In a new video detailing the creation of his custom drum kit, Tool drummer Danny Carey reveals how his instrument became a canvas for psychedelic artist and longtime collaborator Alex Grey.
Grey, who has contributed to Tool’s onstage visuals and album covers for approximately 15 years, was the natural choice when Carey decided to transform his drums into a work of art. “I came with the idea to have him make a drum kit, do all the artwork on it, just to make it more part of the show,” Carey recalled.
The process began with Sonor crafting high-quality shells from beachwood and ebony—materials reminiscent of vintage Sonor drums from the early 1980s. Carey had the German manufacturer paint the shells flat white, creating a blank canvas. He then shipped them to Grey’s chapel and studio in New York, giving the artist creative freedom to work with Tool’s latest record as inspiration.
Grey’s artwork incorporates his signature motifs, including flaming eyeballs, but the centerpiece is a gong drum featuring a portrait of Carey, with sound waves traveling into his ear and affecting his brain—a visual representation of musical inspiration and its impact on audiences. “He surprised me with that, ” Carey explained. “It’s kind of the process of inspiration of sound and the process of my drumming maybe affecting other people … I was very flattered he did that.”
Concerned about damaging the original artwork during performances, Carey commissioned a second kit from Sonor, this time using babinga and maple. The band scanned Grey’s paintings and created wraps—similar to standard drum manufacturer designs—allowing Carey to tour with a replica while preserving the original masterpiece.
Hear Danny Carey tell the story of collaborating with Alex Grey on his custom Tool drum kit below.
Danny Carey Talks About Collaborating With Sonor Drums & Alex Grey