concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
07/19/2001



Review written by: Fool Martyr (bung_cali@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/19/01 13:20:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Just got in from my first live experience with Tool. I didn't really know what I was expecting. I think I got a combination of the 'anticipated' and the out of the ordinary. I unwisely spoiled the surprise for myself by reading prior show reviews, so I already knew the coming setlist (as per previous shows). Was a pretty damn cold evening here in Auckland - the rain abated mercifully for most of the time spent queuing. Had the dilemma of trying to look "hard" like the rest of the people there, by wearing just a t-shirt when a sweatshirt or jacket would have been the good call - managed to freeze my balls off whilst maintaining the all- important kiwi-staunchness. Pre-show highlight was rolling up to McD's in the rather prim and proper Northcote shops area to see it filled up with black-clad, tattoo decorated, piercing adorned Tool fans giving a good fright to the local ho-hums. In queue, the deadened, distant menace of the band loosening up put a bit of warmth into the chilled waiting throngs. After the obligatory cattle-herding we made our way inside. Not the flashest of venues - maybe 10- 12,000? - with banks of peering onlookers from the seated sections on all sides. The place didn't seem as packed as I'd have expected. We didn't have to wait long before the burning-eye/lateralus sphere appeared on the screens and the lights fell. With little fanfare but the swelling roar from the crowd, the band made their appearance. It almost seems too sudden, but the Grudge is under way, and I'm on my way towards the front, carried like flotsam before the writhing tide of frenzied devotees. I was expecting it to be louder (my mate was shitting himself like the little pansy he is with fears of burst and bleeding eardrums, but that was not to be). Nonetheless, the sound is strong and pure. By the conclusion of Stinkfist the drunken meathead thrillseekers seem to have exhausted their piss and vinegar and have calmed down slightly, allowing greater appreciation of the music. The show was divided into halves, with the "schism video" intermission as at previous shows. I found the 2nd half to be far superior. I'd been gagging to hear Parabol/parabola live - it didn't dissapoint - the 2nd part viciously plundering the earlier brooding tension with its brutal onslaught. A few 'root-my-sister' pissheads decided it would be cute to shout requests to the band - on this occasion they were appeased - calls for 'opiate' finally acceded to - in good time of course. For me, Opiate was definetely the highpoint - better even than Aneima (another 2nd half monster). I was saddened, and surprised by the type of people Tool seems to attract. of course any and all are welcome to favour whatever music they please, but I might have hoped that "thinking listeners" might have been better represented. Not just the imbecilic wanks shouting obcenities at the stage for "the fuckin band" to come back during the schism intermission, or the rythmically challenged headbangers making every humanly possible effort to appear hard, but the majority of the crowd in general were disappointing. Not for lack of enthusiasm, but a lack of respect. Those insistent on 'moshing' made good comedy as they insisted on thrashing and jumping to rythyms a universe away from 'danceability'. All the band were superb. Vocals were soaring and vicious. Drums, almost incomprehensibly powerful as he pounded out hammerblow after hammerblow every one of which seemed to churn your innards. (I've no claim to being some kind of muso afficianado, but the guitar and bass were pretty fuckin good too :) Maynard got as far as getting his jacket and top off. Held his water bottle like a charm for most of the performance. Gyrated, and writhed his body like a maniac - VERY cool. MJK's comments: "Auckland ..... (gestures to band) .... Tool. (crowd goes nuts) Tool ....(gestures to crowd) ... Auckland" (crowd goes even more nuts). "You are very, very, very enthusiastic" "Is everyone in here on ....... drugs? (gestures to the copious, wafting clouds of dope-smoke) ... (crowd roars) ... just checking". "I want you to remember this feeling. I want you to remember this feeling that you have now. Whether it be good or bad, it doesn't matter. I want you to take this feeling, and over the next couple of weeks I want you to turn it into something positive." "Lets say the Oath of Freedom (?) ... Fight for your freedom ... (crowd repeats) ... Fuck the system (or something to that effect) ... (crowd dutifully repeats) ... Never, ever repeat things people tell you to say .... (crowd bleats back in obscene imitation)" - that was a cool bit for a few people in the audience anyway. All in all I would say thats a fairly complete appraisal of my evening with Tool. I wasn't disappointed. Very glad to have gone. More than worthwhile to see if you ever have a glimmer of a chance to do so. Most people aren't so lucky as we Tool fans here in Auckland - it took at least a month for this 10-12,000 show to sell out - we're a small place, thats why we end up having to endure the company of so many well-meaning "hardnuts" people who have no real business being there in the first place. Still a fan.

Review written by: allan (a_ocarroll@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/19/01 22:12:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Well its the morning after the tool show here in Auckland and well,what did I think. It was definitely a more stripped down kinda performance compared to the last gig here.Gone were the expensive looking video screens with the constant stream of graphic psychedelia in favour of a pair of video projectors showing some very unusual film footage which would be looped to play again and again.The naked women swimming under water biting chunks out of each other was paticularly memorable,as was the headlong trip into a dirty toilet bowl over and over again, mmmmmmmmm. Maynard spent the entire concert standing at the back of the stage in front of the lower video screen in contrast to the last tour where he completely dominated the performance. This allowed moreb emphasis to be put on the band themselves as musicians I think with Danny,Adam and Justin showing themselves to be incredible musicians(as if you didn't knowm that already). The setlist was pretty much similar to the rest of the tour with tool opening with the Grudge Stinkfist 46 and 2 Prison sex Schism Parabol Parbola disposition Reflection Schism video Aenima Opiate Lateralus Thats roughly the right order ,don't quote on that. But in summarising last nights event I have to concede that It didn't have the effect on me personally that the Aenima concert did but it was still an amazing show and I wouldn't of missed it for anything. Long live Tool and the message that they share with their continually ground breaking music.you guys fucking rule

Review written by: Heath (dewson68@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/19/01 22:56:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This was the 2nd Tool concert I attended, and if I lived in the U.S or Europe I would definitely make a point of going to multiple shows. Fuck the ticket prices: these guys are worth every penny! Here is the correct setlist, since the previous reviewer screwed up the order and left out some songs. The Grudge Stinkfist 46 & 2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection Intermission (Schism video) Eon Blue Apocalypse Sober Parabol Parabola Ions (buzz, buzz) with Maynard's obligatory words of wisdom, and we should all listen to what he has to say Aenima Opiate Lateralus Venue was sold out (about 5,000), there were some glitches with the sound but it was still incredible considering the shitty acoustics at this particular venue. I have NEVER seen a band who are so accurately able to reproduce their recorded music in a live performance as well as Tool: Maynard's voice is almost identical to the recorded stuff and all of the music is as close as it gets, apart from the occassional extra drumming and lead guitar, which only enhances their music. Each band member is fascinating to watch and they are true musicians who play passionately and generously, giving all to their loyal fan base. There were a few dickheads in the crowd but as with many of the reviews I've read for the European shows, most people just stood and watched with their jaws hanging, mouths open, and minds blown away by the vocals, sounds, and typical freaked out images on the projection screens. A Tool concert is not just about music: it's an entire theatrical presentation, and I don't know of any other band in the world today who can provide this level of entertainment. Absolutely brilliant performance, better than the Aenima concert four years ago. You MUST see this band, because if you don't, you probably won't be able to obtain this kind of "higher" experience at any other live show. Trust me: I've seen a shitload of bands over the years and nobody can touch these guys. Different fuckin' planet, baby! To the morons next to me who kept debating which song was being played: go home and study the fucking music before you come to the show. To the asswipe whp kept yelling out "Hey Maynard, say something", go away and listen to Opiate. In your defence, though, you'll probably learn more from a spoken Maynard sentence than you will from 99.9 % of the population. Well worth the wait. Best concert ever!! Anyone who wants to discuss anything about Tool send me an email...

Review written by: Neill Fraser (neill@untool.net) Review posted on: 07/20/01 05:01:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I don't think Eon Blue was played before Sober?! After 3 hours on the road I arrived at North Shore Events Center at 6.30pm and joined the line with probably only 100 people in front. The doors were opened an hour and a half later at 8.00pm, half an hour later than the scheduled 7.30pm time (by this time there were about 3'000 people behind us. Once inside the venue I got a good front row spot on the left hand side of the stage, in front of Adam. No opener, though I don't anybody cared. At 9.00pm, with very little warning the lights dimmed, screens lit up and the band came on stage and immediately launched into The Grudge. Maynard did his introductions: "Auckland, - Tool." "Tool, - Auckland." This was followed by a killer version of Stinkfist and an equally good version of Forty Six & 2. Prison Sex was next, Adam switching to his white B-tuned Les Paul for this song. Maynard mentioned something about having "de ja vu" before they played the song. Maynard played what looked like a Steinberg guitar during Schism, most notably playing the opening chords. Pushit followed (Maynard no longer playing guitar for this song). Once again for Disposition and then Reflection, Maynard was once again playing guitar. Reflection ended with Adam on stage by himself repeating the final bars the guitar part for a few minutes. When he finally left the stage for the intermission the Schism video was played (as with most other shows). When the band reappeared immeadiately after the Schism video finished they kicked off the second half with Sober. They then played Parabol which made the mind blowing transition into Parabola (if you think it sounds good on the CD wait till you see it live!). An improvised version of (-) Ions was next which led into Aenema. From Aenema they played Opiate, one of the best of the evening, Maynard began by talking about free speech and being a non- conformist. Finally they ended with Lateralus. Great show! All songs were spot on, Maynard's vocals perfect, Adam's guitar playing ever brilliant, Justin's pumping bass and Danny's thunderous drums played flawlessly. The crowd was very enthusiastic and Maynard interacted with us more than I had expected. Brilliant!

Review written by: Benighted (opeth@ihug.co.nz) Review posted on: 07/20/01 07:07:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was the best concert I have ever been to in my life! My love for Tool and the appreciation I have for their music has just grown so immensly...even though I was a "hardcore" fan before tonight. They were so tight on stage, they had video/visuals to almost every song, which they played to with perfet timing. The highlight for the night, for me personally has to be the studio version of Pushit, which I listen to religiously. The only error in Maynard's voice was in The Grudge, where he sang an octave too high, but im not complaining!!! Apart from that, the whole performance was flawless. They were SO good in fact, that my friend who thinks Metallica are the best band in the world, told me he now agrees with everything I say about Tool, and understands why I like them so much! This was the best concert New Zealand has ever seen, and until Tool come back and beat this performance, it will remain the best.

Review written by: WhiteOnyx (whiteonyx@xtra.co.nz) Review posted on: 07/20/01 09:22:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, I went in expecting a lot and got even more! Great show guys, especially Danny - I honestly thought all the drumming on the album was some kind of overdub! For those of you who missed out (and I pity you) he can actually do all that shit live. Its amazing! I just wanted to say 'hear hear!' to what everyone else has said, and add one stupid little thing. About a 1/4 of the way thru the concert some stoned dickhead managed to make his way up the scaffolding on the back wall, and the whole area was crawling with security gurads and cops, was funny as, just wondering if anyone else noticed. He eventually jumped off, anyone know what happened to him? Just curious, email if u know. Anyways, I hope they return in all their glory, coz it was so good I mite have to fly to Christchurch tomoro! Laterz

Review written by: Marcus (mr_sleepless@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/20/01 10:57:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

ok....... After what seemed like forever of booking tickets (and sleeping with them in my wee hands) and organising a ride from Gisborne to Auckland, to the Events Centre (and back) I finally got to see my first conert (I was too poor prior to this) We got there a couple hours earlier and snuck around the back, we heard Danny LOUD and Clear doing his soundcheck, I could have ran circles around the obese security men but I decided not to do anything that might screw my chances of seeing TOOL. I entered the small gathering of people and entertained myself to some hacky sack, nice people. I managed to find out that Tool were to have a Openning "band" what were to consist of a Solo Violinist but as the concert became well and trully late the idea was scratched The Doors were SUPPOSED to open at 7pm. but this was not to be so, they didnt open to over an hour late I think. And it took AGES to get everyone in. Oh yeah, "Dominic" from "Space" (NZ popcrap show) was outside talking to people. I started a chant saying "fuck dominic" Did anyone Hear me!?!?! Dont bother responding back sticking up for that swankker presenter, I hate that guy.... ok , ok.I managed to get Front centre and when they started to play "The Grudge".................damn, I cant even descibe it........Just unbevelievable. I loved it. The first moments of "The Grudge" werent tolerable in the front but after "Stinkfist" then "46 & 2" I started to black out, freaky shit. I started freakin because there were too many people around me and no one would help me up, I kinda colpased on the guy behind me and him and his mates threw my skinny white ass on the mosh and I was Spun like a top, Totally cool breathe that first breath of air, I watched the ceiling and the people around me spin and the noise pounce my air drums, Im sorry to those people who I kicked in the head while I was up there. K, They played the other songs on the setlist as previous noted, amazing, the Visuals have been referred to in other concert posts. Im not sure if TOOL has the continuous strum at the end of reflection as the other concerts, I didnt hear too many people yell out stupid things. Never ever request songs of Tool. I cringed when people yelled out "Lateralis" when they were going to play the damn thing anyway. It was the final song for a damn good night, I got my ass to the mosh pit and Asked someone to lift me to crowdsurf at the final hpase of the song took place. I was up there above peoles heads and "FEEL IT MOVE ACROSS MY SKIN" It was like everyone was watching me get thrown around suddenly I found myself falling to the ground, I curled up in the fetal position and saw the ground comes towards me, I hit my head on the ground in the final minutes of the song layed there as people felt stood all over me. Not a bad way to end such a damn cool concert. Thanks to the people who pulled me off the ground and asked if I were ok........ "doctor said I might have brain damage"

Review written by: Mark Fidler (milhouse@ihug.co.nz) Review posted on: 07/21/01 00:15:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well first up I wanna correct two of the former setlists. They didn't play Eon Blue at all, and they played Ions JUST before Lateralus, while Maynard was talking, and it was only the buzzing. * years. I have waited 8 years for Tool to be added to my concert viewing enjoyment, i have loved them, I have cried with them and I have waited. I was bitterly dissappointed when I was flat broke and they came the first time to New Zealand and I didn't get to go. But I cried for them and I knew they'd understand. And finally they came back. I got in early, I had nice seats about 4 rows from the front on the mezzanine part of the events centre (to the dude who mentioned the climber, he was virtually above my head.....a security chick asked him to get down, he told her he would as long as he could stay, she said "just get down" so he wandered back round again. Eventually slid down a pole, jumped onto the landing and was mobbed by about 6 security guards.Dick). I walked in with my camera in hand, walked past many security guards with camera in hand, and no questions. Then about 6 songs into it, I saw a security chick scanning the crowd in my area so I stopped flicking. She left, I took one more, she nailed me. Confiscation central. I prayed to the gods that they wouldn't take the film. And when I got it back they hadn't. The sob story is that the photos turned out crap anyways. But in a way i'm glad, it means that forever the memory will get better. The songs will get louder, the lights brighter, everything bigger. Photos merely try to remind you that maybe at one stage something was wrong. Better to think about how good it was in your head. Anyhow, It was the most emotional concert i've ever been to. I came out hoarse from screaming along with every song, and I cried after 46 and 2. What can I say, it was THAT good. I only picked up on a couple of mistakes, Maynard was a bit high in one or two places, and he mucked up his "fretting" in Aenima. But it was cool to see him with a guitar, he DIDN'T play opening chords in Schism, that was Justin all the way. He was playing the solid single note line behind Justins piece. Danny was on form, the solo in 46 and 2 was incredible. Adam was calm, collected and improvising bits here there and everywhere. Justin was mumping out fat bass lines, straggly hair covering his face, swaying backwards and forwards. But of course it was all down to Maynard. He's the king. I think he was a bit stressed having had 2 weeks break, but he was still amazing. His 'Coup de grace' being his scream in Opiate. The images behind them were awesome, especially during Reflection. I was stoked that they played Parabola, i'd been half expecting it, but it's a very different track for them and I wasn't sure. Kinda wish they'd played Eulogy, i'd love to hear it live (if anyone has any mp3s of live Tool stuff email me). Maynard was such a crowd pleaser. They adored him. I have never seen a mosh pit so huge, during Stinkfist it was incredible. As soon as the big punchy first bassline came in, Maynard was stamping one foot and the ENTIRE floor of the events centre (I won't hazard a guess at how many people) were jumping in time with it. It looked like he was controlling the crowd with his foot. His foot went up, the crowd went up. His foot came down, and with a boom the crowd came down. Incredible. And the main thing that made me smile was the on bit noone seems to have got right. For anyone who has listened to the cd that came with Salival, Maynard told us we all had to repeat after him........"Think for yourself........question authority". I'm surprised about the mixed messages people have posted on this, as it was something I knew he'd say as soon as he mentioned free thinking. Anyways this is becoming a novel, and I don't think any amount of words is going to accurately portray how this concert made me feel. It cleansed me, it bathed me, it made me start afresh. I feel sorry for the few thousand people who nodded lots for most of it and then sang along with Stinkfist and Sober.....there's so much more to it than those 2 songs, and I hope they have gone out and bought the albums now and are re-educating themselves. "Over the next couple of weeks, take this feeling home and make something of it...." Coupls of weeks he said.....this will be in my head for all time.......

Review written by: A.Perry (t0mbst0ne@xtra.co.nz) Review posted on: 07/21/01 04:50:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well after reading all these reviews for the Auckland show theyve pretty much summed it up. But I will give it a little go. The party of three I was in arrived at 730pm to a que around 150metres long. There mustve been around 2000+ ppl waiting outside which was very disapointing as it was so cold. I too wore just a shirt and jeans knowing it was going to be hot inside and to maintain the "Auckland staunchness" After about an hour we had moved up about halfway and the rain was imminent till it could hold out no longer. It only rained for about 10 mins, but certainly made for a miserable time outside till about 850pm when a security guard came up to inform us there was noone going in as most of them were just pissheads blocking the door. Once inside the venue I made my way to the shirts but was disapointed in the selection for the price, sure its Tool but $50 for shirts that seemed quite dull to me, so I left without a purchase. Heading down the corridor it was a tough decision to which entrance to take as it was so close to 9pm I didnt want to miss Tool coming out on stage. Opting for the 1st door I entered thinking I would be able to make my way to the front. How wrong I was. It was absolutely packed and to progress anymore than halfway was nearly impossible. Once I had settled into a position I was happy with the lights dimmed and we were greeted with "The Grudge". Isnt funny how you can hear a song at a concert and it can change your whole opinion on a song. The video accomanying The Grudge was absolutely fantastic. What seemed like random images started to make sense around æ of the way through the song which obviously most ppl understood as the was huge cheering coming from the crowds. Once the song was over they went straight into stinkfist then 46 and 2. Apart form a small introduction after 46, and the small speech that Maynard made towards the end, it was non-stop music. The sound was fantastic and was so close to the albums quality if not better it was hard to believe. THe bass from the drums was literally chest thumping, I could feel it was a struggle to maintain a regular breathing pattern during some songs. After moving up to the middle and moshing for awhile I found myself on the ground after passing out. Put down to going from extreme cold to hot and lack of water I picked myself up with no help from anyone (Thanks a lot for nothing, you know who you are) I ventured to the hallway for about ten mins, which seemed to be timed just right for the interval. After pulling myself together I went back inside but stayed near the back to enjoy the rest of the show. Everything about this concert oozed quality. The sound, the bands performance, song tracks and videos to accompany almost every song. The Grudges video and the toilet trip are going to scar me for life. This is without a doubt the best concert Ive been to. If only Christchurch wasnt so far away......... Step down Metallica, here are the new gods of Metal/Alternative.

Review written by: Pineal (jesus_i_was_evil@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/21/01 14:47:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show

Hmm by now you know the setlist, Maynard's words of wisdom etc etc. So I thought I'd just post the mission...... 12hr (680km) Drive from Wellington to Auckland the day before (and after). I saw them in Wellington last time around and (in a Christopher Walken voice, a poor one) I'd be damned if 680 k' is gonna stop me. Waded through rush-hour traffic and a few wrong turns to get there a little early to partake of the evil liquor and the pot. Had a wander over at some point and shit...what a queue. So we went back to the cars (there was 9 of us) for a bit more. An hour in the queue and we've already smoked our pre-rolled blunts, and a few other peoples (cheers to them). Straight through the door and its getting a little late, security is slack. We got some pics, admittedly a lot of them were of queue antics. Was a damn nutty crowd in there. Ive got nasty bruising up both shins and bruised ribs (Parabola!!). Ahhh it was worth it. I mostly ignored the crowd currents and just spent time watching each band member (Did anyone actually see Justin look up??). Inspiration is watching Danny belt out the 46&2 drum solo. Opiate...yeah!! think for yourself, it's funny that he's telling us to do it.....but then we should know. All the songs and visuals were completely mind blowing, I'd been very scared if i was on hallucinogenics. I got almost aroused hearing (-)ions in anticipation of Third Eye, but NO. What came next was the final salvo and my 'mean beast' of the night.... Lateralus...holy shit! the changes in pace, the pounding of the bass(es). I could go on for ever...well a while anyway. I havent been able to get that song outta my head yet. Now all i need is to get to the states for the crimson tour....lucky bastards!!!!! ps....was also the first time ive seen maynard play an instrument. Think for yourself.......SEE TOOL!!!!!

Review written by: Erica (toolist@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/21/01 14:48:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, itís now two days since my first live TOOL experience, and if it wasnít for my aching and bruised body, I guess Iíd be convinced the whole experience was a dream. After counting down the days for what seemed like an eternity, when the day finally arrived it all seemed so surreal, I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I was really there. AnyhooÖwe got to the venue a little after 6, and fortunately the heavy rain and hail subsided for the time we were standing in line, but nevertheless we still froze our asses off, and by the time the doors finally opened at around 7.45, I had lost all feeling in my hands. But itís all good, we finally got inside, and got a good spot in the center and near the stage. The anticipation among the crowd was growing stronger by the minute, and at 9 when the lights finally went out, the sell-out crowd (about 5000 peeps) roared. The Lateralus fire/circle/eye came on the two projection screens, and the band entered to immediately start playing The Grudge, at which the crowd went totally nuts. In the beginning it was all I could do to stay upright, but a bunch of about 100 people right next to me all toppled over (including my brother hehehe...gotta love the domino effect!). After the first two songs the crowd settled down a bit, enough to be able to pay full attention to the music. The setlist was the same as pretty much all previous shows in the tour: The Grudge Stinkfist Forty Six &2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection --------------- Intermission - Mantra/Schism Video --------------- Sober Parabol Parabola Opiate Aenema Lateralus Hereís some of the stuff MJK said during the night, itís probably not 100% accurate: "Auckland - TOOLÖTOOL - Auckland.", "De ja vu", "Thankyou very much. Thankyou for your support. Thankyou for your patience. You are all very, very, veryÖenthusiastic." "As you all are probably aware, as far as creativityÖ and thinking for yourselfÖ is concernedÖthe bad guys are winning. So tonight, I want you all to take the nonconformist oathÖThink for yourself (5000 people shout it back at him) Question authority (5000 people shout it back at him). Never repeat what someone else says (about 2000 people shout it back at himÖ)." "Are you all on drugs? (crowd roars) Just checking." "I want you all to concentrate on this feeling. Whatever youíre feeling right now, it may be good, or it may be bad. I want you all to remember what youíre feeling at this moment, and take it home with you, and over the next couple of weeks, I want you to come back to this feelingÖand create something positive out of it." Everything about the show was totally amazing and inspirational. The videos they played on the projection screens in synch to the music were extremely artistic, and they really heightened the whole experience. The bizarre and sometimes disturbing sequences repeated over and over again helped to create the atmosphere of each song. The sound wasnít nearly as loud as Iíd expected, actually it was probably the quietest show Iíve ever been to. The only thing I was mildly disappointed about was the crowd. I was expecting the audience to have more thinkers who actually know and respect Tool, rather than the brainless dipshits who just go along for the sake of it, really understanding shit all about the music, shouting stupid comments at the band, requesting songs they had already played and insisting moshing whenever the guitars got even a little bit grinding, even if the rhythm is completely un-moshable. Heh. But besides that it was great, there were quite a few true TOOL fans there, and you could tell who they were. Maynard was wearing the black leather suit, and he took off the shirt after the first couple of songs. He was standing in front or behind the smaller projection screen for most of the show, and the way he moved was amazing. He looked like he was so passionately involved in the music, as if it was flowing through him and taking over his whole bodyÖkinda scary actually. And of course his voice was incredible. Even after everything Iíve read and heard, I was still amazed at how unbelievably talented he is. Adam was wearing a woolen beanie for the first half of the show, a note on how bloody freezing it is here this winter. He didnít move for like the whole show, not that I was expecting any hardcore rock moves or anything like that, but he was literally as still as a statue for the whole time he was playing. I didnít see him shift his weight even once, and he had like an expressionless look on his face, until about the last 20 seconds of Lateralus when he took a few steps and ran his fingers through his hairÖit seemed like he was relived that the show was finally over and he could relax. Both Adam and Justinís playing was absolutely incredible precise, so powerfully moving, the talent of this band is almost superhuman. Justin had a bit of an afro thing going with his hair, what a legend! Danny was totally amazing, pounding and smashing away with unbelievable speed and precision, somehow managing to play it just as well as on the albums, I mean, itís likeÖwhoa! Damn, how many arms does this guy have?! Every single aspect of their performance was absolutely incredible, seriously beyond the power of words. They are all amazing musicians, and itís hard to believe how well they can reproduce the sound and emotion of their albums live, but I guess thatís what puts them out there in a league of their own. As far as Iím concerned, no other band could ever equal those guys in any way, especially the live experience.

Review written by: Pineal (jesus_i_was_evil@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/21/01 14:52:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show

Oh yeah...i forgot..... What kind of a dickhead pays $70 to go to Tool (it was sold out so depriving a REAL fan from going)....and call Maynard a 'faggot'. Well done to that 'man' Who's the real bundle of sticks????

Review written by: Laura (sugary_spider@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/01 04:42:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I remember when my dad first told me Tool was coming to New Zealand to do a concert... i was so excited i nearly crashed the car! Sine that there was a month of excitement, counting down the days and singing all the songs in class... yes my friends and I were obsessed, but just a little :) I felt kinda embarressed that Auckland was having such shitty weather that day, it should have been sunny for Tool! And it was soooo cold. I knew that the most pit would be like a sauna so I wasnt exactly wearing what you would expect when its 10 degrees outside... Waiting outside for an hour to get in was the worst part of the whole night! I was shivvering and excited and there was a group of "westies" in front of us that whenever one of their friend arrived kept shouting "fucking ate man, fucking ate!" what the hell???? Crazy. When we got in I was also embarressed at what a shit hole the North Shore events centre is to hold a band like Tool. But when it started I thought it was amazing, i knew it would be. I just laughed at the dickheads that tried to mosh to the songs that were impossible to mosh to. I have been a fan of Tool for only 3 years and I never saw their other show, so for me this was incredible. I loved how Maynard acknowledged the other members of the band being behind them and not dominating them. His voice is just as beautiful in real life as on the albums, which I didnt expect... The only thing is I wish they could have played more songs... especially "Eulogy" and "The Patient" but that's just me being greedy! :) The concert was one of the best I've ever been to, I am so in awe of Tool and I hope I can see them live again someday!!

Review written by: Nat Williams (jang.williams@xtra.co.nz) Review posted on: 07/22/01 07:21:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

May-June, 2001 A cold and grey winter in Auckland, New Zealand. Lateralus had been released, and I had got my replacement copies of Aenima and Opiate (after some fuck had stolen them). Cruising along one early weekday morning, it was announced over one of the shitty local radio station: TOOL was coming! I had missed out on the previous concert in Auckland back in 1998 or 1999, but I was determined not to fail this time - I could get the money and get there myself! Begging for the money, which I managed to recieve from the parents, I took no chances - I bought my ticket as soon as they were on sale. Sure enough, tickets sold out long before the concert. July, 2001 It was a wet, cold day on the 19th of July. The TOOL experience begun on the road to the North Shore Events centre, where we got lost on the way there - damn North Shore. We got to the line around 10 to 7, and already it stretched a long way back. As I had predicted, the doors opened late, around 8 - like most international acts over here. Not that I'm complaining. It took another half an hour to get inside. As soon as I had gotten in, I headed to the toilets to check my hair - yes, I know how vain that sounded - and headed into the stadium. I was instantly greeted by a huge crowd, huge PA system, a huge stage and a even-fucking-bigger huge projection screen. I knew that this was going to be good. I worked my way to the front of the crowd - I wanted to be able to see the band. However, this was not the best idea. I ended up three rows of people from the font - and surrounded by big-manly-man-fucks, who were talking about how much beer they had drunk, how many chicks they were going to grope in the mosh, and how many asses they were going to kick. Fuckin' brilliant. The lights went off, and the projection screen was lit up with the Lateralus circle and flaming eye. The crowd went wild, and as The Grude started, so did the crush. I'm not the smallest person, but I'm not the biggest either. I spent more time trying to keep upright and breathing than watching the band - but what I did see was excellent. I thought they was that the band had organised the stage was brilliant, and original. After the second song - Stinkfist - I moved back in the crowd to an area where I could really enjoy the experience. The visuals were fucking amazing! I fully believe people go to a concert to experience something that you just can't get with just the CDs - and TOOL managed that amazingly. Every single song had appropriate visuals, to the human-maggot during 46 and 2 (symbolising the next evolution of man) to the looped, sampled and otherwise altered video of Stinkfist. I had expected TOOL to play an un-altered video of Stinkfist - but the altered one was much better in the context of the concert. The crowd was slightly disappointing - I had hoped there were going to be more people that were there to see TOOL, and enjoy TOOL, rather than the people who were there merely because it was a concert, and they had money. However, there was a large proportion of the freaks, industrialists, punks and other dregs of society - along with the posers and "average-everyday-people". And for the most part, everyone there was friendly - I met some new people, had conversations about TOOL, the concert, and other things with total strangers. Although I did belive that the venue had sold far too many tickets, as there was quite a section of the concert where I could barely fit back into the stadium at some parts. All in all, it was a fucking brilliant concert - rivalled only by Nine Inch Nails back in 2000. The band supplied an amazing act, with music that rang about in your head for days afterwards. Many thanks to everyone in the crowd around me who knew all the lyrics to Opiate too - it felt like I was a part of the music too. And finally - Maynard! Come back soon!

Review written by: Aaron (charos@free.net.nz) Review posted on: 07/22/01 07:43:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I'd like to mention how I felt after waiting from the first time I heard Stinkfist, til the time I entered the venue. I remember first impressions of power and strength and then reading lyrics and finding hidden depths behind the music. I wasn'tdissapointed once They began. The videos, though mainly incredibly surreal, lifted me into reverie for the musicas it washed around me. Also, the wait. I was outside the doors at 5.30, passing time with the few other fans there (If any of you three from Masterton read this, drop me a line. I was with the two guys with 'tool'in their hair). By the time we enetered at about eight, my mind was running double time, thinking about the community feeling that had grown as I stood in the dark, cold outside. The wait while inside was intense and I could feel every secondof that hour pass until the lights dimmed and they came onstage. The show has strengthened my love for this music (Ihaven't listened to anything else for three days now) and I agree that Tool must be seen whenever possible.

Review written by: Sharne (sharne80@HOTMAIL.COM) Review posted on: 07/23/01 07:45:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first time seeing Tool live and i was very impressed.They reminded me of a modern,harder Pink Floyd with the big screens which created an amazing visual show.They are a kickass band,no doubt about it.I was stoked to hear them play Stinkfist and Sober,two songs that my band covers along with Aniema and Opiate.The songs off Lateralus like the opener The Grudge and Schism sounded awesome as did crowd favourite Prison Sex.The sound was excellent,the guitar of Adam was heavy as was the bass,Justins playing was wicked,Maynards vocals were brilliant and Danny Carey is one kickass drummer who played an amazing gig.The crowd went off in my opinion,i think fool martyn would have been happy if the crowd just stood there,personally i moshed some of the show and watched the rest taking it all in,each to their own man.Tool is a hard band which always results in a mosh frenzy for the hard songs.I hope we see them back soon,they are great players with wicked songs and one hell of a impressive visual show.Cheers Tool

Review written by: Shane (defkrank@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 12:39:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Hey everyone... What can I say that hasnt already been said? Some reviewers have been totally off the mark with their comments that the crowd was not in to it...the crowd fuckin loved it every step of the way. There were a few token drongoes, but generally the vibe was amazing. The band's performance was immaculate: Danny led the way with his intense thrashing around; Maynard was in fine form, singing like an angel; Justin was solid, if sombre, his crunching basslines could be felt inside the body; and Adam was there, at the front, providing the main body of the music; together the band pciked usup and took us to yet another level...needless to say, for this diehard fan, their performance was rivalled only by other Tool concerts...some words...amazing...inspiring...energizing...invigorating...beauti ful...poetic...and so, so, very artistically crafted. Four days (and another concert in Christchurch!), I am still in a state of shocked awe...

Review written by: thus (thomas_husband@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 02:44:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Well, I am going to start off with a predictable, but very necessary opening line; TOOL are the best band ever. Not that I have heard every band ever, not that I haven't thought this about another band before and since changed my mind. But you just need to look through this website to see the thousands of intelligent people who agree with me and you will agree. How can we all be wrong? The Aenima tour had a very unusual and amazing start; Third Eye. I had avoided reading any concert reviews, and didn't know what to expect as the first track of the Lateralus tour. Were we going to be treated to an opening epic again, i.e. Reflection. Were they going to start out with a thrashy song to hype the crowd from the offset. I cant say I was surprised to hear The Grudge. I cant say I was disappointed, and I cant say I was extremely happy to hear the Grudge. I will however say 'First points Aenima concert'. The show went on and Maynard picked up his vocals immensely, The Grudge didn't seem to be sung quite right, but by the time 46&2 appeared TOOL had it on a string. As mentioned previously, the crowd were awful, most expecting a thrashy death metal type concert or something. It amazed me to see the complaints of people beside me at the length of Reflection, what was wrong with these people? Thankfully, the odd person could be seen just relaxing, nodding their head and quietly muttering how great the band are. And after Reflection, the mood did change. As stated, previously, Parabola was much more than expected. Some old favorites emerged, mixed in with the newer thrashy tracks, and moshing became the order of the 2nd half (which was good because my hangover from the night before had gone by then). Opiate was great, Lateralus was amazing, and Aenema was awesone. Whether you came to the TOOL concert to see soft mallow epics or hard rock, the concert could not disappoint. So, overall, the concert was much like the Aenima one, but with more songs and more variation. And of course it was the best musical experience of my life. I have no complaint about waiting for four years for this, I just hope it all happens again in four years time. I can only imagine the difficulty they will have in weeding out which tracks to play at the next concert...

Review written by: Michael Harvey (planet_caravan_@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 10:11:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

After an hour and a half of queueing fun in the Auckland cold ("Hello!" to Simon, Andrea, Rob and Elenor), and going through a couple packs of my drug of choice -- Spaceman candy sticks (thank you Simon, Annie and Craig!)-- I finally arrived and filed in to await the beginning of the concert ... What can I say? the anticipation i felt as the lights blinked off and the circle of eyes appeared on the screens was overwhelming -- especially when four shadowed figures came on stage and BAM! the opening notes of "The Grudge" rumbled out of the PA. Tool had well and truly hit NZ, and what a way to make their presence felt! What followed was a truly magical and incredible show, one that i shall never forget. There was a few to many who perhaps should have given this concert a miss; I agree with Erica and Fool Martyr above that "the Thinking Listeners" were somewhat under-represented amongst the "hardcore" folk who thought that mindless and violent behaviour was "cool". It was these "hardcore" folk who were obliviously repeating Maynard as he intoned the Non-conformist oath. Adam, Danny, Justin, and of course Maynard were on incredible form all night ... Danny's drumming was amazing ... the floor literally shook as he played the double kick patterns in "Aenema". Adam's playing throughout the whole concert was great, the close of "Reflection" was simply hypnotic, and "Pushit" was wonderful. Justin's basswork was magnificent; the spotlight above him at the beginning of "Schism" was a very nice touch. Maynard ... well, from beginning to end he was astonishing, silhouetted against the projection screen, moving with the elaborate rhythms his bandmates were playing, singing with passion ... his scream in "Opiate" was astounding and the beginning of "Aenema" was awesome, but very mystifying ... how does he do that with his vocal chords? The band came together perfectly with the fascinating array of visuals that were projected on to the screens. i found myself getting lost in them from time to time, just taking it all in, audio and visual. Wow. The highlight of the show for me was the entire thing actually :) ... but the moments that truly stood out were the final two songs, the epic version of "Opiate" and the phenomenal "Lateralus"; i had tears in my eyes as the band left the stage. An awe-inspiring and incredible experience.

Review written by: Berns (psilocybinmexicana@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 10:51:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well..., best part of a week since the tool concert, and MY THROATS STILL FUCKING SORE!!!!. Thats the fun bit about showing up about 4 hours earlier, so We can be first in, get to the barrier, and stay there. Of course, this had its advantages: My mates uncle owned/ran? the place, told us Tool were playing basketball out back, and NO, we couldnt go watch..., and the opertunity to make friends with the guards up the front, and get an unlimited supply of the dodgy water that gave me and my girlfriend strep throat or something, and of course, the opertunity to be 3 meters away from Adam and Justin, and try and work out how the fuck they really play some of those songs (I think Ive got Schism and The Grudge right, before my glasses started fogging up.) The opening was abrupt, wit the band just walking on, picking up their instruments, and playing an absolutely perfect rendition of The Grudge, followed by the rest of the set list, which was all just as perfect.... As well as the following list, which I think is right (not sure, My mate got the set list, and I havent seen it yet... But I got part of Danny's drumstick, and yes, he is jealous!) Danny also played the intro of Money, by Pink Floyd on his electronic drums, which got a nice chant of "Pink Floyd" going. The Grudge Stinkfist 46 & 2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection Intermission (Schism video) Eon Blue Apocalypse Sober Parabol Parabola -ve Ions Aenima Opiate Lateralus My only dissapointment was that they didnt play ticks and leeches, so that the guy screaming "Maynard You Fucking Pussy" in my ear would SHUT THE FUCK UP, and let me hear the damn music. It was interesting to note the attitude of the band, as they were mostly silent, and al snuck of the stage while I was watching Adam at the end of reflection, leaing Adam alone playing the last few bars of the song. The overall impression I got from this was that the band wanted to emphasise the music over themselves, rather than continually trying to attract attention to their persons. Of course, when Maynard did the Timothy Leary quote "think for yourselves, question authority", it was also amusing to hear the crowd behind me bleat it back to him like sheep. Finally, the fun part. After being up against the barrier for the best part of 3 hours or more, being yay close to passing out by the end of the concert, Adam and Justin threw the drumsticks into the crowd (minus the heads... why?) one of which was caught by my girlfriend, and one by a friend of a friend... strange coincidence... Then, just waited to leave. One of my friends who was behind me had his shoe come off half way through stinkfist, and has a badly bruised foot, while half my friends bailed on the front and went somewhere mellower. Another guy specifically got seats on the mezannine for the purpose of watching Danny to see if he cheats with samples, and NO, He DOESNT. (Which is GOOD). And then the fun of walking out from a concert, soaking wet, into the lovely cold weather, which was less than 10 degrees C at least. But it was worth it.

Review written by: adrian (n/a) Review posted on: 07/25/01 07:29:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Hell yeah, tool rocked auckland. awesome concert, played all the songs i wanted to hear and more. After almost gettin banned from our hotel the boys made there way over too the venue and waited for the doors to open, once we were in we just waited for tool to make there noise and once they kicked off it was all good. The front was hard so only the hard could stay up there we managed to keep up there and had a blast. Cheers to TOOL for an awesome concert

Review written by: adrian (n/a) Review posted on: 07/25/01 07:29:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Hell yeah, tool rocked auckland. awesome concert, played all the songs i wanted to hear and more. After almost gettin banned from our hotel the boys made there way over too the venue and waited for the doors to open, once we were in we just waited for tool to make there noise and once they kicked off it was all good. The front was hard so only the hard could stay up there we managed to keep up there and had a blast. Cheers to TOOL for an awesome concert

Review written by: BRAINtanglia (teregoodwin@paradise.net.nz) Review posted on: 07/26/01 00:35:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

TOOLx2 (part1)........being the first League of my own minitour of the country. inGENERAL: no Support was provided. The Auckland show was Note Perfect. Every song (see setlists above) was a pretty damned close replica to album versions. inDETAIL: Justin - impressive AcidrockAFRO. rockd out. a few smiles sneaking out from behind those locks. Seeing him perform live confirms that he definately doesnt conform to the traditional bass role. Lots of chords, high notes, picking up the neck, strumming, etc. Great fun. Maynard - the "Note perfect performance" applied especially to Maynard. Long high notes (e.g. "..it will end no other waaaaaaay" from pushit) were held perfectly. Astonishing. High fives to Maynard. Corrected Maynardism : "...non-conformist oath : think for yourself, question authority, never repeat what others say....." Adam - seems to really enjoy playing. At times he looked like he was floating with the music. The man is a minimal master - many a guitarist could learn from his senstivity, subtley and control. Danny - Ah Danny. This man really is from another planet. I'm currently trying to locate this planet in order to order some of it's talent juices for my own consumption. Dont really appreciate his use of sample triggering until you see him doing it live. Alot of energy emanating from this individual. theTEAM - wonderful to see Tool working as a team. Interaction seems to be more than back on the Aenima tour. Especially between the guitarists. E.g. those nice chords at the beginning of schism - eye contact and bodylanguagecounting. Team huddle round the drums for the beginning of Lateralus with Danny counting to the wobbly thunder sound sample for Adam to bring in the opening Riff. These things and more make hearing/seeing them live great. VIDEO (courtesy of MrsJones) - scary. hypno-erotic. often disturbing. superPsychedelic at times (parabola esp.) SOUND - good considering bad acoustics of venue. Had trouble defining the bass sometimes. VENUE - good size (smallish). Bad acoustics (hangar). theCROWD - very good. pretty mellow. Moshers were respectful of those around them who didnt want to mosh, meaning I had a damned good view from the centre of the 'moshpit' whilst never being charged into (they just seemed to go crazy around me !!). I would say people who went purely to mosh/thrash/surf/munt/be at a metal concert, were probably be dissappointed. There were many faces of bewilderment after the show. Got the feeling many were expecting to come away feeling hyped, but really left in a mellow mood. FINESTmoments - disposition/reflection. Meditative, with a sensitive Power. A few technical notes : - adam uses a MidiPedalBoard (aka bass pedal) for the analog synth sound in Reflection - effectively playing guitar with hands while playing synth with feet! - Lots of fiddling between songs. especially Danny messing with samples, e.g. glass smashing loops. COOL. wish there was more improv though. CONCLUSION - amazing. It did lack spontaneity, with every song being performed note-perfect, and without extra verses/jams (e.g. Prisonsex/merkaba-sober/stinkfist). However this is hardly a negative aspect, as the next show was to offer some different aspects.........

Review written by: Rich Karwaski (rsk130@webtv.net) Review posted on: 07/26/01 14:53:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I didn't see this show but I saw the show in Toronto at Edgefest. It was a real cold day in Canada for July and all the music sucked.being from pennsylvania I did n't know who these stupid Canadian bands were, however TOOL was great. They only played 7 songs but it was worth it. Maynard had his back turned to the crowd for the whole show. It was really freaky.The venue ruined the show due to a curfew time, but it didn't matter. I was amazed with the size of Danny Carey's drumset. I can't wait for the US arena tour. Everyone should see this it truely is a great event.

Review written by: electron0micon (superfrog@wombitch.net) Review posted on: 07/28/01 00:40:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The entire Thursday was full of tension for me, as I knew that later that night, I would see Maynard in person. No longer would he be a distant person, thousands of miles away creating great music; he would be in front of me, playing that great music. By around 7:00pm, my friends and I had already arrived at the North Shore Events centre, and were already shaking; partly due to the cold, but also to who was in the building in front of us. The doors were meant to open at 7:30, but did not open until around 8:00pm. We found a spot right up the front, where we had a really good view, except for the speakers placing the drummer out of view. So up the front we were, all talking nervously, awaiting the spectacle that was soon to come. At almost 9:00pm on the dot, The pre-concert music ended, and all the lights died. Then, the flaming circle appeared on the HUGE projector screen up the front. The crowd went nuts, myself included. And then, they walked out on stage, and began to play. I didn't think they would sound as good live as they actually did; they were *perfect*. I thoroughly await their next appearance in New Zealand.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (jhammer@earthlink.com) Review posted on: 07/28/01 01:33:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

this review is for the july 1st show in canada, personally i think they completly half-assed the show. my friends and i waited 8 hours to see them in canada, and when they finally came on, they only played 7 songs then left the stage. the songs they did play were good, but i would expect more from such an amazing band. i was tripping, so i had fun, but, come on. i understand that they were probably very tired from doing their european tour, but 7 songs????? they could of atleast played a oncore, hush, a 2 min. song, but they just walked off the stage. it was just a disapointment, driving 4 hours to get there, waiting 8 hours to see them play, then driving 4 hours back. had i known they were going to half ass such a short set, i would of stayed home, and kept my $200.