History of Perry Farrell in Timeline
Perry Farrell is an American musician known as the "Godfather of Alternative Music." He rose to fame as the frontman of Jane's Addiction, a band that emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in the 1980s. Their music, a fusion of punk, metal, and psychedelic rock, along with their provocative live shows, captivated audiences and helped establish alternative music as a powerful cultural force.
March 29, 1959: Birth of Perry Farrell
On March 29, 1959, Peretz Bernstein, later known as Perry Farrell, was born. He would become a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his work with bands like Psi Com and Jane's Addiction.
1985: Formation of Jane's Addiction
Following the dissolution of Psi Com in late 1985, Perry Farrell, having crossed paths with Eric Avery through shared acquaintances, decided to collaborate musically. They formed the initial core of Jane's Addiction, later joined by Stephen Perkins and Dave Navarro.
1985: Psi Com Recording Session at Radio Tokyo Studios
During 1985, Psi Com, Perry Farrell's early band, attempted to record music at Radio Tokyo Studios in Venice Beach, California, with Ethan James contributing to the production. Distribution challenges prevented the release of these tracks while the band was active.
1991: Creation of Lollapalooza
In 1991, Perry Farrell created Lollapalooza, initially intended as a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction. The event evolved into a globally recognized music festival, celebrating alternative music and art while promoting social change and environmental awareness.
1991: Founding of Lollapalooza
In 1991, Perry Farrell established the Lollapalooza music festival as a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction. The festival has since evolved into a renowned multi-genre event.
1991: Jane's Addiction Disbands
In late 1991, Jane's Addiction announced their breakup. While rumors and speculation circulated, citing reasons ranging from Farrell's struggles with addiction to internal conflicts, it eventually became clear that Farrell and Avery had differing visions for the band's future.
1992: Porno for Pyros North American Tour
After the disbandment of Jane's Addiction, Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins formed Porno for Pyros. The band, completed by guitarist Peter DiStefano and bassist Martyn LeNoble, embarked on a major North American tour in 1992, preceding the release of their debut album.
1993: Release of "Gift"
1993 saw the release of "Gift," a docudrama by Perry Farrell. The film featured music by Farrell and starred his then-girlfriend, Casey Niccoli. It was released on VHS but never on DVD.
1993: Release of Porno for Pyros' Self-Titled Album
In 1993, Porno for Pyros released their eponymous first album. Driven by high demand, the album reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. The music video for their single "Pets" gained significant traction on MTV.
1997: Jane's Addiction Reunion Tour
Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 for a tour, with Flea taking over bass duties from Eric Avery.
1997: Lollapalooza Revival
After a six-year hiatus, Lollapalooza was revived in 1997.
1997: Meeting Etty Lau
In 1997, while on tour with Jane's Addiction, Perry Farrell met Etty Lau, a backing dancer on the tour. This encounter marked the beginning of their relationship.
1999: Release of "rev"
Perry Farrell released "rev" in 1999, a compilation album marking the start of his solo career. The album featured a selection of songs from his previous bands, Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros, along with two new solo tracks.
1999: Coachella's First Year
The inaugural Coachella festival in 1999 faced significant challenges, leading to its cancellation in 2000.
2000: Coachella Hiatus
Due to the setbacks encountered during its first year, Coachella did not take place in 2000.
2001: Release of "Song Yet to Be Sung" and Jane's Addiction Reunion at Coachella
Perry Farrell released his debut solo album, "Song Yet to Be Sung," in 2001, featuring lyrics inspired by Kabbalah. That same year, he reunited with Jane's Addiction for a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
2002: Marriage to Etty Lau
Perry Farrell and Etty Lau married in 2002, solidifying their relationship. They have since had two children together.
2003: Release of "Strays" and Jane's Addiction's Extensive Touring
Jane's Addiction released "Strays" in 2003, an album that achieved remarkable commercial success, going Gold in the USA and Silver in the UK. The band embarked on a comprehensive tour across North America and Europe, revived Lollapalooza after a six-year hiatus, and performed at the Big Day Out festivals in Australia and New Zealand.
2004: Jane's Addiction Disbands Again
Despite the success of "Strays" and their extensive touring, internal conflicts resurfaced within Jane's Addiction, leading to their second breakup in early 2004.
July 18, 2005: Satellite Party Debut Performance
On July 18, 2005, Perry Farrell's new project, Satellite Party, a band and theatrical entity, made its debut performance at The Key Club in Los Angeles.
July 24, 2005: Satellite Party at Lollapalooza
Satellite Party performed at Lollapalooza 2005, held in Grant Park in downtown Chicago on July 24, 2005.
2005: Launch of Kidzapalooza
In 2005, Kidzapalooza, a family-friendly stage at Lollapalooza, was launched. The stage, produced by Tor Hyams, features performances by renowned artists, catering to a younger audience.
2006: Release of "Up from the Catacombs"
Following the breakup of Jane's Addiction, a "best of" compilation titled "Up from the Catacombs" was released in 2006.
2006: Performance at Purimpalooza
In 2006, Perry Farrell performed at Purimpalooza in San Francisco, a concert celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim. The event featured various Jewish musical groups and was open to all ages.
January 31, 2007: Meeting with Tony Blair
On January 31, 2007, Perry Farrell, a known environmentalist, met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss global warming. He presented Blair with a CD of the Satellite Party track "Woman in the Window."
April 27, 2007: Satellite Party Performance at Coachella
Satellite Party, Perry Farrell's musical project, performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 27, 2007.
May 29, 2007: Release of "Ultra Payloaded"
Satellite Party, under the helm of Perry Farrell, released their debut album, "Ultra Payloaded," on May 29, 2007, through Columbia Records. The album featured notable collaborations with artists like John Frusciante and Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, electronic music producers Hybrid, former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons, Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook, and Fergie from Black Eyed Peas.
2007: Collaboration with Global Cool
In 2007, Perry Farrell collaborated with Global Cool, an organization promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles. This partnership reflects his commitment to environmental activism.
April 23, 2008: Jane's Addiction Reunion at NME Awards
The original members of Jane's Addiction came together for their first performance in 17 years at the inaugural US edition of the NME Awards on April 23, 2008.
2009: Jane's Addiction Reunion and Tour with Nine Inch Nails
In 2009, the reunited Jane's Addiction made a notable appearance at SXSW and embarked on a summer tour with Nine Inch Nails.
2009: Performance at "Stand with Israel" Benefit
In 2009, Perry Farrell performed at "Stand with Israel," a benefit concert for victims of terror, held at 7 World Trade Center. The event aimed to show solidarity with Israel.
2011: Release of "The Great Escape Artist"
Jane's Addiction, now with Dave Sitek on bass following Eric Avery's departure, released "The Great Escape Artist" in 2011 and continued to perform live shows.
2013: Cancellation of "Lollapalooza Israel"
In 2013, plans for "Lollapalooza Israel" in Tel Aviv were canceled due to financial issues and a lack of artists willing to perform in the country.
October 2018: Farrell Signs with BMG Rights Management
In October 2018, Perry Farrell signed a deal with BMG Rights Management, marking a significant step in his solo career.
2018: Formation of Kind Heaven Orchestra
In 2018, Perry Farrell introduced his new musical endeavor, Kind Heaven Orchestra. The band featured a lineup that included Perry's wife, Etty Farrell, on backing vocals, Matt Chamberlain of Pearl Jam, Chris Cheney, and keyboardist Matt Rohde from Jane's Addiction. They debuted their performance at the first-ever Bill Graham Festival of Lights.
2019: Release of "Kind Heaven"
In 2019, Perry Farrell released his second studio album, "Kind Heaven," under BMG Rights Management. The album was met with positive reviews, reflecting a demand for his new music.
2020: Jane's Addiction Reunion at Lollapalooza
In 2020, Jane's Addiction reunited after a three-year hiatus for a performance at Lollapalooza. Farrell hinted at the possibility of releasing new music, suggesting a focus on individual tracks rather than full albums.
February 2022: Launch of Heaven After Dark
February 2022 saw Perry Farrell launch "Heaven After Dark," an event series that combines music, visual art, and sensory experiences. The series also serves as a platform for emerging artists.
May 2022: Announcement of New Single "Mend"
May 2022 marked the announcement of Perry Farrell's new single, "Mend," with the Kind Heaven Orchestra. This coincided with Jane's Addiction's withdrawal from the Welcome to Rockville festival due to Dave Navarro's COVID-19 diagnosis.
2023: Heaven After Dark Becomes a Record Label
In 2023, Heaven After Dark expanded into a record label, aiming to provide artists with fairer treatment than traditional models. The label has since released several tracks, including collaborations with notable artists.
2024: Porno for Pyros North American Tour
In 2024, Perry Farrell's band, Porno for Pyros, is scheduled to release new music and embark on a tour across North America.