Eric Avery: Crafting Iconic Basslines with Jane's Addiction | Instrumental

Eric Avery of Jane’s Addiction is a bassist with a distinctively melodic and propulsive style. In this interview he reveals how he developed his unique way of playing and performs excerpts from some of his many memorable basslines (including a preview of an as-yet unreleased song). #InstrumentalABC
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Instrumental is a new digital series from ABC Arts exploring the relationship between musicians and their instruments, spotlighting innovative approaches to well-known (and widely played) instruments, as well as showcasing unique instruments from around the world.
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[@alexbosiacki]

Eric Avery is a cool dude, so humble hes just now starting acknowledge how much he's influenced so many people including myself, and how special Janes truly is and the impact it made

[@leftpastsaturn67]

This man is the reason I've been playing bass for 37 years.

[@nwbw217]

The withdrawal of Eric Avery wrecked the band chemistry. The songwriting just was not the same without him. Everything fell in line around that bass like a train charging fixed on a track. Led Zeppelin was the exact same situation and needed the bass to carry its power.

[@warborn_inc.]

Janes have been my favorite band since 1988 and while Navarros playing is one of the reasons I chose to become a guitarist.....Eric Avery has always been my favorite member of the band and in my point he is the true foundation of the Janes addiction sound. Each member is unique in their own way...no doubt...but much like the unsung brilliance of John Paul Jones and Geezer Butler...its their bass playing that truly serves as almost a secret weapon and separates them from their peers

[@protestthisyouloser1093]

Summertime rolls is one of the best songs ever written. That bassline shaped my childhood and high school years

[@darthlazlo]

Jane’s Addiction started as just Eric and Perry. That should tell you everything.

[@JamesLoudon]

A really great bass player, and he seems like a totally sweet and smart man too. Him and Perkins, what a rythm section.

[@ohraisins]

Every great song of Janes is indeed built around his iconic lines. He's phenomenal.

[@JustinChampa]

I’m a guitar player, but for 30 years every single time I pick up a bass the very first thing I play is “Three Days”.

[@darthlazlo]

The Deconstruction record should not be forgotten. Dirge, LA Song, The Wait For History. Some good moments.

[@Nifter71]

Musically, Eric was the heart of Jane's Addiction. Every member brought something special, but Eric did more than just provide the 'base' in a musical sense - his basslines gave the songs a character.

[@DONNICOMUSIC]

eric and daves work on their deconstuction album is top tier

[@stevenashmore4522]

Best rock basslines ever. Generation-defining, without arrogance and with great style.

[@geneb2144]

Eric is my no.1 favourite bass player and this is why I play a Fender P Bass.

[@eboethrasher]

I've taught myself all of those lines by ear because they are all so fucking badass. I love playing along with Three Days. One of the most epic songs that exists. Truly the prog of punk rock.

[@tylerdurden6882]

Solid piece of media. Clean, simple, and poignant, like Eric's base lines

[@user-uo1qr6vn1q]

There’s a reason that Eric held either the partial or sole writing credits for just about every song Jane’s put out on their first 3 records. Even though I enjoyed the music they wrote & released after their initial break up at the end of 1991, most of those songs just never quite sounded like the same band that released those first albums. It kinda felt like they lost their soul. And while it’s a shame that now Dave’s the one gone, it’s still great to see that Eric’s not only back playing, but back playing all those songs that made Jane’s the best fucking band on earth. Anyway, thank you very much for this interview! It was fantastic!

[@christopherallendunk]

You can tell how much he's enjoying playing with Jane's addiction now while on stage. Totally in the moment with full appreciation. I'm happy to see him so fulfilled & at peace ❤

[@DingDangg]

The bass line from Three Days is one of my all time favorites

[@Obabasu]

I’m glad Eric appreciates his gift. I certainly do.