This lady definitely entertains, coming right out of the box on her first song with an upbeat blues-rockin’ number and rarely slowing down after. Check Burrell out if she’s playing in your area. Lizzierosemusicroom.com.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, take time to enjoy the company of some family, friends, a significant other, and live music; and please support local.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
