Porno For Pyros bassist Martyn LeNoble has described Perry Farrell as “the worst frontman I’ve ever worked with”.
The musician posted a statement online after the Jane’s Addiction singer made headlines for shoving bandmate Dave Navarro mid-performance during a show in Boston earlier this month, after which the set abruptly ended.
In a series of posts shared shared to X in the early hours of Monday (September 30), LeNoble seemingly weighed in by writing: “I can say, unequivocally, that Perry has been the worst frontman I’ve ever worked with.
“Always a kind word, followed by shitty actions. The fish rots from the head down. I still don’t understand how he channeled some of those great lyrics & vocals on the first two Jane’s records.”
LeNoble continued that he’s worked with some “difficult” singers that were all “kinder, better, and more talented”.
He went on: “Perry doesn’t show up for rehearsals, sound checks, writing, etc. He jumps in late with shitty lyrics. Some I had to tell him were terrible. Unprepared, wild eyed, not present, high. Motherfucker does it over and over again.”
The musician also wrote that Farrell’s wife, Etty, “is a horrible person”. “The worst with the biggest ego,” he concluded.
I can say, unequivocally, that Perry has been the worst frontman I've ever worked with. Always a kind word, followed by shitty actions. The fish rots from the head down. I still don't understand how he channeled some of those great lyrics & vocals on the first two Jane's records.
— Martyn LeNoble (@martynlenoble) September 30, 2024
Perry doesn't show up for rehearsals, sound checks, writing, etc. He jumps in late with shitty lyrics. Some I had to tell him were terrible. Unprepared, wild eyed, not present, high. Motherfucker does it over and over again.
— Martyn LeNoble (@martynlenoble) September 30, 2024
The worst with the biggest ego.
— Martyn LeNoble (@martynlenoble) September 30, 2024
Having only reunited as the original Jane’s Addiction line-up – Farrell, Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Eric Avery – back in May, the remainder of their North American tour has already been cancelled.
The group have also confirmed a hiatus, citing the frontman’s “mental health difficulties”. Farrell has since apologised to his fans and bandmates, while his wife said he was taking time to “reflect and to heal”.
Porno For Pyros formed in 1992 following the first break-up of Jane’s Addiction, before going on hiatus in 1998. They reunited occasionally in the ensuing years, before performing their first full show in 26 years back in 2022.
LeNoble chose not to join Farrell, Peter DiStefano and Stephen Perkins on the band’s US farewell tour earlier this year.
“Even though I won’t be joining Perry, Peter and Stephen on a forthcoming tour, I’m still excited for you all to hear the new songs from our recent sessions,” he shared on on social media at the time. “We’ve mended our friendships and recorded these songs with love. I think you will hear that in the recordings.
“I’ve changed. I like quiet and nature,” he continued. “With that being said, I will be following my passion for wildlife and will not be part of the upcoming tour. I wish my brothers Perry, Pete and Stephen the best. I’m truly grateful for every moment I spent with them. Most importantly, thank you to all of you for all of the amazing support and memories.”
Even though I won't be joining Perry, Peter and Stephen on a forthcoming tour, I'm still excited for you all to hear the new songs from our recent sessions. We’ve mended our friendships and recorded these songs with love. I think you will hear that in the recordings. https://t.co/0PTIW2icNy
— Martyn LeNoble (@martynlenoble) November 13, 2023
The group dropped a trio of new songs over the last year – ‘Fingernail’, ‘Little Me’ and ‘Agua‘ – each written in the ’90s but not recorded officially until recent months.
Elsewhere, Jane’s Addiction’s guitar technician has said that Farrell punched Navarro in the face backstage after the pair’s altercation. During the same interview, it was revealed that Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins played “a big part” in Jane’s Addiction getting back together.
Jane’s Addiction quietly shared a new single called ‘True Love’ after announcing their hiatus this month.
Meanwhile, Navarro has apologised for “such a terrible outcome of what started off as an incredibly magical tour”.