Dave Navarro is an American guitarist who has played with some of the most influential rock bands of the past three decades.
He is best known as a founding member of Jane’s Addiction, a pioneering alternative rock band that fused heavy metal, punk, and psychedelic elements.
He also briefly joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the mid-1990s, contributing to their experimental album One Hot Minute.
Besides his musical career, Navarro is also a host and judge on Ink Master, a reality show about tattoo artists.
He has also released a solo album, Trust No One, and a documentary, Mourning Son, which explores the trauma of his mother’s murder when he was 15 years old.
Profile
- Full name: David Michael Navarro
- Date of birth: June 7, 1967
- Age: 57 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, host, judge
- Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m)
- Parents: James Raul Navarro and Constance Colleen Hopkins
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Tania Goddard-Saylor (1990-1993, divorced), Rhian Gittins (1994, annulled), Carmen Electra (2003-2007, divorced)
- Children: N/A
- Relationship status: Single
- Net worth: $20 million
Early Life and Education
Dave Navarro was born on June 7, 1967, in Santa Monica, California, to James Raul Navarro and Constance Colleen Hopkins.
His paternal grandparents were Mexican immigrants, and his grandfather, Gabriel Navarro, was a close friend of Mexican silent film star Ramón Novarro.
His mother, Constance, was a model and worked on the game show Let’s Make a Deal. His parents divorced when he was seven years old, and he moved with his mother to Bel Air, a wealthy neighbourhood in Los Angeles.
He attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, where he met his future bandmate Stephen Perkins, who played drums in the marching band.
Navarro, who is now 57 years old, developed a love for music at an early age, especially after hearing a Jimi Hendrix song at a skate park.
He taught himself how to play guitar and formed his first band, Dizastre, with Perkins and two other friends.
Navarro’s life was shattered in March 1983 when his mother and aunt were brutally murdered by his mother’s ex-boyfriend, John Riccardi, who broke into their apartment and shot them.
Navarro was supposed to visit his mother that night but changed his plans at the last minute and stayed with his father.
He was deeply traumatized by the loss of his mother and turned to drugs and music to cope. He later said that music was the only thing that kept him alive.
Riccardi was on the run for eight years until he was captured in 1991, thanks to a tip from a viewer of America’s Most Wanted, a TV show that featured fugitives.
Navarro testified against Riccardi at his trial, and Riccardi was sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
Personal Life
Dave Navarro has been married and divorced three times. His first wife was Tania Goddard-Saylor, a celebrity makeup artist, whom he married in 1990 and divorced in 1993.
His second wife was Rhian Gittins, a Canadian model and actress, whom he married in 1994, but their marriage was annulled after five days.
His third wife was Carmen Electra, a model and actress, whom he married in 2003 and divorced in 2007.
He and Electra starred in their reality show, ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave, which documented their wedding preparations and ceremony.
Navarro has also dated several other women, including singer Fiona Apple, actress Jenna Jameson, model Amie Nicole, and actress Andrea Tantaros. He has no children.
Navarro is a vegan and an animal rights activist. He has posed nude for PETA’s anti-fur campaign and has supported various animal welfare organizations.
He is also a tattoo enthusiast, with over 100 tattoos on his body, including a portrait of his mother on his chest.
He is a host and judge on Ink Master, a show that features tattoo artists competing for a cash prize and the title of Ink Master.
He has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Sons of Anarchy, Z Rock, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Career
Dave Navarro’s musical career began in 1985 when he joined Jane’s Addiction, a band formed by singer Perry Farrell, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins.
The band was one of the first to combine elements of heavy metal, punk, funk, and psychedelic rock, creating a unique and influential sound that paved the way for the alternative rock movement of the 1990s.
The band released four studio albums: Jane’s Addiction (1987), Nothing’s Shocking (1988), Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), and Strays (2003).
Some of their most popular songs include “Jane Says”, “Been Caught Stealing”, “Stop!” and “Just Because”. The band also headlined the first Lollapalooza festival in 1991, which Farrell conceived as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction.
The band broke up in 1991 due to internal conflicts and drug problems but reunited several times in the following years with different bass players, such as Flea, Martyn LeNoble, Chris Chaney, and Duff McKagan.
In 1993, Navarro joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a funk rock band that had lost their guitarist John Frusciante, who quit due to drug addiction and creative differences.
Navarro was a band fan and had befriended their singer, Anthony Kiedis, and bassist Flea. He recorded one album with the band One Hot Minute, released in 1995.
The album was a departure from the band’s previous style, as it incorporated more heavy metal and psychedelic influences and reflected the dark and turbulent mood of the band members, who were struggling with drugs, depression, and personal issues.
The album received mixed reviews from critics and fans but spawned some hit singles, such as “Warped”, “My Friends”, “Aeroplane”, and “Love Rollercoaster”.
The band also embarked on a world tour marred by injuries, illnesses, and cancellations. Navarro left the band in 1998 after clashing with Kiedis over musical direction and lifestyle choices. He was replaced by Frusciante, who had recovered from his addiction and rejoined the band.
After leaving the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Navarro focused on his solo career and released his debut album, Trust No One, in 2001.
The album was a personal and introspective work that showcased Navarro’s singing and songwriting abilities and his diverse musical influences, ranging from rock, pop, folk, and electronica. The album received positive reviews from critics but did not sell well commercially.
Some of the songs from the album include “Rexall”, “Hungry”, “Not for Nothing”, and “Slow Motion Sickness”.
Navarro also collaborated with artists such as Alanis Morissette, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Christina Aguilera, and Guns N’ Roses.
2002, Navarro reunited with Jane’s Addiction and recorded a new album, Strays, released in 2003. The album returned to the band’s classic sound and received favourable reviews from critics and fans. The band also headlined the Lollapalooza Festival again and toured extensively.
However, the band split again in 2004 due to personal and creative differences. Navarro formed a new band, The Panic Channel, with Perkins, Chaney, and singer Steve Isaacs. The band released one album, (ONe), in 2006, which featured a more alternative and hard rock sound.
The band also toured with Camp Freddy, a cover band that included Navarro, Perkins, and other musicians, such as Billy Morrison, Matt Sorum, and Donovan Leitch.
2008, Navarro reunited with Jane’s Addiction for the third time and performed at the NME Awards in Los Angeles. The band also recorded two new songs, “Chip Away” and “Whores”, which were released as digital downloads.
The band continued to perform at various festivals and events, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and the Hurricane Festival.
In 2011, the band released their fourth studio album, The Great Escape Artist, co-produced by Rich Costey and TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, who also played bass on the album. The album received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its experimental and atmospheric sound.
The album also spawned two singles, “End to the Lies” and “Irresistible Force”. The band also toured in support of the album and performed with other bands, such as Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine, and Nine Inch Nails.
In 2016, Navarro released a documentary, Mourning Son, which chronicled his journey to cope with the trauma of his mother’s murder.
The documentary featured interviews with Navarro’s family, friends, and colleagues and footage from his childhood, music career, and therapy sessions.
The documentary also followed Navarro as he visited the crime scene, the prison where Riccardi was held, and the court where he testified. The documentary received critical acclaim and was praised for its honesty, courage, and emotion.
2017, Navarro reunited with Jane’s Addiction for the fourth time and performed at several festivals and events, such as the BottleRock Napa Valley, the Kaaboo Del Mar, and the Cal Jam.
The band also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their album Ritual de lo Habitual by playing it in its entirety. The band also announced they were working on new material, but no release date was given.
In 2018, Navarro collaborated with Billy Idol, Billy Morrison, and Steve Stevens on a project called Kings of Chaos, which featured various rock legends performing covers of classic songs.
The project also included other musicians like Corey Taylor, Chester Bennington, and Sebastian Bach. The project performed at several venues, such as the Avalon Hollywood, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and the Fillmore.
In 2019, Navarro released his second solo album, Nostalgia Kills, a collection of songs he had written over the years but never released.
The album was a mix of rock, pop, and electronic genres and featured guest appearances from Perry Farrell, Duff McKagan, Courtney Love, and Tommy Lee.
The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised Navarro’s versatility and creativity. Some of the songs from the album include “Nostalgia Kills”, “Don’t Try to Understand”, “The Bed”, and “Surrender”.
In 2020, Navarro joined the supergroup Hollywood Vampires, formed by Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry. The group paid tribute to the rock stars who died from excess in the 1970s by covering their songs and writing original ones.
The group released their second album, Rise, which featured songs such as “Who’s Laughing Now”, “The Boogieman Surprise”, and “Heroes”.
The group also toured Europe and North America and performed at various festivals and events, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Rock in Rio, and the Grammy Awards.
In 2021, Navarro published his memoir, Trust No One: The Life and Times of Dave Navarro, which detailed his personal and professional experiences from childhood to the present.
The memoir also revealed his struggles with addiction, depression, and trauma, as well as his insights on music, art, and spirituality. The memoir was a bestseller and received rave reviews from critics and fans, who applauded Navarro’s honesty, humour, and wisdom.
In 2022, Navarro formed a new band, The Black Light District, with singer Scott Weiland, bassist Robert DeLeo, and drummer Josh Freese.
The band was a fusion of alternative rock, grunge, and industrial music and was influenced by bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, and The Cure.
The band released their debut album, The Black Light District, which featured songs such as “Black Light”, “District”, “Burn”, and “Fade Away”.
The band also toured in support of the album and received positive feedback from critics and fans, who praised the band’s chemistry and energy.
In 2023, Navarro continued to host and judge Ink Master, which entered its 15th season. He also appeared as a guest star on TV shows, such as The Mandalorian, The Umbrella Academy, and The Boys.
He also launched his podcast, Dark Matter, which featured interviews with various celebrities, artists, and experts on topics such as music, culture, politics, and paranormal phenomena.
He also released a new solo album, Dark Matter, which was a companion piece to his podcast and featured songs inspired by the themes and guests of his show. The album blended rock, ambient, and experimental music, featuring collaborations with Trent Reznor, Maynard James Keenan, Shirley Manson, and Lana Del Rey.
The album received critical acclaim and was hailed as Navarro’s most ambitious and innovative work.
Some of the songs from the album include “Dark Matter”, “The Void”, “The Edge”, and “The Light”.
In 2024, Navarro is still active and busy in the music and entertainment industry. He is working on new projects with Jane’s Addiction, Hollywood Vampires, and The Black Light District.
He also plans to release a sequel to his documentary, Mourning Son, focusing on his reconciliation with his father, who had been estranged from him for years.
He is also writing a new book, Trust No One: The Art and Philosophy of Dave Navarro, which will showcase his paintings, drawings, and photographs, as well as his thoughts on creativity, spirituality, and life. He is also preparing to launch his clothing line, Trust No One, featuring his signature style and designs.
Awards
Dave Navarro has won several awards and honours throughout his career as a solo artist and a member of various bands. Some of the awards he has won are:
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video for “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction in 1991
- Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for “Aeroplane” by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1996
- Kerrang! Award for Classic Songwriter for Jane’s Addiction in 2008
- Revolver Golden Gods Award for Lifetime Achievement for Jane’s Addiction in 2009
- NME Godlike Genius Award for Jane’s Addiction in 2010
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012
- Alternative Press Icon Award for Jane’s Addiction in 2014
- Critics’ Choice Documentary Award for Best First Documentary Feature for Mourning Son in 2016
- Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Album for Rise by Hollywood Vampires in 2020
- Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for The Black Light District by The Black Light District in 2023
Controversy
Dave Navarro has been involved in controversies and scandals throughout his career, both on and off the stage. Some of the controversies he has faced are:
- In 1993, he was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine and was sentenced to six months of probation and drug counselling.
- In 1996, he was sued by a woman who claimed that he had given her genital herpes and that he had failed to inform her of his condition. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- In 1998, he was accused of assaulting a security guard at a concert in Phoenix, Arizona, after the guard tried to stop him from entering the backstage area. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assault, but the charges were later dropped.
- In 2003, he was involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, California, when he crashed his Mercedes-Benz into a parked car. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs, but the charge was later reduced to reckless driving, and he was fined and ordered to attend a drug education program.
- In 2007, he was sued by his former housekeeper, who claimed that he had sexually harassed and assaulted her and that he had fired her after she rejected his advances. He denied the allegations, and a judge dismissed the case.
- In 2011, he was sued by his former bandmate Eric Avery, who claimed that he had breached their contract and interfered with his royalties from Jane’s Addiction. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- In 2015, he was sued by his former girlfriend, Andrea Tantaros, who claimed that he had physically and emotionally abused her and that he had hacked into her computer and phone. He denied the allegations, and a judge dismissed the case.
Social Media
- Instagram handle:@davenavarro
- Twitter handle: @DaveNavarro
- YouTube channel: Dave Navarro
- Podcast: Dark Matter
Filmography
- Floundering
- Uptown Girls
- Rock Star
- Punk’d
- Sons of Anarchy
- Z Rock
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
- Celebrity Poker Showdown
- ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave
- Ink Master
- Mourning Son
- The Mandalorian
- The Umbrella Academy
- The Boys
Discography
Dave Navarro has released several albums and singles as a solo artist and a member of various bands.
Some of the albums and singles he has released are:
- Jane’s Addiction (1987) by Jane’s Addiction
- Nothing’s Shocking (1988) by Jane’s Addiction
- Ritual de lo Habitual (1990) by Jane’s Addiction
- One Hot Minute (1995) by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Trust No One (2001) by Dave Navarro
- Strays (2003) by Jane’s Addiction
- (ONe) (2006) by The Panic Channel
- The Great Escape Artist (2011) by Jane’s Addiction
- Nostalgia Kills (2019) by Dave Navarro
- Rise (2020) by Hollywood Vampires
- The Black Light District (2022) by The Black Light District
- Dark Matter (2023) by Dave Navarro
Books
Dave Navarro has written and published two books, both memoirs. The books are:
- Don’t Try This at Home: A Year in the Life of Dave Navarro (2004), co-written with Neil Strauss
- Trust No One: The Life and Times of Dave Navarro (2021)
Net Worth
Dave Navarro has an estimated net worth of $20 million. He has earned wealth from his successful and diverse career as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, host, judge, and author.
He has also invested in various businesses and ventures, such as a tattoo studio, a record label, a clothing line, and a podcast.
