Opiate 21st Anniversary Edition hits the printers

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How excited are you for the upcoming 21st Anniversary edition of Opiate? Exited enough to watch it being printed? If the answer is yes then today is your lucky day! Post not to long ago on the Tool Facebook page.

No further details yet, but it looks as though the packaging is quite large – I expect similar to the size of the Salival package. Doesn’t look big enough to be vinyl though (unless my eyes deceive me). Hopefully we will get further details in the next week or so.

Edit: Since the forum won’t allow iFrames, here’s a link to the video 

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February Tool Newsletter released

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Blair has published the February 2013 Tool Newsletter, and it contains an interview with Opiate reissue artist Adi Granov. Here’s a snippet:

Q: First off, how did you get involved with the cover artwork for the 21st anniversary release of Opiate?

A: Adam and I met last year, and he was already familiar with my work, so we started talking about collaborating on various things. At some point some artwork for Tool came up and Adam asked me if I’d be interested in doing the art for the Opiate anniversary. I was very happy to do it!

Q: Prior to meeting Adam, were you a fan of Tool’s music, and/or their artwork? If so, what were your first impressions of seeing the original cover art of Opiate?

A: I discovered Tool at a pretty significant point in my life, as a war refugee in former Yugoslavia. It was a desperate time, so the music was a significant means of escape. Tool’s music really impacted me and I have been a fan ever since.

I’ve lived with the music for a while before, upon moving to the US, seeing the album art. I don’t remember if I connected the meaning immediately, but I do remember the intensity of the image. It was intense and creepy, kind of terrifying. It was a while before I realised that the figure was a sculpture rather than makeup on a model.

Quite an interesting interview, especially where it talks about how he’s reworked the original Priest figure from Opiate. Looking forward to the other interviews Blair has promised.

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Original Oil Painting of Puscifer tour poster by Leslie Ditto

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An interesting item popped up on Ebay recently – an original oil painted of a recent Puscifer tour:

According to the description:

This is a rare opportunity to own an original painting of one of the most Ionic figures in music today. …. for auction….The Original 36″x24″ oil on canvas painting created in 2012 by Leslie Ditto for Puscifer’s 2012 Conditions of My Parole Summer Tour Poster. Also included …one 2012 Summer Tour Poster signed by the band and the artist , Provenance Certificate ( a certificate of authenticity ), and a sheet on future care instructions

A little about the painting and poster ……
My wife is Leslie Ditto. We are both great admires of Maynard James Keenan and is drive to create. One of his most recent endeavors is the music group Puscifer that he created in 2003. Leslie was given created freedom to create an image that reflects the spirit and mood of Puscifer’s Music . Keeping with Leslie’s stylized imagery that she is recognized for , she composed this piece to playfully symbolize Maynard’s personality and his alter ego in conjunction with Puscifer’s well recognized feminine devilish figure sitting upon the wing of the “Verde ” toy rocket driven by MJK.

To create this oil painting Leslie used a techniques from the Dutch Flemish Old Maters . First she painted an under painting in grays using oil paints. Then using oil paints and a personal mixture of medium and linseed oil she applies ,with artistic precision , many layers of transparent color glazes to create this effect. After the painting is complete and dry a Damar varnish was applied.

Bidding is currently at US$1025, so clear some room in your wallets!

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Maynard speaks to Triple J

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Maynard and Mat Mitchell had a chat to The Doctor on Triple J today. The 10 minute interview covers a range of A Perfect Circle and Puscifer issues, Maynard’s autobiography and even has a sneaky Tool question thrown in (hat’s off the The Doc for that one). Reveals nothing new, however it is quite funny in parts and Matt and Maynard are both in fine spirits.

Update: While re-listening to the interview on the way home I realised it was actually Mat Mitchell, not Matt McJunkins! I like the photo of the double-t’d Matt, so that will stay for now!

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Opiate 21st Anniversary Edition to be released?

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A post on the Tool Facebook page is claiming that they will release a new 21st Anniversary Edition of their first EP Opiate. Here are the details:

TOOL will release a handcrafted, bonus-laden, limited edition package of their original debut EP, Opiate, on Mar. 26 to mark the 21st anniversary of the six-song release.

The anniversary edition is limited to 5,000 copies and features art direction by Adam Jones, illustrations by legendary artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has collaborated with TOOL on many albums including 10,000 Days, Lateralus and Salival as well as posters and merchandise.

The 5,000 copies will be broken down as 5 x 1,000 runs with each set featuring a variation of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from the 10,000 Days packaging.

The packages will only be available via TOOL’s website (www.toolband.com) on Mar. 26 and there will be no pre-orders. A limit of three packages from each of the 5 x 1,000 versions will be in place. More details to be announced soon.

Facebook is an unusual way for Tool to release information such as this, and at time of writing there’s no confirmation on Toolband. Doesn’t seem to be any indication of some bonus audio, which is something I’d like to see included in the package.

I think we’ve all had enough of the “why aren’t Tool releasing the new album” argument, so lets keep discussion in this post on topic, rather than create another 10-page whinge-fest.

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Maynard speaks to Tonedeaf about Puscifer

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Australian music site Tonedeaf recently had the opportunity to chat with Maynard about the upcoming Puscifer tour. It’s not a bad interview, though doesn’t reveal too much we didn’t already know either:

Between writing, recording, and moonlighting as an actor (he’s had bit parts in cult film and television), it’s a wonder Keenan finds the time to upkeep an award-winning winery.

“I’m not going to be able to dedicate twelve months out of the year toward the project (Puscifer)” he concedes, but as “anyone who works in the wine industry [knows], there’s a window of time where you have to be in there doing that, and so as long as my bandmates understand that, we can completely work around that schedule. There’s plenty of time in the year.”

Still, that’s the beauty of Puscifer’s flexibility and independence, beholden to no contracts or restrictions but their own – and as Keenan notes, he’s no tyrant.

The “rotating door works”, because of its dynamic agreement. A member departing for other commitments is fine; “as long as you’re not gonna get mad when I hire this other guy,” he confers.

The usual topics were not entertained, though considering A Perfect Circle are also touring I found it a little odd that they were off the agenda…

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Adam posts a Toolish teaser?

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Adam has posted in Instagram a partial image of something that looks like a drawing of his. No clues as to what it is except for the hash tag #soon:

Your guess is as good as mine as to what it’s for. Is it a poster for a coming tour (Tool or otherwise)? Is it some kind of artwork from the “unexpected” project or perhaps from the Pot DVD? Any other thoughts? I expect we’ll hear more in the next newsletter…

Update: It appears this image is part of the artwork for the new Red Hare album.

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Puscifer added to Sydney and Adelaide Soundwaves

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In news just at hand, Puscifer have been confirmed as the surprise act for the Sydney and Adelaide Soundwaves. Excellent news for people like me who aren’t planning to travel interstate to see them!

Here’s the press release:

Soundwave Fans in Sydney and Adelaide are in for an extra special treat as PUSCIFER join the already massive lineup!

A PUSCIFER live show leads their audience through laughter, tears and reflective enlightenment throughout one night’s performance. It’s a musically driven evening that merges technology, quirky characters and comedy in what can best be described as an anarchist dinner theatre. Continuing to spiral out in a genuinely innovative and masterful coil Maynard makes an audience tap into themselves and discover masses of introspective depth and as The Owl Mag so aptly put it “Sonically, visually, it was a visceral mind-fuck”.

Soundwave kicks off in Brisbane this weekend.

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Puscifer release Bohemian Rhapsody video

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A video appeared overnight for the first track off the Donkey Punch The Night EP by Puscifer; their cover of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. For you viewing pleasure:

From the video’s description:

Directed by Mike King, Flea Circus Films & Puscifer. Starring Dina Martina, Laura Milligan, Carina Round, Dan Burns, MJ Keenan. Keep your therapists number handy. Cameo appearances by Carl Caliente, Sandee Worhol, Elton Joan Fennelly (No relation), and The Reverend Soquet.

Enjoy!

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Brisbane ShowPlus packages

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I was poking around on Ticketek this morning during the sales, and noticed the following Tool Showplus option which seems available only to Brisbane fans:

Enjoy the Tool ShowPlus Hospitality Experience!
Your choice of a General Admission Standing or an A Reserve Lower Circle Seating event ticket.
90 minute Stand Up Cocktail Reception prior to the concert with finger food and beverage selection included*.
1 hour post event with Cash Bar.
Lanyard for each guest.
A DJ in the function room pre show.
Private themed function room.
Dedicated Venue entry.
Complimentary car parking (next best available).
* Beverage package includes BEC selected House Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, Orange Juice & Water. You must be 18 years or older and produce ID at the bar to receive alcoholic beverages.

Tickets are $297 each. Note that this is a hospitality package offered by the venue, and not some kind of Tool VIP pass. Still, if you really want a GA ticket, and think you can knock back $150+ worth of food and drinks in 90 minutes, then this is for you!

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