We live in a world of technology, internet and MySpace, but it was age-old word of mouth that saw American metal giants Tool request Shapeshifter as their opening act for tomorrow night's Melbourne concert.
The New Zealand drum 'n' bass act received the invitation last week, after afan sung their praises to the metal rockers.
Shapeshifter's manager Rebecca Caughey told nzherald.co.nz: "One of the guys [in Tool] has got a Kiwi friend that just raved about the band."
Despite the two bands disparate music styles, Ms Caughey said all of Shapeshifter's members were excited about the gig.
"They're stoked. They're all crazy Tool fans."
The concert, to be held at the Sidney Meyer Music Bowl, has sold out and crowds of up to 15,000 people are expected.
After playing at Auckland's Big Day Out two weeks ago, Shapeshifter have been touring Australia with the festival, which was headlined by Tool.
"The last Big Day Out they did, two days ago in Melbourne, they were on at the same time as Tool so they're quite excited about actually getting to watch them," said Ms Caughey.
Known for their danceable brand of drum 'n' bass and breaks, Shapeshifter garnered widespread acclaim for their latest album Soulstice, which spent 12 weeks in the charts following its release last August.
