Eddie Van Halen’s masterful “Spanish Fly” instrumental, from Van Halen II, has inspired countless cover versions on guitar.
Then one day, Derek Sherinian covered it on Piano, which was absolutely beautiful.
And now, New York bassist Brad Russell tells the Van Halen News Desk that Derek’s piano cover inspired him to “try” and play it on the bass.
He tells VHND, “As a teen growing up in the Detroit area my guitar player buddy first played me the recording of Spanish Fly and I thought how cool it would be to cover this, but on the bass! Many blisters and some years later here it is!!! Hope EVH would dig it! It’s really a brilliant piece of music truly groundbreaking!!”
Watch the bass cover above. Keep up with Brad Russell on his Facebook.