Jane’s Addiction Provides Over-the-Top Inspiration

Judging by the response to Jane’s Addiction’s current reunion tour--sold-out shows across the country, including two at the Universal Amphitheatre--the Los Angeles quartet’s appeal hasn’t faded much in the six years since it disbanded. On Friday, a near-mint Jane’s Addiction (with Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea subbing for original bassist Eric Avery, who declined the reunion invitation), treated some 6,000 ecstatic fans to an evening of inspired excess.

Mellow interludes (“Jane Says”) as well as sprawling, Zeppelinesque epics (“Mountain Song”) sizzled with the synergy between guitarist Dave Navarro, Flea and drummer Stephen Perkins. Frontman Perry Farrell, decked out in a spangly cowboy leisure suit with tinsel in his hair, was the impish centerpiece of an elaborate bacchanal complete with writhing exotic dancers and a fanciful, tropical-themed set.

The singer cavorted tirelessly, spouting the neo-hippie philosophy he’s developed in recent years. Early in the festivities he encouraged audience members to be as kinky as they want to be, citing Marv Albert as a role model.

Later, when the group relocated to a secondary stage in the middle of the main floor, a technical glitch halted the proceedings and Farrell launched into another rambling ad-lib that culminated in a woozy plea to save the whales.

At times the lurid high jinks played like a “Fantasy Island” scenario run amok, threatening to upstage the songs. But the integrity of Jane’s Addiction’s music kept the set from running aground.

Though he went on with no props (and almost no audience), opener Goldie generated a less flamboyant but equally otherworldly ambience. The British drum-and-bass innovator and his group stirred up a heady mixture of electronic rhythms meshed with live guitars and vocals in a half-hour set that unwound like one mesmerizing composition. An artful demonstration of the less-is-more principle.

* Jane’s Addiction and Goldie play tonight at the Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 8:15 p.m. Sold out. (818) 622-4440. Also Tuesday at the San Diego Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, 8 p.m. $26.50. (619) 224-4176.