Josh Miller

I've been musical my entire life. My parents always encouraged it in me, and I would sing all the time. Then in sixth grade I was able to join band in school — started playing saxophone, eventually picked up guitar, picked up bass, singing the whole time. It's just something I've always had in me.

It might be a weird answer, but — I've never understood meditation. I've tried it, and I don't get what you're supposed to get out of it. Then I realized one day it's because I play music. When I'm playing, you get that kind of mindlessness people try to achieve through meditation. So I guess peace of mind is the answer.

A professional level of talent to match you guys. And good vibes.

The number one is just being on point. Hitting the notes, hitting the rhythms, making sure my part is nailed. If you ask what I worry about most on stage — that's it.

I want them to feel like they're having the time of their life at a great concert. Our job is to make sure we're there for them. I want them to be pumped up, to love it — to go home that night feeling like they saw something awesome, and like they were a part of it because they were there.

For the longest time it was "H." That's been my favorite TOOL song since the 90s. The one I really want us to bring back is "Jimmy" — we haven't played it in a while, and we're going to be doing it coming up for the Ænima 30-year. So that's what I'm excited about. That one and "Push It."

There are kind of two ways to look at whether a show was great. One: we nailed it. We played perfect — or as close as you're going to get — and it just feels amazing. The other: even if we didn't quite nail the musical part, the crowd was just amazing. If you can get both on the same night — not even a huge crowd, but one that's so invested while you're nailing the stuff — that's the best.

Obviously you've got to sound like them. But you also have to put on a good show. The point of being a tribute band is live entertainment — you're there to entertain people. If they don't have a good time, you're not doing your job. I'd say that's equally as important as sounding like the band.

For TOOL, definitely the odd times and odd meters. It's just a weird phrasing Maynard does — it's hard to pick up sometimes. There are parts where you really have to concentrate. *"Okay, it's the upbeat here."* You know what I mean? Yeah — for this band, it's the weird writing TOOL does.

It's a group of badass dudes. Me and Kevin have been friends for, like, fucking 30 years. It's professional — the musicianship in here is amazing. I'm so blessed to play with guys that good. And Echo Play Live is building into something. It already is a brand, and I just see it getting bigger. It's cool to be a part of that.

Some guys who've put the work in to make sure we're doing a good job. Especially if you love TOOL, you're going to love it. And even if you don't know TOOL — I've had lots of people come out who don't know a single song, and they're like, "Dude, that was amazing." Then they go listen to TOOL afterward. That's kind of cool too.

Just come on out and check it out. You'll have a good time.