concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
09/24/2001



Review written by: Strider (strider@olosoft.net)
Review posted on: 09/22/01 12:01:50 ET

This was this reviewer's Tool show

I have an extra ticket for this show, if you want it, email me at strider@olosoft.net. We can meet up at the concert and i'll hook you up, or whatever. Very good seats, and great close view of the band. I'll sell it at the regular price, 35 bucks, why would you want to miss out on tool? if you want we can talk over the phone, but email me first. -Strider

Review written by: Paolo Catanzaro (pcatanzaro@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/22/01 15:51:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

I went to the show in Detroit sober. The show in Toronto high on weed, and the show in Montreal high on mushrooms. CHEW THE MUSHROOMS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure you have some joints to kick the shrooms in. Thank you TOOL

Review written by: log (steelersdad37@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/23/01 01:48:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

SEE YOU ALL IN HERSHEY!!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: ShAdOwGoD (tooldissectional@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/23/01 01:57:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Damn........The setlist from the last show was very impressive, i hope wilkes-barre will have the same luck. Hey, to all you reading this, how has it been to sneak onto the floor? easy? impossible? post a review and let me know. I got seat tickets for this show, so hopefully i can get up front if the lords willing. I'll be at the msg show too i got floor seats. My TOOL week is beginning i guess. LET ME KNOW HOW EASY IT HAS BEEN TO GET TO THE FLOOR FROM OTHER SHOWS! -ShAdOwGoD

Review written by: FANTOMAS (FANTOMAS) Review posted on: 09/23/01 02:14:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

FANTOMAS RULES

Review written by: Supreme Sickness (whythehellnot@music.com) Review posted on: 09/23/01 17:46:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I can't wait to see Fantomas!!! Tool will delight!!!! We will all enjoy......

Review written by: spattson (spattson@home.com) Review posted on: 09/24/01 08:32:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

CAN SOMEONE POST THE APPROX. TIME WHICH TOOL HITS THE STAGE? I MIGHT BE A LITTLE LATE TO MY 2 SHOWS (PHILLY & NY) AND I WANT TO AVOID MISSING TOOL'S START AT ALL COST... THNX MUCH... ENJOY THE SHOWS...

Review written by: brian (moose_bp@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/24/01 13:49:48 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I now have 2 extra tix for tonite sect. 117 first row. email me if interested: moose_bp@yahoo.com

Review written by: shashank (duvvus@mnsu.edu) Review posted on: 09/24/01 22:55:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Hi I actually went to the first show of the tour in St Paul, MN when Meshuggah opened. I missed half of the Meshuggah show but what I saw did nt impress me that much but I m still listening to a few mp3s of Meshuggah because theres gota be a reason for them to be opening for TOOL. Now for TOOL. My serious fuckin suggestion. DO NOT READ ANY MORE REVIEWS IT WILL DIMINISH THE QUALITY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO PLAY AND IT IS SORT OF PREMEDITATED AND THE WHOLE FUCKIN SHOW FEELS LIKE A RERUN. I READ TOO MANY REVIEWS AND THUS COULDNT ENJOY THE SHOW AS MUCH AS I KNEW WHAT THEY WERE GOING TP PLAY NEXT. iMAGINE HOW EXCITING IT WOULD BE TO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO BELT OUT NEXT. SO THATS THAT. NOW THE SHOW. They sounded sweet. Opened up with Grudge. the drums sounded so clear and heavy that they made my heart feel them. simply awesome sound quality from both Adam and Justin. Maynard was wearing a Nazi type outfit and going nuts on that little stage of his. I really think that all the members of the band were in the right place and anyone who thinks that Maynard couldn t be seen, its bullshit because TOOL has four members who are equally virtuous and the way they were presented on stage was very unique and sophisticated and TOOL is about music not fuckin mass media showmanship. The amount of finesse and sophistication TOOL possesses amazes me. stinkfist, 46&2 and ref/disposition and then prison sex all beautifully played with great visuals. what a concept. then pushit schism and then paabola aenima patient and lateralus. everything was great i just wish I HADNT READ ANY FUCKIN REVIEWS Greatly fuckin dissapointed with the fans there. i cant believe the fuked up kind of fans that come to TOOL shows thinking its METALLICA'S second coming. what fuckin retards. saw and interacted with couple of fuckheads from rural minnesota. god this may sound condescending but keep your fuckin inbreeding and ignorance in your hometown you stupid fucks. sorry. had to express my anger. and i think TOOL fans understand that ADAM JONES has the most subtle stage presence. He is so calm and his body language is so beautiful and pacified even when playing the most heaviest and intense guitar riffs. fuckin great. really respect him. JUSTIN CHANCELLOR. intense yet grounded and very solid and composed. he faced danny many times and he had the back to the crowd a lot of times. just says how much he cares about the music itself and not all the glamor and media hype about stage shows that surround it. he doesnt give fuck if he is facing the crowd as long he is playing good shit. MAYNARD. what can you say? he has the most amazing emotional voice which fuckin captures every emotion known to man. sings from the heart. one more thing and this is just a personal perspective. MAYNARD is part of TOOL and that is where he is his best. Wonder why so many A Perfect Circle wannabe "goth" fans just don t get TOOL. DANNY CAREY a.k.a DRUM GOD. the name says it all

Review written by: justin (funkykarate@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 01:01:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Fantomas was awesome. It was a blessing to see Patton. Fantomas played songs from the new album and some of the pages from the first record. But most of this fell upon deaf ears. On to Tool: setlist was predictable with the exception of Eulogy instead of Pushit. The second part of the set was worth the price of the ticket. Parabol/a Eon Blue/The Patient Aenima Lateralus See you in Hershey!!!!

Review written by: the Ckreep (imp69@epix.net) Review posted on: 09/25/01 01:21:48 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Tool and Fantomas rules Wilkes Barre. Unfortunately, just as shashank said, lots of rural morons expecting a heavy metal concert. If you're reading this and thinking (if you actually think) about going to see Toll expecting a metal concert, save your money and us from your presence. Tool live is a emotional, cerebral and spiritual experience, and Fantomas is a cerebral, open minded show, so if you're looking for a Metallica or AC/DC show, DON'T GO, WE DON'T WANT YOU RUINING IT FOR US. That said, the concert was one of the best experiences of my life. Two of my favorite bands on one bill was absolutely amazing. The acoustics in the "F.U." arena suck, this is the second show I saw there, and for the most part the highs just bounce around and the lows get completely lost, which was very unfavorable for Fantomas, who performed a Mike Patton patented awesome show. Aside from the poor acoustics my only gripe was that they didn't play "Rosemary's Baby," but they did do an excellent mix of both albums, and they even threw out a non-album song. My other gripe is again, the ignorant, drunken frat boys heckling them because they didn't get Patton’s awesome brainchild and just wanted to hear "Sober." Patton, Dunn, Osbourne and Lombardo kicked my ass tonight, and just as I was rubbing it going "ow, that hurt," Justin, Adam, Danny and Maynard destroyed it. Tool did a perfect set, from the song list to the extended versions of the songs; they even were able to overcome the acoustic problems Fantomas had (and STP when I saw them at the same arena). Tool's soundmen have to be the best, they took that crappy arena and still got perfect sound out of it, if only they'd done the same for Fantomas... Again as stated before, Maynard stayed to the back on his little platform, giving Adam and Justin (who with each album has pushed me to get better as a bass player) more room and light, but he also performed some interesting visuals in the shadows. IN all, the only thing that even came close to toping this concert (and I've been to LOTS) was APC at the beginning of the year. That concert was small, intimate, and so full of emotion I walked out of the place feeling better than I had in a long time. However, this show was an emotional and spiritual cleansing. I was in a much worse place today spiritually than I was back in Feb (when I saw APC), and now I feel better than I can remember feeling since puberty. Everything shines a little brighter tonight, but I'm sure since you're all Tool fans reading this, you all know what I'm talking about. And as the music wasn't enough to do that, the four of them hugging each other at the end of the show, as a musician I can say that really lifted my heart.

Review written by: Matt (msd155@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 02:23:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

First off, I drove from Penn State to see this show, and the 2.5 hour drive was well worth it. However, could it have rained any harder or any more than it did? Geez. Fantomas took the stage at about 7:35 and played for almost 40 minutes I believe. TOOL finally came on at 8:50. Played till 11pm, pretty long set. 1. The Grudge 2. Stinkfist 3. 46&2 Maynard says "Good Evening" 4. Prison Sex 5. Eulogy 6. Schism Maynard says "Thank you very much for coming" 7. Dispostion 8. Reflection Break 9. Parabol 10. Parabola 11. Eon Blue 12. The Patient Maynard says "We have some good news for you." goes on to say that Tenacious D is releasing a new cd at midnight tonight, and to check it out. 13. Aenima Maynard comments about taking the positive energy from the show home with you. 14. Lateralus I was on the floor for the show. During the Grudge, most people were half swaying/half pushing and shoving. Once Stinkfist came on, everybody basically lost it and people were flying everywhere. I'll have to agree with others and say that a lot of people there were morons.... moshing to Disposition and the first couple minutes of Refection. That's just absolutely rediculous. I couldn't tell what Maynard had on originally, but after the 4th or 5th song, he was down to a pair of black speedos. Moved around and danced a lot on his own little stage. That's about it. See you in Pittsburgh on Friday night.

Review written by: Shayne Parrish (oyama26@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 02:24:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The Wilkes-Barre show was amazing. One thing that really impressed me was the appearance of the twins from the Schism video. They totally recreated the weird down-on-all- fours head-swinging bit from the video and came back later for an incredible rope climbing act where they swung around above the stage for nearly 20 minutes. I would have loved to have heard something from Opiate as well as Sober and Pushit, but the inclusion of Eulogy made it worth it. Something else that I really loved was the visuals during Forty-six & 2. It was two people embracing and then pushing each other away underwater. Near the end of the show, Maynard told the crowd to take the feelings they had at the show and use them to create something positive. Being my first Tool show, I must admit they outdid even my expectations. I only wish I had the cash to go to all the other shows in my area this week.

Review written by: Steven (ICBPxNYC@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 02:41:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

SO......uh..... well shit, i dont even know where to begin. Well i just got back from the show at the "FU" arena in wilkes-barre. Despite a little rain here and there, the concert kicked major ass. For the guys that were there on the floor up front with me, I was like the "little guy" in the pit. By the way guys... Ya know i dont mind moshin to a heavy song here and there, but why the fuck were ya'll moshin durin Disposition/Reflection? Anyways to cut the shit talk, TOOL fuckin rocks. In my opinion the best band that ever walked the earth. I was majorly impressed when they played "The Patient", i definitly was not expecting it. I definitly wouldn't of minded hearing something off the Opiate cd, but hey beggers can't be choosers, right? I do have to give it to Justin Chancellor the bass lines just kinda rumbled in my chess the whole night. Kind of gave me almost like an inner feelin of the music that you cant get anywhere else. I've been waiting to see these guys live for sooo long. I can look back and remember when I skipped school in 9th grade to get the Aenima cd. Man it feels like its been an eternity. and im definitly not stopping here. this is only the beginning of the Tool shows i have lined up to see. I dont know if the setlist has been posted or not, i forgot to look, but they basically played....Stinkfist, Eulogy, (i think i wet my pants during this), 46 & 2, Aenima, Prison Sex (some kind of wierd extended version...kicked ass), The Grudge, The Patient, Parabol/Parabola(wow), Disposition/ Reflection(the most intense songs I've ever heard and felt), Schism, and Lateralus. of course in no particular order. Well i havent much else to say about the band. If you were as big of a fan as i am, youd be in the same boat. Simply Astonishing........ ICBP- Steven

Review written by: Sarah Rose (MirrorsSideways9@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 02:53:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Blink. Where to begin? Exhale. Where did it start? I wish i could wrap my mind Right around this. "And we're sinking deeper" One note. I'm lost. In the best way. "Constant overstimulation numbs me" Breathe. Is this possible? Spiral Out. What are we witnessing? The spiral tightens. Surges. Ensures that it owns us. "See my shadow changing" Weep. Vulnerability invading. Imagination does not compare. Not to this. "For one sweet moment I am whole" The dynamic swells. Slows. Increases. Swallows the life force around it. Negativity consumed by realization. "You've claimed all this time that you would die for me" Inhale this. Engage this. Become what surrounds you. Digest the atmosphere. Adore the unexpected. Even if you knew it was coming. "Doomed to crumble unless we grow, and strengthen our communication" Find the message. Make it your mantra. Understand the movement of lips. The flow of fingers. The feel of the bass. The sigh of the guitars. "mention something, anything" Open your eyes to your closed walls. Watch them both fall. Bathe yourself in the whisper. Drain yourself through the scream. "And you will come to find that we are all one mind" Understand the lateral. Build yourself to forty six. And two. Sway into the pull. "We barely remember what came before this precious moment" Unwrap your rebirth. A gift you never saw coming. Memorize the feel. The texture. Trace the beauty here. "Recognize this as a holy gift and celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing" Cherish the sighs. Bleed the pain and bliss into one. Choose one or ten. Swing on the spiral. "But I'm still right here, giving blood and keeping faith. And I'm still right here." Cling to what is left. Grasp onto what you wait for. Use your imperfections as weapons. Close your eyes. Meet them on the other side. "Cuz I'm praying for rain and I'm praying for tidal waves I wanna see the ground give way." Feel this sweep over you. Recognize the residue. Adore the evolution. "I embrace my desire to I embrace my desire to feel the rhythm, to feel connected enough to step aside and weep like a widow to feel inspired to fathom the power, to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain, to swing on the spiral to swing on the spiral to swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human" Know the truth. When its sitting on stage before you. Know reality, know talent, know spirituality. Know divinity. In its closest incarnation. Four threads woven. Creating a comprehensive whole. Functioning as a soundtrack for healing. Listen and heal. Before its far too late. There is a force behind things. A reason for what blesses you. Understand. Appreciate. Grow. Learn. Spiral... Out...

Review written by: Allen (pentup21@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 03:02:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The only thing I can say about the first Tool show I've ever seen is, HOLY SHIT. I was incredibly blown away by how well everything sounded. I wasn't too sure if they would be like other bands and suck ass live. But they worked it hard. Sitting through Fantomas wasn't the greatest experience ever, but I give them props on being original and creating something unique. Having the people from the Schism video climbing up ropes, hanging upside down, hugging, and going nuts was awesome. It gave us fans near the front a chance to cool down a little while the roadies gave us water. I had the biggest, most intense adrenaline rush ever waiting to see the band I've wanted to see for the past 7 years. Only disappointment was that they didn't play anything off of "Opiate". Before Lateralus (the closer), Maynard said to remember all of the thoughts and emotions you were feeling and create something positive out of it. I couldn't agree more due to the fact that the feeling I got before, during, and after the show was so present.....so clear........

Review written by: Mike D (ihatesluts2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 03:14:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Wow, this is the best night of my life. God they played so well. Maynard was impressive. and Danny was so smooth. Im tired kinda strange quite a few seats were empty, i had room all around me. And God dam did it rain like a mother F' er. I was soaking wet the whole time. but I still loved it. I felt like i was the only one who knew the words. Oh well Rock on TOOL.

Review written by: Kemo & Ian (Euphoric_Anguish@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 03:29:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th? Tool show

Words, there are so many, which ones to use? Fantastic, awesome, incredible, unbelievable, euphoric, orgasmic ... these all work. The feeling of a TOOL concert is truly a unique one, and cannot be matched by any other band out there. Many try, none succeed, and the world is an emptier place for it. Okay, that’s enough teasing and rambling, on to the actual review and account of the show and events surrounding it. Ian and I left his house at about 4:00, and made it to the arena about 6:00 or so, after a few side trips and one stop at a rest area to make sure we were going the right way. It sucks ass when you think you’ve missed your exit, but are afraid to stop in case you didn’t. Of course, it’s better to be wrong in that instance than it is to keep going miles and miles out of your way. I’m rambling again, I guess I’m too tired to think straight. We got to our seats at about 6:30, and proceeded to wait an hour before Fantomas came on – they weren’t worth it. While waiting, we got food and drinks; I’ll bet everyone reading this really cared about that, huh? I was forced to buy beer for Ian because they made him keep his wallet outside because it had a chain on it and he forgot to grab his I.D. The biggest chicken shit bastard in the world (Ian) had a couple of really cute girls sitting beside him, but of course he didn’t say anything it them. Actually, that’s a lie; he said he was sorry if he ended up hitting them during TOOL’s set ... yay. He wonders why he never meets anyone, I don’t. Alright then, on to the actual music portion of the show. The concert opened up with the Fantomas coming on at 7:30. I was excited to see these guys, so I was really disappointed when they turned out to be very bad. They opened up with Mike Patton on a really weird mouth instrument, and screaming into three different microphones, all with different effects on his voice. I was still excited, after all it looked like these guys would have plenty of energy, and the music didn’t sound half bad ... yet. During their first song, the floor was dead and the crowd didn’t seem to know how to react to these guys, I don’t blame them. Overall, these guys were very loud, and very chaotic – too chaotic to get into. While Patton’s vocals were really good when he actually sang, he has a very annoying tendency to drop into a yammering and blithering idiot, who repeatedly screams nonsensical sounds into the microphones. The constant “yipping” as I and the others around me dubbed it, got so annoying that half the people in the arena seemed to leave in order to go get food, a drink, or just to get the Hell out of there. No one believe that it was Patton when I told them it was. The general consensus was that he had lost his mind totally in the years since Faith No More broke up. I tend to agree on this point, as the music was too chaotic to get into, the vocals were repetitive and annoying, and the band did nothing but stand there. I must say that at times, they showed great talent and the songs were good. The drummer has talent, as does Patton when he’s not blathering like an idiot. A few songs sounded very good, but were ruined towards the end, or in the refrain when Patton (once again) would start yipping into the microphones. The best part of their set was when Patton yelled to the crowd, “Anyone need a hug?” and the entire floor started booing him. I don’t think that’s called for, but he laughed it off with a really sarcastic “Awww...” Towards the end of the show, a decent pit had developed, but people were throwing shit at the stage, not a cool thing to do at all. I didn’t see the need for three separate drum solos, but they certainly did, since they had them. They also like playing with guitar feedback a lot ... talk about a headache. ENERGY: 9.5 from Kemo, 8 from Ian OVERALL SOUND: 5 from Kemo, 5 from Ian SHOW: 3.5 from Kemo, 2 from Ian CROWD REACTION: 2 from Kemo, 2 from Ian MUSICAL CREATIVITY: 8 from Kemo, 8 from Ian OVERAL OPINION: 2 from Kemo, 1 from Ian (All numbers are from 1 to 10) The lights went up at 8:15, and I met some really cool guys sitting near us. We talked about TOOL and how their show was. They had never been to a show and didn’t know what to expect, and since I had been to three before tonight, I could fill them in at least a little bit. I let them know what songs to expect from the set lists I’ve seen posted, and they seemed damned excited. It’s always good to meet TOOL fans, new ones are the most fun though. The lights dropped for TOOL at 8:40, and I’ve never heard a louder cheer at a concert, and I’ve been to dozens of them. The set list for the night was: “The Grudge” “- Ions” “Stinkfist (Extended Version)” “46 & 2” “Prison Sex (Extended Version)” **Interlude** “Eulogy” “Schism” **Interlude** “Reflection” “Disposition” **Interlude** “Parabol/Parabola” “Eon Blue Apocalypse/The Patient” “Lateralus” There was a big build up after the lights went down. An organ and a synthesizer were playing, slowly rising in volume until it was about as loud as the actual music when it kicked in. When Justin and Adam came to the front of the stage, the crowd erupted yet again. Danny came in from behind, as per the usual drummer style, and Maynard set himself up on his little platform opposite the drum set. I thought it was very unique with the way that Maynard stood in the back instead of in the front as per the usual front man style. When Danny started the first few drum hits for “The Grudge” everyone exploded. The floor started ripping it up, and the people in the seats nearly leapt out of them. The projections that TOOL always have were incredible, for this song they consisted of a lot of computer animation in the style of TOOL and Adam, and a very strange red eye in the middle of a weird design. It freaked me out a bit, was just plain awesome to look at. Next came “- Ions,” which built into “Stinkfist” and surprised the hell out of me since I expected “Third Eye” to be the next song. Once again, the floor was moving like a tidal wave, and people were beating the shit out of each other like there was no tomorrow, and I suppose for some of them it might have seemed that way. The video on the screen was a different version from the one that we all know and love, but contained the same basic elements. “46 & 2” was next, and the video on the screen for it opened with a three eyed man in a box, with the third eye blinking almost constantly. There was a lot of morphing solarizing of the figures on the screen, which turned out to be two women under water wrestling with each other. A lot of people thought they were having sex of some sort, I think they were fighting for their lives against each other ... especially given the context of the song. A slug-type-thing changed from its normal form into a hybrid of a human and a slug, interesting. Maynard finally spoke after that song, two whole words: “Good evening.” “Prison Sex” was next, and the video was very different from the one from years ago, and very disturbing to say the least. It was a naked girl and a strange looking tower of thorns. The girl looked hurt, and in pain, and violated, and it really fucked with me. It ended with the Undertow symbol, animated, with the tendrils wiggling ... vivid imagery. A lot of moshing. Maynard disappeared, as did Danny, and Adam and Justin knelt down on the stage for the next bit. They played an interlude song, while Maynard changed into his underwear, as per his usual style. Adam played around on a synthesizer for a bit too. The best thing about the interlude was the imagery on the projectors, which was like a posterized and solarized finger paint smear. Nice. “Eulogy” was next, and once again the floor erupted. The video for this one was a negative image of two nude women holding reflective surfaces in front of them and attempting to dodge something we couldn’t see. “Schism” followed “Eulogy” and Maynard was on guitar for this one. I couldn’t tell if it was a regular guitar, or if it was a bass because I was too far away, but everyone around me was very excited about it. The head bobbers form the video came out of stage during the song, walked about a bit, and then left. People were spazzing out because you could see their genitals – talk about a bunch of immature “adults.” Next was another interlude, with Maynard on guitar still and Adam on both his guitar and the synthesizer. The man from the cover of Lateralus was on the video screen for the entire interlude. “Reflection” was next, and they used the same video for this as they did for “46 & 2” but used a blue filter on it, slowed it down, and added a few different images. Most of the people in the seats sat down for this one, and the crowd on the floor swayed a lot ... except for a few people that didn’t know when to NOT mosh. “Disposition” was next and the video had what seemed to be the guy from the “Stinkfist” video, with no head, standing in a very dirty bathroom. There were a lot of slug-type-things crawling about the floor, eating the garbage there. Next was another interlude, where the man and woman from “Schism” climbed ropes in front of the video screen, and hung by their feet twenty feet from the ground. Still naked, they contorted and spun about on the ropes, and then embraced for a moment. TOOL came back out onto the stage after a few more minutes of the contortionist’s antics, which were incredible and almost awe-inspiring. I applaud both TOOL and the two who were hanging from their feet like that, it is an original idea and was very interesting. They started up after the interlude with “Parabol/Parabola” and once again, the floor went crazy. The contortionists twisted and turned, bending into odd angles above the band while the screen put forth strange and psychedelic images for us to look at. Maynard then spoke once more: “Thank you.” Next, they went into “Eon Blue Apocalypse/The Patient,” which was both soothing and beautiful. People on the floor were still moshing, which I don’t understand, but whatever. The video was of a thorny cross spinning in different directions, and the contortionists were still going wild up top. Maynard Speaks: “We have some good news for you. Some friends of ours are releasing a record tonight at midnight. Tenacious D, we highly recommend it.” “Aenima” was next, and the video was strange, to say the least. I can’t really explain it, so I’m not going to bother trying. The floor was one huge mess, there wasn’t a single person on thee thing that wasn’t being hit, or hitting someone themselves. Maynard speaks: “Thank you, and we will see you soon. In the meantime, remember these feelings that you are having ... take them with you. Take them home, and in the coming weeks use them to create something ... something positive.” They finished the show with “Lateralus” and it was incredible. The beauty, emotion, and just plane strength of that song got to me somewhere deep inside. Watching the video screen – in its many variants that I won’t go into because words simply cannot describe it – and Maynard dancing slowly with the words, was just wonderful. The crowd didn’t seem to get the message, or the feeling, of the song as they were STILL beating on each other. The lights went up at 11:00. A few notes on the show: Maynard never stops moving, even in the back and with the guitar, he is always writhing with the music. It is mesmerizing at times. Maynard doesn’t talk to the crowd anymore, and I’m disappointed with that. One of the things that made TOOL so good live was Maynard’s crowd interaction, along with Adam’s stage presence and the other’s as well. I don’t think that TOOL is meant to be moshed to. At times, yes, I can understand it. But, they are not an angry band for the most part and moshing to every single song that comes on is pointless and defeats the messages behind many of their songs. People who go to concerts today are too involved in hurting one-another, and it’s a sad thing at times. Just because something is heavy, it doesn’t mean you need to kill someone over it. People who do not like TOOL need not go see them. If you don’t like them then stay home and don’t stand behind me bitching about the band the entire time. ENERGY: 6 (9 for Maynard) from Kemo, 7 (9 for Maynard) from Ian OVERALL SOUND: 10 from Kemo, 9 from Ian SHOW: 10 from Kemo, 10 from Ian CROWD REACTION: 10 from Kemo, 10 from Ian MUSICAL CREATIVITY: 10 from Kemo, 10 from Ian OVERAL OPINION: 10 from Kemo, 10 from Ian (All numbers are from 1 to 10) I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY, IN PITTSBURGH, WHEN I GET TO SEE THIS SHOW FROM THE FLOOR!

Review written by: Bill the TOOL MAN Pence (fritolaid@excite.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 09:12:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

First, I want to say that I am a big fan of TOOL and was looking forward to this for many years. That being said...It was worth the wait. We drove up to Wilkes-Barre from Lebanon in the POURING rain. It almost set the tone of the evening. It was really easy to get in to the arena, but I think the security went a little overboard. They made me throw away my rock climbing hook (self-securing) key ring that I paid 10 bucks for. The damn thing didn't even have any sharp edges...SHEESH! So there I was...about 50 feet from the right of the stage in the firt level. KILLER SEATS. The night was gonna be great. Went to get a beer and found that I was only allowed to have one at a time. Buch of Commie bastards actually expected me to walk out in the middle of the set to get a fresh one. Needless to say, when the time came, I didn't budge. The lure of TOOL was too powerful. The beer would have to wait. This band called FANTOMAS came on first. What can I say except P fucking U. I don't know what the hell that was supposed to be but it was horrible. I saw people leaving the arena in droves to get away from the incomprehensible noise. Some were walking out with their fingers in their ears! I commented to the person next to me that I felt like I was sitting in on practice or something. These guys were terrible. There was plenty of talent there, but it wasn't being used. It seemed to go on forever. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore after the broke into their fifth rendition of "YAAAA YAAA YAAA YAA YAAAA YAAA YAAAA" That is the extent of the lyrics for the whole set. Oh, BTW, for all you Simpsons Fans...Sideshow Bob is alive and well and playing guitar for Fantomas. Soon, but not soon enough, that shit was all over and the lights came up. Had to go get that last beer. Grabbed one and chugged it down. Went to look at shirts...not too impressed. I actually expected better designs. I'd love to design a TOOL shirt. Once again I had to forego a tour shirt. I refuse to spend more for a fucking t-shirt than I did for the damn ticket. I think that's a complete bullshit 3-ring circus sideshow. So after a few minutes o worked my way back into my seat to discover a new face had showed up just in time for the TOOL set. Her name was Maria. She was a cute platinum blonde wearing all black and looking very gothic in a subtle way. We commented on the shitty band she missed, the rain, the recent events, etc. and then the lights went down. The crowd got up and the moment I had waited years for had arrived. TOOL blew me away. The talent and music were awe-inspiring. The visuals were effective enough to make me feel like I had taken a bit of blotter. The floppy-headed people from the Schism video were there doin' their floppy-head thing., and at one point they were doing some sort of Ambercrombie & Finch commercial above the stage. but I wasn't paying much attention to them. I was too busy soaking in the music...the sweet, haunting, skull-cracking music. I also had the added attraction of lovely Maria dancing in a sultry manner next to me all night. That was very nice. She smelled great, too! Aenima came on and the place went nuts. It was the best time. But it was over all too soon. On cue at 11, the lights came up. No encore. I was a bit bummed. But It was over. I said goodbye to sexy Maria from Philly and headed out into the monsoon of northern PA to drive home with all this in my head. It was a creepy drive. Lots of fog. As I lay in bed last night falling asleep I had a smile. I had finally seen TOOL and they were all that I had hoped and more. I had met Maria and she danced to the music and filled the air with a sweet aroma mixed with the odor of fine sweetie bud from the doobs passing by. I saw visuals and heard sounds. It was a night I'll never forget. Considering all of the concerts I've seen in the past 16 years, that says a lot. I am thining about getting a scapled tik and going again to Hershey tonite. It's only 5 minutes from here and I ain't got nothing better to do. Maybe Maria will be there..................................

Review written by: Siddhartha...Alpha Journeyman (Spiral987@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 09:15:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

As per usual, it rained all the way to WIlkes Barre (as it did for every other of my tool shows), and we were welcomed into the parking lot by tornado warnings...woohoo! better to be inside with tool than out here alone i guess.... once again tool fails to dissapoint. I think from seeing three shows this week I can say that I see trends in tool tours...Maynard only gets stronger, looser, more comfortable. I would have guessed that arena crowds would suck him dry, but so far theyve only amplified their playing and maynard haqs kept up his pace with both vocals and his rythmic undulations.... the other trend i see is that they try very hard to keep no two shows identical...which so far, for me, has been the case... The Wilked Barre show was different in several ways, firstly they did not play pushit at all, which is a suprise. Might have upset me if i hadnt allready seen it four times live. Even without pushit the show ran a good 2 hours and twenty minutes with Eulogy and The Patient being added. Eulogy was superb and Maynard's 'goodbye' scream lacked nothing from the disc...still proving that this band has yet to peak.... THey continue to play the longer seven or so minute version of stinkfist as well as the OTRM version of prison sex. Another note on how different these shows can be. Maynard went so far as to revert to face paint last night, wearing nothing but black undies and a wall of black face paint covering the left side of his head, great stuff for those who never saw them on tour for aenima. All in all a fucking beautiful thing, as it always is....Im nearing the end of my touring of tool, with only the 2 MSG shows to go, so im savoring every moment. Just trying to make somehting positive of those feelings i get everytime the sights and sounds marry in mind to push me foward....do not die before u see this band... peace and all love to my fellow fans... spiral out...

Review written by: BlueCollarJoe (swifty36@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 09:41:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

Reading the various reveiws from Tool shows,I notice there are increasing amounts of pseudo interlectual pretentious middle class.assholes contributing.There are some truely amazing stories and reveiws but most are by fuckers who jumped a bandwagon,borrowed a thesaurus and proclaim Tool as private property.TOOL are the best live band in the world without question.So what if some rednecks "don't get it" or someone in a M*******A shirt is mashed and rocking out at the show.If you don't like it move, ignore them or maybe even find the balls to have a word with them.If they don't enjoy it then they won't come back. Someone was even crying about smokers at a show,it's a rock concert not an art gallery for fucks sake.People deserve to see and hear Tool .They're head and shoulders above the rest of the dreadfull genetically modified bullshit thats out there and I think music is for sharing so spread the word and educate the masses and stop being so fuckin anal about four guys that play music.The band encourage free thought ,lets see some and Roll up for the greatest show on earth.

Review written by: Marc H. Strother (strotherm@panasonic.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 10:10:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Just some quick notables about my night: The good: ----------- *Seeing Tool. *Listening to Tool. *Being around other Tool fans. *The setlist was great -- I would have loved to have heard the Opiate/Flood combo or Third Eye but was very happy to hear the Parabol/a combo. Being two weeks away from having my second child -- when maynard sings "Alive" in Parabola, my hair stands up, I just consider that song a celebration and appreciation of life -- especially in light of the tragedy in our great country. *Getting frisked by a woman security guard. ;-) The bad (heavily outweighed by the good, but nonetheless): --------- *The derilect people that seem to just go to concerts because they have nothing better to do. The ones I saw just were loud, obnoxious and not even paying attention to Tool. *I'm no sound expert but it seemed like the acoustics were pretty shitty -- and I see others seem to have confirmed that. The vocals were too high and maxing out -- it was not doing justice to Maynard's great voice. *The rain SUCKED -- I drove two hours from NJ. I felt like a 95 year old grandmother driving 45 in the slow lane while being passed by 18 wheelers going 75. I couldn't help it, I could only see about 20 feet in front of me! Has PA ever heard of street lights??? *Expensive T-Shirts. I remember the days when Tool refused to sell T-Shirts at their shows and instead sold them through their web site via mail order for next to nothing. *Encores. I remember Tool would never do encores. I quote Maynard from a concert years ago "We're gonna leave the stage for like 10 minutes -- pretend like we're not coming back and then come back and do a few more songs - - lets not kid ourselves, right?". *Large venue. :-( Whatever happened to hole-in-the wall places? p.s. - Excuse my naivety, I haven't read the past tour reviews lately but since when did Maynard start playing an instrument? I'm wondering if it was just to fool people into thinking he plays guitar. If you haven't posted your review of this show yet and you have this info, please post it, I'm curious. God Bless America

Review written by: Diana (msrequiem@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 10:28:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first tool experience. It was amazing! The hour it took me to get through freaken bloomsburg fair traffic was well worth it. When I got there i was about two hours early. So i sat in my car. Already a bunch of assholes were sitting in the backs of there trucks getting drunk! And they were all trying to blast each other out with a different tool song... it got rather anoying. They let is in around six thirty. I had the misfortune of sitting next to three drunken assholes! men... And the arena is so stupid cuz it sells beer to these already drunken fools so it made it even worse. Then the opening act came on right on time at seven thirty. I thought they sucked ass, but thats just my opinion and i'm sure someone out there thought they were great. Then around eight fourty five tool came on. They were amazing! I was really hoping to hear H. last night, but they made up for it with prison sex and eulogy. I thought the preformance to aenima was outstanding. Everyone in the seating stood up for that one... I can begin to put into words the energy i felt with that song. And no one started the damned USA chant! I was so happy about that... and the did the hug at the end awwwww :) I don't know if anyone else seen the limo that pulled up beside the line of people, but when it made a u turn and came back around the windo was open i swear it was danny inside of it! Oh and if the arena owner ever read this GET THE FUCKING PARKING LOT PAVED! It was a damned mud lake after the show! All and all tool was amazing and i can't wait to see them again!!!!! Feel free to IM me at ArizonaBay1013.

Review written by: R1OT (r1ot@webmail.net) Review posted on: 09/25/01 11:17:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 11th Tool show

After seeing Tool for the 11th time, I must say that this could have possibly been one of the best performances I've seen. From the opening note to "The Grudge" to the last one of "Lateralus" my attention never shifted. I'm glad they played the bulk of the new CD and not a lot of the more "popular-with-the-kids" music from Undertow. Maybe this will give the people who had no idea what was going on a reason to go out and get the new CD. I was on the floor for the show. I DID however, have a seat ticket, but I managed to talk my way past the lady with the wristbands and holepunch and get on the floor. I was about 20 "rows" back which gave me a great view of the entire stage. I have to agree with some of the previous posts in the sense that there were a lot of people there dressed like this was a Ramones show expecting a heavy metal show. It was pretty funny. heh. All in all, this was an awesome show. This is the only time I got to see them on this new tour, but I think after checking it out I'm going to try to get to another one before the leg ends. Way to go guys. Simply stunning.

Review written by: ron (thirdeye421@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 12:11:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

best fucking concert ever!!!!!!!!!!! Maynard talked only twice during the entire show and the visuals were the best. I'm not sure wether Fantamos was brilliant or psychotic, but I think that's kind of what they were going for. Here is the setlist: The grudge ions Stinkfist(extended version) 46 & 2 Prison Sex(w/extra verse) Eulogy(extended ending) Schism Disposition Reflection(adam played end riff a few thousand times without moving an inch) intermission w/ contortionists Parabol Parabola Eon Blue Apocalypse The Patient Aenima Lateralus(best fucking ending of a song that exists)

Review written by: melissa (melissafehr@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 13:00:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I've been waiting 6 years to see Tool. Fantomas were as excruciating as Tool were exhilerating. I wish I'd stayed in the car rather than heard the awful noise produced by the opener for a full 42 minutes. People were leaving the arena in droves with fingers in ears, and I didn't even feel guilty not clapping. They were topped in "The worst band I've seen EVER" category only by Atari Teenage Riot, and by a slim margin. Tool, however, gave a masterful performance. There were some very bad things that were out of their control (see below), but as a band, they were vibrant, emotional, and precise. The stage setup was unorthodox - with Adam and Justin in the front with the spotlights, and Maynard being at the back of the stage by Danny's drumkit. Not once did he even have a spotlight on him, so it created a cool silhouette effect agaist a screen so you could see his movements really well. My friends and I had a discussion that we *think* he was completely naked during the first song, and then he changed into his, errr, tighty-blackies for Stinkfist. Two huge screens filled the space above them, but unlike the usual "close up shots of the band", the screens instead played videos for all the songs. Most of them were in the vein of most Tool videos, but a few were some distorted naked swimmers (props to Tool for showing male and femal nudity equally!). Even the songs that didn't yet have videos had original art with them, and only Stinkfist and Schism had clips from their actual videos. Then, during Schism, the figures from the video came out on stage on all fours with their heads bobbing (just as in the video), walking around the band. But the best was yet to come -- before Parabol the figures climbed ropes about 20 feet off the stage onto simple loops and did contortionist acts hanging from their feet, which continued the whole way through Parabola (I was concerned about blood rushing to their poor heads, but I'm guessing they're pros!). Musical highlights for me were definitely Eulogy, with the beginning coming in exactly as the album version, and Lateralus, which was just performed to perfection, and we decided was probably the band favorite. I did want to hear Pushit quite badly, but after a guy behind me screamed "Play Pushit you fucking assholes!!", I decided I didn't want to hear it that much anymore, since that'd mean he'd hear it, too. 1. The Grudge 2. Stinkfist 3. 46&2 4. Prison Sex 5. Eulogy 6. Schism 7. Dispostion 8. Reflection 9. Parabol 10. Parabola 11. Eon Blue 12. The Patient 13. Aenema 14. Lateralus Notice there were no songs from Opiate and only one from Undertow, which I thought was a bit odd... Now, the bad: 1) The acoustics. Corrugated steel and concrete are not the best materials for concerts. The sound got muddy and Maynard's vocals got lost, which really disappointed me. When I saw A Perfect Circle at Glastonbury, his voice was so clear and striking that it seemed like he was standing next to you, and I swear, was actually clearer than on the cd. This just wasn't the case last night, and it wasn't his fault. 2) The people. They were truly, truly awful. I remember in an old speech class, we discussed the difference between hearing and listening. These people have never listened in their life, and most certainly never did to any Tool songs. They took this beautiful, personal, and thought-provoking music and stripped it down to it's basest elements. I've defended Tool fans for years, but not any more. In my area alone, we had a complete cross-section of the crowd. Mostly strung-out frat boys posturing heavy metal pointing and head-banging, dragging along their waif and clearly bored girlfriends who sat and moped that they wanted to go home through the whole concert. Then, there were the straight-up metal fans. God help them. My friend's personal favorite was the drugged-out girl who couldn't even move to lift a cigarette to her mouth, and required her friends to do it for her. Across the aisle from her was the chain-smoking 15-year-old, but my personal favorite was the obvious stripper who gyrated and groped herself for the entire concert. And was in my field of vision the entire time, which was really distracting, but also really funny. I could literally go on and on, but no one would believe these people if you hadn't seen them. Dispostion and Reflection might as well have been unreleased songs, for the crowd reaction they got. Harly anyone even clapped, I'm guessing because they never got that far through the album. The true magnitude of these people struck me during Aenema, though. The whole crowd screamed out the "Fuck..." parts, but didn't know the rest of the words, so they just put all their effort into screaming "Fuck" over and over. I just wanted to shake them and scream "Don't you get it? He's singing about you!! YOU'RE the problem, the assholes he's talking about!" So qietly, I prayed for rain to instead wash these people away rather than LA, which made me feel a little better. Oh, and I didn't see any other tdn shirts, eihter. All that cred wasted. *sigh* 3) the Merch. $35/40 for a teeshirt. $50 for long sleeve. geez. All in all, I feel sorry for the band if this is what they've put up with the entire tour. I thought halfway through that this might be the first and only time I see Tool if the crowds & acoustics are like this all the time, but my friend swore that neither are usually this bad, so I may live to see another Tool concert someday. For now, though, I think I'd rather listen to my albums and get better sound quality where I don't have to put up with the dregs of society. And I can still live with the illusion that Tool fans are intelligent and thoughtful people. melissa, the 3rd and last concert of the weekend.

Review written by: Immortal EGO (matrix@ptd.net) Review posted on: 09/25/01 14:10:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

well people this has been the best show I have ever seen. it started as a raining 12 o`clock get together with 3 of my friends at the west gate with floor seats for this show. as I enter the doors to be patted down by a hot female guard and funneled down the stairs to the floor. as I rush the stage in a fast walk I find myself front row on the gate thinking this is just the luck I wanted boom smack dab in the middle of the show. during feb. I was lucky enough as well to get this close during a APC concert and was overwhelmed by emotion once again just too see tool this was a dream that I thought would never come true. At 8:50 tool takes the stage after a very different warm up by a band I didn't care for.(sorry) and I have to say that there were a lot of people there that needed to stay home or needed something to calm them down I just couldn't believe the morons that were moshing I seen 4 girls that were carted out because there were smashed or stomped on by people this was not necessary, but other then that the show was outstanding and when they played schism and the silver people came out and i mean the silver people from the vid it was unreal I still cant find word to describe this or the show to say the least. THIS IS A MUST SEE SHOW FOR THE TOOL FANS AND I STRESS A MUST SEE for all the people that thought it was a mosh pit stay home don't rune the show for others ok thanks TOOL this show is something ill tell my children about !!! thanks again immortal ego (aka)Rob Jones,pa

Review written by: systembastardo (eyeridebikes@bikerider.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 15:02:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Okay, i wasn't really at the Hartford show, more along the lines of Montreal, but im guessing most things will be the same. Id just like everyone to wonder about a couple of things. 1. The band's Square formation 2. The new circular sign prop 3. The upside down flailers 4. Maynards guitar 5. Adam's hair 6. Danny's crash, and ride?? 7. The last part of lateralus. im sure they rocked your show just as hard as mine! and oh yeah, my apologies for posting this in the wrong section, but i was outta town, and my intentions oculdn't be swayed.

Review written by: Aaron (aaron_fell@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 15:53:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

A visual marvel.... I was astounded and I still can't believe what I saw. Danny's solo at the end of schism was breath- taking. Any one who has the chance to see this tour needs to. I just can't wait to see them again in Philadelphia...I got floor tickets this time!

Review written by: Russ (TOOLRJM@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 16:21:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, unfortunately this was only my first TOOL show. I've been waiting for years for them to tour, and so this was the first time that I saw them. I can't deny that I loved it completely! However, i was slightly disappointed. I didn't react the way I thought I would. I thought I'd go nuts. Or, I thought I'd break out in tears. I didn't, I just watched. and as awe inspiring as that was, I think that the reason I didn't get into it so much was their playlist. NO songs off of OPIATE, ONE, yes ONE song off of UNDERTOW (Prison Sex). I mean, i LOVE their new stuff, but their new stuff isn't what drew me into them and what made me love their music. It was UNDERTOW and OPIATE. Yes, they're supporting Lateralus. but it's their first tour in 4 years, they should give TOOL fans what they want to hear. I'm seeing them again in DC, maybe some more UNDERTOW will come out of that show. Still the best concert I've ever seen though. - Russ Michelson

Review written by: Benjamin (benny@stny.rr.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 17:15:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Oh. My. God. What a tremendous show. Maynard was spectacular. Adam was damn near perfect. Justin was mind-bending. Danny, well, Danny was just tremendous. Fantomas was pretty fuckin cool. It's good to hear talent being put to good use. And to all of you on the floor - why were you moshing to Disposition/Reflection, The Patient, and Lateralus? Did you think it was a Korn show?

Review written by: Mike (Spedracer1@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 17:17:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

As much as i love tool i feel stupider having listened to fantomas' set. If they're opening at a show you plan to attend, go late, unless of course high decibel bird impressions are your cup of tea.

Review written by: Dan (dan@tmbg.org) Review posted on: 09/25/01 18:10:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

With efforts not to repeat any of the previously stated, but also to express my support and thoughts adequately: Fantomas was excellent. Did anyone else think it a bit disheartening to hear a legend like Mike Patton and his band (Lombardo is an incredible drummer) get booed? And also to watch them have to help carry out their own equipment. On a lighter note, the guitarist looks just like Sideshow Bob (no offense, it's just amusing). Tool's set was better than I could describe it to be, so I won't even try. It's just plain impressive. The visuals added alot to the exerience. I *think* Maynard was playing a bass, or some sort of tenor guitar. This thought heavily influenced by the fact that it first came out during Schism. Kinda wish I had seats. I don't have anything against moshing, I just fealt like it detracted from the experience for me personally. It was an amazing experience.

Review written by: Smoke Dogg (jjjanke@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 18:46:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. If nobody has, you ought to. The less duplicated info, the easier it is for everyone to read these. Especially your mom. It's a shame to know that a band as truly wonderful and amazing as Tool has such idiotic fans. For all the reasons already mentioned and for a few more. Tool live cures what ails though. Amazing show, amazing band, amazing amount of fucking rain. Your mom stinks, see ya in Philly.

Review written by: magdalena (faegirl217@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 19:00:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

this was my first tool show. ive been waiting for 3 years to see them, and i was lucky they came to this hole-in-the- ground to play. Fantamos went on stage at around 7:30pm. they were on stage for around 45 minutes. and ill probobly get a lot of crap for saying this, but i wasnt too wild about them. they made a lot of noise, and i guess that was ok, but there was no melody behind the songs. but enough abou them. tool came on stage at 8:30. im sure everyone knos about the huge movie screen projectors behind the band. maynard was wearing clothes when he came out, (i think, im short, and i was on the floor), but later, he was strutting his stuff in a tiny speedo, and a huge blue stripe down his face. they opened up with the grudge, went into stinkfist, and forty-six and 2. they played prison sex, and everything from lateralus. the one thing in the whole show that stood out the most to me, was the damn contortionists. the came out during schism, walking on thier hands. but during an interlude, these 2 latexed bald bodies scaled 2 ropes over the 2 large movie screens, and started a bizzare interpretational dance. at one point, the 2 of them were hanging upside down with thier arms straight out, spinning, and the picture of the salival spinning guy came on the screen. the crowd went crazy. they stayed up there thru parabol and parabola, and them came down. it was sort of moving. like modern art. they eventually played aenima, and they closed up the show with lateralus. it was long, they played for about 2hrs and 15 minutes, so you kno you get your moneys worth. a few of my friends complained about maynard not moving much, and the dim lighting, but i chalked it up to the band hating ego trips. the bad part of the show? no sober. no H. no eleven. and no pushit. but otherwise, it was a hugely moving and stimulating experience.

Review written by: WHO CARES (EATMYASS@YOUHICKS SUCK) Review posted on: 09/25/01 19:05:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 3RD Tool show

TOOL WAS GREAT THEY ALWAYS ARE LOVED THE SET LIST THEY CHOSE. PRETTY NICE SHIT THEY DID. I READ SOME REVIEWS AND HEARD PEOPLE BITCHING ABOUT MOSHIG AND WHAT NOT WHO CARES ITS A FUCKING ROCK SHOW DEAL WITH IT. ITS NOT YOUR FUCKING BAND ANWAY AND IF IT FUCKED UP YOUR TIME AT THE SHOW PERHAPS YOU SHOULDVE BEEN MORE FOCASED ON THE MUSIC YOU MISERABLE FUCKS. PEOPLE EXPRESS THEIR LOVE FOR THE MUSIC IN DIFFERENT WAYS I DIDNT SEE ANY FIGHTS OR SEE KIDS TRAMPLED I THOUGHT THE SHOW WAS GREAT. ITS THESE LOSERS WHO THINK THEIR IN THE BAND OR THAT THEY OWN THE BAND WHO POST SHIT ON THE INTERNET BITCHING ABOUT HOW PEOPLE CHOOSE TO ACT OUT THEIR EMOTIONS WHILE SEEING THE GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD THAT REALLY RUIN THE EXPERIANCE OF THE SHOW. SO TO THOSE PEOPLE AND THE ASSHOLE WHO WAS SCREAMING "PLAY SLAYER" MY GOD YOU PEOPLE SUCK.

Review written by: Happyfan (iggy20@hotmail,com) Review posted on: 09/25/01 20:39:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Great , fantastic, superb, stupendious, excellent, and amazed Should sum it all up. Since I came in at 7:25 I thought there was no way I was getting to the rail where my friends were defenitely at. But all I had to do was locate them and my other friend selectively worked our way to a hand on the rail. "TAKE THAT FUCKERS!" But I do not understand why people must mash everyone together so it's blazing hot and no fun so after Schism I decided to surf it out and take my veiw from farther back in the pit. MUCH BETTER! I am glad I have a reserved seat in Philly so I can trip my ass off this time and enjoy the Pink Floyd of our era and there unreal screen work that they have. (i am no pussy plenty of pits before but i just wanted to watch who the fuck moshes, crowd surfs or puts their balls on the back of your leg just to enjoy a show ? How can that be a good time ? plaes tell me?) FANTOMAS IS THE WORST BAND I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE >I HOPE THEY SAW ME HOLDING MY EARS! NO PLUGS-SHIT BAND -WASTE OF VALUABLE HEARING... NOT A GOOD COMBINATION..... ONCE AGAIN FANTOMAS YOU SUCK! WHY DID DEFTONES TOUR WITH THOSE FAGS GODSMACK. TOOL/DEFTONES WHAT A TOUR THAT WOULD BE WHY DIDN'T IT HAPPEN?

Review written by: marc gallagher (marc@losch.net) Review posted on: 09/25/01 21:10:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

First of all, i have to say that Fantomas was the worst band i have ever seen. I could've made better sounds from my ass. It's a shame they had to play with Tool. As for Tool, well what can i say, they are the greatest band in the world. The set list was incredible, but i wish they would do some of their earlier stuff too. Stinkfist really threw the crowd into a frenzy. I was about 5 rows from the stage, and after the first 5-6 songs, i couldn't even lift my arms to defend myself. It was awesome. As for the stage actors/acrobats, i thought that was the neatest thing i've ever seen on stage. Typical tool madness. I passed up a chance of seeing tool in hershey because of work. Some dude in the crowd was trying to sell a gen admission ticket for 20 dollars, and i damn near took him up on it. Well, what else can i say. Can't wait till they make another album and go back out on tour.

Review written by: the Ckreep (imp69@epix.net) Review posted on: 09/25/01 21:23:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Kemo & Ian: Patton lost his mind since FNM broke up because of all the yelping? Go check our the solo albums he made before FNM broke up, "Adult Themes For Voice," actualy recorded on tour with FNM. You'll see what I mean.

Review written by: Matt E. (mde125@psu.edu) Review posted on: 09/25/01 21:47:30 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Mesmerizing show…I was in another realm…they just took me to another level…I’d rather not spoil this review with talk about some of the idiots there or the opening act, so I won’t. I don’t want to repeat what everybody else has wrote about the show, but I do want to mention that seeing Adam, Justin, Danny and Maynard embrace each other at the end of the show was great…these guys truly played there hearts out for us and it was awesome to see them show their unity in front of us all. See you in Philly

Review written by: Vagina Whistles (DeamonCleaner@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 00:26:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

Everyone knows Maynard doesn't play the guitar. Loved it when people actaully thought he was. Although maybe Poops McGee has been giving him lessons. This bullshit about the second coming of Metallica, Negative. Wait and see, Tool will be remembered long after those lawsuit dildos Metallica have been reduced to dust. Oh, yeah.....it was a pretty good show. One of the most emotionally provoking performances I have seen Tool give. Osseus Labyrint's art is beautiful, and added a dynamic to Tool's show that was unparralleled.

Review written by: tacotom (tacotom@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 00:35:29 ET

This was this reviewer's best Tool show

wow!!! all i can say is after 55 dead shows and more than a dozen floyd shows and probably 1000 plus concerts (i am 32 and started at cbgb's in nyc with the dead kennedys, black flag, exploited and the angry samoans in early 80's at the age of 13) this band is worth considering to leave your day job for. seen a few tool shows and this one was like a trip back to the time when paper was safe to chew on at dead shows and just take it all in!!! i cant believe 3 musicians and a singer can put out that much sound! i've seen the allmans about 20 times and it feels like you get the shit kicked out of you every time you come out of the venue and these guys do that also but with a certain sense of calmness that is very much sureal and euphoric. the sound in our arena blows here in wb, pa and i have seen a bunch of shows there and it allways sucks for sound quality so i was very curious to see what the boys would do with this venue and let me tell you it was like sex in your ears with minor audio issues in the beginning but by the end it was like sitting in your living room with the cd on and the fresh smell of well you know that concert cabbage. sorry about the unpaved parking lot but welcome to luzerne county pa and the home of cheapskates. cant wait for madison square garden shows the sound in there is incredible nothing compares to the garden sound. maynard was way cool with the positive statement he made and the ritual hugging at the end adds a nice touch. i would like to wish toastchee a blessed philly show and thank you for turning me on to these guys i cant thank you enough. without the injection of any drugs in my system it certainly brought me back to the good old days without the hangover. see ya in nyc!!! travel safe. ps hey kids these guys are the pink floyd of our generation and will probably tour forever but right now they are peaking and playing some cool mellow stuff so be careful in the pit so as not to discourage your chances of making to the next show. also take a step back towards the center of the floor right in front of the soundboard it is where it sounds the best. just immerse yourself in the pool of sound that exists there and close your eyes for just a moment to feel it without the pain... peace, love, long live jerry garcia welcome to the new psychodelic industrial rockopera compliments of TOOL!!!

Review written by: tacotom (tacotoms@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 00:38:20 ET

This was this reviewer's best Tool show

wow!!! all i can say is after 55 dead shows and more than a dozen floyd shows and probably 1000 plus concerts (i am 32 and started at cbgb's in nyc with the dead kennedys, black flag, exploited and the angry samoans in early 80's at the age of 13) this band is worth considering to leave your day job for. seen a few tool shows and this one was like a trip back to the time when paper was safe to chew on at dead shows and just take it all in!!! i cant believe 3 musicians and a singer can put out that much sound! i've seen the allmans about 20 times and it feels like you get the shit kicked out of you every time you come out of the venue and these guys do that also but with a certain sense of calmness that is very much sureal and euphoric. the sound in our arena blows here in wb, pa and i have seen a bunch of shows there and it allways sucks for sound quality so i was very curious to see what the boys would do with this venue and let me tell you it was like sex in your ears with minor audio issues in the beginning but by the end it was like sitting in your living room with the cd on and the fresh smell of well you know that concert cabbage. sorry about the unpaved parking lot but welcome to luzerne county pa and the home of cheapskates. cant wait for madison square garden shows the sound in there is incredible nothing compares to the garden sound. maynard was way cool with the positive statement he made and the ritual hugging at the end adds a nice touch. i would like to wish toastchee a blessed philly show and thank you for turning me on to these guys i cant thank you enough. without the injection of any drugs in my system it certainly brought me back to the good old days without the hangover. see ya in nyc!!! travel safe. ps hey kids these guys are the pink floyd of our generation and will probably tour forever but right now they are peaking and playing some cool mellow stuff so be careful in the pit so as not to discourage your chances of making to the next show. also take a step back towards the center of the floor right in front of the soundboard it is where it sounds the best. just immerse yourself in the pool of sound that exists there and close your eyes for just a moment to feel it without the pain... peace, love, long live jerry garcia welcome to the new psychodelic industrial rockopera compliments of TOOL!!!

Review written by: Gwenneth (gwenneth@palace.net) Review posted on: 09/26/01 02:04:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I did a rather unusual thing last night. I went to see TOOL live. I am not a concert kinda gal and the whole undulating mass of random strangers really really freaks me out. I tend to stick to community/family (HiveMind) social functions. (SCA, SF-Cons, Pagan Events, etc) Well, not only did I have to get past my fear of being near other People, I also had to get past my fear of going to new places AND AND AND the overwhelming guilt of going to a place to have fun after the horror and soul shredding inner termoil of my repressed feelings regarding the events on Sept 11 2001. I was not disapointed with the show although the band was very somber. The subtle waves of emotional conflict I felt from the band durring the show were apt and powerful. To be able to perform while in that state has to be harsh. I am so deeply moved by the overall experiance that I have evolved from random die hard fanboy to foaming at the mouth worship at the alter #1fan status which kinda upsets me.(1) A part of me died on Sept 11 and the experiance I had last night has changed the way I am dealing with it. T00L is way more than just a band, they are like 'angels freeing you from the earth'.(2) Gwenneth (1) I am SOOOOOOOO anti media and HATE mindless consumerism that for me to be stalking all the tool sites and reading all the interviews is appalling me almost as much as it is filling my need to feel more connected to the band. ( I am sure it will pass, all my emotional obessions do ) (2) a quote from the movie Jacob's Ladder

Review written by: danimal (thelahunginjeet@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 03:02:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

to all you small-minded fuckers who have been bad- mouthing fantomas: fuck you! what did you expect to hear at a tool concert, boring, verse-chorus-verse, predictible, non-threatening bubblegum pop bullshit? if you want to hear that, then go to a fucking staind show. you're the reason that radio sucks! -danimal ps-to all of you other fuckers (some of whom may be said aforementioned fuckers) who chanted "usa" while adam was playing his very extended outro to "reflection": fuck you, too! i've never seen a crowd act so rudely towards a headlining band. you may as well chanted "i'm bored" or "radio hit" or "i don't want to think about anything new or different" or some other bullshit. if you want to see a show with nothing but radio songs, go see ozzy. you're the reason why corporate rock sucks! pps- all things said, i really enjoyed the show, even though the venue and the crowd was lame. stellar performances from both bands.

Review written by: beth (bettiecream@nospam.aol.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 03:54:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Alot has been said already. Here's what I saw at this show that was not: Maynard was indeed in makeup. He was painted gray with a thick black bar going down the center of his face. When he first came out he was wearing a gray bodysuit, also with thick black bars running down both sides of his body. At some point he shed the top, and I could see that his back tattoo was covered with a black bar horizontally across his waist and up his spine. The look evoked (to me) the wall in the Schism video. After the break he came out in a black speedo. The makeup was washed off, and his back tattoo was now visible when he turned around. Particularly when the mic battery pulled the back of the speedo down. (Don't get excited, he appeared to be wearing something underneath.) While I'm on the trivialities of fashion: Adam was in a purple fitted dress shirt and snazzy plaid pants. Justin was wearing standard blue shirt and dark pants. And Danny was wearing a black (or very dark) sleevleless shirt. For those of you arriving early to set yourselves up in front of stage: From the floor: Adam was front stage, about 15 feet to the left of center. Maynard was in back, almost exact center. Danny on a riser in back just to the right of center. And Justin was in front, far to the right. Before the show I had been looking for this info myself, so thought it might be useful to those of you on the floor for the remaining shows.

Review written by: Jennifer Drew (tyedye421@hotmail .com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 06:42:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first Tool show I was in heaven for about 3 hrs. After seeing Tool I will never need to see any other band. Tool is right up there with Led Zepplin And Pink Floyd, Always Kick ass albums and exellent shows. Maynard is so spiritual in what he and the band do. It great that they can have such a positive effect on their fans. Thank you>

Review written by: deluded1 (deluded1@disinfo.net) Review posted on: 09/26/01 07:53:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Setlists have been posted, so I want bother... first things first thank you Tool...maynard, adam, danny, and justin...were absolutely awe-inspiring.. my only complaint for the evening was the opening band Fantomas, and the acoustics of the FU arena, which greatly garbled sound quality word to the wise - if you don't like unintelligable screaming and rifts of uncontrolled feedback, you'd do best by skipping the first 45 minutes of the opening band to do some partying in the parking lot or meeting other tool fans also...i expected more maturity from tools fans than mindless "fuck you's" in their reviews to other peoples opinions...but sometimes I expect a lot on to the show I had a tingling since I entered the arena, shooting up and down my spine, until i watched them begin to to take the stage, where it built at the base of my skull, then, as they began the first rifts of the grudge, it burst forth as an absolute shockwave of raw emotion and from there, things got exciting and i was sober needless to say, i'm going to allow you to experience this for yourself...everything i say is so much shit next to what you'll feel...I was screaming words and not even realizing it, my heart was pounding, and my palms where sweating, i tried to open my eyes wider, so as not to miss anything, but I couldn't... well, you get the idea...the music took a hold of me...enjoy also, for the ignorant screaming such missives as "fuck tool" and the baffling need to chant "USA" in the first place, let alone during a song....well, please, if your wasted, that's no reason to disregard all respect, and if your not, what are you doing? I had hoped better from you, and hope better for you

Review written by: JBonzo (jjanitz@afifoods.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 12:34:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Tool has discovered how to really transform their imagry to the live show. I saw them at the Asbury Park CS years ago and this was a complete departure. The show will blow you away. I have 2 tix for the show in Philly on Thursday face value email me

Review written by: Steve C (john.5@thefragile.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 14:25:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

What can I say? Damn. On the was we persuaded our anti- pot friend to let myself and 3 others smoke a thick joint in his "smoke-free" vehicle. We followed this by listening to the latter half of aenima, well actually tracks 13-15 which provided us with very, very, very good "high music." Then we popped in Lateralus and before we knew it we were looking at the good old F U arena. We got out of the car immediately looking for acid, and were greeted by a couple 35 + fellows who were looking for hallucinogens as well. We walked over to the line area, battling slight dirzzles off and on all night and passing a few radio DJ's. One of which I noticed seemed incredibly plastic and fake in my extremely high state when he said to me "HEY MAN, YA PSYCHED? HUH ARE YA STOKED?!" I think I said something like "Yeah dude," and walked on. After getting in line we waited, and waited, and waited. About 2 Marlboros and 3 USA golds later we were approached by a group of three of what one might call "Hip Gangster Wannabe's" who were selling geltabs. My friend and I bugged out and bought 3 tabs. We took a nice walk around, ate one and a half tabs, went into the woods to pee and attempt to smoke a joint roach, then back to line where I was treated by my new friend "Jay Smoker" to a few shots of 151. Within minutes the rain had picked up and the first gate was opened. Some dumb fat bitch in front of me tried to talk to me, and I tried to get her to shut the fuck up. We enetered the arena area after a nice frisking and wrist banding, and ran to the floor. Talked to some people. Blah blah fucking blah. Then this guy who looks like Sideshow Bob comes out and Im like whoa that looks like a cool roadie or that guy form the Melvins. One of the above :-). Anyway Phantomas takes the stage and halfway through their first song my friend says "Hey we've heard this before." And i thought, yes, this is the music that my friends fat girlfriend likes a lot. Hmm. Cool. Anyway phantomas was wierd but they were alright I guess. No comparison of what was to come. Tool fucking annhialated me. Destroyed me. Ripped the beating heart from my chest, stirred it up in a sludgy mixture of liquid pain, and force fed me until I vomited. Tool blew my fucking mind, I was about 10 - 15 feet back when The Grudge started, and about 35 feet back and to the right when Stinkfist began. I'd go through the entire setlist and describe individual songs like I usually do in reviews but fuck that. I came out of this concert feeling the way I did when I left the Guns, God and Government tour (Manson) this year. Too much to sit and write about. One problem was the Mic mMaynard used for the first half or so of the show was very scratchy and distorted, but that was quickly fixed. ANd it didn't really matter because Maynards vocals were so perfect it made up for any technical error. Special highlights for me were all the videos, Stinkfist, Aenema, 46 & 2, Eulogy, Marijuana, Schism (which was incredibly rythmic live), Parabol.Parabola, Geltabs, Prison Sex, and The Patient. Justin Chancellor and Adam Jones = the most amazingly perfect silent chemistry and musical mastery I've ever seen. Special props to Adam for the outstanding visuals. Danny Carey = Pounding, fucking POUNDING drum beats. I must add now that the amount of bass felt in my chest at this concert exceeded that of any other. Louder and better mixed than Manson, NIN, anyone. Maynard = Vocals delviered with such passion you become one with him despite his stagefright induced hide and seek game with the crowd. And also he has a great ass that looks great in a black speedo. Well forget I said that nice ass thing, I didnt mean it, I dont think. Anyway all in all, one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Plan on seeing me again in the Northern PA southern NY area if tool ever tours again after their next album which is due out in the spring of 200NEVER. Oh and I was the other "little guy" in the mosh pit towards the end of the show, next to the real "little guy" from the posting above (ICBP Steven). In Tool we trust. -Steve (john.5@thefragile.com) PS - Acid + Tool , highly recommended, even if you aren't getting visuals, that overall acid body feeling is truly special when coupled with Adam's amazing video work.

Review written by: OLD ESCH (lazoo@enter.net) Review posted on: 09/26/01 14:35:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

AH DUDE. I dont know where to start. this was something i've been waiting for for such a long time. I knew Tool could not go wrong and they were even better than i could have expected it to be. Got to the parking lot around 4. there were not many people there and no real "parking lot scene". Not even any whippits but it was a small parking lot with tight security and there were pigs looking down from the second floor window of the arena. we talked to the people behind us for a while. there was some drinking but idont drink. they finally let us in around 630 and we went onto the floor and got ourselves the perfect spot. we were closer than i thought id be to the stage and it really hit me that they will be up there. waiting started for fantomas, whos cd i heard just so i knew what to expect and it was horrible with just noises and for some reason all the songs are named after movies and the album is the directors cut. they came on at 730 and were worse than i remebered the cd. all he said was "yayayaya" and "whuuu" in diffeant voices. there was a lot of booing. they played for 45 minutes. me and my friend stopped smoking for a month for this. we didnt start until about 840 and cause tool was coming out at 845. it was well worth it . first the nusic started and danny's gong lit up, and after about 5 miutes later the lights went out and five minutes later they were there. we smoked until the lights went out and a little into the first son, the grudge, which was a better opener than i expected it to be. i was so fucked up off the diggities and this was Gods infront of my face. i lost my breath by the end go the grudge and synkfist and sober made it worse and eventually i just felt better after that but still desperately needed a drink. the pit got pretty rough at times, although i didnt go in much mostly cause i wanted to keep smoking ant not break my bowl and loose my nuggs. i smoked for most the concert and felt better than i have ever felt in my life. Tool is the greatest live band and the greatest band ever. maynard stayed on a little stage to our left behind adam and in front of the bottom screen under the two gigantic screens on top of that. i thought the best view was looking at maynard in front of the screen. the set list was waht i think one of the best on the tour. 46 +2, the patient, sober AND extended prison sex, EULOGY, and ost impotantly, AENEMA, which i think is the best song ever recorded. it was beautiful. than came lateralus and i was the first of all my friends and we all crowed surfed to the front and when i got up i couldnt stop starring at adam because i wad so close, the gaurds kept yelling at me to get down but icouldnt help and i didnt want to stop starring. my friend and i both think he looked at me and laughed a little. it was an incredible experience. than i went back and swung my head around as fast as i could for the rest of lateralus. i cant even describe waht an experience it was.

Review written by: Jesse (thepookanator84@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 15:09:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I just wanna say that i taped the show and we'll be taking it to a studio to get it recorded on a cd...Sounds good...so if anyone is interested email me and i will get back to you....................................WHAT A SHOW!!!!!

Review written by: Chad (spongeychad@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/26/01 20:34:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Awesome fuckin show! Best shit I've ever seen...Maynard prowled the stage with powerful presence and Danny ripped it up on drums. I was especially surprised with the people dangling from the ceiling......holy shit dude! I was pleased to hear songs not only from the new albums but Aenema as well. I am definetly going to more Tool shows in the future!

Review written by: Sean Benson (prisonsex76@homtail.com) Review posted on: 09/27/01 10:22:09 ET

This was this reviewer's Best Tool show

Wuz up tool!!This is sean from north philly, all i have to say omfg!!!I have been to a lot of concerts but this was by far the best...ive seen tool once before at Ozzfest'98 but this was def. better!!We got there around 4pm and waited in line till almost 630pm....we finally were let in and we got are bands for the floor and raced to the front...we were literally 2 feet away!!!At 731 pm finally the opening kick ass band Fantomas came and started too play holy shit these guys were fuckin incrediable with the guy from faith no more screaming out these incredible weird sounds out of the microphone fuck it it was crazy but kicked so much ass!! They played for 30 mins or so and everyone loved them they were the perfect band too open for Tool, the day after the concert i went out and got their cd....it fuckin rules....then we waited for bout an 1/2 hour and the anticipation was nuts i was goin crazy...me and my brother were right up front too see the greatest band alive....they finally came out and the place went nuts....they came out and played The Grudge and holy shit this was awesome, Danny's drums were vibrating through my whole body the whole time.... Tool fuckin rules....they had characters from Schism come durin that and bouncin around and such and when they played Parabol and then Parabola the two guys were hangin from there feet in front of the two screens doin all these fuckin cool motions it was awesome....They played for about 2 hours and this was the best moment of my life to date. Tool will alywas be my fav. band and i will alywas be their number 1 fan!!!Thanx for the best moment of my life TOOL(Maynard,Adam,Justin,and Danny)...i will never forget this concert, ever thanx a lot and cant wait too see u guys again, your greateset fan, Sean

Review written by: The Hammer (mr_mrsldaggett@excite.com) Review posted on: 09/27/01 11:18:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Let me start off by saying that I can't truely compare this show to any of there past shows. spending four long years in the Navy barred me from seeing them before. I thought the show was amazing. Maynard's vocals were amazing of course. The sync that they had with the video display was crazy! The set was great I thought. A few tracks of Aenima, Prison sex and some of my favs from Lateralus. I really wanted to hear Opiate they didn't play it. Ticks and Leeches would have been nice. but overall a great show. Did anyone have any thoughts on Adam's artwork?

Review written by: Steph G. (sunset228@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 09/27/01 15:08:33 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This show was awesome! Nothing that I expected, actually. But beware folks, if you haven't seen the show yet, bring earplugs!!! You'll need them for the opening band! :)

Review written by: Paul (paul14332@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/27/01 18:16:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

this was my first TOOL show and they were great. I was really excited when they played eulogy. osseus labyrint did an unbelievable visual show while hanging uspide down for what had to be half an hour. (osseus labyrint are the characters from the schism video). my highlight of the evening was aenema, there was so much energy coming from the band when they played i was just blown away. definately going to see them again, and i highly suggest it to anyone who hasnt been.

Review written by: ThatDustinGuy (thatdustinguy16@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/27/01 21:52:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

So this was my first Tool concert, all I have to say is that it was perhaps the most thrilling musical experience I have ever laid witness to in my life. They started off with just a phenomenal version of the Grudge, which happens to be one of my top 5 Tool songs, however, on this night, it was not. The Grudge was an unbelievable song, and I shat myself approximatly 20 times, but it was the least amazing song that night. On to Stinkfist, in which they managed to dazzle me with the utter talent of musical genius, and when they went into the extra little portion near the end, I died, but luckily came back to life for the next song, Forty Six and 2. This is a Tool classic, and perhaps the greatest ending in music history. Prison Sex was next with the tweaked extra verse, it was awesome, and I was about to see that I had seen nothing yet. It was a great performance, but I was straight up about to be blown out of my seat when I heard Eulogy in person. I was surprised that they played it, but when they did, it was so worth giving up Sober to hear it. I enjoyed the long drawn out ending, as I was playing hardcore air guitar so much that I was giving the people around me the impresson that I was tripping on acid. After that came Schism, a good song, but on the verge of being played out. This however, was a Tool concert, and that's not possible. This was when Edipus Laberint came out for the first time and did their little jig. That freaked the fuck out of me. The song was great, and everybody really got into it, probably because all the people who weren't really hard core fans had heard it before. Disposition and Reflection were just the most moving songs I've ever heard live, and at the end of Reflection, Adam just sort of chilled out by himself playing the same riff over and over and that had to be one of the coolest parts of the concert. During the intermission, E. L. came out and did stuff that's just too scary to describe, and then it was on to the 2nd set, starting off with Parabol/Parabola, which was so cool, my hair caught fire. That went into Eon Blue, which was also a moving experience. After that came the Patient, which I really hoped they would play, but didn't think they would. Aenema was next, and at this point, the place had exploded. The crowd was more into this one song than the rest of the songs combined. They finished up with Lateralus, which has to be my favorite Tool song ever, and then had a group huddle, which I thought was unique and quite bitchin. All in all for my first Tool show, I would say that if anything, it was one of the best nights ever, and my life was changed forever because of it.

Review written by: Kara and Sarah (kara570@aol.com) Review posted on: 09/28/01 11:18:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

Tool was the best band i ever saw live.i go every time they play in philly.i was so excited when they played in my home town.The tool concert was far beyond any expectations i had for it.and it always has been.I will continue to see every tool show that comes around this area.although i was almost killed by a big black guy and there was a 7 foot tall guy in front of me, i enjoyed it endubiously.

Review written by: me (me@me.com) Review posted on: 09/28/01 11:21:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

i hate fantomas.they are like a sound chekc gone terribly terribly wrong.die fantomas....die!

Review written by: Tom (tomdefaz118@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/28/01 21:15:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The setlist was excellent. Sure, it would be great to hear some "Opiate" or "Pushit", but with a band like Tool, you can't expect to hear everything you want. Too much to chose from. The only comment I have to make is that if it was possible, I would go to every show from Hershey to Albany and still come away with the same feeling of awe. Tool have set the standard for what a true concert experience should be. Not just slamming around in a mosh pit, but actually watching, listening, feeling, and becoming part of the experience.