Warrant made themselves known in the glam metal world both before and after their original singer, Jani Lane. After his contribution to the band in seven studio albums, on August 11, 2011, the world received the news that Jani Lane had passed away. In this post, we will share the life of the singer and how it tragically ended.
Who Was Jani Lane?
Jani Lane was born on February 1, 1964, in Ohio, USA. Lane’s voice and songwriting skills played a significant role in Warrant’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Forming Warrant in 1985, the rocker ultimately gained success with hits like ‘Down Boys,’ ‘Sometimes She Cries,’ ‘Big Talk’ and ‘Heaven.’ After taking a break from the band in 2004 due to his ups and downs with his bandmates, he returned to the band in 2008, to eventually leave permanently after a few months because there was ‘too much water under the bridge.’ The rocker continued his solo career after his departure.
His Fight with Personal Problems and Addiction
Despite his musical achievements, Jani Lane faced several challenges in his life, including struggles with addiction and personal issues. These challenges took a toll on his career and well-being, leading to periods of departure from Warrant and later rejoining the band.
Lane’s alcohol issues led to him shutting out his family. The rocker was arrested for driving under the influence and spent 120 days in jail.
The singer’s sister, Vicky Oswald-Ley, made a statement about her brother’s alcoholism and said that he has been fighting it for over ten years. She also made it clear that Lane’s addiction included only alcohol, not drugs.
Addiction Became the Eventual End for Lane
The singer had always taken a stand against drugs, but when it came to alcohol, there were no limits. Though he fought his addiction, he was not successful in his fight. Lane was found dead in a Los Angeles motel room on August 11, 2011, at the age of 47. His cause of death was revealed to be ‘acute ethanol intoxication.’
At the time of his death, TMZ reported that a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication had been found in his motel room.
Quiet Riot, Great White, and LA Guns performed at a public memorial concert for Lane at the Key Club in Hollywood on August 29, 2011, 18 days after his passing.
