These days, a rock band embarking on a 25th anniversary tour is no small feat. When it happens to be a tribute band that exclusively plays another band’s music, that makes it even more atypical, not to mention the enduring respect and genuine love for the music.
The band SCHISM is bringing its multi-sensory experience to the historic Tower Theatre, playing the music of its inspiration, the band Tool. (SCHISM is named after a song on the 2001 Tool album, “Lateralus.”) The band’s guitarist, Keith Williams, checked in with the Source from the road, via email.
“We started this back in 2001, after seeing Tool at Hammerstein Ballroom. We simply loved the music and wanted to share it live with other Tool minded fans,” Williams wrote. “This isn’t something you tap your foot to, this is more of an interactive experience for the listener. These songs are compositional masterpieces, where music and art collide. Tool’s music isn’t something you can just casually cover,” he added. “It’s incredibly complex, both technically and emotionally. Our goal isn’t simply to play the right notes. It’s to recreate the intensity, dynamics, atmosphere and connection that make this music so powerful. We started SCHISM because we loved Tool’s music and wanted to perform it at the highest-possible level. We never imagined we’d still be touring the country a quarter-century later, sharing this music with generations of fans. It’s been an incredible journey,” Williams said.
He addressed the question, what’s it like to play for hardcore Tool fans, as well as for the the curious who might not know Tool’s music and don’t know what to expect.
“One of the most rewarding things about SCHISM is seeing longtime Tool fans standing alongside younger fans who may never have had the opportunity to see Tool live,” Williams said. “The music transcends generations, and watching an entire room experience it together is something special.
“We want people leaving the Tower Theatre feeling like they’ve been transported somewhere else for a couple of hours. The music, the lights, the visuals, the energy — everything comes together to create an experience, not just another concert.”
When it comes to source material, SCHISM has plenty to draw from.
“Our tour celebrates a quarter-century of performing Tool’s extraordinary catalog. Fans can expect an immersive evening featuring material spanning the band’s career, performed with the precision, power and intensity these compositions deserve.”
Those attending the show can also expect “synchronized multimedia projections, psychedelic imagery, atmospheric lighting and the musical dynamics that have become SCHISM’s trademark,” according to Williams.
“We’re particularly excited to bring this anniversary performance to Bend and the Tower Theatre. There’s something special about performing this music in an intimate theater setting where the audience can truly connect with every aspect of the performance,” Williams added.
And such a collision could be loud.
Public Service Announcement: Don’t forget those earplugs when attending live music events, even at the Tower. No matter how great the acoustics, or mellow the music, every venue is different and you’ll be happy to have them in your pocket when you end up too close to the speakers. Enjoy.
SCHISM / Tool tribute band
25th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30pm
The Tower Theatre
835 NW Wall St.
$17-$37 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee)
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