JANE’S ADDICTION
NIN
STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB
COMCAST CENTER in Mansfield, MA
JUNE 2009
LIVE PHOTOS AND REVIEW BY LENA LAMORAY

STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB brought the funk of the night with their super high energy show and the guitar mastery of TOM MORELLO.  You may know TOM MORELLO from a little band called RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.  I consider TOM the MacGyver of musical instruments since he can make sounds emit from a simple guitar cable, not any mere mortal can do that.  BOOTS RILEY was quite the showman with an unlimited supply of dance moves and spit.  STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB want you to know that they are, “more than a band, it’s a social club.”  Their music is a mix of groovy funk, hard rock and the musical ecstasy of TOM MORELLO.

NIN are never a letdown live and this is the first tour that unleashed a special drumming force known as ILAN RUBIN.  ILAN is from LOSTPROPHETS and is NIN live drummer for this tour and I have to tell you what a performer.  He is a powerhouse drummer with flare and hair to match.  What an incredible talent to add to NIN.  The light show was not as intense as their LIGHTS IN THE SKY tour but more practical for the NINJA tour.  The NIN LIGHTS IN THE SKY tour took light shows to a new meaning with interactive touch screen technology that I can not even come to describe.  TRENT REZNOR has cornered the market in fog production.  TRENT is newly engaged and under enraged.  It was nice to see a softer side of him as he actually spoke to the audience more than just a few profanities.  He has always been a pioneer and he can take credit on pretty much everything electronic.  When you think of innovative industrial music only one name comes to mind, TRENT REZNOR.  NIN just gives back in every aspect of their live performance and I will always support them recommend them to all. 

JANE’S ADDICTION played an extensive set that covered every aspect of their song catalog.  PERRY FARRELL grooved and sambaed around the stage despite his recent leg injury.  In true rock n’ roll spirit he disobeyed doctor’s orders and performed one hell of a set.  You have to love a man that can rock a gold satin suit all while shaking maracas.  There is something about seeing JANE’S ADDICTION that just makes you feel good all over or maybe that is just the power of the open shirt wonder known as DAVE NAVARRO.  He has mastered the guitar and the skill of proper fan placement.  JANE’S ADDICTION had the best lighting of the night which added an extra element to the moody music.  They have been one of the most influential bands to emerge out of the 1980’s and it is with great admiration that they are returning today.  I am looking forward to some new music!