Like most of the family-related stories in "The Strangest of Places," the recount of Autumn's experience with her cousin, "Jane" is heavily influenced by real life people and events. Names have been changed, but most of what you'll read in chapter 8 is true.
In the book, I primarily focus on the happier aspects of the Phish community -- phenomenal concert experiences, finding like-minded people, travel, etc. -- because that's what was most relevant to Autumn and her story. But make no mistake: there absolutely is a dark underbelly to the Phish scene and I'd be remiss in my duties as a storyteller to ignore the impact addiction has had on the band, the fans, and their families.
This chapter was included, not only because it's a part of Autumn's story, where you learn why she has a strong aversion to the harder drugs like cocaine and heroin, but because addiction and its ripple effects will come into play again, in books yet to be written.
I chose this song primarily because it's literally applicable to the subject matter covered in the chapter, but there's also relevance to the real-life characters that inspired the song choice. It was "Jimmy" who introduced me to Jane's Addiction via the "Nothing's Shocking" album, sometime in 1989 or 1990. It seemed apropos that I would include it in a nod to him in the chapter where I cover his introduction to the drug that would be his undoing.
Yes, that's all true too.
I read an article in American Songwriter that said the real Jane, who inspired both the song and the band's name, did kick her addiction, and she actually did make it to Spain.
I wish I could say the same for "Jimmy" and my cousin, "Jane," but those are stories for another time.
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