Unfortunately for fans, the chance this time around to see a full Jane’s Addiction reunion has fallen short. The band, which is currently out on the road with Smashing Pumpkins, is missing its iconic guitarist Dave Navarro, who’s been sidelined by a case of long covid.
Subbing for Navarro is good friend Troy Van Leeuwen — best known for his work with Failure, Queens Of The Stone Age, and Eagles Of Death Metal.
Navarro posted on a message to fans on social media, which reads in part:
To all of the Jane’s Addiction fans attending the Jane’s/ Smashing Pumpkins ‘Spirits On Fire’ tour, I am sorry to have to say that I will not be attending due to my continued battle with Long Covid that I have been dealing with since last December.
I had hoped for a full recovery by October, but I am still very fatigued and will not be able to join this leg. I am personally gutted as our original bass player has returned, Eric Avery. We wanted to bring you the original lineup, but that will have to wait until I am recovered. While the band is touring, I will be working on some new Jane’s material in the studio here in LA.
I am personally gutted as our original bass player has returned, Eric Avery. We wanted to bring you the original line up but that will have to wait until I am recovered.
Though I am saddened to not make this tour I am focused on making a full recovery and re-joining the guys when I am able.
I truly wish the band well on this tour and I am confident they will breeding everything to make it a fabulous show! Go get em guys. I can get to a show one night and watch my own band for the first time.
Thank you for understanding,
Dave Navarro
SIDE NOTES
Back in May, Dave Navarro chronicled his battle with long covid, writing in a since-deleted Instagram post:
Been sick since December and supposedly will be back to my old self in… nobody knows how long. If there are any of you who are still suffering long after your negative results, I’m just saying you aren’t alone.
The fatigue and isolation is pretty awful but try to spend your time with the ones you love and stay creative. That’s how I’m trying to get through this thing. Also lots of spiritual practices, meditation and yoga have been very helpful.
I’ll be okay, just don’t know when. Anyway, thanks for listening and don’t worry about me. All indicators are pointing to a full recovery at some point.
There’s really no more to say on the matter so I’d appreciate not receiving a bunch of DMs or texts. Not out of disrespect for you guys, I’m just so tired of talking about this, I’m sure you can imagine.
CHECK IT OUT: Jane’s Addiction on September 25th, 2021 performing “Jane Says” live in Camden, New Jersey: