Paul D'Amour
Paul D'Amour | |
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![]() D'Amour in 2006. | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Paul D'Amour |
Born | Spokane, Washington, U.S. | May 12, 1967
Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Genres | Progressive metal, alternative rock, industrial metal, hard rock, alternative metal, experimental rock |
Instrument(s) | Bass guitar Vocals Guitar |
Years active | 1985–1987, 1990–present |
Website | PaulDAmour.com |
Paul D'Amour (born May 12, 1967) is an American musician, and the first bass guitarist for Tool. His bass sound was recognized by the aggressive picked tone he developed with his Chris Squire Signature Rickenbacker 4001CS, which can clearly be heard on Tool's first full-length album, Undertow.
D'Amour was born in Spokane, Washington. Originally a guitar player, D'Amour became Tool's bassist after being introduced to the band by guitarist Adam Jones. Like Jones, D'Amour was in Los Angeles because of his wish to enter the film industry.[1]
D'Amour left Tool in 1995. After his departure from the band, he formed the psychedelic pop band Lusk with Brad Laner, Chris Pitman, now of Guns N' Roses, and Greg Edwards of Failure and Autolux. In 1997, they released their only album, entitled Free Mars.
Soon after his departure from Tool, D'Amour played guitar in a group named Replicants, a cover band that included Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards from Failure, as well as Chris Pitman. They released one self-titled album in 1995, with a guest appearance from former Tool band-mate, Maynard James Keenan.[2]
As of early 2005, D'Amour has been writing and performing under the name Feersum Ennjin. The name is inspired by the science fiction novel Feersum Endjinn by Iain Banks, an author whose novel The Wasp Factory was conceptual inspiration for Lusk as well. The project released a self-titled EP on Silent Uproar Records. In 2011, a self-titled LP was released on Dissociated Press, featuring some songs that had been released previously and some new ones. On the first track of the LP, "The Fourth", Tool drummer Danny Carey plays the drums.
Currently, D'Amour plays bass in the band Lesser Key. The group consists of Andrew Zamudio (vocals), Brett Fanger (guitar), and Justin Hanson (drums). The band "represents an exploration into personal and artistic freedom."[3] On July 26, 2013, the band released a video of their debut single "Intercession." Their debut EP was produced by Sylvia Massy and released on April 1, 2014 on Sumerian Records.[4]
Bass gear
- Ovation Magnum 1 Bass (Used in the recording of 72826 and Opiate)
- Chris Squire Signature Rickenbacker 4001CS (Used in the recording of Undertow)
- Ernie Ball MusicMan StingRay 4 (Switched to this bass during the 1995 Tour. Used to record Ænima Demo)
- 2 Mesa/Boogie 400+ all tube heads. (1994)
- 2 Mesa/Boogie Roadready 1x15 cabs (1994)
- 2 Mesa/Boogie Roadready 6x10 or 8x10 cabs (1994)
- Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive (Used live)
- Boss Bass Chorus (unknown model)
- Tech 21 SansAmp GT2 Distortion
- Marshall Guv'nor Distortion Pedal (live)
- Morley Wah (Used for live chorus in "Intolerance")
References
- ^ Mahaffey, Joel (2001-08-06). "The Tool Page: Paul D'Amour Biography". The Tool Page (t.d.n).
- ^ "Replicants album Information". Retrieved 2008-07-25.
- ^ http://www.lesserkeyband.com/index.html
- ^ http://sumerianrecords.com/artist/details/LESSER+KEY/id:40/