Legendary Third Eye Blind Member Turns 56 Today

Arion Salazar was the bass guitarist for Third Eye Blind from 1993 until 2006. According to Riff Magazine, he wrote multiple songs from the first three albums, Third Eye Blind, Blue, and Out of the Vein. Today, he turns 56.

When asked about his favorite song from his iconic band, he told Pass the Aux, “My favorite song has pretty much always been ‘Losing a Whole Year.’ It was one of the last written before recording. The day we spent tracking it is a great memory. We went crazy experimenting with soundscapes and triple-tracked the bass using lots of vintage gear Eric Valentine had on hand. Playing that one is great live as well. For me, that tune sort of summed up what set the band apart from your average ’90s pop band. And, as an opener on the record, it really gets things off to a powerful start.”

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He also shared one of his favorite memories from playing with the band, which occurred at a radio show in the early 2000s. “We’re in the middle of playing the bass and drum breakdown of the song ‘Jumper.’ I turn around and see Stevie Wonder being walked on stage!” he explained. “Then someone hands him a harmonica! Suddenly, he’s jamming with us for a couple minutes, stops, gets an ovation, and is led offstage. As he’s leaving, I run up to thank him, and he gives me a hug. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but it was surreal, amazing, and thankfully someone got photos for me!”

Lately, he has also been reflecting on his musical journey. “During my 10-plus years in the band, there were eventual pressures, distractions, etcetera, that I let pull me away from the live show after a while,” he said. “The first few years were pretty pure. Because I’m older and hopefully wiser, I can see what the songs meant to people — and even to me — a bit clearer. I can concentrate on every note, every feel, and being totally in the moment. And appreciate my good fortune, blessings, and the folks in front of me while in that moment.”

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Third Eye Blind has sold millions of records worldwide. Some of their biggest hits are “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper,” and “Never Let You Go.” Although Salazar is no longer part of the band, they are still performing to this day.