One thing’s for sure. When you see Perry Farrell live, you will be entertained. He brings a spirit and energy to his performances rarely seen, and his new album, “Kind Heaven” embodies that same energy. High energy, electro rock, punk music that brings back memories of his earlier work with Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros.

The over packed house of loyal fans at City Winery on Friday evening were ready to match his energy as the pronounced (born at Jamaica Hospital, Queens) native son kicked off his tour in downtown, NYC. His full band along with singers/dancers took the small stage at City Winery and cranked through much of the new album and classic songs including- “Pets.” “I Would for You,” “Tahitian Moon,” and “Mountain Song.” With each of his new songs, Perry would engage the crowd with detailed stories about these new songs and various meanderings. From the response of the crowd, the new stuff was very well received, including this one woman near me that cheered relentlessly like a young girl at a Beatles concert. In all my years of attending many, many shows, I’m not sure I’ve seen anything quite like this.

As I watched the show, I began to think of how Perry is quite the chameleon of sorts, and in some ways reminds me of David Bowie. Not as a measurement of talent, because there aren’t many who can be compared to Bowie’s talent, but his sense of style, artistry and his ability to engage people. He’s a modern icon of sorts. He’s not hugely popular, but the people who are into him are really into him, and this was obvious on this night.

Some of the highlights from the album which was just released were “Machine Girl” and “Punk Rock Politician,” but one of my personal favorites was “Snakes Have Many Hips.” After an 18 year hiatus from releasing solo material, the album which is quite ambitious in it’s wide range of sounds, was written as part of his “Kind Heaven” immersive experience he’s been working on in Las Vegas.

You can catch Perry Farrell in New York again next weekend and at Lollapalooza on August 1st. The festival, created by Farrell so many years ago, is still one of the biggest summer music festivals in the U.S.