Eric Avery, American bass player and songwriter

Eric Adam Avery, born on April 25, 1965, is a distinguished American musician whose profound bass guitar work and songwriting have left an indelible mark on the landscape of alternative rock. He is most widely recognized as a foundational member, primary songwriter, and the distinctive bass guitarist of the seminal alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. His contributions were central to their early, highly influential studio albums, shaping a sound that would define an era.

A core architect of Jane's Addiction during its initial, explosive run, Avery co-founded the band in 1985 alongside the enigmatic frontman Perry Farrell. Their collaborative energy, combined with guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins, forged a unique musical identity. Avery’s intricate bass lines were a cornerstone of their sound, prominently featured on two landmark studio albums: 1988’s critically acclaimed Nothing's Shocking and the equally revered 1990 follow-up, Ritual de lo Habitual. These albums propelled Jane's Addiction to the forefront of the alternative music scene, cementing their legacy before the band’s well-documented and somewhat acrimonious break-up in 1991.

Following the initial dissolution of Jane's Addiction, Avery continued his musical exploration. He teamed up with former bandmate Dave Navarro to form Deconstruction, a project that released a single studio album in 1994, offering a darker, more experimental sonic palette alongside drummer Michael Murphy. The subsequent year saw Avery embark on a deeply personal solo endeavor under the moniker Polar Bear, a creative outlet he dedicated himself to between 1995 and 2000, showcasing his diverse musical interests beyond the Jane's Addiction sound.

Despite subsequent attempts to rekindle the Jane's Addiction magic, Avery notably declined to participate in the band's reunions in 1997 and 2001, often citing his desire to move forward creatively and avoid revisiting past dynamics. However, in 2008, the original core line-up, including Avery, reunited, embarking on a highly anticipated co-headlining tour with industrial rock giants Nine Inch Nails. This reunion, while celebrated by fans, proved to be a temporary chapter, with Avery ultimately departing in 2010 due to persistent creative and personal tensions, particularly with Perry Farrell, a recurring theme in the band's history.

Beyond his foundational work with Jane's Addiction, Eric Avery has cultivated a rich and varied career as a highly sought-after touring and session musician, demonstrating his versatility across various genres. He served as a member of Alanis Morissette's backing band, lending his talents to her live performances. Since 2005, he has held a significant role as the touring and recording bassist for the acclaimed alternative rock band Garbage. Initially joining as a sideman, his contributions have become increasingly integral, featuring prominently on their studio albums including Not Your Kind of People (2012), Strange Little Birds (2016), and No Gods No Masters (2021), showcasing his enduring collaboration with the band.

Avery's impressive roster of collaborations also includes a brief, unofficial stint with The Smashing Pumpkins in 2006, adding his signature style to their live sound. He was also briefly a member of the rock supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, a testament to his respected standing among his peers. In 2013, he prepared to join Nine Inch Nails for their extensive Twenty Thirteen Tour, participating in rehearsals, but ultimately decided to part ways with the project before the tour's commencement, a common occurrence in the demanding world of touring musicians.

Throughout his extensive career, Eric Avery has also carved out a space for his own artistic vision, releasing two compelling solo studio albums under his own name. These include Help Wanted, which arrived in 2008, and LIFE.TIME., released in 2013, offering listeners a direct insight into his individual musical creativity and compositional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Avery

What is Eric Avery best known for?
Eric Avery is most widely recognized as the original bassist and a key songwriter for the influential alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. His distinctive bass lines were central to their sound on albums like Nothing's Shocking and Ritual de lo Habitual.
Which major bands has Eric Avery been a core member of?
He was a founding and core member of Jane's Addiction and later formed Deconstruction with Dave Navarro. He is currently a long-standing touring and recording bassist for Garbage, playing a significant role in their recent albums.
When did Eric Avery first join Jane's Addiction?
Eric Avery co-founded Jane's Addiction in 1985 with Perry Farrell.
Why did Eric Avery leave Jane's Addiction?
He initially left after the band's acrimonious break-up in 1991. While he rejoined for a period in 2008, he departed again in 2010 due to ongoing creative and personal tensions, particularly with frontman Perry Farrell.
What is Eric Avery's role in Garbage?
Since 2005, Eric Avery has been the touring and recording bassist for Garbage. He initially joined as a sideman but has become an integral part of their live performances and studio recordings, contributing to several of their albums.
Has Eric Avery released solo music?
Yes, Eric Avery has released two solo studio albums under his own name: Help Wanted (2008) and LIFE.TIME. (2013).