concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

07/20/2002

Review written by: Jeff Sweat (chsdeb8r@netscape.net)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 19:41:45 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Oh my god!  I can't even tell you how amazing this show 
was.  I had high hopes for this show considering it was my 
first, but the reality of it was one hundred times better than 
I could have expected.  After driving 6 hours from Boise, 
Idaho to reach the show, I was hoping to be blown away and 
I can definitely say I was not disappointed.  All the songs 
were beautifully performed especially Triad, Stinkfist and 46 
& 2.  The visuals were stunning, far beyond anything I had 
seen in pics or bootlegs.  You truly have to be there to 
understand the impact the visuals impart on the viewer.  
This show was by far the greatest concert I have ever 
attended, and I will be floored if rumors of an upcoming 
concert in Boise, Idaho are true.

The only problems I had were with the stupid hicks who 
came merely to beat the shit out of each other, and the 
assholes that didn't pay for floor tickets, yet felt it was their 
right to hop into the pit anyway.  Also, thanks to the security 
which did a wonderful job.

Finally, thanks to Justin Chancellor who was good enough to 
come out and sign autographs for the 50 or so of us who 
hung around.  A truly gracious performer.








Review written by: glen (tool954@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 19:47:01 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  the only word that comes to mind is GODLIKE.  Ive only 
been to about 15 shows in my life and this concert is above 
all others.  nothing can even compete against tool.  i love 
tool's music so much more.  their music has an ability to put 
you on a spiritual level of appreciation.  sadly i was no where 
near the stage but i haad a perfect view of the band from 
above and to the right.  the part that didn't i understand was 
that most of the people around me were just sitting there 
while i was was standing jumping and getting so into the 
music that my head hurt after the concert


sober
the grudge
stinkfist
46 and 2
schism
parabol
parabola
eon blue Apocalypse
the patient
aenima
INTERMISSION
disposition
reflection
triad
lateralis


and that my friends is the setlist of masterpieces that tool 
graced us with. and ions was in there somewhere but i can't 
remember where but my advice to all is go see tool for god 
sake it will be the best experience you will ever have. 








Review written by: Jeff Ortiz (jeffjeffortiz@msn.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 19:50:48 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  I was BLOWN AWAY! The band played a two and a half hour 
long set with stunning visuals of flowing energy pillars, skulls 
with the skin and tissue rippling on and off and a flaming 
3rd eye. Maynard started off in a full leather attire; pants 
and jacket; but by the third song he was in a black speedo, 
to top it off his shaven head painted white with a blue streak 
down the ceter of his face. Most songs were from the recent 
album Lateralus, but the band preformed oldies but goldies 
like Swamp Song and ÆNEMA. Recent songs included The 
Grudge, Eon Blue Apocalypse, The Patient, Schism, Parbol & 
Parabola, Lateralis, Disposition and Triad. Maynard said 
after the crowd was chanting the Opiate to the band (we 
wanted them to play the song) that SLC reminded the band 
of why they do it. Next to that before they closed with 
Lateralis Maynard said "I hope you had a good time, and if 
you had a good time or a bad time I want you to use this 
experience to create something postive in the future, thank 
you".

Please note, that this set is from memory, it might be 
slightly inaccurate and is NOT in the order of how it was 
preformed through the night, though I am 100% positive 
that they opened with Sober and closed with Lateralis.








Review written by: Jeff Ortiz (jeffjeffortiz@msn.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 19:51:20 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  I was BLOWN AWAY! The band played a two and a half hour 
long set with stunning visuals of flowing energy pillars, skulls 
with the skin and tissue rippling on and off and a flaming 
3rd eye. Maynard started off in a full leather attire; pants 
and jacket; but by the third song he was in a black speedo, 
to top it off his shaven head painted white with a blue streak 
down the ceter of his face. Most songs were from the recent 
album Lateralus, but the band preformed oldies but goldies 
like Swamp Song and ÆNEMA. Recent songs included The 
Grudge, Eon Blue Apocalypse, The Patient, Schism, Parbol & 
Parabola, Lateralis, Disposition and Triad. Maynard said 
after the crowd was chanting the Opiate to the band (we 
wanted them to play the song) that SLC reminded the band 
of why they do it. Next to that before they closed with 
Lateralis Maynard said "I hope you had a good time, and if 
you had a good time or a bad time I want you to use this 
experience to create something postive in the future, thank 
you".

Please note, that this set is from memory, it might be 
slightly inaccurate and is NOT in the order of how it was 
preformed through the night, though I am 100% positive 
that they opened with Sober and closed with Lateralis.








Review written by: Luke (bandothree11@aol.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 20:11:57 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  This concert was the best concert I have ever been to in my 
entire life.  I have been to over 35 concerts in the last three 
years and Tool has blown all the other concerts out of the 
water.  I didn't make the concert in time for Tomahawk but 
from what I heard I didn't miss much.  My recommendations 
to any and all people who read this is to go see Tool the 
next time they come within 500 miles of you.  I drove from 
Boise, ID just to see the concert.

Here is the set list:

Sober
The Grudge
Stinkfist
Fourty-Six & 2
Schism
Parabol
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Aenema
INTERMISSION
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralis

The transition from Parabol to Parabola was perfect it was 
even better than on the cd. In my opinion Sober was the 
best song of the night and I feel extremely privileged to 
have heard it live. Aenema was fantastic as was Stinkfist. 
The only thing that would have made the night any better 
was if the had played Ticks and Leeches. Seeing Maynard 
play the guitar on Schism was one of the best experiences 
of my life.  Danny Carey is a God at the drums he makes 
playing the drumset as easy as walking. Adam Jones' guitar 
playing was superb and Justin Chancellor is magnificent at 
the bass.  Your mission if you choose to accept it is to go 
see this band ASAP.








Review written by: Dan (dan@morphedmedia.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:05:20 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Sober
Grudge
Stinkfist
46 & 2
Schism
Parabola
Patient
Aenema
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus

That is taken straight from the official setlist.  we were right 
on the barrier, dead center stage.  Perfect view for a perfect 
concert.

Maynard threw like 10 bottles of water into the audience 
after the show.  Danny threw some drum heads, and Adam 
threw the setlist.

The fucking coolest show I've ever seen!  See you in Boise 
later this year!








Review written by: Opy666 (opy666@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:25:17 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  I can only say that I was completely blown away.  The 
performance was flawless and the videos that went along 
with the show were very cool, although I did not watch them 
much...I was totally focused on Danny for 90% of the 
show...he was completely fucking amazing.  It was everthing 
I had hoped for and more.  I knew from previous setlists 
that I was probably not going to hear Pushit or Ticks and 
Leaches...so I went into the show kind of bummed about 
that...but the show was so amazing that I completely forgot 
about what songs were and were not played, and just felt 
priveleged to be there hearing anything at all.  If Tool 
comes anywhere within a six hour drive of SLC again this 
year, I will be there.








Review written by: levi (levievileye@aol.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:35:43 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  as all i got to say to my fellow utah humans is that who 
needs religion when you have music and ceremonys like last 
night we was given the same set besides flood or H but i'm 
just thankful they came back to our easily zombified 
community after 4 years of waiting screens were perfect and 
just as intense and naked as the 98 show that in the hands 
of immature utahns weirds the weird and for once i was 
excited for being surrounded by vein self conchis bastards 
cause i notice by the third song mjk was staring at my 
section and i stoped dancing and looked around at people 
were just standing there or sitting like they were watching a 
movie and i realized from keenans point of veiw that you 
see this big group of colers with one coler in the middle 
moving in circles but I was glad he could see one person in 
section 103 was having just as much fun as him but thats all 
stay safe be yourself 








Review written by: Jason Stock (opiate@networld.nospam.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:43:33 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Well....I guess I'm the dissenting voice here.
I wasn't completely blown away by this show...and it's mostly 
my fault.  Let me explain.

1. Every other show I've read about showed Tool 
playing "Flood" as the second song.  "Flood" happens to be 
my all time favorite Tool song.  So I was a little bummed 
when they skipped it here in SLC.  *sigh*

2. They didn't play ANYTHING from their Opiate cd.  I 
mean...I know it's their music and they can do whatever they 
want....but geeeez....I just wanted a taste...maybe 
some "Cold and Ugly" or "Jerk Off."

3. I was in the seats.  While in some ways it was cool to see 
the entire stage set up from far back and to be able to take 
in the "bigger picture" I'm the type of person who enjoys the 
vibe of being in the crowd.  I still danced like a maniac and 
played my air guitar and all that shit....but it just wasn't the 
same standing by my "assigned seat."  I tried to get GA but 
it sold out very quickly here.

Okay....so other than those 3 things this show was fucking 
insane.  Just perfect.  I couldn't believe my ears or eyes.  
Danny is not from this earth....I rarely even notice 
drummers...so when Danny gives me the chills just by hitting 
the skins I know he's doing something different.  Fuck me.   
I don't mean to say the whole band wasn't tight...but for 
me...Danny was just operating on another level.  

Another great Tool show.  Lateralus is the perfect song to 
close a concert with in my opinion.  I left feeling energized 
and positive.  Lateralus has that effect on me. 

I hope it doesn't sound like I was bitching and moaning too 
much up above.  Just some observations. 

Oh...and on the odd chance that she reads this....thanks to 
the angel who shared a beer with me about mid show! :-)









Review written by: levi (levievileye@aol.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 21:43:41 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  as all i got to say to my fellow utah humans is that who 
needs religion when you have music and ceremonys like last 
night we was given the same set besides flood or H but i'm 
just thankful they came back to our easily zombified 
community after 4 years of waiting screens were perfect and 
just as intense and naked as the 98 show that in the hands 
of immature utahns weirds the weird and for once i was 
excited for being surrounded by vein self conchis bastards 
cause i notice by the third song mjk was staring at my 
section and i stoped dancing and looked around at people 
were just standing there or sitting like they were watching a 
movie and i realized from keenans point of veiw that you 
see this big group of colers with one coler in the middle 
moving in circles but I was glad he could see one person in 
section 103 was having just as much fun as him but thats all 
stay safe be yourself 








Review written by: Brother Hayne (toolrulz_27@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:16:42 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Simply amazing show. "TOOL" is one of the best bands ever 
to be assembled and producing records. They sound just as 
good live if not better than on cd. I was down on the floor 
with alot of other folks who came to have a spiritual 
experience and as far as I could tell not a one was 
disappointed. There was alot of moshing going on, but 
everyone has their own interpretation and gets their own 
feelings from the music. So to all those who keep whining 
about the pits, stay out of them and sit in the seats.I 
personally dont mind mosh pits so I rather enjoyed the 
whole experience. The highlight of the night for me was 
when Maynard said ,after they played "The Patient"," that 
song was called mike patton and this one is called fuck mike 
patton.......gently". Immediately went into 
playing "Aenima".The crowd went completely nuts. If you 
have never seen the boys in concert may I suggest that you 
do whatever it takes to get a ticket and start your life over. I 
know that I am doing something positive after this show. 
thanks to Maynard,Adam,Justin and Danny. You truly have 
inspired me in my life. 








Review written by: Scottjk (storion_uo@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:28:56 ET


This was this reviewer's 15th Tool show

  I would like to share a couple insights about tonights show. 
Don't read this expecting set lists or what Maynard had to 
say. Being my 15th show and having experienced everything 
from being 4 feet away from Justin during a 96 show to 
being a football field away during the arena tour, it never 
ceases to amaze me how arena shows bring out the dregs of 
society. 

I believe that GREED is the number one human condition 
that causes the majority of human suffering. Simply 
displayed while waiting in the horrendous beer line at the E 
center. Some "people" decided that waiting in line wasn't for 
them so they created their own line, effectively stopping all 
movement for the 100+ people who had been waiting for 
over an hour for beer. Complete disregard for everyone else 
around them. 

Displayed once again by the ignorant couple that crowded us 
in our reserved seats and when asked to move down a little 
bit had nothing to reply but "don't talk shit to me man, I'll 
f'ing kill you". "We are rushing the stage man!" All I have to 
say to you my friend is learn how to aim and how to hit. Your 
shot at me to my forehead only made me laugh at what a 
gene-pool anomaly you are.

And finally, the show, as always went off without a hitch. 
Powerful, mezmerizing and perfect to the very last beat. It is 
interesting how Maynard has distanced himself from the 
lime-light of front stage, focusing more on the music and 
meaning. 

Thank you Maynard, Danny, Justin and of course Adam and 
his wife for creating yet another fantastically uplifting 
exprience in this one great big festering neon distraction we 
call society.  











Review written by: Evan Eames(Pinche Kimo) (evan_eams@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:29:09 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  holy shit and a half. the most incredible experience of my 
entire life. I really was all sorts of into watching the visuals 
but the guy next to me on acid was pretty funny too. The 
faces that came out of the diffrent tapisries were sooo 
fucking cool. I couldn't belive they started with sober that 
was the biggest suprise and I was conneting with the band. 
the floor was the best  hope that everyone that wanted on it 
got there just like me...BOOOYA!  Rush that wall. maynard 
introduced Ænima as "fuck my cat gently." it was pretty 
funny well it was cool I suggest Tool to anyone who wants a 
complete spiritual experience.








Review written by: Daniel (daniverson@juno.com)
Review posted on: 07/21/02 23:29:51 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  After years of passing by Salt Lake City on their tours, Tool 
finally decided to stop and perform here. I had read reviews 
of their concerts before, but even the most complete 
descriptions of the environment couldn't prepare me for the 
actual impact of seeing them live. Everything was so 
elaborate and expertly planned out. I walked into the venue 
that evening with high expectations and by the time the 
show was over and I had left, I was definitely not let down.

Tomahawk was not quite what I expected, but I'm not sure 
that's necessarily something good. I wasn't very impressed 
partly because with each song it seemed like I was listening 
to a different band. Their sound is hard to describe because 
they don't really have a sound. Mike Patton is an interesting 
person to watch on stage but this latest effort was pretty 
disappointing.

It took quite a while for Tool to take the stage after 
Tomahawk but that was probably due to the amazing 
complexity of the stage. The setup consisted of two video 
screens on either sides of the stage with a large curtain in 
the back that had different images projected upon it 
throughout the night. There were constant video feeds with 
images I can't even describe. The security was very tight and 
managed to catch many people jumping into general 
admission.

Eventually the lights dimmed and the band walked on the 
stage. They were completely covered in shadows until the 
short musical introduction concluded and the band 
commenced the evening with "Sober." Maynard was dressed 
in a full black leather outfit and was positioned behind the 
other band members. He appeared as only a silhouette 
against the red curtain for the first several songs and only 
emerged from the background a few times throughout the 
evening.

Once they got started the momentum didn't slow down. 
Although the band didn't seem very energetic on the surface 
the music was still intense. That paired with the visuals 
changing after every few songs was very impressive. One of 
the highlights of the evening was watching Maynard play 
guitar during "Triad" since I wasn't aware he played. Every 
member of the band was so focused on what they were 
doing and were just mesmerizing to watch. Adam Jones and 
Danny Carey in particular are so fast at what they do and 
still manage to sound awesome.

Probably the only disappointment of the evening except the 
opening band was the lack of diversity in the setlist. I was 
hoping for a little more variety but 10 of the 15 songs they 
played were from Lateralus, which, for those who don't know, 
is the band's most recent release. They did a perfect job 
with what they played, but what they didn't play would have 
been even better. Despite that though, it was still an 
amazing concert that I'm very glad I was able to attend.








Review written by: Cameron (darkimportgrey@cableone.net)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 00:23:01 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Anyone have a tissue?  I need to clean out my boxers.  This 
show ruled.  The opening band Tomahawk could use some 
live work, but other than that, the show was perfect.  There 
aren't words to describe a show like this, you just have to 
see it.  The concert just... made it all connect with me.  To 
finally experience the music in person, surrounded by 
thousands of other people that feel the same way, just 
makes it intense.  The raw emotion in the arena was as 
thick as the marijuana smoke.  I was watching most of the 
show with this beautiful 20 year old.  She had short brunette 
hair and she was from the SLC area.  I'm the blonde guy 
you were with most of the show... if you are out there, email 
me... please.  I was standing on the righthand side of the 
floor, near the sound-board island.  I could describe the 
details of what was in the show, or the setlist, or other 
worthless crap... but that wouldn't truly convey what this show 
was like.  It was... a very personal experience that several 
thousand people were able to share at once.  What this 
show means to me is not important except to ME, and 
likewise to you.  Like Maynard said... "use this experience to 
do something positive".








Review written by: Eveion (steffanreed@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 00:36:51 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  But all I want to say is that it was the Best concert I have 
been too before.

And I felt Maynard’s presence and felt his energy level 
toward the crowd, and me and I fell into a trance during  the 
patient 

I was ever so disappointed with you guys of Utah, throwing 
shit at the stage, come on grow up. And Jesus guys I 
personally say Maynard flip off a section of the crowd, I 
could tell he was disappointed. BTW imp 16.


I was very surprised to see them bow towards the crowd; 
despite of the shit the fans gave them. 



I hope they come back here soon because I know for a fact 
that the Push it song on Salival CD was recorded here in 
Utah.


Thank you for letting me share my thoughts of this concert.
If you would like to talk to me email me at 
steffanreed@hotmail.com









Review written by: Vini Tnez (vinitnez@msn.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 01:39:21 ET


This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

  I was juat as amazed.
The first time I saw them in 92 or 93  Maynard with his weird 
odd look said "Hi, we're TOOL... and we're gonna rock ya." I 
laughed as I poked my two friends in the ribs "Oh boy, I can 
tell already this band is going to suck!" I was never more 
wrong about a band. The opening scream from Manard 
lasted what had seemed to be two minites made my jaw 
drop and and my nuts jump into my throat. After their set I 
went and bought the Opiate casset on they way out. I have 
been a crazed fan sence. 
This show was great! I was rocking back and forth like I was 
on four hits of fry. Singing my voice box raw while getting 
the best contact high in twelve years. The visuals were mind 
blowing and the set was very eye pleasing. My wife  who has 
never been a big TOOL fan joined me and my best friend 
Wes for the first time. She Said "I am going to have to pray 
after the show." She had never seen such a hypnotic 
show.  "If Manard told everyone to go out and hurt people 
they would! They (TOOL) owned evry mind in here! It's so 
impressive he said to do something positive!" 
I had to agree and told her I have never loved a band like 
this one. I have been to about 500 shows in the past 36 
years and no other band has moved me like TOOL. 
Thank you  Danny, Adam, Justin, Maynard, the roadies, the 
sound guy, lighting oh hell everyone involved setting up and 
tearing down and putting on the Show! Most of all my Wife 
for going and being a good sport. Thanks Aundie
To end I would like to all who came to the show execpt the  
mentally Ill dumb-ass who brought his 4 year old little girl. 
My Soul Must Be Iron









Review written by: Larry (linkbeat@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 02:36:58 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  I'm yet another fan that drove from Boise ID.  I'll refrain 
from mentioning the obvious emotions that come from a 
Tool show.  This is my third show, and review as well, so I'll 
only mention a few things.  Keep in mind it's from a 
drummer's perspective.  ;^)

First, I was really surprised that the boys played Triad.  
Ahhhh so it's swiss army triplets Danny's playing there.  It's 
amazing what you can pick out by actually watching him.  
Too bad the 'mystery' behind Tool will most likely prevent 
any Danny Carey drum videos from being produced.  There 
could be some serious growth out of a lot of drummers.... 
ahhh well, I can dream can't I?  I was a little dissappointed 
in Tomahawk's drummer during Triad.  I mean, throw some 
open stroke rolls in there, maybe some dynamics, flams, 
scrapes... SOMETHING!   Those toms should be show-off 
time for the chops, but he kept it soooo simple.  Cheers to 
you anyway, I wish I had been up there.  8^)

The first stage backdrop was very cool.  I was hoping that 
they were selling shirts with the same design, but no luck.  
So here's my official request: the statue/skull design is very 
tasteful, put it on a shirt and you'll have my thirty bucks.

Perhaps someday my fellow brothers that comprise the floor 
at Tool concerts will actually be there to listen to the music 
and observe the band visually in awe.  You don't get this 
chance that often, so why blow it by moshing?  Save it for a 
less meaningful event eh?  Maynard didn't mention 
redirecting the energy positively just to hear himself speak.  
Learn to use some intelligence.  Take that energy that you 
use to beat up on everyone around you, and turn it around.  
Do something beautiful with it.

The top emotion of the evening came after the show when 
the guys hugged each other on stage.  That really resonated 
with me.  These are some amazing entertainers... hell, 
amazing PEOPLE!








Review written by: Shaun (sbc10783@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 03:24:37 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Since the reviews posted already give you the specifics I 
won’t go into them. The one thing that was left out is that 
Maynard said, “Thank you for reminding us of it all.” After 
throwing stuff at him on stage I’m surprised he even 
bothered to continue singing.

Anyway, mostly what I want to say is that I looked at the set 
lists for the previous shows so far on this tour. This in a way 
really, really spoiled the concert for me. I wanted to hear 
Pushit and H. so, so bad. I looked at the set lists so I would 
know if we had any chance or not. H. had disappeared by 
the time it came to our show and unless we were extremely 
lucky I would not hear my favorite song. Except, looking at 
the set lists for the past shows just made me want to hear 
them even more. I felt like I had been there already, knew 
exactly what would happen, and for some reason expected it 
to be different just for the surprise. Instead of making me 
appreciate the songs I did hear it just made me want to skip 
the songs to get to the ones I wanted to hear. So, for 
anyone reading this, please do not remember the set lists. 
It will probably ruin the show for you.

The other problem was the smell of weed made me sick. 
The other concerts I’ve been too had the same effect. I 
couldn’t focus because it felt like I suddenly got the flu. The 
bass was way too high as well. So my chest just got worse 
and worse through the show. And to top it off I screamed 
and screamed. I wanted to show my support as I hoped 
others would. Only, yelling gives me the biggest headaches. 
After the first few songs what was left of my throat couldn’t 
do much anyway to make me feel any worse. I did dance, if 
you would call it that. It was more like twitching back and 
forth with what space I had in front of my seat. I bruised my 
knee from hitting the chair in front of me though.

Eventually I had to sit down and relax. Through most of 
Disposition through Triad I didn’t even pay attention. I 
started feeling better by the time it came to hear Lateralus. 
When I had gathered my thoughts enough to notice people 
were staring at me for sitting down I decided I was well 
enough to get back in to it.

Fortunately the song saved the night for me. I wept at the 
lines, “Feed my will to feel this moment urging me to cross 
the line.” Call me what you will, but all I felt was the wish to 
go back into time and appreciate what I had missed. 
Despite technically having a bad time I’m still glad I went 
because the ending just entices me to see them again more 
than before.

To sum it all up, don’t make the same mistakes I did. Don’t 
go in expecting anything above all. That just ruins the 
surprise and the fun. Don’t yell if you’re not that kind of 
person. I’m more of the quiet type who would rather sit and 
listen and connect to the music. If you’re like that, don’t 
force yourself to yell every line hoping the band hears you 
miraculously. Don’t think too much like I did either. You’ll 
just end up missing most of the show and not realizing it 
until the song you’re listening to is almost over.

I apologize for making this sound like a rant because it’s 
not meant as one. It’s really intended to help people who’ve 
never seen them before live. I will do everything I can to 
see them again in Boise when, if, the time comes. And to 
the guy behind me, I’m sorry. I thought I was having a bad 
time until I learned his girlfriend broke up with him mid-
show (now that would really suck).

PS: My favorite part was in Stinkfist when everyone 
yelled, “I’ll keep digging!” Since I knew the song would be 
extended I had a good laugh watching other people take 
the bait. Anyway, I’ve rambled enough now, good bye.








Review written by: SWB (eric#desperado.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 04:40:03 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Setlist (i could have mixed a couple songs around...and if i 
do..im sorry...someone can correct me and bitch at me)

Sober (extended a little)
Stinkfist (extended a bit)
The Grudge
46&2
The Patient
Schism
Aenima
Parabol
Parabola
Disposition
Reflection
Triad (with 2 guests, one a drummer..the other a guy on 
keyboard)
Lateralis

and there were 2 intermissions thrown in there with cool ass 
sounds and what not. I believe one of them was a version of 
(-) Ions. I also think they threw in a version of Mantra and 
Eon Blue Apocalypse...something resembling them.

First off...i didnt pay much attention to Tomahawk...probably 
because my seats sucked balls. I really didnt think they 
were all that good...most of the songs sounded alike. Also, 
their sound was horrible because i could barely hear what 
they were saying and stuff. The only i thing i really cought 
was that the frontman was wearing a cop uniform and he 
yelled "Mormons are pigs" a few times. So Tomahawk leaves 
after being on for 45 minutes or so and the lights go up and 
we end up screwing around for 30 minutes or so waiting for 
Tool to set up and I realized, hey...its Tool, I cant have 
shitty seats while Tool is playing, so me and a couple friends 
hopped the wall into GA. Then...enter Tool.

The opening was awesome...some weird sounds going on, 
the band comes out and goes straight into Sober. Got the 
crowd really hyped. There were two screens that had visuals 
going, great visuals. Then they go into stinkfist...got the 
crowd up once again, Maynard had us sing "and ill keep 
digging until i feel something" and i could tell we were off 
and fucked it up so he did it for us after we were done 
making total fools of ourselves, but hey...it was fun. Then 
they played The Grudge...everyone screaming and 
yelling...fantastic visuals...then there was a red, it looked 
like a thin cloth screen, behind them that ripped and when it 
did that a face appeared on it...it was fuckin cool, ill tell ya 
that much. I kept trying to work my way to the front and the 
thing that was pissing me off was the people moshing. I am 
tryin to get into the music, get relaxed and let all the Tool 
vibes soak in. I dont need these jerks trying to kill me while 
im tryin to soak, you know what i mean? Anyway...by the 
time 46&2 rolled around...I realized the clothes Maynard had 
on had been shed and he was playing in black underwear 
and i could see he had a thick black stripe going down his 
face and i think it went to the back of his head. They did 
really really great versions of their songs, they tweaked 
around with a few, but its all good..its Tool. Aenima was 
great...that got everyone going absolutely nuts, it was 
awesome. The intermission came...and when they were 
ready, the cloth screen in the back was changed to a bunch 
of the Lateralus eyes in a spiral and pentagram looking 
thing, and there was a solid pentigram looking thing right 
behind Danny's drumset. The band was playing and several 
cloth screens dropped each had something different on 
it....the first one had a skeleton..and then the rest dropped 
in what looked like the order of the pages in the Lateralus 
cover, but instead of being just the head and shoulders, it 
was the whole body. During the song with the two guests, 
Adam looked like he was taking it easy for a bit and wasnt 
playing much, Maynard had picked up a guitar (like he did in 
several songs including Schism) and was playing....he was 
really getting into it. The band played Lateralis as a 
closer...great closing song if you ask me, so you dont really 
wind down the crowd so we are still amped for the after 
parties. Everyone took a bow....Danny threw the drumsticks, 
and thus, the concert ended.

I personally thought Tool put on an excellent show. They 
could have found a better band to open for them, but, what 
are ya gonna do? They threw a fucking awesome show, great 
sound, awesome visuals, and some pretty cool lighting 
effects. Maynard didnt talk as much as he did at the two 
other shows i went to, but its all good. All in all, it was one of 
the best shows i ever went to, but then again....all tool 
shows are the best shows i have ever been to.








Review written by: Jasos (Jasos_23@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 11:09:53 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  I have been waiting for almost 6 years to see a tool 
concert.  It was all that I dreamed it could be and then 
some.  Despite the fact that my friend aquired tickets that 
were in the acoustic asshole of the arena, I seriously 
enjoyed the music.  Also, there is something to be said 
about 19,000 other people who love tool the same way you 
do.  It is just awesome.  
Lemme just say though, if you are one of the jackasses that 
felt special, and jumped the wall, I hope your head 
explodes.  Plan ahead or deal with it!








Review written by: Max Cherry (aheadofme@excite.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 11:13:55 ET


This was this reviewer's 11 Tool show

  In all my travels I have never had a dream in which smart 
intelligent people explore themselves and show to others 
their own joy and accomplishment as humans. Saturday I 
had that dream. Absolutely this was the most visually 
amazing show I've ever seen, Tool or otherwise. I think 
everyone agrees there, HOWEVER.........for those who did 
not connect with the experience as a whole........TOMAHAWK 
WAS BRILLIANT. I once heard Maynard tell the audience that 
the opening acts for Tool are not there by accident. They are 
selected for their properties to enhance the energy that Tool 
is trying to create. Tomahawk is one of the most creative 
and cutting edge supergroups to come out. But, I digress. If 
your favorite Tool song to mosh and punch strangers to is 
Opiate.......then Tomahawk was not for you. I hear Limp 
Biscuit and Staind are touring, though. 
Party on Wayne, Party on Garth.
For those vulnerable and open minds who let themselves 
learn new things while enjoyingnew things, it was nice to 
share the evening with you, thanks.








Review written by: Pain J Simpson (mimiressedari@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 11:54:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  The Herd progressed from the parking lot to the 'E'
Center.  *Baaaaah!*

Enough about that.

As far as opening band's go, Tomahawk is not it.  It
is not a good idea to have a band that shreds your ear
drums open for Tool,
because if your hearing is damaged and eyes crossed
from the piercing maelstrom, you'd miss out on the
finer nuances of Tool's performance.  

ANYHOW.

As the show began, you could feel the energy in the
place take on a life of it's own, that grew as the
show progressed...  Just like the last tour, you could
easily tell the difference in the congregation of
fan's.  There were those that barely recognized Aenima
songs, and some that if it wasn't played on the radio,
they had know idea.  Most these people, though, left
with an awed expression that announced "Oh.  NOW I
understand."  Others, the one's that bought seats and
actually SAT DOWN in them, seemed to be the same
people that bought the $10 rip off t-shirts (that
don't support the band, thus I don't support them). 
We had some idea's for T-Shirt's at this time:

I sat down at TOOL.

I knealt at TOOL.

I wanted Prison Sex at TOOL.

I didn't get it at TOOL.

Etcetera, etc, etc.

The performance by the band was incredible. 
Astounding, even.  The band fed their energies into
the crowd, and you could feel the crowd amplifying it,
transforming it, and feeding it back to the source. 
The lights and visual effects were awesome, very good
job on those.  I think the performance would have been
just as good without them, but it's always nice to
look into the mind (I'd recommend Algiz or Thurisaz
for protection, first) of the guys that lay out the
vibration of the Word.

Though an encore was called for, it was by those that
didn't understand the message.  Rev. Maynard had
already stated (before playing Lateralus, the final
song of the concert): (not word for word, I'm still
trying to absorb) "Thank you for sharing this moment
with us..."

Get greedy, and you begin to lose the experience.


The people that asked for the encore should by a
T-Shirt listed above.  

Tool is not a band that gets on stage, plays a couple
tracks, and leaves.

Tool is a band that, for just a few hours, will take
you, through music, word, and mind, to a place that
both enhances your energy and strength, and calms your
mind and spirit.


Best damn concert since their last tour found it's way into Utah.

Painfully Painful Pain J Simpson











Review written by: Randy"I Hate Utah"Snow (RANDYPSCC@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 12:58:28 ET


This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

  A few notes from the Salt Lake show:

1. To the morons who threw shoes on stage: I hope you die.

2. To the jackass who started chucking those glowsticks into 
the crowd: I hope you die.

3. Finally, to the chucklehead who thought that the intro 
to "Lateralus" would be the perfect time to wing his empty 
beer cup on stage at the band's feet: I hope you die.

4. Salt lake city..you suck cockass...you should never wonder 
why good bands never come to utah..and i promise tool will 
never come back...fuck you blind mormon fucks!


Adios!









Review written by: Jaime Kaye Horton AKA the primusvan (spacecase74@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 16:28:45 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. 


Hi

well all of you dont need to hear me tell you that it was 
great show.... cause we all know that TOOL is the BEST show 
in music right now.... but what i will tell you is that i am just 
now regaining feeling in my arms and legs from the intense 
numbness i experenced at the show.... i work for the 
promoter that brought this show to town so i though i would 
write and give you a lil more insight into how great this show 
really was.... from a production standpoint all the bands crew 
were extremly good to work with.... they carried thier own 
catering and the food is great.... i had a chance to spend 
some time with the management and these guys are truly 
very neat.... i have to say thanks to Craig, Steve, Todd, and 
John for making me feel like one of the boys.... i met the 
band and they were all very kind and signed my van.... for 
those of you unfamilar with my van.... let me fill you in i 
have painted the tool logo on the rear passenger quarter 
and when MJK was in town with APC i got him to autograph 
the second O of tool.... so when the boys were in town this 
time i managed to get the rest of the guys to sign a 
letter.... ADAM took the T.... then Justin signed the first O.... 
MJK on the second O.... and Danny on the L.... I also 
managed to get all my collection of albums signed by the 
band and they are now in the framing shop being prepared 
for my wall so i can drool at them all day....i spent time 
chatting with justin and folks we all know TOOL is the best 
band on earth and i just have to say these guys and all their 
crew are a very good bunch of people.... lets all hope we 
keep seeing TOOL shows for a long time to come 

thank you 

www.primusvan.com

Jaime K horton 










Review written by: Andrew Connolly (Spiral_out_keep_going_18@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 16:44:13 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I waited for about 2 and a half months for this show from 
the first day they announced it on toolband.com and the wait 
was very well worth it.  I got to the venue around 3 pm and 
got in a great area of the floor (was on the right side of the 
floor at the front left corner).  Anyway Mike Patton has some 
amazing vocals that's all I can say about Tomahawk.  For 
some reason Utahns find it cool to waste all of their energy 
in between bands and then try and mosh during songs like 
Eon Blue Apocalypse.  Someone already mentioned that 
they wanted to kill whoever was throwing shit on stage and I 
would like to help you kill those people.  Getting to here 
Sober and Aenema was awesome this time since those were 
two I didn't see at the last show in Phoenix.  The fact that 
the main screens weren't vieawable from the front pissed me 
off a bit though.  All in all a very good experiece although 
Slipknot fans should not come to Tool concerts it's about the 
music not about killing each other seeing girls passing out 
and shit pissed me off a bit.  Anyway the Phoenix show was 
just a tad bit better, but that was because they played Pushit 
and anyone who has seen that live knows what I'm talking 
about.
See you in Boise!








Review written by: Johnny Utah (johnnyutah@netzero.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 16:47:20 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I'm not going to say that Tool is the best band ever 
assembled.  I don't think Tool really wants to hear that.  I 
will say that they are an exceptional band with great talent.  
They certainly are awe inspiring.  Seeing them live is a truely 
wonderful experience.  The band put on an amazing show 
Saturday night.  Though nothing in this show was quite as 
stunning for me as when the band played Pushit here in '98 
(which is recorded on the Salival CD for all to enjoy).  It 
seemed the engery level of the band was not up to par with 
the last show, however this is a new beast.  Tool has evolved 
since '98 and this show was much more spiritual.  I admit I 
wanted so bad to jump the wall into GA, but I delt with the 
predicament of not having GA tickets and enjoyed the show 
from afar.  The visuals were much better than the last show.  
I won't go into details since they have all been mentioned 
before.  I wasn't witness to the licentiousness in the pit and 
was very disappointed to hear about the unruly conduct of 
some.  How can anyone disrespect Tool, or any band, by 
throwing shoes and beer cups up on stage while they play?  
I was SO excited to see Tool come back to SLC and I hope 
that they will come back again.  Overall this concert was 
fantastic.  Tool will always hold a special place in my heart.  
Thank you Danny, Maynard, Adam, and Justin.  I hope you 
all find what you are looking for.








Review written by: Master Reviewer (sws@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 17:41:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

  Highlights of this amazing show:
Tomahawk rules! I was blown away by their set, they were 
doing a great job at getting the crowed pumped. Mike Patton 
got the crowd to chant " Mormons love pigs!" , it was soo 
funny.
Then the light dimmed and the two screen showed some 
trippy art work, it was awesome.
A guys forehead getting cut open then an eye came out and 
went into his mouth and it kept repeating this. wOw!
TOOL kicked ass!
Maynard said "this song is called Mike Patton" then he said " 
No wait it's called fuck Mike Patton" and then broke into 
Anemia. It was a great experience.


Aywho what I really wanted to say is,..


THANKS GUYS!
I love you dudes!








Review written by: You Don't Know Me (diablo_321@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 17:43:35 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Let me just say that this was probably one of the most 
amazing experiences that i have ever had.  just like many 
other tool fans i was waiting for tickets to go on sale as soon 
as they posted that they would.  finally july 20th came, and i 
was totally blown out of the water.  tool was so amazing, i 
was just left breathless.  not only are they awesome live, 
they put on the most specactular show.  i would jsut like to 
thank tool for one of the best experiences of my life.  i 
would also like to thank the security, you guys rock.  and i 
would like to thank all of the nice guys in the pit who saved 
me from being crushed to death.  being a girl in the pit is 
pretty scary, and thanks to all of those who stood behind 
me, or helped me up when i was pushed down by some 
dumbass.  AMAZING!!








Review written by: thoRngrub (shongrub@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 17:46:53 ET


This was this reviewer's 5th! Tool show

  tool salt lake city july 20 2002 
~thoRngrub's account~ 
tool took to the stage after tomahawk's not quite clear sonic 
assault had long faded into the growing and mingling crowd, 
from our ears, and from our memory. Already I had 
witnessed hordes of bumrushers making for the floor like 
quick oilslicks of movement, first one by one and then, 
spurred on by the utterly ineffectual gestures made by a few 
portly security volunteers, sudden packs of floor crashers 
would take off at a sprint, nimbly leaping the 3 foot hurdle 
of wall separating the rear bleachers from the floor...they 
were packing the floor like lemmings, it was hilarious. Every 
once in a while one heroic macho studly guard would sprint 
after and apprehend one lone high school girl, and escort 
her triumphantly to the back seats again. Meanwhile 
hundreds of onlookers cheered as more packs of floorwolves 
made it into the thickening crowd up front. Of course every 
conceivable variety of tattoo and body piercing and glittering 
hairstyle imaginable under the sun was represented, and a 
most definite, palpable electricity of anticipation was in the 
air. Eventually I made it up towards the front, over on the 
right side, where the right-hand movie screen hung 
suspended above me, which displayed the golden carrot 
textured golem face in quiet repose, eyelids lowered shut, 
waiting for tool to take the stage. This image was twinned on 
the other screen, over on the left, and behind Danny’s drum 
set were only closed black curtains. The most astonishing 
aspect of their stage set up however, was the beautifully 
constructed scaffolding, suspended far above the stage, of 
remote-controlled roving spotlights; it was cleverly made to 
perfectly represent the 7-pointed star of babel. I thought 
this to be significant not only for tool's own hidden agenda 
of purpose, but for the synchronistic fact that when I had 
acquired my ticket through my association with my friend 
Gareth, we ended up by chance being 7th in line. I make 
note of this only because while we drove the long distance 
across the valley toward the E center, every single light was 
green for us, as Nick had noted while driving us there. I 
explained to him that it was the power of our having been 
seventh in line; the gates on this trip would remain open for 
us all the way for as far as we wanted to go... It bode well 
for the show to come, and was reconfirmed in a most 
satisfactory way by our boys Maynard, Justin, Danny, and 
Adam. 
When they took the stage the strains of music that started 
up was a strange sort of variation of Third Eye, and the 
golem face up on the two screens began having it's 
forehead slit by a roving scalpel which, being on an endless 
loop, repeatedly opened it's third eye. I was looking back 
and forth at these dudes beside me, who were also glancing 
madly back and forth among themselves, we were all trying 
to register just exactly what it was we were hearing and I 
said in disbelief "Are they opening w/3rd Eye- ?"as if it 
couldn't possibly be true, for I had already laid my bets 
down as to what they were going to open with. The kids next 
to me had all bet on impossible openers: One kid had his 
money on "H"....the other on "46&2"....and yet another 
on "eulogy"..I sadly shook my head at these naive mormon 
boys, and told them that tool was going to open with "sober" 
or "the grudge"; but that the chances greatly 
favored "sober" on this particular summer night. Well before 
long this suspicion was confirmed as they morphed from the 
3rd- Eye-Teaser right into the opening struck tones 
of "sober"... It was a slightly different rendering of it, still 
powerful and satisfying although perhaps not as "full" as I 
remember it being in the past. By the time it plummeted 
into it's finish, the crowd had sufficiently stirred itself around 
as if in a giant blender of varying vortices. We were 
whooping it up, people were screaming "TOOL!" until their 
carotids stood out pronounced on their necks. I would 
frequently join in, pumping my left hand up in the air w/my 
index & pinky jabbing out. "FUCK 
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" tool immediately launched 
into "The Grudge" then, doubling my prediction song for 
song. My elation increased by several dimensional notches 
then, as recently I've determined that The Grudge is one of 
my favorite tool songs ever! Fuckin right on! And now they 
were loosening up, hammering down the accents of the 
music with more precision and pronounced clarity. "Wear the 
grudge like a crown of negativity calculate what you will and 
will not tolerate desperate to control each and everything 
unable to forgive your scarlet lettermen" And the first 
truly "surf's up" wave crashed down on us all, drenching 
everyone in its sonic impact. The crowd would erupt 
spontaneously as adjacent pits cored out bigger and thinned 
the cellular walls of nonmoshers to the point where any and 
everyone would be flung out and shoved into pockets of 
frenetically thrashing people for a moment or two, before 
either making the choice to a) leap out into the fray or b)
seek to recede into a desperately-sought-for pocket of 
braced non moshers. Throughout the night I would choose 
either one, depending on the part of the song playing and 
the ratio of my enthusiasm toward it. During The Grudge I 
let fly, and the open air of the pits was a relief from the 
overheated crowd. But as the evening progressed and the 
visual aspect of tool's stage show manifolded itself out of 
the depths of obscurity, I found myself more often than not 
choosing b), and finding a spot a little further back so I 
could just stand amongst the crowd and watch the wonders 
unfolding before our eyes both on the twinned screens and 
on the backdrop behind the stage, after the curtains had 
been drawn open. 

tool ended up playing twelve songs, here's the setlist: 

sober 
the grudge 
stinkfist 
46 & 2 
the patient 
parabol/a 
schism 
aenema 
disposition 
reflection 
triad 
lateralis 

When I approached nearer the stage I noticed that it wasn't 
a mohawk Maynard sported, rather, it was a vertically 
painted black strip that started towards the back of his skull 
like a mohawk, although it continued on straight down over 
his face to under his chin. It was as if he had a vertically 
placed censor bar over his face. The effect was unsettling in 
that it evoked comparisons to the illegality of blackface, all 
the while suggesting it was technically ok because of its 
minimalism. It was just a stripe about an inch-and-a-half 
wide, passing down over the inner corners of his eyes and 
over his nose, and it lent him a machinelike precision that 
enhanced his already android like appearance. I hadn't 
heard anything about it and so it was a nice added surprise 
to the overall experience. I believe it to have an actual 
native american tribal significance, and my guess would be 
that it represents the intent of going to war. Which I think is 
one accurate summation of what tool regularly do when they 
perform for their audience. It's not that they're at war with us 
in any real antagonistic sense; it's more as if they're at war 
against the forces that would stop them from putting out 
even more than one hundred percent of themselves in what 
they do. They are a real defiant band, which has got to be 
one of the fundamental reasons I love them so much. And 
defy all transgressions of what we-would- normally-come-to-
believe-is-common- sense they did, in a downright 
methodical and ultimately inspiring way. The visuals 
progressively got denser and richer, all the while evolving 
toward their wide open, scooping-it-all-in philosophy 
expressed in Lateralus. The division of the physical from the 
mental being an illusion and how we are all each and 
everyone of us part of one whole and inexpressibly complex 
thing was hinted at with all the sublime beauty we have 
come to expect from our Masters of Morphology, our 
Candidates of Kick-Ass, our Senators of Sensation...tool. 

When The Patient finished, (and I must say that to point out 
how great each and every version of their songs was is just 
being redundant, so I've figured it's to be taken for granted; 
after all, it's tool that I'm talking about here), Maynard said 
to us, in his clipped, reserved kinda way, "The name of that 
song was...Mike Patton" and waited for the gradual laughter 
to cease before adding "The name of this next song is Fuck 
My Cat..." and after the crowd settled back down, added 
softly "...gently." Which is when they launched into Parabol, 
and I was thinking "Man, I should light up that doobie" but I 
waited... I had to find my friends Gareth and Nick in the 
crowd, first. Well I never met up w/them again until the show 
was over and the crowd was slowly filing out, so lucky thing I 
finally decided to light up right during their 8th 
song 'aenema'....somewhere in there I found a relatively 
stable pocket of smokers and fished my joint out of the 
depths of my pockets, and took several hits off it. I crushed 
it out against my lighter and pocketed it for later, in case I 
met up w/my friends. After the rousing finale to 'aenema', 
Maynard grabbed a guitar and they drifted into the 
mellowness that is 'disposition'. I was suddenly smiling from 
ear to ear and glowing with the perfectly placed tones of the 
song, and watched the weather change amongst the crowd 
and the visuals above. In that exact moment I knew that I 
was going to write a tool review that was way, waaayyyy too 
long. Well look at this shit. I swear I started this review 
intentionally wanting to keep it as short and to the point as 
possible. But I guess there were just a few aspects of the 
show that simply demand to be known, for the true 
understanding of the full impact of its grandeur. Namely the 
visual art towards the end became rich and layered in 
meaning. In between the twin screens, which were pretty far 
apart from each other, were hung suspended 6 large mattes 
by Alex Gray that illustrated the evolution of the human 
form from one end of the spectrum as a pure energy field, 
to the other end as a base skeleton of pure bone. The hung 
pictogram on the far left was the human skeleton stripped 
bare, and it's counter- painting was on the far right, which 
depicted nothing but the array of energy lines that create an 
abstract webworking in space from whose integrally placed 
nodes the human form is derived. The mural behind the 
energy field showed the beginnings of the manifestation of 
the human form's central nervous system, and the one 
behind that, placed on a path that described an arc going 
backwards from right to left, showed the fully formed and 
entire nervous system of the human body. Then the fourth 
one (note: I've traced this sapien evolutionary process 
starting from the pure energy and manifesting itself into the 
human form for my own purposes of perspective. If one 
were to "begin" w/the human skeleton on the left, then one 
might consider my observation to be backwards. However, 
the point I am trying to make is that there is no "beginning" 
nor is there an end necessarily to this transfigurative 
process, as it is but one thread in the cosmic weave of the 
whole that we are all a part of.) It's like saying which comes 
first becomes a moot point. So the fourth mural along this 
backwards arc, (or the 3rd mural from the left), depicted the 
human body's system of organs, and the 5th one, (right 
behind the human skeleton), showed the human body 
nearly complete w/an organic musculature. I thought it 
interesting that nowhere was depicted the human form in it's 
true completeness, the entire bodily system cloaked in its 
epidermal layer, the naked human body itself. 

Pondering this omission of such an obvious relic worthy of 
our mutual admiration reveals a possible intent from the 
artist's point of view. For one, would he represent the male 
or the female form? He'd have to do two naked human 
bodies if he were to remain fair to each. Or should he 
neutralize them into one generic asexual nude body? Well 
the dilemma doesn't exist when the point that is trying to be 
made here isn't really concerning the divide between the 
sexes so much as it is trying to point out we are all made of 
the same stuff and the humanity we share is as much a part 
of the cosmos as is a water spider or a distant outcropping 
of rock. There is a deeper divide where we actually share our 
being, making those differences between the sexes that 
formerly seemed so pronounced, more resemble an 
affectation due to the roles we are immersed in, or the side-
effect of an addictive personality drug.

"We're sinking deeper . . .dividing ...confiding.... sinking 
deeper...controlling...dividing...and we're sinking deeper"

Seeing the show with it's latest developed visual display 
really helps to dig deeper into the meanings inherent to 
Lateralus. It's an anatomical study of the layers in being 
human. From the outermost layers where we wear our 
human skins and inter-relate to each other only to meet w/a 
dividing abyss as envisioned in "Schism", (a portrait of the 
divide between the sexes if there ever was one); to the 
further- delved into inner realms of the human experience 
transgressing sexuality for what makes each and every one 
of us an open minded, awake and aware living being 
sucking it all in and reflecting on our true natures having 
been derived of the mystic and ever- fluctuating orderly 
patterns that sporadically arise out of the seemingly infinite 
seas of energy & chaos surrounding us, tool have taken us 
by the hand and led us on a trip into this vortex, down 
toward the funneling mandala of third eyes that leads 
through the glowing white center of the star of babel and 
into the future history of dream itself. 

So...yeah, it was a pretty decent show. Any questions? 
Q."Yeah, thoRn, um, how do you think tool will one-up 
themselves after Lateralus? 
A. That's a damn fine question, subpersonality. Um... I just 
don't see how they can. Maybe there's validity to the 
rumours that tool is calling it quits after this. 

p.s. 
tool is so great, or should I say they have achieved such 
perfection, that if they actually called it quits, I , for one, 
would be quite happy for them.
Because one cannot improve on perfection, can they?
Sometimes it actually is best to just move on. 

~This has been a TOOL public service announcement 
brought to you by: thoRngrub. 

(Addtl. commentary)
Of course I don't want to see TOOL call it quits any more 
than you guys do; but it simply struck me during this show 
that indeed, they have come as near as possible to 
achieving live musical perfection, and the overwhelming 
sensation that it could be the last we see of TOOL filled me 
not with sorrow, but with a sense of completion and harmony 
which is hard for me to convey exactly...
It's just...*shakes head*...I respect & admire what they've 
accomplished with LATERALUS so much that I've already 
made my decision:
If TOOL retires now, I could be nothing but wholly satisfied. 
And that my friends, is *unprecedented* in the annals of 
rock'n'roll...

P.P.S.
The high point of the show for me this time was REFLECTION 
and then TRIAD directly following it: First off, this version of 
REFLECTION started off differently, I swear to god they 
utilized the intro-drumriff from ticks & leeches to tease us 
die- hards (either that or I really was high...); and then it 
shifted into the moody, mercurial tones of REFLECTION, 
albeit delivered in a new fashion: there was this harder 
guitar- riff running through the long intro, elevating the song 
to a new level and drawing me into it like never before. It 
was pure satisfaction. And then, after it was done, they 
brought the additional drummer (from Tomahawk) out front 
to join Danny in his percussive onslaught, and they also 
added a keyboardist, off to the left next to Adam. The first 
half of TRIAD was all build-up; then it started to really crank 
up the tempo and aggression; before that tune finished up I 
was exalted to heights of pure rockin frenzy rarely, if ever, 
captured live before. Truly outstanding. 
And of course everyone absolutely lost it when they went into 
their encore performance of LATERALIS. I knew that was 
going to be it; the crowd sensed it, too, cuz we all just 
started slammin in this orgy of rockin love. That song just 
about embodies TOOL to perfection. Maynard said the same 
damn thing he's been saying @the end of their shows now 
for the past year: "Take this feeling home w/you and in the 
coming months, the coming years, use it to make 
something positive." 
And the rest, as they say, was History. 










Review written by: Adrienne (whitetrash336@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 18:20:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Hi..All I have to say is: BEST show ever!!! TooL rocks,and 
they are more than music to me! I think everyone said most 
of what I would say,But I have to add..I was greatly saddned 
by the other concert goers..I won't use "fans"..Becuz fans 
don't sit their happy asses in their seats OR throw things!!
(TOTALLY DISRESPECTFUL)!!!!!!  I was in the seats (3rd row 
center)and danced around the entire time...I think that 
would be disappointing to me as a band to see PPl on their 
asses! Get up,feel it rock w/ it! Out of my huge list,this was 
the thing that made me most embarassed to live in Utah!!!
  Oh and it always saddens me,Why do other gurls show 
their breasts at the concerts?? Get some self-esteem and 
self-pride!!!!!!








Review written by: Michael S. (xanth_1@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 18:39:11 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  I don't exactly remember the set list for this concert but all I 
have to say is....words can't describe how beautiful this 
concert was. The only one that comes close is ORGASMIC. It 
was sooo beautiful. This was my first Tool concert and it 
certianly won't be my last...that is if I ever get the chance to 
see them again. The lighting was spectacular, the videos 
were awsome, and the fans....the fans helped make the 
show! Maynard has to have one of the best voices I've ever 
heard...and it's even better live. He played the whole concert 
in some dark undies...the whole friggen thing...sometimes 
he had a guitar around him but that was only for a few 
songs. I admire a guy who can stand on stage in front of 
thousands of people in nothing but a small pair of 
underwear. The only complaint about this concert was the 
fact that they didn't play Eulogy....if they had played it  then 
the concert would have been perfect...but despite that 
little "flaw" I still loved it alot. I highly recommend going and 
seeing them live for all of you who are apprehensive....it's 
well worth the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!








Review written by: col. buendia (mlrbuendia@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 19:24:03 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Advisory: For those looking for a review rife with “Tool is the shit, dude, I was fuckin’ 
blown away!” or bitches about the crowd or beer lines, hit your back button and go to 
the next submission. If you want something different, however, enjoy my 
observation…

July 6, 1992: I’m standing in front of an amplified stack of black boxes stage left as 
Henry Rollins and his vitriolic, eponymous band hit Salt Lake City’s best after 
school-special hang, Club DV8. Opening for the show is a fun little group out of L.A. 
with a Mohawk-domed, half-dressed waif expostulating at the top of his lungs about 
Christ’s atonement and a drummer with amazing deftness for his age. The sounds 
emanating from the guitarist and bassist are at times pedestrian, bored-sounding 
metal of the day, as if they’re impatient in waiting for the chance to grow up into their 
own motifs. (Of course, a future personnel change would help, along with maturity, 
reflection, education and wisdom a decade’s worth of years would bring.) With what 
superficially appears to be a penchant for phallus fanaticism and apocalyptic punk, 
the 30-minute sensory-numbing patchwork of raw, unadulterated chaotic energy 
coming off the stage this summer night steals the show from the former Black Flag 
frontman, IMHO. Gold-dusted cherubic bodyguards wearing diapers on stage aside, 
guess ol’ Hank didn’t mind, since a year later he provided backing vocals on the track 
“Bottom” from the opening band’s epic sophomore studio release.

July 20, 2002: In 10 years you can go through a lot—college, marriage, careers, 
childbirth, near death, death, divorce. Thankfully the collective efforts of the Tool 
family throughout most of those years—mainly Maynard, Adam, Danny and 
Justin—have been there to assuage my feelings and make me realize that artistic 
expression from music can open unrequited dimensions of comfort and coping that 
harsh reality assuredly requires, a measure of ability that I hope to never be without. 
(You can reach similar healing with J.S. Bach, but at lesser volume levels). So it’s no 
surprise that only after a few days’ worth of absorbing the experience of the Lateralus 
tour stop in Salt Lake City can I even begin to appreciate what these artistic talents, 
gifts and offerings truly mean personally.

Having experienced Maynard’s efforts with A Perfect Circle last fall at Saltair, the 
Opiate warm-up tour in ’92 and each recording in between, I expected to be 
moved—emotionally, spiritually, physiologically and cosmologically; I expected to 
again be amused by my hometown concert-going crowd (believe the hype—Utah kids 
indeed suck while at the same time appreciate; it’s called countermeasure for our 
culture); I expected to be “blown away,” or whatever cliché phrase was exclaimed ad 
naseum; I expected to be gouged by beer prices, inhale copious amounts of 
secondhand ganja, be tempted by marked-up tour T-shirts and stickers, wait in the 
sun to get inside, sit next to fans that choose to remain seated—but it’s part of the 
experience, people, it’s not meant to be utilitarian. Get over it already.

What I did not expect was to be transported to a realm of discovery and perception 
that would eviscerate my soul and take me places (without the use of 
pharmaceuticals please) that I’ve seldom experienced by attending a live 
performance (Rush, Maceo Parker, Pat Metheny, Supersuckers, Al Di Meola and select 
others aside).

What was left at the end of the show—after the imported metallic confetti, the 
impossibly-mesmerizing, cerebrally-challenging Alex Gray art and illustration, the 
Holocaust-esque fear and loathing from the video screens, the uncouth carnie 
attendees, the heart-pounding, terrific rhythms, dissecting guitar heroics and honest, 
introspective storytelling—after all this was an image hard to erase: four guys who 
make music for a living huddling together in a family circle scrum of sorts, offering 
thanks to themselves or to someone else or to everybody. That was unexpected.

Thank you, Tool. Come back soon, that is if we’re all still here next year. I know I’ll 
again make the effort.

And yes, Tomahawk sucked Saturday night, if only because they needed a competent 
sound engineer. Sorry, Mike.

*******************
Spoiler setlist follows
*******************

Sober
The Grudge
Stinkfist
Forty Six & Two
Schism
Parabol
Parabola
The Patient
Ænema
(brief interlude)
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus










Review written by: Hazard J Simpson (hazardjsimpson@attbi.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 19:27:40 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Freaking Awesome.... It's just too bad that TOMAHAWK (the 
opening band) sucked more than an LA hooker when the 
Navy's in town.... Ah well... Went for TOOL, saw TOOL, life is 
good. It was an excellent show, althought it could have been 
longer , and System Of A Down should have opened.  ;)








Review written by: Jive Mo' Jive (mimiressedari@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 19:48:16 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  De Herd progressed fum de parkin' lot t'de 'E' Center. Ah be 
baaad... *Baaaaah! Right on!* Enough about dat. Man! As 
far as openin' band's go, Tomahawk be not it. Man! It ain't 
some baaaad idea t'have some band dat shreds yo' ear 
drums jimmey fo' Tool, a'cuz if yo' hearin' be damaged and 
eyes crossed from de piercin' maelstrom, ya''d miss out on 
de fina' nuances uh Tool's puh'fo'mance. ANYHOW. As de 
show began, ya' could feel de energy in de place snatch on 
some life uh it's own, dat grew as de show progressed... Just 
likes de last tour, ya' could easily tell de difference in de 
congregashun of fan's. Dere wuz dose dat barely recognized 
Aenima beats, and some dat if it wuzn't played on de 
transista', dey had know idea. WORD! Most dese sucka's, 
dough, left wid an awed 'espression dat announced "Oh. Lop 
some boogie. NOW I dig it." Oders, de one's dat bought 
seats and actually SAT DOWN in dem, seemed t'be da damn 
same sucka's dat bought da damn $10 rip off t-shirts (dat 
duzn't suppo't da damn band, dus ah' duzn't suppo't dem). 
We had some idea's fo' T-Shirt's at dis time, dig dis: I sat 
waaay down at TOOL. I knealt at TOOL. I wants'ed Prison 
Sex at TOOL. I dun didn't dig it at TOOL. Etcetera, etc, etc. 
Co' got d' beat! De puh'fo'mance by de band wuz incredible. 
Astoundin', even. 'S coo', bro. De band fed deir energies 
into de crowd, and ya' could feel de crowd amplifyin' it, 
transfo'min' it, and feedin' it back t'de source. De lights and 
visual effects wuz happenin', real baaaad job on dose. ah' 
dink de puh'fo'mance would gots been plum as baaaad 
widout dem, but it's always supa fine to look into de mind 
(I'd recommend Algiz o' Durisaz fo' protecshun, fust) uh de 
dudes dat lay out de vibrashun uh de Wo'd. Dough an 
enco'e wuz called fo', it wuz by dose dat dun didn't dig it de 
message. Rev. Man! Maynard had already stated (befo'e 
playin' Lateralus, de final beat uh de concert): (not wo'd fo' 
wo'd, I'm still tryin' t'abso'b) "Dank ya' fo' sharin' dis 
moment wid us..." Get greedy, and ya' begin t'lose da 
damn 'sperience. De sucka's dat ax'ed fo' de enco'e should 
by a T-Shirt listed above. Tool be not some band dat digs 
on stage, plays some couple tracks, and leaves. Tool be a 
band dat, fo' plum a few hours, gots'ta snatch ya', drough 
beat, wo'd, and mind, t'a place dat bod enhances yo' energy 
and strengd, and calms yo' mind and spirit. Man! Best damn 
concert since deir last tour found it's way into Utah. Lop 
some boogie.








Review written by: Brian (Nigel) (Bigdaddynige@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 20:58:57 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  This was the absolute best concert I have ever been to.  The 
sound was perfect, nothing was drowning out anything else, I 
could hear every word maynard sang.  The crowd (minus the 
assholes that were throwing shit on stage) was amazing, 
they were a lot louder than other shows I've seen at the 
same place.  Once Tool came onstage and started playing, I 
couldn't move, all I could do was stand and watch in 
complete awe.  The visuals, and the lighting were perfect.  I 
cannot think of anything they could've done better, this show 
was perfect, more than words can describe!   any one who 
didn't want to go because of any reason, really missed out.  
I will remember this show for the rest of my life!!!!








Review written by: Janus12k (janus12k@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 21:11:43 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Setlist: 
Sober 
The Grudge 
Stinkfist (extended version) 
Forty-six and Two 
Schism (with a slightly altered introduction) 
Parabol 
Parabola 
Eon Blue Apocalypse 
The Patient 
Aenema 
[Intermission] 
Disposition 
Reflection (altered and extended) 
Triad (with the drummer and vocalist from Tomahawk) 
Lateralus 

   This was, by far, the best musical performance I have ever 
seen.  30 minutes after Tomahawk finished their somewhat 
mediocre show, Tool came out on stage.  Adam played a few 
notes then Justin went right into Sober. 
    During Stinkfist, there was an extra bridge before "I'll 
keep digging/til I feel something."  Schism also had a 
slightly altered introduction where Adam played the Schism 
bass riff on his guitar.  After Schism, Justin and Adam 
switched to a different set of guitars (presumably in a 
different tuning, BADGBE).  Also, during Parabola, those big 
grey balls from the Parabola music video started floating up 
behind the band and remained until intermission. 
    After intermission, the band came back on and went right 
into Disposition.  The background on the stage had 
changed, and there was now a giant seven-pointed star 
(Parabola symbol) behind the band.  Reflection was much 
longer and also altered.  On Triad, the two drummers 
worked very well together and Tomahawk's singer simply 
mixed a little on the keyboar (thankfully, he didn't sing).  
Maynard spoke a little after Triad, and then Lateralus closed 
the show. 









Review written by: Travis (traviscornes@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 23:00:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  I'm one of those people who visits toolshed.down.net and 
toolband.com twice daily.  I occasionally read alt.music.tool 
only when my filters pick up posts by Kabir, Shane, or other 
rare intelligent folks who post there.

Needless to say, Tool is the only band I follow.  Their talents 
of creating and performing music are unmatched and rarely 
challenged.  My experience of the concert was personal and 
enjoyed only in a way that only I could appreciate; thus I 
won't go into the details of the whole show.  Other reviews 
do the show justice.

Instead I'll comment on the comical/strange stuff no one 
else mentions...Maynard has not missed any meals.  He's 
apparently enjoying tour food!   Hell, he's enjoying 
somebody's food because he's definitely put on a few 
pounds.

Maynard held an unlit cigarette during the majority of the 
show and took several imaginary drags off of it.  He even 
tucked it in his guitar when he was playing.  Very interesting 
this behavior was.

I'd really like to thank my 'inside man' who got me tix 
before they went on sale.  I will name my first child after you.

Peace.









Review written by: Todd (throwuphead@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/22/02 23:07:18 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

    This was the most amazing show. I knew it was going to be 
great but my expectations were far surpassed. The e-center 
was packed and you could tell that everyone there was really 
excited to see Tool, and there was a cool vibe in the crowd.
  Tomahawk played a really good opening set. Mike Patton 
was fucking amazing! Their music is so chaotic, and he was 
jumping around and screaming like a lunatic in a straight 
jacket. He was wearing a full cop uniform, with a billy club 
and it really added to the sense of urgent lunacy. He is an 
amazing singer.
  You could feel the anticipation in the room while we were 
waiting for tool, and it was a feeling I can not describe. This 
band who's art has meant so much to me is actually here, 
and they're going to play for us soon... I had perfect seats, 
on the right of the stage (the right, facing the stage), 
looking down over Danny's kit. 
  When the band came out, the arena was dark except for 
the thousands of lighters, and I thought that that was a 
perfect way for the show to start, and then Justin started 
sober and the night began. The place exploded with 
movement when the drums started and the vocals came in. 
For the rest of the night we were all treated to amazing 
performances from Lateralus. I think they played the whole 
record. The heaviest moment of the night was either during 
The Grudge, which they played second, or Stinkfist, which 
was so fucking awsome, I was almost overcome with tears... 
They played a couple more from Aenima, including Aenima, 
and they did not play anything from opiate, unfournately, 
but appropriately, i guess.
  This show was so satisying in every way. And being so close 
and able to see everything was fantastic. For me the sound 
was great, and the visuals! Holy shit! I have never seen such 
cool visual effects at a concert. Maynard was amazing and 
the whole band was great.  I am so glad to have had this 
experience with the band and all of the people that were 
there. Thank you Tool for touching me with your art, and for 
sharing this with me. Thank you so much.
 
  Todd








Review written by: pendragOn (e_phister@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/23/02 01:50:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  Sober
TheGrudge
Stinkfist
46&2
(-)ions
Schism
Parabol
Parabola
EonBlueApocolypse
ThePatient
Aenema
~intermission-drowning~
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus

glad to hear 46&2 again.  i dont know about the rest of you 
but i was amazed by all the little details.  that sound at the 
beginning, the drone and grafix during the intermission, the 
group hug, the glitter, their sheer skill and ability to create 
pure energy.  if we really should evolve, maybe tool has 
been trying to tell us to conquer the seas and oceans.  
begin to breathe underwater, back again from whence we 
came, back to find our ancestors.

much love and god bless








Review written by: THOMAS (DIGITAL_BATH_00@HOTMAIL.COM)
Review posted on: 07/23/02 04:27:46 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  WELL I WAS COMPLETLY AMAZED AT THE SHOW TOOL PUT 
ON. MY HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS WERE FILLED AND 
SHATERED. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I LOVE THE BAND 
MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD. I'VE LIKED THEM 
SINCE 6TH GRADE . I SEEMED TO GET THE FEELING 
THROUGHOUT THE SHOW THAT NOT ALOT OF THE PEOPLE 
DESERVED THE WORK THAT TOOL ACTUALLY PUTS INTO THE 
SHOW. ME AND MY LIFELONG FRIEND KURT WENT TO THE 
CONCERT AND WE BOTH FEEL LIKE THEIRS NOTHING LEFT TO 
DO, MY LIFE DOENS'T HAVE AS MUCH MEANING. I JUST WANT 
THE BAND TO KNOW WHAT THEY'VE DONE FOR ME, AND HOW 
SPECIAL IT WAS TO ACTUALLY SEE THEM. THE MOVIES THAT 
WENT ALONG WITH THE MUSIC IS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF 
SHOWING US THAT TOOL IS BRILIANT. I THINK I KEPT MY 
ENERGY GOING BY FEEDING IT OFF MAYNARD, SO IF YOU 
CAN THEN GO SEE THE SHOW BECUASE NOTHING IS LIKE 
IT.................NOTHING.









Review written by: THOMAS (DIGITAL_BATH_00@HOTMAIL.COM)
Review posted on: 07/23/02 04:28:17 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  WELL I WAS COMPLETLY AMAZED AT THE SHOW TOOL PUT 
ON. MY HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS WERE FILLED AND 
SHATERED. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I LOVE THE BAND 
MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD. I'VE LIKED THEM 
SINCE 6TH GRADE . I SEEMED TO GET THE FEELING 
THROUGHOUT THE SHOW THAT NOT ALOT OF THE PEOPLE 
DESERVED THE WORK THAT TOOL ACTUALLY PUTS INTO THE 
SHOW. ME AND MY LIFELONG FRIEND KURT WENT TO THE 
CONCERT AND WE BOTH FEEL LIKE THEIRS NOTHING LEFT TO 
DO, MY LIFE DOENS'T HAVE AS MUCH MEANING. I JUST WANT 
THE BAND TO KNOW WHAT THEY'VE DONE FOR ME, AND HOW 
SPECIAL IT WAS TO ACTUALLY SEE THEM. THE MOVIES THAT 
WENT ALONG WITH THE MUSIC IS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF 
SHOWING US THAT TOOL IS BRILIANT. I THINK I KEPT MY 
ENERGY GOING BY FEEDING IT OFF MAYNARD, SO IF YOU 
CAN THEN GO SEE THE SHOW BECUASE NOTHING IS LIKE 
IT.................NOTHING.









Review written by: Lee R (jean-luc2000@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/23/02 10:52:26 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  THE SHOW WAS AMZING. EVERYTHING I EXPECTED IT TO BE 
AND MORE. I HAD A PERFECT VIEW FROM RIGHT ABOVE THE 
BAND, OF ALL THE MEMBERS AND THE SCREEN DISPLAYING 
GRAPHIC ART ETC. THEY PLAYED FOR A GOOD 2 AND A HALF 
HOURS, AND ALTHOUGH PREVIOUSLY LISTED SETLISTS 
SHOW, THEY ACTUALLY PLAYED PARABOL- AWESOME. I WAS 
MORE THAN IMPRESSED BY THE BANDS' STAGE PRESENCE, I 
DROVE ALL THE WAY FROM BOISE AND BACK IN ONE DAY 
AND I WAS ANYTHING BUT DISAPPOINTED. I'D RECCOMMEND 
THE DRIVE IF YOU CAN MAKE THE SHOW IN A SURROUNDING 
STATE OR EVEN TWO AWAY. MAYNARD PLAYED GUITAR ON A 
COUPLE SONGS, AND MANAGED TO SMOKE A CIGARRETTE 
WHILE PLAYING AS WELL! THE BAND PLAYS WITH AN 
UNUSALLY REAL SOUND, VARYING VERY LITTLE FROM THE 
ALBUM SOUND. GREEEAT TRANSITION BETWEEN PARABOL 
AND PARABOLA. DANNY WAS MORE THAN MECHANICAL- I 
WOULD COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF THE 
CONCERT AS A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE. GO  SEE  TOOL  
NOW.  DAMN. 








Review written by: Ben (ZepHB21499@aol.com)
Review posted on: 07/23/02 18:44:25 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  The 10 hour drive to Salt Lake was worth every second when 
I took my seat in the E center. You must understand I saw 
TOOL in L.A. on Monday but I missed the opening. I had to 
correct this horrid mistake and so I drove all the way to Salt 
Lake. I showed up at 7 and went to my seat. Somehow I 
ended up with a seat in the 7th row from the pit in the 
section closest to Justin but nothing blocking my view, 
incredible. I could see every expression on their faces. I’ve 
seen TOOL twice before but both times I was so far back it 
was more of a overall view from afar but still amazing but 
this was insane. The crowd was great, they keep cheering 
every time someone thought TOOL was about to take the 
stage, each time getting louder until Adam, Justin and 
Danny finally did. The crowd went fucking nuts as they 
messed around tuning and warming up. Then just when you 
thought it had all reached it’s peak Maynard appeared on 
his little stage. He didn’t walk up like the rest he just was 
there all of the sudden, standing still hands crossed you 
could barley make him out but everyone knew who it was 
and the place went nuts again. I wont comment on every 
song because they are all amazing and the set list has been 
posted. However my favorite was the Patient. The ending to 
that song is so great they all just meld together in a unique 
way and push the level higher together than any one of 
them could alone. I think that is the best way to describe 
them live. Each one is brilliant in his own right but together 
and in sync the way they are they push the whole thing to a 
higher level. If you live within 500 miles of a TOOL show go. 
I know I will. Thank you TOOL Flower of Life is withing us all.








Review written by: Kathy (vegangoddess777@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/25/02 13:12:57 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  Another amazing job by Tool. I saw them the night before in 
Las Vegas and they were fucking awesome as well as 
tonight. I live in Utah and most people don't even show up 
until the main show starts. No one seemed to impressed 
with Tomahawk, but they are really good. I think alot of it 
had to do with the sound quality at the E center. It sucked, 
but I had heard Tomahawk the night before and listened to 
there CD on the way home from Vegas so I enjoyed. In 
Vegas I had seats, but for Salt Lake I had GA. I just have to 
say all you fucking jocks who think a Tool show is about 
mossing and beating the fuck our of people, you can all fuck 
off. You ruined it for everyone short person who just wanted 
to enjoy the energy of the crowd and actually be able to see 
the boys on stage. I couldn't see shit cause I'm short and 
all you fucks made ruined the chance for me to enjoy the 
show from the ground. Luckily I had friends in seats and I 
could enjoy the show without getting my head bashed into 
the fucking ground. Well back to Tool. As usual they put on 
an amzing show. Triad just had so much energy and WOW 
there just isn't much you can really say. You just have to 
expierence it first hand. The stage set up was so awesome. 
I better wrap up or I will just continue rambling about how 
wonderful those amazing four boys are. 








Review written by: Davey Jones (dwinmill@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 07/25/02 14:27:56 ET


This was this reviewer's  20? Tool show

  Ok, so its been 5 LONG HARD years without a TOOL show for 
me! But, like always TOOL is never disappointing in their 
performance! I know, most of you out there are 
asking, "Why 5 years? Are you crazy?", or "And you call 
yourself a FAN!" Well, if I could devulge what has kept me 
from the best band in the world, then I would inform you of 
the systems adept ability to keep one preoccupied and of an 
ever pressing need to be seperate from the world! 

Having cleared my consciense of all the evil traits of the 
world and moved to this forgotten land(this truly is NOT the 
place Mr. Young!), I have once again dipped my soul into 
the primordial grooves of TOOL. Awaiting this concert was 
sure torment, but the days passed and the time to partake 
in a TOOL show was upon me. 

Having dragged everyone I know to the show(paying for 
tickets and all) we were confronted with the BEST showing of 
TOOL that I have ever seen! And I've seen them from the 
Opiate tour days, so I kinda have a clue as to how they 
should be and feel! The lighting was great, and the stage 
setup was spectacular! I like the carefull arangement of the 
star, show later in the show, also silhouetted in the lighting 
frames above the stage! Very ingenious! 

The show was supurb! The playlist, don't know don't care 
cause you'd have to be there to enjoy it anyways, was great! 
Starting off with Sober in Utah of all places, was the perfect 
song, considering half the audience was NOT SOBER!!! 

To see Maynard and the gang go at it was once again, 
inspirational. In the 5 years that I have not seen TOOL, my 
life has spiraled downwards and of course, as fate would 
have it, when they show back up in my life, everything turns 
around. Need more details, email me and I'll share it all with 
you!

Anyways, SHOW ROCKED!! Can't wait to drive to Boise to 
catch them again! Even if its over 200 miles away! 

Danny and the guy from Tomohawk on drums were 
AWESOME for Triad!! LIKE THOSE DRUMS DANNY!!! And 
Maynard "smoking" a cigarette was funny to behold, never 
thought I'd see him "waste" his voice on a smoke! lol 

Well, can't wait to hear them again, great show!!!








Review written by: BigToolfan (mfpiv@msn.com)
Review posted on: 07/26/02 15:40:21 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  This show was awesome.  I was highly disappointed with 
Tomahawk.  As one fan sitting next to me said, "Tomahawk 
my nuts!"  But then the masters came on and rocked for two 
solid hours, it was sweet.  I love watching Maynard.  He sits 
in the shadows on the back of the stage and you don't really 
notice him until that amazing voice starts in with, "Lady 
shouting just behind me" and then it is go time.  I just 
wanted to say Tool is the best band I have seen live, and I 
have seen more than my fair share of shows.  No one puts 
on quite the show that these boys do.  If you have not seen 
Tool live, you are missing out on something special and 
need to go out and see them.  Even if it means driving for 
five and a half hours each way (that is what I did).  The 
journey is well worth it, believe me.  See you at a Tool 
concert.
mfpiv








Review written by: Dane Goodman (Im_stable@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 07/27/02 19:49:35 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  I'm surprised to find out that people were throwing shit at 
the band, I couldn't tell from my place on the floor. This 
dissapoints me like you wouldn't beleive. 
  Ok...let's start  with Tomohawk. The band came bursting 
onto the stage with one mission in mind: To permenantly 
damage our hearing with their shitty, high pitched notes, 
and horrible vocals. When they first came on, I was happy to 
chant "fuck the police" right along with them, but after they 
actually started playing I felt sick. They were even original 
enough to say something about mormons and SLC punk 
(that was sarcasim, for all you out there that have never 
been to a show in SLC). I hate having to point out sarcasim. 
Well, overall, Tomohawk pissed me off, I didn't move, I just 
stared at them and got beer spilled all over me. 
  Inbetween Tomohawk and TooL was an interesting 
moment in time. Some dumbfuck vomited right on the floor 
and then started dancing in it. Someone hit him later and he 
started bleeding everywhere, I don't know if he danced in 
that or not. I got burned with a cigarette in my back, and 
then...More beer was spilled on me. By this time the entire 
stadium was hotboxed beyong beleive. Thick with the stench 
of sweat, Pot, Beer, vomit, and cigarette smoke...The true 
smell of a great fucking concert.
  Tool came on, and rather than trying to explain to you 
what they were like, I'll explain rather what I was like. I was 
a happy little Dobe. My arm was constantly around my great 
friend Zane, and my other arm was always around some 
random sranger in the crowd. Whoever happened to be next 
to me. I couldn't beleive the love I felt in that room. The 
love I felt for Tool, that they would share so much of 
themselves with us. 
 "fucking TooL" was all I could say for hours after the show. 
My favorite part was when they ended and the whole band 
just sat there waving and bowing to us, ending in a group 
hug. "thank you for enjoying what we do", maynard said. As 
the lights came on and the band stepped off the stage, I 
became involved with the biggest hug fest I have ever seen. 
I was hugging strangers, they were hugging me, I was high 
as fuck, they were hugging me..."fucking tool" more hugs, 
everyone was so happy...so pleased with life, so 
fullfilled "that was better than all the sex, all the drug in the 
world"
 we went to Dee's after that, we drank a lot of water, it was 
great, I stole some spoons and played them, saw my 
girfriend, went to sleep in a pot induced haze, and packed 
for my trip to church camp in the morning.