Peretz pizazz Once cast as a flamboyant visionary of modern rock, the ever-evolving Perry Farrell has grown into one of pop music's most mythical and influential figures. Initially, it was his unbounded indulgence and self-destructive nature that reaped lurid headlines for the former Jane's Addiction front man. Farrell's actions both on and off stage were at once enthralling and horrifying to those privy to the spectacles, yet it is the Perry Farrell of now -- the ruminative 42-year-old spiritual knowledge-seeker and electronica dabbler -- who is far more intriguing to his followers. As DJ Peretz, Farrell has found a new voice and a new mode of expression, as Honolulu crowds discovered when he performed here on New Year's Eve 2000. He returns this weekend, turntables in tow, in search of new converts.
Perry Farrell spins out at Wave Waikiki
By Shawn "Speedy" Lopes
slope@starbulletin.comHere is a glimpse into the life and career of an artist who continues to find new and novel paths to self-revelation:
March 29, 1959: Perry Farrell is born Perry Bernstein in Queens, N.Y., to a goldsmith and an artist mother who commit suicide when he is 4. Much of his childhood and high school years is spent in Miami.
Aug. 13, 1983: Perry's first band, Psi Com, debuts in Los Angeles. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own alcohol.
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September 1985: Farrell and bassist Eric Avery form Jane's Addiction as a duo. Within six months a complete lineup, which includes Dave Navarro (guitar) and Stephen Perkins (drums), is in place.Sept. 20, 1987: Jane's Addiction releases its first album, a self-titled concert recording for Triple-X Records.
Nov. 9, 1987: Jane's Addiction embarks on its first American tour in support of Love & Rockets.
Aug. 25, 1988: "Nothing's Shocking" is released by Warner Bros. The album garners gold despite a weak promotional campaign. Its cover, which features then-girlfriend Casey Niccoli bare-breasted and joined at the shoulder and hip with a mirror image of herself, draws howls of protest from major retail chains.
Sept. 24, 1988: After opening dates with the Ramones and Iggy Pop, Jane's headlines its own tour.
Aug. 21, 1990: "Ritual de lo Habitual" is released. Again, major retail outlets take issue with the album's cover, which depicts a nude papier-mâché threesome surrounded by Santería objects. When stores refuse to carry the disc, Farrell shoots back with an alternate cover emblazoned with text drawn from the First Amendment.
October 1990: A record shop owner in Milwaukee is arrested for displaying a promotional poster for "Ritual." Charges are later dropped.
June 24, 1991: Jane's Addiction headlines the first date for Farrell's Lollapalooza tour at Irvine Meadows in California. As the pre-eminent tour of the decade, edgy rock and hip-hop acts such as Rage Against the Machine, Cypress Hill, Beck, Ice Cube and Pearl Jam later sign on.
Sept. 26, 1991: The original Jane's Addiction performs its last show here in Hawaii at Aloha Tower. Halfway through the show, Farrell doffs his clothing and sings the remainder of his set "au naturel." Kids in the audience are elated, swept along by Jane's ambient groove. Parents are offended.
Oct. 16, 1991: Farrell is arrested for drug possession at a Santa Monica, Calif., Holiday Inn when a maid alerts authorities after finding drug paraphernalia strewn about his room.
January 1992: Farrell forms Porno for Pyros with Perkins, guitarist Peter DiStefano and Martyn LeNoble, former bassist of Thelonious Monster.
Jan. 14, 1995: Farrell is found in a delusional state at the Nikko Hotel in Los Angeles. He is arrested for being under the influence.
1996: In what will be viewed as a major turning point in his life, Farrell is introduced to the ancient Jewish mystical teachings of the cabala.
Feb. 27, 1997: At the Howard Stern "Private Parts" premiere party at Madison Square Garden, Farrell, Navarro and Perkins perform together for the first time in six years. When Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea is brought in as a replacement for the unavailable Avery, the Jane's Addiction Relapse is realized. The "Kettle Whistle" album, a collection of old and new Jane's tracks, soon follows.
Aug. 26, 1998: Farrell's longtime girlfriend, Christine Cagle, gives birth to their son, Jobel. Farrell undergoes a marked change in lifestyle.
Sept. 17, 1998: Farrell makes his deejaying debut as DJ Peretz (Hebrew for "voice of the land") at the ritzy Bottega Veneta boutique in New York. Attendees include Puff Daddy, Marilyn Manson, LL Cool J and Naomi Campbell.
Nov. 9, 1999: The first album under his own name, "Rev" is primarily a "best of" compilation of Farrell's previous works with Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros. His electronic-tinged rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," however, hints at a new direction for the developing artist.
July 31, 2001: Farrell's second solo effort (his first of all-original material), "Song Yet to Be Sung" is quietly released to mixed reviews. A surprisingly upbeat mix of electronica and world-beat grooves, Farrell continues to confound fans and critics.
Dec. 19, 2001: Farrell travels to Sudan with an international rights group and risks his life to free more than 2,300 women and children bound by slavery. Due in part to a financial contribution by Farrell, they are released.
Jan. 19, 2002: We'll see.
DJ Peretz
Also featuring New York's DJ Alika, plus G-Spot, Daniel J, KSM and QuadrophonixWhere: Wave Waikiki, 1877 Kalakaua Ave.
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. tomorrow
Tickets: $10; must be 18 and older
Call: 941-0424
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