Story by Anne Erickson

Tool’s Danny Carey says the band is still hard at work on their follow-up to ‘10,000 Days’

When, if ever, will Tool release their next studio album? That’s the question in the minds of so many Tool fans these days. The band keeps spitting out small details about the upcoming album, but with no real hint at a release date. Now, Tool drummer Danny Carey has opened up about the album, and he says Tool are still working on the release.

Right now, Carey says the band is in the rehearsing part of the album’s writing process. “We are really just in a rehearsal space at this point, we never really get into a proper studio until everything is completely written, then we book time and knock out the recording process as quickly as possible,” he told Rip It Up. “So we’re still like in the writing mode. So we’re in the rehearsal space here, so we start our rehearsals playing through the old songs to get the cobwebs out of those: we have a gig coming up, then we start working on the new things. So that works out okay, that way.”

As for what might become the “Lateralus” of this new album, the big song that’s going to characterize this release, Carey says that’s an “ever-evolving thing.” He added, “It will probably be over a 20-minute piece when it’s all finished, so it will be a good part of the record. We’re dealing with it in sections, but it’s coming together really well, we’re having lots of fun working on it, that’s for sure.”

Story by Cat Badra

Prog-rock band Tool are set to reissue their debut EP, ‘Opiate’

Tool fans waiting in great anticipation for the prog-rock band to release new music may have to wait a bit longer, but at least they’ll have a new, special edition release to hold them over. The band has official announced they will be reissuing their debut EP, “Opiate,” this spring.

This year is actually the 21st anniversary of the band’s six-song set, and the reissued version will arrive in a handcrafted, limited-edition package. The special edition, out on March 26, will also be limited to only 5,000 copies and feature illustrations by artist Adi Granov and packaging designed by Mackie Osborne.

This is where things get a bit complication. The 5,000 copies will arrive in five different runs of 1,000. Each collection will offer a different exterior design and pack bonus items, including a new stereoscopic image that fans can check out via glasses from the “10,000 Days” packaging. So, this is truly a set for the die-hard Tool fan.

The 21st anniversary edition of “Opiate” will be available for purchase on Tool’s official website starting on March 26, with no pre-orders available. The release won’t be available in stores.

In other Tool news, the band is set to play the inaugural Ozzfest Japan will take place May 11 and 12, 2013, at the Makuhari Messe Arena, near Tokyo. Tool will also be touring Australia and New Zealand in late April.

Story by Charles Ken

Tool took a break from recording their new album this month, due to a band member’s accident on a Vespa scooter

Tool have been busy working on their upcoming, fifth studio album, but recording sessions hit a road block earlier this month. According to a note posted on Tool’s official website, the band had to stop the recording process fresh into the New Year, as a band member was injured in an accident on a Vespa scooter while traveling through slick road conditions and ended up breaking some ribs and dislocating his shoulder.

As if have one injured band member weren’t enough, around the same time, the note explains that another Tool member also ended up in the hospital after crashing his Vespa in Hollywood. It sounds like 2013 has already been a harrowing year for the guys of Tool.

According to the note, the guys of Tool were able to reconvene on Jan. 21 to continue work on the new release.

Here’s an excerpt from the official post:

The New Year started off on a bad note as far as writing and arranging sessions for Tool’s next record. For the most part this was due to a ‘minor’ accident on a Vespa scooter (slick road conditions being the cause) by a certain band member that resulted in several broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. Because of the physical nature of the musical instrument involved, 9 DAYS of jamming were lost, although I’m happy to report that the person involved is recovering nicely, so much so, in fact, that writing sessions resumed last Monday (January 21), despite it being a holiday for many.

Coincidently (?), a few days prior to the mishap on the scooter, another person involved with Tool also wound up in the hospital after crashing his Vespa in Hollywood. Although he suffered a head injury (as well as multiple cuts and bruises to his body), I’m quite certain that if you were to order an “Entaphiosis” Hoddie, you would receive an “Entaphiosis” Hoodie.

Late last year, the band posted that they were “more than halfway” finished with recording the new album and that it was shaping up to sound very much like Tool. The upcoming release will mark Tool’s first studio album since 2006’s “10,000 Days.” In other Tool news, the band is slated to play Ozzfest Japan on May 11 and 12, 2013, at the Makuhari Messe Arena, near Tokyo.

Story by Anne Erickson

Tool ‘more than halfway’ finished with their new album, according to a note on their official website

Next year is already set to offer some highly-anticipated album releases from top rock names, including Alice in Chains and (hopefully) Pearl Jam. Now, it seems the band Tool are coming closer to the release of their new album. The webmaster for the prog-rockers’ official website has posted a note that states the band is “more than halfway” finished with the writing process for the instrumental portion of the upcoming album. That’s great news for Tool fans, who have been waiting for a new album from the guys since the release of “10,000 Days” in 2006.

According to the note, the new Tool music sounds, well, like Tool! Moreover, the writing process for this new set has moved faster than with previous releases “once the first few (more complex) songs were finished.” As for timing, the guys say the new album is “more than halfway” completed. The message also makes reference to the band’s upcoming Ozzfest Japan performance and hints at more Tool activity on the way.

Check out the full note note from Tool’s webmaster below:

Wanting to open some presents are you? Well, as I’ve already announced on this very website, TOOL will be performing at OZZFEST in JAPAN in MAY of 2013. If you can’t make that show, there MIGHT be another gift or two under the tree – things unnoticed amongst the torn wrapping paper, ribbons and empty boxes. My best guess is that these ‘presents’ won’t be opened until after the holidays – knowing just how important it is to take your evergreen decorations down by January 5th. Though not on the 2012 reindeer-propelled sleigh, there are a couple of other Tool projects on the horizon that I am privy to, but, unfortunately, can’t comment on any further at this time… as was requested by the band’s management (Bah humbug with a British accent!).

Something that might be encouraging to some Tool enthusiasts is that while riding with Danny to Chili John’s yesterday, I heard a lot of new Tool music (sans Maynard). This was the most new material that I’ve heard so far, although a few of the riffs and arrangements were familiar. So, what did I think? Dare I say that it sounded like… Tool (some of it reminiscent to earlier Tool stuff, with other parts pushing the envelope), and I assume that it will sound even more like Tool once the vocal melodies, etc. have been added. To answer your next question, I cannot say how far along in the writing process the band is. If I had to GUESS, I would say more than half way (and keep in mind that in the past, at least, the writing went faster once the first few [more complex] songs were finished).

The message isn’t the easiest to decipher, but would you expect anything less from the always-enigmatic men of Tool? At the least, the note offers a definite indication that Tool are serious about getting their new album out sometime soon.

Story by Anne Erickson

Ozzfest’s inaugural Japan showing will feature performances from Tool, Stone Sour, Deftones and more

Ozzfest is set to reach Japan for the first time next year, and the heavy music festival’s lineup is really shaping up. Ozzy Osbourne’s wife and manager Sharon Osbourne recently confirmed that the inaugural Ozzfest Japan will take place May 11 and 12, 2013, at the Makuhari Messe Arena, near Tokyo in partnership with Japanese promoter Hayashi International Promotion (H.I.P.).

Now, festival organizers have confirmed that in addition to previously announced headlining performers Black Sabbath and Slipknot, the two-day event will also feature sets from the likes of Tool, Deftones, Slash and Stone Sour. That, my friend, is a metal band lineup.

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring Ozzfest to Japan for the first time ever,” Sharon said in an official statement. “We’ve got the perfect combination of Western and Japanese bands. Ozzfest is also thrilled to be presenting Black Sabbath’s first-ever performance in Japan.”

Ozzfest marks a big first for the country of Japan, as it will be the first major international music festival to ever trek to the country.

“We are thrilled to open a new chapter for this legendary festival in Japan,” H.I.P. President Massy Hayashi said in an official statement. “I think it will be the perfect chance to bring together the very best international rock music and also give us a chance to show how far Japanese rock has come in recent years.”

Story by Charles Ken

Celebrity Networth’s ’30 Richest Drummers in the World’ include members of U2, Metallica and more

Ever wonder what the top drummers in the world rake in at gigs? Well, website CelebrityNetworth.com has just posted the 30 richest drummers in the world, in addition to an approximate dollar amount of what they’re worth, and the numbers are big. The dollar amount takes into account salaries, real estate holdings, divorces, record sales, royalties and endorsements. The final net worth vales are derived from a formula that takes out taxes, manager’s fees, agents’ fees and lifestyle, according to the website.

Ringing in at No. 1 is no big surprise: Ringo Starr of the Beatles. Phil Collins sits at No. 2, and famed drummer Dave Grohl, the former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters frontman, is No. 3, the latter worth a reported $225 million.

As for the top five richest drummers on the list, Don Henley of the Eagles (No. 4) and Lars Ulrich from Metallica (No. 5) round out the sampling, with Henley pulling in $220 million and Ulrich earning $175 million. Other big-named drummers that made the Top 30 include Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, $90 million), Travis Barker (Blink 182 and the Aquabats, $85 Million), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band, $55 Million), Tre Cool (Green Day, $45 million), Danny Carey (Tool, $40 million) and Tico Torres (Bon Jovi, $40 Million). Check out the full list below via CelebrityNetworth.com.

30 Richest Drummers in the World, according to Celebrity Networth:

1. Ringo Starr — $300 Million (The Beatles)
2. Phil Collins — $250 Million (Solo, Genesis)
3. Dave Grohl — $225 Million (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)
4. Don Henley — $200 Million (The Eagles)
5. Lars Ulrich — $175 Million (Metallica)
6. Charlie Watts — $160 Million (The Rolling Stones)
7. Larry Mullen Jr — $150 Million (U2)
8. Roger Taylor — $105 Million (Queen)
9. Joey Kramer — $100 Million (Aerosmith)
10: Chad Smith — $90 Million (The Red Hot Chili Peppers)
11: Travis Barker — $85 Million (Blink 182, The Aquabats)
12: Stewart Copeland — $80 Million (The Police)
13: Alex Van Halen — $75 Million (Van Halen)
14: Nick Mason — $75 Million (Pink Floyd)
15: Tommy Lee — $70 Million (Motley Crue)
16: Bill Ward — $65 Million (Black Sabbath)
17: Jon Fishman — $60 Million (Phish)
18: Carter Beauford — $55 Million (Dave Matthews Band)
19: Rick Allen — $50 Million (Def Leppard)
20: Tre Cool — $45 Million (Green Day)
21: Danny Carey — $40 Million (Tool)
22: Tico Torres — $40 Million (Bon Jovi)
23: Max Weinberg — $35 Million (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Conan O’Brien)
24: Mickey Hart — $30 Million (The Grateful Dead)
25: Bill Kreutzmann — $25 Million (The Grateful Dead)
26: Neil Peart — $22 Million (Rush)
27: Taylor Hawkins — $20 Million (Foo Fighters)
28: Questlove — $16 Million (The Roots, Jimmy Fallon)
29: Steven Adler — $15 Million (Guns N’ Roses)
30: Mick Fleetwood — $8.5 Million (Fleetwood Mac)

Story by Anne Erickson

‘Tool Thing is Happening,’ says drummer Danny Carey

Last we heard regarding a new Tool album, the guys were hoping to hit the studio in July to start tinkering around with some new ideas. The band’s last LP, “10,000 Days,” dropped in 2006, so considering Tool are one of the most popular underground rock acts of their generation, they’re long overdue for a new record.

Now, Tool drummer Danny Carey has given an update of sorts that, yes, he and the guys of Tool are currently working on new music. While frontman Maynard James Keenan has yet to step in with his vocals, Carey says the rest of the Tool gang and working hard to lay down the basis of sounds that will make up the next Tool record. Fans of the band are no doubt stoked to hear that tidbit.

Carey made the announcement towards the end of his appearance on the Children of Saturn radio show last week. “The Tool thing is happening,” Carey said. “Me, Adam and Justin are banging away, trying to get enough [music] to get Maynard in there, but there is no wine before it’s time.”

In a previous interview with Vic Firth during the band’s short U.S. tour earlier this year, Carey explained that the writing process between band members is pretty organic. “We just all get in there and grind it out,” he said. “Sometimes, if I come up with a beat, the guys will write a riff to that. Like, Justin [Chancellor, bass player] has really been prolific on this record. He’s been coming in with tons of riffs. I usually try to find something to compliment it rather than play what he’s playing, that’s for sure, because we’re allowed to do that in our band, since there are only three pieces, really. So, it gives you a lot more space…”

No word yet on just when the new Tool album will arrive, but fans should have peace of mind knowing it’s on the band’s to-do list. Meanwhile, check out some drumming tips from Carey here.

Story by Anne Erickson

Tool’s Danny Carey says a great drummer should ‘participate in the musical experience’

Tool and Volto drummer Danny Carey is one heck of a drummer. Listen to any seven-plus minute track from the band Tool, and it’s obvious Carey’s drumming helps propel the music and keep it interesting and spontaneous. Now, Carey is speaking with Mandala Drum about what makes a great drummer. Watch the video interview, which includes footage or Carey behind the kit, below.

“I never wanted just to play beats. I always wanted to play the songs, and I think that any good drummer plays music, he doesn’t play beats,” Carey explains in the Mandala video. “You participate in the musical experience and anticipate the chord changes and anticipate the arrangements and set things up. It’s a logical progression.

“When you go through a song, people are prepared, and that’s your job, to kind of set up these nuances and the changes as the music progresses… lead people into the new space.”

Carey, who jokes he’s a “wanna be basketball player” in the video, says that the drums have many possibilities– many more than just simple beats. “The drums can get pretty boring as a solo instrument, but if you play the right things and support the music and play songs rather than beats, they have infinite possibilities. They can take people to other places.”

Tool are currently working on a new studio album. Let’s hope it comes quick.

Watch Tool’s Danny Carey Talk Drumming with Mandala Drum:

Story by Cat Badra

Rock vocalist avoids being pigeonholed with multiple bands

Between touring with Tool and Puscifer this year and making the rounds with A Perfect Circle last year, how in the world does singer Maynard James Keenan keep all of his projects straight? According to the frontman, the organization has to do with simply keeping things separate and focusing on one project at a time.

“I definitely, absolutely try to do one thing at a time,” Keenan said in an interview with Omaha.com. “I’m not writing a song and deciding what group it’s going toward. In general, you’re right. I don’t cross streams.”

Commenting on the diversity between Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, Keenan explained that he feels better able to mature and develop by juggling different projects, each with different styles. “It’s partly that being in that chaotic space is where you learn and grow,” he said. “After a while there’s an expectation that’s attached. Having the different outlets keeps that fresh and builds on ideas.”

Keeping his art diverse is key to Keenan’s musical trajectory. “I think most people, they enjoy some success based on sound or a movement they’ve made and they build on that,” he said. “They go with what they know. After a while, you’re kind of pigeonholed in that sound and you can’t move around without criticism.”

In Tool news, drummer Danny Carey recently revealed to Metal Insider that the prog-rock gentlemen “have the framework of at least five good songs” ready. He also stated that they are shooting to finish recording the next Tool release by the end of 2012. Previously, Carey had stated that Tool would hopefully “get in the studio by June or July and start tracking.”

Story by Cat Badra

Tool drummer says band already has five songs started for the band’s new album

A lucky set of teenagers were treated to a special performance by Tool drummer Danny Carey at the School of Rock in West Los Angeles last month, and the show entailed more than just music. Not only did Carey knock out some Tool and Led Zeppelin songs during the exclusive show, but he also fielded a question and answer session where students could ask him all about his legacy as a member of prog-rockers Tool.

According to Metal Insider, Carey was asked about Tool’s current status and whether the guys are working on new music. Carey explained that while the band hasn’t exactly hit the studio together yet, Maynard James Keenan and the gents “have the framework of at least five good songs” ready. Moreover, they are shooting to finish recording the next Tool release by the end of 2012. Previously, Carey had stated that Tool would hopefully “get in the studio by June or July and start tracking.”

Tool’s upcoming album will be the follow-up to the band’s Grammy-winning 2006 album, “10,000 Days.” Earlier this year, Tool treated fans to a small U.S. tour, and fans who missed that trek will have a second chance to see the band this summer. Tool will co-headline the River’s Edge Music Festival, which is set to run June 23 and 24 at Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minn. The Dave Matthews Band will co-headline the event with Tool, and Keenan’s other band, Puscifer, will also appear at the festival.