Jani Lane 1964-2011: Memories of Jani Lane’s Sunset Strip in Orlando [Memory]

Jani Lane, 47-year-old lead singer of the rock band Warrant, was found dead in a hotel in Woodland Hills, California on August 11, 2011.

Last night many found out that Jani Lane, who once led the hair-rock band Warrant (famous for ’80s hits such as “Heaven” and “Cherry Pie“), was found dead at 47.
What many might not know, was that Lane was part owner of a nightclub in downtown Orlando for a couple of years in the early ’90s called Jani Lane’s Sunset Strip.
I was too young to go inside, but I do remember seeing it at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street. It is where CityArts Factory now stands, it was also Bar Orlando and Rat Pack’s over the years.
I reached out on Twitter and Facebook for some memories from Orlando residents who went to the club back in the day and this is what they had to say. Feel free to share your own memories of the club too in the comments section.
Will Walker, co-owner of Will’s Pub and the Belle Isle Yacht Pub, remembers going there when he was 21:
“I saw Jani Lane perform there multiple times.”
Local musician, Rickey Dickens, has this memory:
“I got the hook, literally and deservedly so, at an open stage when you could sing with the band at Jani Lane’s on Orange Ave back in 1994. I was 21, trying to sing Roadhouse Blues. I had a sore throat and my “friend” told me NOT to sip, but shoot a SIFTER of…are you ready? BRANDY. Oh yeah, it was like the Apollo in NYC where someone w/ a huge “Hook” put it around me and gently pulled me off stage. I say “gently,” because they knew if they pulled too fast, I would have fell face first into the guitar player or fell off the stage all together. It was one of the THE most of embarrassing moments in my life. I had no idea I was supposed to SIP the Brandy, I knew after that night though.”
@fsulaw03 on Twitter: a highlight was Warrant actually playing the club…and just b4 open Jani played acoustic set at Light Up Orlando!
@JerrySteffen on Twitter: Waterballooning drunks on the street below from that tiny balcony after a Todd Rundgren show.
Betsi Scott on Facebook has this to say about the lead singer: “I actually met Jani at Jani Lane’s. I remember that he was very personable; humble and just an all-around nice guy.”

Jani Lane at Jani Lane's Sunset Strip in 1995/Courtesy of Sandra Carr

I also dug into our Sentinel archives and found this article by Nancy Feigenbaum from Dec. 2, 1993, right before the club opened. Here are some excerpts:
Webster Drug Stores Inc., a family-owned business with one other location, bought the four-story building (at Orange Avenue and Pine Street) for $1.2 million. The drugstore used to be part of the Liggett chain, which has disbanded. It is leasing the second and third floors to a nightclub, Jani Lane’s Sunset Strip.
”Downtown really is the hottest place right now,” said Carollynn Hammersmith, spokeswoman for for Sunset Strip.
Sunset Strip, atop Liggett, is the latest of dozens of nightclubs to open in the wake of Church Street’s success. It is named for Jani Lane, a former Orlando musician who hit the big time with a heavy metal band called Warrant.

Memory WARRANT Interview
With Vocalist Jani Lane

How are the rehearsals for the tour going?
Rehearsals went great - we are excited about this tour. We really are Whitesnake fans and will look forward to working with them.


Who is in the band now?
Jani Lane/vocals, Erik Turner/ guitar, Jerry Dixon/bass, Billy Morris/Lead Guitar & Kevan Phares/ drums.



What happened to Billy?
Billy still with us. He was going to go work on a side project he has, but fortunately this tour did not cut into what he was working on. So, he is back!


Why tour right now with no new album to support?
Why not tour? We have plenty of hits that people want to hear live. Fans like to be able to sing along and go down memory lane. Actually, None of us on this tour have a new album, but we are selling out arenas!

What can fans expect live this time around? Any setlist changes?
We are trying to fit in as many songs as we can. When you are the headliner you have much more time to play all your material. We have about 50 minutes, so we have to play all the basics that the fans look to hear - Uncle Toms Cabin, Cherry Pie, Down Boys. we added Bonfire and intend to add more as we go along.


I was going to attend the Hamilton show in Aug but it just got cancelled. What happened there?
That is not something we would know about. We just get a list and follow the map. That is a question for the booking agents.


Any thoughts on a small scale Canadian tour in the near future, especially eastern Canada?
We love Canada. Hopefully we can start going up there. For now, we have the US and after this tour, some dates in Trinidad and Puerto Rico.


What would it take to get you to play live? Is it a certain amount of money or certain number of people in attendance?
We don't handle all that side of what we do. Our manager and bookers negotiate that. We would not limit why and where we play.

What is your view on Canadian reception to Warrant as compared to other places in the world?
So far we have been fortunate and receive great reception wherever we play.


Do you think the Canadian metal scene differs much from the US scene?
I think metal is pretty universal.


Do you think the image, especially the early days of matching white leather and teased hair, ever got in the way of people taking Warrant seriously as musicians?
We definitely did not choose the white leather. That was the record label - I think that we hold our own in the industry as musicians or we would not have earned platinum albums. You can't fool the fans with crap.


Does it bother you (the band) that Warrant get tagged with the label an 80's band, when in fact you were active through all of the 90's and into the new millennium?
Naw, we still tour and record and sell-out. We may not be the mainstream, but we are still selling.

Warrant

On Warrant's third outing "Dog Eat Dog" the band made special efforts to make it clear that the band listed in the liner notes are those responsible for the performances on the album.

I find it amusing that such a note had to be included and baffled that some band members wouldn't have recorded parts for the albums especially since Erik Turner is the originating member. I just thought that playing on the albums was all part of the band deal, but what do I know. Anywho, enough of the controversy and on to the album.

"Dog Eat Dog" is a rawer, edgier and slightly more melancholic album with that stadium sized Warrant sound. The band continues to play around with some different musical stylings, but never enough to feel like a new band. However, I think this attempt to keep up with the upcoming Alternative/grunge sound was a little too late and the band suffered for it.

The album doesn't suffer and this independent maturer Warrant is a move in the right direction (Though "Cherry Pie" seems to appeal to me more, personally speaking) I think the band could have had more staying power.

Warrant kicks of this record with "Machine Gun" which is a bullet spewing riff chugger the doesn't lose the melodic edge or hooky chorus. Note the enhanced electronic vocal flourishes here and sporadically throughout the album, something a little different then they've done before. "Hole In My Wall" continues the sex themed lyrics and the chugging guitar work with a touch darker lean and a talkin' guitar solo. A catchy song. "Bonfire" completes the sexy trilogy a few songs later with a groovier rawer rock sound.

"April 2031" and "Andy Warhol Was Right" sees Warrant take on political and social commentaries. "April 2031" is a killer dark, bleak tune with ever so slightly corny lyrics. A great tune all the same. "Andy Warhol Was Right" bookends with a child singing and plunking on a toy xylophone which is quite effective given the songs subject matter. The tune is beautifully melodic at first and downright heavy and emotionally punching later on. I'd go so far as to say this is my favourite song. A little unique, but familiar sounding and genuine.

"All My Bridges Are Burning" and "Quicksand" are fairly standard songs with "...Bridges ..." being the better one with a cool bridge lead in to the solo and "Quicksand" being a little darker and ballad-like. "Inside Out" is the fastest song Warrant has ever done (up to this point at least) and is almost punk in intensity. Great song

The ballads here are faithful and memorable. "The Bitter Pill" is piano driven (ala "I Saw Red") and very catchy and melodic. The operatic breakdown in the middle seems a little unnecessary, but not arresting. "Let It Rain" is melancholic and features gospel-like female backing vocals.

"Hollywood (So Far, So Good)" is a great upbeat peppy song. Inspiring and damned catchy. While "Sad Teresa" is more uplifting and hopeful and slightly White Lion-esque. Both songs are rocking acoustic tunes.

Of all the Warrant albums I have (the first 3 only) this one sounds most original and not too poppy. I enjoy the first 2 with "Cherry Pie" being MY favourite, but I really like what they did on "Dog Eat Dog".

I did own "Ultraphobic" for a bit, but never cared for it and was quite disappointed with it. I have no more interest in anything else from Warrant, but these 3 albums, though I wonder where the band could have gone if they didn't try to go grungy/alternative. Ah well. Up next I'll be reviewing the Eurovision champs of a few years ago, Lordi. I struggled with this band for a bit, but wore down and bought an album.

 

Memories Image for Jani Lane

Former WARRANT Vocalist JANI LANE Found Dead

former WARRANT vocalist JANI LANE was found dead at the Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, CA earlier this evening (August 11th). Thus far, no official cause of death has been released. 

Lane was 47 years old. 

Jani Lane was born February 1st, 1964 in Akron, Ohio. He went on to sing on seven Warrant studio albums:

Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich
Cherry Pie
Dog Eat Dog
Ultraphobic
Belly To Belly
Greatest & Latest
Under The Influence
After leaving Warrant, Lane issued a solo album, Back Down To One. That was followed by a brief stint with SAINTS OF THE UNDERGROUND, who only released one album – Love The Sin, Hate The Sinner.
On July 23, Lane took part in a taping of an upcoming episode of the “That Metal Show” alongside Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and Taime Downe (FASTER PUSSYCAT) (see photos below). The program featuring Lane is scheduled to air on October 1 on VH1 Classic.
In February, Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald on February 1, 1964) canceled all of his previously announced solo tour dates two days before the first show was due to take place. No explanation was offered for the cancellation.

RIP Jani Lane

WARRANT announced in September 2008 that it was splitting with Lane six months after the band reunited with the troubled vocalist. He has since been replaced by Robert Mason (LYNCH MOB, CRY OF LOVE, BIG COCK).
Lane originally left WARRANT in March 1993 but rejoined the band in September 1994. The group went on to record the “Ultraphobic” (1995), “Belly To Belly” (1996) and “Greatest & Latest” (1999) albums and issued and collection of covers, “Under The Influence”, in 2001. Jani quit WARRANT again in 2004 before reuniting with the group four years later.
Lane released a solo album, “Back Down to One”, in 2003, but shortly after was admitted to a rehab center for alcohol and drug-related exhaustion. He also appeared on VH1′s reality series “Celebrity Fit Club”.
On July 19, 2010, Lane pled no contest to DUI stemming from his arrest two months earlier — and was ordered to serve 120 days in jail. In addition, Lane lost his license for three years and had to complete a 30-month alcohol-education program.
Prior to serving time in jail for his most recent legal troubles, Lane issued a statement in which he said, in part, “My true hope is that anyone out there dealing with personal problems… the consequences do not get lighter. I can only say I’ve never regretted a good decision or action and never been proud of bad ones. People have an astounding ability to forgive… I have to start with forgiving myself. That is something that I find far more difficult than I imagined. I think it starts with gratitude.”
In a June 2010 interview, Lane spoke about his battle with alcoholism and the negative impact it has had on his career.
“The last year, I’ve suffered some consequences from drinking that I’ve never suffered in my entire life,” he said. “It’s really made me take a step back and go, ‘Is this how you want to continue? Is this how you want to finish up?’ The answer is no.”
He continued, “I’ll tell you, one day you think that this is absolutely normal, this is expected, ‘This has been my lifestyle for 20 years, what’s the problem?’ And, all of a sudden, things take a turn, and you go, ‘I don’t like these consequences. I don’t like how this affects my family, I don’t like how this affects my career, I don’t like how this affects anything.’ Then you begin to work.”
When asked if his treatment involved going to a rehab, Lane replied, “I have gone to rehabilitation, absolutely. I know some people who want to be quiet about that kind of stuff, but I am not the kind of person who pride is going to win out over saying, ‘Hey, I’m honestly getting this in check and fixing this.’ It is a very important thing to me. I mean, this just doesn’t affect me like it used to. It affects everything in my life, including the people I love. To be honest, I get tired of giving ammo to the people who don’t wish me well.”

Memories Image for Jani Lane

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Hollywood reacts to reports of Jani Lane's death

After news that former Warrant frontman Jani Lane had been found dead in a Los Angeles-area hotel, several in Hollywood took to Twitter to express their grief.

“We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss,” wrote Bret Michaels. “Respectfully, Bret and all at MEGI.”
Added professional wrestler and former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Chris Jericho: “Sad to hear about the passing of Jani Lane. Jani was a good guy and one of the best songwriters in the late 80s Dog Eat Dog-very underrated.”

Photos : Jani lane

 

Jani Lane Memories

With the sudden death of Jani Lane on August 11th, members of the music community have posted tributes to the former Warrant singer on their Twitter and Facebook pages. Sleaze Roxx has collected a few of these tributes and memories to pay respect to Jani Lane.





We never thought that when the song Heaven was written we would be playing it someday in the memory of Jani's untimely death. This is a very sad day for rock and roll. One of the great things about music is that it lives on forever.
Warrant

People have been asking me about Jani Lane & I really don't know what to say. Picturing him by himself in a Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills with a bottle of vodka & a bottle of pills is so typical of what a rock musician's life actually is. It is a life marked by extremes. Extreme attention from people you don't know, while all the work & travel takes you away from those you actually do know. Playing to thousands of people & then going back to your hotel room & shutting the door. When the door shuts... the quiet is the exact opposite of the volume of the concert. The solitude of the empty hotel room becomes the diametric parallel of the adulation of strangers. For some, the bottle of vodka or whatever becomes a friend that is always there for you while others come & go. Yes I have felt these emotions myself. If you see me going head over heels over a girl, it's because all I have ever wanted is to have a girl to love & share my life with, & for the one I love to be with me wherever I'm at, travel with me to distant locales & stay in nice kick ass hotel suites & have fun & sing & dance & see the world. But so far this is a fantasy. Just like Jani, I spend most of my time alone in a hotel room dreaming of a girl I love who is somewhere else. I bet Jani Lane felt exactly what I feel. How could he not? I remember decades ago being invited to Jani's house for a barbeque, which we went to. But Jani didn't show up. So I spent the afternoon with Jani's dad cooking burgers & steaks & having a wonderful day with his family. My condolences to his family & especially Jani's children who now only have memories of their dad to hold on to. That is truly heartbreaking. Let this be yet another lesson to tell someone some kind words sometimes... before it's too late... while they are still alive. I can guarantee Jani Lane would not have anticipated everyone coming out of the woodwork extolling the life & times of Jani Lane. Which is why he probably died alone. In a hotel room. With his only real friend...that killed him in the end.
Sebastian Bach

I'm still in shock over the sudden passing of Jani. I was just sitting in a dressing room with him less then a month ago. Had I known, I would have spent more time with him. It always hits me like a brick -- would have, could have, should have. Unfortunately usually once it's too late. He was a good hearted guy with a gentle soul. I know he had a tough life and many battles but who doesn't? He seemed to be genuinely working so hard at sorting things out and getting things in order. It's a true shame. It's a reminder to me to stay focused on what's important and what matters -- family and friends and the love and grace that give to them......
Michael Sweet - Stryper

Jani Lane's is yet another sad story of a boy who attained his dreams of greatness, only to be blindsided by the pressures, temptations and disappointments of those same dreams. We all watched over the years, as he soared, stumbled, fell, then got up again and again. Tragically, he will get up no more. RIP Jani.
Dee Snider - Twisted Sister

Our thoughts go out to our fallen brother Jani Lane, his family, his friends and his fans.
Alice Cooper

RIP Jani Lane our prayers are with you & your family
Joey Kramer - Aerosmith

Jane Lane, you were a great talent. The world will miss you. R.I.P. my brother.
Steven Adler - Adler's Appetite

I send my heart felt sympathy to Jani Lane's whole entire Family. May God rest his soul.. Great Songs! Going to Miss ya bro!
Chip Z'Nuff - Enuff Z'Nuff

We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss. Respectfully, Bret and all at MEGI
Bret Michaels - Poison

My deepest condolences to Jani Lane's family and certainly to his friends. I hope you finally find peace my friend.
Rikki Rockett - Poison

Sad to hear today. R.I.P. Jani Lane.
Stephen Pearcy - Ratt

Jani Lane R.I.P. You will be missed dearly. Give Robin a hug for us.
Ratt

So sorry to hear about Jani Lane. His family must be devastated. No one should have to be alone in a motel room...in those last moments.
Duff McKagan - Velvet Revolver

Just heard about Jani Lane. What a shame. RIP man.
Slash- Velvet Revolver

We are deeply saddened and mourning the death of a true rocker! RIP Jani and long live "CHERRY PIE"
Guns N' Roses

R.I.P. Jani Lane. We offer our condolences to his family. You will be missed.
L.A. Guns

Our deepest condolences to Jani's family and loved ones for their loss. RIP my friend. You will be terribly missed.....
BulletBoys

It truly saddens me to lose Jani Lane.You were my inspiration for what I love to do: ROCK!
Michael Starr - Steel Panther

RIP Janie Lane... another one lost... We must remember that the unlucky ones who lose their life to Alcohol and drugs, are those that could not completely surrender ~ sad day.
Glenn Hughes

A sad end for a very talented person. RIP
Kip Winger - Winger

Jani Lane, Rest in peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers to his family. from the Night Ranger camp.
Kelly Keagy - Night Ranger

Jani Lane died way too early but he lived for a cause. I was very much influenced and inspired by him. So sad. RIP my idol.
Olli Herman - Reckless Love

Would like to take a moment to say a heartfelt goodbye to one of our close friends JOHN KENNEDY OSWALD,, otherwise known as JANI LANE. He was a great song writer, and a incredible frontman. He will be missed by us and many others... We were blessed to share the stage with such a talent.... God bless your kids (3 girls and son) and also your loved ones.
Trixter

Sad to hear about Jani Lane... Had a chance to play with him in Camp Freddy years ago. Very nice guy. RIP pal...
Dave Navarro

Very sad to hear about Jani Lane. He was a gifted songwriter who couldn't fight his demons any longer. May he rest in peace.
Paul Laine - ex-Danger Danger

R.I.P. Jani Lane...a true songwriter and one of the most underrated voices in rock n roll, unfairly looked over because of hair metal tag
Mark McGrath

Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to our friend Jani Lane's family. R. I. P.
Lynam

R.I.P Jani Lane - a huge influence and a talent we've lost far too early.
Sacred Heart

We shared the stage with Jani on New Years Eve in Las Vegas a few years ago. Such sad news. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans around the world. RIP
Dirty Penny

It was a sad day in the metal world yesterday - We'll miss you Jani
SEKS

Condolences from the EMN camp to the Warrant camp and all of Jani Lane's family and friends. RIP Jani
Every Mother's Nightmare

R.I.P Jani Lane! Jani Lane is and will always be a big inspiration for us in Bulletrain!
Bulletrain

Planet 9 would like to send out our most sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the Oswald family (Jani Lane). Jani was great songwriter/performer and an influence on me personally and it was an honor and a pleasure to share the stage with Jani and Warrant. RIP Jani, Godspeed
Planet 9

JANI LANE R.I.P. 1964-2011 Jani always was super cool to know and work with. This is a great loss to his family and the music world.
Perris Records

Got a picture of your house
And you're standing by the door
It's black and white and faded
And it's looking pretty worn

See the factory that I worked
Silhouetted in the back
The memories are gray
But man, they're really coming back

I don't need to be the king of the world
As long as, I'm the hero of this little girl

Heaven, isn't too far away
Closer to it every day
No matter what your friends might say

How I love the way you move
And the sparkle in your eyes
There's a color deep inside them
Like a blue suburban sky

When I come home late at night
And you're in bed asleep
I wrap my arms around you
So I can feel you breathe

I don't need to be a superman
As long as, you will always be my biggest fan

Heaven, isn't too far away
Closer to it every day
No matter what your friends might say
We'll find our way, yeah

Now the lights are going out
Along the boulevard
The memories come rushing back
And it makes it pretty hard

I've got nowhere left to go
And no one really cares
I don't know what to do
But I'm never giving up on you

Heaven, isn't too far away
Closer to it every day
No matter what your friends say
I know we're gonna find a way
Image for Jani Lane  

 

Warrant Singer Jani Lane