Recap and Photo Gallery: Porno For Pyros • Salt Shed • Chicago

Brassneck | February 28, 2024

Porno For Pyros

The Salt Shed

Chicago, IL

February 26, 2024

Recap and photos by Curt Baran

The “Final” tour in the Rock milieu has become about as dependable as the boy who cried wolf. But considering that he’s now reached his mid-60s, it certainly makes it easier to believe that Perry Farrell is packing it this time.mAs the lead singer of L.A.’s art-punkers Jane’s Addiction, he was the aural handshake that ushered in the 90’s Alternative Nation. When that band began to implode, he celebrated its demise by cultivating Lollapalooza as a send-off.

But even then, he was looking beyond. Poaching drummer Stephen Perkins from the JA camp, he went on to form Porno For Pyros, which traded in Jane’s abrasive exterior for Hippie vibes and polyrhythmic grooves (but still maintained the requisite dollops of sex and violence). The band released a pair of well-received records and then quietly disappeared.

Well, fast forward nearly three decades (!) for a reemergence that is being billed as a last go around. Their 15-date, North American tour brought them to Chicago’s Salt Shed to see if the embers still ignite.
They even came armed with new material. Their latest single, “Agua,” actually hits the sweet spot that lies somewhere between both Jane’s past and Pyros’ present. Although Farrell’s voice has always been somewhat of a liability (which is probably why he loves to manipulate it with vocal processors), the band was actually a formidable force.

The drumming of the aforementioned Perkins, abetted by bassist Mike Watt (he of The Minutemen fame) proved to be the groove- heavy machine that not only picked up any slack, but also managed to commandeer the evening. So, until next time. Or…perhaps not.