As noted by Billboard Magazine in 2019: “Perry Farrell’s role in paving the way for the ascendance of alternative music can’t be overstated.” As both the frontman of Jane’s Addiction and the founder of Lollapalooza, Farrell has thrived within both the underground and mainstream worlds. In other words, without Farrell, there would probably be no Coachella or Bonnaroo – and that is without factoring in his excellent work with Porno For Pyros or Satellite Party.
The latest album release for Perry Farrell – who not all Jewish Journal readers may not realize was born Peretz Bernstein – is “The Glitz; The Glamour.” Released in January, the 68-track retrospective features work over the course of a 35-year period from Farrell’s career. In addition to both remastered and previously-unreleased music, it also includes a hardback book of “photographic memoirs,” 2 limited-edition prints and a bandana. An absolute essential catalog piece for fans of Farrell.
On February 17, 2021, I had the pleasure — and I do mean “the pleasure” — of speaking with Perry Farrell via Zoom, as embedded below. Our conversation initially started off with discussion about “The Glitz; The Glamour,” then naturally guided along to a variety of topics, including the following:
- Farrell’s initial upbringing in New York, which included time spent alongside with his father in Manhattan’s Diamond District
- His feelings about the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and how President Biden is handling such
- The importance of doing a “mitzvah” rather than “getting” one
- How his wife Etty Lau Farrell and children factor into his professional life
- Future plans for himself and his brands
Simply put, you think you primarily are going to speak with a rock legend about their latest release – a follow-up to 2019’s “Kind Heaven” – yet you wind up having a fun and interesting conversation about everything but “The Glitz, The Glamour.”
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