Dave Navarro Speaks On Janes Addiction Replacing Him

Dave Navarro recently admitted via Guitar World that he had “mixed feelings” about the band continuing to play live shows while he was dealing with his troubles with COVID.

Technically not an original member, since a lesser-known guitarist, Christopher Brinkman, was there first, Navarro had helped define Jane’s Addiction. Now, fans just can’t imagine the band without his involvement.

However, he got ill in late 2021 and Dave had to deal with long Covid. He was replaced by Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age and then by Josh Klinghoffer.

Dave Navarro had mixed feelings

Dave spoke to Rolling Stone and stated that he felt odd about someone else going in there instead of him. Bassist Eric Avery was also back after a 12-year-long break so that probably added to how he felt about the whole thing. He was asked whether he had mixed feelings, Navarro replied:

“I definitely had mixed feelings. Part of me was disappointed to not participate, of course, because this is the band I was in since I was a teenager.”

Dave was more than aware that it was very crucial for Jane’s Addiction to continue working. He added:

“But I have to say that was overshadowed by the relief I had that I didn’t have to prevent these guys from working.”

“I would much rather be able to have my brothers do what they need to do, and be who they need to be, and do what they were put on this planet to do, instead of waiting for me. So the fact that they found people to step in for me was a big relief, because I think that if they didn’t go out, I would feel much more guilt than disappointment.”

Dave shed light on the matter and he was also asked whether he took some time to watch YouTube clips of the band playing without him. He admitted that he didn’t and explained:

“I had plenty to focus on. While they were doing that, I was pretty much housebound. I took the time to focus on my art. And I participated in a couple of art shows, and I kept myself busy that way.”

“But no, I never really got a chance to see any of that stuff, and frankly, I don’t really want to, because whether it happens subconsciously or consciously, I don’t want my approach to be altered by something I hear.”

“That’s because Josh is an incredible player,” Navarro said. “If Josh played something that I like, and I’m like, ‘Fuck, I should do it like that,’ I don’t want to do that. I want to stay true to what the original lineup was. So in a way, I think it’s good that I didn’t hear those shows, but I heard they went well.”

Classic Jane’s Addiction lineup finally had their first show in 14 years back in May this year and fans are enjoying with what they are witnessing.