Tool Biography

The American rock band Tool was formed in California in the 1990’s. The founding members of the band had all found themselves in the Los Angeles area in the late 1980’s, each seeking a career in entertainment but not all in music specifically. The musicians often played around town for other bands separately, until Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones were introduced to each other in 1989. After adding a few other members to the band, Tool’s lineup was finalized and the band began performing together.

It didn’t take long for Tool to garner the attention of Zoo Entertainment, which signed the band in the early 1990’s. Tool released their first album, Opiate, followed by the title track and the song “Hush,” in 1992. Undertow came next in 1993, and by now Tool was garnering attention not only for the quality of its music, but also for the controversial nature of its lyrics, often resulting in feedback from censors. The buzz helped to boost sales of Undertow, and by 1995 the album had been certified platinum and Tool quickly became one of the most popular heavy, “new metal” rock bands around.

Following Undertow, Tool released the albums AEnima (1996), Lateralus (2001), and 10,000 Days (2006), spawning the hits “Stinkfist,” “H.,” “Forty Six & 2,” “Schism,” “Parabola,” “Vicarious,” “The Pot,” and “Jambi.” The band has also won Grammys for Best Metal Performance twice (for “AEnema,” 1998 and for “Schism,” 2002) and Best Recording Package in 2007 for 10,000 Days. Tool embarked on a hiatus after 2008, with individual members pursuing other projects for awhile. It was during this time that Keenan established Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars, producing what has become a highly respected wine. He also began performing stand-up comedy, a love from his earlier days, and accepted a few small acting roles in films.

Tool reconvened in 2009 for a summer tour, performing at Lollapalooza and the Mile High Music Festival. A winter tour followed, and in 2012 the members returned to the studio to begin working on another studio album. As of 2013, the album is half finished, and slated for a release in 2014.