(Whipped up a little dessert for you that I'm having fedexed overnight.)

MORE EVENT INFO
https://www.facebook.com/events/448176501923483/?ref=22

TOMORROW (MONDAY, MAY 6), it's the MONDAY NIGHT JAMMMZ. Special guests include STEVE STEPHEN on drums and HANS ZERMUEHLEN on keys. Bring an instrument and ask about joining in with other great musicians during the almost anything goes 2ND SET. $10.00 at the door.

TUESDAY, MAY 7 - The 'tator' plays host to the always amazing SCOTT KINSEY GROUP (with STEVE TAVIGLEONE on sax, flute, and EWI). This show is being billed as an "eclectic jazz party", with the emphasis on "eclectic." TICKETS: $15.00

VOLTO! will also be performing at the BAKED POTATO on SATURDAY, MAY 25 (more info about this to be posted soon).

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 CAHUENGA BLVD., WEST,
STUDIO CITY, CA> 91604

Photo by BMB

Photo and 'prize' by Tool lighting director Mark (Junior) Jacobson.

PRESS RELEASE:

Entheon Kickstarter

"We have been inspired by the recent success of Kickstarter for funding projects large and small. Just this month, two movie projects have generated millions of dollars by rallying their dedicated fans. If artists projects can be financed by friends, there is no limit to creative freedom. In that spirit we announce the launch of the Entheon Kickstarter today! Check it out, make a pledge, and build Entheon with us.

Many of you know that, for five years, CoSM was a vital center for visionary art and culture in Manhattan that closed in 2009. CoSM left a 12,000 square foot rental on 27th Street after finding the perfect site to build the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, an historic 40 acre retreat center in the Hudson Valley of New York. CoSM's heroic team beautifully restored three buildings on the property, the office, the studio, and the guest house, to hold ceremonies, events and workshops. But sadly, the attraction that drew tens of thousands of visitors in Manhattan, the inspiring installation of art, is still wrapped in storage.

The time has come to bring the paintings back. Our plan is to build a permanent exhibition space for these iconic artworks along with paintings and sculpture by some of the most accomplished mystic creators of our time. This home for visionary painting and sculpture, performance and dance, will be a destination you can visit anytime of year to commune with and contemplate the art, now and for generations to come. That transformative environment will be called ENTHEON, a place to discover the creator within.

After two years of working with the Wappinger Town Planners and the Rhinebeck Bank, construction of Entheon, the visionary art experience, has begun at CoSM. New technologies in 3D scanning, modeling and printing are being utilized to bring this unique architectural design to life.

We need your help to create CoSM's most ambitious project to date. Estimated cost of construction, complete with all the required amenities of a two-story building (including elevator, bathrooms, parking and paved road with lighting) will be over $1.5 Million Dollars. The bank is offering a loan hundreds of thousands dollars short of what is needed to completely finance this extraordinary sculpture that is a building.

Build Entheon with us by going to the Kickstarter website and checking out the really awesome and original premiums you can receive for helping us reach our goals and super goals. Share this message and kickstarter link with friends and post it on your facebook. Then plan to come and see the temple of art that you helped to build."
Love,
Alex and Allyson

Photo by BMB

Photo by LaraLee

A four-piece PINT GLASS SET with original BEASTLY COCKTAIL RECIPES and art by Heather McMillen, and PREMIUM QUALITY TEE-SHIRT featuring more work by the artist (as designed by BMB) are also available as part of "THE CROWLEY COLLECTION" at www.themerchcollective.com.

ORDER

One day after their decoy-doubles landed, members of the band and their tour crew arrived safely in Australia to prepare for their upcoming wing-dings and bush-bashes. So far, I'm happy to report, there have been no serious incidents involving rabid dingoes, stuka-mozzies, paralysis ticks or killer kookaburras. Nor has anyone yet become a stingray's shish kabob. No doubt this is in part due to the innovative, life-sustaining, vegemite stain-proof, water-cooled suits called AEMU (Australian Extravehicular Mobility Unit ) that were manufactured by the engineers of ILC DOVER. As the saying goes: "If the design is good enough for NASA and Zero-G, it ought to be fairly effective Down Under."

As I write this (rouge commas and all), the guys have probably checked into their posh hotel (with Huntsman free blinds!) and are most certainly looking forward to going out and ordering some aussie-tizers from the nearest Outback Steakhouse (which can't be too far away, seeing how there's one in every shopping center here in the USA). Or, perhaps, just grabbing a refreshing Zooper Dooper ( in cosmic flavors) from the friendly bloke with the kanga stuck on the bonnet of his van. (Note: I totally enjoyed these icy confections while on a recent trip to Kakadu National Park - just a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic boomarang toss from Darwin in the Northern Territory.)

As I mentioned in a recent news post, the tour is being billed as "AN EVENING WITH TOOL" - meaning that there aren't any opening acts to speak of (unless one has been added without my knowledge... and approval). And being that there might be extra time to perform, I would expect some musically interesting segues. And the 'star' of these mind-bogglingly trippy developments might just be Danny's shiny new synthesizer (Plan B "Toolbox" Synth), which was custom built to the drummer's specs one mail-ordered component at a time by Peter Grenader. You can take a peek at this doozy of a noise maker for yourself in a couple of new youtube videos.

As the tour progresses, I hope to have updates on MERCH, as well as some great photos courtesy of Rynne (Nice, one just arrived in my in box)... Before proceeding with some e-mail, I want to know exactly what is it that you're using to season tagliatelle with sardines and prosciutto? Because that shit sounds crazy in this part of the world!

E-MAIL ABOUT TOOL TOUR, THE SEAL OF XANTANITOS, OPIATE SIGNATURES, VIP PACKAGES, AND APRIL FOOLS.

Q: "Hi! Don't know who to contact really, maybe you could help me in the right direction? Just checking will TOOL release new material soon? Hopefully they will tour a lot then? I play in a band called Truckfighters, we've done over 500 liveshows in Europe, USA, South America and soon also Australia/New Zealand. We will release our fourth record in JAN 2014 on SONY music in Scandinavium and Fuzzorama in the rest of the world. Would love to discuss and opening slot for TOOL, we can do anything to make it happen. We're professional musicians and know how things work."

A: How long would it take you and the fellows to get to Australia - once you've acquired the necessary AEMU suits, that is? On second though, that new beast of Danny's sounds pretty damn cool! (Hey, a nice little plug for the band anyway.)

Q: "...Finally, the reason I initiated this correspondence in the first place was about this mysterious "Seal of Xatanitos". I purchased 5 copies, 1 of each variety, of the Opiate reissue. One of the copies has a round sigil like shape pressed into the paper and the others do not. I was wondering if this is the Seal? Much like when i read your writings, I do not know what to look for but am curious why it is only on 1 of 5 copies of the certificate of authenticity."

A: I believe that you are describing the embossed seal, which was to be included on all of the certificates. This is NOT the "Seal of Xantanitos", and as far as I know, so far, only two or three winners have been randomly selected. One of these lucky folks resides in one of the Carolinas (I don't remember if North or South), and another in San Francisco. I think the third winner is somewhere in Europe. At any rate, those who win will know by a second, different certificate of authenticity that clearly indicates that the recipient possesses the "Seal of Xantanitos." The winners will probably also get a phone call from MERCH asking if they'd like to take a photo of themselves with the golden seal in case we want to post it on the website.

Incidentally, the photo that I took of Buzz of the Melvins holding the fake golden seal - I hastily made that by wrapping the golden foil of a Rollo candy bar (purchased at a nearby gas station) over a ToolArmy card, and gluing some colorful symbol onto it. I only had a few minutes to do all this - and it was Buzz's idea to name the winner Deke Rivers, which was the name of a character that Elvis Presley played in his second film. Buzz also insisted that the 'winner' be an "unemployed" truck driver. If you look close at the photo, you can see the remainder of the Rollo candy wrapper in Buzz's front pocket.

E-MAIL: "I am upset to here about what has happen to the loft. I cannot imagine how much work could have been put into that one song. I do know that when it comes to writing and different forms of artistic work redoing something can spark great new ideas. Good luck and best wishes."

RESPONSE: Now that's the way to be positive, and you know what - the song is already better than it was! Thanks for your well wishes and I expect there to be some squeaky clean plates at Carrow's tonight!

Q: "I received my copy of the opiate re issue. It is not signed by Adam nor was the USB card included. I'm not sure if anything can be done about this but I'd like to be sure. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks."

A: As I understand it, a few people (2 or 3) sent the Merch department photos of their 21st anniversary Opiate covers that appear to be missing Adam's signature. All these people have to do is send it back to receive one with Adam's autograph. I only hope that these aren't the few copies that Adam signed in invisible ink, which require the proper mordant to render it visible (not ferrous sulfate, goose). I say this, because these will definitely be the most rare of all - even more so than the two that he doodled on. As for the two with extra little drawings - I noticed Adam do this to what he thought was the last copy that he needed to sign. When I pointed to another table that had a few hundred more covers that needed his signature, he autographed them, adding: "This is the last copy" next to his name. As for the USB card - that thing in your photos IS the USB card...

Q: "Is there any chance you could elaborate further on the VIP packages being offered down under? Just in terms of how long the Q & A will be with Adam and how long the Sound check part would run for. $500 is a lot of money so before I buy I just want a bit more of an idea of what to expect."

A: What if they threw in a citrusy Zima and a poster signed by some of the tour bus drivers? Actually, sound checks can last quite a while, though I have no way of knowing how long in this particular case. Also, seeing how I don't want to be a spoiler, I will reply to this e-mail in more detail once the tour gets underway. (Yep, I just expurgated my own response!)

YOUTUBE

Photo by Rynne Stump

HAPPY TRAILS

*Maynard has already arrived down under, having traveled with Tool's manager.

(Note: musicians should keep in mind that Aaron is currently looking for bands to record or mix.)

Palms | ISIS
aaronharris-audio.com
@AaronHarris23

LINK

Please click HERE for show tickets, workshop registration, and any other information.

INFO

VIEW

Also... mark your digital calendar that APRIL 8 marks the 8th anniversary of the MONDAY NIGHT JAMMMZ - meaning that there's going to be a whole lot of grilling going on out back. More about this as the date gets closer, although it's not too soon to think about your side dishes.

But that's not all. A big heads up that VOLTO! will be returning to the west side - performing their unique brand of ultra fusion at THE MINT on SATURDAY, APRIL 13. Tickets for this 11:30 show are available now HERE. It's been a while, but I'm fairly certain that the club is located at 6010 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca., 90035. $20.00 no matter when or where you buy your tickets.

INFO

Now, at this point I don't know the exact time the packages will go on sale, so Toolarmy members will have to check with the on-line STORE on FRIDAY (unless I get this info, and have a chance to post). That should about cover it, except to mention again that EACH variation of 1000 contains a special (randomly chosen) "SEAL OF XATANITOS" which entitles the bearer of to a certain prize. This "seal" will be included on the 5 UNIQUE certificates of authenticity contained in the prize winning package.

(www.instagram.com/heathermcmillen)

All of the items for sale are strictly limited in the number produced, and include a "Beastly" glass set with original art and drink recipes (CHORONZON 333, BABALON RISING, HEMLOCK CLUB GREEN FLAME, etc.), a premium quality TEE-SHIRT, and PRINT entitled "DARK HALO" (12" X 16" UV ink print from an original charcoal drawing limited to 93 numbered and signed copies - each one of which comes with a 24-line HAND-WRITTEN prose-poem numbered and signed by BMB). More info available at the Merch Collective store.

* ... A crummy commercial... sonofabitch!

INTERVIEW

Photo by BMB

Photo by BMB

READ

(Note: I also interviewed Adam the same day, and hopefully this will get posted at some point.)

ORDER

ORDER

"Chet's art is beautiful and scary. His style has a modern twist crashing into a classical approach. I think Chet is a master painter on his way to making a great mark in our little world..."
ADAM JONES

Oh... Okay (an "ALARM")... progress!

And don't forget that JZ's "BUBBATRON" (featuring lightning-fast drummer CHRIS COLEMAN) will be performing at the jazz club on THURSDAY, MARCH 14. Secure your ADVANCED TICKETS HERE.

FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE

ORDER

Photo by Rynne Stump

MORE

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00BIFZK9C

For those who haven't heard them, I've also included some links to press interviews with the band members for the upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand.

ORDER

Unique PINT GLASS SETS as well as the CROWLEY TEE-SHIRT are also AVAILABLE in the MERCH COLLECTIVE STORE (www.themerchcollective.com). Get yours before they are all gone (except perhaps on eBay!)

ORDER

MELBOURNE - ROD LAVER ARENA - APRIL 28
SYDNEY - ALL PHONES ARENA - MAY 4
AUCKLAND - VECTOR ARENA - MAY 9

INFO

Sat 27 Apr - Melbourne | Rod Laver Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au/ Ph: 132 849

Tue 30 Apr - Adelaide/ AEC Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Fri 3 May - Sydney/Allphones Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au/Ph: 132 849

Mon 6 May - Brisbane/ Entertainment Centre (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au/ Ph: 132 849

Wed 8 May - Auckland/Vector Arena (All Ages)
Ticketmaster.co.nz | Ph: 0800 111 999

www.toolband.com | www.facebook.com/toolmusic

Twitter @tool

www.frontiertouring.com/tool | www.facebook.com/frontiertouring

Twitter @frontiertouring

INFO

ORDER

COVER: $15.00

In related news, NEW VOLTO! TEE-SHIRTS and HOODIES are now available online (almost) worldwide at...

www.themerchcollective.com
FROM THE MENU, CHOOSE "VOLTO!."

"It (Aloke Dutta's teaching) had a big impact on me. It gave me a better grasp of how to feel in strange time signature. ...and learning how to play over the bar lines."

- Danny Carey in Rhythm Magazine, February, 2013.

For tickets and other information, please click HERE.

VIEW

"The Frontier Touring Company announce the return of triple Grammy® award winning Californian prog-rockers Tool to Australia and New Zealand in 2013. Taking time from recording their highly anticipated fifth studio album, vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey and bassist Justin Chancellor will be performing a series of headline shows across Australia and New Zealand this May.

Since the release of their debut LP Undertow almost 20 years ago, Tool have achieved remarkable critical acclaim and commercial success for both their studio releases and phenomenal live performances:

'A symphony of distorted bliss and polyrhythmic elegance that's as complex as it is catchy.' - ArtistDirect

'To know and love Tool is to know and love an intense multi-dimensional sound that reaches beyond a simple audio experience.' - Examiner

Tool have perfected a genre-transcending sound that can be likened to fine art, interlaced with atypical time signatures, intricate drumming patterns and a resonance with a force that awakens the senses. Beyond their groundbreaking sonic work, Tool have also come to prominence for their efforts in unifying the arts. Some of their countless contributions to the arts include the Grammy® award winning 3D album packaging for 10,000 Days, music videos that stand alone as pieces of cinematic brilliance and live shows that include elaborate lighting installations, spectacular laser displays and video displays as brilliant as the performances themselves.
The last time that Tool toured Australian shores, audiences were left entranced and enthralled by the awesome power and impact of a performance from the faultless quartet:
'Just before they reach the song's emotional height they take a left-turn into the extended instrumental version. It makes for one final surprise before Tool clock off for the night, no doubt having blown thousands of tiny minds in the process. I know the feeling.' - The Vine

'It's these moments that separate Tool from the chasing pack, something quite intensely breathtaking to draw the crowd out of melody induced catatonia, this ability that suddenly makes hypnotic punters stand up and pay attention.' - FasterLouder

Don't miss the multi-sensory experience that is a performance by groundbreaking musicians Tool. With anticipation high and the promise of one of the first tastes of their much-awaited upcoming album, tickets will not last long!"

TOOL
APRIL & MAY 2013
Frontier Members pre-sale via www.frontiertouring.com/tool
12noon AEDT, Thursday 14 February to 12noon AEDT, Friday 15 February
General public on sale from 9am local time, Tuesday 19 February

SATURDAY 27 April - Melbourne/ Rod Laver Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

TUESDAY 30 April - Adelaide/ AEC Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

FRIDAY 3 May - Sydney/ Allphones Arena (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

MONDAY 6 May - Brisbane/ Entertainment Centre (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

WEDNESDAY 8 May - Auckland/ Vector Arena (All Ages)

Ticketmaster.co.nz / Ph: 0800 111 999

www.toolband.com/ www.facebook.com/toolmusic

Twitter @tool

www.frontiertouring.com/tool/ www.facebook.com/frontiertouring

Twitter @frontiertouring

PRE-SALE & ON-SALE TIMES (again)

FTC Presale: Thursday 14 (12noon AEDT) - Friday 15 (12noon AEDT) February

GP Onsale: Tuesday 19 February (9am local times)

LUSTMORD will be performing at Adelaide Arts Festival on MARCH 16th."

INFO

Lustmord on Twitter (LINK: http://twitter.com/BLustmord)

Lustmord Facebook (LINK: http://www.facebook.com/Lustmord.Page)

http://www.lustmord.com/

http://b-lustmord.blogspot.com/

Photo by Tas Limur

• A slide talk on the portrayal of the subtle energetic body throughout art history,
•Instruction on proportions, features and expressions of the head and body,
•Instruction on painting and drawing techniques and elements of design,
•Vision practices that allow us to glimpse the interplay of body and soul,
•Seven drawings of the subtle chakra centers posed by a yogic model,
• Observing and visually capturing the subtle body interaction of yogi and yogini.

Participants will take home drawings that may be touchstones of the harmonic integration of psyche and soma. All levels of ability are welcome."

EVENT/TICKETS

facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/483224021719152/

CoSM Media Lab
The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
jon@cosm.org
www.cosm.org

WATCH

The New Year started off on a bad note as far as writing and arranging sessions for Tool's next record. For the most part this was due to a 'minor' accident on a Vespa scooter (slick road conditions being the cause) by a certain band member that resulted in several broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. Because of the physical nature of the musical instrument involved, 9 DAYS of jamming were lost, although I'm happy to report that the person involved is recovering nicely, so much so, in fact, that writing sessions resumed last Monday (January 21), despite it being a holiday for many.

Coincidentally (?), a few days prior to the mishap on the scooter, another person involved with Tool also wound up in the hospital after crashing his Vespa in Hollywood. Although he suffered a head injury (as well as multiple cuts and bruises to his body), I'm quite certain that if you were to order an "Entaphiosis" Hoddie, you would receive an "Entaphiosis" Hoodie.

Several days ago members of the press (from different magazines) conducted interviews with band members about upcoming events, and I would imagine that these writers, etc. also inquired as to how things were progressing with regards to the band's next record. So, there's something to look forward to reading, and I will certainly try to give updates as to when these publications hit the newsstands.

I was hoping to be able to throw some of you a bone the first week of the New Year, but for certain reasons this announcement has been pushed back a month. Therefore, look for a news post that will be exciting to some towards the end of the first week in February. Most likely this will leak out on the Net before then, but either way I knew that my introducing the renowned maverick entomologist Rance Q. Spartley to the members of Tool was a damn good idea!

Also, check back from time to time for another newsworthy tidbit sometime in March (Don't even try to guess, because this one's really coming from left field!) And, after this, there should be at least one more item of interest to Tool enthusiasts before further speculation is discussed involving the band's next album (let alone any actual time-tables for recording, etc.).

Finally, there's a certain member of "Hellboy's" fan website (www.fourtheye.net) whose dick is on fire...

In TOOL-RELATED NEWS, JUSTIN'S side project MTVOID (with PETER MOHAMED and other contributions) should be releasing their musical debut "NOTHING'S MATTER" very soon. I received a copy from Justin yesterday, and after giving it a quick listen, have no doubt that many Toolies will really enjoy this sonic offering. I will be sure to post in the NEWS SECTION once it becomes available for sale in TOOL'S ON-LINE STORE, as well as in brick &mortar retailers.

And speaking of side projects, in case you haven't seen it - here's video for fans of APC, PUSCIFER, VOLTO!, MTVOID, and ONE WHITE ONION.

http://youtu.be/2nFILtIAlvk

HAPPY TRAILS

READ

VIEW

VOLTO!

DANNY CAREY
SCOTT KINSEY
LANCE MORRISON
JOHN ZIEGLER

@Aloke_Tabla

KAT'S BLOG

MORE

I've posted my choices in the Fortean "alien' category in the news section on Danny's website

CONJOINED 3: THE FINAL CHAPTER - Sculpture & Dimensional group art exhibition.
CHET ZAR BOOK SIGNING & MINI EXHIBIT; BLACK MAGICK: THE ART OF CHET ZAR

Copro Gallery - Bergamot Station Arts Complex

2525 Michigan Ave , Unit T5, Santa Monica , CA 90404
Ph: 310/829-2156
E-Mail: CoproGallery@Live.com
Web: www.CoproGallery.com

CONJOINED 3: THE FINAL CHAPTER - Sculpture & Dimensional group art exhibition.

Exhibit runs; January 19- February 09, 2013
Opening Reception: SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013 - 8:00 - 11:30 p.m.

Press release:

WEBSITE

"Participating Artist list: Alex Grey, Akhito Ikeda, Bill Basso, Bruce Mitchell, Bill Sturgeon, Black Mass, Brian Poor, Brian Smith, Cass Mclure, Chantal Menard, Chet Zar, Charles Krafft, Chris Haas, Colin Christian, Craig LaRotunda, Daniel Saks, Dave Grasso, Dave Pressler, David Meng, David Richardson, Doktor A, Douglas Thielscher, Eddie Sparr, Eli Livingston, Glenn Hetrick, Grant Fuhst, Grant Standard, Jack Howe, Jason Hite, John Cebollero, Jake Roanhaus, James Zar, Jared Gunther, Jaremy Aiello, Jason Hite, John Haley III, Johny Chow, Jessie Fohrman, Jesse Gee, Jeffrey Kibbe, Kazu Tsuji, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Kevin Mack, Krys Sapp, Larkin, Laurie Hassold, Mark Setrakian, Matt Ullman, Matthew Levin, Mark Walker, Meats Meier, Meesha Goldberg, Michael McCracken, Mike Hill, Mike Regan, Nathan Cartwright, Neil Winn, Neal Kennemore, Paul Komoda, R.H. McClurg, Richard Landon, Rick Zar, Russ Lukich, Ryan Petereson, Sarina Brewer, Scott Stoddard, Scott Ligon, Scott Radke, Simon Lee, Shifflet Bros, Thomas Harris Tracey Roberts, Taslimur, Thomas Kuebler, Travis Louie, Ver Mar, Vincent VanDyke, Yvette Endrijautzki, Zoetica Ebb,, Zombienose & more!"

Danny Carey - drums
Scott Kinsey - keys
Lance Morrison - bass
John Ziegler Music - guitar
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

Rich Renken - mixing

A few advance reserved seat tickets are still available online HERE.

Official facebook invitation:
https://www.facebook.com/events/104542733055449/

California State University Fullerton
BEGOVICH GALLERY
800 N State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92834-6850

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TITLE: Szukalski: Drawings
CURATOR: Mike McGee
DATES: February 2 - March 7, 2013

PROGRAMMING: Opening reception | Saturday, February 2nd, 5-8 p.m.
FOR UPDATES: http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/art/visual_events.html#Szukalski
GALLERY CONTACT: Jacqueline Bunge Barger
Art Gallery Office: Tel. | 657.278.7750; Fax | 657.278.2390
E-mail: jbunge@fullerton.edu
Web site: www.fullerton.edu/arts/art/visual_events.html

GENERAL INFO: Gallery hours: Monday - Thursday, 12-4 p.m.;
Saturday, 12-2 p.m. | FREE ADMISSION

"FULLERTON - Szukalski: Drawings opens February 2, 2013 at Cal State Fullerton's Begovich Gallery. A reception will be held at the gallery from 5-8 p.m. Although Stanislav Szukalski was born in Poland in the 19th century he was influential in Southern California where he lived for a few decades until his death in 1987. A very short list offriends and admirers include Robert and Suzanne Williams, Rick Griffin, Jim Woodring, George DiCaprio and DiCaprio's son Leonardo. Robert Williams once wrote, "Szukalski fits the definition of genius, his observations, though in question, were brilliant." His ability to sculpt and draw is legendary. He has been featured in Juxtapoz Magazine several times and even graced the cover in 2005. The exhibition at the Cal State Fullerton, Begovich Gallery is the first exhibition to focus on his more than 14,000 surviving drawings. MANY OF THE DRAWINGS IN THE EXHIBITION HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN PUBLICLY."

PROJECT

"To celebrate 2013, Collide is giving away their song "Lucky 13" (Damaged Mix) from their new remix album entitled BENT AND BROKEN.
The download is available right here. Just log into their store with your account (or create one if you don't have one), and add the song to your cart, and checkout. You can check paypal for payment method, but you don't need a paypal account, and the download is free. If you have any questions with the download, just let them know, and they'll help you out.

Here's the LINK for the FREE download.

Also, Collide have been working on something rather exciting lately. They've been going back through all of their computer back-ups, tape back-ups, DATs, old files, and old computers, and compiled instrumental versions of their entire album collection. On most of the albums, they have also included an unreleased song, or remix.
The best part? Each download is only $4.99. These will only be available on their own store, Noiseplus Music."

Here's the LINK for the instrumentals.

TUESDAY, FEB 26 - ENMORE THEATRE/SYDNEY (all ages)

THURSDAY, FEB 28 - PALAIS THEATRE/MELBOURNE (all ages)

TICKETS

MORE

So, for all you doomsday preppers who are still firmly entrenched in your apocalypse-proof underground bunkers - subsisting on strips of boloney floating in gallon containers of green Kool-aid - I definitely WOULDN'T come out yet. Even at the risk of missing the premiere of "Killer Karaoke." Again, stay right where you are, and we'll let you know when it's safe to return to the surface. In the meantime we'll toss a few more virgins in the cenote. Here's hoping you've got plenty of flatulence deodorizer pads for all those tasty squash preserves. Enjoy!

LIST

Also, the JEFF BABKO GROUP will be having their release for the "CRUX" record TONIGHT (DECEMBER 19) at the 'tator.'

ORDER

ORDER

VIEW

(INCLUDING A MINI CATALOG OF UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFTS & A MESSAGE FROM ALEX GREY)

Wanting to open some presents are you? Well, as I've already announced on this very website, TOOL will be performing at OZZFEST in JAPAN in MAY of 2013. If you can't make that show, there MIGHT be another gift or two under the tree - things unnoticed amongst the torn wrapping paper, ribbons and empty boxes. My best guess is that these 'presents' won't be opened until after the holidays - knowing just how important it is to take your evergreen decorations down by January 5th. Though not on the 2012 reindeer-propelled sleigh, there are a couple of other Tool projects on the horizon that I am privy to, but, unfortunately, can't comment on any further at this time... as was requested by the band's management (Bah humbug with a British accent!).

Something that might be encouraging to some Tool enthusiasts is that while riding with Danny to Chili John's yesterday, I heard a lot of new Tool music (sans Maynard). This was the most new material that I've heard so far, although a few of the riffs and arrangements were familiar. So, what did I think? Dare I say that it sounded like... Tool (some of it reminiscent to earlier Tool stuff, with other parts pushing the envelope), and I assume that it will sound even more like Tool once the vocal melodies, etc. have been added. To answer your next question, I cannot say how far along in the writing process the band is. If I had to GUESS, I would say more than half way (and keep in mind that in the past, at least, the writing went faster once the first few [more complex] songs were finished).

Now, for those still looking for some unique holiday gifts, here are a few suggestions that won't break the bank - the first one being a FREE banishing formula just in case any of you happen to materialize in Marie Callender's on some Sunday morning. "PHEUGE PAS KAKOS DAIMON!" - which some MIGHT recognize as "Away Every Evil Spirit" (Hey, what do you expect for free? You can always try what's written in Crowley's "The Star Ruby", but with all those seeking pies, I'm not sure I'd take the chance).

HOLIDAY CATALOG

TOOL PILLOWS/HOODIE IN THE ON-LINE STORE

High quality decorative pillows made from recycled Tool shirts. Artwork includes "NET OF BEING" and "DA'ATH INTERBEING"

NEW TOOL HOODIE - "ENTAPHIOSIS"

DANNY

NEW: Check Danny's web store (under "SPECIALTY" items) for a limited number of signature Vic Firth sticks that were used by the Tool drummer during a show, and which have now been SIGNED by DANNY in purple ink. There is also a VERY LIMITED QUANTITY of USED DRUM HEADS on which DANNY has drawn an ESOTERTIC SYMBOL. For $50.00 MORE, these can be PERSONALIZED. (NOTE: DRUM HEADS ARE LIMITED TO ONE PER CUSTOMER). Watch the site for USED KICK DRUM PEDALS, etc. Also for sale in Danny's store is a SACRED GEOMETRY PILLOW/DRUMSEAT CUSHION.

www.dannycarey.com

MAYNARD

TIM CADIENTE, long time supporter and photographer for TOOL, has released a LIMITED EDITION GICLEE. 500 48 x 22 Giclee prints numbered and SIGNED by MAYNARD and TIM. These will be available to order up until DECEMBER 17th.

ORDER

ALEISTER CROWLEY "DARK HALO" PRINT
WITH ORIGINAL (HAND-WRITTEN) PROSE-POEM

(Available exclusively through The Merch Collective)
www.themerchcollective.com

12" x 16" UV ink print from an original charcoal drawing entitled "DARK HALO" by L.A.-based artist HEATHER McMILLEN. Strictly LIMITED TO ONLY 93 HAND NUMBERED and SIGNED COPIES printed on arches rives fine art paper. Artist depiction of the aged Great Beast 666 deep in contemplation with pipe full of perique. (Based on an old photograph of Crowley).

Print also includes an ORIGINAL, PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED 24-LINE PROSE POEM entitled "IDEALITY WITH A BEAST'S TEACUP"- INDIVIDUALLY HAND-WRITTEN, NUMBERED and SIGNED by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE on parchment paper. The same 'homage to Aleister Crowley' prose-poem also comes with a PRINTED VERSION on quality paper. Highly collectible fine art piece and holographic mystical verses for all Crowley enthusiasts.

ALEISTER CROWLEY "THIRST" PREMIUM QUALITY TEE SHIRT

Tri-blend premium quality tee shirt featuring artwork by HEATHER McMILLEN (based on concepts by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE). Front of shirt shows the famous hypnotic gaze of British occultist Aleister Crowley, beneath which are a crossed 'SWAN' FOUNTAIN PEN and CIRCA 1920's HYPODERMIC SYRINGE. Back of shirt contains an in quotes verse from Crowley's "The Diary of a Drug Fiend", encircled by an ancient esoteric OUROBOROS symbol (designed by Heather McMillen).

ALEISTER CROWLEY COCKTAIL GLASS SET
WITH ORIGINAL 'BEASTLY' DRINK RECIPES

Set includes FOUR PINT GLASSES with BAKED ON CROWLEY ARTWORK by HEATHER McMILLEN and ORIGINAL DRINK RECIPES by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE.

GLASS ONE: "CHORONZON 333" features the magician Crowley in ceremonial garb with a recipe for a very potent, though quite palatable, cocktail created by using multiple types of liquor sequentially layered.

GLASS TWO: "BABALON RISING" contains the artist's depiction of Crowley's one time magical assistant, Leila (Laylah) Waddell, complete with the "Mark of the Beast" symbol between her breasts. Comes with recipe for a refreshing British Navy Rum-based drink (with a liberal splash of... No, it's not what you're thinking!)

GLASS THREE: " CROWLEY COCKTAIL #69" features a portrait of the aging Great Beast 666 with shaven pate and hypnotic gaze. Includes the recipe for a pleasant concoction of effervescent champagne, Aphrodope Elixir and more. (A truly lovely coming together.)

GLASS FOUR: "HEMLOCK CLUB GREEN FLAME" contains the unicursal hexagram symbol of Crowley's "Thelema", along with a recipe for a flaming absinthe-based libation (being the modified version of an old classic - only now potentially more damning to one's soul!).

ORDER

www.facebook.com/TheCrowleyCollection

www.twitter.com/Baphometstuff

ANTHOLOGY SERIES DARKLORE VOLUME 7

All sevenvolumes available at www.amazon.com
(Select "books", and type "Darklore") VOLUME 7

www.dailygrail.com

VINCE DE FRANCO'S SYNAPSE PROJECT "Whatever is brewing, it's brewing everywhere. In addition to progress at the loft, it has come to light that Danny has been collaborating with engineer and inventor Vince De Franco again. I recently posted the launch of the Synapse. It's Vince's new product at Synesthesia, a cool hub to join all your electronic drum pedals and MIDI gear, and he is funding its development in a novel way; through crowd funding. Whether you need one for yourself or you just want to see what crowd funding is all about, go check it out at"

VIEW

CHET ZAR'S "BLACK MAGICK" BOOK

CHET'S new book (designed by Mackie Osborne!) is now available, and the author will be doing a signing this Monday, Dec 10th 7-9 pm at La Lus de Jesus gallery/Wacko:

INFO

The book is now available from LAST GASP...
ORDER
and Chet's web store (http://chetzar.bigcartel.com/)

ENTHEON INFO FROM ALEX GREY:

"Entheon" refers to a place to discover the God within. Alex first offered this name to the renowned Burning Man Camp, birthed in 2006, where many of the best and brightest visionary painters exhibited banners and live paintings in Entheon Village's various domes and sculptural tents.

At CoSM, Entheon, now under construction, will be the sanctuary of visionary art. The first exhibition at Entheon will be the art of Alex Grey including all twenty-one Sacred Mirrors plus over twenty-five of the best loved originals such as Theologue. Cosmic Christ and Net of Being.

The sculptural elements of this unique architectural design point to the transcendent unity of the world's wisdom traditions. New technologies in 3D scanning, modeling and printing will be utilized to bring this vision to manifestation.

This enduring legacy is being manifested through the donations of many visionaries from all over the world.

Imagine the day you will visit Entheon. Come build with us.

Ways To Be Involved:

Become a Member of CoSM. It takes a lot of angels to build a Chapel of sacred art and CoSM members are those angels. Art can be a spiritual path with Chapel building as the ultimate expression of mystic communion. Become a member of CoSM and come build with us. Membership is $100 for a calendar year.
[http://www.cosm.org/community/members/]

Make a Donation:
Donors who make a monthly contribution sustain the vision of CoSM.
[https://secure.cosm.org/np/clients/cosm/donation.jsp?campaign=9]

DONATE

Offer goods and services.

CoSM has many needs. Think of what you can offer. Our plumber is also a great chef and contributes his talent at Full Moon dinners. Professional gardeners and permaculture experts just helped save our fruit trees. Beautiful furniture has been donated and more is needed. CoSM needs a truck and another good working vehicle. Many have volunteered to cook, clean, garden and serve in so many ways. Be a part."

ENTHEON

HAPPY TRAILS

500 48 x 22 Giclee prints numbered and autographed by MAYNARD and TIM. These will be available to order up until DECEMBER 17th.

ORDER

AVAILABLE in an affordable softcover and limited edition hardcover at www.amazon.com (Search "books" and type "Darklore") to find the volume that most interests you, or to ORDER the latest issue (Volume 7), go HERE.

Also visit www.dailygrail.com for the latest on what's happening in areas that challenge consensus reality.

... And don't forget about tonight's MONDAY NIGHT JAMMMZ at the club. Special guest musicians, and a chance for YOU to perform during the almost anything goes 2ND set.

READ

INFO

If you can't make the signing, the book is now AVAILABLE from LAST GASP and Chet's WEB STORE . Congrats!

VIEW

Inspired by virtuosity and astronautical engineering

SYNAPSE

leads musicians into new space...

SYNAPSE

Recent Awards & High Fives...

Festival at the Farm/Arizona Wine Growers Association Competition:
2010 Caduceus Cellars Nagual de la NAGA SILVER medal
2010 Caduceus Cellars Anubis BRONZE medal
2011 Caduceus Cellars Lei Li Nebbiolo Rose' SILVER medal
2011 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Blanca BRONZE medal

Judges Favorites:
2011 Merkin Vineyards The Diddler
2011 Caduceus Cellars Velvet Slippers Club Chenin Blanc
2011 Merkin Vineyards Shinola

Wines of Distinction:

2011 Caduceus Cellars Dos ladrones
2010 Caduceus Cellars Primer Paso
2011 Merkin Vineyards Shinola
2011 Merkin Vineyards The Diddler

The San Francisco International Wine Competition:

2011 Caduceus Cellars Dos ladrones GOLD Medal
2010 Caduceus Cellars Anubis SILVER medal

Jefferson Cup 2012:

2010 Caduceus Cellars Nagual del MARZO GOLD Medal (Medal of Excellence)
2010 Caduceus Cellars Kitsune SILVER Medal (Medal of Merit)
2010 Caduceus Cellars Anubis SILVER Medal (Medal of Merit)
2010 Caduceus Cellars Le Cortigiane ONESTE SILVER Medal (Medal of Merit)
2010 Caduceus Cellars Primer Paso SILVER Medal (Medal of Merit)

Oddly enough, I'm sorry to report, not a lot of progress was made this month with regards to any Tool writing sessions at the loft. In fact, for all but the first week in November (when some progress was made), all of the band members have been elsewhere - though they are expected to be back hard at work come December 3rd (2012). Although I'm not sure what multi-tasker MAYNARD has been up to as of late (other than running a winery, organizing things for his other bands, and envisaging future endeavors, I'm guessing), I can tell you that ADAM is still off pheasant hunting in England's green and pleasant lands (or is he studying oil painting amongst those dark Satanic mills?). I can also tell you that both JUSTIN and DANNY are currently enjoying the scenery in Hawaii, hopefully discussing riffs, arrangements and album titles at the same time they are served opakapaka with purple potatoes. Anyone else experiencing déjŕ vu?

As far as any other Tool news goes, some of you have probably seen the on-line flyer that has the band performing at Ozzfest in Japan in May of 2013. As of my writing this, I have NOT been told that this is confirmed, so you'll just have to rely on your own good judgment for the time being. Something to consider, though: Has anyone actually physically held this new Ozzfest poster? It could be Photoshopped, couldn't it? Plus, when I last saw the world-renowned entomologist Rance Q. Spartley (whose existence, whether real or fictional or an in-between tulpa, is an important part of my on-going therapy as a bonafide arachnophobe), while seeking his expertise on behalf of the band (?), I had a different, more critter infested place in mind (Japan lacking in such venomous threats - unless, that is, you count Mothra). But before you start spreading Pepsodent behind your ears as a possible deterrent, again, I have NOT received anything that could be considered official about any shows on this aqueous gem in the cosmos. Should any news about this become available, I will certainly be sure that it is trumpeted post haste. So keep checking back.

Yet another reason to watch the site is that while at a Lakers' game a couple of weeks ago, an oracle told me to expect lots of news in the coming weeks. So far, nothing much has come my way, but when it does... I don't think it will have anything to do with TOOL's NEXT RECORD (gotcha!), as they are still involved in the writing process (which I already said). Nor will it be about any stocking stuffer TOOL LIVE DVD (gotcha again!), which I haven't heard anything about for eons. What this news will be about, however, should be exciting to many Tool enthusiasts. In the meantime, MERCH has put a few new items in the store - one being a HOODIE (called "ENTAPHIOSIS"), with the others being two decorative PILLOWS containing Tool-themed artwork. Unique gifts just in time for the holiday season! (Even if you don't believe in a dancing groundhog throwing confetti.) And speaking of holiday cheer, I hope to have the DECEMBER NEWSLETTER posted sometime early next week (after all, with the Mayan doomsday looming, a New York City cop showing random kindness, and that sitcom doofus going squirrelly, who has the time to wait?).

UPDATE: I have a meeting with Tool management tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec 4th), so perhaps there will be some kind of announcement soon?

HAPPY TRAILS

LINK

VIEW

LINK
https://www.facebook.com/hectorsrevenge
@hectorsrevenge https://twitter.com/hectorsrevenge

TOUR DATES

TUESDAY 11/27 - SOL, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
WEDNESDAY 11/28 - HOTEL CONGRESS, TUCSON, ARIZONA
THURSDAY 11/29 - SODA BAR, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
FRIDAY 11/30 - THE SATELLITE. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
SATURDAY 12/1 - BOTTOM OF THE HILL, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY 12/3 - JAMBALAYA, ARCATA, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY 12/4 - COZMIC PIZZA, EUGENE, OREGON
WEDNESDAY 12/5 - DOUG FIR LOUNGE, PORTLAND, OREGON
THURSDAY 12/6 - CHOP SUEY, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
FRIDAY 12/7 - THE SHAKEDOWN, BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON
SUNDAY 12/9 - THE URBAN LOUNGE, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Photo by Rynne Stump

"PRANAH is an intimately captured recording of Tibetan singing bowls designed to give the listener a personal transcendent experience."

www.acuitysoundworks.com

REVIEW

by Bill Binkelman, a long-time icon in the industry.

"I'm crushed. I'll miss my friend."

Adam Jones

ALEISTER CROWLEY "DARK HALO" PRINT WITH
ORIGINAL (HAND-WRITTEN) PROSE-POEM

12" x 16" UV ink print from an original charcoal drawing entitled "DARK HALO" by L.A.-based artist HEATHER McMILLEN. Strictly LIMITED TO ONLY 93 HAND NUMBERED and SIGNED COPIES printed on arches rives fine art paper. Artist depiction of the aged Great Beast 666 deep in contemplation with pipe full of perique. (Based on an old photograph of Crowley).

Print also includes an ORIGINAL, PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED 24-LINE PROSE POEM entitled "IDEALITY WITH A BEAST'S TEACUP"- INDIVIDUALLY HAND-WRITTEN, NUMBERED and SIGNED by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE on parchment paper. The same 'homage to Aleister Crowley' prose-poem also comes with a PRINTED VERSION on quality paper. Highly collectible fine art piece and holographic mystical verses for all Crowley enthusiasts.

ALEISTER CROWLEY "THIRST" PREMIUM QUALITY TEE SHIRT

Tri-blend premium quality tee shirt featuring artwork by HEATHER McMILLEN (based on concepts by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE). Front of shirt shows the famous hypnotic gaze of British occultist Aleister Crowley, beneath which are a crossed 'SWAN' FOUNTAIN PEN and CIRCA 1920's HYPODERMIC SYRINGE. Back of shirt contains an in quotes verse from Crowley's "The Diary of a Drug Fiend", encircled by an ancient esoteric OUROBOROS symbol (designed by Heather McMillen).

ALEISTER CROWLEY COCKTAIL GLASS SET WITH ORIGINAL 'BEASTLY' DRINK RECIPES (Drink recipes not shown on store samples)

Set includes FOUR PINT GLASSES with BAKED ON CROWLEY ARTWORK by HEATHER McMILLEN and ORIGINAL DRINK RECIPES by BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE. GLASS ONE: "CHORONZON 333" features the magician Crowley in ceremonial garb with a recipe for a very potent, though quite palatable, cocktail created by using multiple types of liquor sequentially layered.

GLASS TWO: "BABALON RISING" contains the artist's depiction of Crowley's one time magical assistant, Leila (Laylah) Waddell, complete with the "Mark of the Beast" symbol between her breasts. Comes with recipe for a refreshing British Navy Rum-based drink (with a liberal splash of... No, it's not what you're thinking!)

GLASS THREE: " CROWLEY COCKTAIL #69" features a portrait of the aging Great Beast 666 with shaven pate and hypnotic gaze. Includes the recipe for a pleasant concoction of effervescent champagne, Aphrodope Elixir and more. (A truly lovely coming together.)

GLASS FOUR: "HEMLOCK CLUB GREEN FLAME" contains the unicursal hexagram symbol of Crowley's "Thelema", along with a recipe for a flaming absinthe-based libation (being the modified version of an old classic - only now potentially more damning to one's soul!).

STORE

FRIDAY, FEB 22 - THE TIVOLI - BRISBANE
TUESDAY, FEB 26 - ENMORE THEATRE - SYDNEY
THURSDAY, FEB 28 - PALAIS THEATRE - MELBOURNE

CHEERS!

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 CAHUENGA BLVD., WEST
STUDIO CITY, CA. 91604

VOTE CADUCEUS

"Once again, COLLIDE manage to create their own audio universe. Now on their tenth release (The ethereal elec- tro-tech duo COLLIDE, led by vocalist kaRIN and electronic guru Statik, are back with a re-mixed vengeance. The band's imminent release, BENT and BROKEN, a double CD of stellar remixes (compiled mainly from songs off their two most recent full-length albums, COUNTING TO ZERO and TWO-HEADED MONSTER) is sure to stimulate your sonic sensibilities. Bent and Broken is comprised of songs from a remix contest held during the beginning of 2012, as well as remixes from top notch remixers like cEvin Key/Ken Marshall (Skinny Puppy), Android Lust, and Chris Vrenna (Tweaker). It also includes two new cover songs and one new original song."

ENJOY

VIEW

RESERVED SEATING

FUMBLING IN THE DARK WITH THE LEGENDARY TEXAS SNORKWHOMPER

You might say that it's the 'house specialty' of Texas monster folklore. The spooky story that never dims in its re-telling - itself being the terrifying saga of the legendary Texas "Snorkwhomper" - an elusive creature that allegedly haunts the thickly-forested Southern and Eastern regions of the Lone Star State. And after a few years of relatively few sightings, the famed cryptid nicknamed by locals as "Muddy Buddy" and "Grubby Bubby" would appear to be once again roaming the wooden trails and stagnant marshes of "Baghdad on the Bayou."

For decades the spine-chilling tale has been recounted among dyed-in-the-wool Texans (those with peanuts in their Dr. Pepper and jalapeńo peppers on the side), with those unfortunate witnesses of this particular devil describing a scaly, grayish-skinned monstrosity with intensely glowing red eyes as brilliant as "the taillights on a 57 Ford Thunderbird." When the nocturnal insect shrill suddenly ceases to an oppressive silence, the creature often emits an unmistakable, blood-curdling high-pitched screech sounding like "JEET!!!" While to some the persistent tales of the Snorkwhomper are appreciated as a tourist boon, to other Texans the thing is about as welcome as a layered lettuce salad or doing the dreaded double nickel! However, one thing that all those with jeweled cowboy boots can agree on is that this hideous creature ("uglier than a bucket full of armpits" according to one Houstonian) is NO "Bigfoot"-like hairy costume legerdemain. "Like a huge booger that you can't thump off your finger is this damn thing."

Imagine you are at a sleepover with some of you junior-high friends on a humid autumn night - seated in a typical den in Houston, Texas - with a pine couch draped with a "Lone Star" granny quilt, polished indoor gun-rack, stuffed ibex, framed cow-patty, oil painting of blue bonnets, Indian pottery with a trail of ants, and a hat stand laden with colorful Stetsons. By the faint glow of a wagon wheel chandelier, while having a midnight snack of leftover Frito Pie and cold Orange Crush, one of the older teens repeats the oft-told yarn of the devilish creature with eyes like the fiery coals of hell, that terrorizes those in the mist-enshrouded swamps and shadowy deep pines, but also sometimes intrudes upon the city, even having been sighted in well-lit suburban neighborhoods (just like the one you're currently living in).

Continuing with the frightening story, the boy tells how, in fact, a few years ago during the holiday season the dead body of a big toot-the-horn Texas lawyer named Gaspur McNeer was found sprawled amongst the azalea bushes in his front yard on River Oaks Boulevard. Although his face had been slashed to pieces, with it later determined that his brain had been somehow sucked through his nostrils as if by some hellish ant-eater, the man's wallet and calfskin briefcase were both untouched. On the front door of the house, a barbed wire Christmas wreath still hung straight, while inside, stuffed cowboy boot stockings were undisturbed, with no valuables also missing from an antique pie-safe.

Stranger still, later that evening, a man fitting Gaspur's description was seen running naked - though covered almost completely in a sheen of glistening mud in the neon glare of the plethora of fast food chuckwagons along Westheimer. Those who saw him swore to any God in a ten-gallon hat that it was the lawyer Gaspur McNeer, himself. With Houston police units now searching him, he finally disappeared near a Valero gas station, only to be seen the following morning around noon at both his office and at the "Heroic Butchery Sandwich Emporium." Only now, he was cleaned up and well shaven, wearing the same two-piece pinstripe suit and black wing-tips that he had on when found dead, and holding the same calfskin briefcase. But here's the kicker. There were muddy footprints on the Spic 'N Span scrubbed floors! Shortly after, he was never seen again (other than his embalmed corpse). To some this seemed funnier than socks on a rooster, but to others it was further evidence of a shape-shifting demonic creature - the famed Snorkwhomper. Now, if this story wasn't enough to scare the pants off one, then other stories involving chance encounters with the thing often amounted to trouser-chili in one's Wranglers (though in these parts without beans of course!)

The following tale gained a greater notoriety after being published in the October 1992 issue of "Texas Highways" magazine. In the article, the Pulitzer-prize winning reporter recalled the testimony of several other seemingly credible eyewitnesses who had brushes with death when they chanced upon the creature. These included wildcatters, roughnecks, barrel racers, beauty queens and an astronaut. Even a black indoor rodeo star. Deaths possibly attributed to the Snorkwhomper also run the gambit - from a wealthy socialite (foundations, art patroness, indoor tennis courts and mink tortilla warmer) to a sunburned janitor who was found with blood gushing out of him like "a tumped over longneck on a glowing jukebox." By the time the authorities arrived on the scene there was little left of him other than a blood-stained Mexican wedding shirt, bolo and onyx slider, and soiled gimme cap with a popular feed store logo. It appeared as if he had attempted to fight off something with only cellophane-wrapped stick of beef jerky. Like the others, no cash was taken from his palomino-colored imitation steerhide wallet.

Although the magazine feature sanitized it, the latest victim was a daddy's little princess-type-turned-high school cheerleader STD/hub-turned-tequila-soaked honky-tonk angel - turned Meth-head stripper/cum-dumpster, whose partially-clad dead body was found near a spring-fed creek just a short yonder from "The Church of the Extreme ATV Park." Evidently she was in the middle of giving a "Texas Breathalyzer" when her and her 'friend' were interrupted by something "god-awful." (Note: the 'breathalyzer' part, whatever it might refer to, was glossed over in the magazine article, although at the funeral the girl's father gloated that his precious little girl was once "hotter than a jalapeno lollipop and two-dollar pistol").

And then there were the turned over Winnebagos and mysterious abandoned campsites found near recreational places like Splendora (home of the world's largest bowl of salsa), Wicked Oaks, Hidden Falls, and Texas Hogwallow.

All this was enough to rouse the suspicions of some of the strongest arms of the law. As one Texas Ranger put it, "Well butter my ears with Smuckers and lay me next to an anthill. This Snorker hoopla is nothing to guffaw at." When asked to give people advice, from behind his mirror Ray-Bans he replied, "When you're in the woods, don't squat with your spurs on, and if you gotta visit the peesplasher, take more than a damn fly-swatter with you."

The article in the October issue of "Texas Highways" magazine assured its readers that the stories involving the Snorkwhomper weren't just further examples of a whopper of a Texas tall tale, but, rather than slinging the bull, they were based on the "dead-right facts." Granted, my blue jeans might be more than a few rivets short from being essential, but I personally thought the whole thing was bullshit piled on top of bullshit. The Snorkwhomper was just a more modern addition to the fantastic menagerie of "fearsome critters" or imaginary backwoods creatures spoken about around campfires in the boonies and in smelly poduck taverns. A scarier version of the Jackalope, was all this seemed to be. Case closed...

That was until I heard about what happened to Tool bassist Justin Chancellor and his wife Shelee during a recent trip to Houston, Texas. Having attended the wedding of good friends on October 7th, the following morning they were invited by some other good friends (all being members of Texas law enforcement) for a day of Texas-style recreational activities, and not just lawnmower racing and paintball fields! After a late breakfast of saddle-sized chicken-fried steak, and then some fancy shootin' of snakes with AR-15s, they headed out of H-Town for a "mudding" trail adventure at an ATV park (which I will not disclose at this time). Though I initially had a hard time stringing together the sequence of events, I was able to gather that shortly after the evening rainfall, while riding their quads on the primitive dirt roads winding through dense woods, strange things began to happen.

With his Polaris stuck in a mud bog on one of the forest's surrounding trails, Justin got a whiff of a terrible odor before catching sight of a pair of eyes that were glowing a fierce reddish color. So bright were they, in fact, that at first he thought they were an ATV's brake lights, or possibly a bicycle reflector. But then he saw what appeared to be a strangely shaped animal of sorts - a hideously adorned, grey-skinned form watching him from behind some rustling foliage. When the thing crept a little closer with its menacing red eyes now clearly visible, for whatever reason - not knowing what else to do - Justin tossed an un-eaten, still paper-wrapped hamburger at it, which the misshapen creature quickly grasped from the damp ground before disappearing back into the trees. (Note: Having moments before stopped at a "Whataburger" drive-thru on one of the dirt trails, Justin purchased one of the Texas chain's smaller "Justaburger" in order to get some small condiment tubs as new additions for his prized ketchup collection.)

When Shelee and the others arrived at that particular spot on the trail, they found Justin completely covered with mud and talking excitedly about something that he'd just seen amongst the trees. After having a can of beer to help calm him down, the group drove their ATVs to the park's spray-wash area where Justin also hosed the mud off his clothes. It was there that Shelee noticed that his recently acquired Jimi Hendrix necklace was missing (described to me as a unique pendant with Jimi's famous image laser cut out of black acrylic on a black finished delicate cable chain). Although Justin claimed that he'd left it back at the hotel, Shelee felt certain (she later told me) that he'd been wearing it while at breakfast, and even at the beginning of the mudding trail adventure...

Intrigued by Justin's story, and thinking that it might make for a good newsletter , I flew to Houston to do some first-hand investigating (besides, I could use a tax write off, and a Whataburger didn't sound too bad). It wasn't long after arriving that I found myself in a dive called "Tell Her I Ain't Here, Boys", where I had arranged a meeting with a local cryptid hunter named Culp Castlebury. A native Texan, Castlebury was an experienced cryptozoologist, who in the past had chased after the skunk-ape, giant catfish, and even leathery-winged pterodactyls. More recently, he was on the trail of capturing one of those peculiar mangy blue dogs that many believe to be goat-sucking chupacabras. Before answering any of my questions, the beer-bellied right friendly fellow suggested that we first rustled up some huevos and Carta Blanca, with an amuse-bouche of stale saltines drenched with Tabasco. Accompanying us was a Hollywood producer from the Nat Geo channel, who, dressed in floral calico, preferred that we meet at the Hafbrau House, but who was all white creamy gravy about turning the Snorkwhomper legend into a new cable television series.

With cracker crumbs flecking his beard, Culp finally started laying out some details about the Snorker. Seems that the creature's diet consists mainly of cow patties ("Eats those there meadow muffins like they're pecan pancakes!), beetles, and buffalo clover. However, what really excites its culinary palette is Lance (not Nabisco!) Toasty peanut butter-and-cheese crackers purchased at a Valero gas station. These salted orange squares have been used with much success to bait the creature. Which is why in close proximity, its breath is said to be able knock a buzzard off a shit wagon! As the lady producer began taking notes, the cryptid hunter continued with a few other little known oddities about the elusive critter. Turns out that it acts rather oddly when someone litters. Whether a praline wax paper or Styrofoam cup from James Coney Island, when it sees anyone messing with Texas it becomes either extremely agitated or distracted, as if compelled to quickly pick up the discarded material (this brought to mind Justin's Justaburger wrapper). It also doesn't like - nay - is repelled by those armadillo-shaped car air-fresheners which could explain why there are so many dangling from mirror brackets in pickup trucks around these parts.

Far from being a modern phenomenon, according to Castlebury, sightings of the Snorker were reported as far back as the days of cattle rustlers and the Chisholm Trail. He then got a little paranormal, much to the lady producer's delight. The Snorkwhomper, it turned out, was a shape-shifter, with the ability to assume the form of its victims, right down to skoal-scented breath, and the pearl snap closings on a red cotton chambray shirt. In fact, if we were sitting in a Taco Cabana right now, gnawing on a brisket and egg breakfast burrito, you'd be hard pressed to tell that those exotic-skinned boots tapping the floor were being worn by a shape-shifted Snorker. Your only clue might be muddy footprints on the floor - the telltale signs of Grubby-Bubby before the transformation is completed.

Though I was growing weary of listening to old hits by the "Light Crust Doughboys" on the barkeep's I-Pod, as well as hearing comparisons between the Snorker and other Texas swamp beasts (including the Fouke Monster of Southern Arkansas) when the crytozoologist started telling me about certain theories of his pertaining to the creature, I was ready to order another round of beers. It wasn't the possible throwback to a Glyptodon or Panocthus (prehistoric armadillos) that caused me to raise a brow - it was his mentioning of the famous Cash-Landrum UFO encounter.

The story goes like this: Back on a December night in 1980, while driving home to Dayton Texas (or looking for a bingo game in the woods!), two women and one's grandson were startled by a large radiantly glowing diamond-shaped object that was hovering at treetop level above the road. As the ponderous metallic-silver thing emitted brilliant flares that caused a tremendous heating of the asphalt below, one of the women interpreted the object to be none other than Jesus during the Second Coming. Soon, however, besides the anomalous craft, he sky was filled with what appeared to be CH-47 Chinook helicopters. But while the women were transfixed on the aerial spectacle (grandson Colby, too), their skin began to get hot and blister, and they later felt quite nauseous. Not long after the event they would suffer symptoms similar to radiation poisoning, and hence sued the country for damages. Could it be, wondered the cryptozoologist, that a certain level of residual gamma radiation from the object - itself possibly a military experiment involving a dirty nuclear powered propulsion system, was responsible for the latest incarnation of the Snorker? Was the creature some kind of horribly mutated armadillo? And then there was the 1948 Laredo Texas crash whose dead alien pilot was dubbed "Tomato Man." But, seeing how the photos of the incinerated E.T. also show a pair of decidedly terrestrial wire frame glasses, we should probably rule that one out as having anything to do with any of Texas's legendary monsters.

Having listened to Culp's theories, and having viewed old newspaper clippings and Xeroxed copies of police reports in his possession, I decided to have him take me to the exact location at the ATV park where Justin might have encountered something just a trifle unusual.

That night out at the ATV park, in the dense woods where the silvery gleams of the Autumn moon were reflected in the eyes of wolf spiders and other nocturnal hunters, there was plenty of strange activity to be sure. First, we heard what sounded like something knocking repeatedly on wood. "Wood knocking communication", Castlebury whispered enthusiastically.

Suddenly we both saw some weird lights darting about through a thicket of trees.

Ghostlights?

Through my borrowed night-vision scope I could make out a portly, spectral green figure who was attempting to attach what appeared to be a candy bar on a string to a tree limb. As he struggled to do so, a woman repelled down from the same tree, wearing all kinds of technological gear, including a face-mounted FLIR camera. This seemingly caused the large man to have an intestinal transfer in his khaki shorts.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

IT'S A FUCKING SQUATCH!!!

"He's got a pretty big hole in his screen door, don't he?", Castlebury uttered to me.

Soon a group of Bigfoot field researchers had gathered around the two, with the woman, as it turned out, being part of a crack team of UFO Chasers who had picked up a heat blip of the rotund squatch hunter acting rather strangely through her thermal imaging camera.

"These squatch hunters and UFO chasers frightened away the damn snorker! I'll bet none of them could find their own asshole with a search warrant and a flashlight", the cryptid hunter said. "Might as well go rustle up some doughnuts from the closet Shippley's."

While leaving the park, taking a final scan with the night-vision scope, I couldn't believe what I saw. It was definitely him. The Bug Man. Rance Q. Spartley, the maverick entomologist. He was only yards away, kneeling down while examining something on the forest loam. "Professor", I shouted. "It's Blair. What are you doing here?" After staring at me for a few seconds, the bespeckeled fellow replied, "Looking for a rare type of longhorn beetle whose pinchers aren't just for show. But it's not easy with all this commotion" he added while standing up and offering me a retro Necco candy wafer by lifting one of the pastel confections with his dirt-encrusted thumb. "Who's that wild thing with the gizmo on her face? Take a thermal image of this." he said, pointing to his groin area. "Tell her that I can drive friendly. By the way, whatever happened to your friends playing those big shows in South America in the Fall?"

"I guess it fell through, but they might need your expertise again for something also a bit exotic."

"Well, give a holler if so, as they say in Delaware."

As the entomologist stepped back, I saw something sticking out of the mud.

It was kind of shiny.

"DAMN."

(NO CLIFF-HANGERS HERE!)

It was a Jimi Hendrix necklace with the guitarist's famous image laser cut out of what appeared to be black acrylic... on a black finished delicate cable chain.

HAPPY MUDDING ADVENTURE TRAILS

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Danny Carey - drums
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Hadrien Feraud - bass
Doug Webb - woodwinds
John Ziegler - guitar

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The other copy is also in NEW/MINT CONDITION, being the REVISED, EXPANDED 2ND EDITION GLOSSY SOFTCOVER (ALSO OUT OF PRINT). It, too, is SIGNED by both the AUTHOR, and DANNY CAREY (who added an additional "Star of Babalon" flourish).

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For DARKLORE VOLUME 7, I decided to write about my numerous trips to the perimeter (and beyond!) of the top-secret military facility known as AREA 51 (see: "DIRT ROADS TO DREAMLAND: FIFTY-ONE TRIPS TO AREA 51" by Blair MacKenzie Blake).

Along with a brief overview of the base's redacted history, and the wild claims by whistle-blowers of the military's testing of captured/reverse-engineered extraterrestrial spacecraft, I give the reader a first-hand account of what I've personally seen and experienced during 51 trips to the environs of Area 51 - going back to 1989 and continuing into the present day. This includes a night in the mid-1990s when "Tool" drummer DANNY CAREY and I became the first civilians to be detained at gunpoint in the "Restricted Zone" only days after the latest government land grab to secure the closest public vantage points and thus keep the base's activities concealed from prying eyes. And then there is the account of how I and another friend of mine were rendered unconscious by the oppressive security forces by either being gassed or drugged in some strange manner near the boundary - this possibly to keep us from witnessing the testing of something 'black.' I also give detailed descriptions of what I've seen (and, more importantly, what I DIDN'T see!) during several "space picnics" while camping in the harsh desert environment by the famous 'secret' base. Finally, I attempt to separate fact from fantasy, and, again, based on what I've seen for myself, offer an alternative explanation for many of the sightings of anomalous lights and objects seen by others who have visited the mysterious place. (Note: the article also includes photos that I've taken showing the formidable security measures in what is now strictly off limits to the public.)

DARKLORE VOLUME 7 is available at www.amazon.com (CLICK ON DARKLORE VOLUME 7 in BOOKS) in BOTH an INEXPENSIVE SOFT COVER and LIMITED EDITION HARD COVER.

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Can be used as an ornamental object in the house, or as a drummer's stool cushion.

COMES IN TWO SIZES and MAKES A UNIQUE GIFT.

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JOHN also has informed me that there are still some advanced tickets/reserved seating available for both VOLTO! (DANNY CAREY, JOHN ZIEGLER, JEFF BABKO & LANCE MORRISON) shows at the 'tator' on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20. To get yours, click HERE.

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Photo by Jonathan Quick... or so I'm guessing

Fine art print entitled "BMB" Printed on Archival Somerset Heavyweight Rag Paper with torn edge. Signed and numbered by Heather McMillen.
The reverse of each print will contain a PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED 16-LINE ESOTERIC PROSE-POEM entitled "CHRYSOPOEIA", HAND-WRITTEN and SIGNED by the author (BMB).

One LIMITED EDITION pressing of 49. SOLD OUT

(Package will also include the original occult prose-poem "Chrysopoeia" printed on a sheet of 8.5" x 11" Parchment.)

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Ask anyone who has attended a Tool concert in recent years and they will tell you that the music is greatly enhanced by the stage lighting, lasers and video projections. (Indeed, the elaborate production has often been compared to Pink Floyd's live show.) For this month's newsletter, I had the great privilege of conducting a rare interview with Tool's long time Lighting Director, Mark 'Junior' Jacobson. The interview with Junior is, in my opinion, long over due (we've been toying with the idea for years). But now that Junior has moved closer to the city, and, hence, I've had more opportunities to 'nudge' him about doing it - it only took a pint or two or three at the local pub for the new proud Papa to finally agree to answer some of my questions. The result, I think you will find, is a revealing glimpse into what it's like to do professional stage lighting, especially for a band of Tool's caliber.

BMB: Let's start at the beginning: Was there a particular band's live show, live video, or other theatrical event that first got you interested in stage lighting?

JUNIOR: I did a little bit of lighting in high school for plays and dances, but the first bands that got me interested in lighting were Pink Floyd and Rush.

BMB:Who were some of the bands whose lighting and stage shows you most admired prior to getting involved in lighting yourself. And what bands' stage lighting and/or stage show impresses you today?

JUNIOR: Some of the shows that made me take notice of lighting and production were Iron Maiden (Dave 'Lights' Beasley/Derek Riggs), Talking Heads (Beverly Emmons/David Byrne), Don Henley (Steve Cohen), Sting (Nick Sholem), Prince (Roy Bennett), and the aforementioned Rush (Howard Ungerleider) and Pink Floyd (Marc Brickman).
I don't go to a lot of large shows anymore, but I still enjoy seeing what Rush does. Roger Waters "The Wall" tour was a production marvel, although it wasn't about the lighting as much as it was about the actual Wall and the video on it. The lighting itself was actually quite minimal for a show of that scale, but it was fitting.
In some ways it's difficult for me to go see a show without having an opinion of the production/lighting. It's good to see what is going on out there in terms of innovation, and whatnot, but I feel it can also stifle ones own ideas as much as it can inspire. You can get caught up trying to keep up with everyone else to where it just looks like you took their ideas, or the "one-upsmanship" path that just keeps piling on to where it just becomes a giant mess. Of course, you can also try to further what you've seen.
Very little hasn't "been done" already. The key is to find new ways to incorporate and present it all.

BMB: Do you remember your first time doing lights for a band or other event, and what was the first band to actually pay you for doing their lights?

JUNIOR: In the spring of 1988, when I was 18, I got a job helping a local band in Madison, Wisconsin called "The Cheeters". They had won 2 rounds of "Star Search" and were building a regional following. They had 2 crew: a sound guy (Steve) and a lighting guy (John), both known to the band as "Bob". They had to set up everything themselves and drive the equipment truck from city to city. I was eager to learn the business, so "the Bobs" hired me out of their own pockets to go with them and help. Initially it was $10-$20 a day, and I was setting up drums, keyboards and guitars as well as helping to put up lights and sound and take my turns driving the truck. Eventually the band figured out who I was and put me on salary ($35 a day). They also nicknamed me "Junior Bob", as I was still 18. The Bobs would show me how sound and lights worked. Occasionally one of them would need to go to the stage to fix something, so I would run lights or sound as needed.
John took a job with another band, which left The Cheeters without a lighting guy just before they were about to play a big Thanksgiving show at Madison's premiere club, Headliners. They were perplexed, but John insisted I could do it. He had known about his new job for a while and had been showing me how it all works. From that day forward lighting has been my main focus.

BMB: What bands prior to Tool did you do lighting for, and what bands, events, etc. have you worked on while Tool is not touring?

JUNIOR: I spent about 7 years doing lighting for club bands in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the first half of the 90's working for a regional sound and lighting company in Minneapolis called Southern Thunder. From Southern Thunder I got a job touring with the band Filter in 1995. In 1996 I did a tour with Rage Against the Machine, and then started with Tool.
When Tool is not touring I've worked for a number of other bands over the years. Love Spit Love, Limp Bizkit, Stabbing Westward, The Melvins, Linkin Park, Staind, Siouxsie Sioux, Clay Aiken, "The Good, The Band and the Queen", Korn, Duran Duran, Devo.
Recently System of a Down, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle have been keeping me busy. I've done a little bit of television work, including some time at Mun2/Telemundo, and splitting duty on the first season of "America's Best Dance Crew" with Breck Haggerty (Tool's Video Director). While at Southern Thunder, and more recently with Delicate Productions (Tool's lighting and video equipment vendor) I've done a number of large and small-scale corporate events ranging from product launches to lighting President Clinton (that was a while ago) to sales meetings. Some require glitz, while others just need to be right.

BMB: How did you get the Tool lighting director gig?

JUNIOR: The Tour Manager for Filter (Pete Riedling) was also the Tour Manager for Tool and Rage Against the Machine. He introduced me to Adam at a Filter show in Ventura, and then later to Danny (at the Opium Den) after a RATM show at the Palladium. Those intros got the ball rolling on me joining the Tool organization.

BMB: Over the years, is there a particular Tool song that you are especially proud of with regards to the stage lighting? Also, any particular show that really stands out?

JUNIOR: It's not easy to single any of them out, but I've always liked what we do with 46&2, Lateralus, and Ćnema. Those songs have so many parts to them. Recently 46&2 has been the song where the show opens up a bit. When Wings/10,000 Days was in the set I felt it was a real showpiece. We did some really cool things in that song that we had never done before. It was also the introduction of the lasers each night, and just had a very epic feel to it.
There have been a lot of great shows. I wish I could remember them all. I used to be able to, but some of it is turning vague. The first 10,000 Days tour arena show (2006, Vancouver) stands out, since there were a lot of firsts for us, and a lot of "I hope this works" going on. The first time the band went to New Zealand (1997) was intense. The fans were very excited to have Tool there.

BMB: What was your favorite Tool tour up to now?

JUNIOR: Difficult (again) to choose.
1996-1998 (Ćnima) was my first with them, so there is an attachment to that era, I suppose. The 2nd round of Lateralus (2002) was a favorite of many. I'm happy with the end result of 10,000 Days (2006-2011). It took a lot of work to get there, but I think we accomplished a lot, artistically.

BMB: Knowing that Tool uses lots of projections, lasers, etc., how do you coordinate with the others to keep things balanced?

JUNIOR: Video (Breck Haggerty), Lasers (Scott Wilson) and I will often work on ideas independently, but ultimately there has to be an overall plan. When it was just lights and video the show was a bit more organic, in that Breck (or his predecessors) and I would operate mostly independently, but off of each other, almost in the way that jam bands play. Sometimes it was magic and sometimes it was a mess. When a good moment occurred it would usually make its way in to the show permanently. The show was constantly evolving, and sometimes devolving. It became clear that we should coordinate to a certain point, at least. Over time we made a more concerted effort to make sure lighting and video colours didn't clash, or at least progressed together.
On the "10,000 Days" tour we introduced some new elements. Video made its way on to more surfaces instead of just a screen or 2, we added the ability to move lighting trusses around and re-shape the look of the airspace during the show, and it was also the first time we used lasers.
With Adam's idea of the completely white stage and a minimalistic look, we decided to make sure the show progressed from small to big in the right way. Ideally the audience would either consciously, or subconsciously, initially think the show would be similar to shows in the past based on what they saw when they walked in and during the first few songs. All of the lighting rig was at the same height and flat, which doesn't catch the eye. The whole stage was white, so the video screen just blended in. We wanted to keep the lasers as secret as possible, so we covered the word "lasers" on all of Scott's cases (even his chair) that were visible to the crowd. Granted, in this day and age it is impossible to keep secrets beyond the first show as too many of the audience have seen set lists, video clips, and descriptions on the Internet.
Starting with just lights, then adding some video gave the appearance of "nothing new", so that when the stage floor video appears later, then the moving trusses, and then lasers each new element got a proper introductory moment and made the show grow.
All of this required the various departments to be more in touch with one another than in the past, and a number of different scenarios ready to go on moments notice.

BMB: How long does it usually take to prepare the lighting for the average Tool tour, and is it, in part, a work in progress that changes with each show?

JUNIOR: In 1996 the lighting was largely improvised and required very little pre-production time. The venues were also smaller as was the lighting system. It was mostly set up by me and one other person, with some help from local stagehands. As the shows got bigger the size of the lighting rig got bigger, to where improvising can start to look sloppy. There also needed to be more definite ideas and the systems themselves became more complex. Recently we have taken as much as a week on a soundstage to build the system and pre-program as much as makes sense without handcuffing the ability to improvise. We currently carry a lighting crew of 4, plus me. The lighting crew also get help every day from the local stagehands at the venue. The ideas for the show can start to formulate months ahead of time. There has never been a Tool tour that is not constantly evolving. Some days there is not time to add to the show, but there have always been changes throughout the tour. Nothing is set in stone.

BMB: Somewhat related to the last question, how much of the lighting for a Tool show is programmed as opposed to being improvised?

JUNIOR: Certain parts have to be programmed. Sequences and effects will look a lot better if you use the technology at hand. On the other side of that, there are certain aspects that will be emotionless if a human is not directly executing them. With Tool there has to be a human operating all of the key moments. Nothing is run from time code, and the band don't play to a click track, so the production has to follow their lead. Everything the band is doing is susceptible to improv (and mistakes) so the production has to be, as well.

BMB: Over the years, have there been certain ideas about the lighting that you have presented to the band members, but that were rejected for cert6ain reasons, If so, care to elaborate? Also, have the band members ever had ideas that you have rejected for whatever reasons?

JUNIOR: None that I can remember. They've always been very receptive to trying new things, both in their music and in the live show. There have been ideas that the band and I decided weren't right for the show, but those are going to remain as buried memories for now. There are also some that will probably work some day, but the logistics or technology doesn't exist quite yet. For the most part, any ideas the band have introduced have worked out. There have been some that made me wonder "How are we going to do that?", but we get the necessary brains together and make it happen.

BMB: How does working festivals compare with individual shows, and for a lighting director for a band like Tool what are the particular difficulties and advantages (if any) with each?

JUNIOR: I can understand the appeal of festivals to fans, but I can't stand doing them. There's always compromise of the intended vision. Festivals are great for bands that play during the day and/or don't have a "production". The video and the mood are a big part of the Tool live show, so it's not an easy task. On an arena tour, the dimensions are nearly the same every day, which is a lot less hassle. Set it up, make sure or all works, focus (aim) the lights, and maybe there'll be some extra time to grow the show, or fix cues that don't quite look right. There is the added bonus of being indoors, so the venue lights can be turned off for a while in the afternoon to make the adjustments a lot easier.
At a festival, you are outdoors in the sun. Not exactly conducive to working on lighting and video. In the best case scenario, the scheduling will allow for setting up the night before the show and getting it all done then. Unfortunately, that's not always possible.
Also, at a festival, your band usually isn't the only concern of the promoter. There are a number of other bands that need their space, or their backdrops, or a video screen, or whatever. This usually means something of yours might need to move, or (worse) get removed. Some festival situations (usually Europe) have a set of lights that everyone uses instead of using the ones you are touring with, so that can make for a long day of trying to make it look "right", and often times on those shows you are driving in from a show in another country and don't get there until mid-day, which makes it even more difficult.
Outdoor shows, in general, can be detrimental to shows with production. Backdrops, smoke, video screens and other elements don't have much tolerance for wind, and electronics really don't like rain.

BMB: What fan disruptions are worse: flash cameras or laser pointers? Any stories about unruly fans that you'd care to share? I don't want to give someone any ideas, but you must have seen a lot of people doing thinks that there not supposed to.

JUNIOR: I think both are pretty disruptive. They both have the compounded disruption of triggering the local security to wave their bright flashlights all over the place, and these days they all have super-bright LED flashlights.
Laser pointers probably have the edge, in that they can be harder to locate, and they will make a squiggly distracting mess all over the backdrop, as well has hitting the band in the eyes.

BMB: Anything new and exciting in the works for the next Tool tour that you can reveal (or, at least, hint at) at this time? Or is it still too early to know what changes and additions might be included for the tour(s)?

JUNIOR: I have some ideas, and I'm sure Adam has some, too. We haven't formally talked about any of them. It's never too early to start getting ideas together, but the actual plan would have to happen closer to a tour start date to be able to utilize the latest gadgets and technology.

BMB: What's the most difficult thing about being on the road for large stretches of time, and, conversely, other that getting paid for doing what you enjoy, what are some of your favorite things about touring? You've certainly seen your share of the world. Any favorite cities that you'd like to return to?

JUNIOR: The most difficult thing is that it makes it hard to have much of a home life. You can't make plans very far in advance. I've never made it to any high school reunions, for example (some would argue I'm not missing anything, there). You have to learn to be spontaneous and adaptable with your schedule. The people around you have to try to understand this, too. I don't get to see my daughter and her mom as much as we'd like.
I enjoy exploring other cities and countries, although sometimes you just don't feel like leaving the hotel. I'm trying to get to as many baseball parks as I can, so if there's a game on a day off, I'm there.
There are a lot of great cities.
London, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland, Adelaide (good wine, there), Santiago (more good wine), Vancouver (good sushi), Toronto, Paris, Moscow, Berlin, New York, Chicago, San Antonio (go Spurs), ... it goes on. Too many to mention all of them, really, and I can't narrow it down to one.

BMB: If you had it your way (meaning no budget concerns), what, if any, changes or additions would you like to see as far as Tool's live show?

JUNIOR: I don't really feel that it's lacking. There's always the desire to go bigger and better. We'll see what we can do next time.

BMB: Is there are favorite story that happened on a Tool tour that you'd care to share?

JUNIOR: There have been a lot of great times. Some of them can't be printed here, for various reasons. One of my favorites was in 2001 when Tool played the Air Canada Center in Toronto. Howard Ungerleider (lighting designer for Rush since 1974) was at the show. He told me that Alex Lifeson was there, but was up in his box seats, and wanted to know if it was ok for him to watch from FOH (front of house: our lighting and sound control area in the middle of the crowd).
Of course, I said yes. Howard brought him in and introduced him to us. At the time, the security team were using airport codes on the guest passes in order to signify the city. So there is Alex Lifeson with a pass on his jacket that said "YYZ". After the show we escorted him backstage. The band members did not know him yet, and did not know he was there, so they had quite a surprised look when they saw him in the hallway.
There have been a number of VIPs in our FOH area over the years. At Wembley arena I turned around during the show and saw Brian May standing there. That made me do a double take.

BMB: I know that you're a sports fan - particularly when it comes to the L.A. Lakers, Kings, and Dodgers. What have been some of your best experiences watching these teams play live?

JUNIOR: The Lakers have to share time with the Spurs, for me. I know some people (especially Mike Patton) who would have me up in front of a firing squad for that, and although I cheer for the Lakers, the Spurs were my introduction to the NBA, and they'll always have me as a fan, too. I've been followings the Kings for a few years, and am partnered in season tickets for them with one of the owners (Gus) of Delicate (the lighting and video company Tool has been using for many years). We got to see a great season last year, and I'm hoping this season happens so we can watch them defend the Stanley Cup.
I had been a big baseball fan in the 70s and 80s until the strikes in the 80s turned me off. Back then the Brewers were my team. The Dodgers became my team after I moved to LA, and Buzz (from the Melvins) invited me to a game. I was hooked again, and being 20 years removed from the Brewers I suddenly had a new team. I've seen some great moments at Dodger Stadium, I just hope I can remember them all years from now.

BMB: What football team would you like to see come to L.A. ?

JUNIOR: I'm not sure about that one. I was born a Packers fan, and remain one to this day. I guess a team is destined to come here, but I can't say that I favor one choice over another.

BMB: What do you think about your good friend Buzz and the Melvins doing 51 shows in 51 states in 51 days? Would you like to be on that tour? And while on the subject of Buzz, have you ever been to a live sporting even with him that they DIDN'T put him up on the large screen?

JUNIOR: I wish them luck, and if any band can do it, they will. They have a different approach to touring than most, anyway. I think they are almost half-way through it. The journal entries have been a fun read. It would be interesting, and it would be quite different from what I'm used to. I think with the right attitude it could be a lot of fun. Buzz does seem to attract attention. He doesn't "blend" well. So it goes.

BMB: When I saw ELP do the "Brain Salad Surgery" tour back in the early 1970s, they were using unusual color gels (for the time), including 'street light' greens (gaslight green?), rose, violet to name a few. Are there any colors or shades that you haven't seen used by a band, that you might like to experiment with for Tool or one of the other bands that you work with?

JUNIOR: There are so many colour possibilities. I do what I can to incorporate oddball shades. I like off-whites, and tints as much as solid colours. Another band that I have been working with has as many as 27 songs each night (their songs are a lot shorter than Tool's), so I need to have a lot of variety. There are some colours, and combinations, that I use with Tool exclusively. We created a bluish shade of white for the "Ćnema" video, and another for "Schism" that are unique to those songs. The Melvins have always wanted to find a way to have all red light and black smoke, but we decided that outside of burning a tire on stage that it might be hard to pull off.

BMB: All right, let's get technical for a minute. Can your describe your arsenal on the last tour? How many lights were used and the various types? Also, what's the operating system that you use?

JUNIOR: We went through a few different fixture types throughout the different legs of the 10,000 Days shows. The most recent touring package had:
22 Mac700 profiles
19 Mac2000 wash
16 VL3000 spots
12 Atomic Strobes with colour changers
12 Pixeline110ec LED strips 10 Mac301 LED wash
6 Showguns
5 Mac2000 profiles (these had the custom-made Alex Grey gobos for the backdrop)

All the lights and touring personnel were from Delicate Productions. Delicate have been supplying the lights for Tool since the mid-90s. They've also supplied the video equipment since 1998.
Jerry Kaiser was the crew chief from 2007 onward. Prior to that it was Leigh Fordham.
The 2010 touring crew were Bart Buckalew, Mary Wistrom, and Spencer Smyth, and at other times included Paul Eaves, Adam Walden, Richie Steffa, and "Pippi". I've probably forgotten someone, but we did a lot of shows.
The lighting rig also included 8 Show Distribution computer controlled variable speed chain hoists, operated by Fred Jacques. These were used to make the curved trusses move up and down during the show.
The lighting is controlled with the MA Lighting "GrandMA" console. Breck also uses one to control the video. We've both been using them for Tool since 2002.

Photo by Junior

HAPPY TRAILS

ALSO... a friendly reminder that "BUBBATRON" (DANNY CAREY, JOHN ZIEGLER, SCOTT KINSEY, JIMMY EARL & DOUG WEBB) will be performing at the 'tator' on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. The location is 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., West, Studio City, Ca. 91604, and ADVANCED TICKETS for the 2 FOR 1 SHOW can be purchased HERE. Two great nights of music with some of L.A.'s best players.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2072179983/i-like-to-paint-monsters

Danny Carey - drums
Scott Kinsey - keys
Jimmy Earl - bass
Doug Webb - woodwinds
John Ziegler - guitar

facebook Bubbatron invitation:
http://www.facebook.com/events/278179805626775/

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Photo by DANNY CAREY

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Again, there are only 2 prints available

NOTE: if there is a problem with the LINK, go to www.etsy.com and type in BMB.

www.AdamScottMiller.com

Photo by BMB

Don't forget that DANNY will be playing with the WEBB ALL STARS (Doug Webb, Mitch Forman, and Jimmy Earl) at the 'tator' on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2.

Jessica D. Hedgepeth Balkin posted:

"And my favorite part: we had a Tool song (LATERALUS) playing at our entrance. Hence the rocker horns! I couldn't help myself..."

MORE INFO

Chet will also be at the PARADISE TATTOO GATHERING SEPTEMBER 13-16 at Keystone Resort in Keystone, COLORADO, where he will be teaching 3 classes- Sculpting, Photoshop and Oil Painting.

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BUG MAN

"If you're really thinking about doing this - whether in the fall, this year, next year, or whenever - there's someone you should talk to first." This was my unsolicited advice to the band's management, as well as to certain band members after hearing about something in the works that was, for TOOL, uncharted territory. His name is Rance Q. Spartley - an entomology professor and, more importantly, not just your garden-variety qualified arachnologist, but an international expert on some of the world's spookiest critters. In fact, he was the keynote speaker at a recent seminar entitled "Zombie Caterpillars Controlled By Voodoo Wasps." Believe me, this guy definitely knows his stuff: Bombardier Beetles, Cave Glowworms, and every Leaf-Hopper in between....

But if you need more credentials, check this out: the good professor had published a solution to a threat to Louisiana's honeybee industry involving varroa mites years before other entomologists began experimenting with natural selection involving Siberian colonies. He discovered a new species of Orchard Mantis that isn't a carnivore and, on the lighter side; he was the first to realize that mosquitoes prefer blondes! With that said, he's no stranger to controversy, especially with his latest prediction that by the year 2016 all June Bugs in the U.S. would be conceived in JULY, thus making the common name for this genus in the scarab family a misnomer. Other things that have irked his colleagues in the past was his claim that he had once seen two identical spider webs (believed to be an impossibility) and that Indian Moths like to inhale cigarette smoke after mating. "Let me know if you'd like me to set up a meeting with him at the loft, and then you guys can decide if you want to take your chances with this thing?"

When the day of the meeting finally arrived, before the band's manager inquired about certain things of importance, I asked the bespectacled entomologist if it was really true that there were more insects in one square mile of rural land than there are of human beings on the entire planet? After unwrapping a Charleston Chew, he replied that he really couldn't say for sure because every time he started counting - something came along, such as a phone call or whatnot that caused him to lose his place. "The damn things don't sit still, do they?" I added. "No, they don't, and I have to have my supper at some point." I also wanted to know how far south the Hobo spider was at this time? Nodding his head as if this was a good question, he informed me that although the venomous spiders were definitely riding the rails from the Pacific northwest, there still weren't any significant populations anywhere near southern California. "T. agrestis, that is, not T. domestica", making an important distinction. To this I joked, "I'm always trying to imagine the eight-legged things in box cars, playing tiny harmonicas" - "They don't play the harmonica", he abruptly cut me off, evidently quite serious, and then was quick to point out, "Nor do they eat cold beans from tin cans. That's just another fallacy about Tegenaria agrestis." "Okay, it's just good to know that I don't have to build a moat or light a ring of fire around my bed... yet."

Although I can't divulge what the meeting with the band was going to be about, other than to say that a mosquito is more likely to bite you if you eat bananas, afterwards the bug man did something that was pretty damn funny (and then something that was quite impressive). While looking at Danny's large drum kit, the professor suddenly flinched, claiming that one of the drumsticks had just moved by itself! When Danny leaned down to see what he was talking about, he, too, jumped back. Whoa! Indeed the stick had moved! Upon closer inspection, what was supposed to be a signature Vic firth drumstick turned out to be a giant Borneo Walking Stick - an insect from Indonesia that Spartley had evidently placed there using some sleight-of-hand method when no one was looking. So, the maverick entomologist was also a bit of a showman! I wondered how many horseflies in plastic ice cubes he'd placed in faculty punch bowls? After much laughter all around, he warned us that the "stick's" bite was "medically significant - wait, that too would be fallacious" he corrected himself as he carefully coaxed the bizarre looking creature back into his briefcase.

It was finally time to get down to business. After answering a few of the concerns that the band had about this (tight-lipped) possible undertaking, the bug man did something that amazed everyone in the room. Noticing that a couple of band members were constantly scratching themselves, and seeing some inflammation of the skin, he asked them how long they'd had the rash on their arms? Both replied that it had been about a week now, and that sometimes it got so bad that they couldn't rehearse. Taking a closer look at the skin irritation, it didn't take the renowned entomologist too long to figure out the probable cause. The bites, he said, were from "what you call arthropods, and I call mites. They're not local either, from the looks of things", he further added. "You think that's bad, have either of you ever been stung on the tongue by a Tanzanian wasp while eating an egg salad and deviled ham sandwich? "Oh, man, that sounds horrible", a band member responded. "Yeah, the wasp's sting was pretty horrible, too!, the entomologist joked while picking up one of Danny's drumsticks (a real one) and crashing a cymbal.

After walking around a bit and examining the room, Spartley was soon able to identify where the mites had come from. "I'll bet you a clutch of 50 European ear-wig eggs that's the source of the problem" he said while pointing to a reddish dust-like substance beneath the rattan and cane frame of a gamelan percussion instrument (metallophone) that Danny had purchased in Bali, Indonesia. He then informed the guys that the 'dust', itself, was actually mites. After stomping on the pile with his small penny loafers, he recommended that they get some anti-histamine and/or cortisone to treat the intense itching. "The best would be Telfast tablets taken with a Yahoo chocolate soda." (Was he kidding?). The bug man then suggested that they fumigate the loft with a good miticide, adding that they shouldn't have to tent it. As sure as grasshoppers have ears on their legs, the good professor was already paying dividends! Before leaving, he told the band's management that if they came to terms and decided to go forward with this latest endeavor, and should further require his services, not to hesitate to "vibrate your antennal hairs." (i.e. call him).

Offering us a stick of Fruit Stripe gum, he said that they shouldn't wait too long, however, since he was about to go visit an albino tarantula the size of your average Chihuahua that guarded green diamonds in a particular cave in southern Mexico, and, therefore, might not be coming back... Needless to say, if this thing goes down, I'll let you know (including, of course, any further advice from bug authority, Rance Q. Spartley).

Rance Q. Spartley at a recent seminar in Bethesda, MD - focusing on the potential crisis of evil weevils infesting the south.

Photo courtesy of Gaffny Kirkaldy

HAPPY TRAILS

Here, in the Indian independent music scene, Tool is considered as one of the very few bands who have pushed through the ambit of genres and created a genre of their own that's undefinable in most aspects. Personally, the most chimerical moment for me and my band mates in our entire life span would be to play with the members of Tool and you have lived that moment. It is hard to tell that how much we respect you for that!

We as humans make music just to connect with each other, it is one of the most evolved way of communications for the human race. Because music had always been in existence in the universe, its us who just transform it from one form to another. And I hope that one day we will be connecting through our music and not just the tool of language!"

Warm Regards,

Ankit Mishra

MORE INFO HERE

TICKETS

LUSTMORD
HERESY: The SIXTYSTONE Edition

A limited edition of 333 copies to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the original release.

333 - SIXTYSTONE - 22

Release Date: August 27 2012

A carved soapstone box containing:

A newly remastered copy of "Heresy".
A second disc "Heretic", of early versions and alternate mixes of "Heresy".
Seven printed inserts.
A small embroidered bag with three enamel pins: "Lustmord", "Heretic" and the Lustmord logo.
Sew-on cloth "Heretic" patch.
A silicone "Heretic" wristband.
All enclosed in a large embroidered cloth bag.

Each copy is hand numbered and signed by B. Lustmord.

"It's not often that an album comes along that both initiates and defines a genre. When it was first released in 1990, "Heresy" caused an instant sensation, and it gave birth to-and defined the Dark Ambient genre. The album has been hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the most important works of its time. Now, 22 years since its original release, a remastered edition, complete with a second disc, is released in a limited edition of 333 signed and numbered copies."

Additional information and a LINK to preorder at the Lustmord Blog.

http://b-lustmord.blogspot.com/2012/07/heresy-sixtystone-edition.html

www.lustmord.com

Danny Carey Talks Electronic Drums, Performing, and Leading People Into "A New Space."

"Mandala Drums has just published a new, 3-part interview series featuring Danny Carey and exploring the connection between technology and modern musicianship. In the video, Danny shares his thoughts on what makes real music and what a true musician is tasked with when creating and performing.

For Danny, it's about how a sense of familiarity and expectation needs to be played out (and manipulated) when creating music. "Anticipate the chord changes, anticipate the arrangements and set things up. Set up the nuances and changes as the music progresses and lead people into the new space."

WATCH

Danny's complete interview.

READ

ORDER

SOLD OUT

http://www.radio23.org/ccr/

THE WICKEDEST BOOKS IN THE WORLD:
CONFESSIONS OF AN ALEISTER CROWLEY BIBLIOPHILE

By
BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE
PHOTOGRAPHY: DUNCAN BLAKE
FOREWORD: DANNY CAREY

REVISED and EXPANDED LIMITED 2ND EDITION

GLOSSY LARGE-FORMAT SOFTCOVER containing over 60 full color photos of rare Crowleyana in the collection of the author and Danny Carey. PRICE $39.00

Again, once this last box is gone, there will be no more copies available.

ORDER

RESERVED SEATS

Copro Gallery - Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave , Unit T5, Santa Monica , CA 90404
Ph: 310/829-2156

E-Mail: CoproGallery@live.com
Web-site www.CoproGallery.com

Second Skin / Tattoo Artist Exhibition

Opening Reception, Saturday, July 14, 8:00 - 11:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs; July 14 - August 4, 2012

"Copro Gallery presents "Second Skin" Tattoo Artist Exhibition curated by Chet Zar. This show features some of the worlds greatest artists in the field of tattooing creating fine art on paper, wood and canvas."

Tattoo Artists include: Alan Padilla, Alex Garcia, Adrian Dominic, Big Gus, Black Mass, Carlos Torres, Chris Dingwell, Christian Perez, Chuy Ortega, Cory Norris, Damon Conklin, Dan Plumley, Gunnar Gaylord, Guy Aitchison, Jaime Lee Parker, Jeff Johnson, Jesse Smith, Joey Remmers, Jon Clue, Joshua Carlton, Juan Salgado, Kim Saigh, Kirk Alley, Michele Wortman, Mike DeVries, Misha, Nick Baxter, Nikko Hurtado, Paul Booth, Paolo Acuna, Pepper, Pooch, Rob McClurg, Shawn Barber , Teresa Sharpe, Tim Plumley... And more...

LINK

On FRIDAY, JULY 6, DANNY will perform with BUBBATRON (JOHN ZIEGLER, SCOTT KINSEY & JIMMY EARL) also at the BAKED POTATO (3787 Cahuenga Blvd., West, Studio City, Ca. 91604). Here are some links for additional info on Facebook and RESERVED SEATS.

http://www.facebook.com/events/438362582850650/

RESERVED SEATS

TALES FROM THE LOFT
(PART THREE)

With deafeningly loud music peeling the Lissitsky murals right of the brick walls, Danny and I and another bored soul were searching for anything of interest in the large cardboard boxes of Tool's fan mail that had been sitting at the loft for several months now. Although the various-sized envelopes had all been previously opened (screened) by the band's management, they nevertheless might have missed something of value, such as collectble peyote buttons, "Wise" brand potato chips, or even a petrified "16th Digit of the Moon" kala. We weren't having much luck until Danny read a letter from a kid in the Pacific Northwest who included a photo of himself together with a prized pig named "Dirty Mary" that he had raised from a... piglet (I guess they're called*) and had recently sold for $1.29 a pound. At first Danny thought this was a joke, and even thought that he knew whom the perpetrator might be. Still, he decided to call the phone number that had been provided, even though, as I reminded him, it was about 3:30 in the morning. After a few rings, the kid's mom picked up. "Hi, is Ryan there?" Danny asked. "Just a minute" was her friendly reply. Seconds later the guy was on the phone. "Hey man, this is Danny Carey. Was that really your pig?" "Yeah" was the nonplussed response. Well, after talking for about 45 minutes about raising pigs and other matters of mutual interest, Danny began to experience problems with the phone (before hanging up, however, he gave Ryan his home phone number and invited him to the next Tool show). Concerned now more about his broken phone/answering machine, as he removed the screws and opened the plastic casing, dozens upon dozens of roaches poured out and scattered across the counter.

* I don't partake of the pig, and you'll soon know why.

As the fates would have it, Frater Xaphan (as I now refer to Ryan), soon became really close friends with Danny, Adam, and Maynard, spending a lot of time (even living) at all of their houses, and traveling with them. Besides being highly intelligent and very athletic (he possibly could have pitched in the majors), Frater Xaphan also turned out to be a natural occultist, able to grasp the meanings of esoteric symbols and concepts, and quickly assimilate the abstruse literature (rest assured that all the roaches was merely a coincidence). Therefore, he was very involved in the design and painting of several of Danny's ensigiled talismanic boards. And although I'm sure that the members of Tool read all of their fan mail, Ryan's was one of the few (other than e-mail) that a band member has personally responded to. Well, besides the photo sent from the girl that claimed to have worked for Hooters in Atlantis. What was her name again?.. Lemuria?

Up until this point, I hadn't really listened to that much Tool, and was only familiar with the song "Opiate" and Undertow's "Sober" - a song that Maynard was instrumental (no pun intended) in writing, picking up Paul's bass at a jam session at the loft one day and playing the now famous riff for the other band members. However, while driving through the Southwestern desert by myself, I put in the "Aenima" CD and found myself really liking it. I was particularly digging "Third Eye" in the barren surroundings until I got stuck behind a truck that was hauling hogs. Now, this was a bright, terribly hot afternoon, and saliva from the living cargo was splattering on my windshield. I then made the mistake of turning on my wipers, which only smeared the viscid, ropy, mucilaginous stuff into a foul, stomach-churning, slick white layer. And I used to enjoy BLTs. How about you?.. Anyway, with my new Tool break though, others were no longer disgustipated because I didn't know a certain tune. Before this, rather than pushit, sometimes part of me just wanted to crawl away. (Ah, so that's why Ryan sent the photo of his award winning pig!)

Besides Danny's close friends, another fixture at the loft in the "Aenima" days was his younger brother Dale Carey. Not only a good musician in his own right, Dale was also a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. He also held the distinction of being the only person who could do more pull-ups at the loft than Danny, whose record he broke one memorable night.* Because of his wide-ranging knowledge, I would often try to trip him up by saying things like, "I didn't know that Louis Pasteur also invented chocolate milk", or "Did you know that Marie Curie came up with the original idea for the Slinky?" Or even, "Besides the cotton gin, did you know that Eli Whitney also invented a stationary bicycle-powered shower?" Most of the time Dale wouldn't bite. He'd just glare at me and take another drink of Budweiser. When the band was on the road, Dale became the loft's sentinel, although I seem to remember a prized guitar or something having gone missing after one tour. Not to worry, though, Danny had found - literally stumbled over - a better one that had been left in an alleyway by someone on that same tour.

* In talking to Danny about this, he recently informed me that Dale only did more pull ups on one particular night, and that he (Danny) still held the over all record.

One night Danny introduced me to some bokachoda named Aloke Dutta who had recently moved from Austin, Texas. Supposedly, Aloke could do things with his fingers that seemed inconceivable. He could also play the tabla (i.e. Bengali bongos) pretty well, or so I was told. Great, with Aloke hanging out perhaps he'd give me some tips on how to improve my chicken vindaloo. "Add some salt, fucker" he suggested in his Bengali accent, before lighting up another Marlboro. With the vindaloo thus perfected, it was now fit to be served to a king. Well, how about a member of Queen. Yep, at the risk of name-dropping, Brian May once broke bread with us during a vindaloo feast, although this was at Danny's... house. Yes, you read that correctly. With the success of "Aenima", and a lot of touring, Danny was finally going to move out of the loft and into an... apartment. (Of course a chick was involved.) But not just any apartment - Danny was going to be living in the historic Ravenswood - the prestigious former home of Mae West. He wasn't there long, though (and not because the building is haunted), only for several months while his newly purchased house was being given a thorough face-lift. (Of course a chick was involved.)

Meanwhile back at the loft: With Damien Storm's "Zekey Zombie" blasting on the stereo, I thought that I heard someone knocking at the door. Opening it, I saw a young dude standing there with a big grin on the face. "Do you want to look at some tits?" I asked him. "Sure" he said. "Good, because we're going to hit Jumbo's in about 9 minutes." The guy introduced himself as Danny's cousin, Paul Vilas Jones, a story that he's stuck with ever since (though I'm still trying to corroborate it). "Great, but that doesn't give you much time to clean the slime out of the Pepsi cooler", I told him. "Ha Ha... Really?" "Well, how many singles do you think you'll need while looking at these tits?"

I'm not sure why I stopped at the loft on that day, but as I approached the closed door I could hear Tool playing inside. Though the sound was a bit muffled, I was immediately taken by a particular bassline that Justin was playing over and over. Not wanting to interrupt them, I waited until they took a break. Once inside, after checking the Dry-Erase board, I saw that the song was tentatively called "Red" (Later this was changed to "The Patient.") Watching Justin's skillful use of the bass's tone control to create a wah effect, I was reminded of a night in Las Vegas not that long ago. My brother and I were staying in a luxury suite at the HardRock hotel and casino, and Justin and some friends visiting from England were partying with us. We had the spacious room's entertainment center turned up to the maximum 'HardRock' volume while listening to a rather psychedelic rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." When the song ended, Justin asked, "Who is this that you're playing?" Seriously? I was a bit dumbfounded. Was he only kidding, or could it be possible that Justin didn't know who Jimi Hendrix was? "Jimi Hendrix", my bother replied. "I really like it!" said the new Tool bassist. Whatever the case, Justin soon became an avid (to put it mildly) Hendrix fan, as anyone on the band's tour bus can attest to. Some nights a Hendrix recording would play for hours on a loop until someone - usually Danny - would insist on playing something else.

Although I immediately took a liking to "The Patient", the same couldn't be said for the other jam tracks that Tool was working on for the band's next record. I recall on numerous occasions Danny playing these lengthy, partially written songs on his house and car stereo, not necessarily to get feedback, but most likely for the purpose of tweaking his drum parts. And although they were complex musical journeys performed by excellent players, there was nevertheless something missing. Frankly, I didn't think the material was nearly as good as the tracks on their previous album "Aenima." Again, something was missing. Well, DUH! What was missing was Maynard. With the addition of his vocal melodies and lyrics, the arrangements had become transformed into something truly wonderful. Now, it sounded like Tool. However, with that said, it is my personal opinion that in order to do his vocal magic, it certainly doesn't hurt to have the right music in the first place in which to create and lay down the melodies over. (Duh, again.) In other words, if ever there were a band in which all of the contributors were equal in importance, it would be Tool. As it turned out, "Lateralus" quickly became my favorite Tool recording (With "10,000 Days" running a very close second).

As for track #13, "Faaip De Oiad", which in the Enochian language translates as "Voice(s) of God", there's an interesting story behind it that I'd like to share with you (though not in its entirety). Originally, Danny's segue on Lateralus was going to be a much more elaborate production, complete with Enochian verses, Calls, etc. (These were later published in my book "IJYNX" as" Da'ath of Babalon"). While working on the ever so important correct pronunciation of these Enochian verses (again, for Danny's segue) at my parents' house in Southern Illinois over the X-mas holidays, at some point I fell asleep, only to be awakened by an incredibly intense 'dream' around 4:00 am (or thereabout). This 'dream' was of something that I can't really describe, other than to say that it appeared as if some kind of strangely complex bio-machine was juggling lightning-fast colorful orbs of energy. The next day (while back in Los Angeles and listening to Art Bell) I learned that in the early hours of January 5th, 2000 multiple police officers witnessed a huge, silent black triangular craft floating over a number of small Illinois towns - including (it would later be revealed) my parents' neighborhood in O'Fallon, Illinois. This was the now famous "Illinois Triangle."

But, getting back to Danny's segue for Laturalus. Due to time constraints and other factors, the original idea was eventually scratched. In the meantime, Danny had this great sample of some defective reverb unit in the loft that he had saved, knowing that someday he would use it on a recording. One night while I was at home listening to Art Bell's "Coast To Coast AM" radio program, for some reason I switched on the radio's cassette recorder. And that's when it happened - the frantic call from this paranoid fellow who claimed to be a ex-employee at Area 51 and was now divulging what was really going on at the secret military installation until a major satellite outage knocked him (and the show) off the air. Taking the tape to the loft the next night so that Danny could hear it, he was not only blown away, but also decided to use the Art Bell excerpt in the dramatic "Faaip De Oiad." But that's not the end of the story. After the piece had been recorded, a few of us were listening to it at the loft when someone smelled something burning. Walking into the back room, we could see that the Testor's model kit of the S-4 "Sport Model" alien spacecraft that was suspended from the ceiling by wires had caught on fire. Somebody had moved a lit candleholder to close to it, which melted the plastic in a certain area before catching on fire. With the flames extinguished, where the plastic had melted, one could now see the anti-matter reactor and gravity amplifiers inside. (You could also see the small alien figures inside that I had painted in cheesy 1950s sci-fi style sparkling space uniforms). The fire was just another coincidence, I'm sure, but if left unattended, the damn thing could have burned down the loft. I'm glad that we didn't decide to go to Jumbo's that night...

Ah, Jumbo's. After a Lakers basketball game, Danny, Adam, Justin and I were returning to the loft in a hired limo when someone thought that it would be a good idea to stop at Jumbo's Clown Room first. While having a few beers and enjoying the burlesque (yes, the girl was... dancing to "Sober"), Justin set a wad of money including a $20.00 dollar bill onto the stage while searching for some singles. Before Adam (or was it Danny?) could pick it up, the... dancer quickly (nay, instantly) snatched it along with her other tips (all of which were singles). When someone said that Justin had just set the money there while looking for singles, the... dancer replied by informing us "Any fucking thing on the fucking stage is fucking mine to fucking take!" To which I calmly responded: "Miss, we totally understand that it's your money. But is it really necessary to use that kind of language?" For a second everything went silent. She then replied with an emphatic "FUCK YOU!" Time to head back to the loft...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Photo by BMB

HAPPY TRAILS

Photo by ALAN JONES

Photo by ALAN JONES

As we ordered steamed crabs and pitchers of beer from the less than friendly staff, I was discussing military UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) - more commonly known as drones - with my favorite alphabet-soup government agency spook. My questions mainly concerned any advances in this technology that might still be tested at Area 51, which was research for a new book project of mine (none of my probing bore fruit). Anyway, while cracking open crabs and dipping the claw-meat into Old Bay seasoning, someone drew my attention to an alien-looking creature that was attached to a wall, along with an odd collection of large crustaceans and other marine-life specimens. Whatever the thing was - it looked quite bizarre, so I snapped a couple of photos of it with my iPhone.

And though I still don't know what the hell the thing is - a dead extraterrestrial or aquatic monstrosity that 'drifted in' on the Patuxent River, not long after leaving the place, a military RQ-4A (UAV) GLOBAL HAWK DRONE crashed into a nearby swamp, shortly after taking off from the Naval Air Station at... Patuxent River! Although the Navy says that the crash occurred on Monday afternoon, the spook informed me that it actually happened on Sunday. What ever day it was, Navy officials told the media that the drone - the military's largest and most advanced, costing about $176 million each, was on a routine training flight (or maintenance flight) when the ground pilot lost control of it near Mechanicsville.

Yet to be answered is why the military's most sophisticated SURVEILLANCE drone was operating in civilian airspace? If it was eavesdropping on a conversation about UAVs being tested at AREA 51 or looking for a missing dead extraterrestrial (that drifted into the DRIFT INN), then they're too late. I've already got the photo. Seriously though, what was this drone doing flying over Maryland's eastern shore? A preview of things to come, perhaps?

Photo by BMB

Photo by BMB

https://www.facebook.com/brotherscollateral

Wednesday, June 20 FREE SHOW @ Slidebar in Fullerton, CA
LINK

Thursday, June 21 FREE SHOW @ Club Los Globos in Los Angeles, CA
LINK

Friday, June 22 @ Yayo's Tacos in Las Vegas, NV
LINK

Saturday, June 23 @ Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City, NV
LINK

DIRECT LINK

www.dailygrail.com

THE WICKEDEST BOOKS IN THE WORLD

CONFESSIONS OF AN ALEISTER CROWLEY BIBLIOPHILE

BY
BLAIR MacKENZIE BLAKE
PHOTOGRAPHY: DUNCAN BLAKE

FOREWORD: DANNY CAREY

REVISED AND EXPANDED LIMITED 2ND EDITION

GLOSSY LARGE FORMAT SOFT COVER - SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR (and DANNY CAREY)
With over 60 full color photos of rare Crowleyana in the collections of the author and author of the book's foreword, Danny Carey.

ORDER DIRECTLY HERE

TALES FROM THE LOFT
(PART II)

I had left my leather jacket at the loft the night before and thought I should grab it before going to the Tool show that was set to start in less than an hour at the Olympic Auditorium (which I believe was the L.A. venue back in 1995). Strangely enough, when I pulled into the empty parking lot, I noticed that the loft's heavy door was pushed open. Although I had my own set of keys, it was obvious that someone was inside. Pulling the screeching door further open, I proceeded into the darkness, glancing up a television flickering in the actual loft area. "Hello?" I called, noticing the silhouette of a figure that appeared to be transfixed by the opera that he was watching (this was either Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" or Philip Glass's "Akhnaten" - I can't remember which.) "Hello!" I shouted again over the dramatic music, until the figure turned to his left and peered down at me. "GodDAMNya, Blair!" rang Danny's familiar voice. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised by this video detention. "Don't you have a big show tonight", I asked? "Yeah!" was his enthusiastic reply before turning back to the operatic pageantry that had so entranced him. After glancing at a digital clock, he then added, "I should probably get going before too long." "But isn't your car in the shop?" I reminded him. "Yeah" he shrugged... "Want me to give you a ride?" After a moment's hesitation: "Yeah, that would be cool." While waiting for my laundry to dry or getting my oil changed, I sometimes still wonder how he was planning to get to the venue had I not decided at the last minute to retrieve my jacket. One thing's for sure, though. He would have figured out a way. For all the close calls over all the years - and there have been... dozens, torturing many a tour manager (not to mention band mates) - Danny has NEVER been 'late' for a show (often sitting down behind the kit with seconds to spare).

It was around this same time that I became friends with the members of Pigmy Love Circus. I met Shephard "Shep" Stevenson first (even though we were in the same 2nd grade class in France - more about this later). Danny and I had been up most of the night debating what might have happened if there hadn't been a lack of jet fuel for all the Messerschmitt Me 262s in production during WWII. It wasn't until the sun was about to come up that I plopped down on a worn couch and he climbed up to his cold waterbed. Seconds later in stormed Shep, totting a 12 pack of Budweiser. He shouted up at Danny, who squinted over the railing to see who was there. As Shep offered him a can of Bud, I watched in horror to see what he would do? The one thing about Danny is that he hates beer in cans. The other thing is that he dislikes all domestic beer, always preferring imports. But it seemed that he had no choice. Reluctantly, he accepted it, at which time Shep handed him another one, so that Danny (at 5:55 in the morning, and still unsure exactly how many Me 262s had been put into production) was now holding two miserable cans of warm Budweiser, one in each hand. Shep then tossed a couple at me as I feigned sleep on the couch. And so that's how I met Shep (again).

The next time I saw Shep wasn't at the loft, but it was the one time that Danny and I almost didn't make it back to the place. While visiting the Pigmy bassist at the Hollywood apartment that he shared with his girlfriend, I was admiring some of the paintings that she had done. I was particularly impressed with her use of interference acrylics, and asked Shep about it. Even though it was very late at night, and his girlfriend was asleep upstairs, he advocated that I go ask her about it. Accordingly, I headed up the stairs and walked into the bedroom where she was lying completely naked on top of the covers. Awkward situation? Evidently not. When I complimented her on her artistic output and enquired about the pearlescent effects, without the slightest hesitation or least trace of bashfulness, she began to explain about applying the transparent glaze, viewing angles, and optical characteristics. Wow, Shep had a cool girlfriend! (Or... was she merely his roommate?)

At any rate, it was while returning to the loft in the wee hours on Danny's decrepit motorcycle that we encountered one of the most surreal (and terrifying) scenes that we could ever imagine. Somewhere between the "El Compadre" Mexican restaurant and the loft, Danny's bike (with me seated on the back) stalled out. Looking around in the darkness, through a slight layer of early morning fog, we could see two Hispanic street gangs slowly approaching each other, with us stuck right dab in the middle. As I remember, there were about six to eight dudes on each side - all of them brandishing crude weapons, including chains, clubs studded with nails, pipes, tire-irons, cudgels, and I swear what looked like a medieval mace. (Only razor-brimmed sombreros and flaming margaritas would have made the scene more Tarantino-esque!). Forming a straight line, they continued towards each other, silent and expressionless, seemingly oblivious to our presence as Danny frantically attempted to start the motorcycle. When they were only several feet away, and I thought for certain that we were going to be stabbed or bludgeoned to death, with Hollywood screenplay timing, the damn bike started, and we squealed away in a cloud of smoke, never looking back. For a couple of products of mid-western suburbia, needless to say, the entire episode was quite bizarre.

Gang types sometimes also hung out in the loft's parking lot. These were mostly young Armenians, and they usually didn't bother any of us. However, one night as Danny was returning home, he was approached by several figures who, intoxicated and antagonistic, were attempting to initiate some kind of violent confrontation. Before things got ugly, Danny managed to stick his key into the heavy padlock, and quickly slipped inside the now impenetrable fortress. A day or so later, Danny recognized the main instigator at a nearby gas station. Still irate about having his life threatened by a group of street thugs, it was now Danny's turn to confront the guy. Without all his buddies, the dude backed off, repeating over and over that he didn't want any trouble. Fortunately for all, Danny maintained his composure and restrained from pulling out the sawed-off shotgun that was in his trunk. Back then Danny was still more Kansas than Hollywood, and with or without any Hershey squirts, the guy was lucky to get out of Dodge...

After this troubling incident, there were a few more showdowns of sorts with the Armenians, but these were mostly harmless pranks involving stink bombs (albeit, industrial strength stink bombs!). As we entertained ourselves inside the loft, our mischievous friends would strategically place a small vial containing ammonium sulfide in the door hinge so that once opened the glass would break, thus releasing the unpleasant aroma. This worked once or twice, but soon we recovered an intact vial. Not to be outwitted, or perhaps just to break the July lethargy, latter that night, Marko ("Die Eier Von Satan") crept over to one of the perpetrators' brand new Jeep Wrangler and finding the canvas door unzipped, doused the fresh interior with the abominable funk.

When the Pigmy Love Circus was in town, as I recall, the loft became quite boisterous. When not guzzling brew and working on new riffs, they kept Danny's little slice of Arcadia in check - helping to police the area from any crack addicts that might be breaking into cars, or harassing shady characters loitering near the entrance, and scaring off transients crapping behind the dumpster. The mere thought of big Mike Savage using a chain link fence as a human cheese grater should have kept most troublemakers away. Of course, most often, the Pigmies preferred to fight one another - that is until a new rule was instituted that stated before any roughhousing commenced, those involved first had to remove all of their clothing. This was a rule that was not to be breached.

As Tool became bigger and bigger, there were lots of parties at the loft, but as to exactly who was racking up points on the Tempest machine or losing badly to Danny at foosball, I wasn't sure. At the time, I didn't know Lollapalooza from a sousaphone, and I certainly wasn't acquainted with who was and who wasn't an alternative metal luminary. All I knew was that if one of them happened to crash at the loft, and they were a sleepwalker, it wasn't okay for that person to pull out his dick and take a piss in the noisy Pepsi cooler. I do, however, remember one night seeing Jaz Coleman of "Killing Joke" playing a terribly out of tune piano in a dark corner, and his band mate Geordie Walker holding court at the smoky makeshift bar. Tom Morello, Mike Patton, and Danny Lohner also frequented these gatherings, but, again, most of those who dropped by were unknown to me at the time. (Note: After Danny's treasured PLC leather jacket was stolen by someone during one of these blowouts, those who gravitated to the loft were more carefully screened.)

While on the subject of parties at the loft, my absolute favorite story happened on a night that I may or may not have even been there. Such was the number of revelers spilling drinks that I'm not really sure. Yet, I've heard the story so many times that I don't believe it to be apocryphal. During said party, when it came time to make a beer run, Marko pointed to a certain person that he vaguely knew from some job, and whom he believed to be a bit of a slacker. "It's about time for YOU to BUY some beer!" Marko commanded. Without making any fuss, the person obliged, leaving the loft and returning about a half hour later with a more that adequate supply of the sudsy stuff (imports, even!). When Marko saw him return in a shiny new Range Rover, he was surprised to say the least. "How in the FUCK did YOU get a Range Rover?" he demanded to know. Well, as it turned out, the guy who Marko believed to be such a Ne'er-do-well wasn't really that at all. In fact it wasn't even the same guy - this person merely bearing a slight resemblance to the slacker. The guy was actually David Gahan, singer for Depeche Mode, who, for whatever reason, good-naturedly went on the beer run without saying a word.

Some nights were quieter and honestly I preferred it that way. During these hangs we would listen to Terence McKenna, Bill Hicks, and all the kooks that called in to Art Bell's "Coast to Coast AM" while discussing our latest occult book acquisitions. If things got too quiet, we'd talk Danny into playing the drum solo from ELP's "Tank", which he usually did to perfection. There were also pull-ups contests, shotgun antics, and feeding the feral cats with leftover Thai. And, of course, Jumbo's...

Again, I don't remember seeing much of Maynard when not creating music or rehearsing for shows, although he would occasionally drop by to talk about various topics of interest (I don't believe wine was one of them - floods, earthquakes and asteroids, perhaps). Sometimes we'd go over to his house and watch the mixed martial arts of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (Gracie, Shamrock, Taktarov, Abbott, etc.), or to nightclubs where he performed in comedy skits. On the other hand, often times Adam wasn't that far way - laboring through the night on the band's videos in the adjacent building. Knowing that all of those involved in the claymation process were doomed to a hellish eternity, it only seemed humane to give them a break every now and then. So, that's when we brought out the potato bazooka. Aerosol powered by either Lysol disinfectant or AquaNet hairspray, a well placed shot would shatter an upper story window and generally disrupt any stop motion animation. After a brief period of inactivity, those at the loft who were foolish enough to approach the other building would invariably be drenched by the 7-11 Big Gulp cups of piss that rained down from above - the video crew's most effective form of retaliation.

And then one day I learned that Paul (D'Amour) was thinking about leaving the band. Wow! I didn't know what to think about this, but I sure hoped that things turned out better than the time that he (or a friend of his?), while employed at Arby's during his formative years, made the decision to feed a stray dog an entire roll the fast food chain's salty mystery meat (roast beef, that is). With Paul's departure, several excellent bass guitarists auditioned for the band, with, as everyone now knows, Justin ultimately being chosen. This, I thought, could change things considerably. Paul could hang with the best of them. Did this Justin guy even party?

"Aenima" was the first Tool project that I was asked to contribute something to, although this was merely a small part of the art design for the import, which I collaborated on with Shep's talented girlfriend. (Or... was she merely his roommate?) Another thing about the "Aenima" recording that I remember, was a plan devised at the loft to create the ultimate hidden track. This was inspired by the whole Klaatu/Beatles thing, but the problem of actually pulling it off would take a lot more thought.

"Aenima" was also around the time that I was introduced to the good folks at "Retinalogic." Besides all the gatherings up at Dr. Timothy Leary's house, under careful supervision, several experiments involving dissociative anesthetics were conducted by certain Lodge members at the loft. However, for me personally, rather than encountering any sagacious glowing ketamentals in the Bardo, black squatamaudars waltzed between the walls of my seemingly detached skull. At other times I felt as if I'd simply been given the "Himalayan Suspender" by Von Zipper, himself (as taught by Professor Sutwell). Even worse, once, while immobilized on a threadbare saggy couch that had become my velvet-lined coffin, I could make out Adam standing over me with his Silverburst, weaving a droning, nightmarish soundscape. The best way for me to describe these dissociates, was that they turned my Curly into a Shemp.

Without any air-conditioning, on particularly hot nights, Danny would often leave the loft door cracked. On one such evening, over pints of Theakston's Old Peculiar, "Aenima" engineer and co-producer David Bottrill, Justin (so, Justin did occasionally partake of a drop of the creature), Danny and I were having a friendly debate about guns in America. The Brits considered the cons, while Danny and I (Midwestern transplants that hadn't kicked all the sod off our boots) focused on the pros. Midway during the calm discussion, I happened to notice that one of L.A.'s finest had entered the building, and was quietly approaching us with his gun drawn. Realizing that I saw him, he put his index finger to his lips, indicating that I remain silent. Both Bottrill and Justin had their backs to the police officer as he suddenly grabbed David by the shoulder. Now, I'm not going to say that one of L.A.'s finest (a good friend of ours) pressed his Beretta (or was it a Glock?) against Bottrill's head and shouted, "Get me a beer from that cooler before I blow off your motherfucking bald head!", but I will say that the officer's actions (whatever they might have been) didn't exactly help our pro-gun argument...

TO BE CONTINUED...

HAPPY TRAILS

Photo by BMB

VOLTO!

DANNY CAREY
JEFF BABKO
LANCE MORRISON
JOHN ZIEGLER

06/09 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

06/11 - Tampa, FL @ Ferguson Hall @ Tampa Performing Arts Center

06/12 - Miami, FL @ Olympia Theatre @ Gusman Performing Arts Center

06/13 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

06/15 - Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Opera House

06/16 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Paramount Theatre

06/17 - Reading, PA @ Soverign Performing Arts Center

06/18 - Richmond, VA @ The National

06/20 - Buffalo, NY @ Riviera Theatre

06/21 - Columbus, OH @ LC Indoor Pavilion

06/24 - St. Paul, MN @ River's Edge Festival

06/27 - Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center

06/28 - San Antonio, TX @ Lila Cockrell Theatre

06/30 - Prescott, AZ @ Yavapai College Performance Arts Center

BONNAROO

RIVER'S EDGE

PUSCIFER-CBS-NEWS

"IJYNX" HARDCOVER AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM

"Incorporating a magical vocabulary and nightside symbolism, IJYNX is a unique collection of occult prose-poems by an author who has been studying, experimenting, and writing about the western esoteric tradition for over twenty years. While some of the mystical verses attempt to convey ritually-machined hyperdimensions of consciousness (including encounters with the transmundane entities that inhabit these parallel continua), others contain, rather inexplicably, detailed knowledge of a higher Arcanum involving the alchemical entelechy of the dead. And still others challenge even the author's initiated interpretation of things perceived in the ontological spectrum of a 'Magizoth', other than to suggest, upon a closer examination of the cryptic word play, that they are anti-apotropaic in nature, and offer, at the very least, rare fleeting glimpses of the Grand Dreaming of a Treasured Eye."

ORDER

VIEW

https://www.facebook.com/blackelkband

reverbnation

May 10 2012 @ Dante's in Portland, OR
May 11 2012 @ The Comet in Seattle, WA
May 12 2012 @ The Shakedown in Bellingham, WA
May 13 2012 @ The Cobalt in Vancouver, BC
May 17 2012 @ Thee Parkside in San Francisco, CA
May 19 2012 @ Bar Eleven in San Diego, CA (Matinee Show)

Danny talks about drums and the musical experience in a NEW VIDEO by the folks over at Mandala. "I think a lot of drummers get caught up playing beats, and I think any good drummer plays music."

Danny worked with VINCE De FRANCO to create the original Mandala Drum, and consulted on the design and functionality of the NEWLY RELEASED VERSION mk2.9.

"The beauty of the Mandala is it knows, from the center to edge, where you're hitting it. It doesn't create the exact same sample every time you hit it..."

http://mandaladrum.com

Photo by Adam Jones

Artist: G. Edward Giunca

With our friends HEATHER McMILLEN, KORIN FAUGHT, and ROBYN BREEN SHINN.

"We are delighted to announce the first in our season of salons. We celebrate Five female artists, Korin Faught, Zeal Harris, Yassi Mazandi, Heather Mc Millen and Robyn Breen Shinn, who in turn will spotlight a single piece of their work and open their diaries to those with a curious mind."

Come and join us at Soho House,
9200 W Sunset Blvd, # 817, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
This is a "Members only event", so please RSVP to Soho House directly.

MORE

UPDATE: PETE GRIFFIN on bass and MENNO de BOER on keys.

MORE

Photo by Adam Jones

CHEERS! from your band mates and countless others.

ORDER

Photo by Al Jones

(With mnemonic triggers on the legendary Dry-Erase board.)

Photo by LaraLee

Chick-O-Stick provided by BMB

For those who might be interested, my own contributions to the DARKLORE series thus far include: VOL 1: "INCREDIBLE AS IT MIGHT SEEM" ( A different take on the alleged Roswell crash/retrieval based on a rare book written in 1948 by a British Intelligence Agent), VOL 2: "DMT & MAGICK" (The Neurochemical Basis of Magick and the Paranormal), VOL 3: "ABOVE KOOK STATUS" (The Strange Case of Morris K. Jessup and the Varo Edition), VOL 4: "DISCOVERED A TOMB, RAIN IN THE EVENING" (Observations Regarding the Mystery of Rennes-le-Chateau), VOL 5: "DARK SEED: THE ABC's OF THE SIRIUS MYSTERY", and VOL 6: "ELUSIVE FULCANELLI and the HERMETIC MAGISTERY" (Unmasking the enigmatic 20th century alchemist).

Keeping in mind a certain metaphoric phrase that begins with "Don't" - to those Diabolicals camped out at the base of Bugarach (so much for spam filters!) while awaiting "alien salvation" from the Mayan doomsday - as far as I know, there is no new Tool album title or track listings to be divulged (officially or unofficially) at this point in time. However, what I can tell you (and your cousin) before the black triangle appears near the pentacle of mountains, is that the band's Dry-Erase board is getting crazier and crazier looking with what I presume to be notes and cues of their latest musical arrangement. Either that or some metagifted (indigo?) larvae have sneaked into the loft and gone to town with colored markers. Sometimes it's really hard to tell...

Okay, again, bearing in mind that metaphoric phrase used by 'Shakespeare' and others, although there isn't much Tool news this month (unlike the healthy dose fans are used to getting in these newsletters), as I write, MERCH has been busy listing some left over 2012 TOUR POSTERS in the SHOP on www.toolband.com. So far, I've seen posters from Florida, New Mexico, Charlotte and... Uncasville, Ct. But nothing from L.A. as of yet... (That's right, there were tour posters for sale at the rehearsal sound stage).

What else? Oh, as I posted on Danny's website (www.dannycarey.com), here's the LINK to some interviews and video clips of the Tool drummer on the Vic Firth site (which Danny neglected to mention to me, but Matt from www.fourtheye.net didn't). After enjoying these clips, keep an eye out for a forthcoming interview with Danny for Paiste. Wait, you're not done! Seeing how you're already visiting his site (and didn't buy a 2012 tour poster), might I suggest going directly to Danny's STORE to purchase a SIGNED (in glorious purple ink, no less) VERY LIMITED REVISED and EXPANDED 2ND EDITION of "THE WICKEDEST BOOKS IN THE WORLD." Copies of the sold out 1st edition are now going for in excess of $350.00 on eBay, and once the 2nd is sold out, to obtain the book, you will be at the mercy of others (think about that - others!).

Attention all Tool crew members from the last tour: To show their appreciation for your hard work, a special gift from the band has been shipped and should be arriving on your doorstep shortly. In the past you've received a Tool barbecue set (with the lyrics to "Die Eier von Satan" printed on the chef's apron), which found its way to eBay, a Tool snuggie, which found its way to eBay, and something else that slips my mind due to the ravages of age and insobriety ... which found its way to eBay. Are you now ready for some amazing red things that resemble loungewear, but are usually called by a more familiar name, which I'm not going to mention in case you don't want to know what they are until you open the box... Which will no doubt find their way to eBay.

In Tool-related news (see the difference?), mark your calendar that VOLTO! will be performing ultra-fusion at THE MINT here in Los Angeles on SATURDAY, MARCH 31. Hopefully, Danny will be in good spirits for this one after a K.U. victory in the afternoon. If not, hopefully there will be some good spirits behind the bar to ease his pain. As for the progress of the new Volto record, "Evil" JOE BARRESI has finished working his magic, and the mix should soon be on its way to be mastered by Bob Ludwig up there in Maine with all the lobsters. For those of you who have e-mailed about ADAM JONES doing the album's artwork, as I understand it, although Adam may be contributing some original artwork to the project, the majority will come from an original piece that Danny currently owns. And although there is a great story associated with this artwork (with regards to a famous 1960s rock group), let's see if it indeed is used for the cover, etc. before sharing it with the rest of the world (via Danny's or the Volto! website).

Also don't forget that tabla master ALOKE DUTTA will be performing and giving a lecture (maybe even telling dirty jokes!) at ALEX GREY's COSM in New York on APRIL 1, 2012. A rare chance to hear Aloke on the east coast.

Finally, CHEERS to those attending the launch for the publication of Kenneth Grant's (early) novel "Grist to Whose Mill" at Treadwell's (more info at www.lashtal.com). Please let me know if any calling cards with telltale iridescent interstellar goo turn up. I'll continue to trudge through "Etidorpha" for the umteeth time until a copy makes its way across the pond.

HAPPY TRAILS

A limited number of copies of the revised and expanded "Wickedest Books" SIGNED by the AUTHOR and DANNY CAREY are available HERE

Photo by BMB

DISCOUNTED TICKETS $25, DAY OF THE EVENT $40
Contact Keith.Schism@gmail.com for more info

Aloke Dutta on a recent visit to India

Photo by BMB

Photo by Heather McMillen, I presume.

REVISED, EXPANDED LIMITED 2ND EDITION

Glossy large-format softcover with over 60 full color photos of rare Crowleyana from the collection of BMB and DANNY CAREY (with additional material not included in the 1st edition).

ALL COPIES SIGNED by the AUTHOR and DANNY CAREY (who wrote the book's foreword)

A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES AVAILABLE OF THIS NEW BOOK

FOR SALE in the STORE at www.dannycarey.com. (click MEDIA).
PRICE: $39.00

Photo by Rynne Stump

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 CAHUENGA BLVD., WEST
STUDIO CITY, CA. 91604

CPT KIRK ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

CPT KIRK (KIRK COVINGTON, SCOTT TIBBS, RUFUS PHILPOT and SHANE THERIOT) will be performing at the jazz club on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29. The show will also be a CD release party, and admission is $10.00. More great L.A. players.

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 CAHUENGA BLVD., WEST
STUDIO CITY, CA. 91604

Photo by Dustin Rieseberg

VOLTO! UPDATE: There are samples from the forthcoming VOLTO! record on the band's FACEBOOK PAGE.

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 CAHUENGA BLVD, WEST
STUDIO CITY, CA. 91604

Wow, that Waitangi Day sure sneaks up on you! But, while many are celebrating in New Zealand, here I am stuck at my desk working on the February newsletter. Have an Aubby Gobby Nana muffin for me, though, will you mate! Anyway, closer to home, let's see what's going on in the world of Tool since we last checked on them... Hmmm... that much, eh! Actually, before sharing what I believe many of you will find to be a very interesting e-mail (seriously, as it was written by a neuroscientist and involves "10,000 Days"), I'd like to respond to some of the e-mail and comments on fansites about January's offering (see "Newsletters" - January 2012 e.v.).

Why do you suppose it is that some Tool fans are so negative? Bleak winter surroundings? Medications? Bee in the bonnet? When the small winter tour was first announced, some were bummed out about the news, thinking that a new tour was merely another distraction that would keep the band members from working on the new record. When I countered that the tour would be the perfect opportunity for all four band members to work together on new material (which they have been, with very positive results, thank you), these same people then started complaining about the set-list most likely being the same as the previous tour. Once they found out that the band was, in fact, playing several songs that they haven't performed live in many years, these same people (for some reason) decided in their minds that Tool were only doing this as a token offering before calling it quits for good. That's right, a mini tour in the secondary markets with a few older tunes and they might as well break up. JEEZ!!! Nothing could be farther from the truth. They all realize that December 21, 2012 is fast upon us (NOT to be taken as a release date or promo for dependable Chevy trucks... out of gas).

As another example of some of the negativity out there (and, again, I'm only speaking about a very small percentage of fans), when I decided to pepper the last newsletter with some common "roadie slang", (because the focus of much of it pertained to the backstage area), when I mentioned the term "feeding the fish", some took this as being of a derogatory nature - meaning that the band members no longer carried about their fans. They even tried to connect this with some recent tour posters that contained drawings of fish. Whatever the actual meaning of these drawings is (if anything?!), I can tell you that they have absolutely nothing to do with any negative feelings towards the band's fans or audience. Let me repeat this for those sitting way at the back of the class huffing dog jenkem and/or melted magenta crayons. The posters featuring the fish have nothing to do with any negative feelings towards the band's fans or audience. The term "feeding the fish" is nearly as old as rock music itself and is what roadies call it when the band tosses out souvenirs to their audience at the end of the show in appreciation for being a great crowd. As examples of other roadie slang that I used in the newsletter, there's "bog" (referring to the toilet on a tour bus, though, in the case of Tool, at least, not to jenkem!), "bar carp" ("Goldfish"-like snack crackers), "clag" (tools or small items without cases), and bunk sock (which hopefully needs no translation). For those who haven't figured it out, the DayQuil-induced January newsletter is essentially about how so many people will go to such great lengths to try and acquire a backstage pass, not realizing that even if they SOMEHOW managed to get one, a Tool after show is not the Shangri-la many think it to be. Far from it. In fact, you'd have a better chance of meeting Maynard at a Buford, Wyoming Laundromat than backstage at a Tool show. The newsletter was also about the powerful attraction of a particular casino slot machine, which via continuous subliminal messages beckoned me away from my friends at the Mandalay Bay concert. (It wasn't a pill given to me by security, after all - it was that oil tycoon, Ted, and the promise of striking it rich with nickels!)

But, getting back to the roadie lingo, let me share with you a story of what I once "fed to the fish" back in my prog-rock days. This wasn't a guitar pick, plastic bottle of water, or even a ripe orange autographed in purple ink. No, this was an actual 'fully functioning' analog synthesizer... and one that is now considered to be extremely rare and highly sought after by vintage synth aficionados. Many of you know that Danny has an amazing collection of rare synthesizers. These include Moog modular behemoths, Buchla oddities, EMS systems the size of a VW microbus, Serge, Roland, Emu, all housed in massive cabinets, as well as seemingly dozens of older-generation Oberheims and those science project ARP 2600s in all three colors. But what you might not know is that this synth museum of his lacks the early 1970s Italian made Davoli Davolisint analog monosyth. Although this little shiny black 2-oscillator wonder is now generally considered to be a good candidate for the worst monophonic synthesizer ever made - lacking as it does any filters, mixer, envelope generators, etc, it is nevertheless highly sought after by zealots of anything with a pitch lever (which, in the case of the Davolisint, comes in the form of a funky metal stick called "extend" - never mind that when you pull down on it, the pitch sweeps up!). Why, then, is the Davolisint so collectible? Surely not because of its pitiful single waveform, predetermined amount of portamento, or Farfisa organ-like vibrato. Nor that its oscillators could be detuned for a moog-like portliness (using a little imagination, that is). No, it's because so few were produced.

But guess who once owned one? Yep, I most certainly did - having purchased it brand new when they first came out. It didn't take long, however, for me to realize the Davolisint's many limitations (did I mention a single waveform and fixed portamento?) So, I soon set my sights on a Mini-moog. When the joyful day finally arrived, I drove to "Ye Olde Music Shop" in Marissa, Illinois, a store once owned by Bob Heil (inventor of the Heil "Talkbox" that Adam uses on "Jambi."). There, I traded owner "Fast" Ed Bigger my Davolisint and $1,100.00 in cash for a brand new Mini-Moog Model D (which was priced at $1,495.00 at the time, meaning he had given me a trade in value of $350.00 for the meager Davoli!). Happy I was with the Mini, and when I returned to the store about a year later to purchase a Moog Sample & Hold unit (instead of a ribbon controller - damn it!), the owner (Ed Bigger) walked over and picked up the Davolisint and handed it to me in its small travel case. "Blair, take this piece of shit with you, okay. I don't want the fucking thing in the shop anymore!" So, once again, for better or for worse, the Davolisint was mine...

But what about "feeding the fish", you ask? (Well. hopefully at least one of you asks...) A few months later the band that I was playing keyboards in was performing at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks.

Although the army installation that served as basic training for infantry troops was nicknamed "Fort Lost in the Woods of Misery", our booking agent was correct when he told us that playing there was like dying and going to heaven. This was mainly due to its large stage, lots of free beer, and the fact these men were starving for entertainment (but mostly because of the free beer). Long story made shorter: during some prog-rhapsody (our last song of the night), after a quick solo on the decidedly inept Davolisint, I unplugged the synth with its black tin casing and crude metal pitch lever and tossed the miserable thing into the raucous crowd, never to be seen or heard again (by me). This (or one just like it), as things would have it, is the ultra-rare vintage analog monosynth that Danny and other collectors today so arduously seek...

E-MAIL SUBJECT: "10,000 DAYS PUZZLE..."

"Dear Blair, you might recall that we met a couple of times at Volto! Baked Potato shows 1.5 years ago. I am a neuroscientist that chatted with you about vision science, tryptamine elves, and more. After one of the shows, Danny recommended, based on my interests, that I read "An Homage to Pythagoras". Since then I have been doing some work with contemplative geometry using Robert Lawlor's book "Sacred Geometry" as a workbook. After some time, the pieces began to fall together, my contemplative eye has widened, and the story continues.

For the purposes of this email: I believe that I have solved the 10,000 Days puzzle, to whatever extent the word 'solve' can mean here, since the puzzle this album alludes to has been the eternal quest of mankind.

10,000 Days as an album maps on the Kabbalah Tree of Life (TOL). There are several layers:

A) The album has 11 tracks, each of which corresponds to a specific Sefira on the TOL. Although the TOL is read from the top down, I list it here in the order of the album tracks, with the corresponding English translation and meaning. (A) presents the basic structure that holds true across further interpretation, while (B) and (C) iare more of my own perspective on the songs and album and how it all ties in with mystical traditions.
1. Vicarious - Malkut, "kingdom" - (1st chakra); tribal energy; 12 tribes of israel; 12 zodiac signs; 12 apostles; connection to nature, environment, rhythm of physical life; baptism
2. Jambi - Yesod, "foundation" - (2nd chakra); communion with others; vitality; creative force of life;
3. Wings for Marie, Pt. 1 - Hod, "majesty" - (3rd chakra); integrity; majesty of God; confirmation; honor code with oneself
4. 10,000 Days (Wings, Pt. 2) - Netzah, "victory", "eternity", "endurance" (3rd chakra); endurance; commitment
5. The Pot - Tif'eret, "adornment", "balance" - (4th chakra); heart; compassion, love; harmony
6. Lipan Conjuring - Da'at, "knowledge"
7. Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman) - Gevurah, "judgement", "concealment" - (5th chakra); power of judgement; the right use of one's will
8. Rosetta Stoned - Hesed, "kindness" - (5th chakra); will power, voicing a confession
9. Intension - Binah, "understanding" - (6th chakra); the divine understanding and intelligence of God; intention is developed here in the mind
10. Right in Two - Hokhmah, "wisdom" - (6th chakra, third eye); the energy of wisdom; contact point between mind of the divine and the personal mind; takes wisdom to contact God
11. Viginti Tres - Keter, "crown" - (7th chakra); Divine consciousness

B) The overarching theme that first came to me in the album was that the album begins in a state of division (Vicarious - "carnivore and voyeur"; Malkut; first chakra; survival) and ascends up the spiritual ladder to a state of Unity in Cosmic consciousness (Viginti Tres; Keter; the crown chakra). Then there are 3 pairs of tracks: Wings 1+2, Lost Keys + Rosetta, Intension + Right in Two, which match up perfectly.

When the pairs are taken as one on the same level, the sefirot correspond to the seven chakras and seven sacraments in the Vedic and Christian traditions, respectively (reference: "Energy Anatomy" by Caroline Myss). The meaning of each sefira also matches up with the rough energy of each song, as noted above. In more detail, Vicarious is the energy and rhythm of the tribe and connection to nature; here the lyrics present the schizoid nature of man in a world that feeds on tragedy. Jambi is the foundation and center of vitality gained by communion with others, here referring to both the sun (Son in Christianity) and perhaps Maynard's own son on the personal side of the coin. Both Wings pieces are majestic odes to the endurance and divine "victory" of Judith Marie as well as Maynard's personal sense of integrity bestowed to him by Marie as well as his own endurance through her ordeal of 10,000 days. The Pot was for a long time for me a stand-alone track in the album, a kind of adornment; it seemed to bring harmony to the rest of the album in some uncanny way. Funny enough, the translation of Tif'eret is "adornment" and implies balance, which in retrospect match my feelings exactly. This track establishes harmony, albeit in a kind of helium-belting rant in an androgynous voice that seems, perhaps, to blend the polarized feminine and masculine sides of the TOL. It's reference to getting high integrates Lost Keys and Rosetta Stoned, as well as provides the cauldron that acts as an alchemical conversion point between the higher and lower sefirot. Lost Keys translates to "concealment", and along with Rosetta Stoned represent the throat chakra, which parallels with the song's protagonist voicing a confession. The "kindness" translation attributed to Hesed (corresponding to Rosetta Stoned) is actually referring to the right use of one's will; how one will use the power of judgement, hopefully for expanding compassion and kindness, according to the mystical traditions. Intension conveys a sense of understanding (Binah) of how the manifest world works, as conveyed by the lyrics that run forward and backwards; intention is developed in the mind in conjunction with understanding and the intelligence. Right in Two is a track that conveys wisdom (Hokhmah), and together with Intension represent the 6th chakra, or third eye. Through wisdom and understanding, God or Divine Consciousness can be contacted from the manifest realm. The Divine Consciousness is represented by Viginti Tres (Keter), which translates to "crown" and correlates to the 7th chakra, from which the TOL begins its downward descent.

(C) Track 6, Lipan Conjuring, is at the center of the album, and its track number ties into its position on the TOL, surrounded by a hexagon. Tef'eret (The Pot) is also at the center of a hexagon and functions as an exchange/balance point. Incidentally, The Pot's alchemical implication corresponds with the sacred geometrical significance of the hexagon as the defining crystal structure of organic compounds (the benzene ring). In Da'at, all the other sefirot in the TOL are united as one. Accordingly, this track is in a sense the central ceremonial fire from which the other tracks on the album reveal themselves; it is the conjuring up of duality so that the Divine Light (emanating from pulses in Viginti Tres, Keter at the crown) can descend and be seen through the crystallizations of the individual tracks. Indeed, a wave-like pulsation is found throughout the album, which to my mind is the cosmic pulsation from Keter. Da'at is not commonly conveyed in depictions of the sefirot and it is not a proper sefira; it is all of them as one. Da'at serves as the connecting point between the sefirot closer to the Source (later tracks) and the sefirot further down in manifestation that deal with emotions (earlier tracks). Furthermore, Da'at is situated in the so-called "Abyss" of the TOL, a kind of no-man's-land between the archetypal and manifest (Real and Unreal, respectively, in Aleister Crowley's words) that acts as a mirror or reflection point for higher and lower halves of the TOL. Hence, the placement of Lipan Conjuring at the center of the album is appropriate: it is from here that a recognition of the higher level patterning of the album begins to be apprehended.

The track ordering of the album is one sense indicative of the songs' spots on the TOL, but in another sense, the ordering is nonlinear and hyperdimensional; it must be contemplated from a standpoint of sacred geometry, mysticism, and repeated listening so that musical patterns and motifs can elucidate the mystery of the Tree of Life.

If my interpretations are not the purported "solution" the 10,000 Days puzzle, I hope that they offered you an entertaining and thoughtful read. If nothing else, 10,000 Days-apart from being an incredible album that has brought me much bliss and divine communion in listening-has been a wonderful link between my own musicianship, yoga, and studies of consciousness. I would love to hear your feedback regardless of whether or I've lost the keys to unlocking this puzzle." Best regards, Gabriel

MY REPLY:

Great job, and it only took a neuroscientist to figure this out. Thanks, my friend!

E-MAIL SUBJECT: "WINE INQUIRY"

"Hey Blair, I have a bottle of 2006 Chupacabra Red and a bottle of 2008 Nagual de la NAGA that I would love to have signed by Maynard while he is in town for the Atlanta show on Feb. 8th. How in the world can I make that happen?"

MY REPLY:

It's a long shot... a real long shot, but you might try finding a security guard (hours prior to the show starting) that works with TOOL (not the venue!) and ask him/her if they would please take the bottles to Maynard to have him sign them and then return them at a pre-arranged time. Again, it's a long shot, and you'd probably be better off just enjoying the show without having to worry about getting the wine bottles signed... but you never know unless you try. The one thing is not to be upset if it doesn't happen. The band members are quite busy, even before the show starts,,, (working on new material!).

HAPPY TRAILS

I'm guessing that Rynne took this photo.

INFO

Photo by Rynne Stump

www.gearboxcomic.com

I'll be adding more photos to the ToolArmy galleries.

Photo by SHELEE CHANCELLOR

Photo by SHELEE CHANCELLOR

Disclaimer: Tool is not affiliated in any way with the tribute band, "SCHISM."

Photo by Adam Jones

Photo by Rynne Stump

A NOTE FROM CHET: "This is the sequel to last year's highly acclaimed and attended (the most attended opening night in Copro gallery's history) sculpture group show, "Conjoined- in 3D". I have curated this show and asked my favorite sculptors and dimensional artists to participate. You can see the online preview here and all the info is below. Hope you can make it out!"

PREVIEW

(with still more to come!)

(Cake built by ARIA RESORT)

And while you're there, check out the SexTapes' album, as well as the band members' shared musical history in their bios (one of which, I believe, I wrote).

Photo by BMB

UPDATE

On-sale: Saturday, January 7th.

LISTEN

My own contribution to Volume 6 attempts to unmask the elusive 20th century alchemist FULCANELLI, and includes information that has recently come to light concerning his true identity, as well as offering generous hints as to the occult reality encoded in Europe's Gothic cathedrals.

DARKLORE

SOFT COVER:

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

LIMITED EDITION HARDCOVER:

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

IN VOLUME 6:

* Cat Vincent examines the birth of a modern monster meme: The Slenderman.

* Mark Foster unlocks the mystery of the 'Trial Passages' beside the Giza pyramids.

* Robert Schoch evaluates the chances of our Sun wiping out modern civilisation.

* Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince lift the veil on the esoteric foundations of The Royal Society.

* Neil Arnold goes in search of sewer monsters.

* Mitch Horowitz points out America's mystical history.

* Nigel Watson shares a case of 'alien contact' that he investigated.

* John Reppion sheds some light on Liverpool's forgotten megalithic history.

* Martin Shough looks into the strange case of 'double suns'.

* Blair MacKenzie Blake discusses the mystery man of 20th century alchemy, Fulcanelli.

* Greg Taylor points out the astronomical archetype behind depictions of gods and kings in ancient cultures.

* Jack Hunter heads to the dark side of anthropology and finds the weirdness that doesn't often get talked about in academic circles.

As with the other 5 issues, Volume 6 makes for an excellent (and affordable) holiday gift, albeit a slightly 'dark' one...

Jan 14 - Reno, NV @ Reno Event Center - ON SALE NOW (DEC 16)
Jan 15 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Center
Jan 17 - Tucson, AZ @ Convention Center Arena - ON SALE NOW
Jan 18 - Albuquerque, NM @ Tingley Coliseum - ON SALE NOW
Jan 20 - Dallas, TX @ Verizon Theatre - ON SALE NOW
Jan 21 - DALLAS, TX - ON SALE NOW
Jan 24 - Toledo, OH @ Huntington Center - ON SALE NOW
Jan 25 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre - ON SALE NOW
Jan 26 - London, ON @ John LaBatt Centre - ON SALE NOW
Jan 28 - Boston, MA @ TD Bank North Center - ON SALE NOW
Jan 29 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
Jan 31 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino Arena
Feb 1 - East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center
Feb 3 - TBA
Feb 4 - Charlotte, NC @ Bojangles Coliseum
Feb 6 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center
Feb 7 - Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena
Feb 8 - Atlanta, GA @ Gwinnett Center Arena - ON SALE NOW

PUSCIFER tickets ON SALE tomorrow, DECEMBER 16th

Photo by Matt Groller

MORE INFO HERE . And as a friendly reminder, Aloke is now accepting new students (teaching in person in Los Angeles, and via Skype worldwide).

For those who can't find the store, here's a direct LINK to order a drumstick or two.

SOLD OUT

MORE

On SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3rd), VOLTO! returns to the 'tator' for TWO SHOWS. Come down and listen to the songs recently recorded at the loft - featuring the very talented Jeff Babko on keyboards (More info about this in the November newsletter.) Here's a direct LINK to a VOLTO! reserve ticket page on the Baked Potato website.

OTHER LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/events/220385028032064/ also, VOLTO! is playing on saturday dec 3rd at the potato.... https://www.facebook.com/events/265647083485434/

At a time when the headlines are dominated by frenzied Amish beard clippers, whooping cough and Occupy Wall Street (Forget that - how about Occupy the Playboy Mansion, all you 69 per centers!), rather than discuss the thawing permafrost, Sandusky, or baffling Gamma ray bursts, how about some exciting TOOL-RELATED NEWS... That's right - while most of you were still digesting your Thanksgiving bird, highly acclaimed recording engineer and producer (not to mention vintage candy aficionado!) 'Evil' Joe Barresi was seated at the mixing console in the band's home studio - the only evidence of the holiday being a bowl of pumpkin-pie cheesecake Kit Kats that was placed there by one of the girls from Tool's business management. Believe it! Hours after your cranberry sauce was still jiggling, members of the band had gathered at the loft to begin tracking. For these VOLTO! sessions, the place looked like a gear-junkie's wet-dream, and with the 'evil' one deftly punching in bars on the remote control, as the night wore on, song after song -in all their musical complexity - were being captured on tape (Yes, tape! For this record, a Studer A827 "Gold Edition" analog tape recorder had been trucked in.) By the time of my much-anticipated arrival on Tuesday, almost all of the tracks were finished, as were the holiday confections. With the loft now littered with empty Tommy's burger wrappers and spent cans of Red Bull, as guitar riffs processed through an antique Echoplex wailed over the KRKs, stories were being told about Danny recently making a daring escape in his orange Lambo from Mastros steakhouse in Beverly Hills (where a side of lobster mashed potatoes goes for $30.00) - the entire thing caught by TMZ's cameras... although the crowd cheers are probably still lying on the proverbial cutting room floor. And now, with you being down to your last leftover turkey sandwich, with but a few overdubs to add, you can bet that the boys will be back at it tonight...

But what about TOOL's new album, you ask? Are they still making progress with the writing and arranging sessions? Will they be working during the holidays as a Gamma ray-mutated pterosaur tramples on foreclosed gingerbread houses? Absolutely! (for the quintillionth time), only with a festive pear-cinnamon cider replacing the Volto! Red Bulls. Actually, I've even seen part of a video from the band's next record - albeit this occurred during a strange time-slip that I recently experienced while pushing a shopping cart down one of the aisles at my local Ralphs (a place where cracks in paratime somehow seem to happen regularly). While looking for *********, I saw some guy wearing a programmable display (UV) TOOL 'video' tee-shirt. Glancing at it, I could hear the haunting sonic structure of one of the new songs accompanied by the bizarre, vibrant, Adam Jones imagery (yes, on the soft, flexible 'screen' material - which, of course, was made from the best quality cloth-plants). Wait a quark-flipping minute! Had I pushed the screeching cart many years into the future? Entranced by the dude's shirt, I watched as purplish amoeba-like things with a tangle of feelers morphed into intensely-colorful creatures. These were frightening, writhing chimeras and other mind-boggling bio-oddities of a demented (er... creative) mind. Were these some kind of "Saucer Wisdom" inspired piezoplastic receivers transmitted from Adam's thought-forms, or had he simply recorded one of his favorite nightmares?

(Had one of the band members themselves appeared in the video, I would have checked to see if any hair was blowing in the wind - just one of several tell-tale signs of a recorded dream.) Either way, how amazing were the images! (Cooler than watching a night janitor at McDonalds on fully charged quantum dot batteries in the flicker of strobe lights).

As I continued to observe the bedizening mental cartoons - snippets of some intricately detailed hyper-animation - I noticed that the guy wearing the Tool shirt was NOW accompanied by band-member semblances (decoy band-member semblances, I wondered?) Recognizing me, the Danny 'semblance' raised a half-full polyglass of some glittering black eagletail. As I was about to acknowledge this wonderful example of encrypted electromagnetic vibrations, I quickly found myself back at the Ralphs of November, 2011 e.v. And guess what happened next? You guessed it. I've heard of MIB types attempting to eat their green Jell-o with a straw, or even sticking a fork into a glass of Dr. Pepper. Hell, I've even seen one of the black hat boojums pay for a Whopper at Burger King with a handful of gleaming silver dollars - not to mention the dude who ordered a "Coke and Olives" at my neighborhood pub. But what this MIB-type did was really a dead giveaway. How so? Well, while at the checkout counter, along with his groceries, 'he' PURCHASED (there on the spot) Ralphs gift cards for $20.00 each (PLUS activation fees), which he wanted to use to pay for everything. Noticing the puzzled look on the cashier's face, I quickly left my stuff on the counter and hurried out of the place... wanting desperately to get back to my enchanted green ball... I mean, to my apartment...

Finally, to address all those Tool tour rumors. A few days ago, I met with the band's management in order to discuss this very thing. Although I wasn't sure if there was any validity to the rumors, I nevertheless told their manager that a small winter tour might not be such a bad thing. However, given my age, I didn't think that I'd be able to attend too many shows as a guest (at least, I wouldn't be able to attend them with the same vigor that I used to). I certainly didn't want to travel on the tour bus, as the bunks hurt my back. Also, my excessive snoring might keep some of the early riser band members awake at night (particularly Danny and Justin). And then there's the issue of the bad weather - both here and in Europe. Some dates in Australia would be okay, but with the recent discovery of an albino trapdoor spider in the land DownUnder, I'd have to rule that out, too. Perhaps some shows in the southern states might be best. Maybe even Texas? How about just a show or two right here in Los Angeles? That would certainly make things easier for me. I might even be able to party like I used to in the good old touring days. Better yet, still, what about an electromagnetic radiation transmitted (as theorized by Rudy Rucker, among others) - reconstituted/manifested Tool concert (including personality wave guests with all-access laminates) anywhere on the entire planet? Now, that would be great!.. Especially with those programmable display tee-shirts available at the Merch booth...

Check out another photo at www.dannycarey.com

HAPPY TRAILS

Photo by BMB

SCOTT TIBBS- keyboards
MIKE HIGGINS- guitar
JIMMY EARL- bass
KIRK COVINGTON- remo prod/ mustafa stik

Photo by Eric Trammel

photo by ADAM JONES

Photo by BMB (probably blurred due to Roswell plate 'frequencies')

"BUBBATRON" ALSO PLAYING AT THE BAKED POTATO

JOHN'S latest musical project, BUBBATRON, will be performing again at the BAKED POTATO on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1st. A great line-up featuring CHRIS COLEMAN on drums, TRAVIS CARLTON on bass, and KIRK COVINGTON on keys & drums and jokes. PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS... Here's their facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/220385028032064/

I've posted (or will in a minute) a couple more photos of Justin in the TOOLARMY PHOTO ALBUMS. Thanks, Shelee!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P5JGKP6EBM

Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=424W7DlmYbI

(Note: For those who might recognize the painting in the background, believe me when I tell you that that particular table was NOT... I repeat, NOT requested.)

Photo by BMB

by

CHARLES D. LAUGHLIN PH.D.

A NEW BOOK BY DAILYGRAIL PUBISHING

"Communing with the Gods presents the most comprehensive account of culture and dreaming available in the anthropology of dreaming, and is written by an anthropologist who is also trained in neuroscience, and who is himself a lucid dreamer and Tibetan Tantric dream yoga practitioner. The book examines the place of dreaming in the experience of peoples from diverse cultures and historical backgrounds. 'Communing with the Gods' touches on shamanism and anthropological theories of dreaming, 'paranormal dreams', lucid dreaming, and what we know about how the brain produces dreams and why.

A comprehensive theory of brain, culture and dreaming is presented that explains the neurobiological functions of sleep and dreaming, the evolution of dreaming, the universality of, and cultural variation in dream elements, and the role of dreaming as a system of intra-psychic communication. This theory is then applied to an examination of dreaming in modern society. The book concludes by discussing how modern dream-work may ameliorate wide-spread alienation, spiritual exhaustion and despair in modern society."

Amazon US:

ORDER

Amazon UK:

ORDER

Cover art by ADAM SCOTT MILLER

BACCHANAL SUNDAYS

11. 20. 2011

9:00 PM $7.00 21+

Del Monte Speakeasy
(underneath Townhouse Bar)
52 Windward Ave.
Venice, CA 90291

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 Cahuenga Blvd., West
Studio City, CA. 91604

Also keep in mind the MONDAY NIGHT HALLOWEEN JAMMMZ at the 'tator.'

Photo by Rynne Stump

www.puscifer.com

ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO, TONY LEVIN's STICKMEN & KING CRIMSON FINALE

MORE

CHET ZAR- "The Left Hand Path"

Also showing: DAN QUINTANA- "Tinsel" and MARK GARRO- "Apocalypservice"

Copro Gallery

Bergamot Station Arts Complex
2525 Michigan Ave , Unit T5, Santa Monica , CA 90404
Ph: 310/829-2156

www.coprogallery.com

Here's the LINK

And don't forget that the band will be making their television debut on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN on SAMHAIN/HALLOWEEN (MONDAY, OCTOBER 31).

Photo of spud by Danny's bud, Eric Trammel

Also check out their new VIDEO for "MIND GAMES."

noiseplusmusic.com

www.collide.net

http://youtu.be/FMjsbzdv5sQ

PUSCIFER

ORDER

www.heathermcmillen.com

There are also COS tees now available at ETSY

LISTEN

ORDER

FACEBOOK

"RAGGEDLY ANDY" is:
Charles Altura - guitar (from Stanley Clarke's band)
Hans Zermuehlen - keyboard (studio/touring kingpin)
Matt Rubano - bass (from Taking Back Sunday)
Andy Sanesi - drums (from Black Baptista)

THE MINT
6010 WEST PICO BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA. 90036

www.radio23.org/ccr/

www.mikeywheels.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqyOdFaiWl0=youtube_gdata_player

ROLLINGSTONE.COM

THE MINT
6010 WEST PICO BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA. 90036

www.themintla.com

COREY HELFORD GALLERY
8522 WASHINGTON BLVD.
CULVER CITY, CA. 90232

GALLERY

INFO

MORE

http://korinfaught.com

THE BAKED POTATO
3787 Cahuenga Blvd., West
Studio City, CA. 91604

The grill gets fired up around 9:00 (big licking flames at 9:30), with the band going on at 10:00.

INCLUDES MAJOR HARDWARE and SOFTWARE UPGRADES

MEMBRANE SWITCH tECHNOLOGY
(that now picks up even the slightest ghost hits, as well as rim shots)

Software that includes a RETOOLED USER INTERFACE
with EXPANDED SOUND DESIGN CONTROL

... and OVER 500 NEW INSTRUMENTS

SHIPS NOW DIRECT FROM http://mandaladrum.com