1. “I think putting labels on people is just an easy way of marketing something you don’t understand.” (Explanation: This quote reflects Adam Jones’ disdain for categorization. He believes labels are often used to simplify complex ideas for marketing purposes, rather than truly understanding the individual or art form.)
2. “I’m not a good guitar player.” (Explanation: Known for his unique and technical playing style, this quote might be Adam Jones downplaying his own abilities. It could also be his high standards for himself as a musician.)
3. “I’m my own worst critic and I think everyone in the band is a perfectionist.” (Explanation: This quote highlights the meticulous nature of Tool’s creative process. Their pursuit of perfection is evident in the band’s complex and layered music.)
4. “As far as the grunge thing, there are three bands from Seattle that I would call true grunge.” (Explanation: This quote suggests Adam Jones has a specific definition of grunge, and that not all Seattle bands from the 90s necessarily fit that definition for him.)
5. “I’m a self-taught guitarist, but I have a classical music background.” (Explanation: This quote reveals a surprising influence on Adam Jones’ unconventional guitar work. His classical background might contribute to his sense of melody and structure within his playing.)
6. “We could have gone with much bigger labels and more money, but we wanted to go with a company that is LA based, all in the same building, and really understands what the artists want.” (Explanation: This quote highlights Tool’s prioritization of artistic control over commercial success. They value a label that understands their vision.)
7. “We wanted to take as much time and effort making the video as we did the song.” (Explanation: Tool is known for their visually stunning music videos. This quote emphasizes the importance they place on visual storytelling alongside their music.)
8. “When we played with the Rollins Band, we’d keep songs going until we felt like ending it.” (Explanation: This quote hints at Tool’s improvisational side. Their extended jams during live performances might be a legacy of their earlier days playing with Henry Rollins.)
9. “With four perfectionists in the band, we have a hard time reaching perfection.” (Explanation: This quote expands on the idea of Tool’s perfectionism. With such high standards, it can be difficult for them to ever feel truly satisfied with their work.)
10. “If I play anything that sounds like a solo, it’s gonna sound like a lyric.” (Explanation: Adam Jones approaches guitar more as a voice than a solo instrument. His riffs often have a melodic quality that complements the song’s message.)
11. “I’ve never worried about how long the song is.” (Explanation: Tool’s music is known for its expansive song structures. This quote suggests they prioritize the emotional journey of the song over adhering to typical pop song lengths.)
12. “I’m not into solos, I’m into lyrics.” (Explanation: This quote reinforces Adam Jones’ focus on songwriting and emotional impact over flashy guitar displays.)
13. “I’m not a geek about equipment, I just know what I like.” (Explanation: Despite his unique sound, Adam Jones doesn’t seem overly concerned with specific gear. He prioritizes finding tools that help him achieve the sound he envisions.)
14. “People like Steve Vai are so boring.” (Explanation: This is a bold statement that might spark debate among guitar enthusiasts. It suggests Adam Jones prefers a more unconventional approach than the highly technical style of virtuoso guitarists like Vai.)
15. “Different people get different things out of the images. It doesn’t matter what it’s about, all that matters is how it makes you feel.” (Explanation: This quote reflects the open-ended nature of Tool’s music and visuals. They prioritize creating an emotional response in the listener, rather than dictating a specific interpretation.)
