Toronto, Canada – It’s a very well known, common occurrence in Rock ‘n Roll that bands and musicians “retire”, with promises of “last ever” tours. As father time works his dastardly deed, most musicians (at one point or another), feel that they just can’t continue to battle the rigours of life on the road, and recording new songs. One of the most recent acts that have seemingly fallen to the perils of age are Los Angeles, California’s Porno For Pyros. The band emerged in 1992 after the break-up of Janes Addiction, and still not yet in the middle of their careers, a few members continued under a new moniker.
Now, 30+ years later, Perry Farrell and the boys are calling it quits. Earlier in February, they embarked on their Farewell Tour, and on 2024’s leap day, February 29, the band headed north of the border for their only Canadian date. Their last hurrah into Toronto!
Tigercub
Having the honor of supporting Porno For Pyros on their final journey is UK’s Tigercub. The 3-piece (I always maintain that this is the coolest set-up for a rock and roll band), from Brighton consists of vocalist/guitarist Stephen Hall, bassist Jimi Wheelwright and drummer James Allix. The band was formed in 2011, and this show sees their debut appearance in Toronto.
There is a nice crowd here for the opening act at History Toronto one of our newer venues that is quickly gaining notoriety as one of the best sounding live music venues the city has to offer. As Tigercub hits the stage and starts into their set, I get a feel of a 70s/80s garage rock/punk fusion with a lot of elements of the 1990s grunge scene. Especially on the band’s track “Show Me My Maker”. The song has the crowd grooving and nodding their heads.
On top of the band’s catchy sound, front man Stephen Hall does a great job of chatting with the crowd and making jokes by saying things like “Are we good enough? Are we doing a good job?” and we even get a short little Q&A session where the band opens up the floor to some questions. It eventually allows the crowd to learn that bassist Jimi Wheelwright’s favorite band is Primus and his favorite bassist is none other than Les Claypool. I mean, he clearly knows what’s up!
Was a great way to kick off this event.
PORNO FOR PYROS
First, it’s an honor for me to be covering this event. Porno For Pyros front man Perry Farrell is a legendary alternative rocker and will certainly go down in the annals of music lore as one of the most storied singers of our generation. For his eclectic style, voice and of course, his rock star lifestyle. As the lead for Porno For Pyros and Janes Addiction, Farrell is also the founder of the hugely successful festival Lollapalooza. Frankly, I almost feel unworthy in his presence.
As the house lights go down, fabled bassist Mike Watt heads out on stage. With the support of a walking cane, he grabs a seat at the front of the stage. Two stunningly beautiful ladies follow, along with drummer Stephen Perkins (also ex of Janes Addiction) and sharp dressed guitarist Peter DiStefano. Finally, the stylistic Farrell joins the fray. Decked in jacket, fedora style hat, and rolled blue jeans, the vocalist holds up his iconic bottle of wine, cheers the crowd, and take a pull of the grape nectar.
The band starts their set with the 1996 track “Porpoise Head”, from the band’s 2nd (of only 2) studio releases Good God’s Urge. To me, the track perfectly highlights the band’s melancholy sound. Farrell’s vocals are soft, the accompanying musicians tightly carry the rhythm of the opener, and we’re off to be amazed.
As the band progresses through their first few songs, Farrell bangs the bongos, and rattles the rattles (a trademark for Perry’s music style). Maintaining a very moody, atmospheric start, the crowd watches intently, and as the tempo picks up on songs like “Good God’s://Urge!” Farrell dances on stage. It’s so cool to see him here live. A look around reveals a number of other fans completely engrossed with the sounds emanating from the stage. One is dancing alone and another singing along to my right.
Perry Farrell’s interactions with the crowd is as if you have literally met a new friend, and you are just chilling, talking to him, getting to know each other. Between songs, he shares his love of being in the water, and asks if we have any cool lakes to hang out on. He banters on about the change of seasons, riding bikes, and watching movies like “The Godfather” on the tour bus between cities. At face value, it’s as if you are just chillin’ with your buddy. It’s a cool, intimate feeling. But Farrell also uses the stories to transition into the next song. As an example, he speaks of his concern for only one thing in this beautiful world. That’s the pets! And of course, the band rolls into their 1993 track “Pets”, from their debut, self-titled album.
In addition to the sultry sounds, and the conversation, we are also treated to video of firework explosions, and psychedelic shapes and colours. Guaranteed that if you were in an enhanced state of mind, it would bring a completely different element. It’s very cool in my completely sober state, but boy, I can only imagine if it was altered.
Band introductions are smattered throughout the show. The lead singer introduces Toronto’s own Robin Hatch on keys. Local musicians always bring a roar from the Toronto faithful. Farrell introduces his wife Etty Lau Farrell as back-up and when he introduces bassist Mike Watt, the crowd chants his name in a nod of admiration.
As this one winds down, the tempo picks up during tracks like “Blood Rag” and the Stooge’s cover “I Got a Right”. The crowd continues their dancing and singing, and although it’s not the most raucous show I have ever been to, it certainly became one of the most special to be at. If this is truly the end to live performances by Porno For Pyros, it will certainly be a sad time for alternative music. But with other band’s like The Who, Kiss and even Slayer, who newly announced getting together to play at least one more show, music is in these guys’ blood. It’s hard to keep them down. Farrell’s voice still has lots to give, and the band’s abilities to perform are just as good as they’ve always been.
Here’s to hoping it’s truly not a farewell.
Set List
Porpoise Head
Good God’s://Urge!
Sadness
Meija
Porno for Pyros
Orgasm
Agua
Wishing Well
Cursed Female
Cursed Male
Pets
Little Me
Bali Eyes
Blood Rag
I Got a Right (Iggy and The Stooges cover)
Tahitian Moon
Bad Shit
Gallery
Porno For Pyros Online
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show date: February 29, 2024
