Tool’s Justin Chancellor Pranks Opening Act Onstage as Willy Wonka: Watch

Tool have established a tradition of playful pranks on their support acts as their tours come to an end. The most recent recipients of this good-natured mischief were the California alternative rock band Night Verses.

In a video recently shared by Tool on social media, bassist Justin Chancellor, along with some of the band’s road crew, prepared a surprise for Night Verses during the final night of Tool’s European tour, which concluded in late June.

Donning a slightly unsettling Willy Wonka outfit, Chancellor and his team, dressed in large animal costumes, took over the stage during an instrumental break in Night Verses’ set. Chancellor positioned himself centerstage with a cane, engaging with the drummer and humorously “conducting” the band. Despite the odd spectacle, Night Verses maintained their composure and delivered a powerful performance during the song’s crescendo.

Given Tool’s history of end-of-tour antics, it’s possible that Night Verses anticipated some sort of prank. Last year, during the final show of their US tour with Blonde Redhead, Tool executed a similar jest. Maynard James Keenan and company donned long blonde and red wigs, amusingly invading the stage.

Tool’s pranks aren’t limited to their opening acts. One memorable instance involved Maynard covertly swapping out drummer Danny Carey’s spare drumstick with a dildo, leading to a hilarious moment during Carey’s solo performance.

You can watch the video of Chancellor pranking Night Verses below.

Tool’s Justin Chancellor Dons Willy Wonka Disguise to Prank Opening Act Onstage: Watch