concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

11/06/2001

Review written by: benpedro (benpedro@home.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 01:56:26 ET


This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

  Excellent, as usual. My only gripe is that my cousin and all 
other Los Angelinos got looked over with the tour schedule 
this year. He will miss out on the best TOOL experience thus 
far. 

Lateralus was as great as I had hoped.








Review written by: Tad Mark (thre5her@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 03:08:26 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  They played Undertow. I don't know if they have before, but it was amazing. The greatest experience of my life. There were two drum solos that kicked ass too, one involving the drummer from Tricky, who's actually pretty good live. Well worth the crappy seats and the free pot.








Review written by: Thomas Scalzitti (scalzitt@onid.orst.edu)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 03:17:23 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  This was the first Tool concert that I attended after being a 
fan of theirs for the past six years. To say the least, it was 
one of the greatest overall experiences of my life. The band 
was dead on with everything, the visuals were perfect, and 
Tricky DIDN'T suck as much as I thought they would. After 
Tricky played for about an hour, the techs cleared the stage 
for Tool's equipment. It took them about 25 minutes to set 
everything up while we were treated with some nice butt-rock 
background music. Tool came out to a standing ovation until 
they began playing The Grudge. This is such a great song to 
start out with because it has so much energy behind it. On 
top of that, the visuals that were perfectly timed with the 
music and were overwhelmingly cool. I am not sure if it's 
Adam or a group of people who come up with that stuff, but 
it definitely adds to the concert a whole hell of a lot. I 
believe that they played almost everything from Lateralus, 
save for Mantra of course. They played Undertow, Aenema, 
Stinkfist, and Pushit from their other albums. Hopfeully 
someone kept track of the setlist because I can't remember 
all of the songs or the exact order they went in. However, 
the whole concert was orchestrated very well and was very 
fluid. Tool usually played something to the effect of eon 
blue apocolypse or a trippy soundscape between songs to 
keep the crowd on their feet. The crowd was pretty good 
overall, with just a few drunken idiots yelling out obsenities 
and acting like jackasses. Maynard said a few things to the 
crowd, nothing out of the ordinary except after one of the 
guys from Tricky helped them with a song. "Thanks to Ben? 
for helping us out with his gay little electronic thing" 
(referring to the mixing device or whatever that he was using 
during the song). It was pretty damn funny! Oh well, I guess 
you had to be there. Maynard also equipped himself with a 
guitar through some of the show, although I wasn't 
completely sure if he was actually playing it or not. I wish I 
could say a whole lot more about the concert, but I have to 
wake up early. Simply put, it was fantastic. Easily the best 
concert I have every attended and it will probably stay that 
way for a long time to come. It was such a great experience 
for me and my buddy Justin, who have been huge fans of 
Tool for a long time and finally get to see and hear them at 
their finest. Definitely worth the money, definitely worth the 
wait. I can't wait till they come back.  Spiral out...








Review written by: Ryan (ryan@frogbog.org)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 03:20:38 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  Pardon my lack of articulation, but...wow.  The was my first 
live Tool experience after 5 years of listening to their CD's. I 
couldn't have imagined anything better than what I saw. 
Here's the setlist:

The Grudge
Stinkfist (extended version)
Undertow (Amazing...)
Pushit (Salival version w/ Tricky)
Schism (w/ Osseus Labyrint)
Parabol/Parabola
Intermission (OL upside down)
Triad
Reflection (with Tricky)
The Patient
Aenima
Lateralus

I think the highlight of the set was Aenima, although I loved 
The Patient, Parabol/a and Reflection. The entire crowd and 
the band got so into it. Justin was really into it, slamming 
the notes at the end.  Tricky was ok, the crowd here cheered 
for them which was nice. Lateralus was a perfect ending to a 
perfect set (except that Adam broke a string and had to 
switch guitars). 

Exceptional sound, imagery and energy tonight, I couldn't 
ask for more.

Thank you Tool, I can't wait till next time. A big thanks to 
the Portland Tool fans also, as they really showed a lot of 
energy and love towards both Tricky and Tool and made the 
experience that much more postive.








Review written by: BrightShadow (shad@squid.org)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 04:29:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  I'll keep it short and sweet, because I've got to work in the 
morning. Great show.

Set list, far as I can recall (I'm getting old, I'm not so good 
at this anymore):

[Yes, I know someone else posted one already, but I 
actually think this one's more accurate. But I'm also tired. so 
screw you, hippie. :)]

The Grudge
Stinkfist
Undertow
Parabol/Parabola
Pushit
Disposition
Reflection (rap remix..heh)
Schism
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Triad
Lateralus
Aenema

It was about a 2 hour set. The acoustics were hideously 
poor, but that was to be expected. I didn't really get amped 
up until Undertow, since The Grudge and Stinkfist seem to 
be the de facto first-two-songs-of-the-set for the shows on 
this tour. The performance artists (whose name I cannot 
recall, and do not care to look up, sorry) were groovy. They 
played The Patient, and I think I was the ONLY person in the 
entire goddamned crowd who was happy about that. Sure, it 
isn't a really get-up-and-punch-your-buddy song or 
anything, but I wanted to see that live really badly.

Triad was a veritable circus of activity.. I'm surprised that 
there was that much shit going on for a track like that. They 
brought out the drummer for Tricky to help Danny out with 
the skins, they brought out Danny Lohner to noodle with a 
keyboard, the performance art-folks were doing their crazy 
little rope-hanging-contortion-wacky-alien-robot thing, and 
everybody was playing one thing or another. The bass 
sounded bad, but everything else was tight. I blame the 
bass problems on the venue, though. It really made the 
bass sound horrid. Lights were also mediocre, but what're 
you gonna do, it's a friggin' ex-basketball court.

Surprisingly mean Maynard quote of the day; This followed 
Triad, when he thanked everyone and introduced the guests 
and whatnot.

"...And that was Danny Lohner, on some gay electronic 
thing."

All in all, it was worth the cash, much to my surprise. It 
wasn't the Eugene show with KC, but it was good. I could've 
done without Tricky, but the guest spots they did during 
Reflection and Triad were pretty cool, I'll give 'em that. If 
anyone booted that, find the Reflection track and give it a 
listen. It was quite bizarre.

Off to bed I go.

-brightshadow








Review written by: Liam (palmerica@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 04:36:47 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  The Setlist:
Mantra
The Grudge
Stinkfist (w/ extended bridge)
Undertow (yaay!)
Parabol/Parabola
Pushit (album version)
Schism (extended breakdown; does this part have a name?)
Reflection
Disposition (w/ dude from Tricky)
  Intermission
Triad (w/ drummer from Tricky and Danny Lohner)
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Aenema
Lateralus
Group hug

I'm pretty sure the list is in the right order; suffice it to say 
that Reflection/Disposition/Triad was played in the same 
order as the album.

Tricky was playing as I arrived, and although I'm sure it 
wasn't the best venue for him and his group, everyone stuck 
it out pretty well.  I've got a lot of friends who are into 
Tricky, especially his first two albums, so I kind of had my 
ears pricked up to see what all the fuss was about.  Tricky's 
music is a very layered thing, and a lot of the nuance got 
lost in the sonic sludge.  The drums sounded great, though, 
and some of the keyboard-driven stuff came across pretty 
well.  The crowd gave him a decent round of applause at the 
end, but I couldn't tell whether they were really impressed or 
whether they were glad the poor guy was leaving.  

I did hear someone yell "Go home!" but that was as bad as 
it got.  The Cows were treated much worse in Salem in '96.  
God, people hated them.

We were treated to a Melvins album during the set-up time.  
It was the one after "Stoner Witch", and it was funny 
because I've heard it during set-up time at concerts before; 
it seems like that's the only ever time I ever hear the 
Melvins.

I'd heard that Maynard kind of stays put these days, which 
was a disappointment going in because his amazing dancing 
has been part of the joy of seeing Tool.  But as is always the 
case with these guys, if you really think about what they're 
doing, it makes sense.  

So they open with "The Grudge."  Danny's in the back right, 
Justin in front of him, Adam's in the front left.  There's a 
keyboard over on the left by where Adam's standing.  On 
the left of the stage there's a large illuminated diagram that 
looks like a DNA strand, and on the other side there's an 
illuminated mystic symbol, for some reason I thought of 
Danny's Enochian thing.  

There were two large projection screens mounted side by 
side above the stage and a smaller one underneath the 
large one on the left.  Maynard performed the entire set 
behind and to Adam's left, in silhouette in front of this 
smaller screen.  Throughout the show a continuous stream 
of visuals was flowing across all three screens.

"The Grudge" sounded great, really tight.  As has been 
pointed out already, the new material is difficult to mosh to, 
so the folks on the floor just kind of swayed.  That changed 
instantly when they kicked into "Stinkfist."  The place went 
off, and me along with it.  The visuals during this point 
seemed to be reedited versions of the "Stinkfist" along with 
footage that seemed to have been cut.

It seemed like there were a lot of drifters there.  I mean, I 
like the old stuff, too, but I got the sense that a lot of 
people there just wanted to hear the hits.  These people 
would be put to the test later.

From "Stinkfist" the band charged into "Undertow", which was 
a complete surprise.  It still sounds great, and that crazy 
time signature still bewilders me after these years!

From there into "Parabol/Parabola."  This one really 
connected with me tonight, probably because of that "alive 
and breathing" line.  Call me sappy, but at that moment I 
felt at one with all my fellow Tool fans.

Then "Pushit" which sounded *incredible*.  You can't really 
say enough about Danny's drumming.

During "Schism" Maynard strapped on the guitar.  Some 
people claim he wasn't playing, and while he may not have 
been riffing per se, he was definitely filling out the sound.  It 
seemed like he was using a phaser and creating a great 
keyboard-sounding wash.  Also during this song the two 
body-suited dancers came out doing that shambling giraffe 
thing they do inthe video.  As I mentioned before, "Schism" 
featured a cool breakdown before it entered its second half.  
The visuals were, as before, different takes on the video.

Then came the weird testy part of the concert that separated 
the wheat from the chaff as far as determining who the real 
OGTs were.  Leading in with a "Merkaba"-sounding intro, 
they moved into "Reflection", followed closely 
by "Disposition."  During "Disposition", instead of Maynard 
doing that squawking thing with the mike, one of the guys 
from Tricky came out and did a little rapping.  Not as cool as 
it could have been, but still a new twist on the song that was 
welcomed.  

Then everyone cleared the stage but Adam, who played the 
outro chords to "Disposition" for about ten minutes.  The 
idiot behind me started complaining and saying he was 
ready to "bail."  The guys in the band may not have been 
thinking of this dude's lame ass in particular, but I'm sure 
part of their intent was to assault the attention spans of the 
weak-minded in attendance.  The simplicity of Adam's 
repeated guitar figure really started to get in my head after 
a while.  For one thing, he's got such a great tone I could 
listen to him for days.  For another, he seemed really into 
what he was doing, and that's something I can respect.  This 
is not just any band; when they do something strange, 
there's a *reason.*  And everything they do stems from one 
thing:  They're playing, first and foremost, to make 
themselves happy.  I, for one, am glad they let me watch.

Adam left for a bit, and some strange music accompanied 
the sight of the two dancers from earlier clambering up wires 
and hanging upside down, while the anatomical figure that 
graces the cover of the "Salival" box spun around on the 
screens.

Then Tool returned to play "Triad" accompanied by Tricky's 
drummer on added percussion and Danny Lohner (!) on 
keyboards.  What was Lohner doing in town?  "Triad" really 
rips live.  On the disc I've got issues with it, if only because 
it closes the album without a peep from Maynard, which bugs 
me a little.  After playing it this time Maynard thanked the 
two dudes from Tricky, as well as the dancers who were only 
just then clambering back down.

From there into "The Patient", by which point the casual fans 
were practically snoring.  "Aenema" woke their asses up.  It 
seemed like Maynard flipped some of the lyrics around, but 
what the hell, he's human, kind of.

Maynard finally moved out from in front of the screen to go 
conference with the other guys.  He said something 
like "We're very glad that you could share this moment with 
us.  Hopefully it will act as a catalyst or inspiration to do 
something positive in the days to come."

Then into "Lateralus."  Probably my favorite Tool song, and 
that's rarefied air, I know.  Everything was fine until right 
near the end, when Adam's guitar went out.  That had to 
suck for him, the very end of the last song, during the 
crescendo when everything's flowing together like a river of 
sound, and he has equipment trouble.  Fortunately his tech 
was fuckin' on it, and he had a new ax inside of seven 
seconds.  

After "Lateralus" the group met in the center of the stage for 
a group hug, and everyone thanked them in unison.  Thank 
you, Tool. 

 
    
  











Review written by: Shaggy (thegomer@excite.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 05:31:04 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Well, can't say much more than the guy before me.  Suffice it to say that it truly was 
an awesome show.  Thanks to the few people who understand for clearing up the 
whole Danny Lohner thing.  What a gay bastard.  (MJK's words, not mine).  I thought 
for the most part the crowd was really into it.  The applause after each song was 
enormous, but died quickly when we thought a new song was on it's way.  That's the 
sign of a good audience, one that wants to listen, not just scream.  I am quite happy 
they played The Patient.  Kind of random thoughts here.  My friend and I drove from 
Tacoma to see the show, and we just got back.  But it was worth it.  The visuals were 
amazing.  The only gripe (if you could call it a gripe) would be that I would love to 
hear Eulogy, but they haven't played it at all on this tour from what I hear.  But that's 
complaining.  I had HUGE expectations going into this, my first TooL concert, and 
they exceeded my expectations.  Wow.  TooL rocks.  Can't wait to see them Thursday 
a little closer to home.








Review written by: Hyzenthlay (hyzenthlay@happy-bunny.co.uk)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 05:58:48 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  
...o, this show was so wonderful!  

...I've adored Maynard & Tricky for years, & to see them for 
the first time, one after the other, & then suddenly both at 
once (!) left me feeling nothing short of supremely happy.

...& the gorgeous repetition of certain scenes from their 
videos, especially during the extended bit of Stinkfist & the 
whole of Reflection-- these sights gave me such lovely chills.

...& when I heard Parabol & Parabola collide, I was moved in 
ways that are no-one's business.  :)

...there were so many other beautiful things besides, & as 
much as I would love to tell you all about them, I have to 
sleep at some point, don't I.

/H









Review written by: Jason (jmcallon@go.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 12:25:14 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  One change to Liam's message: Disposition came before Reflection.
I didn't really appreciate that Tricky guy during Reflection. I came to see TooL rock 
out, not to hear some reggae rap stuff. Yeah- Maynard really does scream for the full 
24 seconds in The Grudge. It is hard to comprehend unless you see it.
Stinkfist ruled! The extension and extra verse made this song the highlight of the 
first set, along with Pushit. 
The crowd was pretty lame!!! They were sitting down through most of the second set! 
My favorite part of the second set was Ænema!
They also did a lot of weird and different intro's. They started to play Merkaba at one 
time. It made it fun trying to figure out what song they were playing next.
Overall, 9/10. The only things that could have made it better were the lame crowd 
and leaving out the Tricky rap.








Review written by: goldenratiomidgetonparadeboy (jesusdiedsowhat@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 14:46:59 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  I will keep this succinct, but I just want to express my 
immense pleasure at having seen the show last night. With 
the exception of some Fred Durst clones slaming their 
backward red baseball capped skulls into my sternum (even 
during the soft interludes), yawping about how much "Tool 
fucking rocks" with devil fingers waving above them, and 
some hapless kid begging for "Reverand Maynard to give us 
the word," everything was flawless. Tricky was terrific, and it 
boggles the mind how someone could not see the 
connection between their music and Tool's, especially in light 
of the fusion between the two as various members joined 
Tool during their set. It was nice to see Danny Lohner up 
there as well (TAPEWORM, anybody?), bringing me back to 
the APC tour, which was also marvelous.  This has been a 
catalyst for me, creatively speaking, and I hope this tour will 
help elevate other bands to higher levels,  to evolve, and to 
become more idiosyncratic. I'm not a musician myself, but 
there is only so much radio fodder one can stand until 
tumbling leaps from skyscrapers and bridges begin to sound 
appealing. My thanks to everyone involved, including the 
other people who came to the show to experience it with me. 
Except for the myriad Fred Dursts. That was scary. But, who 
know's, maybe they got something out of it, too. That's the 
beauty of this band.  








Review written by: Shane (ninja057@mail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 15:47:56 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  first, to those who felt the need to be drunk at this concert, 
fuck you. otherwise:
the show was fantastic. tricky was much better than i hoped 
for. for all of you who didnt get there on time, well, it was 
your loss. tool was, well, tool. theyre just so amazing live. 
the visuals were even better than when they played the 
schnitzer. osseus labrinth was incredible. pushit and aenema 
were beyond. what else to say? thanks to all the members 
of tricky, Hannah and Mark of osseus labrinth, danny lohner
(runner up for the washington make a wish foundation, lol) 
and of course, danny, justin, adam, and maynard.








Review written by: Michael Meitbual (weasle@ooz.net)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 16:07:53 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Someone already posted a setlist.

Seen tool twice before. boise, ID in aug of 98 (violent 
hellhole) and NYC in may. 

This show topped both. Seldom have I felt such energy in a 
room. with the exception of the monkeys in the middle 
pushing and shoving, there were some really positive 
feelings being exchanged.

All I want to know is "How the hell could I not get floor 
seats?" The floor was only half full. There were two empty 
seats right next to me. Damn I was pissed. 

Anyhow, great show. 

under for the third time.
I've been baptized by your voice.
I'll die within your undertow.
It seems there's no other way out of this undertow. 

Euphoria. 

That sums it up.  Euphoria. 

P.S. Thanks to the guy in Sec 13 that hooked me up with 
the good smoke. 








Review written by: Ryan (flxmstr@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 16:20:47 ET


This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

  TOOL likes to perform in Portland.  

Right after the first two songs, Maynard said “It’s good to 
see you again, always a pleasure, never a chore.”  I’m sure 
the reason they like it there is because the crowd is for the 
most part, very respectful.  Even after Adam had been 
playing the last few notes of Reflection for like 5 minutes, 
there were still cheers erupting everywhere.  There was even 
cheering when Tricky performed on Reflection.  Maynard was 
really into the show right from the very beginning, he was 
doing some of his best retching around.  I was surprised he 
didn’t strip down to his speedo like he has done in all the 
other shows I’ve seen on this tour.  I guess he just didn’t 
feel like it.

Unlike the Sacramento show I went to, this pit was really 
tame.  When the lights when out, no one started pushing 
and hardly anyone was trying to cut in front of people to get 
to the front of the stage.  The only time the pit really even 
moved was during the heavy parts in Stinkfist, Pushit, and 
AEnema.  Once the crowd started moving, I eased my way 
up closer to the front and ended getting about 10 feet from 
the barricade.  It was great being able to get so close 
without being crushed and by 500+ people.  One meathead 
tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to lift him up so 
he could crowd surf.  So I just reminded him that he wasn’t 
at a Limp Bizkit show and he disappeared.  A bit later, some 
guy was getting lifted up to start crowd surfing and he 
grabbed my shoulder to brace himself.  As soon as he got 
on top of the crowd, I grabbed him and pulled him back 
down.  I didn’t say anything to him, but I think he knew not 
to try that shit again.

Overall, another great show, well worth the drive from 
Seattle.  I would have been nice if the pit would have moved 
a little bit more, without getting out of hand.  Everyone was 
so still at times I wasn’t sure if they even knew the lyrics and 
beats to some of the songs.  Maybe they just didn’t connect 
with the moment.  Personally, I get so hyped hearing AND 
seeing TOOL I can’t help but get a little crazy.  “With my 
feet upon the ground I lose myself between the sounds and 
open wide to suck it in, I feel it move across my skin.”  
Those lyrics from Lateralus pretty much sums up the whole 
TOOL live experience. 

Now I’m just praying that Tricky will convince TOOL to play 
Ticks & Leeches in Tacoma since that is their last show as 
the opening act.









Review written by: Tim French (backsidecab540@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 16:38:00 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  can tool make a show any more amazing?  maynard's voice 
sounded incredible...adam was completely into his music
(besides when his string broke), justin and danny pulling out 
the rhythm, everything in unison.  i loved how on cue 
everything was(video screens, contortionist guys on the 
ropes, sound sounded great, etc...) i believe that was the 
best concert i have seen.  if i ever get a chance to see them 
again, i will in an instant, just ill bring another joint to 
smoke.  seeing tool fucked up was the best thing that has 
ever happened to me...crowd was good, minus the fucker 
behind us that told me and my buds to stop smoking, we 
continued, fuck him...on the way out, i heard some idiots 
saying that tool was totally shitty...fuck them as well, i love 
all of their new shit, i have been listening to tool for the past 
6 years, and i believe their new shit is more innovative and 
intriguing then ever before, maynard's mind is amazing..  
thank you tool.

ps:  tricky? what the fuck.  i hope to never hear anything by 
them again.








Review written by: The WinchMan (WinchMan4@aol.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 17:18:08 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Wow, that pretty much explains the show in its entirety.  
Being my second show, this in an arena, I was not expecting 
it to be like the show I saw at the Hult Center in Eugene.  
Wrong.  I condem myself for doubting TooL.  Highlights of 
the show:

Some guy in front of me offered some weed, it seemed 
everyone was lighting up, but security couldnt find them...

Undertow - Absolutely amazing, alot of power and the crowd 
reacted to it well

Pushit - The AEnima version isnt as good as the Salival, but 
it was on tonight.

Maynard - Mentioned that the guy playing congos on Triad 
was the runner-up in the Washington State Make a Wish 
Foundation, and that he thanked someone for their help on 
the "gay electronic thing" that they did

I bought a long sleeve tour shirt from a british guy on the 
other side of the arena for ten bucks, all the while laughing 
at everyone who paid 50 for theirs

Go see TooL if you guys can, they put on an intense show of 
massive proportions, I would pay 100 bucks to go if i had to, 
so see them while you can.  The WinchMan









Review written by: BAH (frogmanfarter@netscape.net)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 17:59:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 2st? Tool show

  Anybody who has been to the Coliseum for a show already know going
that the sound is bad, Rose Garden much better.  I never listened to
Trickey before but I impressed with them, the only problem was their
sound was bad.  The Hult Center rocked, as usually the show was
great.   The drum solo was great that lead into the next song, but
what I would have to say was the best part the two performing from
the video Schism, what strength is has to take.  Then to hang there 
for what seemed like a long time, visually it was great.  At the end
of the show Danny came out from behind his drum equipment and bowed
to the three-sided design, can anybody tell what that was about? 
It?s hard to say if the long hug at the end of the show was for,
we?re almost done with tour or great show everyone.  Can?t wait for
concert!!!









Review written by: Drifika (drifika@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 19:57:09 ET


This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

  Overall, I would say that the show was good, but not in the best form that I have seen them (That would go to 
Tacoma in '96 and Portland in '98). I do not like seeing them play a big venue like they were at, mainly 
becuase the sound quality gets really muddy. 

Additionally, all of the "kids" who are following/creating the "Cult of Maynard" are really tiring, and it almost 
makes me not want to go to shows. Yeah, Maynard is great and all, but there are FOUR guys in Tool, and each 
is as important as the other. Quit diefying Maynard as some sort of god, I am sure that he, as well as 
everyone else will have more respect for you. 

As for the show, most of the songs were performmed top notch, although I would have not had Tricky help out 
with Relfection. His singing/rapping ruined much of the emotion of the song. Also, it really sucked during 
Lateralus when Adam broke the string; the timing could not have been worse. 

Overall Very Good, but too many problems to make it a great show.  









Review written by: ToolFan (gearcog@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 20:02:18 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  I have been listening to Tool for quite some time now.  A 
few years at least, and have been listening to them 
almost "religiously" for about a year, and had never really 
been interested in going to a show.  Someone bought me a 
ticket and I went on the 6th, not knowing what to expect.
Tricky put on a good show, and when Tool came on, and 
began playing- my body was filled with a tremendous 
energy, and I could not help from trembling throughout the 
entire show- I sat there in my seat, totally silent- almost 
brought to tears every song(more than once), and at a few 
points in the show- a few actually did trickle down my face.  
This was by far the most enriching experience of my life, It 
was far better than I had expected, and If they ever tour 
again, I'm snatching up a ticket.  seats don't matter.

ToolFan








Review written by: VoodooLily (voodoolily@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 22:08:50 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show

  I cant say anything that hasn't been said already about how 
great Tool were but I do have a few things to say about the 
night in general:

1) Does anyone know the names of the songs Tricky played 
(esp. the 1st song and the last few)? If you could email 
them to me at voodoolily@hotmail.com, that'd rock.

2) To the guy who sat in sec 26, row M, seat 14, TAKE A 
SHOWER!!! You fucking reeked, man!

I guess that's it...
~VoodooLily








Review written by: dead_warhol (dead_warhol@excite.com)
Review posted on: 11/07/01 22:17:27 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Short and sweet:

A superb show, full of stimulation for the senses.  I laughed, 
I cried, the whole nine.  No hotpants though, that was my 
only let down--but hey, it's cold out, I understand.  Coming 
back down to earth and living in mudane reality is always so 
difficult after something like this.  Like being a moment 
away from nirvana and getting tossed back into samsara.  
That sort of thing.








Review written by: M.E.M.P.H.I.S. (toomanypuppets@AOL.com)
Review posted on: 11/08/01 00:58:54 ET


This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

  So I got to the show with three seet tickits (two friends flaked) 
and managed to scalp/trade them for a floor tickit and some cash, 
better than I hoped because the show did not sell out?  Show had its 
ups and downs... UP...I was on the floor... (which is where you want 
to be at a TOOL show...fook sitting)  DOWN...the sound qualaty 
really sucked...(the worst sound of any TOOL show I have seen.)  
Even with the shotty arena sound however it was TOOL and if it was 
the first time I had seen them I would have thought that the sound 
was great.  The sound was much better at the Shnitser 3 months back, 
which was a smaller venue. You got a more intamate setting, but you 
had to deal with seets...no floor.  But back to this show, Manard's 
voice cracked once or twice twards the beginning of the show which 
was unnerving (dont get me wrong, he is one of the best if not the 
best singers to ever grace this plannet)  Danny's drumming was 
amazing as always...I would have payed my tickit price just to see 
him drum...as for Justin and Adam I thought that they were a bit off 
key at times, just slightly...the show seemed overrehersed to me, 
the same songs being played (except for Undertoe) and although 
Manard mentioned that playing for us is always a pleasure and never 
a chore, well it almost seemed like a chore at times, manard was not 
doing his punching enerjetic dancing that he had done at the 
previous 4 shows that I had seen so he didnt seem to be as in tune 
to the music...or maybe he was just tierd, afterall it was the tale 
end of the tour.  Would have loved to have seen Ticks and Leaches 
which I guess they finally played here lately in Sacrameno maybe?  
Would have REALLY loved to hear Cold and Ugly or Jerkoff but that is 
just about as likely as to hear them play some Britney Spears shit I 
guess...pipe dreams...
Thought that Tricky realllllly needed a much shitier band to be 
opening for to make them look better.  Would have much rather seen 
Fantomas (Mike Pattons voice almost compares to Manards) open for 
them earlier on but no such luck...All in all a great show...had a 
kick-ass time...visuals intense and mind-blowing as always... got a 
little crowdsurfing in during Aenema... was in the usual mind 
altered state ideal for seeing TOOL...but unfortunately my least 
favorite TOOL show...   









Review written by: Jen (shadowslipping@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/08/01 11:23:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Phenominal!  These guys are so amazing I ... let me just 
say that those goofy thoughts of my youth, i.e. I was born 
too late, all the good music, the good energy, etc. ... too 
late', is no longer wasting any precious mental space.  TOOL 
is right here, right now, and I am SOoooo grateful to be on 
the band-wagon!  At times I actually felt like I was at some 
sort of religious gathering.  All the spirit without the fucking 
rules and mindless drone bullshit.  Such a beautiful 
experience!  Danny was on it - unbelievable speed!!!!  
Adam's solo was sweeter than sweet. Justin and Adam gave 
each song such a blissfully painful edge.  And Maynard ... 
ahh Maynard - absolutely awesome!  I only wish he'd shed 
some of that leather for us - uh, I mean, so he'd be more 
comfortable.  The Schism duo did, however, make up for his 
lack of skin.  They were fantastic!  Between them, the 
videos, and the music, it went beyond your average concert 
into a completely mindblowing 'performance art' 
EXPERIENCE.  Thanks to the band for working your asses off 
night after night, giving it to us - 'cause we NEED it, and for 
being such an incredible force in our, those of us fortunate 
enough to have listened, lives.  Also to the Portland fans:  
after seeing them in Seattle, I am especially grateful to the 
respect, love, and maturity evident at this show.  No one 
ever once told me to sit down and I didn't hear a single 
complaint!!!  Bravo!








Review written by: sean (therealdeal666@msn.com)
Review posted on: 11/08/01 23:11:32 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  this was the most intenese show of my life. mind blowing, I 
was on the floor and had the most kick ass time of my life. 
The show brought everything to life. Even tricky kicked ass, 
it was great to see some of the mebers of tricky join in on 
diffrent songs. I was kind of dissiponted it didn't get to see 
them prefrom with king crisim but this show kicked ass and 
made up for it. If you have'nt seen tool before don't miss it 
next time they come to town, their the best show out there.









Review written by: John (John4782@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/09/01 00:07:06 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  This was the first tool concert that I have been to.  I thought 
it was great.  I didn't think the sound was bad at all.  I was 
on the the floor and I really don't care much for all the 
pushing and shoving there is.  I rather watch the band.  I 
was around the center right about the second/third person 
from the front or so.  I got pushed around to different 
places.  I did want to say that I did meet a gorgeous girl 
that was in front of me.  She was about 5'1, petite, short 
brownish/purple hair.  Had a tongue ring and I think striped 
black and white socks on. I think her name was Crystal.  I 
helped her out and didn't let her get crushed by everyone 
else.  So if you know who this is, e-mail me.  I would like to 
get in contact with her.  John4782@hotmail.com 








Review written by: Dylan (drummer_boy111@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/10/01 00:53:14 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  what a day. i started waiting in line at 3:00p.m. The doors opened at 6:30p.m. My freind and I conversed with 
some folk who had droven up from Idaho and another group who drove up from las vegas(by the way matt. 
aka trent reznor aka the idahoin guy, the guy who gave me and my freind chad the roach after the show if u 
read this email me). anyways everyone there was pretty excited for the show. there was some guy preaching 
about jesus and about how he could save us outside of the venue, and im sure as you already guessed that 
was met with a fair amount of resistance. Finally about 6:25 or so the doors open and we all stampeded into 
the area were we got our wristbands(my freind and i had floor tickets.) We had to wait about an hour before 
tricky got on stage. i will admit they were much better than i thought they were going to be. after there set 
they said there thank yous then left the stage. I myself am a drummer, and when the tarp was removed from 
Danney Carey's set my pupils grew as large as humanly possible. Then about 10 minutes tool took the stage 
and maynard said "so good to see you again, its always a pleasure never a chore." The sound quality was 
extremely good, alot better than when i saw them during the King Crimson tour. The show itself kicked ass. I 
was really surprised to hear them play Undertow(no complaints here though). I was really surprised when 
maynard told us that the fellow in the hoodie and baseball hat playing the little keyboard like thing, was 
indeed danny lohner. maynard also mentioned some b.s. about danny lohner being the runner up in the 
make a wish foundation in washington. and last but not least poor adam jones had one of his guitar strings 
break during the end heavy part to lateralus but luckily his guitar tech came out and fixed it mighty quick. the 
only letdown of the night was the few drunken hillbillies in the crowd that were pushing there way to the front 
and the fact that tool didnt play ticks and leeches. well on that note it was a great day, and if u get the chance 
to see tool live take it its worth every penny. 









Review written by: Matthew (mzettley@home.com)
Review posted on: 11/10/01 05:25:53 ET


This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

  First of all, THANK YOU TOOL for another amazing 
performance.  The day started early seeing how we had to 
drive from Seattle, but that was fun.  Got to the memorial as 
Tricky was getting on the stage.  Didn't watch though, stayed 
in the beer garden until TOOL came on.  I was really glad 
when they played undertow, but alot happier to see the 
Patient since I have never heard that one live and it was 
incredible.  Truely an experience that should not be missed!

P.S. Security really sucks in Portland.  A bunch of bitch kids 
that are rejected at school or work or something.  









Review written by: Frankie Flatch (dusktilldawn_69@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/10/01 17:48:28 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  TOOL is the best fucking band ever to see live. Although the show in August at the 
Schintzer here in Portland was better(partly because I was front row), this was still 
AMAZING. The only thing that didnt make it perfect was that they didn't play ANY 
songs from Opiate and thats my favorite album and only 1 song from Undertoe 
(which. by the way, was spectacular). But otherwise, it was Phenomenal. This was the 
2nd best concert I have been too, the first was the show in August. I liked how Tricky 
came out on stage and played with TOOL, that was cool. Pushit and Stinkfist were 
beautiful, and so was Parabol, Parabola The Grudge, and Lateralus but then again, 
they all were so I don't know why im saying this...And im sooo glad they played 
AEnima this time, it was so f*cking awsome! Well, I hope they come again soon and 
maybe play some place better than Memorial Coliseum...and maybe all those 
goddamn "Schism-heads" won't show up(Im refering to the people that are only there 
to see Schism because their f*ucking trendies)Anyway, thanks for the great show 
Maynard, Adam, Danny and Justin. Love ya guys!

-Frankie

P.S. In case anyone wanted to know, this was their playlist(not in order though):
Undertoe
Stinkfist
Pushit
AEnima
The Grudge
The Patient
Schism
Parabol
Parabola
Lateralus
Reflection and a few more from Lateralus...









Review written by: Sabre Huff (PLATINUMCURLS1@aol.com)
Review posted on: 11/11/01 17:44:56 ET


This was this reviewer's GAY Tool show

  FUCK TOOL
FUCK YOU
IT WAS GAY
GO LISTEN TO SOME N SYNC AND BE NORMAL YOU BUNCH 
POF FUCKGIN FREAKS!!!!!!!

YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL.........I'LL FUCK YOUR MOM IN THE 
MOUTH AND THEN I';LL MOLEST THIS MAYNORD 
CHARACTER..........FUCK YOU,,,,,,,,,,FUCK TOOL........FUCK 
IT ALL........YOURE GAY

ROCKMUSIC IS GAY

GO LISTEN TO SOME BUBBA SPARXXX, OR SOME N SYNC, OR 
SOME DAMN TRICK DADDY. GET WITH IT YOU BUNCH OF 
FUCKIGN FREAKS.......

FUCK YOU.....ALL








Review written by: Ashley Moyer (moyerashley@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/12/01 19:32:18 ET


This was this reviewer's 10th Tool show

  The acoustics sucked.
The crowd sucked.
The band was tired, however, they're Tool.  They cannot suck.

I've been lucky enough to see Tool a lot this past year, and this was above and beyond the worst.  This 
almost sucked as much as the Medford, OR show in August 1998 when people were crowd surfing to guitar 
techs.

If Tool was playing Portland and Seattle, and I could only go to one, I'd go to Seattle.  It was nice that the 
drive after this show was only 20 minutes, instead of 3 hours, but Seattle fans kick so much more ass.  
They're nice.  They pass their joints.  They give the same energy back to the band as they give to us.  

And I hate practically everything else about Seattle.  That town has an icky vibe.  But they sure do know how to 
be a gracious host for my boys.  Portland fans should be ashamed of themselves.  


Quotes from the Portland show:

Regarding someone shouting "This is Necessary!"
Fucker #1:  "What's that from?" 
Fucker #2:  "Oh, that secret track from the first album."

During Triad
"I paid $50 for this noise?!"

During Tricky
"That's Maynard!"


Maybe I'm just spoiled because I got to see them on the King Crimson tour, and all the fans there had to 
jump through some serious hoops and spend a lot of skrilla to be there.  Not one of those concert-goers had 
mullets.  I looked!  I wish I could always see Tool that way; when the band's and the crowd's energy is 
synchronized and beautiful.  

But then again, I'm not there for the other people.  I'm there for myself.  I'm there to witness that amazing 
sound produced in front of me; it's like being in the presense of a miracle.  And I was not as satisfied as I had 
expected.  On my top ten Tool shows, this one is number 9.









Review written by: Kara (enmity tool@aol.com)
Review posted on: 11/13/01 12:45:10 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  This was my first Tool concert I had ever had the opportunity 
to go to. Tool is my ultimate favorite band and there isn't 
anything else I would rather done in my life then to just see 
them once. The concert was really impressive and the setup 
was astounding. Although I really would have liked to 
actually see Maynard's face, it was still very impressive the 
way he was in the back of the stage with just his form 
silhouetted against the movie screen. It was good to see the 
other band members too, and with most concerts very little 
emphasis is put on the guitarists and drummers and so on. 
I loved the people from the Schizm video, though I can't 
remember what they were called, but they were very 
impressive. I just wrote a paper all about the concert for my 
Music Appreciation class, which I need to go to now. I love 
Tool.








Review written by: Monolith666 (worry@monolith.com)
Review posted on: 11/16/01 04:11:01 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I enjoyed the show.  It has been well over a week now, and 
it has set in.  I thought it was very good.  I did sense that 
the band was a little tired, especially Maynard.  Between 
songs he simply stood there. (This could be normal 
behavior, but I'm not sure due to the fact that this was only 
my 2nd show.)  I was really impressed with Danny.  In my 
opinion, he had the most energy.  But overall, it was better 
than the show in Eugene, despite the lack of intimacy.  
Thank you! I can't wait to witness this experience again....








Review written by: Name? (fxstone11@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/16/01 15:39:15 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  One of the many things that makes Tool a great band is they always deilver when it comes to playing live. I think it's 
fantasic that they are able to play 20,000 seat places, damn near sell them out, and not have to mold and bend into what 
one might consider a sellout band. They haven't sold out in the least. If anything, mainstream molds and bends for them. For 
example, how many other bands with 7 minute songs do you hear on the radio? None. How many other hard rock bands 
appeal to such a wide range people? From musicians, to artists, to ordinary people, to people who love whatever is on the 
radio, to people who trully love music. Tool are in a league all their own and their fans know it. That's why you'll hear about 
hear about concerts selling out in 30 seconds. 

Looking around the arena at the portland show, I saw a lot of different faces and different people. It's really similar to going 
and seeing Dave Matthews band. You literally see every kind of person at these shows. 

Manyard was really into the show tonight. His movements were precise with the movements of the music. You could tell he 
was feeling it; everyone was feeling it. It's so refreshing going to watch a band that isn't just going thru the moitions or 
appearing bored with rock star attitude..

I know this isn't much of a review of the show..more like a short review of what I think of the band/review of the 
show...take it as you want...And if anyone has a recording or mp3 the song that dude from tricky played on, the one with 
the raping on it, I'd appreciate a copy.