| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
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07/27/2002
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Review written by: Jimmy (JIMMY@JIMMY.COM) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:28:21 ETTool has never had a beter concert setup. Maynard clearly learned a thing or two from the latest NIN tour that he opened for with APC. The visuals were great, but the greatest part was having Maynard in the back of the stage. No spotlight ever hit him. He was lit from either the left over light from the spotlights on the other guys, of from the screen that was built into the floor of his platform. It was awesome. The guys rocked our pants off.
Review written by: Orestes (bobk@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:40:27 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The setlist, as I recall it: Sober The Grudge Stinkfist 46&2 Schism Parabol Parabola The Patient(something was up here, more below) Intermission Disposition Triad(amazing, w/members of Tomahawk) Lateralus Of what Tool played tonight, it was amazing, though it seemed light and I'll speculate why and maybe others(Tool) can confirm this. Maynard appeared to be sick, or having some trouble with his voice as he walked backstage several times and didn't finish The Patient, though the band played it out without vocals. Anyhow, I enjoyed the evening as a whole, but something was missing there, especially with The Patient being played without vocals after the first verse to its end.
Review written by: Frank Lenz (flenz@tietronix.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:40:57 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
This has been Tool's greatest concert here in Houston. The connection the members had between eachother could be felt all over the arena. There is nothing about the concert that should have been changed. They opened with Sober, where both Justin and Adam stopped to the beat. I was a little disappointed that didn't play Flood like they did most other concerts this tour, but in no way would I want them to haev replaced any song they played tonight with it. Hopefully the band will be back again, and will rock out even harder as they have matured so much. Just one little note, 'All you people who sit down during the climax of the concert ought to learn what Tool is all about.' Nothing upsets me more than seeing people dupe real fans out of a 50 dollar ticket, and sit through the entire concert! They treat it as if it were a way to smoke pot on the weekends. The only good I see out of these people are they make the t-shirt sales look like the stock market. Thank you for making my favorite band money--buncha savages.
Review written by: Robs (robertmattoso@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:42:53 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
TOOL FUCKIN ROCKED THE FUCKIN STAGE INTO SUBMISSION...... THE CROWD WAS ELECTRIFIED AS WAS I......IF YOU WENT ON SOME GOOD TRIP IT WAS A MOVING EXPERIENCE!!!! TOOL PROVED ITSELF ONCE AGAIN...!!
Review written by: Nick (schlinko@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:48:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
The visuals were amazing. There is no other word to describe them. As I am not a huge fan of Lateralus (though I love Parabol), I was a little dissapointed that the only 4 old songs they played were Sober, Stinkfist, Fourty Six and 2, and (-) Ions. The concert was still great though, the visuals alone were worth the money. I could watch them over and over and never tire of them. Even people who don't like Tool should go simply to watch the screens (if anyone actually exists who doesn't like Tool). I also thought Tomahawk wasn't that bad, and the crowd was fairly respectful of them too, I only heard a few boos once (When he said "Who wants to hear some more Tomahawk?").
Review written by: Azygous (ice1785@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:49:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Set list has already been posted. It was very good, no doubt about that, but there was something missing. Maynard did indeed leave halfway through the Patient and I saw him repeatedly go in the back. It just seemed like they could have played more songs. Everyone else put in 100% effort and tried to help Maynard along, I could tell. I think he must have had the flu or something because his dancing just didn't seem right and he never left his little circle unless to go in the back and do whatever he did. I'm going to go again (if they come again). However, I did feel a little disappointed and so did a lot of people. I heard a lot of people bewildered and I could tell no one wanted to say anything because of their respect for the band.
Review written by: Brooke (fakeplastiklove@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:50:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
on tomahawk: i overheard a ton of conversations like: "what the hell was that?" "i dunno" "you liked it" "yea it was good" ... thats when you know mike patton did his job. he was rolling around on the floor screaming. it was great. on tool: setlist (at least what i can remember): sober the grudge stinkfist 46&2 schism parabol parabola the patient (maynard disappeared for the last verse) "cosmic sounds" reflection eon blue apocalypse disposition long version of triad w/ mike patton and dj big bad john from tomahawk (WOW!!!!!!) lateralus the setlist was amazing. they performed flawlessly. maynard snaked around in the back in a bodysuit. visuals, audio, everything was breathtaking. good work boys. rock on.
Review written by: ben (bhart17197@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 00:50:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 3 Tool show
good show tonight, though the crowd didn't seem as into it as previous shows. mjk definitely seemed a little under the weather, as he wasn't able to finish "the patient" and had to walk off of the stage. all in all, great show, as always.
Review written by: stephan (cornfedtrailertrash@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:00:11 ET
This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show
Wow! I'm actually starting to like Tomahawk... I must stop seeing them open for TooL! Sound was great tonight... again Triad owned. Maynard had the most awesome colours painted on him tonight. Best i've seen him look in a looong time. Sorry that the show was so short compared to the others I've seen from this leg of the tour. Btw Houston, ya'll got ripped! Austin show blew Houston's away. It'd been nice if they'd played Aenema & said something about Houston falling into the ocean :p howdee matt, jimmy & happy! glad i got do see you again!!! ...untill Monday... Tool really needs to play Ticks & Leeches in Bossier City on Monday!
Review written by: militantmind (tomgreenlikescoffe@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:03:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
The show was a total mindfuck. Amazing. The setlist is correct and I am so thankful they played 46 and 2 it was awesome. Something was wrong with maynard, he was sick or technical difficulties. This meant they cut 2 songs which sucks ass but they still did great. Cant wait to see em again. Spiral out. Peace
Review written by: Robert Sagel (sagelri@msn.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:09:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th? Tool show
Tool is the best there is at what they do. They are by far the greatest metal band currently around. The Houston show was a great show and the first time I got to see them up close near the front of the stage. They started off with Sober and although it is an incredible song, I would have preferred to hear them open with The Grudge which is a fucking awesome song to open with. Maynard came out with multi-colored neon paint covering the right half of his body. Maynard didn't say a whole lot during the show, but he did say that he "hoped we have inspired you to go home after the show and have sex. You can start right now if you'd like." Funny shit! Great show, awesome visuals, especially The Grudge, Parabola and Lateralus. Also thought the skull head with the elongated face was a fucking trip. 46 & 2 was incredible. Wish they would have played Aenima, though. Tool will forever kick everyone's ass and I can't wait to see them again!
Review written by: Brett (unf@parb.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:13:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Definitely a bad ass show. I was hoping for some more stuff, but oh well. 46&2 was bad ass, definitely when Tomahawk members came back on at the end of the show during Disposition > Reflection, that rocked. After the last song I was hoping for one more, but they played a good 100 minutes or so. Good Job.
Review written by: James (jtames@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:25:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Although the show was cut short it was still amazing. The first half of the set Maynard quite often sang what seemed to be an octive below normal. Parabola, 46&2, and Lateralus may have been the most technically sound songs of the night. Simply amazing. To anyone that saw the show... Was it just me or was there just a TON of security on hand or what???
Review written by: Chuck B (drummerchuckb@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:32:12 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Well I have to say that i was dissapointed badly by this concert. the last show they played for 2 hours if not more doing 13 songs....this they played barely 1 1/2 hours with 12 songs. They didn't play H, Push it, aenima, or prison sex. They just did the teeny bopper songs you here on the radio. which i like and all, but i wanted more than that. i would post the setlist, but you can scroll up or down for that. You'll also notice in posts talking about maynard walking off stage and all and leaving half way through patient. well i looked into it and maynard does have some problems, but nothing extreme. i guess he was just being precautious. later everyone and have a great night.
Review written by: Bluehead, B/W Dude, Pris, Helena (freak@ev1.net) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:40:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 4rh Tool show
....................................................................???????? Black and White Dude We got shorted. Big Blue Head Maynard, you might want to go on a diet with me after I have the Tool Baby next week! Pris Asking the Question, Looking for the Answers. Helena You may have seen me, the big blue guy with the mohawk, and I gotta say, "You guys fucked us, but dammit, I still love you and will see you next time to collect on the songs you shorted us tonight." And all you pussies that whined up front about the pushing, YOU'RE AT A ROCK SHOW! It's like going to an orgy, and complaining about the smell. Anyway, the show rocked, just not long enough. Tool is still the genius that I love, and I'm still a hardcore fan. -Big Blue Head (Incase evryone is wondering, we're at an after-show party, so there are multiple people in this post) And Maynard, we noticed that you didn't tell us to remember the positive energy, but we understand because for some reason that positive energy just was not there tonight. Give us another chance to raise that energy like we did last year at the Woodlands. See you at the Woodlands on October 21 when the veils will be thinist and strongest!! Helena The Tool Baby is almost here!! The Son of Constantine will bring the pieces of the puzzle back together and will help us to rediscover communication. The Tool to the next generation is here. ..................this is far from over.....a quick break to the bar.....downstairs at justins!......we know your here.........................
Review written by: Ken (schmittk@swbell.net) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:42:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
HOUSTON WE DON"T HAVE A PROBLEM. Terrific show by the boys in Tool. This was a better concert soundwise and visually than the one in the Woodlands in the fall. Compaq Center is just a great venue for a rock show. Many have insisted that Maynard was ill and I would have to say that I agree that there were some complications that may either be sickness or problems with his technical setup. I thought his voice was very strong but he did look concerned at times and complained to the guys in the band. Nevertheless, the songlist was well chosen and the new stage set is excellent. They are the best in the biz and I thought the Houston crowd gave them the love they deserve.
Review written by: paraflux (mindclarity@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:52:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I know a lot of people are a little confused as to why the set was so short. If only they had played reflection......... There were signs on the doors as we walked in that said the show was over at 10:45. It could be the fuckin great city we live in that didnt want to pay all that security overtime. PLEASE HELP US GET RID OF OUR MAYOR!!!!!! yes maynard may have been sick. as he left during the patient and faded in and out at times. The overall vibe from the crowd I felt was a little lacking from the beginning, after they only played one song off undertow. But shit, enough bitchin. the artwork was incredible, both of the backdrops i want to hang in my home, the sound was almost perfect, the band was tight. triad and lateralus were incredible.
Review written by: human (vooklah@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 01:53:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show
to see alex grey's work on that enormous of a scale is well worth the price of the ticket. i hope beyond hope that whatever compensation he is receiving for tool's use of his art will help fund his chapel of sacred mirrors. absolutely outstanding. thank you, alex. tomahawk are wonderful. their set was incredible; tight, inspired, abstract, and very tight. they were considerably quieter through the pa, however. most unfortunate. also unfortunate that most of the patrons chose to wander around the "mall" area of the summit (er, compaq center; soon to be converted - pun intended - to a baptist church), rather than partake in the madness and artistry that is tomahawk. i love mike patton. i love john stanier. i love kevin and duane. all are incredible, accomplished musicians. fuck anyone who says otherwise. my opinion, of course. profound and magnificent as tool are, as such a devoted fan i could not help but feel rather disappointed at this show. i guess i'm more selfish than i thought, but the omission of 'reflection' from the set really upset me. i have never heard 'disposition' without 'reflection' following immediately afterward. 'triad' was amazing, but i was so busy wondering what the hell happened to make them not play 'reflection' that i fear i had cheated myself out of feeling the whole song as it was being played. i was completely thrown off. and whatever happened to maynard during 'patient' brought out much of the same emotion for me - concern for his well- being, disappointment, even anger - as though i were being cheated out of something. i really hope i don't come off as sounding ungrateful, but those are some of my favourite tool songs. i simply can't help but feel something was missing. the show felt incomplete to me. i am certain many others feel the same way. this is not to say that i feel that i, we, did not get our money's worth - we are more than mere consumers, feebly complaining about not getting as many songs as other cities have. i am grateful for the opportunity to see such an important, inspired, beautiful group of artists. i know how many others would have gladly taken my seat at the venue. i'm only saying that when i walked out of the venue, i had this sinking sensation, as though i had left something important inside. those songs have an increeedibly salient personal connotation for me. my respect for tool has not lessened, but i have no reservations about voicing my opinions here. it is not likely i will see another show at this large of a venue. this means i may not see tool again. i cannot tolerate all the needless, insensitive, ridiculous distractions from the music and the presentation of the artists' show. such as, in no particular order: security guards who are bitter about being thrown out of a nfl team training camp; kids who seem to not be able to enjoy a show unless they get up eight times during tool's set alone to buy a $6 cup of fucking bud light - missing more than half of the set - never apologizing for disturbing other's right to enjoy the performance; guards who are most certain that necklaces will most certainly be used as weapons and demand the owner to throw them in the trash can at the door, as if these 14- year-old girls are bloody terrorists; insipid bastards that scold people, such as myself, for - gasp - standing during tool's set, as if i am intentionally trying to block the view of his whiny girlfriend, who chose to sit; watching more than half of the crowd talk on cell phones and amongest themselves rather than pay attention to the art that was being presented to them - highly disrespectful to the band, others around them, and certainly to those who couldn't get or otherwise afford a ticket; guards shining the flashlights all over the stands in a feeble attempt to 'bust' people for smoking cigarettes - again, creating a needless distraction, and absolutely unapologetic for their insensitivity to others' enjoyment of the art being presented to us. if indeed, this is my last 'arena' show, i am most fortunate that it was tool. the last time i went to a venue this size, it was in 1998 - also for tool/melvins. i realize that the entity that is tool has simply outgrown smaller venues. they wholeheartedly deserve their success. as i stated before, i suppose i am more selfish that i thought i was. but i learned something tonight; i learned my limit for tolerance of disrespectful behaviour. and rather than fight, i'm walking away. so, thank you, tool, for playing in our city. i will continue to buy your records and follow your careers with great interest. but i just can't (or should i say, won't) do these big shows anymore. i simply don't have it in me. thank you for providing my arena show swan song. i'll not forget it. thanks for reading my nonsense. all the best to you and yours.
Review written by: Kirk Savarese (ef_2001@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:06:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 2 Tool show
To all this reaches to, I think it is safe to say that something was wrong tonight. However, the show was fantastic and I now have a new level of respect for the band going on and forward as they did, I am a bit worried about Maynard’s health and what happened, as you can think when it happened all kinds of weird stuff was going through my head like did the Parabola balls get him? To many of us this was a religious experience, to some it was just another concert. I can help wonder when they will come next so I can once again pay my respects to the band on what a great job they did. I am kinds pissed that 2 drunken rednecks next to me kept head banging and hitting me, but I forgive. If anyone has any video because it would have been easier than hell to get one in please email me at ef_2001@hotmail.com and we will talk. I had a wonderful night and look forward to seeing all of you again. To all my tool fan friends. Goodnight -Kirk-
Review written by: Kristen (kristensh13@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:08:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Well this was my third show. It was a good show but I was very disappointed. I don't like the venue and the set did seem really short and Maynard didn't seem as into it as the past few shows I've seen. But now that I realize he was feeling under the weather, I understand. I was not especially pleased with the setlist. It seemed liked they were really focusing only on Lateralus. I really would have liked to hear some Opiate or something. But the show was amazing. And I will still continue to see them when they come here. I was just a little disappointed in it tonight. I would have liked to have a chance to go to some of the other shows on this tour so I could see how those go. But that's not happening. But the show was amazing, as always, just wished it was longer. The art was beautiful and the music was wonderful as always. Can't wait to see them when they come again.
Review written by: Tangent-X (q2dust@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:18:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Well to begin with the show was AMAZING.... I had previously gone to the Woodlands Pavilion Lateralus show and was stunned therel, but this show topped that. Even though I didnt particulary get into Tomahawk i respected them enough to cheer for them after ever song. I really liked it when Patton said "Were Tomahawk. And you are TOOL fans". Patton put in a great effort tonight and im glad the people of Houston matched that with their respect, unlike some of the other cities responses as mentioned in other reviews. My ONLY complaint was the back-breaking front of the pit. But truthfully after moving a little to the left near the speaker i had a better view and was able to breath. :) I want to thank everyone, especially TOOL, for making this night one to remember. Sincerely, Dustin Burda
Review written by: Greg Lea (ljmlea@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:18:33 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hey everyone I just wanted to say the show was bad ass. This is my second time seeing the band live performing in Houston. Maynard was painted a really dark blue or a purple colour i think. They played Sober,The Grudge,StinkFist,The Patient,Schism,Parabol, Parabola, Dispostion,Triad, 46&2, and finished it off with Lateralus. (the set list is out of order and i might have left something out sorry) I would like to thank Maynard,Danny,Justin, and Adam for putting your hearts and souls into your music and tonights performance it really touched me. Just like last time. Now Im waiting on round 3. Until Next Tour...good night
Review written by: Matt (matthew_004@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:20:09 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I just had THE time of my life!! i did notice maynard left at the end of The Patient. and maybe he did seem a little sick, i wouldnt be able to say because its my first show. but anywho, i think Tool did a fantastik job. the visuals were great. there are no words to describe my feeling. nothing will ever come close to what i experience tonight. the energy was powerful. triad and lateralus were performed briliantly. i love danny carey, he is the most amazing drummer ive ever heard. i love all the other band members as well. who can make music like that? i couldnt quite tell what maynard was wearing (i was in the last row of section 107), but i believe he was all blue and he had like a dark blue speedo on. and if anyone was there, after the show in the halls around the arena, i was the guy who kept yelling out "TOOOOOOOOOOOLL!!!!!!!" and i was the one who was jumping up and down like crazy. i also said "I LOVE SATAN!!!!" i did this in the hallways, outside the arena, in the parking lot, and i was honking my horn like a madman when i started to drive away. u might hav noticed me, sorry for the adrenaline rush.
Review written by: Chris (NIN7688@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 02:35:35 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Setlist is up so I wont provide it. Now, as they say, on with the show. Tomahawk: I don't care what anyone has to say...they are brilliant. Mike Patton is an insane Genius prancing around on the stage screaming at the top of his lungs than moving quietly into a soft croon. Not near as loud as I was expecting though..but dammit they're weird and I love em'. All the songs that most Tomahawk fans have come to love were played..I at least remember my favorites, Laredo, 101 North, Pop1, Jockstrap,God Hates a Coward..plus a few more..but those are my favorites, so they get listed... Here we go baby, TOOL! I know, I know..Maynard must have been a tad, "under the weather," but in my mind this show; though much shorter, was FAR superior to the one in the Woodlands last year. I was definately feeling it...It was a spiritual expirience for me. I love Danny's new drumset and It was still an incredible show despite it's lack of length. The visuals where far superior...Maynard was dancing around more..and I had a better view from where I was than last time. I'm pretty sure maybe it was Maynards voice that was giving out a bit...During Stinkfist I believe there was a slight crack and weak spot in his singing..and he constantly ran to get water and ran to each of the members of the band to tell them exactly what was going on. Whoever says they aren't a prepared and proffessional band is a damn liar. He took breaks when neccessary, I wasn't bummed about Reflections, nor the part that he took off in Patient...I could tell he had some difficulty. Still MUCHO better than the last show and very emotional, Spiritual, and cerebral. Excellent Job. Probably the best concert I've ever been to.
Review written by: Karen (anamchara@excite.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 03:24:34 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
The set list is posted so I won't repeat it. Although this is my 1st official TOOL show, I have been a huge fan of the band for years and keep up with concert reviews and their general stage presence. 1st off, Tomahawk, though they were interesing, I did not much care for. What makes a band great is their proficiecy, how well they play together and the presence of the lead singer. It seems like they need some more time to really "gel" together. With time, I think Tomahawk could be really good and what better way to show off some of their talents than TRIAD, way to go guys..... stellar performance. On to TOOL, The security, though it was tight, proved to be much better than that of the WOODLANDS, people got into the show quicker. I sat in sec 101, so the view of the stage was great!, though the show seemed to lack something. It could have been a bit longer, but hey... that's our wonderful city! Hearing sober was a treat, but PUSH IT would have been awesome to hear, whether Maynard's voice could handle it is another story and is likely why they did not pick songs causing him to have to strain himself. As many of you well know, yes Maynard was ill. However, even leaving the stage during PATIENT, his gave it his best shot and that's all we can ask. LATERALUS and TRIAD were the only songs I really felt the band was gave it it's all, though the rest of the set list was pretty good. It seemed like tonight the guys catered to the more commercial crowd. There is the TOOL that the devoted underground folks know, and there's the TOOL that most 94.5 or 101 listeners know and are just getting on the bandwagon. All in all--good show. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are just greatful that such a great group of artists graced us with another visit to our city. The visuals were mezmerizing, the stage looked great and Danny's new kit is awesome. Maynard, we wish you well and to the other guys, we hope to see you soon and thank you for gracing us with a night of visual and auditory pleasure. Karen
Review written by: Karen (anamchara@excite.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 03:28:21 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
The set list is posted so I won't repeat it. Although this is my 1st official TOOL show, I have been a huge fan of the band for years and keep up with concert reviews and their general stage presence. 1st off, Tomahawk, though they were interesing, I did not much care for. What makes a band great is their proficiecy, how well they play together and the presence of the lead singer. It seems like they need some more time to really "gel" together. With time, I think Tomahawk could be really good and what better way to show off some of their talents than TRIAD, way to go guys..... stellar performance. On to TOOL, The security, though it was tight, proved to be much better than that of the WOODLANDS, people got into the show quicker. I sat in sec 101, so the view of the stage was great!, though the show seemed to lack something. It could have been a bit longer, but hey... that's our wonderful city! Hearing sober was a treat, but PUSH IT would have been awesome to hear, whether Maynard's voice could handle it is another story and is likely why they did not pick songs causing him to have to strain himself. As many of you well know, yes Maynard was ill. However, even leaving the stage during PATIENT, his gave it his best shot and that's all we can ask. LATERALUS and TRIAD were the only songs I really felt the band was gave it it's all, though the rest of the set list was pretty good. It seemed like tonight the guys catered to the more commercial crowd. There is the TOOL that the devoted underground folks know, and there's the TOOL that most 94.5 or 101 listeners know and are just getting on the bandwagon. All in all--good show. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are just greatful that such a great group of artists graced us with another visit to our city. The visuals were mezmerizing, the stage looked great and Danny's new kit is awesome. Maynard, we wish you well and to the other guys, we hope to see you soon and thank you for gracing us with a night of visual and auditory pleasure. Karen
Review written by: passout or john (passedoutontool@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 04:20:35 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
wow i really cant descibe this show it was a mind altering experiance i want to know why maynard left during the patient though? oh well it was still the swayest show ive ever seen and the real sway part was one of my friends worked the dressing room and got me adams auto thanks adam and jessica
Review written by: stephen (benson471@juno.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 04:35:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
the securirty for this show was the exact opposite of the woodlands show. at that one, i thought they were literally going to strip search me and make provide proof of U.S. citizenship. but inside it was nothing. this time, you could have snuck in with a bazooka through the gate and no one would have noticed until you stepped onto the floor, at which time an "event staffer" would have beaten you senseless for not tying your shoes correctly or because your shirt isn't tucked in. jesus. speaking of shirts... 30 bucks! oh well, i bought one this time. anyways great show as always. i had to drive from san antonio, and even with the shortened setlist, it was well worth it. i was way up on the right side, slightly behind the screen with the visuals, but with a clear view of everyone in the band except maynard. at first i thought it would be a disaster, visually, but it turned out to be pretty good. i rather enjoyed tomahawk. the people around me didn't, but i knew that they wouldn't from reading previous reviews. see tricky from the tour last year. i hadn't actually heard tomahawk until tonight. i've been looking for a cd, but because i refuse to shop at certain places, i am making it harder on myself to find it. for all of those who thought they sucked, fine, but you have to admit mike patton at least has a great sense of humor. i especially enjoyed the 4th song that they played, and the last 2. if anyone knows the names of them, by all means give me an email at the address above. tool: for me the highlights were 46&2 (besides the fact that the song as a whole is just flat out badass, the ending of it blows me away everytime i hear it... seeing it live is even better) and triad. triad just owns. danny... what can you say. he is the best there is right now, in my opinion. he just beats the shit out of those drums all night long. when i first bought lateralus, triad was my least favorite song on the album. then after seeing it live for the first time last year, it quickly shot up, and i was so looking forward to it tonight. and i was not disappointed. besides the fact that seeing tool live is excellent because of the _music_ itself, _and_ because you are watching a band that has more energy than anyone else out there... a band whose energy channels into any fan in attendance (at least the ones who aren't on their phones)... the visuals are well worth it too (i know many think this and have discussed it, but). it is amazing! none of them lack at all. shit what else can i say. for those of you who are farther down on the tour, and haven't seen them ever... do it! you will regret it if you don't. and if you had an earlier oppurtunity to see them, but didn't....and then you take them in in the next few months? you might end upl regretting it even more after you actually see what you missed. tomahawk, maynard, justin, adam, danny... thanks for a fucking memorable experience.
Review written by: asclepius (jssebast@utmb.edu) Review posted on: 07/28/02 04:58:53 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. July 17, compaq. floor seats. could the the fasciculations in the mjk's flesh. nice paint job too. juxtapose with woodlands: better visual at woodlands simply because of the scale and the blue contortionists. BUT amazing images for their return visit. tapestry "tunnel" AMAZING. Dissection of the body and the spirit in 6 canvas: good "duality doesnt exist" spirit about it. musically: jammed harder at compaq. tight extentions of several songs, namely stinkfist. and 46 & 2..........mmm. (thank you). BUT --------- SHORT!!!!???? what happened? Fantastic nonetheless. and I thought houston treated ol' mike patton and tomahawk well. HE is a badass motherfucker (I felt guilty - I wanted to hear "epic").
Review written by: Rehab (spiralout@budweiser.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 05:13:59 ET
This was this reviewer's 2rd Tool show
Well, I'm right on the thin line between love and dissapointment. Don't cuss me yet, I Am A DIE HARD TOOL FAN, but sick or not, I believe that we got ripped. Toolers can't be choosers, I know, and I am thankful, But Disposition straight to Triad????? What kinda shit is that???? And the Patient played all the way through and I didn't hear "Be Patient" ONCE. I dont think that Maynard was sick with Patient, He got fuckin beaned from that Parabola Ball from what it looked to me. Id say fuck that and get out of the way too. I did enjoy the show immensely, It was just short as hell for as little as Tool comes around. I'll still be there guys but next time, please play reflection....It's kinda like getting a burger meal and not getting the Burger without it...Anyway Good Show.. Lateralus had a shitload of power....Tomahawk was OK on a couple of songs..All my hameboys hated them...Im open minded though...It was different. Here's the setlist again for anyone who didnt already read it ten times: Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist 46 + 2 Schism Parabola Eon Blue Apocolypse The Impatient (see Above) INTERMISSION Disposition Triad (That's Right No Reflection) Lateralus
Review written by: SunKing (SunKing@houston.rr.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 10:45:31 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
I attended both the Houston, and Austin shows. What can I say? TOOL is awesome! The Austin show was a little longer, but I had crappy upper-prom seats. the Houston show ROCKED - I was on the floor -in the middle- about 20 rows back (just behind all the moshing....'cause I am almost 40). The set lists posted just above are correct. I managed to sneak in a crappy camera, and wil post the pictures here: http://bradbman.home.texas.net/TOOL_2002.htm If you're interested, I've also got a TON of stuff posted from the 10-28-01 show here: http://bradbman.home.texas.net/TOOL.htm Here's a couple of my impressions from the show last night. Like everyone, I was concerned for Maynards health when he had to leave in the middle of The Patient. ...does anyone know if he was sick...or perhaps he just had to pee. He is human afterall (I think). Regardless - Danny REALLY stepped up in Maynards absence - HE IS A DRUM GOD! Adam, noticing that there were no vocals, just looked around - saw no Maynard - and just kept on playing as if nothing was going on. I thought they finished the song with class - and even without vocals - it still rocked. Another thing that was interesting - Maynard almost ALWAYS does his 'take this feeling - do something positive' speach. But last night, he started...said something like "I hope you have been inspired tonight....to" he paused ..then said "go home and have sex!" (cheers) "You can start now if you want". It's like he just didn't have it in him to do the usual speach. He also made some comments about a couple of the Tomahawk guys "being in Asia....the band - not the continent". I was also a little surprised they didn't play Reflection - but overall I thought the connection between the crown and the band was great. After the show ended - they threw water bottles, drum heads, etc - had the group hug - and stood on stage for a LONG time - waiving back to the crowd (Maynard gave everyone the peace sign). They really seemed to be impressed (as was I) that the ENTIRE compaq center - all the way to the very last seat at the back - was standing - cheering - arms raised. I noticed during the entire show that most everyone was standing (even upper prom) - I'm sure the band appreciates that - I was glad to see them get such a good reception. ...it looked like Danny and Justin didn't want to leave......neither did I. I hope to see TOOL again soon!
Review written by: Daniel Martinez (ticks_and_leeches@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 10:46:30 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, I can honestly say that my life has been changed forever. This was my first concert ever, and I am so lucky I got to see my absolute favorite band perform as my first concert experience.I have to say, there was something a little weird about their performance, Maynard's mostly, as he left during The Patient and they did not play Reflection, nor Æbema. Their performance clocked in at about 100 minutes. But still, I would not want it any other way. This night was perfect for me. Thank you Tomahawk, and most of all, Thank you Tool. Now on to the setlist: From what I can recall *Sober *The Grudge *Stinkfist (alternate version, extended verse, some new music) *46+2 *Schism (no Mantra, a new intro) *Parabol (complete, with spoken words) *Parabola *Eon Blue Apocalypse *The Patient (Maynard leaves at the second half) -----INTERMISSION(WITH AWESOME LIGHTING)------ Disposition Triad (no Reflection) Lateralus (with incredible lighting and energy) (REVIEW OF TOOL'S PERFORMANCE AT THE BOTTOM) *The crowd: It was mostly made out of retards. Girls talking about their friend Josh and whatnot. I am only 16, but I seemed a lot more mature than these idiots. I also hated the fact that some supossed Tool hardcore fans were talking shit about me, how I was too young to be a "real fan". I did not argue with them, I did not explain how I first got into Tool in 1998 whn I heard H. I did not explain how it doesn't matter how old you are, or how long you've been into them, how we should be thankful that there amore people out there who are REALLY connecting with the music, expanding their minds and souls throgh the magick that is the Tool experience. I did not want to spend my first Tool show arguing with morons. thankfully I had the pleasure and luck of meeting the best Tool fan I have ever met. He's a black guy with dreadlocks who was sitting next to me; he was intense. He didn't sit at all. I did, cause my back was killing me. Anyway, he was into it as much as I was, only he expressed it beautifully, it seemed like a ritualistic experience for him. Amazing. Chris, in the off chance that you're reading this; thank you for last night, you are a real fan. *Tomahawk: This band is incredibly powerful. I don't get why so many close minded cell phone talking idiots don't "get" it. Fortunately, the Houston crowd received them very well, better than I expected; cheering after every song. Mike Patton said: "Are you ready?"(x3) and everyone cheered, then he said "For more Tomahawk" and surprisingly, about 90% of the people continued cheering. It was a powerful performance all around, Mike was intense.I will DEFINITELY buy their album now. *Tool: The lights dimmed at around 9 o clock, and some sounds could be heard (the crowd was restless), I had heard them before, they're like an intro to the show. We had upper section seats,upper prom Section 207 Row G seats 3 and 4. They were great seats, cause we were able to fully appreciate the whole experience; the imagery, Alex Grey's mesmerizing art, the screens, the confetti, the black balloons that came down during Parabola, like the ones on the video, that resemble molecules (they;re baloons, we saw them in the buses).What our seats did not let us appreciate was Maynard's face paint and outfit, but i did not care at all, I was in there for the music and the visual artwork. After the intro to the show, we heard the first lines of Sober. We were in for the ride. Danny was amazing, truly mind blowing. Justin was also wonderful, not missing one note. Adam was flawless as always. And Maynard, he was in his little circle in the back, intense as ever, his voice sure didn't make him sound sick. After Sober was over, I was expecting Flood. But no, The Grudge came next, which surprised me but did not dissapoint at all. This was one of the highlights of the show. The band did not miss one beat. Maynard was incredible, his voice overpowered Mike Patton's. He held his scream for a good long time, he outlasted mine. The imagery in the screens throughout this song was icnredible, it put me in a trance. When this song was over, Maynard spoke to the crowd: "Houston?" Crowd cheers. "Houston?" Crowd cheers more intensely. "Houston?" Crowd goes wild. After this, the wonderful came the awesome Stinkfist. Everyone sang along to this one. We all missed some of the lyrics, as this was the alternate version they play in most of their shows, with extended lyrics and new muscial notes. AWESOME. Next up was another highlight of the night: 46+2. All night I was dreading this moment. I knew Tool plays either this song or H. And H. is my favorite song of all time, it was also the first Tool song I ever heard. But when I heard the first notes, all my fears wwere gone. This was a mesmerizing performance. Powerful throughout the whole song.Danny was especially into it, the drum "solo" that comes at the latter part of the song was intense. Definitely a highlight. When 46+2 was over, we heard a new intro to Schism; the crowd was mellow during the intro, as we did not know what was next. When Justin broke into Schism, the whole venue went mad. The last part was incredibly powerful, with Danny drumming like a demon and the circle of flames that appears during the last part of the video were playing on the screens. At this point, my mind was somewhere else, I did not care about the stupid crowd, nor the shitheads that were sitting down in front of us, looking and staring at us cause we were dancing the whole show.We were eternal, everything else was an illusion. That's right, Parabol came next. i was so pleased to have heard Parabol, cause I've read that sometimes they don't play it and go straight into Parabola. Luckily this was not the case. This two songs work much better when they are played one next to the other, Parabol transports our souls to another state of being, and the crescendo of Parabola assures us that we are not just witnessing a band play, we are part of a whole, an experience, a ritual.The black balloons you see in the video came down. Two sets of them. They are arranged as to resemble molecules. On came down on top of Maynard I think, and the other one on top of Danny. These two songs were another highlight. Next came Eon Blue Apocalypse, which also essential to the experience that is The Patient. When they broke into The Patient, I had to sit down a little, not because I wanted to, but I had a terrible back pain. I decided to ignore this and stood up again. This was another highlight for two reasons, one good the other bad. It was highlight cause the artwork of Alex Grey could be seen, and the screens had some beautiful visuals playing. Plus Danny, Justin and Adam were flawless. The other reason I remember this song so much is cause Maynard walked out during the latter part of it. I'm a little concerned, but i don't think he's sick, he didn't sound sick. Well anyways, we all sang along to make up for Maynard's absence. The intermission came here. No Ænema. Didn't bother me, they're not a jukebox, they have their reasons. The visuals during the intermission were intense. I'd describe them a little bit, but i don't wanna ruin it for the ones who are yet to see them. All I can say is, they were hypnotic. The lighting was also awesome, with light going around in circles throughout the whole crowd. Then those same lights regrouped at the stage, and Disposition started playing. This was also a highlight. It was soothing, hypnotic. I was expecting Reflection after it, caus ethis song is also more complete when Reflection comes after it, Danny even played the last note slike he was ready to play Reflection. But it never came. At this point, I was a little worried. I thought something was off. But when Triad started playing, I once again put it all aside and let myself go.Triad is one of my favorite Tool songs ever. Probably my second favorite. This, along with Lateralus were the two best songs of the night. Mike Patton and big bad John came out to play with the masters.And it was madness, All hell broke loose inside my mind. This song was tribal, the screens and visual artwork by Alex Grey were mind boggling. The 7 pointed star came down on top of the band and everyone cheered. I could imagine indian tribes dancing along to this ritualistic song. It was incredible. You have to experience it for yourself. After it was over, I knew what was coming next. i was both, excited and sad. I knew Lateralus was gonna be a highlight, and I also knew it meant the show was over. Maynard gave a little speech, but didn't say ANYTHING about doing something positive. He said : "I hope we've inspired you to, go home and, have sex" everyone cheered (as well as some idiotic HELL YEAHS from stupid testosterone retards) after the cheer, he continued; "You can start right now if you like" That funny little man. Lateralus was next, and everyone was standing up, even the idiots who sat down during most of the show. The visual artwork was incredible. The "eye" curtain was beautiful. So were the dissected human bodies. And the screens filled with a snake forming a circle and eating itself. Beautiful. The lights were amazing. When Maynard said "Black then white..." little dots of white and black lights circled the whole venue and went around in circles. Then when he said "red and yellow then came to be" , those dots changed to yellow, and they went around in circles. AMAZING. The band were at their best during the ending, Large circles of light surrounded the crowd on the lower and upper proms. When Maynard said the last verses, "With my feet upn the ground..." I really let myself go, I jumped and screamed every word throughout the whole show, but the last verses of Lateralus were special. I was astonished. My mind was in a deeper realm. I escaped my current reality, and really let myself go. Maynard went around in circles during "Swing on a spiral" and we were all crazy raising our fists and screaming "Spiral out, keep going". Then it was over. The band grouped together in front of Danny's beautiful drum set and made a circle and group hugged. A wonderful example of unity. We were all filled with positive energy and beautiful memories.They bowed to the crowd, but Maynard left, so only Adam, Justin and Danny bowed. Danny was wearing his Basketball jersey. He threw his drum sticks to the crowd. Adam and Justin threw some water bottles and other things. After that, they all left, and the lights came on. This was the end. The end of one truly beautiful experience, and only the beginning of my new undertanding of life and spirituality. So they didn't play Flood, Ænema or Reflection. So it ended at 10:45 pm. So they played for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. ANd it was the absolute most beautiful experience of my young life. Thanks again to the few fans that were worth talking to (Chris thanks man). Thanks again Tomahawk, you were also great. And Thank You Tool, you resuscitated the hopeless. Thanks for reading my first review, of my first (not last) show. Hope it helped. Best wishes to you and your loved ones. Daniel Martinez.
Review written by: Troy (Tramirez9@msn.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 10:56:09 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
This show was as good as the last time I saw them play at the Woodlands, but not as long. Opening up with Sober was awesome since they didn't play it the last time they came to town. Hearing 46 & 2 was cool as well. I don't know why Tool played a shorter set, but I can't complain because they rocked anyways. To sum it all up the show still kicked ass and I'll be there the next time they roll into Houston.
Review written by: Notes_Guru (notes_guru@consultant.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 11:07:50 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
I was quite frankly amazed by the sheer power of this performance. Tool has always put on a somewhat cerebral show, rather than jumping around expending their energy on stage antics. It shows guys, as the energy and feeling in the music sent shock-waves through the entire auditorium. I've seldom seen such emotional music come from a bunch of guys who hardly moved on stage at all; sitting or standing facing the stage, the sound and fury seemed to actually push outwards like a physical force into the audience. Tsunami or hurricane at least... Even though missing a song or two from what would have been complete perfection, this was close enough. And the quality of the sound system, though seldom mentioned in fan reviews, was exceptionally good here. Every nuance of the performance was crystal clear, and the vocals (especially the quieter parts) could be heard with no distortion or fuzziness at all. Only one question from this contented amateur reviewer: Can we expect to purchase a CD of this unquestionably great live performance sometime in the near future? Thanks, notes_guru@consultant.com
Review written by: a Stinky Fister (diastiss@excite.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 12:54:48 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Well Well, it's the day after an i'm still sore. I don't know what was going through the empty minds of the guys that boo'd Tomahawk in past shows but they were great. Mike Patton was doing it all and he is so much into the music he creates. fyi. The screeching of the mic was on PURPOSE you idiots. Tool was awesome even though Maynard was clearly sick or something. Setlist has already been posted. The show was much better sober than last year when i got f*cked up. ps. A thanks to the blonde chick that was flashing right behind us in the seats :)) (I only looked inbetween songs)
Review written by: x (x) Review posted on: 07/28/02 16:27:34 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Let me be candid for a moment - Oh, you saw Limp Bizkit once...hahaha...they suck. Oh, I'm sorry...did you say you saw Lincoln Park...am I supposed to be impressed? If you haven't seen TOOL, then you haven't seen shit!!! Get a life, get a ticket, and get your punk-ass to a TOOL concert. Oh, you saw Incubus??? You're a fucking looser. Go see TOOL you little bitch...
Review written by: x (x) Review posted on: 07/28/02 16:30:28 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Let me be candid for a moment - Oh, you saw Limp Bizkit once...hahaha...they suck. Oh, I'm sorry...did you say you saw Lincoln Park...am I supposed to be impressed? If you haven't seen TOOL, then you haven't seen shit!!! Get a life, get a ticket, and get your punk-ass to a TOOL concert. Oh, you saw Incubus??? You're a fucking looser. Go see TOOL you little bitch...
Review written by: x (x) Review posted on: 07/28/02 16:30:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Let me be candid for a moment - Oh, you saw Limp Bizkit once...hahaha...they suck. Oh, I'm sorry...did you say you saw Lincoln Park...am I supposed to be impressed? If you haven't seen TOOL, then you haven't seen shit!!! Get a life, get a ticket, and get your punk-ass to a TOOL concert. Oh, you saw Incubus??? You're a fucking looser. Go see TOOL you little bitch...
Review written by: AtaxicAngel (ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net) Review posted on: 07/28/02 16:49:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
If there is a guy named Zach or Zach Ice ;) I have a girl looking for ya man...we talked to you and your friends around the buses after the show. We got pics of you guys too and you might want to see them :) Email me at ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net
Review written by: AtaxicAngel (ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net) Review posted on: 07/28/02 16:51:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
If there is a guy named Zach or Zach Ice ;) I have a girl looking for ya man...we talked to you and your friends around the buses after the show. We got pics of you guys too and you might want to see them :) Email me at ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net P.S. THE SHOW FUCKING ROCKED! Wish it would have went on a bit longer but think after 5 nights in a row, they were fucking unbelievable. Great energy from the crowd. If your the girl that was there with your boyfriend and was wearing a tool cap :) THANKS! :)
Review written by: Wes (wes655@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 17:58:31 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: Person (person@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 18:23:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
Out of all the Tool shows I have seen this was the worst. Adam, Justin and Danny were on on but Maynard was very off. He did not sound nearly as good as he ussually does. I felt very cheated that we got 2 or 3 less songs than all of the other tour stops. Of course I will see Tool next time they tour but I hope it is better than this show. Later, Person
Review written by: Justin (Orion1769@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 18:29:21 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Well it was a good show But i saw them the day before in Austin and they played for over 30 mins more Maynard was sick or something I was a little dissa pointed not to hear Aenema again or flood and i was hoping to hear opiate out of the two shows great show being in the seats and in the crowd is just as great. they are two completely different experiences
Review written by: Wes (wes655@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 18:47:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
well it was my first tool show but definitely not my last. this show was an experience a lot like h. because it was both beautiful and unsatisfying at the same time. overall a great show that was definitely not the best of the tour but great nonetheless. setlist already has been posted and that is, for the most part, what was wrong with this show (if anything can be wrong with a tool show). it started off predictably with sober, which rocked, and i was desperately hopin to hear my second fav tool song after it, flood, but alas it wasnt to be. maybe maynard was pissed or sick or maybe just tired after 10 shows in 11 nights. anyways instead came the grudge which nearly made me forget about the absence of flood, because this song was nearly perfect. next came stinkfist, which i wasnt really that excited for since ive heard that song so many times, but the extended section of it really adds a new dimension to the song really kicked ass, and really fooled the crowd at where the normal "ill keep digging" would be. after stinkfist came 46&2, which is my all time fav tool song, and it rocked. this was the highlight of the show for me. next came the compulsory schism, which, for not being near the top of tools best list, was actually awesome. it sounded great live and had a different, longer intro. it was cool. next on the night was parabol, which i was glad they played because it really builds up the anticipation for parabola, as well as being beautiful in and of itself. when parabola hit, the crowd went wild, and tool rocked with one of the better performances of the night. then came the problems for me... well following parabola they went into eon blue apocalypse, which sounded great and lead right into the patient. now this song is a great song, one of the most positive songs from tool, and while the instrumentation was awesome, this song needs vocals!!!maynard makes the song and never did he say "be patient" because he left in the middle of the song. at first i thought they were just extending the song, but as it progressed i noticed that maynard wasnt even on the stage, and he didnt come back til after the "intermission" the band went on and played the whole song, but i kind of was forced to let my mind wander about maynards wherabouts. oh yea glitter came down during this song which i was really indifferent to since it was only at the front of the stage. but even if he hadnt sang and had just stayed on stage i would have enjoyed it more. but still good. after that i was really hopin for either aenima or opiate, two of tool's best songs, and i figured since there was no flood we'd prolly get one of the two....but no such luck...just straight into the intermission, which was nothin more than spinnin some blue lights on the crowd, and it looked cool and all but i wasnt sure if it was the intermission since there were still sounds and stuff. anyways it was short and only lasted a few minutes, and then they came back and started disposition, which was cool and i really enjoyed it, but afterwards i was expecting, no more than that, i knew that reflection, one of the best songs on lateralus, was next. danny even played the last notes of disposition just like the ones that lead into reflection on the album. but once again...it didnt come. instead, there was a sort of drum jam intro which to me at least sounded a lot different than the beginning of triad, which was the ensuing song. now i think this is far and away the most amazing track of lateralus, but since i couldnt make out that it actually was triad, and i was still bewildered by the absence of reflection, so i didnt really get to get into it as much as i wanted to. anyways mike and some other dude from tomahawk(who by the way were very interesting and kind of cool in that they dont sound like anything else, and mike patton can work wonders with his voice, but all that said i dont really prefer them. im not gonna say they suck like a lot of people were because they dont suck, just not my preference. nothin against them tho and they were somewhat enjoyable, and i found their dressing up like cops to be quite amusing. they got a decent reception from the crowd, which didnt resort to booing them as at some other shows.) came out and played with tool for the duration of triad. so triad ended and by the end of it i had really gotten into it, it was a badass song live. ok so up to this point there had been no flood, only a half sung patient, no aenima or opiate, and no reflection. thus i was hopin that theyd play one of those songs after triad or maybe pull out all the stops for one more before lateralus, but they didnt. granted lateralus was prolly the best performance of the night i thought and maynard was really into it, but once again i really couldnt emerse my self in the music like i wanted to because i was in such shock that the night was about to be over at 10:30. but it ended and then there was a group hug and all and danny and justin threw some shit to the crowd, and took bows and finally left, almost as if they knew that they had been cut short and they wanted to stay as longer. but it ended and we left not mad or really upset but shocked. the night had ended. now that brings me to one point upon which i must delve. if maynard was sick or tired or whatever i completely understand and dont blame em for playin a shorter set, and i wasnt pissed as i could tell some people were, i was just sort of disapointed that i only got a taste of a full show. now that shorter show was still by far the best ive ever seen, and in some ways i was glad becasue it only whetted my appetite for live tool, made me eager to see them again asap. but nonetheless i still wish i could have seen a full show, or even that if they were to cut out songs from the set that theyd cut out stinkfist or schism instead of flood or aenima or opiate etc. regardless, 46&2 made my night and is the best song ever in my opinion, and tool are a cut above the rest by far. hope they come back soon tho i doubt it since they came here twice in less than a year, but it doesnt hurt to hope. well i guess thats all i have to say and i dont want to be querulous about anything, i mean how can anyone be truly disappointed after seeing tool? but to everyone else just appreciate all the songs you get to hear, since each one takes you on a journey if you open up, let go,spiral out, and keep going...
Review written by: BrandX (Cherub_Babe39@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 19:15:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Good Christ folks! This show is everything I needed to repair the damage done unto my mind over this summer. I was on floor, and I worked fucking HARD to get those tickets because anyone who knows Houston knows that seats just will not sufice for a TOOL show in the Summit (or whatever the hell it's called now). There is an obvious difference between the experience of those in the seats and those on the floor. The crowd was just incredible where I was, center about 20 rows back. I did miss Tomahawk for no other reason then my entire crew were running late as usual in true rock star fashion. I am overjoyed that my hometown was respectful to them and I have talked to a few other friends who really did dig them. Mindy, the chica with the TOOL cap on, thanks a lot to you and a big props to your boyfriend for holding me up over the crowd for a moment so I could absorb the whole big venue scene, an image burned forever onto my inspiration and hope, thank you. Yea, Zach, looking for you man, we could have taken the good Maynard's advice for the evening, but I know intimidation is a bitch. The show...the minute the circle of eyes came up on the screens I was floating and when they came on I spent the rest of the show scrambling to decide what to look at next. Spinning back and forth from the most amazing portrayal of Alex Grey's artwork that I could ever imagine on the screens to the glow of Danny's new drum set. Even before the lights went out the new set was lit up and glowing, set me tingling. Knowing the sound at this venue is sometimes shaddy and remembering the dissapointment I had with the sound at the woodlands I was elated when the bass was not overpowering the vocals of Maynard and Danny's drums sounded so very very clear. I was lost and overwhelmed with the energy when Sober started, quickly became in motion with the vibe during The Grudge, and was floating with everything for Stinkfist. Then 46 & 2 started and my soul was ripped out of me and held above my head. I was intent on grabbing and getting it back and ended up with my hands above my head and looking up at the amazing lighting until Parabol. Parabol and Parabola were the highlight of the Woodlands show for me and I was pleased again with their performance at the much better sounding compact center. Became lost in the visuals when the balls dropped and only remember screaming "where did Maynard go?" during the Patient, I thought it was all in my head when I said it, but now I see it was not. I remember watching the somewhat disturbing new images during schism (I think) and Parabola only to have those same images soothe me into submission of the outer realm my mind was attempting to reach, and I was lost in that realm until the triad jam. At which point I was brought back down to Earth and just marveled at the pure musicianship being poured into the jam. At this point I decide that Danny has stolen the entire show and he proves it at the end of Lateralus. Lateralus, I spiral OUT of my confusion and feel so close to those around me, friends and strangers, the TOOL fans are all one on that floor, except those angry guys that tried to start some shizle during Triad, thankfully these boys were pushed further up in the pit where all that action was happening, hope they got what they wanted out the show even though it's not where we were. Lateralus ends and we all know it is the end of the show, but are dreading those bright lights coming back on after being showered by the wonderful speckles of light over the entire venue during lateralus. The entire group hugs and takes individual bows, Danny gets the cheers he fully deserves, I have never been so entranced by a drummer before. Security was insane on the floor, and even I got my camera in without realizing it until the show began (big purses, wonder why you lose things). People who got caught smoking cigarettes got a warning written on their ticket, haha, felt like I was in kindergarden again. Anyone who was dissapointed with the length of the show did not have their mind truly open to all that was around them besides the music. The performance was incredible and will never be matched again and the crowd was a trip. The best of the best were at the buses after the show, too bad those lazy security gaurds had to call HPD so they could go home and pride on our crappy mayor some more for their short hours, sheesh, lazy people. Really really looking foward to the next leg of the tour, a road trip may be in order, but that will only add to the fun I know.
Review written by: collective (master_e@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 19:38:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show
i will start off by saying that the show was great. the visuals are unparalleled. the setup and overall visual performance was better than when i saw them last october. now to the setlist. it was a little light, and i did feel somewhat disappointed that we did not get to hear 4 degrees and aenima, but sober and 46 & 2 were great additions to the setlist that they used last year in houston. hopefully next time around houston will get to see tool when they aren't playing their fifth night in a role (i think that probably had quite a bit to do with the length of their performance). i can't say enough about the visuals, and for those who are interested and didn't already know this, you can obtain the backdrops that tool uses for this tour from alex grey's website. one last note, maynard's body paint was incredible. i have been reading the reviews for most of their shows so far this tour, and i haven't heard anyone describe him looking like that, so maybe he tried to compensate for the vocals with the visuals. either way, it was not a show to be missed. oh yeah, to those of you who feel the need to mosh at a tool concert, next time why don't you just go see creed instead.
Review written by: EyeBurn (toolshed.down.net@duende.org) Review posted on: 07/28/02 20:16:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Tool (07/27/2002 Houston) review Parking was good (free!), getting out was easy (other than Tanner's truckroof barely got under the concrete beams driving out). Only a few scalpers were to be seen :) We: Toady (from Austin), John Tanner (from Austin), Justin, Beth, Chris, Amy, Cameron, Darrell, and myself (Ben) all had floor tickets - it was suprisingly not crowded on the floor. There was very little moshing, but I noticed several ppl rolling (X)...tons of ppl shmoking bud. Before Sober started, there was sort of a long warm-up intro tune playing...Cameron, Toady, and I totally think it sounded like Shpongle track ''DMT'' (Divine Moments of Truth). What I'm talking about is that weird tribal ambient sounding chanting music. I HIGHLY recommend Shpongle for anyone into psy-music. Here's a link to sample of the song we think it was: Shpongle http://www.shpongle.com ''DMT'' (Divine Moments of Truth) from the Are You Shponlged? album http://www.shpongle.com/mp3/shpongle- divine_moments_of_truth.mp3" Back to the review... Most of the crowd was talking or motionless during Tomahawk's set...most of us that know Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Lovage, etc...) liked it (it was pretty experimental IMO). The rest of the folks were booing or yelling "Tool". Fuck em' Like Tomahawk or not, respect Mike's work~ I Agree about the visuals, agree with Jimmy about Maynard off to the side (very cool), the glitter and balloons I'd heard about were slick not lame, the full rich sound was MUCH better than the Woodlands show last tour, inside (A/C) was nice too :) I must say (to quote Toady) ''Tool's concerts get exponentially better every time!'' take care, EyeBurn (Ben) AIM - eyeburn007 ICQ - 165442 MSN - eyeburn@passport.com Yahoo - eyeburn email - toolshed.down.net@duende.org our site - http://duende.org
Review written by: Dawna (magdelenasky@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 20:22:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I saw my first show in Houston at the Woodlands in October of last year, and I can say TOOl is beyond what words can descibe. So when I saw them again I expected this amazing aura to take over me. I felt it and ten times more. The music and the visuals came together to sweep me of my feet. TOOL is breath taking and in the least to say the most artistically derived band. When you listen you want more:when you see you want more. And that is the worst part.
Review written by: SUCKS (SUCKS@HOTMAIL.COM) Review posted on: 07/28/02 20:55:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
inside SOURCE SAYS THE TOUR HAS BEEN CANCLED DUE TO MAYNARDS HEALTH HE IS SICK I GUYESS ALL THE YOGA COULDNT KEEP HIM HEALTHY TO FINISH OH WELL I JUST WASTED 500 BUCKS IN CONCERT TICKETS BECAUSE MAYNARD GOT SICK OOH WELL I WISH HIM WELL SORRY THE TOUR GOT CANCLED
Review written by: no acl (noacl@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 20:56:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
great show. amazing musicians. danny especially. he looks like he's been taking his sammy sosa vitamins, btw. the funniest part was when maynard said the guys from tomahawk met because " both their dads were in asia--the band ,not the continent. " i guess they overcame that gene pool somehow
Review written by: chris (crazed_bassplayer@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/28/02 23:22:44 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
well... i was dissapointed. tool is the greatest band in the world, dont get me wrong on that, but the set they played was almost exactly the same as the october show. i came to this one in hopes to here some of the classics off the older albums. i most wanted to hear eulogy and hush. i was dissapointed that they didnt play anything off of opiate. but all in all it was an amazing show, please tool come back to houston and play some of the older tool that we have all been waiting years to hear again.
Review written by: Nick Downton (InvaderHBO@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 01:12:27 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
So, after being a devout TOOL fan for over 5 years. I finally witnessed the almighty. Setlist, yes short, also understandable. To the asshole who mentioned something about whining about being in the pit at a rock show...a) its not a goddamn rock show. Its a fucking TOOL concert. Would you mosh to Floyd? Christ, grow up. b) Is it really necessary to push when there isn't even a band on stage?!?!?! After "Sober" I got out of the pit, I was very close to the front as well. I went back about 30 feet towards the left facing the stage where I had a lot more room to Spiral Out and groove with the master contortionists of sound. Danny, my god, he looks effortless which makes his performance 10 times greater. I really respect Adam and Justin. Stand and play. What else do they need to do? Nothing. Thank you for that, guys. Maynard, ill or no...you rocked us beyond anything I've ever experienced. Kudos to all four of you. :) Oh...and Tomohawk...I don't know what's up with all the other reviewers from past concerts...I thought they were awesome...Patton is the man...I love his energy and attitude...I thought alot of the songs sounded the same, but in a good way...it's just their sound. Me likey. You made a fan out of me. All in all, a great time was had by me even though I was seperated from my concert partner, Uncle Johnny, heh. I love you, man. After the concert was over, and after searching relentlessly I found him and greeted him with a nice hug. Because, even though we were not together, I knew we had both shared a powerfull evening. Song Highlights: "46&2", "The Grudge", "Triad", "Lateralus" Meatheads and Jocks: Stay home next time please, you have no place with us. And a "What up", to the two or three kids behind me who were with me in the mindset of chilling out on all the fucking pushing. We also discussed seeing THA D, them at Ariel Theatre, me in Orlando. If and when the next TOOL show comes, I shall be sitting. I'll see the rest of you all in Arizona Bay. :D Sara...my Iowa sister. I wish you could have been there, I'm sure you'll be at the Ames show, though. Miss you, girly girl.
Review written by: J.J. (maynard_trent@msn.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 01:42:53 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
I love tool with all of my heart, tool brings both thought and feeling to myself. i was upset that this show was cut short due to maynards well being, but i still love him. i saw them in el paso and it was excellent, my favorite song "flood" was performed, and i ecpected it this time... but no :'( also reflection was not performed this time, which really sucks. but other than my bitching, i loved the show. i came in with a tommy hilfigure shirt and all these people were calling me prep, fuck them... i did not want to look like everyone else, plus i hate tommy. the intermission kicked ass, and i loved the set design by adam and alex. i am sorry houston got ripped off, maybe you all should see them in new orleans, i plan to. to tomahawk, don't try so hard to impress us, just perform with heart not with anger. i will forever love tool. J.J.
Review written by: rommexl (romme@rommexl.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 02:21:32 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The show was mind-blowing as usual. So I shouldn't tell you what I felt and how it inspired me since I think you already know exactly that feeling. But I will try to give a brief concert semi-review that might give you some insight as to how it went. Well, this was perhaps the most unusual performance from the Inside The Outside Tour. Even though every body would have loved to see them play Reflection, it was a much unexpected surprise when they went into Triad after Disposition. I don't think anybody in the venue ever imagined they would do that, and I believe that it was the first time the band did it also. That shift alone made the evening very special. Triad’s intensity made up for Reflection when big bad john and Mike Patton joined the band onstage and gave a very powerful rendition of the song. I know this because I was in Austin the previous night and it didn't kick my ass quite as much as in Houston. Every band member contributed wonderfully during that song. That was perhaps the climax of the show. Now some observations on how to enjoy a Tool show. Even though the pit might sound like the best place to be, it is not! If you really want to enjoy the show and feel the energy, get a seat section. Crowd surfers, moshers, drunks, and the simply unenlightened will always be there to ruin the experience for those who want to enjoy the show as it was meant to be. If only people would've been as civilized as when Tomahawk played, I am sure everyone would have really enjoyed the show. But as soon as Tool began the show with Sober, it all went from being nice and civilized to just pushing and shoving. It was sad to see how a few ignorant, violent moshers ruined the spiritual experience that some of us were trying to share. It made me wonder if I was at the wrong place in the venue. Perhaps the pit is only for the idiots who like to mosh at Tool concerts. But I didn’t think that any self-claiming tool fan would mosh at a concert. Tool is not about moshing, pushing or shoving (and don’t use Pushit as an excuse, either). Well, next time I am getting seats on the opposite side of the stage even if I don't see the band at all. And let the uncivilized moshers go nuts in their pit, while those who want to experience the show in a more mental and spiritual level should do so from a safer place in the seats.
Review written by: Daniel T. (abasiaband@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 03:40:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Thank you to everyone involved in this tour: the band, the entire crew, Alex Grey and even Robbie Parrish for tuning Danny's drums. An amazing job was done by all and I am ever grateful to have had the opportunity to share in such a beautiful and memorable outpouring of musical, artistic and emotional genius. Maynard, Justin, Adam and Danny: Take care of yourselves and I hope to see you soon. To Danny, Terra, Ronnie, Chris, Bert, John, Mary, Steve, Erin and the gentlemen of ABASIA: I am lucky to have you as friends and thankful to have shared this evening with you.
Review written by: Nemo (fmj1974@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 08:30:30 ET
This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show
Without a doubt, this tour's show was the most vivid I've seen. I'm sure we all would have liked to congregated for 3-4 hours, but the setlist was to the point. I thought that Sober was the perfect opening to show, as it set the tone for spiritual awakening and union. From there, it was a natural progression through 46 & 2, Schism, Parabola, a few other songs, Triad, and finally, the masterpiece of Lateralus. I hope everyone who saw the show was able to let go and experience it for what it was instead of what they wanted it to be. unum sumus, aeterna sumus eximo, et infinitas expertus Nemo
Review written by: SpinCabby (dougp112@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 12:00:32 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Really creative considering Maynard is getting harder to see than Waldo. Yeah, yeah, yeah.. He's an artist that doesn't want to be recognized as the main member of the band. But damn, I'm tired of paying good money to see him hide on his perch. Justin was into the concert, but even Danny seemed distracted except for Triad. What happened? Is Houston cursed now? At the AstroHall, they were incredible. The best band I had ever seen, but each one since then, we all make excuses for Maynard. He needs to pull his head out of his third eye, or sing for APC. I have been reading the reviews from other cities, and man we got screwed. Hey band, please read and learn. Or else, I'll have a burning man episode with your T-shirt.
Review written by: Master Reviewer (ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net) Review posted on: 07/29/02 15:17:18 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The show was completely amazing. As I will repeat over and over, so just get over ppl Yes, I thought we were late. I was getting really edgy. The two chicas I went with had been stuck in traffic all day and seemed a bit stressed out anyway. BrandX was to the point of freaking out. We get to the compaq center and wait for our stuff We get the stuff, in fact the first time I met a new friend, we were swapping stuff. We go get the wristbands and get down to the pit. We completely missed tomahawk but I think it was better for me to miss them. Just not my gig really from what I was hearing but I'm sure they are an incredibly talented band since the guys in tool personally gets to make the decsion on who they want to open for them. Well, we find a pretty cool placing for us at the time in the pit area. I drop one hit of x and not too long rolls by before my crazy ass says, ok, want another one. Down the hatch. I don't know how long this was but not long after I start sweating like a mother fucker I have this mild but beautiful feeling around me. This aura I had on this perfect night I don't think I've ever felt before. The next thing I know I'm in the middle of the pit and I look above as the lights go out and the ring of the eyes from lateralus are on the screens. This is where I start feeling the love around me.Danny's new drum kit made it's presence and got the applause it deserves. Then the eyes start this blur and pulse thing. hehe...needless to say the wig took control of me visually and phsycially for the night. Then sober starts. I will have to admit sober is the one tool song I have never really been into that much, I think it's a great song but it just hasn't ever affected me that much. Sober is when the jam came to life. I'm pretty sure adam was doing this stop thing with his guitar that I've never heard before and it took me in. Sober rocked and we are all screaming and going crazy by now. Then falls this beautiful backdrop with the grudge face(i don't know it by anything else) and the most beautiful lights. The grudge was hitting me for many reasons. I've needed to let go of a lot of things and it was definitely in this moment that I knew I'm going to be dead and never get where I want to be if I keep up the grudges. They are all petty, fucking petty to what I deserve and the people around me deserve. I fucking rocked out. Felt them invade me and make me feel the frustration of what grudges will do. All else I can say about this is "let go" and that is what has been sinking in ever since I heard them play the grudge. Now I'm sweating and don't know if I want to close my eyes and just float away. Look at the visuals. Look at the band. I just don't know anymore. All I do know is everytime I'd get hot I'd put my hands in the air reaching for the beautiful lights in the shape of the 7 pointed star (sacred geometry) they had. It was so beautiful. The colors were AMAZING. Beautiful. Ok, now stinkfist comes on and this song is just so awesome to jam too. For some reason I kept getting lost in the lights and rhythm and video to stinkfist this time around. I believe this is when I started to lift my arms up and look up. My eyes dropped and it felt like I was about to spiral. There was many times through the night that I did this and quite a few I felt like my soul was ascending(but we'll get to that .Anyway, stinkfist was just a rock fest and I swear adam was doing something that rocked my ass on the guitar. I just can't seem to remember what that was unfortunately. Ok, 46 & 2 comes on and this is one of the best live songs tool ever does. It's my 3rd time hearing this one live and wow. It keeps getting stronger and stronger. My tool soulmate ;) could have never got into tool at a better time with this song. I knew she was going on a journey with these guys when it came on. I did have to look around at the crowd at parts of this one just to see how the crowd was feeling. I never looked into the seats though but my guess at the compaq center the sound might have been pretty blah. But who knows. The pit seemed to be feeling it and I felt this evolution or something happen. This crowd I am pretty sure and I know for sure the ppl I was with had completely opened themselves up to the guys. Everyone was vulnerable at this time for sure. I started to get rather visual but feeling the rhythm take control at this point. I was there. So fucking there. 46 & 2 rocked everyone. I went somewhere with the visuals on this one and I was dancing this whole show(unless I was in a trance or my eyes were in the back of my head hehe) so who knows. Ok, Schism, wow. I've never been into this song as much until I heard them play this at the compaq center. This one is where it started nailing me psychologically and emotionally. And I was already in tune with the guys when sober started Schism rocked my ass off. The visuals I didn't get to see too much of on this one because I went somewhere in my head when(I hope I wasn't just tripping) he did use the "supposed brothers" line instead of "supposed lovers". I hope but if I was wrong, it was meant for me to hear brother. I had thought this song meant I was in the right place at the right time and I just needed to fight for it but it wasn't that at all. I should have held on closer to my best friend and brother at this time. This realization started when the grudge was on and all that went through my mind was all the thoughts of the betrayal between the both of us. I should have listened closer when I first heard lateralus. But no negativity hear. No more grudges. What's in the past is in the past. And I have "let go" in this situation. My love is there and always will be there. Forgiveness is really a knew thing to me because I have problems letting go for sure. That is one big thing that the energy and love tool showed me on this magnicifcent night. I was so happy when this finally absorbed into me. Parabol(OMG), now this is when the beauty and love started to break through my soul. This song is so beautiful. The lyrics especially. As soon as he said "we barely remember what came before this precious moment, choosing to be here" I almost lost it. I don't know if I just wanted to do this or was having visuals that I was doing it, but I could have swore I had my arms around my tool sistas. I hope it was them anyway if that did happen.Now it's starting to just travel into visions,the visuals,the energy,the love, and the music(ahhhh....the music). Man, Parabola fucking jammed and set this positive energy inside me that I can never forget. I don't remember when "the crouching experience" was needed for me to calm the fuck down for a bit(of course, it felt that way but from what everyone was saying I'm not sure that I calmed down anytime during this show and well into the morning ). But thanks to the pixie gal(as I think my friend called her) and her bf, that was a trip but that one hit worked well with two hits of x in me So whenever this happened, it rocked. Like I said, hazy except for being there now. I got lost within this beautiful crowd and the beautiful ppl/souls I was with. Anyway,Parabola was the positive soul penetrating energy I needed lately. Everything sounded so clear,so perfect. I am pretty sure I got to see maynard rock out for a bit and the rest of the band but mostly I was just jamming until I noticed that the video was on. So when it slowed down into the beautiful alex grey cg on the screens I had to just watch in amazement. He is an amazing artist. It was so beautiful seeing this male figure transcend. Then the spiral of eyes and the colors. Man, amazing. Beautiful. That is the three words that sum up this experience....love,beauty,and healing. Anyway, Parabola sounded clean and it penetrated me. Seems to still be a crowd fav too off of lateralus.Eon blue, man, Eon blue apocalypse. It's just too short. This song is so amazing live and I don't know why yet. I think it has some symbolic meaning to me that I still have not caught on too. That always happens with tool. 5 years down the road I'm like damn, wow, amazing. But it always hits my heart and it was done beautifully. I was staring at adam jones during this one as much as I could keep focus. Then I hear the opening chords to the patient. OMG. I freak out and tell my tool soul mate..hehe, this is it man, this is it. OMG, this was the highlight. Emotionally and psychologically. Maynard sounded surreal and the band was so together. This song hits me fucking hard. I know the reason but will post that seperately I think some other time. All I know is that I should've have "certainly walked away by now". I knew this song was speaking to me ever since I got lateralus but never listened. My faith is with these guys now and that is it. I don't know how they do it but they fucking do it. There was some tears shed and on x I must say, it was diffrent. It was definitely only a few tears and I dropped my head because I'm not sure if that many ppl was into this one as much as I was but it hit home. Then I noticed on the peak of the song maynard wasn't singing anymore. I got freaked out for about a split second(Yes, Maynard is a god) but then I heard adam,justin,and danny in this perfect harmony with their instruments. I personally think the volume went up but it could have been the wig. It fucking started to sound like a symphony. There was no more tears. It was healing time and it came over me like a cool breeze in the heat. Shook me. Convulsed me. This is my ascension during this show, this was MY time. I lost it. I knew right then I was going to be ok and knew where I am exactly where I should be in my life. Plus realizing what I was talking about below, realizing that I had many grudges left, all of it. Knew I had made a mistake when I should have KNOWN to walk away from negativity but it was ok, because I knew how to let go of it all in this moment. This fucking moment. This show. This was it. The beauty of the lights and the 7 pointed star. The video with the frustration shown with the convulsing of the body. Everything. The red lights with the sparkly stuff or whatever the hell was like this finalization of the pain and **** that I've been through my WHOLE life.Loss of friends,me fucking things up,relationships that turned to shit because me or them,two soul mates that I should have walked away from a long time ago. I hear my tool soul mate on her LJ post, I will never EVER be in a relationship with anyone that can not feel these guys like I do. I used to joke about that and then it was like, it's a band, its ok. I need these ppl in my life, especially this new crowd and the new friends I've made this summer. I needed this. My god, I'm starting to tear up again. But these are healthy and happy tears from being touched by these ppl and tool. I'm so happy I got to have this experience with you all, it was perfect. Ok, now the intermission came on. This is so everyone can breath and wipe tears or **** or do whatever it is you need to do in this "precious moment". Wow...incredible. Then I hear what I thougt(someone correct me if I'm wrong) negative ions. I was fucked so I might have just been hearing it but I think it was negative ions. These bursts of electricity(i know it was lights but it looked like energy,electricity,ions) came on and omg, it was beautiful. If anyone knows the story behind negative ions, you know tool was doing the right thing. It was perfect. The lights, so beautiful. Penetrating my being. Sending me to where I needed to be. Took me apart piece by piece,every day of my life, and they showed me how to put it all back together, how I am supposed to be. A tool experience is a guide and they are the only one's that have EVER been able to do this to me. Then disposition came on...wow...incredible but I will say my heart sunk when they didn't play reflection, they only played a few sounds from it. My fav song of lateralus but I still wouldn't have changed it. I heard it last year and I needed it last year(just should have been with positive energy). And I know this band has got to be so fucking tired. They have pretty much been playing non-stop since july 11th and a lot of traveling. Props to these guys for that. Then triad. HAHAHAHA...now that was a fucking jam. Two fellows from tomahawk came out and Danny(OMG, I must agree with BrandX the whole show was the drummers show last night but on triad, I never knew where I was). The visuals were pretty freaky(the wig) but man, I just felt this tribal love, this meditative state, and this rhythm come to me. Now I definitely know why maynard dances like he does. When the peak of triad came I felt this chill, this rhythm. I had to close my eyes for some of this I got so lost. I felt spirals of energy come through my being and bended me into this state. A state I am still trying to figure out. That was completely surreal. Compeltely positive and beautiful. That song is so heavy, such a jam, but it does something to me that I hope I can explain one day. Wow....Triad was unbelievable. Then Lateralus....WOW. OMG. I love this song from day one just for the lyrics,the groove, the ministry in this song. But then the lights, WTF, I was blown away. Then more art fell that was alex greys artwork. I would attempt to explain these figures but I really don't want to fuck that up. All I know is that his art is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Seeing Alex Grey's artwork alongside Adam Jones' artwork was amazing. Completely gorgeous at this point of the show.The screens, the lights, the sacred geometry, the ppl,the energy,the band,the love. MY GOD, I will never be able to explain all of this for years and years to come. I will be writing about it a lot though.Lateralus is when I knew I was in the right place and I was touched, I felt better about the bullshit that has gone on in my life. The abuse, the sadness,the anger,the fuckups,the pain,the rejection, the stress, the deaths, the suicide, all of the misery that accompanies you in this life, it's all an illusion and you need to live your life. I am going to live my life. I feel so much better than I ever have in my life. Man, I want to write so much more but I know you ppl are sick of this but I know a few of you interested Then Diana showed me what was coming down on the stage. The 7 pointed star that tool is so into now, the sacred geometry and the lights. Wow...Beautiful. I was in a trance. I transcended. My soul had left and was falling back into me completely healed. I knew it was the last song so I was pretty sad because I know Maynard does not jerk off his fans with encores and such. I will continue to follow in the path of these guys holding on to the faith of your music and art. Beautiful. Thanks to tool and all the wonderful beautiful souls there again This crowd had two years olds till at least 50 year olds. Every race and every type of person. It was a beautiful thing to see. Beautiful. My heart and soul has been to the otherside and back. I've seen things that I thought I'd never see in myself and have lost the grudges I held on too that was always ripping me apart on the insides. I will be finding more ppl that felt this as I already have This is just the beginning. This is where my life has officially started. My good friend found my number and called me sunday. This is the guy that introduced me to tool and he called asking what I thought. hehe....he knows I've completely changed. His first remark to me was "man, you've grown up" and I definitely think he has too. He was bitching about lateralus when it first came out and got to see them in La the 15th. hehe...he probably doesn't even think I remember him not liking lateralus and I was like ummm....ok. I didn't know what to say when that happened. Wow..incredible. Hearing from him was a sweet ending too. BrandX, I'll bring you pics of him and the rest of the gang, including me with fuscia(turned out a bit more pink ) hair. hahaha....god, I was so young then. Came a long way and tool has been here all along. Hanging out at the buses,communicating with other tool fans, and seeing us freaking out was awesome. HAHAHA...so much fun. One of my favorite parts of the night. The group hug is what I needed after that show and Tony ROCKS(my tool soul mate was looking out for her sis with this guys although he was a sweetheart but better to be safe than sorry because it was a wild night but *cough cough* I will say the x,the energy, and the beautiful tribal rhythms that Danny Carey made that night put me into heat for a while there. Then the good reverend saying that line about sex, wow. Interesting night none the less I know for sure the afterparties was awesome but I was out of my mind then and tool was still in my mind,heart and soul. I know I shouldn't have done that bump in between 4-5 am thats probably while I'm still in pain. Three hits of x should be enough for someone right? hahaha...not I but I was having a wonderful time. I'm still alive and that is the last INSANE partying I'm doing. Going home unfortunately but I know I need to do this for a while. I'll have to figure out have to word some of the things that happened that night, I still can not comprehend them enough to put them into words.It was beautiful driving while the sun is creeping up on us listening to jazz. What a way to end this beautiful night. Awesome. Awesome fucking show. Thank you all again for being there and sharing it with me.
Review written by: AtaxicAngel (ataxicangel@sbcglobal.net) Review posted on: 07/29/02 15:51:03 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
P.S. I was going to put my AIM id in here as well but for got so here it is : SpookyMaynard
Review written by: brett (shredgod101@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 18:29:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
OK, this was the most amazing visual and audio spectical of my life. the last show I saw had no where near this much energy, Maynard was well painted in black light reflective paint. Man, Sober was the greatist show opener I had ever seen. and Lateralus was just jaw dropping. Great job TOOL
Review written by: Josh Delong (josh_delong123@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 21:43:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This was my first Tool show and there are no words that can describe what I saw. It was more of a religious experience than "just a concert", as some would say. I have consumed various mind-altering drugs in years past, and this totally blew all of them away. I was sober and I have never felt the way I did. This was the greatest display of artwork I have ever seen. My friend Caleb, who is also a devoted Tool fan, drove 450 miles to experience this with me. I only have two negative things to say about the show: 1. I'm disappointed with all the complaints about not hearing a certain song, you are not in the band and have no say in what is played. I would have liked to hear some material off of the previous albums also, but it doesn't matter because every song performed was of epic proportion. 2. I did feel that it could have gone on longer and didn't want to leave when it was over. I guess we can credit that to the third-world nation we know of as Houston. I'm so greatful to experience this and will never forget it. I can't wait to see the guys again. My best of wishes to the band and all the true Tool fans. Until next time, JDP
Review written by: edgar (hamburgler2012@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 23:28:03 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I got just in time for tomahawk i thought they were fantastic, some people around me were saying some very mean and obscene things about them. I enjoyed them very much. I had horrible seats 2nd from last row on the left of the stage i only got to see adam and justin. The visuals to me were better than the last time. hold on a second im being told they cut out 2 songs? well jesus friggin christ. oh well i had fun screaming like a girl.
Review written by: leah (dustbunny713@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 23:57:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
well i know no one will probably read this because it's all the way at the frikkin bottom but that's ok. anyways i just wanted to say that i loved tomahawk even though i heard a lot of booing and get off the fuckin stage. i want to kick those people in the balls. anyhoo, everyone is talking about how it was cut short and how maynard was having trouble and blah blah blah but that's been said about 50 zillion times so all i want to say is that i hate the fucking compaq center, it may be big but with all the speakers and screens and shit in the way i could only see adam and justin. pissed me off. sure i could have moved but i'd rather not have had the ticket guy tellin me to sit down or other people tellin me to get out of their seats and all that shit. i'd rather see the band than the visuals. even though they were great. i just hope they'll play at the woodlands from now on cuz i love the lawn and i love how its outside where you can see the sky. next time im not gonna wait so long to get my ticket...the show was short and that's ok. but i wanna hear more from the other albums, not just lateralus. you guys know what i'm talking about, it's been said many times too. and i just wanna end this by sayin that there were way too many hoochies at this concert. and it was funny seeing all the people with pot getting busted by the ticket guy. ~leah
Review written by: bobo (hamburgler2012@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/29/02 23:59:57 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
tool good tomahawk great! want to see more tomahawk maybe tomahawk and tool with melvins in future tour thought kevin would be tired. Sat next to some jerk named lea? i loved them all horrible seats hated the mean people who smoked and blew smoke in my direction wish they played longer and the entire opiate ep that is pure gold. terrified of the kids with dreadlocks laughed at the girls with too much makeup and short skirts. and the kids with clash shirts on. tried to see the bands afterwards but couldnt get to the buses some guard almost let a kid slip by then another one said "SAMMY BEHIND YOU" and they turned the kid around and sent him on his way. tomahawk....was amazing want to see them again yeah didnt see any falshing hear there was though wahtever oh visuals fantastics once again ima eat your cables.
Review written by: Ripped off (no@no.com) Review posted on: 07/30/02 12:00:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This may have been Tool's worst performance of the tour. I did not pay 50 bucks to hear them cut the set 2 songs, or 20 minutes short. Maynard, if you are sick then postpone the fuckin' show and don't make us suffer you 5'5" short and bald little bastard. I don't care what anyone says in upcoming reviews about me or the show. This show sucked. Tool is the best but they sure let me down on this night.
Review written by: Scott (Sharky3@webtv.net) Review posted on: 07/30/02 15:09:09 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Tool is absolutely, no doubt the greatest band on earth. Way far ahead of their time! This was my first big concert ever, so now it will be hard to go to anyone else's concert because it just won't measure up. Yea, the setlist was a little bit shorter than previous shows, but that's understandable considering their were obvious technical of health problems. Maynard was acting like something was either wrong with his sound, his voice, or his health. He didn't sing the whole last part of The Patient (which is like the best part), but the rest of the band did a damn good job playing it off and finishing off the song. I wonder if they had to count instead of just going by feel without the vocals.....? Huh, whatever. They did it perfect because I was singing with it and everything still went perfect even without Maynard. But still, even with vocal problems I still think Maynard sang like a mothafawker. I sing in a band right now, and I will never sing half as good as he sang even if he was at his worst. Another weird thing........Disposition with no reflection???? Oh well, It was badass how Dispostion went right into Triad with members of Tomahawk helping out. And by the way......Tomahawk rules! I don't care what anyone says......they kicked ass! I couldn't understand much of what Mike Patton was saying, but it fit the music so who cares. A big screw you to the guy who yelled "You fucking suck" to them after a song. He probably got his ass kicked later...But anyways, good night, good show, good crowd for the most part, and good Tool. Always good tool. Short set, but they made the most of the songs they did play. Quote of the night...."We hope we've inspired you to go home and have sex. You can start now if you like."- Maynard
Review written by: amber (maynardsgirl000@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/31/02 02:49:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 2 Tool show
awsome, better than the last one i saw in my opinion, stinkfist was good, and forty-six and two was a nice suprise, beautiful visuals, and they sounded nearley perfect, i would like to thank danny, adam, justin, and maynard for giving me such a awsome experience once again
Review written by: Celeste (funkyblue_@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/31/02 13:32:28 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I can´t describe it....it was amazing..better than last show. We drove all the way from Monterrey, Mexico but it was worth it, just like last time. We had really bad places but as soon as the concert started we switched to better places and it was really good. The setlist was great but I was hoping they played opiate but it was the best experience of my life...I can´t wait to see them again!
Review written by: Tony G. (tony_g05@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/31/02 21:00:01 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I would just like to say if anyone is considering seeing TOOL in the future, I would highly recommend it. Tomahawk was pretty good and I have heard some of Mike Patton's singing from the Tool and Faith No More Song "Calling Doctor Love," so I could somewhat relate to them. Mike Patton was very energetic and Tomahawk is a good opening band for one of the best live shows on Earth. Tool was phenomenal. I really loved the way they changed up Stinkfist, didn't we all? Although I wish they would have played "H." and "Eulogy," but the concert was awesome all through. This was my first big concert that wasn't in Beaumont, so it wasn't any Dog Jam, I'll tell u that. I know how everyone and their mom has posted about Maynard being sick, so I feel no need to complain. In case anyone hasn't seen the setlist, here it is: Loud humming for about 10 minutes -Sober -The Grudge -Stinkfist -Forty Six & 2 -The Patient -Schism -Parabol -Parabola -Triad -Lateralus
Review written by: Blane D (Earthvsme@aol.com) Review posted on: 07/31/02 22:35:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Yeah simple and sweet, Tomahawk is art metal, they were good enough to play for Maynard and crew so appretiate it. Tool of course was great, though i must say that the oct. 29 show at the woodlands was a bit better. Parabol was a bit shorter than usual but who am i to complain... and im pretty sure it was Reflection that led into triad... hmm, kinda like the album. Oh and then Lateralus came on and i shed a tear knowing it was about to all be over.
Review written by: Justin (Jdbert00@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/01/02 04:11:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. I actually saw the show in fort worth but this site said it was too late to post THAT review so I picked another one!!!! The Fort Worth Show kicked ass but it wasn't as cool to me as the first show I saw in New Orleans at the Voodoo Fest. At that show Maynard was in front of a screen that showed the same footage from a big screen above him that was seen for all. I believe that this was so because Tool does NOT want to be a band that shows off the "I'm a rock star, worship me" attitude but a band that wants the true Tool fan to see the WHOLE experience that they can give instead. Seeing them in Fort Worth was not as cool as the Voodoo Experience but it was STILL cool. I believe it was not as cool this time around because I was even closer to the band this time around as the first show. I was not able to see the screens as I was looking at the band members themselves. So in that respect I missed the show as the bigger picture that it was. I still loved the show though because what I love about Tool is that they play what THEY want to and not what the fans want. In my opinion, at the first show I saw, they played ALL of the songs the fans were expecting to hear and none of the songs the fans weren't expecting to hear. This second time around it seems like they did exactly the opposite for the fans who were disappointed my first time around. In my opinion, Tool IS trying to please everyone but that is just impossible for some fans. As a true fan, everything Tool does is nothing short of an inspiration for me and I feel sorry for the other fans who feel otherwise. As I have read other reviews, I am angry to read of those who complained that Maynard didn't sing all of the Patient due to some sickness he might have had. To me, we are lucky that Maynard sang songs to us at all rather than cancelling the concert altogether. Some fans have said they would prefer hjm do that but I wonder how many of them would bitch if Tool actually DID cancel a show due to Maynard's voice. I feel we are all lucky for Tool to do a show for us at all and feel blessed for whatever Tool has to offer to their crowd of believers. Tool could get up on stage and just sleep and snore and I would STILL cheer them on because I love Tool so much!!!! I am 22 years old and love the Beatles but I couldn't separate them and Tool from the number one spot because that is how much Tool has enhanced my life. I used to be a big Metallica fan but after being introduced to Tool from my best friend, I wondered why I liked Metallica in the first place. Tool is one of THE best bands in the world next to only the Beatles because I believe without the Beatles there would be no Tool. Thank you Tool for "embracing" the love that your fans have to offer. I love you deeply and want you to play concerts even when you feel too old and all you can do is sit in wheel- chairs or stay behind the curtain. Thank you Maynard for staying in the back to show that it's all about the experience you get from a Tool concert and not the whole "I'm a rockstar" vibe you get from other bands. I hope you continue to amaze me in future shows.
Review written by: Lindsay (LaurynMaxwell@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/02/02 03:43:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Those divinities in blue makeup, a Laker's uniform, and other random costumes made me cry like they always do. I hope poor Maynard was okay, I don't really care that our show was short, the only way a Tool show wouldn't be too short is if they played every single song they've ever written 10 times over and then 20 new songs no one has ever heard, plus the version of Pushit featuring Aloke. That is when it won't be too short. But since that won't ever happen, I am completely and utterly happy with what we got. The "show" itself, lights, floating balls of singer-smashing balloons, and other eye-candy were wonderful, better than last year, and I could see Maynard, which made it 1000 times better. If you missed this concert, I'm sorry. Just hope they come somewhere close enough to road trip in the fall. The music was great, Mike Patton was funny and neat, Traaid was UNBELIEVABLE. Thanks to Mike and John. Wonderful. If you missed this concert, shame on you, you better catch the next one.
Review written by: jonas (pu5hit420@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/03/02 05:34:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
very short set (no flood and no reflection) NO EULOGY! NO THIRD EYE! NO H.! NO PUSHIT! NOTHING FROM OPIATE CD! majority of songs repeated throughout tour butchered the fuck out of the patient (intro and outro) despite this, hell of a show
Review written by: David Aitken (david@iaqresearch.com) Review posted on: 08/05/02 01:31:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
Well lemme see. First off, don't take any of my bitching as anything serious, keep in mind my complaints are only as in comparison to their other shows, since even the worst tool show I've seen is better than any other band's show I've seen. I saw them in Austin the night before as well, so the show was slightly shoddy in comparison. I dunno what Maynard's deal was, but he seemed a lil... I dunno, whatever that was during The Patient was kinda annoying, I hope it was for a good reason and not because Maynard is a punk, but at the same time it was really nice to be able to solely focus in on the music alone since sometimes music gets shrouded in vocals (nothing against Maynard) The omittion of Reflection reeeallly broke my heart =( But Triad washed the angst away soon enough. I was VERY grateful to hear 46 & 2 that show, but once again, I was hurt by the lack of Aenima. But hey, even if I knew how the show would go, I still wouldn't hesistate to go again. Once again I made it my personal goal to bring as many people to the show as possible. As it stood I rallied about 17 friends to go, and every single one of them were dumbfounded at the show's aura. Austin was better, but what do I know? I'm just a fan. Keep it up guys.