Danny Carey Net Worth

What is Danny Carey's Net Worth?

Danny Carey is an American drummer who has a net worth of $50 million. Danny Carey is best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Tool, where his technical skill, polyrhythmic precision, and innovative drumming style have made him one of the most respected percussionists in rock music. Emerging in the early 1990s, Tool became one of the defining bands of the alternative and progressive metal movement, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as "Undertow," "Ænima," "Lateralus," "10,000 Days," and "Fear Inoculum." Carey's drumming, heavily influenced by jazz, world music, and mathematical structures, has been central to the band's unique sound and its reputation for pushing musical boundaries.

Born and raised in Kansas, Carey studied percussion formally and developed a deep knowledge of jazz and world rhythms before moving to Los Angeles, where he played with various artists prior to joining Tool in 1990. His playing is marked by the use of odd time signatures, complex polyrhythms, and innovative techniques, often incorporating electronic drum pads and custom-made kits. Beyond his work with Tool, Carey has collaborated with numerous other acts, including projects like Pigmy Love Circus, Volto!, and Legend of the Seagullmen, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Over the decades, Carey has received widespread recognition, consistently ranking among the greatest drummers of all time in industry polls and music publications. His precision and creativity have earned him a loyal following not only among Tool fans but also within the drumming community, where he is regarded as a master technician and innovator. With Tool's music continuing to influence new generations of musicians, Danny Carey's career stands as a testament to the power of technical mastery fused with artistic exploration.

Early Life

He was born Daniel Edwin "Danny" Carey on May 10, 1961, in Lawrence, Kansas. Carey's fascination with rhythm began at an early age. He started by playing on pots and pans as a young child before receiving his first drum set at the age of 12. His high school years were filled with music and sports. Carey played in the school jazz band and also excelled at basketball, even considering it as a possible career path. However, an offer of a music scholarship from the University of Missouri was too tempting to refuse, and Carey chose to pursue his passion for music.

(Photo by Richard Ecclestone/Redferns)

Tool

In 1986, Danny Carey relocated to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. He quickly established himself as an in-demand drummer, playing with artists like Carole King and working on numerous studio projects. He also joined the experimental rock group Pygmy Love Circus, which allowed him to explore the heavier, more eccentric side of drumming that would later define his career.

By 1990, Carey crossed paths with guitarist Adam Jones and vocalist Maynard James Keenan, who were in the early stages of forming a new band. Initially, he simply rehearsed with them as a favor to his roommate, but he was impressed by their vision and decided to join full-time. With bassist Paul D'Amour rounding out the lineup, Tool officially took shape. D'Amour departed in 1995 and was replaced by Justin Chancellor, solidifying the classic lineup.

Tool released their debut album, "Undertow," in 1993. Propelled by hits like "Sober" and "Prison Sex," the record went platinum within its first year, establishing the band as one of the most compelling new acts in alternative metal. Carey's drumming, marked by complex polyrhythms and unorthodox time signatures, became a cornerstone of the band's sound.

Their 1996 follow-up, "Ænima," was both a commercial and critical success, earning a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1998 and achieving triple platinum certification. The band's third album, "Lateralus" (2001), debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and showcased their most progressive and experimental work to date. "10,000 Days," released in 2006, also debuted at #1 and continued the band's run of international chart success.

After a 13-year hiatus between studio releases, Tool returned in 2019 with "Fear Inoculum," which once again debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its ambitious scope and musicianship. The band has since won three Grammy Awards, toured extensively across the globe, and maintained a reputation as one of the most innovative and uncompromising acts in modern rock. Carey's contributions behind the drum kit remain central to Tool's identity, earning him recognition as one of the greatest drummers of his generation.

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Side Projects and Collaborations

Outside of Tool, Carey has been involved in numerous other projects. He formed the supergroup 'Legend of the Seagullmen' with Brent Hinds of Mastodon and director Jimmy Hayward, and played in 'Volto!', a jazz fusion group, highlighting his musical versatility. He has also collaborated with artists from various genres, including the Melvins, Green Jellÿ, and Adrian Belew.

Personal Life

Beyond music, Carey is known for his interest in occult subjects and metaphysics, themes that are often incorporated into his drumming and Tool's music. He is also a collector of wine and classic cars, a reflection of his diverse hobbies and interests.

Real Estate

In December 2016 Danny spent $6.35 million to buy Emilio Estevez's Malibu vineyard. Emilio bought the house in the early 2000s for $2.2 million and had listed it for $9.995 million. Emilio built a large custom house on the property in 2008. Outside of Malibu Danny owns another LA home that he bought in 1998 for $695,000. In 2008 he paid $2.2 million for the home next door and had planned to turn it into a compound. For whatever reason they abandoned these plans and sold the second home at a loss.

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