BEAT, the all-star group dedicated to performing King Crimson's boundary-pushing 80s catalog, just announced their upcoming North American tour will commence without the participation of its founding drummer, Danny Carey of the Tool fame. Initially comprised of Carey, former King Crimson guitarist and singer Adrian Belew, legendary bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai (Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth), the group has enlisted fellow drum god Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Korn's 2007 album Untitled). The reason for Carey's conspicuous absence? "Tool commitments."
Vai had this to say about the Bozzio stepping in for Carey:
Terry is one of the truly legendary drummers of our time, whose remarkable career and unique musical voice make him the perfect artist to join us for this tour. He brings his own extraordinary artistry to BEAT, and that's something worth celebrating. Our deepest appreciation goes to our brother Danny Carey—a true BEAT-Poet. His extraordinary musicianship, generosity, humor, and explosive creativity helped establish BEAT as something far beyond a tribute. He helped create its identity. While Tool commitments keep him from joining us this fall, he remains an essential part of our family.
As is required by law when any Tool-related news drops, fans have begun speculating about a new album. This, of course, is understandable given that Tool's last album, 2019's Grammy-winning Fear Inoculum, celebrates its seventh anniversary August 30th. Carey in particular has expressed a desire to shorten the gap between Tool albums. As early as April 2020, just months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Carey proposed the band get together to work on new material, maybe even a new EP. More recently, Carey said he and his bandmates are "working on a lot of new Tool songs now, hopefully in 2027; that’s the goal." That was back in February.
It's also possible the band is simply prepping for their long-rumored stint at Las Vegas Sphere, but even that has been linked to a rumored new release. Given the member's busy schedules, including singer Maynard James Keenan's two other active bands, it would make sense for the band to hunker down and make the most of the time together. As for live performances, the band has only three festival appearances scheduled between now and the end of the year: Louder Than Life, Riot Fest, and Aftershock. Tickets are on sale now.
Until then, check out tour dates and Carey's peerless drumming on "Pneuma" down below.
Fear Inoculum, is out now on Tool Dissectional/Volcano/RCA Records.
Riot Fest
09/19 Chicago, IL @ Douglass Park
Louder Than Life
09/20 Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
Aftershock Festival
10/4 Sacramento, CA @ Discovery Park
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