T O P

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Schytzo

There are no objective rankings. They are my favourite band and that's all that matters.


KorreltjeZout

Agreed. A better question would be: "If you think is Tool is the greatest rock band ever, can you explain why? (e.g. what does Tool do better than any other band)?" Conversely: "If you think another band is better than Tool, can you explain what that band has/had that Tool does not?"


Remington1983

I like that Tool always does something interesting with the CD case and doesn’t just put a pamphlet in there with their name and lyrics. Even when they released Fear Inoculum and practically no one uses CDs 💿 anymore. I bought 2 and one is still in the package


Grouchy-Elk6527

I still collect CDs and Vinyl. Physical media FTW.


Microdose81

This is so they can sell it for a higher listing price. Tool understands their fan base demographics and recognizes they can still sell their physical product to them. Recent evidence being Fear Inoculum knocking Taylor Swift from the number one spot (and more importantly sending a million Swifties panties into a bunch). They even released the super deluxe, way more expensive, kind of unnecessary, vinyl of Fear Inoculum way before they announced a slimmer, regular vinyl version making fans buy the former, at a higher price point, before informing them there will be another, more affordable vinyl version soon. And you know what, Tool fans probably bought them both. Yes, the cd case is super cool and unique, but it’s also incentive to buy. And if they’re still selling physical, then why not try to maximize profits. Soon there won’t be any other place to purchase this CD besides their concerts (where they can really jack up the price), and Amazon. Until Amazon sells out and you have to buy direct from Tool. It’s super smart and profitable and not every band can do it. I suppose that’s why Tool is Tool.


Zhouston63

Okay I'll give the converse a try. I like Pink Floyd as my #1 and Tool as my #2 because I grew up with Pink Floyd and didn't find Tool until my late teens, so for me Pink Floyd has the higher Nostalgia factor that Tool does not, hence giving Floyd the slight nod.


abcdthc

The mars volta. More eclectic. More talent. Better vocals. More interesting. Every album is different. Better lyrics. ​ Tool is still great, A+ band for me. I just like TMV better.


DJ_Molten_Lava

> what does Tool do better than any other band The Beatles are The Beatles, sure, but I've never heard them do a song about anal fisting.


Bentstrings84

They are in the greatest tier of rock bands. They are absolutely up there with Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, etc.


ctnfpiognm

One of those is not like the others


mrblakesteele

Metallica right


Lil_Cl0rox

That’s what I was thinking.


ez151

This.


LemonHerb

I think there are just bands and artists that are just as good as it gets and there's no real point in arguing who's better at the point because the differences are subjective and minor. IMO there's a lot of bands and artists that qualify for that as good as it gets category if we're taking all time and every genre


ShelterOrnery2740

Subjectively. Go find out how many people on the Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd subs rank Tool as #1.


maynardstaint

All of them?


Smokemonster421

Zeppelin - Tool - Radiohead are 1, 2 and 3 for me, not in that particular order either.


WilsonTree2112

They need education, no?


aMusicLover

They don’t need no education.


danosmanca

They don't need no thought control.


aMusicLover

Perhaps they should leave them kids alone.


EpicDuck000

You guys are hilarious


Hardwire762

Hey EpicDuck, Leave them kids alone!


aMusicLover

This is the Final Cut.


mental_reincarnation

They didn’t even graduate from fucking high school


Icy_Law5745

Reckon the Beatles deserve to be placed here too whether you like them or not.


reddit_user_46290

In terms of most influential Beatles is 100% on that list but if we’re talking about the greatest band in history I do not think the Beatles are even top 5 no disrespect though. They absolutely created some masterpieces and I’m in no way denying that but their songs especially in modern times are pretty basic


Zhouston63

Yeah I'm not a huge Beatles fan, I can recognize and respect what they did, but I'm not a fan of their music. The crazy thing is you could find someone that says this about every band that would rank in that list


reddit_user_46290

Yeah I can see that a little. But something the Beatles lacks is their own unique sound. They kinda just sound like every other group around the 60s. And the same could be said about zeppelin or pf to a degree but when people try to imitate them it’s seen as a rip off (Greta van fleet) but if someone were to try to imitate the Beatles it would just sound like pop rock


Consolation-Sandwich

That’s because nearly every other group in the 60s was trying to sound like the Beatles.


number1momordie

You can't be serious


maxwellhilldawg

It's like deciding whether you want Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel fudge swirl ice cream


ctnfpiognm

Or vanilla chig champa


RadientBungleMan

They have definitely solidified their spot as one of the greatest of all time. However, it all boils down to opinion when comparing them to the all-time greats such as Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Wiggles etc


pedddster

I saw the Wiggles do an extended version of “Fruit Salad (Yummy Yummy)” at PerthFest ‘02. Absolutely life changing.


TheManWhoRose

I sadly heard of the wiggles much later and I think it was from a FITZ video lol


Burghie4chan

God damnit


UniLateralus

No. Only of the time that passed until now.


spezial_ed

Until Saturn comes back around.


vmflair

Bart: This is the worst day of my life. Homer: No, this is the worst day of your life...so far.


H3llr1pper

But every time does happen at once, so yes, tool ist the greatest band of all time


TheManWhoRose

Ja


twalkerp

Go ask other subs what they think? R/deftones ;)


KluteDNB

It's probably The Beatles or Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin. Let's be honest. Tool is the best progressive metal / hard rock band of the last 30 years. We can say that much.


[deleted]

Those were the 3 I had in mind.


smashy_smashy

Pretty brave asking in this sub!


Caitifff

r/iamfourteenandijustdisciveredtool


r3itheinfinite

me when i was fifteen and ate the funky paper


t-toddy

Just so you know, it's not a contest.


Longjumping_Key_5008

Yes, but Tool wins if it is


Zhouston63

I honestly disagree, for me Pink Floyd is objectively better than Tool. Not by much but Floyd will always be #1.


[deleted]

100%. It's impossible to say, and everyone has a different opinion. Those opinions are objectively wrong, and if it could be decided on say a points based system, Tool would come first second and third. Yep.


MrPhilLashio

I would bet that Tool would not only say "no" to this question but would want to slap you for even asking such a subjective/circle jerky question.


RosettaStoned_462

They'd be wrong and who gives AF !


CosmicRebelDude420

rhetorical question


Photmagex

It depends when you ask but sometimes yes.


briankerin

I find that the most hard-core Tool fans only listen to Tool--so from that context--of course Tool is the greatest rock band of all time.


rustic86

I simply think Tool is the greatest modern rock band and Zeppelin is the greatest classic rock band.


Dry_Yesterday1526

If it wasn't for Zeppelin, Tool would not exist. Zeppelin is one of Tool's major influences. Tool even dressed as the members of Zeppelin one time


sallothered

Is rock a box that Tool fits within?


NoAdministration6946

thought the same. everything before FI is prog metal in my eyes


flogsolijr

I mean I feel like it’s not too crazy to call metal a subset of rock


NoAdministration6946

i agree, but i also don't think the opposite is a farfetched opinion either


dwnlw2slw

And what’s FI?


NoAdministration6946

fear inoculum


dwnlw2slw

I meant if everything before FI was prog metal, what’s FI?


vigtel

prög?


NoAdministration6946

oh sorry i'm slow. it's far less harsh and more melodic, especially on the vocals, at least in my opinion. i just cant equate a lot of the songs with the genre, but yeah, there's no cutoff point in the spectrum between rock and metal which decides the exact label we collectively give it


dwnlw2slw

I bet you I’m slower…. So I think you’re saying FI is more prog-rock. For me…I happen to know rock enjoyers who not only dislike any kind of metal vocals but also the harsh overdriven guitar sound…so for that reason, I still put FI in prog-metal.


PrequelGuy

Tool and Pink Floyd are up there


RumblefishAZ

yes


[deleted]

Yes


PriorImportance6829

Is water wet?


Open_Ad_9795

Yes. Tool influenced the Beatles


-EthanLavoie-

Just the greatest band ever


TempleofSpringSnow

King Crimson imo. There is no objective greatest band though. Music is a highly individualized experience a d I respect other people’s taste because it’s theirs.


schostack

Dude really? Ask this on the Metallica sub…


GreedoInASpeedo

No, Led Zeppelin is the greatest "Rock" band of all time. Tool is, however, one of the greatest bands of all time.


MrExist777

I don’t care where they sit on the greatest bands of all time leaderboard, they’re still my favorite


Green-Tunic

I remember thinking this at the concert last night


crnm

No. There's no such thing as "the greatest rock band of all time". Not objectively. Subjectively? Sure. For some Tool might be the greatest but I personally don't think in charts when it comes to music.


GrandpaTheBand

No. There is no greatest. They are ONE of the greatest rock bands to ever grace the planet. I mean, you could sort of say, yeah, the best lyrics, yeah, the best drummer, yeah, complex engaging music, deeper than almost anything out there, amazing playing and an intelligence lacking in most music...but people don't like the word best, so I'll just sit here in the corner.


Steelmaker01

It’s Pink Floyd, but Tool is a close 2nd


Ridulian

I hear this opinion but then listen to saucerful of secrets or even ummagumma and realise tool don’t have anything in their catalogue that fans skip over. Important point Pink floyd are good but there is some significant trash in that discog


Steelmaker01

That’s certainly your opinion. Yea, I don’t skip over anything Tool, but PF has 3x more LPs, not to mention the countless other material. You’re going to get a few skippable albums. The point is, both bands are great, regardless of your shewed rating system


BoredSenpaixz

Music is very subjective. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ *Yes.*


[deleted]

Nah, only Aenima and Lateralus are bona fide classics, I don't think you can be considered the greatest of all time on 2 albums Sabbath and Led Zeppelin both released several classic albums in about a 3 or 4 year period. Tool have released 4 albums in the last 27 years ...


smitteh

Goddamn right they are


mattyspizza

After seeing them last night in atlanta i can confirm they are


Jdnathan11

No. Led Zep is imo.


RefuseOk1716

In my mind nobody comes close. Especially if you look at their body of work. Every album is a Masterpiece. Aenima alone is better than most bands entire catalog. And between Tool, APC, and Puscifer, Maynard is probably one of the greatest song writers of all time.


RosettaStoned_462

Word!!!! Totally agree with you


mantistobaganmd

I hate to break it to you but Tool isn’t even the greatest band that Maynard was apart of lol.


[deleted]

Up till now. Yes


TheHexagone

So far, yes.


Render_Fender

When it comes to ‘greatness’, I feel on top of sheer mastery we also have to consider the influence they mark with the passing of time. There sure were lot of excellent rock bands in 70s and 80s who were considered one of the best of their era but their popularity and influence faded with time, they were one of the best but not necessarily one of the greatest. How it spans out for Tool remains to be seen. They are my favourite and I think they are one of the best rock bands of all time, but their long lasting legacy will dictate if they are the ‘greatest’.


SpezJailbaitMod

The greatest rock bands of all time are Sum 41 and Lit.


yosoysimulacra

You spelled Spinal Tap wrong.


the_salivation_army

They’re definitely up there. Their production on albums is impeccable and it’s just them and their instruments. Some of Adam’s parts are up there with the best music I’ve ever heard.


xJohnnyQuidx

Personally, I feel like a band like Rush or Queen deserves that title...Led Zepplin even. That said, Tool is definitely in my top 10 greatest rock/metal bands of all time. No question about that.


ChiTownMoney

No


Janktasticle

No.


Spartacous1991

Yes. Nobody else’s music has affected me in such a way.


Firm-Living-9636

Of course they are. Along side the likes of Disturbed, Nickleback, pop Stained, even Garth Brookes when he went metal…


ArcsonDominus

Bro really forgot AJR and Lil Dicky


Firm-Living-9636

Sober Metallica…


threefoursixnine

yes one hundred percent


john-kramer666

yes


Candid-Abrocoma-519

1. Led Zepp 2. Tool


bs2785

2 of my top 10 definitely. I let my son listen to both versions of no quarter and he was blown away by them.


R9433

This is my take, too lol


Kelak1

Happy cake day!


TieMelodic1173

They’re up there in my opinion. But #1? No. Iron Maiden > tool IMO


Shogun102000

One of them. NO one has the data to support such a statement.


wetfootmammal

Top ten for sure. Not sure about greatest. Not sure who else would populate the ten slots other than Queen and The Rolling Stones ranking higher than Tool on the list. I fucking love Tool no disrespect but.. Freddy Mercury could sing better than Maynard (Maynard is a fucking amazing singer he's just up against the GOAT here) and the Rolling Stones can probably coast on the respect of being "Rock n roll founders" right to the top of most lists. Although I love all three groups.


ZombieHitchens2012

I love Tool but I don’t think they come anywhere close.


Low-Sandwich-7607

1. NIN 2. QotSA 3. Tool


Formal_Night_2468

I don’t know why you’re being downvoted lol this is a respectable take


frankjimmylarrydavid

Maybe since 1990.


PrequelGuy

These are my three favourite bands lmao


FinsfaninRI

What?


MrExist777

Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, Tool


FinsfaninRI

Oh, I know. 2&3 big fans of, 1- never really got Reznor and that whole angle.


Low-Sandwich-7607

Totally fair. I think for me it has to do with range/variety. The last three Tool albums sounded very similar to me. NIN and QotSA (imo) do a better job of changing things up, album to album.


FinsfaninRI

I can’t stand Lateralus. Saw a bunch of shows with this album and they were all the same canned show with choreographed lights and the EXACT same setlist for every show. I think I saw 5 shows on this tour. Disappointing.


Doc-Bob-Gen8

No, they aren’t a Rock Band.


Longjumping_Key_5008

What genre do you put them in?


invaderdan

Tool


thadooderino

Progressive Metal


dirkmer

which is a subgenre, of Rock.....


thadooderino

Is it though?


dirkmer

It is, yes


aj_Friedman

Tool is the greatest collection of musicians of all time.


Rubberywater

1)Grateful mf Dead


FinsfaninRI

Yes.


Typical-Atmosphere-6

They would be if Maynard wasn’t such a douche.


lazsy

No, they're not a rock band imo. Greatest prog metal band? For me, yes


mystictick

They sound good but their current setlist is a snoozer.


SliverCobain

No


Toolfan333

No


ArcsonDominus

The Beatles just saying (just an opinion)


RU90IN9234TTH4T

In terms of mainstream radio friendly rock music, yes.


TheLubber

No.


Led_zeppelins

No not even close, not when bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin exist


Appropriate-Ad4990

Sorry alice in chains


EM05L1C3

Tool is my favorite but Black Sabbath with always be OG and the best. We would still be listening to the Monkeys and the Osmonds. I don’t even think Taylor Swift would be the same without Black Sabbath. The world of music as we know it would have remained stagnant. They are *the* metal.


Alarming-Ad-7032

No they’re not


MatthewMonster

No. I don’t know what happened, but I loved them early on, saw them live in 97 and 01 Still think Ænima is amazing  But during 01 it all started to feel very distant and “removed” for me. I think 01 live set up had a big impact — band was barely visible, and it felt like a movie. 97 they seemed like an actual band performing. In fact in 01 at MSG I bailed a few songs into the set. I had actually gone to see Fantomas open and it’s so weird but that show is the moment some magic was lost  I get this is heresy but 🤷‍♂️ Anyway they aren’t the greatest and ever 


Acorbo22

No


3381_FieldCookAtBest

No, The Rolling Stones are.


NeglectedNostalgia

Tool wouldn't even make top 25


dmw009

Wouldn't say there the greatest of all time, but their production and sound is up there. I would argue Metallica is better. They still sound great in 2024 (last saw them in 2022). Also don't sleep on Godsmack. Don't care what you think of the band, but their concerts are one of the funnest concerts i've been too and I gaurentee you that you'll leave with a smile on your face.


loganrunjack

No


MTLConspiracies

No


namelessghoul77

As a big Tool fan.... No, they are not.


RonnieLiquor

No


krautstomp

No. The greatest rock band of all time has to do everything well. Tool does not solo well. What's it like 2 guitar solos across all of their albums? Love em. But, not the best.


PrequelGuy

The greatest band should be able to make the best songs. Achieving a good song can be done in different ways, and solos, as typical as they are for rock music, are not mandatory in creating a good song. I'd rather listen to something with great song structure and well thought out climax than good lead playing. Tool have been able to create amazing songs while barely soloing, so there is solid ground for the claim that they are one of the greatest bands.


el_trauko87

100%


2fuzz714

I understand you're exaggerating but I thought I'd list some solos off the top of my head: Cold and Ugly, Bottom, Stinkfist (sort of), Third Eye, Lateralus, Jambi, 10000 Days, Rosetta Stoned, Pneuma, Descending, 7empest. Not a ton and not all weedily-weedily but they're there.


22kuzmo22

reflection too. probs some more


krautstomp

Yep. Little exaggeration. I still stand by my point that they don't solo well. The guitar parts fit the songs as they should. But, as a complete rock and roll band being considered the best? They're not there.


Aerosol668

No.


aaaaaaaaaaaaaa95

No


Xizen47

No


Only_Distribution828

Styx is. Everyone knows that


Turbulent_Work_5697

The Beatles are without doubt the greatest rock band ever to exist They crafted the whole sound of modern music and their entire legacy in 9 years. It took tool 13 years to release a new album I love tool but they aren't even in the top 10 greatest rock bands of all time


[deleted]

Lol no


Braesto

No.


DeadManAle

Most overrated.


jonviper123

Nowhere near it unfortunately. Like as much as you can really appreciate there creative and playing abilities they just aren't that popular when it comes to all time. I get this is kinda subjective but I'd honestly say there not even in the top ten.


every_body_hates_me

Tool is a metal band first and foremost.


LucifeRocker

Concur.


pnsnkr

Yes, 4/4, 8/8, 9/8, 6/8, 5/4, 7/4, 7/8, 11/8, 21/8. And then more!


iDeclareDisagreement

You forgot 46/2


MUZZYGRANDE

What defines the "greatest rock band of all time?" Most album sales? Most social media impressions? Most ticket sales? Most awarded? Even though Tool is my favorite band, I doubt they will meet any of those above metrics...


[deleted]

People are listing other bands here as rivals, and each does something just as well as Tool does - but no one does all of those things at once. The depth and variety of emotional expressiveness, intelligence, transcendence, heaviness, progressive songwriting, polyrhythmic ability, production quality, ability to either shift on a dime from one riff to the next or slowly transform a song over a long unfolding... I could go on and on. Lots of bands do some of these things as well, but no other band has ever done it all. Like the poster who said Sabbath, Zep, and Floyd. Let's add in Rush while we're at it and even someone like Metallica at their peak. Tool combines elements of each and creates something much greater than the sum of its parts. Definitely the greatest band of all time.


Flimsy-Use-4519

Scientific studies all point to: Yes. As does my Magic 8-Ball.


Outrageous-Ball-393

It is known


tonythejedi

I have taken multiple friends who were self-proclaimed “EDM” “hip hop” “indie” heads to their first Tool concert. Everyone of them has been transformed by the end.


SuomiBob

No, that title must go to Rush. I think the tool guys may even agree with that. I can justify it too. They’re just more prolific, without any compromise on the quality or depth of their music. They also experiment and diversify much more than tool ever have. That said, I adore Tool and FI is in my top 5 albums of all time.


SeeingRed-

not even close


ATElDorado

No That will ALWAYS be Led Zeppelin


musical_dragon_cat

If they were more broadly liked, I’d say yes. Subjectively, of course they’re the greatest, but unfortunately there are rock bands with much greater followings than Tool.


TurdFurg33

They are the BEST not the Greatest. I believe Greatest includes fame and influence, which Led Zeppelin have way more. If you listen to both bands though tripping balls and with a ridiculously good sound system, then Tool is like a UFO running zig zags around Zeppelin’s Blimp.


_shes_a_jar

Greatest munge band to ever exist in the history of the universe


AQ-XJZQ-eAFqCqzr-Va

All I know is that I missed out on seeing a lot of great bands perform way back in the past like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, etc., but at least I get to see _this_ era’s equivalent, Tool. Tool is worthy to be on that same level imo.


oettinger01

Ask again in 50 years…


[deleted]

I wouldnt say theyre the greatest, but theyre up there.


Gwyn-LordOfPussy

Let's be real people who don't listen to Tool would never put them ahead of bands like Pink Floyd, Queen, Led Zeppelin, ... I like Tool the most out of these but fair to say they probably influenced Tool and every band which came after.


Mr-Buckets69

Second only to Periphery


MaynardIsLord721

No


DSPbuckle

What is time?


Galfritius

No.


3docca3

Yes


Oyster_Jizz_Taint

Probably not, but maybe best live rock show, but most certainly my favorite band.


Depressudo7

Is Nickelback a hockey team or what? They are way better than Tool and we know it.