concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
10/13/2001



Review written by: Dana Criswell (danacriswell@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 10/14/01 18:27:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th? Tool show

Hey, everybody! Last night in Birmingham, me and about 10,000 other die hard fans stood out in a torential down pour to see the most incredib;e bad in the country! It rained almost the entire time, and Maynard thanked us all for coming several times, even admitting that he would not do the same for us or anyone else. He said, "I can't believe you're all standing out in the rain for a bunch of assholes like us". It was worth it! Here's the set list approximation! The Grudge Stinkfist (with Elvis' Suspicious Minds vocals) 46&2 Eon Blue Pushit (kicked ass!) Sciszm parabol/parabola Mantra Triad track 14 off anema, not a song, the electricity noise Aenema Lateralus We also got the suspended and NAKED contortionists. I am not sure that that is the absolute correct order, but that is everything that they played. Thank you, guys. TOOL ROOLES!

Review written by: Ben Scott (kanos415@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/15/01 18:00:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

What can I say... It was the best concert I have ever seen, and even worth sitting in three hours of flooding rain and cold. The Melvins dissappointed me, seeing as how I normally like their stuff. Their songs just dragged on for hours. Very repetative. Tool came out and totally blew me away. As always they opened with The Grudge, which was a great. Then came Stinkfist, which really got everyone going and even casual Tool listeners could sing along with. It had an extra little bridge part added in though. I could hear the crowd high over the band. 46 and 2 totally blew me away, it being my second favorite Tool song. The visuals on the screen were the best of the entire night in my opinion. After all this opening, which was worth ten times what i had paid already, they blew me away and went into Pushit. I'm not sure, but i think it was extended somewhat. Then came Schism, which is a great song, but my main focus was on the contortionists. Their bodies moved and swayed all around and I couldn't think of a better complement to the instrumentals. Parabol/Parabola came on and really was the peak of my energy. By this point, the rain was coming down in sheets and my clothes were a second skin. Then there was Mantra and Triad with Maynard playing some guitar and Dale from the Melvins adding percussion, which was incredible just to watch. I could barely contain myself when they went into AEnema. Maynard spoke to us some before, being a smart ass as usual. Just before Aenema, when it had been raining for 2 solid hours, he said "don't leave yet, it think it's going to stop any minute." After that he went on to his speech about taking all our feelings that we had right then and going and making something positive out of them. He thank us profusely for coming to see them. Lateralus closed the night and was amazing as ever. "when you look back on this night and reminisce on why all your shit is wet......" Ben

Review written by: mike (mike.heald@lmco.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 08:35:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

B-Ham -- My 3rd show this week: I noticed that this may be the first review. Probably everyone else who went has pneumonia now. The rain was cold and quite constant. Here's the setlist: 1.The Grudge 2.Stinkfist 3.46+2 4.Parabola/Parabol 5.Pushit (Mixed of Old/New) 6.Schism 7.Disposition 8.Reflection 9.Intermission 10.Triad 11.Aenema 12.Lateralus I thought with the cold rain that I might get to hear Flood, but no luck. It was almost the exact setlist from the Tampa Show on Wednesday, minus The Patient. Maynard did talk to the crowd more tonite than other shows I've seen. "I want to thank you all for waiting in the rain for us. I wouldn't have waited to see me." I know a lot of you out there think Tool is the greatest band around, (and your right) but did you know that they also control the weather?? Well listen up, at this show in B-ham it was raining hard, for the whole afternoon, At this outdoor ampitheater was no different. It rained for the duration of their set, except for when they played disposition, The rain stopped almost exactly when Maynard incanted the "Watch the weather change" line. As soon as the song was over the Rain started again. I don't know what to think about that... After 8 years of listening to tool, I am starting to belive what my friend Brian told the first time we heard opiate. "This guy is the new messiah."

Review written by: Indifferent (toolsmantra462@altavista.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 08:39:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The setlist listed above is so far off... They didn't play anything off of Undertow or Opiate. The show was rushed, probably because of the torrential rains that persisted throughout the entire show. The drummer for The Melvins played with them on Triad. Overall, the show did kick ass, despite most fans attending are probably sicker than a dog... see you at Voodoo fest

Review written by: Disapointed (diapointed@!home.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 09:43:37 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

It rained and it rained some more. Dont get me wrong, I will probly listen to Tool till I dye, but I think they are slowly selling out. First of all, I have seen them four times this year, with basically the same set list everytime. Come on Maynard, give us something else. I dont want a carbon copy of the show I saw the night before and the night before. And when it comes to talking to the audience, say something different besides take this feeling home and make something positive. Out of the four shows I have seen this year, there were only minor differences. It is like he is reading a script or something. He knows good and well the audience wants to hear Ticks and Leeches, why doesnt he play it. I know he doesnt wanna jerk off the audience, but damn without us, where is he? I thought Tool was waaaaay more original than this. I am sorry if I have put down your favorite band, but they are my favorite band also. Go see them once, but dont go twice. I already have tickets to the Voodoo festival, hopefully he will play something different. Take care, see you in New Orleans

Review written by: Sonya (sonyaoo7@charter.net) Review posted on: 10/16/01 09:54:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. Saturday Oct 13.01...Oak Mountain Amphitheater...Birmingham, AL----a completely outdoor venue---Everyone was looking forward to the show.....wouldn't you know we had severe weather that day & evening......But that did not stop the crowd...the place was packed ! How loyal TOOL fans are! Braving tornado warnings, flash flooding, & hard driving rain with winds sometimes up to 60 mph.....It did not matter.....we were here to see TOOL....you couldn't smoke or drink, only concentrate on why you were here in the first place. When they came out on stage all thoughts of: "What the hell am I doing here in this fucking tornadic atmosphere in the pouring rain?!", Left us ! We were all drawn under their spell......The sound was excellent ! What a tight band....the only other band that comes close to describing what TOOL is "may" be Pink Floyd...in a word, TOOL is SERIOUS-----you cannot possibly categorize their sound....Original in everything they do..the entire show is art...with spectacular images on the huge video screens all in perfect time with the music. One of the highlights of the evening was when the man & woman contortionists came out on stage & later hung upside down in front of the two video screens by their ankles completely nude moving in time with the video in that freaky, weird, only seen with TOOL way ! The weather only added to the "experience" the rain constant...driving harder as they did, getting softer at the right moments....as the set wore on & our ears had been given proper adjusting time the sound became increasingly louder....You could FEEL the noise !! Danny's playing perfectly timed, vibrating through us all, along with Justin's thundering bass, Adam's exquisite guitar playing, & Maynard's voice loud & clear rising above it all !! It did not matter that we were standing in the cold pouring rain for 3+ hours, our shoes filled with water & our bodies drenched......this is by far one of the craziest things I've ever done...even Maynard said to the crowd, "We thank you for coming, I know "I" wouldn't stand out in this for "us" , or for "you" either"....ha...He had a point !!! They didn't play my favorite song, Eulogy...& they didn't play sober....but we were not cut short......It would've been nice if it had been just a normal fall evening without the rain....but there was NOTHING ordinary about it at all....... Thank You TOOL for an INCREDIBLE evening !!!!!!

Review written by: Rob Mills (Destrus1@bellsouth.net) Review posted on: 10/16/01 09:54:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Okay, first off, that first set list that someone posted was horseshit. The second setlist posted was the actual setlist. Advice to people who post incorrect set lists, try going to the concert instead of looking like a total ass who can even get out to see Tool. The weather for this show was horrible, but Tool more than made up for it. It was outdoors, about 60 degrees, heavy wind, driving rain, and a tornado watch. What a night for a Tool show huh? The sound was incredible, despite the inclement weather. The sonic clarity of all the members was perfect. No distortion of anyone's sound that wasn't part of the show, and everybody could be heard at all times. The video show was great, too. The video that they have put together for the Lateralus material is wonderful. This was a total assault on the senses and it was incredible. If you look at the second set list (the correct set list) you can see that Tool did an incredible job of controling the mood. All of the songs kind of worked off of the mood of the last song. Wonderful control of the moods and emotions created by each of those songs. All in all, Tool was on top of their craft this evening. True, they may be playing almost the exact same set list night after night after night, but as an overall show I thought this was better than the AEnima tour three/four years ago.

Review written by: jen (faaipdeorange@home.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 10:24:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Birmingham – October 13, 2001 Woke up around 10 and checked out of our shitty hotel, we at least got a 30% discount and free parking. Got on the road after getting lost again and made great time. Stopped in Douglasville and ate lunch at TGI Fridays. It was beautiful outside, until we got to Birmingham. That’s when the rain started. We found the venue and pulled into the parking lot to look at it. Initial thought was “holy shit this is gonna rock”. It was an amazing place. There were already people in line and there was no GA, it was 4 in the afternoon. We talked to some guys that were tailgating before the show. We then decided to find a hotel, half our group decided to stay the night in B’ham but my car-mates and I decided we would drive back after the show to save money. They got a room at the Best Western right around the corner from the venue and we all went inside to rest before the show. We then decided it’d probably be a good idea to get some ponchos or something because it looked like we would be in for it. At Wal-mart we saw quite a few TOOL fans scrambling for ponchos. We found some 89 cent ones and each bought a couple. By the time we got back to the parking lot it was nearly full. We got out of the car and slipped on our ponchos. Some guy walked by selling them for five dollars a pop. Son of a bitch. Security was tighter, there was a pat down. We finally all got in and while we were walking up, we saw a radio van. My friend Jeremy said “hey let’s see if we can get on the radio since we came all the way from Baton Rouge.” We went over to the lady and he asked. She laughed and talked to us, she was super cool. Her name was Rachel and she worked at 97.3 out of B’ham. We told her our story and I mentioned that we had sort of shitty seats, I asked her if she had any better ones she wanted to give us, not expecting much she told us to wait while she asked her boss. A few seconds later she came back and bent down to talk to us privately. “I have a proposition for you,” she said, “ I’ll trade you your 7 3rd Tier seats for 7 2nd Tier seats.” YES! Of course we will!! So we ended up being much closer than we expected thanks to Rachel! It was stellar. Except for the damn rain. But nothing was going to ruin this night. I’ll spare you the song-by-song for this one but the highlights for me were: - Stinkfist in its extendedness again… GOD I love that one! - All of Parabol this time!! - And not only did I get to see Pushit both nights, this night they played the original version… AMAZING!!! - During Ænema, it was perfect to be completely soaked. To hear him sing “I’m praying for rain” was just… stunning… the crowd went nuts and I felt like I was in another world, utterly spectacular. - Maynard was much more talkative in B’ham. He had a few funny things to say about the rain: “I have a minor suggestion, if you take off your garbage bags and raincoats and wrap your clothes in them they won’t get wet.” A few songs later… “I notice most of you are still dressed… your clothes are gonna get weeet!” before Ænema… “Thanks for coming out and standing in the rain for two hours… personally, I don’t understand why you would do it for jackasses like us. I wouldn’t do it for me… or for you.” “When you’re driving home, reminiscing about why all your shit is wet… do something positive” Amazing show. Amazing weekend. Amazing band. I am slated to see them again in two weeks. These are going to be the hardest two weeks ever. But what will I do when it is ALL over? I shudder to think of it. I am afraid. The feelings I felt over the course of this past weekend are indescribable. This is my feeble attempt at conveying some of what was felt during these shows in the hopes that all of that were there can look back and reflect. Oftentimes reading these reviews makes me very sad and depressed, writing them does the same because I wish I could experience these feelings everyday. I just realized though that in order for them to be so fantastic, they must be special. We are desensitized to everyfuckenthing else. Savor this. Make it last, but let it go. That is what I have learned. Thanks to TOOL and their crew, Osseus Labyrint, the crowd at both shows, the Melvins and my friends for making this weekend worth everything. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Review written by: Chris (toolfreek@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 10:25:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, after standing in the rain (without a poncho, cause im a dumbass) for several hours and driving home 2 hours in a car, which the seats are now still retaining water, I must say it was worth every fucking second and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Nothing was played from opiate or undertow, which was fine with me, but not with the drunkasses behind me who chose to start during the grudge screaming "sober, play fucking sober" and not stop until lateralus was over. Also, a special thanks to the cheif mullethead behind me who chose to give our little section of the crowd a Phil Anselmo version of disposition/reflection, his intellegence really showed through. On a positive note, i did have a conversation with an intellegent person about some of the song meanings, so that made me feel better to know that there were intelligent tool fans there. Anyway, tool sounded so tight live, Danny looked like he wasn't even having to put forth an effort, but yet didn't miss a beat. Man, he is the greatest (as if you guys didnt know). Adam, stood there as if he knows that he doesnt have to bounce around and dress up like a fucking gopher to be noticed, that les paul said it all for him. Contrary to what most people think, I like maynard standing so that you can only see his siloette(sp?), it simply adds to his mystique. Justin, what can i say, best damn basslines, again effortlessly didn't miss a beat. The visuals were unlike anything I had ever seen before in my life. I was totally amazed and entranced by them. maynard seemed to be more talkative than usual from what i have read of past reviews, mostly making fun of us dumbfucks standing in the rain. At least he is honest and told us he wouldn't have done it for us, ha ha. I was kinda dissapointed by osseous labrynth during schism, but i was definately impressed by them hanging upside down, those people cannot be human. Anyway, I guess thats about it, feel free to email me with any comments you have on MY opinion, or if you want to share yours that will be welcome too. -chris

Review written by: Brian (auburn305@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 10:35:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I have waited over six years to see Tool and it has finally happened. To put how great this concert was into perspective, I skipped the Auburn-Florida game (which was an instant classic for any Auburn fan) to see this show. I would definitely say it was worth it. As everyone else has noted the weather was terrible. But watching a powerful performance by a band of Tool's caliber in rain in an outdoor ampitheater like that only makes the show more memorable. Fortunately the rain didn't affect any of the band's equipment, as far as I could tell. The Melvins opened the show and I was impressed. Their set opened with about three really powerfull songs followed by some more somber, repetitve ones. Adam joined them for a song - great stuff. Really good opening act. (I sensed some Rush in their music, which is always good) As expected Tool was great. Maynard had a couple of funny lines: "If you want to keep your clothes dry take them all off and stuff them into those garbage bag/parkas you all bought." "This is going to be a little bit like Sea World the first five rows could get a little wet." Opening their set with The Grude really set the tone. The second half of the set featured Tool's more reflective songs and some of the semi-Tool fans in the crowd left. Those of us that continued to brave the rain were treated with a great ending: Aenema (I thought we were going to drown in "Alabama" Bay that night!) and Lateralus. Outstanding visuals, the band really did alot of work on them.

Review written by: Adam Lancaster (optimistic pessimist) (alanca1@lsu.edu) Review posted on: 10/16/01 11:39:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

I made a road trip up to North Carolina to see a friend of mine and to see the Raleigh show. On my way home to Louisiana, I stopped in Birmingham to see TOOL again. A friend of mine rode back from N.C. with me, and my girlfriend, Jill, met us in Birmingham. Unfortunately, it rained during some of the show, and poured during the rest of it. We had pretty good seats (second row in the second tier of seats) so the view was pretty good. Really, my only complaint is because of the crowd. I still don’t understand why people will torture the people around them with their terrible “singing” along. Why can’t you all just shut up and appreciate the incredible performance in front of you? You can sing along in your car on the way to and from the show. Any way, here’s the setlist with a few of my comments. 1.The Grudge 2.Stinkfist (extended) – Maynard used the new line “white lines…running through my mind” as well as the “old new” line from an Elvis song. (“Call it a trap. I can’t walk out, because I love you too much baby. Why can’t you see, what you’re doing to me? You know I need you too much baby.”) 3.Forty-six & 2 4.Parabol 5.Parabola 6.Pushit – This was the Aenema version with a longer “solo” in the middle from Adam and Danny 7.Schism – Osseus Labyrint came out before the “cold silence” line. TOOL extended this part of the song to give them more time onstage. 8.short jam 9.Disposition 10.Reflection 11.intermission – with Osseus Labyrint 12.Triad – also with Osseus Labyrint and Dale, the drummer from the Melvins 13.Aenema 14.Lateralus – I snuck down to the front for most of this song because I knew it was the last one and security would be lax. A few other notes and all of Maynard’s comments: 1.Adam came out and performed a couple songs with the Melvins. 2.Adam had a keyboard-like device next to him onstage but I never noticed him using it. 3.Maynard was wearing the jumpsuit-type outfit, but left the stage after 46 & 2 and came back in briefs, despite the weather. When he cam back out, he said, “I have a suggestion for your raincoats and garbage bags, take off all your clothes and stuff them inside so they’ll stay dry.” 4.A couple of songs later, he said, “I’m very disappointed to see you’re all still clothed.” 5.At some point, he warned the first five rows that they were going to be doing a special show, like at Seaworld and that they might get wet. 6.After Triad, he thanked Dale, from the Melvins, as well as Hanna and Mark (Osseus Labyrint). He said that, “Dale is the original Barney, when he was green.” He also said that, “the Melvins can’t tour with us anymore because they’re going over to Europe to play a U.S.O. tour.” He also said, “You have about 17 minutes to take your clothes off.” 7.Before Lateralus, he said several things: a.“Everyone say hello to Hawk (pointing to the side stage). He has only one testicle; it’s a sad story. Where’s that spotlight? Too late. There he goes.” b.“I think the rain is about to let up.” c.“Thanks for coming. I don’t know why you’d stand out in the rain for a bunch of jackasses like us. I wouldn’t stand out in the rain for me or for you, but I’m a pussy. Later on, while you’re reminiscing about why all your shit’s wet, think about the feelings you had tonight and in the next few weeks try to create something positive to heal everyone.” Despite the rain (and the “singing along”), it was still a great show. I managed to get a setlist from the stage. I’ll be in San Antonio (in the pit) on the 25th, then in New Orleans for Voodoofest on the 27th, and finally Houston on the 28th. See you there. “contemplate what I’ve been clinging to…”

Review written by: justsomedong (tool@howamazing.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 13:00:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Tool's been my favorite band for as long as I can say i've had one. Being to young when they had previous tours, this was my first live show i've seen of theirs. Leaving Montgomery I was getting worried the rain would turn into a thunderstorm with some nice lightning, and we'd all die, but I lucked out on that I guess. I enjoy rain, not lightening. The Melvins did a pretty good show I guess. Im not much of a fan so to speak, but I did enjoy their instrumental music (could live without the singing, bleh). blah blah, you know the rest, on to Tool. When the Lateralus flame/eye circle thing came on the screens, that I would have to say was the most exciting moment of my life so far. Attempting to ignore the drunk redneck trash behind me (why do they pay to come to these things?), I went into my own little world to enjoy the show for myself. Good set list. Only thing it missed for me that I REALLY wanted to hear was Prison Sex, Jimmy, and Flood (which I thought appropriate at the time). They did play Stinkfist, which I almost started crying while singing it... why I will never know, never had any emotional signifigance before... some other stuff you have already read, blah blah. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed though, was Disposition/Reflection/Manta/Triad. Like one person before me said, the rain almost completely stopped all of the sudden when Maynard said "watch the weather change", which was kinda spooky, but in a very cool way. As for Reflection, the situation for me couldnt of been cooler. It started sprinkling again, so I really went into another world listening to it and singing along. Best thing for me though was at the end of the song, and Adam played those 5 notes over and over for like 5 minutes alone on stage. Couldnt have been anymore perfect for me, except if half the audience would have shut the hell up, listened, and enjoyed it. Osseus Labyrinth's performance after this was amazing, and very naked... So, then they played Aenema, the crowd freaked, and everyone rocked out. I loved it when Maynard sang the "yes im praying for rain and, im praying for tidal waves" and half the crowd stuck their hands up in the air. Lateralus couldnt have rocked more either. Maynard's rain jokes and commentary during the show was hilarious. And... thats about all. Did I write enough?

Review written by: ZACH WEST (zwest99@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 15:20:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

"I'm praying for rain..." words simply cannot describe this event. it rained from the time i arrived in birmingham to the time i returned home in georgia at 4:30a.m. my clothes were completely saturated by the horrendous downpour unleashed by the gods. i have never seen anything like this show. sitting out in the cold rain for three hours for any other band would be unthinkable. the lights, sound, and band were incredible. maynard was cracking jokes all night long. this show was cleansing in a sense. like a baptism from the flood. the show was incredible. this was my third tool show in two weeks and i will see the band again whenever or wherever i can. thank you tool the setlist was incredible. aenema version of "push it" was amazing. Osseus Labyrint was incredible tol "i'm praying for rain, i'm praying for tidal waves..."

Review written by: poop (overkill3578@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 16:58:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I have to tell you i am still feeling the emotions i felt a few days ago when i saw the lights turn out and that circle of eye's faid into the screen. It was a feeling i have never felt before and more then likely will not feel again until my next TOOL concert. The opening band really wasnt all that bad. I mean they werent TOOL but they were ok just not my style but i would listen to them. Tool was the best thing i have ever lstened to seen and felt. The shit on the screen was crazy. Maynard made a brillant remark during the show it was raining and he told us if we toke all of our cloths off and put them in the bags he promised us they wouldnt get wet but the show was amazing the vocals were perfect the guitar the drums the bass all of it perfect. I loved it and will see TOOL again but i wished they would have played some songs from Salivial or Undertow me and my bro's wanted to hear Sober but no matter i got what i wanted and it was great those people hanging from the ceiling were crazy. Well if you get the chance you really really need to go see tool well i have said all i need to PEACE OUT

Review written by: Soaked (Soaking@fucking.wet) Review posted on: 10/16/01 17:18:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Well, the entire experience was really awful for me. I had a friend with me who really didn't even know Tool, and she decided to make my entire experience (because it was raining) hell. Add to that leaving before Lateralus was played, and you've got a recipe for someone never going to a concert with me again. Anyway, the rain was cool with Tool, I thought. I just couldn't get into ANY of the music because of the constant reminder of my friend sitting there pouting with her arms crossed...THE WHOLE TIME. Beautiful show as far as the band went though. The sound was incredible, although I felt it could have been louder. Maybe I've been to too many loud concerts and just can't hear them the same anymore. :) A note to all: never take someone to an outdoor concert of a band that you REALLY want to see if there's even a significant chance of rain. p.s. - It indeed was really cool when Maynard said "watch the weather change" and it did...also during "I'm praying for rain..." the lights lit up all of the downpour in front of the stage. Really cool. See y'all in New Orleans.

Review written by: elevate (elevate@cox-internet.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 17:36:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

It doesn't seem like anybody else noticed, but the sound was not good until most of the way through Pushit. I could easily talk to those around me during The Grudge. Maynard's vocals were distorted a little bit in Pushit, but after that it all good. I blame the inclimate weather and the fact that the sound guys were in a tent...not the ideal listening environment for monitoring sound. I was most amzed with Triad. Is it always this incredible live?...or were we the recipients of a special treat? This version was so much better than the studio version; not quite as dynamic, but more rhythmic and tribal and even a hint of groove that is absent from the cd. I was totally blown away. Dale's drumming added to the sonic assault, but he's no Danny Carey, and he'd occasionally get a bit off - I think the sound guy at some point started turning him down. Is it me or does Maynard not look comfortable holding a guitar? I'm so accustomed to his writhings that seeing him motionless with a guitar is just....wierd. Also, the guys had a group hug after the show. Never seen this mentioned before, but it struck me as kinda odd, though definitely not a bad thing. Hey Soaked, I think I was right next to you. If it's any consolation, my wife and I felt sorry for you.

Review written by: John Roach (johnwroachiii@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 17:45:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Everybody's already talked about the rain, so I'll leave that alone, except that it was cold, too. My wallets still soaked, almost a week afterwards. Maynard was definitely up to snuff, with his singing, movement, and "Maynardisms." Who thought such a serious, art-rock star could be so funny? When he called the band a "bunch of jackasses" and later called himself a pussy, the whole crowd about died. I felt sorry for the poor bastard a few seats beside me, because the girl he rode with made him leave after 3 songs. To repeat what someone else said, go alone if it's an amphitheater show. Don't take someone who doesn't love Tool. Let me be the first to say this: The Melvins sucked. Not because they're not a good band, they are. However, I really resented them being on the stage while I was waiting in the rain to see Tool. I don't really like the Melvins, though I don't mind them, and sitting through their mildly interesting set with the possibility of a show-ending tornado warning arising was not my idea of a good time. I think that Maynard stands in front of the screen to show us that all we know about him is based on what we DON'T see. Think about it: for the most of the show, all we saw of him was his shadow. Pretty interesting philosophical ideas going on here, and the 3 people who read this might think about it. I also think that the last five notes from Reflection are good once. Maybe twice. But not for the seeming eternity that Adam played them. No offense to whomever took some spiritual truth from it. I'm glad you got something out of it. But I thought they sounded like some high school garage band covering for the singer's cigarette break. Maybe I just didn't get it. I know, I haven't commented much on the music. It was great, like everyone else said. I can't believe how much better Tool is live than on CD. Yes, I would have liked to have heard Opiate or Flood, or any number of songs they didn't play. But I also would have liked for the ampitheater crew to erect a giant umbrella or some similar device, and that didn't happen happen. They did play 2 hours worth of great material, less 5 minutes or so of the most repetivie 5 notes in history. As long as I'm pissing someone off, let me say that Osseus Labyrint (I don't know if that's the right spelling; I copied it from another review) is entirely over-rated. I didn't think they added much to the show. Again, maybe I just didn't get it. I have one question: They showed the Undertow ribcage on the screens, for a long time (I don't remember what song.) Any ideas why? I seriously thought they were going to play something off Undertow. Makes sense, right? Great show, shitty weather. 'Nuff said.

Review written by: bdca (bdca534@email.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 18:22:30 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

This show was by far one of the best i have seen Tool preform. I have seen Tool play 4 times, one of which was lallapalooza 93'. I think they get better each time i watch them play. Danny was completley on the entire show ( as always) Maynards voice seemed a little affected from a couple nights before when he sang ticks and leaches, however Aienema was completley perfect. That, Push it, and Disposition where my absolute fav of the night. The entire show still left the charging impact that Tool shows do. As soon as i left everyone in the crowd was soaked, but still full of energy and ready to watch the boys tear it up again. I think Birmingham needed some Tool to lift there spirits, as we dont get very many impacting bands through here. So..... TOOL PLEASE COME BACK TO BIRMINGHAM AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WILL PAY, AND MAYBE EVERYONE WILL GET NAKED NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: elevate (elevate@cox-internet.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 18:23:24 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Oh yea...one more thing. As to Adam's "5 notes", I kinda considered it to be a guitar solo. Of course, not the kinda solo you'd hear at a Van Halen concert (thank God). Those 5 notes may have been the same 5 notes, but there were so many subtle differences each time. I wouldn't bet money on it, but it seemed to me that no cycle was the same. Adam is quite adept at the nuances of guitar. I thought it was soothing and ethereal and was not bothered at all at its length.

Review written by: Mike Paul Fink (brian_warner667@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 19:32:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

for all the poeple who went to the show - honestly and are real tool fans- you will know what the set list is or some one whos a true fan has already posted it. TOOL- holy shit... ive seen alot of great shows before but this one is the top the best- why because its tool. tools powerful music can only be succeded by either a. marilyn manson or b. seeing tool live. im going to tell a story now that i have written in my memory from the weekend of the 13th. it all started as me and my friend eric and goldsmith went driving along behind my other friends brian p coakly, brooke boulten, brians sister laura and his parents. who were also going to the concert - brian had baught tickets the day they went on sale and since then everyone who was going has been excited and talking about it each day. so were driving along looking at porno for fun and putting on gas masks as well as skeleton masks, but when we had a tire exploide, that was clearly our first mess up. after putting on a spare and within 20 minutes my friend erics car also drew a flat... more time wasted on our trip to tool. we fixed car and left again...30 minutes later were fucking here in birminham. very excited about whats happenign in 2 more hours.. so we buy 3 hotel rooms and go up and put some shit away.. mess around and jump on the bed.. leave to go eat food and when we get back we hd to leave immeadiatly and thank god we did then. me being a mega dumb ass forgot my insulin syringes- so we had to drive to like 4 different drug stores to find a pharmasist that was open.. and finally after pissing off brians dad not on porpose- we extended the trip to finding the oak mtn ampitheater... and within minutes were hoping over the fence keeping cars out and gettting in line to be searched before entering. - lines though long went fast. the first place i went was to get a tour shirt.. me being a greedy sob got 3 shirts. then me and my friend brooke and eric walked to our seats.. holy shit these are cool- little did we know at the time we were in the wrong section and that the seats we actually had were much closer and more centered to the stage... so like in most other tales writen im going to tell u the weather -its fucking raining like shit! we were all soaked before we entered the damn place. and it didnt stop raining until tool played disposition. (how appropriet) everything is soaked and the rain is cold but when your moving and shaking yoru head to the beat of tool- your whole body is covered in tool warmth. and when the grudge started everyone knew it was indeed.....tool time. Melvins opened - and what the fuck - what a great opening job they did. played some good songs the bit and such-- all great. adam came out and played on several songs (cant remember which) as well danny made an appearance. some melvins members came out later on tools set and it kicked ass. Myanard played guitar on a couple of songs and it strenghend the already beautiful music comming from adam justin and danny. set list was more so the same and why i cant complain because im actually getting to see them and i know alot of people out there wnated to but couldnt get to a show because of certain issues. (such as my friend keven reed- and if u wish to email keven and tell him how sorry u are that he could not go see one of his favorite bands- then do so at kmreed@mccallie.org) after the show we went back to our rooms and eventually fell asleep- followed but being woke up by brian after he was romantically fucked on the bathroom floor by his girlfriend...(damn tool and sex in one night - thats great.) then we did some other things and drove back th enext day thinking about tools show. some quotes maynard had to say are: "I think you should all take off your clothes and get those garbage bags you have over your heads and stick those clothes in those garbage bags. Then your clothes dont get wet." "Your gonna get your clothes all wet....." "Were going to be performing some stunts later on that will remind you of Sea World." "I dont know why your standing out here in the rain for a bunch of jackasses like us. I wouldnt stand out here for me. I wouldnt stand out here for you either sorry. Im a big pussy." "You have 17 minutes left to take off your clothes." -Maynard moments from TOOL show that is all and good luck in life to all tool fans

Review written by: Justin (Ozzfan4@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 20:02:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I've been praying to see TooL for a long time now, and i was pretty much knocked down by the news that they would play a show in good ole bama. This was supposed to be one of the greatest nights of my life but as the night progressed I found that God did not want me there. When I finally got to my seats just as the melvins were finishing up, I found that 2 people had the exact same tickets that I had. Security checked it out and both sets were legit. Has anyone EVER heard of this happening? If so let me know, because I haven't. While we're all waiting for TooL to begin, some guy jumps on the shoulders of a guy 3 seats down from me and begins waving his hands around. This was the most fucked up person I have ever seen and still moving, I still haven't been able to determine exactly what he was on. Anyway, the next thing I know he turns a flip and dives headfirst into the next row. I could hear his head hit the floor, brains should've been splattered everywhere, but somehow he throws his hand up in the air and is rockin away. Security comes to retrieve him and he takes a few more spills before all is said and done. OK, on to the show. I was so pumped for this. Maynard is magical in the way he moves on his little platform and the way his voice carries out to the audience. I had hoped for Sober but I was more than pleased. I was lost in the music so much that I hardly noticed the rain until the rare breaks between songs. The moment that can best sum up the entire show was (yes i know others have talked about it but that just shows how magical it really was) when Maynard sang "I'm prayin' for rain..." The stage lights went up and you could see the rain drops, everyone through their hands in the air and sang along. It was truly amazing. I get chills when i play it over in my mind. I wasn't a big fan of the Lateralus cd until I heard many of the songs live. The grudge and Lateralus are 2 that stick out in my mind. I now have a new appreciation when I listen to these songs. I will never forget this night mostly for the music but also for the stories I have to accompany the whole night. If you don't care, then stop reading now, but its a nice tale. Whenever the fucked up guy got taken out my friend found she lost her glasses. After the show we found them. By now almost everyone was in their cars leaving. It was a maze of glowing red taillights. We finally found my truck and my friend looks at me and says "I don't have your keys." DAMMIT!!! We've already walked all over the parking lot, all over the venue, no telling where they are. We search around and then decide maybe the police could help us, you know having the whole "protect and serve" thing in mind. We ask where the lost and found office is, "Well you gotta take a right here, then go left and out the gate, walk down the road and there it is." Well its there, but its closed. We go back to the same guys and ask to use their flashlight. "No, we're about to leave. Don't you have somebody you can call?" I say, "Yeah, but we don't have 3 cents." "Well can't you call collect?" PRICKS!!!!!! Anyway, sorry for goin off, like I said it was a rough night, but TooL made it all worthwhile. When I left I could honestly say that I had never ever been that wet in my entire life. My underwear was soaked for 2 hours after the show. But I would gladly go through it all again to see Maynard and the boys. THANK YOU TOOL!!!

Review written by: Mike (ciddrop85@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 21:38:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I am going to be honest it was a good show but a sucky setlist it could have been alot beter.

Review written by: Nathan (eyelessmm@cs.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 23:25:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was the best experiance of my life , now and forever , , and it rained the whole time , but thats what made it special , ... only dissapointment was no songs older than Ænima... but thats ok .... Key moment: in aenema when he said "im praying for rain"... and when he said , " i wouldnt wait out in the rain for jackasses like us , i woulnt wait out here for you either"...

Review written by: Master Reviewer (G_ZORN@MSN.COM) Review posted on: 10/16/01 23:36:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 7TH Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS NIGHT WAS, I AM PRAYING FOR RAIN. WHEN MAYNARD SANG THAT PART OF THE SONG I REALIZED WHAT LIFE WAS ALL ABOUT. THE RAIN DID SUCK BUT IT WAS SUCH AN IRONIC MOMENT THAT I FORGOT ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT EVER BOTHERED ME. I MUST SAY THAT AS FAR AS SOUND GOES THIS WAS THE BEST TOOL SHOW I EVER SEEN. THE ONLY THING I CANT UNDERSTAND IS WHY NOBODY GAVE THE MELVINS RESPECT. NOBODY CHEERED WHEN ADAM CAME ON STAGE WITH THE MELVINS.

Review written by: The Donkey-punch (kornchild_h@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/16/01 23:39:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

the grudge stinkfist 46 and 2 parabol parabola pushit schism disposition reflection triad Aenima lateralus Ok, sitting in the rain for two plus hours for tool was only half of what I would be willing to do to see the band. When I saw them in Raleigh it was cold as shit, and that wasn't anything compared to what was going on Saturday in Birmingham. Maynard seemed to be in a much more talkative mood this time around...he said several humorous things to the crowd throughout the evening. Some examples, "You know, if you take off all of your clothes and put them in your raincoats or poncho's...they won't get wet." "We just wanted to warn you, that we are going to do something sort of like Seaworld, the first five rows might be a little wet" *Right before Aenima* "You have about....seventeen...minutes to take off the rest of your clothes" The fact that they played Aenima was worth the being soaked and cold all night...but like I said, by the time Tool came on stage I didn't even notice the rain.

Review written by: Mudd (iicovinii@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 00:27:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

i'd never seen tool perform before, and it was an awesome force of sound and fury. My head banged from the time i walked through th gates. I should known that the "All weather event" label on the ticket meant, " you will be rained on". but that's alright i enjoy both tool and big breasted women soaked to the bone. Anyway, my experience with tool and their awesome movement of sound will forever be marked in my mind as one of the greatest bands in their genre in this day in age. LONG LIVE MAYNARD STICK!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: clay (aperfecttool1016@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 00:47:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

finally, a decent concert coming to the city of birmingham, alabama. where the only big bands we get end up being people like limp bizkit. october 13 was the day set for when TOOL would blow away the city of birmingham with their mindblowing musical genius. my birthday being on the 16 of october, this was the perfect birthday gift. well, the day started off in fear when i woke up and saw that there was tornado watches all over the state...while i wasnt afraid of the tornadoes, i was afraid that the concert would get cancelled because of the severe weather in the area (it was an outdoor concert). so finally at about 6:45 i pull up to the ampitheatre, get out of the car, and the rain starts. honestly, even with as cold as it made it, i think the rain made the concert even more enjoyable...well, now on to the show...TOOL was unbelievable. they started the show off with "the grudge" and ended it with "lateralus", somewhere in between they played songs including (not in order): stinkfist, aenema, push it, parabol/parabola , 46 & 2 (this wasnt all the songs but you get the idea.) the rain let up slightly during "the grudge" but another downpour came right as they started to play "stinkfist". it was really awesome, almost as if they had planned it that way. maynard said something along the lines of "i have some advice for you, take off your clothes and put them in your rain jacket, and your clothes will stay dry!" the whole show was phenomenal, but one of the big highlights for me was when they were playing aenema, when maynard says "IM PRAYING FOR RAIN" the blue lights lit up and you could see the huge downpour that was falling over the whole crowd. it was amazing, and once again, it was almost as if they had planned it that way...a few more times in the show maynard tried to get some people to take off their clothes by saying things like "your clothes are going to get wet" or "you only have 17 minutes left to get your clothes off"(that one was close to the end of the show) nearing the end of the show maynard tells the crowd something like "i cant believe you would stand out in the rain to see 4 jackasses like us...i wouldnt stand in the rain to see me, or you actually, im a pussy". as for the band members themselves, here is my review of everyone: danny-what can you say about danny that hasnt already been said, effortlessly he made the most difficult drumming look easy and he sounded amazing. adam and justin-there is not better team in music than these 2. the riffs produced by these 2 men were mindblowing. maynard: on guitar-sweet... on vocals-by far the greatest vocalist alive. his voice was flawless throughout the whole show. so finally the show ended, even better than i had anticipated and i left more than satisfied with my experience. i can only hope and pray that tool will visit the area again and i will be able to experience it again. the rains never stopped that night, but i think it really made it a more enjoyable (and cold) night. thank you tool for finally giving birmingham a decent concert... p.s. tool, please stop in birmingham again!!!!!

Review written by: Chesley C. (joeblow@home.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 00:48:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

A fellow Tool fiend and I ventured to NYC this past May to see Tool (we're from Baton Rouge), and we were blown away. This time around the band sounded a lot tighter and perhaps more confident in the new material. The most stunning aspect of this latest tour has to be the video-art that is broadcasted on to all available screens. Through the torrential downpour I could still see that about 69% of the video-art was completely different than the NYC show earlier this year. It is absolutely amazing-- psychadellic insanity, water/healing/rebirth, and some sacred geometry thrown in for good measure. It really is something else. If any of you had trouble meeting up with ole Uncle Sid before the show, I'm sure that the graphic backdrop was enough rouse even the straightest of straight-edges into a hallucinagenic hysteria. I'm looking foward to New Orleans and Houston. Hopefully the weather will be a little bit nicer. . . . I'll be the guy in the Tool shirt, see you there.

Review written by: Shea Whitey (junkfunkio22@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 06:05:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Well, this was only the second time that i've ever experienced the magic that is TooL. The last time that i "fathomed the power" was at Lollapalooza 97. For some strange reason, i love the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, even though everytime i go there, its fuckin rains, but i always end up way closer to the stage than my ticket says i should be. Even so, the rain only added that extra intensity that i was looking for. The other reviewers did an excellent job in describing the show, so im not gonna repeat the same shit over and over, but i would like to add a few things. Adam came out with the melvins and finished out there set playing number one off of stag. Sorry, im not good with song names. By the way, the melvins were good too. Maynard played a guitar!! I dont know if he does this often, but ive never seen it. Then again, this was only my second show. He also told the audience that "if you take off your clothes, and put them in your ponchos then they wont get wet", which he did after the song, coming back on stage in his underwear. I want everyone going to the Voodoo Music Festival to do me a favor please. Pray hard for FLOOD, 4 degrees, and your own personal favorites, but especially FLOOD. Thank you very much, and ill see you in New Orleans....

Review written by: Jimmy Page (ledzep@ledzep.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 11:42:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

To the guy who was dissappointed because he didn't hear Ticks and Leeches: Fuck you. Listen to Ticks and Leeches while you and your friends embark in a circle jerk. Leave Tool alone. You going to THEIR concert means you're going to hear what THEY want you to hear. Sadly, there's too many assholes like you that fancy themselves Tool Fans and go to their concerts and ruine them for other people. Well, Asshole, round up your troops and go to a Mudvayne or Slipknot show, they're in dyer need if fans like you. In the meantime stop using the term "sell out" because that sounds stupid even if you use that term toward U2. Thats so rediculous

Review written by: Tyler (sinstrophobia@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 12:02:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

It was as close to religious fervor I have ever been involved. The rain came down for most of the show but it didn't seem to even penetrate me until after the show. The rain did stop at one point, but came back even stronger when the entire crowd joined Maynard in singing 'praying for rain' during aenema. The show was just purely spiritual and made we leave with a strong desire to create. Thanks you guys for helping me get through a non-creative stint.

Review written by: Randy Snow (randysnow_2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 12:03:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Well First let me say there are no words to convey how i feel about the state of Alabama...the word loath just does not do my hatred justice. If you are wondering what my little tiered is about, it's about the stupid ass fucking rednecks who have nothing better to do then go to a concert on Saturday... I dont understand how someone could not just set back and feel honestly FEEL the power of there music. Its amazing it really has done more for me then any religion or god has ever done. So to say I was frustrated with these bastards yelling "Play Sober" "Play Sober" just made me want to commit lots of murder.. But what can you do... Now for the review... Man what show I feel that each time i see them it get s better and better. (Is that possible?) Maynard is the most poetic song master in all the world, the rest of the band is just...... I can not finish the review because i am so frustrated with the redneck Camaro driving limp bizkit liking SHIT that lives here, Thank god I AM MOVING TO SLC

Review written by: TC (hydrostatic99@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 13:31:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well,to start....Melvins sucked.....I went with my girlfriend and she about fell asleep in her seat as the Melvins played.I never saw Tool live before but knew it would be great so I told her to hold on.....Anyway,it rained and then rained some more.....they were selling dollar store ponchos for 4 bucks.Bastards.....Getting back to Tool....we had center seats up front.....and when Tool came on and the place jumped.Forgot all about the rain.They played great but what happend to Sober or Prison sex?Oh and the circus freaks who came out on Schism gave me goose bumps....or was it the wind and rain.....oh well,to see Tool live I would brave the worst elements.......watch the weather change!!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: Disapointed (disapointed@home.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 15:13:42 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

To Jimmy Page who thinks that telling people that they are not Tool fans. I hope you feel better to think that you are better than everyone else. Dont get me wrong, I love Tools music. But they are not goods. They are just good musicians. And to say that you dont think they should give the crowd what they want is obsurd. You, me, and every other Tool fan pays their bills. I dont think it is to much to ask, to say that they be a little more original every night. I have been to 4 shows this year with miniscule differences. The Tabernacle show was off the hook. But all the others since then have been carbon copies, all the way down to them telling us to "take these feelings and do something positive with them" every night of every show. I am sorry but I have grown to expect more from Tool and it is disapointing to me to see them going down the road that they are. They just came out and went through the motions. Dont get me wrong, I still love the hell out of them. I just wish they would get the fire back and kick some ass. I just think they owe there fans a little more than what they gave us Saturday nite. For godsake, we stood in the pouring down fucking freezing rain for them and al l we got was the same stuff that everyone else does. I dont know about you, but if I had 10,000 fans standing in the rain for me, I would give them a little something special. Tool would have done this a few years ago. Sorry if you dont like my opinion, To each his own. THINK FOR YOURSELF.

Review written by: Wendy (hotaru420@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 17:53:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, to start off, I've wanted to see Tool live for a long time. I Knew the show was going to kick ass, but it blew away all preconcieved ideas I had. My friend Lindsey and I got to Oakmountain Amp. about an hour before the gates opened. We just chilled with people we knew to kill time. It was just starting to rain when the gates opened.. and didn't stop all night. By the end of the opening band, we were soaked to the bone. Due to the fact that we were totally miserable and freezing our asses off, we didn't really pay much attention to the opener. All I could do was tell myself "When Tool comes out, it won't matter anymore." At one point, we were so cold that we had to flee to the semi- dryness of the restroom. When we finally emerged, the opener was done, and the stage was being set. We went back to our seats and tried to keep our minds off of the rain. Then came the pivotal moment- the lights went out, the whole place was roaring, and Tool took the stage. I thought my heart was going to come out of my chest when I heard the opening chords for The Grudge. I sang louder and headbanged harder than I ever had before, all the while completely forgetting about the cold and discomfort I had been feeling all night. I was extremely happy that they did Pushit, since it's a favorite of mine, and Parabola as well. The guys were fantastic- the show went on without a hitch. As always, Maynard was fucking awesome. The best part of the night was during Ænema, when he sang the line "I'm praying for rain", everyone in the place lifted their arms to the sky- it was priceless. I got my car soaked and was really sore the next day, but it was more than worth it. I've been to my share of concerts- this one beat them all.

Review written by: Wes aka Jimmy Page in last post (wrsdrummer@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/17/01 22:53:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Dissappointed, I somewhat understand about the pouring rain stuff. But.. They aren't planning thier set list around people who have been to 3 shows prior. Each show is it's own event. It's my idea that Tool are real artists. They aren't going to compromise their art to anyone. If you like what they play...good. But what's most important is that they like what they play. Considering their latest project was Lateralus, you gotta expect the bulk of the material you will hear at a show, will be that. Don't get me wrong, I was bored during one of my classes one day and made a "Dream Tool Concert Set-List" And I think only 2 songs from Lateralus was on there. But, they're the performers. Tool didn't get to where they are today by catering to anybody. They've always been guys who do what they want artistically, and it just so happens that thousends of people got into it. Tool is just a band you have to love conditionally, if you're going to be stubborn about what you want to hear, you'll be dissappointed. I myself have seen 3 Tool shows this year with each set-list almost identical, but I expected that they aren't going to change their list to cater to the people who have been to previous shows. Does this make any sense? I'm not being sarcastic this time.

Review written by: Revrend Maynard (Christianrockstar@buzzle.com) Review posted on: 10/18/01 01:24:33 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

All i can say is that was the most beautiful thing i have ever seen. TOOL kicks ass. And to you certain unmentionalbe people that were dispointed with the creativity of the show. I say TOO BAD!!! TOOL doesn't just play for you it plays for everybody oin every city it goes to. They don't expect people tp follow them around the country to ear something diferent, TOOL is different. People that go to see this concert should be honored that they decided to play their town. Remember some die hard TOOL fans won't get to see them on this tour becuz they can't play every city, so if you can see them be thankful for what you get. Becuz one day TOOL won't be around anymore and then you will be BEGGING for the same old stuff. Before i had seen this show i thought i knew what art was, but TOOL is the definiation of art. The visuals, music, atmosphere is emaculate. And anybody that is bitching about seeing the Revrend preach his sermon is just "dumbfounded dipshit"

Review written by: Victor Cypert (the_alchemist@neuralalchemy.com) Review posted on: 10/18/01 12:59:50 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

The show in Birmingham was an interesting combination of poor weather, good music, and determination on both the parts of the band and the fans. Anyone who was there will tell you that Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, despite threats of tornados and a continuous down-pour, was literally packed with thousands of wet, cold, happy TOOL fans. During Ænema, I turned to see thousands of people singing in unison and lifting their arms to the sky as they prayed for the rain to cleanse the earth. It was a very powerful event to witness.

Review written by: blah (therootsofcreation@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/18/01 14:15:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

alright, i missed the atlanta review b/c i am still recovering. anyway, i barely caught any of the the show. i just want to get some thoughts out there. they played the same setlist as they did in charlotte(almost). by song three however, i began to get the most unsettling feeling i have ever felt. i guess it was just me, but the scenes with the worm looking creature made me have to leave. they made something terrifyingly clear to me. I find myself asking - WHAT THE FUCK AM I? IS ANYONE ELSE THIS WAY? If anyone has any idea what the hell i am talking about, i would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Apologies to the band and my....self for walking out and missing the fire works, but you gotta do whats best for you, and for me it was leaving. THANX FOR THE WAKE UP CALL-I GUESS....

Review written by: myself (merkabastar@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/18/01 21:46:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Five years for me to have to wait to see this band was pure torture. Sure, I could have gone to see them out of state a couple times, but things came up and I never got to go. Needless to say, I was estatic beyond all comprehension when they came to Birmingham. The day of the show arrived, and I was as giddy and an 11 year old at an N Sync concert. A very wet, very cold 11 year old, but a giddy one none the less. The opening band, The Melvins, played a good set, although it's hard to remember much about them after standing in awe of Tool for about an hour and a half. I guess it would be hard to find an opening band that they wouldn't completely overshadow. The Melvins were good, anyway, their guitarist has a huge fro, and that was cool; Adam Jones came out and played on either the last song or the last two...can't remember exactly when he walked out there :) After this, I was rewarded for my rather impatient wait. Tool. Finally, finally, finally. Did I mention that it was raining? Not your happy, friendly little patter on the windshield and make your hair damp kind of rain, either. Pouring rain. Nevertheless, this was the best concery experience of my life. (and I've been to way to many concerts to count) Tool opened with The Grudge, followed by Stinkfist, if I remember correctly. I couldn't see anything during these songs b/c the rain was blowing into my eyeballs, which took away some of the whole affect, but it sounded awesome. I'm not going to list every song they played, since I'm sure someone has and/or will post a setlist. The set consisted of stuff from Aenima and Lateralus, which might bother some ppl who are in love w/ Undertow, but since I think each of their CDs has progressively gotten better, I was quite happy. The concert continued w/slightly less rain than in the beginning......... much to mine and probably everyone else's relief. Then again, it's quite possible that it was raining just as hard and I only forgot about it. Which would have been easy to do considering this was the most amazing, most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my entire life. It's this whole quasi-religious, quasi-orgasmic experience... which is beyond words. Maynard has with out a doubt the most beautiful voice of anyone alive....... The whole time I wasn't sure what to stare at....the band or the videos..and the whole connection between the music and imagery was pure perfection. Maynard also played guitar on a couple of songs, which I never knew he did... By the end of the show, it was pouring again, which is quite ironic since the second to last song they played was Aenema....i don't think anyone there was really praying for rain, EVERYONE in the audience sang that line though....it was quite funny. The last song was Lateralus...which was over before I knew it...looking back the whole wonderful experience was way too short.........but certainly worth the five year wait, and more.

Review written by: Richard (rbarnett101@charter.net) Review posted on: 10/19/01 13:56:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Way back at the beginning of the tour, I was one of the people who tried and failed to go to the opening show in Atlanta but my failure was not in vain. I got to see Tool in Birmingham last Saturday and the show made a fine replacement. Out of nowhere the Oak Mountain Amplitheatre burst into this wonderful, flamiliar sound. First up was "The Grudge", the song was enhanced by the visuals that were plaing on two giant screen behind the band, and a smaller screen behind Maynard. Without pause and to the crowd's pleasure they launched into "Stinkfist", it was amazing. Next was "46 & 2" and then the shocker, the one I was waiting for, "Pushit". :) Then they played several songs from Lateralus, bringing out the Melvin's drummer to help with track #12. This stretch of songs off of Lateralus lasted forever and that was fine with me (nevermind the pouring rain and freezing wind). The song before the last was "Aenima". My body burst into excitement as I heard the faint "hey..hey...hey". But the highlight of the evening was when Maynard sang the line, "'cause I'm praying for rain, I'm praying for tidal waves". Right when that line was sung, blue spotlights shown out into the rain and for some reason, it started to ppour even harder. That was a moment I'll never forget. They closed the show with the title track "Lateralus". All in all I think that it was an excellent show, I didn't even notice the rain until i got home. My clothes are still wet. But who cares.

Review written by: ToolFan007 (phantom268@bellsouth.net) Review posted on: 10/19/01 16:27:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I suppose I'll start by saying this was definitely one of the most memorable experiences I've had the pleasure of having. I've waited a LONG time to see my favorite band, and they were truly amazing. The sound was excellent, well balanced, and near cd quality. It was also great how everyone around me, and almost everyone there, knew EVERY song word for word, note for note. So I give much respect to all my fellow loyal fans who endured the horrible weather. I have so many thoughts about the concert but no words can do them much justice. For me this was truly a dream come true, and it was more than just a concert, it was an enlightening experience that further verified that this is the greatest band I've ever heard. Lastly I'd like to thank the members of TOOL for playing in Birmingham and for giving so much inspiration to your devout fans. Feel free to look me up on AIM to discuss your thoughts, my screenname is "ToolFan007" Jeff

Review written by: bradley (bsidlo@peoplepc.com) Review posted on: 10/20/01 09:19:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. RAIN! BLURS OF DISTORTED THOUGHTS, THINGS, REDNECKS.........(you know who you are.......or do you?), and MORE RAIN! I appreciate Maynard talking to us guys, but nothing will be as initimate as him "excitedly babbling" as the FIRST Atlanta show......He is so very cool, isn't he. Adam is for real. He's Adam.....hope you like him. Nice kit Danny. I know that kit has more history on it than my hometown. Does Justin have an umbilical cord attached to the Dan man? (TIGHT!, baby) Besides being VERY happy in the cold rain, (cool experience), I went with friends....this makes it even better. No Sober, no Ticks, No Patient....(like they played two days later!), but tasted Triad, and other new gifts I will hold inside. I would like to thank this website for a really good job! TOOLfully urine, bradley