The Tool Page: Tour Reviews

concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

07/19/2002

Review written by: Cass (LonerCass@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 19:59:11 ET

This was this reviewer's only Tool show

Seems like I'm gonna be the only one to review the Vegas show so here it goes…at 7:30 sharp, Tomahawk came on, in police uniforms. They were great...I never laughed so hard in my life. Mike said some comments about people's shirts and how Elvis was a pill popper. He also did the whole 'chant Maynard’s name' deal. By the way, am I the only one who thinks the bass player looks like Buffalo Bill on Silence of the Lambs? Right. Tomahawk was finished with their noise at 8:15. Then around 8:45 Tool came on. That's when belligerent rejects started movin' around and mosh pits formed. Come on people...how are you gonna mosh at a TOOL concert? Back to the show, Danny's drum set is so awesome-not to mention his skill of being a great drummer. Justin plays his bass with such precise, he seriously was in another world rockin' out. Adam plays the guitar so seemingly effortlessly-yet hits those notes so beautifully-it's mind blowing. And finally Maynard sings his heart out as if he can't get the words aloud enough. Maynard came out in his black pants and long sleeve shirt...all of which came off in the course of the evening. Underneath he had a black bra- fully equipped with boobs, and a black Speedo. A strip in the middle of his face to the back of his head was painted black. I can't remember the order of the songs played, so I'll just list them to the best of my memory: Sober 4 degrees The Grudge Stinkfist H. Schism Ænema Eon Blue Apocalypse The Patient Parabol Parabola -Intermission- Disposition Reflection Triad (with special guest...) Lateralus In several songs, Maynard played that guitar thing without the top part with the tuning keys. Can someone explain to me exactly what that is... Anyway, one of the highlights of the evening was watching Danny and the drummer from Tomahawk break it down in the beginning of Triad. Also, some guy was on the synth. I can't remember who he was or what band he was from. Afterwards, Maynard thanked them and said something about how they are working on a Banana-Rama cover project...something to that effect. He also gave his great speech about being inspired, leaving the concert to go do something positive, go have sex, and throw in a couple of thrusts, just for them. The music sounded nice and crisp, the artwork was a perfect touch, and the lighting tied everything together. It was all so beautiful. After they completed Lateralus, a group hug was given amongst the four, and water/Gatorade/set list/drum sticks were thrown out into the crowd as they waived goodbye. Definitely not an experience I will forget, and I personally think that everyone should attend a Tool concert...even if you are into Tool or not. The boys really know how to put on a show and give their fans something to carry with them always.

Review written by: blag (blag@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 20:19:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

it's a steinberg guitar. go to steingberg.com if u want to see 'em.

Review written by: Rose (MJKtoolfreak@msn.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:33:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

What can I say other than another FUCK'N AWESOME show guys!!! I loved the venue; smaller than I imagined, which made the anticipation of seeing the band up closer so much higher. I didn't get to see Tomahawk; I wanted to, however, as you know, in Vegas, time doesn't exist; so we got there during intermission. I loved the set list!! I was afraid they were going to leave out their old shit, but those beautiful creatures came through for us "veteran" fans. When I saw Maynard fully clothed, I was like, "Shit, he undresses for every other god damn show, what about us?!?! But of course, he didn't dissapoint. Off came the clothes, and what was left was in fact, as said by previous review, a freak'n bra n'underwear. All I can say is, "Right on Maynard!! That definitely made MY night! Maynard also shook his ass a lot more than he did in 2001', which I could never get enough of. The visuals were kick ass, as usual. The backdrop was pretty cool. I especially loved the dominoe effect drop-down screens. At one point, silver confetti dropped over the "floor" ticket holders. Also, as said earlier, Maynard did suggest to go have sex after the show and "throw in a few thrusts for them." And, I'm not sure if it was before the last song (lateralus) or not, but Maynard was standing on the drumset platform sorta facing Danny and said, to the audience presumably, "...and quit staring at my tits". I love it!!! Their usual group hug ensued after the set. I'm sure there's plenty I've left out, but I guess that's what you guys are for :) The show was great! Can't wait to see them in October... By the way, I really want to thank the chick again, who helped my stumbling ass out of the bathroom stall. Peace be with you all.

Review written by: 2HI4U2C (twilightamberego@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:42:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. Okay I just got back home to Tempe, AZ from Las Vegas this afternoon. This concert was absolutely amazing. Everything was perfect. I have a bootleg of the last show they played in Las Vegas, so I was anticipating this show, I knew I would make the road trip one day, because I knew TOOL was going to TEAR-UP Vegas when they came back. You can tell they like playing for the Vegas crowd. I mean how could you not? VEGAS is the shit. Maynard came out wearing the black leather looking outfit, and later went down to a bra. I can't believe they played H, that was soooo sweet. Every band member lost themselves between the sounds and opened wide to suck it in. The whole band was into it bigtime! (not that their never not into it), it's just that this concert you could really feel the light shinning through. TOOL is hands down THE BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE today. Everything sounded perfect, and Maynard's voice was loud as hell. If anyone made a bootleg of this show, please e-mail me TwilightAmberEgo@hotmail.com The set list went something like this - Sober (no scream at the end) * 4 Degrees The Grudge Stinkfist * H Schism ** Parabol into Parabola (which was amazing, Maynard went off!) Disposition * Reflection ** Triad (Guest from Tomohawk played drums) this song has really grown on me, at the end of this song the whole band was straight rocking out. Including ADAM (which is pretty rare to see). *** Lateralus - Epic Song They also played AEnima somewhere in there. During or At the end of the show Maynard usually says something about taking whatever feeling you feel at the show and creating something positive with it. LOL, at the end of this Maynard said "Take whatever you're feeling right now, and go have sex......(looked at Danny and Laughed)...... Throw in a couple of thrusts for us" LOL, it was great. Thomas & Mack Center is a great place to see a show. The only thing that sucked about the venue was, the floor was 8 feet down from the seats.... soooooo we couldn't rush (like we did in Tucson, the night before). Thanks TOOL you guys are the best, and I can't wait to do it again. And I would just like to add, since I've seen so many posts here, and never had the chance to post one until now. If anyone would like to talk ANY shit about this concert or TOOL. Save it! You're musical opinion means NOTHING to me. After the TOOL show, Vegas was filled with TOOL Fans which was awesome. Another bad ass show for the mind, This was the second best TOOL show I've attended. "This Body Holding Me, Reminds Me Of My Own Mortality, Embrace This Moment Remember, We Are Eternal, ALL THIS PAIN IS AN ILLUSION"

Review written by: Cycles (paulboag@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:10:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

I was front and center. The energy was intense and with the help of the band I was able to hypnotize myself. I released alot emotion ......a learning tool for life..Peace!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: Hal (diveeqo@redshift.com) Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:17:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 11th Tool show

Where are all the Vegas Tool fans?! I live in northern California(Bay Area) and Vegas is one of my obsessions. Tool is another. Needless to say when I saw Vegas on the tour schedule I purchased a ticket online and booked the trip. Didn't even think about it. Just did it. This is the 4th show I've seen on this tour and it was the best. A truly awe inspiring, spiritual, healing, out of body experience. I totally forgot where I was during those precious few hours. I was in another realm, a world of exquisite peace and beauty so full of life. The seamless musical perfection combined with utterly brilliant mindbending visuals is too magical for words. I had ascended to utopia and as I left the venue in a daze I realized where I was. On vacation in Vegas. Back to reality. Dammit. Being a longtime fan of Faith No More and Mr Bungle I loved Tomahawk. The crowd didn't share my sentiments. Too wacky and avant garde for mass consumption. Expecting "The Grudge" to start things off I was pleasantly surprised when Justin belted out the riff to "Sober" and even more surprised with "4 degrees" before they proceeded with "Grudge". Most excellent. I guess I was correct in my assumption that the majority of the crowd was college kids from UNLV. No? Why aren't there more reviews from local fans?

Review written by: NakedandNameless (UnconditionedReflexes@Yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 00:28:50 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Not sure of the order but I'll give it a shot. ~Sober "Las Vegas, Last time I was here I lost my shirt" ~4 degrees (amazing) ~H. ~Eon Blue Apocalypse ~Patient ~The Grudge "How many of you are awake?" ~Stinkfist ~Schism "Is anyone here from L.A.?" ~Ænema ~Triad ~Disposition ~Reflection (huddle at Drum kit) "I hope you all go home and have sex, throw a few thrusts in for us" ~Lateralus Sorry if this is incorrect I was in awe the whole time...Just Brilliant. Everything I thought it would be and more....Alex Gray's set was amazing, the visuals offered so much insight as to what TooL's lyrics and energy is all about. Adam's guitar work will leave an impression on my brain for years if not my entire life. Please don't ever EVER stop making music Adam. Even if the flood does come. I'll see you on the next rock

Review written by: Eyenovation (chris@eyenovation.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 00:44:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Obviously the setlist has been posted, so I wont bother posting shit you already have read. What I will say is that this was the best Tool performance I have seen in my many times seeing the band. I had the priveledge of good seats to the left of the stage, which afforded the opportunity to see the entire stage from a side view. Being that I saw the previous L.A show, it was quite interesting to see the behind the scenes action. The crowd was definitely more alive than the Los Angeles show, (with a pit full of real fans, rather than docile pussies) and the band responded by putting in a better performance. Things of note: * I believe Maynard's fiance Brena Ferguson was in attendance on the stage, as he kept making gestures to her between songs. Even during the intermission, Maynard took the liberty of hosing her down with water in a playful manner. For total Maynard enthusiasts, you will note that the Perfect Circle song 'Brena' is about his fiance, so it was cool to see his 'reflection' in attendence. This was duly noted during his performance of 'Reflection', as Maynard hit every high note in the octave range, unlike LA. (Probably the best performance of that song I have seen him do). * The usual Maynard speech of being inspired to do positive was substituted with an invitation to have sex (complete with an extra thrust for the band). * Justin Chancelor had a huge grin during 'Triad', which was my highlight of the show. It appeared genuinely that the band was enjoying the jam session (complete with Tomahawk's drummer) which was VERY cool to see. * Danny had a Kansas basketball jersey with his name on the back. I am guessing some fan sent this to him. Whoever did, it was fucking cool! * Maynard appeared in drag, with a black stripe down his face and spoke ALOT more than previous shows. It was a fucking good time, and you can bet I will hunt down the bootleg, if anyone recored it, let me know. I will pay a good amount of $ for a decent recording.

Review written by: mdp (mossy@ucla.edu) Review posted on: 07/22/02 01:31:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

It looks like no one else has posted a review yet... So much of the same we saw here in Vegas. Maynard was in the black bra get-up for us here. The set list was the same as the past few shows, though Flood was replaced by 4 Degrees and 46&2 by H., and the full Parabol preceeded Parabola this time. Both were great - it was quite a treat to hear 4 Degrees. I can't recall the last time I saw it on a set-list... After it, Maynard remarked that every time he comes to Vegas, he looses his shirt at which he promptly lost it revealing his bra. This time, (I'm sorry I forget your names) a guy "from Encino" came out to play the keyboards on Triad, and the same Tomahawk guy came out on the extra drums. No epilady for Adam. The video footage seemed different from the LA show as well. Also, the crowd seemed much different than the LA one. In LA, the energy level semmed mostly constant to me, but here people were off- and-on. During the "slow" songs (Patient, Disposition, Reflection), they mostly watched, but during some of the more-popular ones (Aenima and Lateralus in particular), the crowd really got into a groove. Much more people around me were moving, and in fact, a sizeable pit even formed (What's wrong with you LA?). Before Lateralus, Maynard's in his usual "inspirational" speech inviting us all to remember the moment, but rather than suggesting we simply do "something positive", this time he advised us to go have sex and do a few thrusts for the band, if my memory serves me. Last, when the whole band gathered to thank us, Maynard scurried off leaving the rest of them to do the send- off. He threw out a water bottle to the crowd right as they finished, then some asshole fuck threw it back in his direction... Maybe you pissed him off. Bottom line - again, a phenomenal show overall. Thanks guys.

Review written by: bob alka (shortys571@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 02:35:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

i have a small dingy and i wish mike patton would take the barnicles on his fists and ram it into my scrotum

Review written by: john dough (rzn420@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 03:09:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 17th Tool show

the show was awsome, its too bad that its almost impossible to get front row tickets anymore. but the show was great. i love the big ballon clusters they had floating above them. i had binoculars and it took me a while to figure out how they did it, the whole show was very creative.i hope they come out with a live dvd soon.

Review written by: Jess (jessiejean@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 03:17:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

I begin my tale after miles of driving through what I lovingly term "Alien Abduction Territory" (the Mojave Desert-- home of frightening abandoned shacks) from cool, breezy San Diego. I felt magic in the air as soon as the Mandalay Bay came into view. Having been to the Forum show a few nights before, I wondered if going to this show also would be redundant. NEVER!! TOOL is my addiction--I can never be sated. From my first time seeing a show at the Thomas & Mack Center, I have to say that it is a great venue--much better than the Forum or the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine. I breathed a sigh of relief upon noting the free parking, after having forked over an ungodly $15 for parking at the LA show. I had much better seats as well--close and on the left side of the stage. I could feel that my experience that night would surpass what had come before and it did (exponentially!). For all of the people that trashed Tomahawk, I found their music to be interesting--how hard would it be to open up for Tool? No other band even comes close. Anyway, Mike Patton was playful, leading chants of "May--Nard" throughout their set. I could just picture Maynard listening backstage, smiling dryly at the absurdity of it all. The performance was amazing, as usual, with 4 degrees and H. varying from the LA set. All of the essential elements of the Tool experience were on hand--mind- bending visuals, aurgasmic sonic landscapes, and Maynard's ass-crack. The band seemed much more playful and relaxed in Vegas, something that could be noted right off the bat with Maynard's black bra and panty set. Tool began with all of the heavy-hitters ---- Sober, 4 degrees, the Grudge, and Stinkfist. I was in rapture, dancing and emoting along with Maynard and the rest of the boys, when I felt something warm and wet splattering my right foot. My head whipped over the drunken lout next to me as I came to the horrified realization that I had become an unwilling recipient of a golden shower as said jackass was poorly attempting to piss in his beer cup. "You're completely missing the cup!" I yelled in a vain attempt to startle him into stopping the urine flood, but he was completely oblivious, throwing down his overflowing cup behind the seats in front of us. Appropriately enough, the Grudge was playing throughout this exchange. I didn't bother enlightening the asshole for the rest of the night since I knew it would be a wasted effort (he was barely conscious), so I had to satisfy myself by periodically muttering "bastard" and glaring in his direction. And now I open the discussion to the male (majority) Tool fans--how difficult is it to piss in a cup? You just have to stick your dick in it and go. HOW ON EARTH COULD YOU MISS AT SUCH CLOSE RANGE? It boggles the mind. Only females should have problems with splattering and spillage when it comes to public urination. Also, PLEASE make some small attempt at decency when you just cannot make it to the bathroom by placing the intended receptacle INSIDE of your pants (which should be loose enough to accomodate) out of respect for others (and so that any splatter get ON YOU and not on other innocent bystanders). Anyway, I wasn't about to let some stranger's urine get in the way of my Tool aurgasms. The show continued on brilliantly, with H., Parabol and Parabola moving me to extreme passion and making me tingle all over, starting with delicate sensations rhythmically rising from the tips of my feet (or was that just residual piss droplets randomly dripping from drunken bastard's tipped over beer cup?--I will never know). The crowd was energetic throughout, but went positively apeshit when "Aenima" came on--both Adam and Justin raised their heads to unveil their expressions of enjoyment and appreciation of the crowd's response from behind their usual curtains of beautiful hair. The crowd calmed down quite a bit after the intermission when the band began the Disposition/Reflection/Triad trilogy, which to me is the highlight of the Tool set, with the Alex Grey visuals enhancing the whole metaphysical beauty of it all. When Reflection began its haunting embrace, I seemed to be one of the few people really into it, with the exception of the few idiots in the pit that were haphazardly attempting to mosh to it (I think they really just wanted an excuse to rub their sweaty bodies against each other in time to the music--that's what I would have done in their stead!). Spellbound, I surrendered myself to the band, undulating my body in time to the trance-inducing strains of the pulsing rhythm. I felt like some ancient druidess worshiping the moon with my entire body as Adam's guitar melodies dipped and swelled like a snake-charmer's erotic refrain. I slowly emerged from my unaware daze feeling as if I had ended some metaphysical journey (as I always seem to do at the end of that song) to the primal beginning of Triad, which was like some primitive, pounding religious rite. Once again, I felt pagan and wild, as the band must have also--I noticed even Justin was stomping his feet and glorying in the pure thumping grind of Triad. I am always surprised that the entire venue isn't shaken down to rubble in the midst of this song by the power of Danny's joyous, masterful drumming. Maynard urged everyone to be inspired to do something positive, like having sex (does a nonconsentual golden shower count?) and getting in a few extra thrusts for the band before admonishing the crowd to quit staring at his tits. We weren't staring at your tits, Maynard--we were staring at your ass and your beautiful spine tattoo. Lateralus was the closing hymn, that ended the show on an inspiring, uplifting note, encouraging us all to shrug off the shackles of unlimited ugliness to reach beyond, striving for the unexpected beauty of divine experience.....only Tool takes me there and beyond....

Review written by: Jess (jessiejean@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 03:17:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

Review written by: Dan (Crazynut7@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 03:31:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 10th Tool show

Good stuff in Las Vegas! Thank you Tool for 4 degrees! It was really cool to hear that one. It was funny I had people on both sides of me asking me what the hell song that was. "4 degrees! Song 8 on Undertow!" I shouted. It set a much calmer mood for me than the previous shows I saw that contained Flood or Ticks and Leeches as the second song, it was badass though and I'm glad I finally got to hear that one live. As always The Grudge was awesome. Did anyone notice the static noises from ions going off before The Grudge and even during the very first part of the song? Oops Tool. That's ok, it was a tease by mistake, I thought they were going to do Stinkfist before The Grudge for once. Nope. Adding to the calmer mood at this show, I enjoyed thoroughly the Parabol intro to Parabola. I wasn't even trusting that they were going to play it until Maynard started the vocals because I've seen shows where they play trickery by doing the first notes of the song and going straight to Parabola. I hope the crowd all appreciated it, I know my friend did, that made his evening. "The moon tells me a secret... my confident..." I thought they faded the drums out especially well this evening during those lines of Reflection. It fell almost completely silent and then Danny Carey kicked it back in perfect. I thought it had a really good impact on the song, good good stuff. Triad was amazing like every other night I saw them this tour. This time though I noticed there was a guy adding samples on the side of the stage as well as the additional drummer. I'm pretty sure he was not included during the other shows I saw this tour, it was cool to hear some of the samples that are on the CD during Triad. Lateralus was more significant to me this evening because Las Vegas was my last Tool experience for this tour, so I made sure to take it all in one last time and remember it. I couldn't help but notice at the end of the song that Maynard didn't continue the "Spiral out, keep going" for as long as he does sometimes. His sense of humor in Las Vegas was fun to hear though, sometimes he is too silent. That's it, I'm done for this tour, but I'm very excited to hear that Tool is adding more dates, hopefully more for the west coast. I will see 311 a couple times and Jerry Seinfeld and then hopefully some more Tool. - Oh yes, if anyone has bootlegs for any of the California shows or the Las Vegas shows. E-mail please. Thanks.

Review written by: BillHicks*weasel (weasel4202000@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 10:02:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

What can I start with but Tool are the masters. This was my first time in Vegas. Definately an experience within itself. I have to say I prefer CA. The show itself was perfectly set up for the smaller venue. The crew did a fantastic job(lighting, staging,ect.) And I had a nice spot on the rail(that i only got to enjoy through Tomahawk. I was suprised to hear that they had only sold 8,000 tickets!! I guess the moshing assholes followed along from AZ to Vegas :-(. It was trippy Mike Patton started mentioning how Vegas was a Coccaine town or prescription drug town, cause when Tool came on the assholes came out of the beer garden to mosh and beligerently sing lyrics to Sober(opener)embarrassingly wrong and try to climb over you and grind you in the ass to get your rail spot (I'm female btw) so they could get fucked in the ass by their buddy while they rub up on the spot I was and wish their buddy was maynard!!!! Mike had it right, these coked up dudes need their Riddlin and the beers not helping ya sing either "Fuck you buddy"(MJK)!!!! I had to be pulled out by the end of "The Grudge"(3rd song I believe) i was about to go down:-(. As Maynard was singing, "Choose to let this go" ...I was wishing the assholes would finally listen to the music they paid good money like I did to see (double the face value for me GA). Needless to say I spent the rest of this awesome show in the back of the floor area with the sound and visual crew. My friend pointed out how they were cameras set up taping the show and the visuals. Hopefully the rumors are true about an upcoming live video and unreleased studio tracks :-) CD :-)!!!!!!!!! Besides being quite bruised up and down my legs is a small price to pay to see Tool although I wish the assholes would take this check, cash it, and take a vacation from my fucking shows!!

Review written by: Chris (hepkel10@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 11:58:24 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

They figured it out. The big problems with concerts are 1) People standing up and 2) People screaming loudly. I don't stand up to read a book; i want to sit back and enjoy and breathe it all in. I don't read a book while people around me scream; i want to concentrate on the book as much as possible. So, Tool did an interesting thing. after about an hour..they took an intermission. Everyone sat. Then Tool began the Disposition/ Reflection/ Triad set. Now, at no point during that set occurred an overwhelmingly recognizable riff or any real sign that screamed "stand up now." No obvious signs for people to yell out ouccurred either. As a result of breaking for intermission, letting everyone sit down, and coming back in after 10 minutes, Tool gave me a show that i could really sit back and enjoy. I wonder if this was their intent. Thank you, Tool.

Review written by: jc (john.cottle@honeywell.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 12:09:22 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

This was my 5th TOOL show. I live in Tucson, and saw them Thursday night, which was took the cake for any previous TOOL show, then Friday three of us drove to Vegas and that show was well, how can I say it? Ecstacy!!!! The setlist didn't change much from the Tucson show, only a couple of songs. TOOL absolutely takes the helm of the most definitive band of this generation! One closing statement: Can't wait for more!!!!!

Review written by: las vegas tool fan (all635@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 12:15:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

coming to a shit hole of a place like las vegas just to see TOOL??...it shows that your a real fan! Please excuse our city and poeple whom reside within... Show was great. Anyone notice the extended version of Triad??? very nice and powerful. 4 degreez was a pleasant surprise. Extended stinkfist was unreal. The band seemed mobil and excited. seemed like an overall good show, cant wait for the smaller tour in which they hopefully appear somewhere close by.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (ooo_0_o@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 12:46:54 ET

This was this reviewer's best Tool show

Tomahawk was fucking great.. learnt to appreciat good music outside of TOOL.. go buy the CD it is awsome!

Review written by: Chris (gpferrarifan@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 13:30:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first Tool show, hopefully it won't be my last. The band was tight and sharp, their musical craftmanship parlayed through excellent equipment to yield an incredible audio experience. Unlike most other shows I have been to, the vocals were clear and crisp and the audience took advantage to sing along, very unusual for the jaded Las Vegas crowds I have grown accustomed to. The rest of the bands' instruments were also very crisp and loud, each it's own seperate entity yet perfectly blended, with no hint of distortion, also very unusual for large arena shows. Tool should be commended for their exacting standards, choice of equipment, the talent they possess to properly utilize said equipment, and the work of their road crew and sound engineers to get it all right. That all being said, the band was just as inspiring visually. There was plenty of interesting video and original artwork to keep the eyes appeased. There were several moments of transcendant joy, some enjoyed personally by me, as when they played H, some shared with the crowd as a whole, as when the drummer for Tomahawk came on stage for Triad, it was incredible, the crowd grew silent not because we were bored, but because we stood slack-jawed as we knew we witnessing something out of the ordinary. The band does not interact with the crowd very much, they sort of stare at their shoes with the exception of MJK, who is somewhat animated as he conjurs up the lyrics. At the end of the show the band stands center stage and graciously accepts our applause, and then they hug and smile at each other content in yet another job well done. It is only in the minutes and hours and days after the show do you realize that they have interacted with you in a much more important and personal way, there is a transference of energy that is tangible and uplifting, and as MJK always says, it is up to us to do something positive with that energy. All in all, it was not just a great show, but a great experience. PS Tomahawk were "interesting", and they were into what they were doing, but I just couldn't get into them as I was mentally preparing myself for the experience that would be Tool. And I was trying to get a beer. :-) PSS if anybody knows where to get the track that they play after the show when the house lights come on, I would love to know where/how to get it. It goes "that's it....go home....get the fuck out" in a distorted, endless loop. Genius.

Review written by: Pissed off (nebula911@cox.net) Review posted on: 07/22/02 19:57:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Ok, I have all of Tool's music, but I have never been to a Tool concert. An old friend I lost touch with went to a Tool concert many years ago and he said it was awesome. So I happen to be in Vegas on Thursday and I am listening to 92.3 and they said Tool was playing FRIDAY NIGHT. Wholy shit, I had to go! I immediately bought some lousy seats way in the back because, of course, there were no more good tickets. I figured since the concert started at 7:30, Tool would not start until about 9:30. So I went to the Hard Rock Casino bar, got wasted and met some chicks. I kept thinking, should I try to get laid or go to the concert?! I tried to do both, but the getting laid part did not work out, so I got to the concert just as they were coming out to do the second to last song. Boy did I screw-up! The fifteen minutes of the show I saw was AWESOME. Maybe even better than sex. So, I have got to see the whole show and forget about trying to get laid! I am thinking of flying to one of the future shows, but I do not know anyone willing to go with me. Bummer!

Review written by: Amy (stepping_through_my_shadow@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 22:49:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Wow. Once more I was blown away by Tool. I really felt a psychological connection with them that I didn’t feel the first time I saw them; this time it was different. I loved the art from Alex Grey’s Sacred Mirrors; that is a book that everyone should own. I liked that Maynard talked more. He’s smart and he has a great sense of humor, which makes everyone feel better. Tool, Thank you for always inspiring me. You guys have incredible energy that is felt by everyone.

Review written by: Koyanisquasi (Koyanisquasi@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/22/02 23:09:35 ET

This was this reviewer's ~7th Tool show

What a grueling desert ride.. but what a journey! This was my first concert of the new tour. I saw them in Irvine last year, and work kept me from this LA show. So I jumped on the Hayabusa and headed to Vegas. Now Tool always rocks, but that moshpit.. (3 of em actually) Seemed like a flashback, not progress. Last year the effects were amazing. Hanging nekked freaks and the long experiments in sound! It was a very psychadelic experience. This time the effects were lower key, but I got sober into 4 degrees, which was sweet! Thank you guys! Then the mosh pit took over and I ended up 'protecting' two little ladies from harms way. I think it was the moshing that interrupted the softer more intense Lateralus songs. In the beginning it was good to get out some agression, but not during that last set. Over the years, fans at Tool shows have begun to bond in my experience. Man, Light and Sound. I still felt it, but oye chill on the jackboots. But it was still a Tool concert and i'd make that 600 mile round trip through hell to see them again. Also met a bunch of freaks from Ft. Collins following Tool around the west coast!! Safe journey men. You fukn ROCK... And yes ociffer that was me in the tool shirt doin 150 on the 15. Too fukn windy to go for more. Too fukn pumped to do any less. See you in Vegas next year!

Review written by: DoctorE (brasilchiro@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 00:15:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

A week before TOOL started their North American tour in Bakersfield I formed the concept of me backstage at the Thomas and Mack TOOL show. The day before the TOOL show I drove from LA to Las Vegas to see Jane’s Addiction at The Rain in the Desert at the Palms Hotel. I arrived at my hotel at 6:15 pm with two urgent messages. The first urgent message was that my cousin and her friend would not be able to join me for the Jane’s Addiction and TOOL shows. The second urgent message was my friend Sam who told me that her friend Erica was in Vegas and her husband Peter would be able to walk me backstage for the meet and greet! Erica and I met that night and saw Jane perform a great show! They played all their old greats except Trip Away and even played some new stuff from a forthcoming album. I suggested to Erica that Stephen Perkins would make a great guest the following night during Triad with TOOL. As you must have read by now that did not happen. Here we go. The Las Vegas TOOL concert completed my triad of TOOL concerts in eight days and it was the best of the bunch. The word perfect does not describe my experience because it was better than perfect! Parking at the Thomas and Mack was FREE. A major bonus after shelling out $15.00 bucks at the Inglewood Forum! Even before TOOL arrived on stage I noticed that the last intermission song between Tomahawk and TOOL (what is that song?) went a bit longer than in Bakersfield or LA. That allowed those who recognized it more time to position themselves and more time to be anxious as we watched the prying of the third eye video. Then the curtain dropped and the intro to Sober caught me. Immediately I felt the more soulful bass sounds. Adam’s guitar riffs, Danny’s drum sounds, and Maynard’s vocals all shared a more emotional tone. Collectively it was more than words can describe and I could feel the vibration in my third eye! Maynard had a Mohawk strip across his head and face and he was fully clothed. I knew that 1. It was a good sign and 2. It would not last! I was in the pit dead center in a sweet sound spot and for some reason I had some space! 4 degrees replaced The Flood and it continued the more emotional soulful journey than I had experienced in LA. This lasted throughout the performance and though you know they are all expending a lot of energy it seemed almost effortless! Then The Grudge starts and the radical Alex Grey collective unconsciousness backdrop curtain was revealed with more colorful and more vibrant lighting than I remembered in LA. For some reason it seemed more colorful and more vibrant than Bakersfield but that could be because of where I was standing. Now let me straighten something out because I know Maynard got pissed reading my and maybe some other LA reviews about something missing particularly post intermission. First of all, my suggestion to add Hooker in Vegas or anywhere else for that matter was absurd. It does not fit the program at all. Each show is what it is and each show therefore is perfect individually. Anyone could criticize something about anything including a TOOL concert. If TOOL went on stage and just played their songs it would be enough to be a great - even a perfect show. However, TOOL is attempting to give the audience more than songs. They are attempting to take us where no one’s been. They are raising the collective consciousness and the collective unconsciousness. Lyrics and music are intertwined with artwork backdrops, a colored light show, a video show, and domino dropping artwork banners. Each component of the show is vital to the whole just as each individual at the show is vital to the whole consciousness of the show. Three of the banners at the LA show did not unravel and this component – this vibration – this energy was missing. It took away from the evolutionary component of the individual striving to vibrate at their highest level. That is one of the major messages of the show and one that I love seeing so much because it is vital to the work I do as a chiropractor. I realized this in Vegas because each banner was unfurled individually in order unlike in Bakersfield when all came down together. OK now that we all feel better. During Stinkfist the band continues but Maynard waits as the crowd sings the line “I’ll keep digging” and “till I fell something.” The crowd in LA sang it louder and prouder. H. is such a beautiful love song – no really! Here I need to thank a few people. To the two girls going off next to me: Victoria and Danielle? Well I know your names started with V and D! V with the longer brownish hair you dropped to the floor and moved like no other. D with darker shorter hair you were grooving as well. Thank you to the guy who pushed me as he emerged from the pit trying to avoid tossing on my shirt. You missed the shirt and pants but hit the right combat boot. It wiped right off but I moved a little so I did not slip in it! V & D just stayed right there like troopers. I moved closer to Kristen with the short black hair and the taller Tara. You rock! Schism followed by Aenima“Is anyone here from LA?” Fewer people than I thought would answer did answer. I guess not as many people made the journey as I thought would. The concert slowed with Eon Blue Apocalypse and you know I might have the order a bit out here because it seems to me that it was a bit earlier. Anyway the crowd and the band were connected perfectly. As the band slowed so did the crowd and when they picked it up with The Patient we were ready! Then they brought it back down again with Parabol. I enjoyed having Parabol precede Parabola at the Vegas show. It added a tremendous amount of energy because of the rise at their transitory connection. Coupled perfectly with the video it was the most amazing part of the show and Maynard was feeling it! Then we hit the intermission followed by Disposition, Reflection, and Triad extended with a guy from Encino on some type of synthesizer and the drummer from Tomahawk. He seemed a bit tired compared to LA. Too bad about Stephen Perkins or that hippy from Bakersfield! Hey now! Adam was totally going off. He reminded me of Jimmy Page when Jimmy goes off during Dazed and Confused in The Song Remains The Same. No Really! The whole band was standing near Danny’s solid gold custom kit when Maynard suggested that we take whatever we were feeling and create something positive with it … Go Have Sex and Throw in a couple of thrusts for us … Danny laughed … and then Maynard looked at Adam (I think) and said stop looking at my tits. Maynard was wearing a nice matching colored padded bra and panties. They must already have known that they had put down a great set and Lateralus closed the show with more extended Adam! At the end they all came down to the front of the stage and threw water, sticks, picks, set lists and more to the audience and then a strong group hug. I found my friend Erica and her husband Peter and they found Henry and Nick who brought all of us and others (Kara, Janet, Kristen, Tara and more) back stage to a holding bin. Then we went to a second holding bin where Janice and Janet and others were waiting for the band. Fuck your short-term memory because mine is fine. I walked right by Danny. Then Danny came into the room and quickly exited before I could shake his hand and thank him for the amazing set. Then someone came into the room and said the band was not going to do a meet and greet because they had to get to Salt Lake City. It was the third day in a row on a five-day leg of the tour and they did have to travel 500 miles. Have you all looked at their tour schedule? They are playing 46 dates in two months with 12 days off! Hey guys – I understand! I was completely blown away. To write I was satisfied would be the biggest understatement of my life and I have a feeling we will meet again. I had a base level reaction and I am forever changed. I’ve been crawling on my belly clearing out what could’ve been and I’ve spent so many years in question to find I’ve known this all along. Now I’m so glad this part of my soul searching is over. I pushed the envelope and I’ve done the math and I’ve missed me so much. The reward of the Vegas show is the completion of a perfect circular loop along my eternal spiral journey of growth. I choose to be there then and I chose to here right now and I know I will go where no one’s been. Thank you all so much!

Review written by: pendragOn (e_phister@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 01:40:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rdI Tool show

Sober 4degrees TheGrudge Stinkfist H. (-)ions Schism Parabol Parabola EonBlueApocolypse ThePatient Aenema ~intermission-submerged~ Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus formality, i'm only half sure on the progression of songs. poetic set. maynard quote, "...and stop looking at my breasts." peaks of experience, parabol/parabola, reflection, feeling submerged in a sea of consciousness, underwater. ahhhh, danny's gold set.....adam's three amps...justin on patient and disposition...maynard in a bra work of art, boys bring a ladder with you into the labrynth peace

Review written by: Dick Willie (dick_willie@nospam.hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 12:23:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

What's up? I just got back into town a few hours ago... I live in a small town in Southern Arizona. I had thursday, friday & saturday off this week... decided to dedicate it all to tool. I'm gonna combine my reviews of the tucson show and this show... since the tucson forum is pretty packed with a buncha BS. Well, it all began thursday afternoon when me and my friend took off for tucson to see the first night of tool... I had an extra floor ticket I tried to give away to several friends here in town, no one seemed to want to go. fuck 'em. they missed out on the greatest show on earth. We get to the TCC and I know I wanna sell my ticket, well... I offered my ticket for face value to the first person I see... and he happens to be the most uber tool fan I've ever met. I end up talking with him a while, and I trade him the ticket for a t- shirt. I guess this guy had something to do with toolunity.com. That was pretty cool. We bullshit with him and some other dude for a while outside the venue. The first guy takes off to go grab a hotel room and to shave his head... me and my friend and this other guy walk into the place... this one dude had a bottle of cough syrup. I guess it's supposed to give some sort of buzz... well, he drinks half the bottle and is unable to stomach the rest and ditches it behind some seats. The three of us head out to the smoking area to enhance our lungs with some rich tobacco... I guess that guy really couldn't stomach the cough syrup, he starts to hoark, barely making it to the trash can. We walk back inside and me and my friend grab some pretzels and bs with the concessioners for a while and this dude starts hoarking some more. He drinks some water and it's determined all of us are ready for some mofuckin' tool. We head out to the area right in front of the sound board and lean against it... propping ourselves at a fairly good view of the stage, the screens... but safe from the drunken idiots who have this notion that tool is something to mosh to. tomahawk gets on stage, I hadn't really heard much of their music before, so a lot of it was new to me. Mike Patton came out in a cop uniform and offered some pig meat to the crowd if we behaved. They put on their show, between songs talking mad shit about cops... he had the whole place chanting "DIE PIG!!". I wish I was standing near one of the cops to see the expression on their face... if I were one of them I'd be pretty freaked... 5000 sheep most of which are either high or drunk chanting about their deaths. When the show ended, he made good with his promise and hucked a big ole chunk of pig meat into the crowd. Some shirtless guy caught it and was showing it off, odd, but oh well... it's a concert. I guess some rules just don't apply. Tomahawk fucking rocked. Finally, the moment I came for hit... TOOL showed up on stage. I knew their stage setup was going to be different but holy shit... They went all out. They put on their show and like always, never failed to disappoint. I can't really say much about tool, because words would do no justice. It's something that everyone has to see for themselves in order to make judgement. I was impressed by everything, the sound, the visuals, the lightshow... wow. Well... after the show ended. Met up with the guy from toolunity and he invited us up to his hotel room. Me and my friend go and grab some beer and show up there. THere were about 12 people here of course that I've never seen before... but ended up talking to all of them about... well, everything I guess. Some of the coolest people I've met. If any of you are reading this... email me if you get a chance. Me and my friend had to take off to catch our flight to vegas. I dunno what I was thinking getting a 6am flight to vegas, but oh well... it's all for tool so it was worth it. We get to the airport and wait for our flight... finally we take off. We get to vegas and determine that we're pretty tired and would like to sleep before hitting the town and enjoying all the city has to offer. Nope, check in wasn't til 3 pm. Fuck. Tired as hell and nowhere to sleep. So screw it, we wasted 8 hours walking up and down the strip. Rode the NY NY roller coaster a few times, pretty weak compared to cedar point but can't really complain, it was still fun. Finally we are able check into the hotel and proceed to pass the fuck out. Wake up, tool time. We take a cab to the thomas & mack center. We showed up in the middle of tomahawk's set. I was disappointed I didn't get to see their whole set again but I was glad to still see part of their show. This time we're not on the floor. we have seats in the back center. Good view of the entire stage setup. mike patton continues to talk shit. My favorite line... "hey you in the jeigermeister shirt.... fuck you". The girl sitting next to me didn't really get the humor. Fuck her too. Tomahawk finished their set and the lights came on. I listened to my friend BS with the girl behind him. Apparently she is under the impression that a band consists mainly of the singer. "maynard this and maynard that". Then she really did her homework. Apparently when tool transitioned to A Perfect Circle, and then back to tool again (yes, she really did her homework)... tool changed a lot of their older songs. I guess I just happened to miss that one. Oh well, fuck her too. Then tool came on. The lights dropped and ya heard the digereedoos (sp?). A few notes from merkaba and they dropped right into sober. I got to pay attention a lot more to the actual stage this time. Watching each quarter of the band and how they all seemed to be in their own worlds yet part of a whole at the same time. There is a different chemistry with this band... pretty awesome. Was shook up, in the same spot they played flood the night before, they played 4°... one of the songs I was hoping to hear them play, the other being eulogy which I still haven't heard. Guess I'll just have to keep following them until I hear it. I think from that moment on I was completely lost in the music for much of the rest of the show. I enjoyed the show, both bands immensely both nights. I couldn't ask for anymore. I hope they tour 'round these parts sometime during the next round of cities they go through, otherwise I guess I'll just have to travel again. Went back to the hotel and proceeded to drink some mickey's until I fell asleep... woke up and went to the airport to go home and end our small journey... where me and my friend discussed about how tool has improved their stage show every tour... and we wondered.. what will they do next?

Review written by: twi (pudmonkey@antisocial.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 14:31:57 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

hey everybody! the show was totally awesome and i enjoyed every second of it! tomahawk was kind of cool even though i'd never heard of them before that night . they definitely have a sence of humor when people were heckling them-"hey FUCKYOU!!"- and then there was tool.. this time i was able to recognize a lot more of the songs and i could even sing along to them - something that made me happy beyond belief-if i ever get to meet them i'd say thanks because for two hours i felt comfortable in my own skin.also if i had someone i'd be having sex right now and not writing this:) peace out, twi

Review written by: Tyler (jirryrig@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 15:02:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This show was fucking unbelievable. When the lights went off people started going crazy and it sounded like tibetian chanting. The band took the stage and guided me thru the best 2 hours of my life. Truley a cutting edge, original masterpiece of a show. The show was one thing, but what happened after the show was when it all began. We were sitting outside of the Thomas & Mack center for at least 2 1/2 hours after the show, dodging security and pretty much refusing to leave. Yes, we were waiting by the pack of 4 seperate buses. When Adam came out & signed for a l (maybe 10) people. He was really nice to everyone and stayed out there for probably 10 minutes. He then got on the bus. Stoked that we just met Adam we dicided to stick around to see who the next band member would be to come get on the bus. After waiting for about 15 more minutes, Danny walked out and greeted the few of us who were still waiting outside. I talked with him for a bit. He is truley a very humble human being. So I ended up getting Adam & Dannys Autographs and the next night in Salt Lake after the show was over, Danny looked right at me and tossed me his drumstick, which I caught. It now hangs on my wall next to my signed stub. 2 shows, 2 amazing suveniers. 1 lucky TOOL fan : )

Review written by: Roxy (psychofish88@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 18:54:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

WEll I actually went to the July 12th concert in Oakland and it was sooooooo mind blowing! I mean absoluetley amazing, the music the stage the sets and all of it. Part of the set there was a pattern on the curtain of three faces in one surrounded by two skulls on the side and fetuses in the brain area of the skull. I want to get that design tatooed all over my back...that's how fucking cool it was. SO if any of you all out there have any good pictures of it or know where I can find some I would appreciate it a lot if you could pass on that info. psychofish88@hotmail.com

Review written by: Michael McKenney (friends@skylink.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 22:07:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

I love the music. I respect the integrity. I've been a fan for a long, long time. However, putting Maynard in the back is a MISTAKE. Compared to the early Aenima shows, there is an energy lacking here. I will buy the albums. I will listen to the music. However, until Marynard gets back up front and puts some ENERGY into his performance... ...I will no longer go to the shows. Oh yeah... I was in the FRONT row...and I've been a fan for over 8 years. I respect the music, I respect the integrity... ...but the show needs an adrenaline injection. Michael McKenney Las Vegas, NV

Review written by: Mr. Shatty (mrshatty@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/23/02 22:16:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

Some final notes on the vegas show that people have seemed to have left out. First, I have never seen so many hot chicks at a tool show in my life. gotta love vegas. second, anyone hear that girl on the floor shreiking for tool to play prison sex? pretty funny. third, a lot of meatheads out there for this show. dont mind the moshing, but trying to hurt people and start fights? cmon people. enjoy the music. wish the setlist was a little different after intermisison but cant have everything. TOOL kicks ass once again.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (nikita_pz@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/02 03:36:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist.

Review written by: gregg (garviso@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/02 07:54:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 3 Tool show

Nothing can express what this show meant to me. It was awesome. The crowd was cool, the venue worked out, and the band rocked. This concert reunited me with my hometown friends from seattle, lost wages, and arizona, it was great. Maynard was mindblowing just stopping around and waving his ass, Justin managed to break a smile or two, Adam just played with absolute ease, and Danny wailed away like an incredible machine. All of my friends who have seen Tool over nine times said that this was the best show they've seen yet. I've only seen Tool three times, and promised everyone who was going to see Tool for the first time live that they would be hooked, just like I was when I first saw them. Guess what? They're all in love now. So thanks to Tool for a great show, and I enjoyed EVERY bit of it. Great to be there will all you people.

Review written by: Victor (the_alchemist@neuralalchemy.com) Review posted on: 07/24/02 11:11:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

I have been to a few shows this year including the L.A. show where I had a nice chat with Faye Dunaway-- the bimbo had nothing too good to say about me! I'm glad she's got that big pink "X" in the middle of her fuckin' forehead! But I digress.... I had spent the week in L.A. doing what I do best-- annoying the shit out of Blair, testing Camella's good graces (ba-doomp,) and drinking Nukies while eating bangers & mash. Yum. I drove my little green rental car from L.A. to Lost Wages-- a trip made unbearable by the I-10 traffic in L.A. Good god! 1 hour to move 30 stinking miles! Jesus H. Chr... But again, I digress.... I've gotten kind of jaded on TOOL. I mean, I've seen them so many times, heard them play, gotten to hang out with a few of them, been allowed to contribute to the newsletter, etc. so that backstage at the forum, I was as jaded as any native Californian in the music business. (Sans the gorgeous tan.) But something happened in Los Vegas.... I think it was the drive through the Mojave Desert that must have triggered some sort of odd shamanic-level neural meta-programming circuit. Maybe it was the ghost of Sammy "I'm a Satanist" Davis, Jr. that touched my own African-American soul. (Yes, I'm African-American-- just out of Africa by way of Northern Europe about 80.000 years ago. I like to think of it as a case of albinism, thank your cracker self very much.) Anyway, whatever it was, something happened to my cynicism and my jaded disposition. The lights went down, the weird music came on, the freaky grey-green face came on the screens, and the audience cheered. I'd seen this before... or something similar many times. But this time, I felt a genuine elation as if this was my first time. The prospect of seeing the guys take the stage thrilled me and when they emerged, it was as if I'd never seen them, let alone spoken to them at length about subjects both trivial and profound. It was new again. It held incredible power again. It made my freaky uncoordinated self get up and do that fucked up arrhythmic dance that I like to do. IT MADE ME CONNECT. I wish that I could go into the visions I experienced-- my chakras popping open numerous times, the Tree of Life embedding itself in my aura at one point, and merging into the egregore of the arena which appeared to me as a group Merkaba above the floor of the arena. (Of course, these visions were all internal constructs reflecting my intuitive apprehension of the event. Your visions may differ. See your doctor for details. If rectal bleeding or priapism occur, stop using Vivatred and seek profess...) And for the third time, Master Hiram, I digress! Give me the word of a Master or I shall take your life this instant! In the desert the elements exist in their raw forms. Wind is truly wind. Fire is very much fire. Water, when it appears, is revered as divine by what lives in those dry climes. The rocks speak the ancient history of our planet and there could be no better representation of earth. Everywhere you turn you are faced with a pure archetype. In Las Vegas, those elements were harmonized and balanced in the form of music, light, and form. The mystery here is one of Solve et Coagula. It's very rare that you get to rub the Baphomet on its scaley belly! Pacem Vobiscum, Victor

Review written by: powderfish (powderfish@wyom.net) Review posted on: 07/24/02 16:06:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

My friends and I bumped into Maynard and his lady at the Bellagio Buffet. In between plates of shrimp, I tried to find a good moment to thank him. No moments arose, and we all giggled like a bunch of school girls as we glimpsed into a private moment, a moment in which we felt vulnerability to incurring the wrath... Any who, the show blew up the world. Triad and Aenema were two of my favorite moments (if you can pick the peaks of the heights). Did anyone else love the lighted glitter which fluttered weightlessly in the red light? Did anyone else notice the disco ball at the rear of the crowd? During Lateralus, the lights shown on it in white, red and yellow then came to be, reaching out to me. Hope everyone got to go home and throw in a couple of thrusts for the boys.

Review written by: Master Reviewer 6 (please@donotrespond.com) Review posted on: 07/25/02 01:39:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

I actually saw the Sacramento show, but whatever. Did anybody else from any other show notice that Maynard is getting a little chubby? First time I've seen him that flabby.

Review written by: SuperFLY (superfly@elp.rr.com) Review posted on: 07/25/02 01:47:12 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Tool, obviously one of the best bands around these days in both skill and talent, and they don't fail when it comes to live shows. Many times, however, the openers (Tomahawk) try to give the main event a run for its money. Not this time. Tool made Tomahawk sound like the local band in your town that nobody cares about. They played everything from Sober to H to Lateralus, I could have only been happier had they played forty-six & 2. But, other than that, Tool really new how to put on a show.

Review written by: Kathy (vegangoddess777@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/25/02 12:57:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Tool was amazing (obviously). I was so excited about the venue because it was small and I had great seats. I had never heard any of Tomahawks music before the show, but I have to say they were awesome. I bought there CD and it is really good. Tool came on around 8:45 and put on such an amazing show (like usual). I was so excited when they played 4 degrees since they rarley ever play it. I never in my life thought I would get to hear them play it live, so I just have to say thank you boys for being so amazing and always giving everyone a night they will never forget. I would post a setlist but someone already did. I also every highly recommend if you have never seen Tool before DO IT. You won't regret it no matter what you have to do to be there.

Review written by: Saker (kathousepimp101@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/02 16:08:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I hear comments of slander in regards to individuals joining in the mosh pit. I myself was three people back from the stage, on the floor, and not once was bothered by this pit of moshing. I was accompanied by two very eager woman and two gentleman attempting to explain the event we have escorted them to, and not once were we bothered by how people choose to express the emotions that tool has a tendency to inspire in us all. In other word let it swim, mosh on, smoke on, drink on, if this is what you had in mind, this is what your getting. In the reaction that the band has established while on tour, old and new followers have been converted into meaningful and long-lasting fans. The show in LA was nothing close to the emotional plain that the venue of the T & M offered. I could feel the music from every direction. The banners and lighting increased the effectiveness of spirituality and conciseness the band was asking us to accept. The last time tool did a show here in Vegas the crowd did not have the intensity or vibrant feel that was brought this time. Many thanks to all the newbies. I cannot even remember how many 1st timers there was in the crowd. You now have an understanding of what it means, what it all means in the greater scheme of things. All I have to say is our conciseness has been raised. Our unity should prevail. I am so happy to have been present for such a life altering experience. I will continue to develop on all levels as long as this world changing band continues to surpass all expectations put upon them by us, merely mortals, and not worthy of the environment created by tool on our behalf.

Review written by: The ToolFairy (pizzafio@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/02 21:01:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

3 floor seats: $252 5 tanks of gas: $135 Putting 1272 miles on the car to see Tool 3 times in 5 days: Priceless Vegas was off the charts 2nd best show I've ever seen Still glowing from the sheer ecstasy of it all... peace, the toolfairy

Review written by: Edu (edu@evelin.com.mx) Review posted on: 07/25/02 21:28:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I'm from Mexico City and that was my very fist TOOL show, F**ing amazing!!! All I can say is that that show was the best concert I've ever seen, among Pink Floyd and a few others. Hope to catch TOOL on tour very soon here or there, I can't wait!!! There's nothing like TOOL!!! If anybody recorded that show at T&M-Center.....E-mail me. We can trade some recordings!! Cheers!!! Edu

Review written by: on-looker (APCdrummer@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/26/02 05:35:32 ET

This was this reviewer's ???? Tool show

Hey!??,,, WOW!!! That's all I have to say about a great night of incredible music!!!! I've personally loved the fact they opened with sober, and then played my most closeted fav by the guys, 4 degree's, I guess that showed me they actually like to play those old die hard fav's!!!! A lot of people out here in Vegas are saying there was a slow part, well that's just a bunch of B.S.!!!!! Just enjoying what they do best!!!! Me as a huge Maynard fan,,,,(Loved the OAKLEY add in Rolling Stone!!!) he deffinatley did not lose my interest in a great constant move that by the end of the show had the girl next to me following the "Rev. Maynard's" advice to be inspirered, and go home. and have sex, thanx MJK I owe ya twelve!!!.

Review written by: Ray (Crazy2OOL@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/26/02 16:00:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I absoloutly loved the sheow. It was fucking amazing. I am a really big fan and flew from Spokane WA just to see this show (actually an 18th B-day present from parents) I saw them Nov. 5th in Spokane, but blew that show away. It was pretty much the same setlist as the previous show, just a little out of order from last time. But they opened with Sober (my fav song off Undertow). I had also been dying to see the new Parabola video, and they played it on the video screens. I must say Adam did it again with his artistc talents in the new video. Just wish they would go back to the clay animation, I love that shit. Can't really remeber the setlist very well at all. I didn't have the slightest clue who Tomahawk was (Spokane may have the third best rock ststion in country, but still don't play good music) but they were fucking awesome. Going to pick up a CD if they have one today. I loved the tormenting of the "pot smoking hippies". Again, Maynard hardly said anything besides his singing. except to "put in a quick thrust for us after the show". Hell yeah Maynard. I must say Vegas was 100 times better than my previous experince. Probly because I was ion the floor. Oh, and by the way, some people need to get it through thier heads that TOOL is NOT a good band to mosh to. You want to break your skull, buy some shitty ass Slipknot tickets. Other than that the show was fucking amazing!

Review written by: jesus fucking christ (none) Review posted on: 07/27/02 01:06:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Please come albuquerque. we need you please come you guys are ucking amazing come to albuquerque please im fucking begging you come albuquerque