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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[@leftpastsaturn67]

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

[@anthonymacaluso7283]

I am 37 and I just started playing bc of nothings shocking and ritual

[@protestthisyouloser1093]

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

[@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

[@markknoop777]

He really really is. So glad he's back with the band again ❤

[@donny_doyle]

He propelled this band.

[@ohraisins]

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

[@zorak1997]

Yup, and it started that way due to a lack of options. When the band first began it was only Eric and Perry. Eric would jam on his bass while Perry would sing lyrics he'd written. Every now and then they struck gold and when they later hired a guitarist and drummer they fleshed it out, but that's basically why songs like Summertime Rolls, Three Days, Mountain Song, etc., all begin with only a bass guitar playing before the instruments and vocals join.

[@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. I'd love to have heard more, particularly regarding what other musicians or bands influenced him when he was starting out. Nonetheless, great to hear him talk with such enthusiasm, and great to see he's back with Jane's!

[@DONNICOMUSIC]

eric and daves work on their deconstuction album is top tier

[@teresasilva6293]

I wish they would release the album on vinyl.

[@ViAndareKV]

😍😍😍

[@JustinChampa]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@robt5539]

I love that record. It is unlike anything I've ever heard.

[@HC-iu1vs]

Love that album. Hidden gem. I was just at a pawn shop recently checking out a bass and the riff from Big Sur just popped in my head out of nowhere.

[@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

[@JamesLoudon]

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

[@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.

[@hexum74]

Me too! I was so happy when I finally figured out “Mountain Song” by ear. I played that song nonstop! 👍🤙

[@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!

[@geneb2144]

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

[@tylerdurden6882]

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

[@DingDangg]

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

[@ziptalia2456]

Jane's Addiction was the greatest musical act to come out of the late 80's and early 90's and this guy was a massive reason for it. Nothing's Shocking is the greatest record of my lifetime in a sea of killer records from that era.

[@Obabasu]

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

[@artrogue4150]

VOTE Jane's Addiction for RnR Hall of Fame 2024 ! Pass it on ! definitely his bass lines !

[@willjam465]

Totally agree

[@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 ❤

[@HC-iu1vs]

Eric has come around. His last reunion stint with JA was palpably perfunctory. Good for him.

[@Hum0ng0us]

I absolutely Love this man. Thank god he's back with Jane's. I can't wait to see them again.

[@jordonleigh174]

Eric's bass style has been a massive influence and inspiration for me through the years. There are about 10 bassists who've made a huge impact on me and Eric is right in there. So fantastic to see the TRUE line-up back together!! Now let's have a new record!!!

[@darthlazlo]

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

[@scartissue121]

The two of them together at the end of summertime rolls is my favourite moment of their discography

[@AndrewSolmssen1]

Unbelievable baselines and amazing person. What an incredible and candid distillation of the powerful Jane’s music

[@larrymonteleone1789]

My hero. I grew up figuring out, learning, playing Eric's bass lines and am a better player because of it. He taught me to "dance around the table" instead of following the guitar player. Thank you Eric Avery for impacting my life so profoundly. I hope to have the honor of thanking you in person one day. I am truly grateful.

[@basicstickfigure1087]

He did more that just thump along to the root note. At the same time, he didn't over play. Very melodic, and still providing a solid foundation. Basically its what i shoot for, when playing bass.

[@stevenashmore4522]

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

[@veerchasm1]

So many iconic basslines. My favorite bassist of all time

[@bostonman5992]

I’ve always felt in some ways, that Eric Avery and Peter Hook had some of the same traits. Makes sense why I love them both.

[@JDELOU]

Awesome! One of my top3 bass players ever. An artist for sure.

[@mindMyBlues]

this guy created so many amazing baselines - hat off - you are forever imprinted in music history ❤

[@4967eljefe]

Such beautiful baselines . Mr. Avery is something special.

[@PatrickLarson]

I've just gotten into bass playing and I'm about your age. I'm playing Summertime Rolls and it's so cool to actually play music that I grew up with in college! Thank you Eric Avery for the incredible songs you produce.

[@Palestina.non.grata86]

They're so unique in every way. No other band sounds like them. Eric is one of the first people that made me want to become a bass player. I was 13 the first time I heard Ain't No Right, picked up a Jazz Bass copy a month later, was the first song I tried to play.

[@ajcajc5429]

JA is simply the best rock & roll band ever!!

[@ghostofmyself4734]

Janes was a huge part of my younger life. Love Eric’s work

[@pattonPwr]

Eric made me pick up the bass back in the 90s

[@BankzRobber1]

He definitely had an influence on my own bass playing style. Eric A is a GOAT

[@anthonymccollim3769]

Love that Eric is “back”. Such a great bass player and person

[@gfogelman]

Eric, your outlook is spot on. Thanks for always trying to make something different. We are drowning in the same stuff every day. Jane's!!!!

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thank you for this interview.

[@mowler8042]

That was excellent. I moved from Vancouver to Toronto in my 20's and spent a summer listening to Ritual de lo Habitual over and over and over.

[@madlove1581]

So glad that Farrell put that shit behind him, ......... too much history from Avery to be overlooked. He is an outstanding bass player due to the fact he does exactly what he talks about here - less is more ~

[@synthhero1347]

Will see you 2024 in Glasgow can't wait

[@hexum74]

I’ve always loved Eric Avery’s style n sound with Jane’s Addiction. Nothin cooler than seeing Jane’s in the late 90’s and hearing his bass line to “Up The Beach” to start the show. 🤙

[@drornahum]

We love you Eric, please come to Glasgow!

[@surfinganddancing1609]

I've been with this music since 1989. This is an incredible interview. Mad respect to you, Mr. Avery.

[@Chief2112]

Just got tix to see you in Raleigh in September. Last time I saw Jane’s was in Raleigh at the Realto Theater. First time was at the Pterodactyl in Charlotte opening for Iggy. Your music changed my life and I can’t wait to see the OG lineup again. Also get to see Love and Rockets who I’ve never seen before. September seems far away but I’m stoked. Good luck and take care Eric. ✌️❤️

[@finbah5706]

Kettle Whistle great JA tune!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Legendary bassist with the iconic bass lines!!!

[@joe1976mac]

Legend

[@brownson1970]

Erics basslines are as important as hookys in joy division , and he is the coolest looking dude when playing too!

[@philfitzsimmons616]

How remarkable Eric is. Wonderful piece.

[@ariamibarra7219]

Masterlind of the simple and unic bass lines.

[@seandavidsonbrand]

I love this brief interview so much. Thanks Eric. Going to try and learn bass this winterl.

[@kenhotaling7050]

His "simple" bass riff in Been Caught Stealing turned me into a lifelong fan since the 7th grade. I'm 48 now....

[@drornahum]

The greatest Eric Avery

[@DJChasEttari]

So cool, thank you for this!!

[@petroskaragiannis6897]

My favorite bass player!!

[@maffamaff4461]

My favourite bass player

[@laurisaarinen1126]

What in intelligent guy. I was so damn happy when he came back to Jane's, it felt cathartic. Would be even more awesome if more people became aware of Deconstruction and Polar Bear!

[@kevinb7126]

My favorite bass player nothing technical but unforgettable bass lines .

[@vincenzollamas]

Beautiful Eric

[@kimhebert9905]

Well Spoken 🎶🎶

[@jasonkesser]

That guy wrote some of the most important bass lines of all time.

[@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”.

[@TBorge]

thank you

[@davecornblum]

Awesome!!❤️👏👏

[@ou7shined972]

Very cool guy

[@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.

[@thevoiceofgrandmother]

eric is one of my biggest influences ever and i'm not a bass player.

[@robt5539]

The bass line in Summertime Rolls could be a song just on its own.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

I've ALWAYS wanted to write BassLines FIRST but just how do ya extract/derive chords from a BassLine, exactly? Any ideas...?

[@Mark-ed5pu]

Some of the more powerful baselines of my youth were written by this guy. He’s not a great bass player, he’s just a musician. If I ever met Eric I’d just say “Thanks” for the contribution he made, it’s affected me quite a bit.

[@JadenJahci]

“Beautiful too...”

[@TheDreamer1980]

Would of loved to of been a teenager in la around 90 when ritual came out , following that band around must of been something else , nirvana same , still worth seeing now but at their peak around 89/90 one of the best bands of all time can def hear the peter hook influence in his playing , lot of his bass parts could be joy division bass parts slowed and less agressive

[@robt5539]

Not many bands have four lead players in it. Jane's Addiction and Led Zeppelin are but two.

[@audiobunny1767]

Coolest Bass player on the planet! Thanks Eric for bringing us some of the most iconic basslines ever! The reason I took up playing bass 30+ years ago, thanks to you🙏 Jane's Addiction wouldnt be who they ate without you, hope you guys are back and continue from where to left off in the early 90's!

[@bcklndt]

❤🤘

[@lukedempsey112]

Eric Avery is the greatest bassplayer since Peter Hook. No Eric = No Jane's. I know Eric's previously said that he developed Mountain Song from a pre-Jane's guitar riff that some kid had showed him - but what's the betting that the kid was actually playing Reasons Love by UFO? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gImTqaWAnK2Aaac

[@hexum74]

So true!! I couldn’t agree more! Jane’s ain’t the same with Chris Chaney. Eric had a sound that fit perfectly with Jane’s and can’t be duplicated. And I totally agree about Peter Hook!! 👍. He was/is New Order! They ain’t the same without him too. Well said!

[@76_SPZL]

Another album with the original lineup, it's gotta happen.

[@DJSmoothie]

Wheres the rest of this interview plz?

[@ianrichter3765]

I hate your lanky hands you bastard! Do you know how hard it is for my stubby little fingers to reach from the 9th to the 13th?😂 Seriously though, you're my favourite bassist. I love Jane's and I'm totally stoked your back dude!

[@WillibaldTuhajbey]

An extremely humble and talented bassist. Creating a rhythm session with a perfectionist like Perkins and complementing a guitarist like Navarro is a real art. Greetings from Poland.

[@marcolandini6712]

Does anyone know what he’s playing @ 1:25? It seems so familiar. It’s haunting me 😄

[@laurisaarinen1126]

I believe its the new Jane's song True Love they have only played live so far

[@lks_d_u_b_83]

And also is the melody for Eric's solo work song "Road". Check it. It's cool.

[@MarioProvini]

His base line is Jane's Addiction.

[@kiddNooB]

Anyone know what song he’s playing at 2:57

[@SilageHeap]

Three Days :)

[@GPyall]

Three Days

[@kiddNooB]

Its three days btw anyone wondering

[@MrHevers]

3 days

[@NevadaNihilist]

The foundation.

[@GPyall]

The “guitar” @ 1:07… you mean Dave? Still love Eric’s playing, but can’t we all just get along?

[@ericnevYT]

Thought that was in reference to the current tours, where it’s Trey or Josh, or whoever?

[@eboethrasher]

They are getting along, Dave is dealing with Long Covid and that's why he isn't touring.

[@Dystopia717]

Deconstruction>janes addiction

[@BeesWaxMinder]

How big is this guy? That precision looks tiny!! 😂

[@satesipaduri1112]

Not anyone can stand out alongside Dave Navarro.

[@BB-je8hm]

yeah yeah, poor thang. bass player lament.

[@robsgarage4746]

please go back to jane's and make another album.

[@MrMicalo]

This guy inspires me a lot