Eric Adam Avery (born April 25, 1965) is an American musician, best known as the original bassist of the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. His innovative basslines and eclectic style contributed significantly to the band's sound during their formative years.

Eric Avery

Early Life and Education

Avery was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a musically inclined family. His father, Al Avery, was a talented jazz trumpet player, which exposed Eric to music from a young age. Influenced by his father's passion, Eric began playing the bass guitar in his early teens. He attended Bancroft Junior High School and later continued his education at Fairfax High School.

Career

Avery's career took off when he co-founded Jane's Addiction in 1985 alongside Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, and Stephen Perkins. The band's unique fusion of alternative rock, punk, and metal garnered a dedicated following in the underground scene of Los Angeles. Avery's bass playing was characterized by its melodic sensibility and rhythmic complexity, setting Jane's Addiction apart from their peers.

The band released their debut studio album, "Jane's Addiction," in 1987, followed by "Nothing's Shocking" in 1988, which received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success. Avery's basslines on tracks like "Mountain Song" and "Ocean Size" became emblematic of the band's sound.

In 1991, Jane's Addiction released their third studio album, "Ritual de lo Habitual," which featured the hit singles "Stop!" and "Been Caught Stealing." However, internal tensions within the band led to Avery's departure in 1991, shortly after the album's release.

Following his exit from Jane's Addiction, Avery pursued various musical projects. He collaborated with former Jane's Addiction bandmate Dave Navarro in the short-lived band Deconstruction, which released one self-titled album in 1994. Avery also contributed to soundtrack albums and worked on solo material.

In 2008, Avery reunited with Jane's Addiction for a series of concerts, including appearances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Lollapalooza. He subsequently participated in the recording of the band's fourth studio album, "The Great Escape Artist," released in 2011.

Outside of his work with Jane's Addiction, Avery has engaged in diverse musical endeavors, including collaborations with artists such as Garbage, Nine Inch Nails, and Alanis Morissette. He has also explored other creative pursuits, including acting and visual arts.

Personal Life

Despite his public presence as a musician, Avery maintains a relatively private personal life. He has been known to shun the spotlight, preferring to let his music speak for itself. Avery has been candid about his struggles with substance abuse in the past and has spoken openly about his journey to sobriety.

Legacy

Eric Avery's contributions to alternative rock music, particularly through his work with Jane's Addiction, have left an indelible mark on the genre. His inventive bass playing and adventurous spirit helped redefine the possibilities of rock music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Avery's influence continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike, cementing his status as a seminal figure in the alternative rock landscape.

Eric Avery is a pivotal figure in the realm of alternative rock music, best known for his role as the original bassist of Jane's Addiction. His innovative basslines and adventurous spirit helped shape the band's sound and contributed to their success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Beyond his work with Jane's Addiction, Avery's collaborations with various artists and his diverse musical pursuits have showcased his versatility and creativity. Despite struggles with substance abuse, Avery has emerged as a resilient figure, openly discussing his journey to sobriety. His legacy as a musician and his impact on alternative rock continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his place as a seminal figure in the genre.

Eric Avery has been mentioned or featured in various books, films, television series, and websites that cover the history of alternative rock music and the legacy of Jane's Addiction. Some notable mentions include:

• Books:

• "Whores: An Oral Biography of Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction" by Brendan Mullen, Erik Lacitis, and Martin Andersen

• "Ritual de lo Habitual: An Inquiry into Jane's Addiction" by Nicholas Rombes

• Films and Documentaries:

• "Jane's Addiction: Live Voodoo" (2009)

• "The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash" (2019) — features interviews with members of Jane's Addiction, including Eric Avery

• Television Series:

• "Guitar Center Sessions" (2012) — Eric Avery appeared as a guest on this music performance and interview show.

• Websites:

• Rolling Stone

• Pitchfork

• AllMusic

These are just a few examples, as Eric Avery's contributions to music and his role in Jane's Addiction have been extensively documented across various media platforms dedicated to music history and culture.