Tool and King Crimson

In this month's feature Who Made Who, triplew.me takes through the paces of two of our favorites. Every self respecting Tool fan (ed. Mick D is a fan, trust us) has heard something about King Crimson and their influence on the band.  Unlike most so-called Toolism’s, this rumor actually seems to hold some weight.  But how many Tool fans actually know anything about King Crimson, or have listened to any of their music?

Tool invited King Crimson to tour with them in 2001, and as noted in the a Tool newsletter at that time, Tool front-man, Maynard James Keenan, told audiences that King Crimson “were the ‘brick-layers’ who laid down the foundation (at times in relative obscurity) from which Tool would build upon in the future”.  Maynard “acknowledged their debt to them|, even joking how "now you know who we ripped off. Just don't tell anyone, especially the members of King Crimson!".  There are also recent whisperings around the web regarding separate Keenan and Adam Jones (Tool Guitarist) collaborations with King Crimson founder Robert Fripp.

King Crimson officially formed in England in the late 1960’s, and has had a revolving lineup with approximately 18 musicians passing through its door.  King Crimson formed, disbanded, and reformed in each decade since that time, each time with a different line up and slightly modified sound.  The only constant member of King Crimson has been Robbert Fripp, guitarist and Mellotron player, whose jazz influenced, atmospheric sound can also be heard on collaborations with many other artists in between King Crimson sessions, including Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and David Bowie (contributing guitar work on the “Heroes” album).  As with many other guitar virtuoso’s Robert is left handed but plays guitar right handed.

Much like Tool’s music, one of the unifying aspect of King Crimson's music is that most songs seem to take you on a journey through various musical styles and time signatures.  They are considered one of the founders of 'prog rock', and their style combines elements of jazz, folk, funk, ambient, new wave, classical and sometimes even pop, all brought together with an experimental rock edge.  Much like Tool’s work you’ll also be hard pressed to find a standard 3 ½ minute song in the King Crimson arsenal, with many of their albums only containing 5 or 6 songs.

King Crimson never achieved commercial success, many believe due to their fractured line up and experimental sound.  However they have built a cult following over their 40-odd years of producing cutting edge music, and their influence can be heard in many past and modern day artists.

{music}images/music/who-made-who/tool-kingcrimson{/music}

What do you think?  Can you hear some Tool in these King Crimson Songs?