The Loss of a Great One
 |
| Jani Lane, 1964-2011 |
I was sad to hear about the passing of Jani Lane, founder and front man of the 80's hair band, Warrant. Lane was not only the lead singer and a multi-instrumentalist, he also wrote the band's music and lyrics. I always regarded him as one of the best songwriters of the era.
I saw Lane and his band in concert back in 1989 at the old Met Center in Bloomington. Even though they were the opening act, they put on a great show and Lane was as good a front man as there was.
Warrant quickly became one of my favorite bands. In fact, I still have a vintage Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich t-shirt in my closet!
 |
| Warrant's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" |
Jani rapidly earned a reputation as a first-rate songwriter. He was responsible for penning great hair metal anthems such as "Downs Boys," "Sometimes She Cries," "Big Talk," and the massive hits "Heaven," and "Cherry Pie." But his lesser known songs are my favorites - "In the Sticks," "32 Pennies," "Blind Faith," "Mr. Rainmaker," "Machine Gun," "The Hole in my Wall," "Quicksand," "The Bitter Pill," and "You're the Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised," are on my long list of great Jani Lane songs.
Warrant gained popularity at the end of the 80s, as the hair band movement teetered on its last legs. I consider them and Firehouse as the last great acts of the hair band era, before that depressing, self-loathing Alternative movement pooped on the party.
In 1993, Warrant released a ridiculously underrated album, Dog Eat Dog. It was a heavy, melodic record and it featured Jani Lane at his peak as a songwriter. However, no one even blinked an eye when it was released because Nirvana and Pearl Jam ruled the music world by then. If you've never heard Dog Eat Dog, do yourself a favor and download it on iTunes. It's available for $9.99. It's a great album written by a great artist who has left us far too soon. It's one of those hidden gems.
Unfortunately, Jani had demons. Lots of them. Sadly, I don't think his was a very happy life. He struggled with drugs and alcohol and he was found dead in a motel room in Los Angeles on Thursday. The cause of death hasn't been released, but I've no doubt his demons finally won the war. I hope he has found the peace that he couldn't find here on earth.
Thanks for the music, Jani. You will never be forgotten by this old head banger.
All that glitters isn't gold
Too much is overkill
Life can be beautiful...
Or a bitter pill.
- Jani Lane ["Bitter Pill"]
