Danny Carey: How Tool Takes it to Another Level

In this clip, Danny Carey discusses the TOOL’s recording process and being influenced by Led Zeppelin.
Original Video Here: • Why Tool's Danny Carey...
📚The Beato Ultimate Bundle - $99 FOR ALL OF Rick's Courses. Get it here: ⇢ rickbeato.com
👂- The Beato Ear Training Program - $99.00 value
📘- The Beato Book Interactive - $99.00 value
🎸- Beato Beginner Guitar - $159.00 value
🎸- The Quick Lessons Pro Guitar Course - $79.00 value
… all for just $99.00
Get it here: rickbeato.com

[@bgrigg07]

Danny Carey is just so.... damned likable. So many musicians have a "look" or put on a persona, and Danny talks and acts like he is just a regular Joe. Great interview, Rick!

[@Datimdavis2900]

Spot on. I got to meet him on tour this year and meeting him was just like this video…great guy!

[@seanvickers5542]

Just chilling... being the greatest drummer who ever lived... no big deal

[@flyingardilla143]

I've met Kansas wheat farmers who have the same accent and speech mannerisms - though talking about completely different worlds. His midwesty roots are readily apparent.

[@jasonengland6372]

Looks like the dude at a Saturday morning ing pick up league that still has an automatic jumper but gives you pointers after kicking your ass and complaining about his knees hahah

[@chriswebb7822]

The great humble octopus!

[@zzytrewq]

Drumming is the core of most Tool songs. Never over the top. But dominant. Danny leaves heaps of room for the guitars to shine without any screaming solo nonsense from them. Then to be blessed with a singer who is so versatile, and just plain talented...

[@dangusrangus]

I would absolutely argue that TOOL is the most talented band alive

[@Tooldruid]

💯 each is a virtuoso at their craft and could easily lead any band.

[@youngtevanced8818]

Each member are irreplaceable. The 4 guys are TOOL.

[@jqentertainment6966]

The drums have actual notes and are so musical, while most drummers are just playing beats.

[@Dwightaroundyolips]

​@@dangusrangusdefinitely the most creative

[@BlueDawnEnduro]

Danny is the heart and soul of Tool! I hope Maynard and the gang keeps creating and writing forever!

[@destroyermaker]

Unfortunately they're mortal

[@nuisanceguru]

@@destroyermaker we dont know that just yet

[@bak1386]

Best fuckin drummer on earth. The guy is absolutely unreal to see and hear live.

[@jackwaytz6519]

Fact. I have always paid close attention to drummers. Grew up with John Bonham, Neil Pert, and Carl Palmer. Genuine beasts on the kit. But nobody does it like this guy. I've seen these guys 7 times. He never fails to blow me the fuck away.

[@StephenHunts]

​@@jackwaytz65193 times for me! MIND BLOWING TALENT 🤯

[@jqentertainment6966]

Twice in Oklahoma City, once in Dallas, twice in St. Paul and once in Minneapolis.

[@360.Tapestry]

there are a lot of rock bands that i've fallen in and out of love with from my youth, but the flame for tool has only grown stronger with time

[@338lapuaLRS]

24 years ago, I was introduced and have never looked back. The best band that has ever blessed us . To be here in this time, a moment to be alive at this exact time hearing them in a living colour, is like the perfect synchronicity in time.

[@devonodowd5807]

Loved this comment. They just keep getting more interesting.

[@jockojockoson9995]

Danny has been my favourite drummer since i started playing when I was 14. I’m 43 now and his talent and incredible skill has had a profound impact on me over the course of my life. There will never be another one like him.

[@vashusan1984]

Seeing him play live was one of the best shows of my life. So much power and precision in his playing.

[@andyoushouldfeelbad]

I’m so glad Danny said what he did about click tracks and overregulated tempo. I have found that in my playing it’s best to, as the man says here, “let it breathe”. It not only feels better, it sounds better. Overall the recordings I make have a good fit and feel, but you can’t run a click track to them. Steadiness is for machines. Music should always be human.

[@Walkeranz]

Clicks and metronomes are for practice and development of rhythm.

[@dont.be.evil.]

He is the click!

[@maxwellpruner2168]

In the Rush documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage", Neil Peart and Freddie Gruber talk about their time working on Neil's feel for drumming together, and Gruber says, "You can have a beautiful body and look marvelous, but if it's not breathing it's not alive..."

[@andyoushouldfeelbad]

@@maxwellpruner2168 What an excellent way to put it. Thank you for this!

[@seanmckeown193]

@@Walkeranzit also just gets in the way, most of the time.

[@MashaT22]

I don’t play drums, but I love Tool and Danny. I play guitar, but there’s no denying that aside from the AJ guitar tones, the drums are a central part of what makes Tool so great.

[@MaynardOwns]

I think all 4 are equally important. Certain things get lost to other things. I can hear the same song 6 different ways depending on what I’m listening for. Probably don’t make sense to anyone

[@LUCIFER-uy9mw]

​@@MaynardOwnsI get what you're saying. I do the same thing too! I think that's why I can listen to Tool on repeat hahaha. I agree with you, for me all 4 are equally important.

[@BrandisManLCM1011]

Danny and Maynard are the best pair of singer drummer's ever to exist. Clay from mobile Alabama

[@IndianArma]

I am an Indian who moved to LA some years ago, and growing up in india, some people with great taste introduced me to tool's music. Coming out here, I thought people in LA would be crazy about em, seeing as they are from here, but to my surprise, no one as much as even knows them. Maybe I should have moved to Alabama 😄

[@the_whetherman]

@brandibright2082 What’s your last name, Clay from mobile Alabama?

[@ajclemmons8939]

Nice, I live across the bay.

[@rustbeltbastards]

Geddy Lee and Neil Peart! But love Tool too! 🤘🏻

[@jqentertainment6966]

It is an act of God that they ended up being neighbors

[@chickenmonger123]

I watched the full one, but I’ll watch this section again. Tool is pretty extraordinary.

[@shadcovert1160]

Word

[@carloborromeo5595]

Thank you Rick for featuring Danny!😊

[@spiralsun580]

Agreed Danny is so genuinely nice on top of being an unbelievablely great drummer! Excellent interview.

[@mastod0n1]

1:44 I feel like a lot of people don't realize that all of their favorite music idols all do edits or punch-ins and other stuff to clean up recordings. It's a lot easier and more common in the digital era but it's always been a thing.

[@TheCudiKush]

My drumming idol right here! So pure and genuine. Not to mention a musical genius!

[@luigizanellato2959]

Such a great and inspirational interview. Just like all of Rick’s awesome informative content! Thank you Rick. Rock on.

[@billr55]

Danny's a cool guy and great drummer

[@SteveRousseau1990]

Thank you for everything Rick!

[@nicolasblanckaert2035]

Recording... Without... A click. Unbelievable. What a man

[@TheCarelessAquarius]

When you are able to achieve exactly what you were put on this earth to do. You don’t have to trouble yourself with having a gimmick or a “look”. That’s what has made Tool such an incredible band to follow from their beginning up to present day. They don’t follow any of the music industry norms. You’ll be told a radio single should be right around 3 mins long because radio DJ’s prefer it for whatever programming reason. Tool is truly a band who never compromised what their visions were for the band, their albums, the songs, the videos or anything else. All the way down to something as trivial as their backstage touring passes. Truly incredible

[@natevalley2410]

Love everything you do Rick. I’m 55, been a music fan since 7 yrs old. Always follow closely what you share

[@jmason61]

Jamming to Led Zep on the junky kit with the headphones & vinyl LP's on the turntable next to the throne...& bong hits Ahh the good ole days.....

[@mikeorr9077]

I stuck can't believe I get this much entertainment for free. Love Tool, Love Danny, Love Rick. Awesome stuff.

[@danielrecchia592]

"We don't actually track here. This is more for the writing process" he says while pointing back at a beautiful vintage 2488. :)

[@johndillon2456]

Rick, this is my favorite interview. I really enjoyed the full interview with Carey.

[@drewrobertson3301]

Seeing Tool tomorrow Manchester UK. First time since 1993.❤

[@Funkfuzzz]

It’s going to be great!!

[@Mynervas]

I saw them in Manchester yesterday as well. It was amazing! Soooo happy they ended with Ænema!

[@Funkfuzzz]

That’s dope man good for you

[@blvnkq]

i saw them there!! god, how i wish i could go back

[@g8eo3]

Damn...I can listen to Danny talk about his influences and Tool all day. Great stuff!

[@Mark1drummer-jf1sw]

I could listen to danny all day, what a great bloke, and rick we love you too from over here in London

[@CentaurPress]

“So you’re playing without a click” … yeah “Awesome”. That made me soooo happy! I think clicks have their place but for music like Tool, I don’t see stifling the vibe with a click.

[@nickegbg]

Danny is so great. I hope we get more music soon!

[@gregrohsful]

He's in the top 5 drummers of all time in rock

[@mdazzle33]

100 percent. Top 3 even

[@enriquegrajeda7872]

Top 1 (for me)

[@gregrohsful]

@@enriquegrajeda7872 he's definitely the one I'd like to have dinner with.

[@enriquegrajeda7872]

@@gregrohsful thats my dream, for real!!!…in my dream when we are taking the dinner meanwhile Tomas Haake asking us: “who wants a cold beer to celebrate this moment?” And then the alarm sound in that f* moment lol 🤣

[@kevinmullaney1714]

Danny got a drum kit when he was 10 and listened to Led Zeppelin. It's crystal clear how he became the drum wizard that he is today.

[@darkuncle77]

Have you discussed this sentiment with your close friends or peers? Are you aware that Danny Carey knows how to play Rush? Have you been hiding these feelings?

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

Danny, I love your shirt! Bill Bruford is one of my favorites, next to you, of course, and Bill Ward, John Bonham and Neil Peart of course.

[@HEWfunkingKNEWit]

Danny is the only person who keeps getting taller the older we get

[@yangerjamir0906]

Really, I don't know how tall Rick is, but in front of Danny je looks small.

[@thebookdoc.writing.and.editing]

I enjoyed drums as a kid and then dropped them behind as I went into college with full time work after pretty much excelling "first third grader in the all district band..." and such. Clem DeRosa was the HS band leader and just before I was that age, the jazz band went on Johnny Carson. But after graduating I kept sticks around. I played air for years. And realized I always loved bands that screwed with time. A key piece was always an excellent drummer. I still play air, and have a pretty good set assembled ;-)

[@danielhughes9556]

I just love how humble he is. this band is the top of the game, period. they dont just move the bar, they shoot it out of the fuckin universe. And then pass it with their next album, the shoot it out of the universe AGAIN. TOOL FUCKING TOOL. Dont stop rocking

[@tedboom9550]

Four sticks is amazing. When the levee breaks also though for drums man 😮

[@scottturner1504]

I would like to ask him how long did it take to write and get "pneuma" all the way down..what a song ? Masterpiece

[@Godemanstudio]

An Icon behind the drums!

[@adammckay3299]

Seeing them for the first time next month. Bucket list band right there, so excited!

[@tattooedable]

I saw them for the first time back in January, it was a religious experience. Enjoy.

[@Sandkasten36]

Me too in Vienna 😍 Where do you watch them?

[@jpizzleforizzle]

Years ago my wife and i managed some hours of local studio time with our band to cut s wuick demo. The engineer was shocked I didn't want a click track. He was also shocked i could knock out a song in one or two takes and a quick punch in or two. Being a band nerd my whole life paid off.

[@double-h-farms]

Drummer here, wow Danny likes elp, my favorite, listening to them for 40+ yrs..i actually met Carl Palmer...

[@meelosh92]

What a cool, humble human being. Such an inspiration

[@jeremyruh5219]

Hikuleo will be there in the middle of June. His contract is up 1st week

Danny is such a humble guy. Love him!!!!

[@CentaurPress]

So cool to see how much he respects what Maynard does to the songs. “Makes my hair stand up”.

[@mothermountain]

Exactly! Physical Graffiti is the best Zeppelin album

[@HousesoftheHoly1994]

Not Houses of the Holy Sir?😌🤓😀

[@alysonhogg6543]

💯 I agree! It used to be LZ3 when I was a kid. But now, Physical Graffiti all the way. Except Since I've Been Loving You is and always will be my favorite song.

[@RCAvhstape]

Rick, you need to do a tribute to Steve Albini. Keep up the good work, and more Tool, please.

[@thenext9537]

WHAT??????????? I didn’t know he passed! Wtf

[@RCAvhstape]

@@thenext9537 Yeah, his band Shellac was set to release a new album next week, too.

[@thenext9537]

@@RCAvhstape Man. Just had a colleague pass, and next day this guy. Sucks. 61. That’s way too young.

[@dag681]

Playing without a click is the only way to bring it to life. However, at any time, great drummers can bring it all right back in dead on tempo. This is what Danny does. Good stuff.

[@Matt-ng9xv]

“I heard you earlier your drums sound great!” “Yeah the engineer has a good mix going.” What a guy lol

[@keystonepirate2534]

Let’s go! My favorite drummer 🏴‍☠️👨🏻‍🚀

[@synthogd808]

This must be strictly a mixing studio for them with a neve console. Maybe a demo recording studio also. Awesome analog setup

[@geofre44]

“If it modulates metrically” referring to trying to program a click track to the odd time signatures. Don’t let that small comment slip by

[@justanaussie2822]

No wonder I like Tool. I’m the same age as Danny. He was listing off my favourites.

[@lancehandy6648]

I’m guessing they were talking about Maynard in the beginning. But what’s crazy about tool is they could easily be talking about Justin chancellor…. Or even Adam jones. Not that there’s anything wrong with Adam jones, he creates amazing rifts and in an almost percussive manner sets the tempo and tone for the band. But Adam conducts a lot for tool and utilizes multiple instruments such as the synthesizers for the band, and in doing so I believe he doesn’t try to shine in the same way the other members really shine. He’s really the glue to the band. But Justin chancellor…. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more innovate creative bass player in my life. And I don’t even need to say that about Maynard or Danny. It’s already known they’re at the top of their respective instruments and creative and innovative prowess with them.

[@hybby]

He was talking about MJK. Per Maynard's interview with Rick, the raw track creation is between Danny, Adam, and Justin. Once the track is ready, they send it to MJK for what Maynard terms 'decorating'. I do agree with what you said, though.

[@joel4283]

I've recorded my drum tracks without a click and the song has a less mechanical feel to it and has a natural flow, but it makes editing a little bit of a nightmare because you can't fly in parts because of a mismatched tempos. Click tracks simplify the process, but it doesn't feel the same.

[@brianwarner308]

I can relate...i had a year in college when getting smoked up and listening to LZ on 11 was a big part of my life....like every night type shit...

[@brianwarner308]

I like how he picked "Four Sticks"!!

[@michaelblundell9145]

Best sounding production ever.

[@tedboom9550]

ELP were absolute wizards! Epic in every aspect to musicianship and songwriting

[@jasonwgill]

Great job Rick! Waiting for the day I see Billy Joel on your show!

[@brianwarner308]

from Green Day!? just kiddin lol

[@jasonwgill]

@@brianwarner308lol, weird thing is, I’ve often said that late 70’s-early 80’s Billy Joel looks like Billy Joe Armstrong. Maybe it’s just me.

[@MattMendians]

That’s how we used to track drums with a band I was in, Leslie Road. Except I was the only one who heard the click.

[@Did-Eye-Ask]

Get Adam!

[@dallesamllhals9161]

2:54 YUP! 😞

[@assshakerstudios549]

Yep, drum replacement (not what Danny does, but Replacement) clicks, tuning, comping, editing the piss outta it trashes away all the magic!

[@eoTVoke]

Mr.Danny Carey 🤘🇮🇩👍

[@andygps113]

Love the Crimson shirt 🎉

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

From a guitar perspective, Tool is rather simple. I'm not saying Adam is a simpleton because he definitely has a complexity to his playing. From a drummer perspective, Tool is difficult as fuck. I honestly feel that the Drums are the key to that band plain and simple. It's the literal backbone and everything else stems from it. The drumming turns Adam's simple playing into incredible. They compliment each other extremely well!

[@Ccastine9]

Adam is mostly quite restrained and sets the mood for the band. He gives Maynard a scene to narrate. Sometimes he goes off on some amazing subtle and dark little solos but mostly emotes and draws you in. Really great guitarist and under rated, but I do get why.

[@newusernamehere4772]

Definitely simple in terms of lead guitar and chord choices, but the actual rhythms themselves are still ridiculous. More Josh Homme than Larry Lalonde despite Tool's "genre" having more in common with Primus, Mastodon and other virtuoso bands. Makes them both the perfect prog metal gateway band and also just one of the best bands of all time. Borderline fusion bands with the ability to play simply always leave the biggest legacy and have the most staying power I think. Tool, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Miles Davis, Black Sabbath and Grateful Dead spring to mind.

[@Adrin1117]

I've always thought the same. It's definitely built around the drums. But the guitar is simple in a really cool way. Like he didn't waste any time being unnecessarily complicated. He plays what the song needs and nothing more. It's simple in a really creative way.

[@RevrenD23]

My favorite part of coming to KZbin comment sections is the self appointed aristocrats that are so sure of their own disposition that they believe their opinions are actually part of the subjects lore 🤣 "It's definitely this way because it's within my cone of vision, therefore it can only be this that I see!"

[@hybby]

​@@Ccastine9As someone once said about the collaboration between Babymetal and Polyphia's Scott Lepage & Tim Henson on the track 'Brand New Day' (watch the official live version): sometimes the best flex is restraint. In there, Scott & Tim keep the guitars simple compared to Polyphia's tracks, but they're perfect for Brand New Day. Long story short, I agree. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

[@bobbyboombatz1489]

Danny, Stewy, Peart ! Professors of time !

[@bernieburnalot]

REALLY anticipating the Tori Amos interview. Any hints as to when that will drop?

[@teito0404]

Rick Beato, the best man in the business.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

You need to do a video on David Sanborn

[@nataliedouglas4959]

Rick Tool and Tori Amos? I can't even breathe. You did it man!!!

[@mwade6982]

What a cool down to earth guy Danny is

[@daffyshakilfur3563]

Never tracked a Tool song to a click. That is all at the same time ; amazing , obvious, and difficult to understand.

[@v.k.7463]

Who are they referring to in the 3rd person at the beginning of the video? I'm guessing Adam Jones, as he's the real mastermind of Tool.

[@peterduncan9277]

Maynard

[@blvnkq]

considering maynard puts his material over the other guys’, it’s probably about him

[@harrisonbergeron5393]

Man he's just a cool, down to earth guy.

[@tk423b]

Is there a region in the brain dedicated to time keeping? Would Danny and other drummers have an extra fold there?

[@hybby]

Drumming Metronome Time

[@user-jw1ld8tn2l]

endorsements from anybody he wants. best of the best

[@Brandon84J]

Danny is such a beast. I love that guy so much

[@ghadrackpotato960]

30 years ago when i joined the snail mail fan club I loved the Tool wasn't trying to show their faces and become famous, but let the music speak.

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

Who were they talking about in the beginning? The video starts mid way through the conversation.

[@Mxulin]

Maynard

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

@@Mxulin thank you

[@TicoTorres]

If Danny Carey would cut his hair, put on a cowboy shirt and a hat he would be the spitting image of Kevin Costner,

[@thehobowhisperer]

Gentle soul.

[@Things606]

Who are they talking about in the beginning?

[@iandangerzone4997]

Based on the context, Maynard

[@ulrikjohansson140]

Such a great guy!

[@brandonboucher7090]

Clicked immediately

[@hybby]

I see what you did there

[@aonutsihasnouith]

Who is the “Him” in the first question?

[@hybby]

Maynard

[@ak-8585]

Who are they talking about in the begining?

[@jqentertainment6966]

Maynard

[@poindextertunes]

Never tracking a Tool song to a click is wild 😂

[@Onthew4y]

That's why it sounds so good

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

The worlds best drummer.

[@Funkfuzzz]

Four sticks is like tool from the 70’s

[@ducatixclutch008]

Danny is the goat

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Is this the first time we’re seeing inside Tools studio?

[@stevenroberts1715]

Tools' studio is deep within the Earths crust. Surrounded by magma. Dr. Evil Studios. They - can play to 12. Yes.

[@Geoluhread]

aw jeez rick, ya need to put a de-esser on your video's audio or smth, maybe its just this one idk

[@randygentry2442]

Explains why Mike Portnoy had difficulty with pneuma….my bet is the drum time signatures are expressed as phrases in one’s head ….not counted traditionally… all time shifts work if everyone involved does it together …it just starts a new phrase that the band speaks in unison…a totally different language than counting or a click track

[@antowib]

King Crimson!!!

[@billmiller9145]

Adam and Justin next Rick?

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

He’s a giant!

[@brianwarner308]

ya that is a big dude

[@alexfield349]

Isnt it weird that Danny is often Tool’s spokesman? Genuine and not the normal “too cool” or ‘showman’ band leader. I guess that’s what you get when the rest of your band is a miniature recluse, a guy living in another dimension, and a brit.

[@SafetyBriefer]

Sure would've been nice who they were talking about in the beginning.

[@jqentertainment6966]

Maynard