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Our Complete List Of Tool Band Members looks at an American rock band formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California. The band originally consisted of drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, bassist Paul D’Amour, and lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Over the years, the lineup has seen only one significant change: Justin Chancellor replaced Paul D’Amour as the bassist in 1995.
The band’s debut album, “Undertow,” was released in 1993 and featured a heavier, more straightforward sound compared to the experimental music they would later produce. The album included the Grammy-nominated song “Sober” and helped to establish Tool as one of the leading bands in the alternative metal scene.
Their sophomore album, “Ænima,” released in 1996, marked a departure towards a more experimental sound. The album was a commercial and critical success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song “Ænema.” This was also the first album featuring bassist Justin Chancellor, whose intricate bass lines became a defining aspect of Tool’s music henceforth.
In 2001, Tool released “Lateralus,” an album characterized by its progressive exploration of complex rhythms, time signatures, and lyrical themes revolving around philosophy, spirituality, and personal introspection. “Schism,” a single from the album, won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
Their fourth studio album, “10,000 Days,” was released in 2006 and also received critical acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package, and its single “The Pot” was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance.
After a 13-year hiatus, Tool returned with their fifth studio album, “Fear Inoculum,” in 2019. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received widespread acclaim from critics. It also led to the band winning the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song “7empest” in 2020.
Beyond their music, Tool is known for their visual arts and music videos, mainly directed by guitarist Adam Jones, who has a background in special effects. The band’s live shows often feature elaborate visual effects, making their concerts a multi-sensory experience.
TOOL BAND MEMBERS
Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is the lead vocalist for Tool and one of its founding members, forming the band in 1990 with Adam Jones. Keenan has contributed to all of Tool’s studio albums, including “Undertow” (1993), “Ænima” (1996), “Lateralus” (2001), “10,000 Days” (2006), and “Fear Inoculum” (2019). His vocal style and lyrical themes have played a crucial role in shaping the band’s distinctive sound. Outside of Tool, Keenan is also known for his work with other musical projects like A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. In addition to his musical ventures, he is involved in winemaking and owns the winery Caduceus Cellars.
Adam Jones
Adam Jones, the guitarist for Tool, is another founding member. His unique guitar techniques and visual arts background have contributed to Tool’s distinctive musical and visual style. Like Keenan, Jones has been a part of every Tool album. Jones has also directed most of Tool’s music videos, applying his expertise in visual arts. Beyond his work in Tool, Adam Jones has a background in special effects and worked in the film industry, contributing to movies such as “Jurassic Park” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”
Danny Carey
Danny Carey is the drummer for Tool and joined the band in 1990 shortly after its formation. He has played on all of Tool’s studio albums. His complex drumming patterns and use of unusual time signatures are defining features of Tool’s sound. Carey has a background in jazz and uses a variety of percussive instruments, including tabla and other synthesized drum machines. Outside of Tool, he has worked with various other artists and bands and has his own side project, Legend of the Seagullmen.
Justin Chancellor
Justin Chancellor joined Tool in 1995, replacing original bassist Paul D’Amour. He made his debut with the band on the album “Ænima” and has been a part of every subsequent studio album. His intricate basslines and ability to complement the band’s complex rhythms have been crucial to Tool’s evolution. Before joining Tool, Justin was a member of the band Peach, a British progressive rock band.
Paul D’Amour
Paul D’Amour was the original bassist for Tool, participating in the band’s formation in 1990. He played on Tool’s debut album “Undertow” but left the band in 1995 before the recording of “Ænima.” His bass work on “Undertow” laid the groundwork for Tool’s early sound. After leaving Tool, D’Amour has been involved in several musical projects, including the bands Lusk and Lesser Key.
Complete List Of Tool Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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