Wait… when was Henry Rollins featured on a TOOL song?
Henry Rollins was featured on TOOL’s song “Bottom” on their album “Undertow”, which was released on April 6, 1993. Rollins provided spoken word vocals for the track, which is the sixth song on the album. The collaboration came about because TOOL had previously opened for Rollins’ band, Rollins Band, and were fans of his work. Rollins’ contribution to the song has been cited as one of the highlights of the album.
How Did Henry Rollins Meet TOOL?
Henry Rollins first met TOOL when they opened for his band, Rollins Band, during a concert tour in 1992. TOOL was relatively unknown at the time, and Rollins was impressed by their energy and talent. After the show, Rollins and TOOL members Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones struck up a conversation, and the two bands quickly became friends.
As they continued to tour together, Rollins and TOOL found that they shared a lot of common interests, including a love of music, art, and philosophy. They also bonded over their mutual respect for each other’s work, and Rollins became a mentor and inspiration to the members of TOOL.
When TOOL was working on their album “Undertow” in 1993, they invited Rollins to contribute to the song “Bottom” by providing spoken word vocals. Rollins agreed, and his powerful performance on the track is now considered one of the highlights of the album. The collaboration helped cement the friendship between Rollins and TOOL, and they have remained close ever since.
Who is Henry Rollins?
Henry Rollins is an American musician, actor, writer, spoken word performer, and radio host. He was born on February 13, 1961, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Maryland. Rollins began his career as a singer in the hardcore punk band Black Flag in the early 1980s. He later formed his own band, Rollins Band, which released several critically acclaimed albums in the 1990s.
In addition to his music career, Rollins has acted in a number of films and TV shows, including “Heat,” “Lost Highway,” and “Sons of Anarchy.” He has also written several books, including “Get in the Van,” a memoir about his time in Black Flag, and “Solipsist,” a collection of his poetry and prose.
Rollins is also known for his spoken word performances, in which he delivers intense and often political monologues on a wide range of topics. He has released several spoken word albums and performed around the world.
Rollins is known for his strong political views, and he has been an outspoken advocate for a number of causes, including animal rights, LGBT rights, and veterans’ rights. He is widely respected as a voice of independent thought and action, and his work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.
Critical & Fan Response to TOOL’s song “Bottom”
“Bottom” is considered by many fans and critics to be one of the standout tracks from TOOL’s debut album “Undertow.” The song features a spoken word performance by Henry Rollins, and its driving rhythm and intense lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
Critics praised the song’s raw energy and powerful message. In a review of “Undertow,” Rolling Stone magazine called “Bottom” a “furious indictment of societal decay” and praised Rollins’ contribution as “spine-tingling.” The website AllMusic described the song as “one of the most intense pieces of music on the album” and praised the way it “ratchets up the tension with each passing verse.”
Fans have also responded enthusiastically to “Bottom,” with many citing it as one of their favorite TOOL songs. The track is often performed live by the band and continues to be a highlight of their shows.
Overall, “Bottom” has been widely praised for its powerful lyrics, intense rhythm, and the contribution of Henry Rollins, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest spoken word performers of his generation.