The Tool Page: Tour Reviews

concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

08/21/2002

Review written by: This Is MOC (ThisIsMOC@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 00:27:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first show, and it was amazing. I dont remember the setlist, hopefullty someone else will post that. I do know they opened with stuff off Undertow , and completely skipped Opiate. But that was ok. I firmly believe the new album should have started at track 5, and they played 5 thru 8 continuoully. It was a beauiful thing. The sound was supurb for the room. Nothing quite like 60 Prisim boxes pointed at a concrete wall. But it was by far teh best show ive heard in that room. The lights were allright - honestly I expected a little more knowing the capibilitys of the lighting instruments and the Wholehog board - but im not going to complain. The Disco Ball was inventive when Pink Floyd did it in 1995, and it still kicks fucking ass. Also - having Maynard sing on a riser that rotated, and doubled as a projection screen was brilliant. THe baloons - didnt do much for me, but the unfirling of the banners was cery well executed - it rocked. And the scrims behind the band were magnificant. It is truly amaing what they can do with fabric these days. I think this show will rate in the top 3 of the thousands of concerts I have witnessed, and only 3 because I coulont make heads or tails of Tomahawk - but they did come on stage and play drums and keus for one song. Untill next time.

Review written by: Noman (Noman428@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 00:32:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

THE SET: 1: sober 2: The Grudge 3: Stinkfist 4: 46 & 2 5: Schism 6: Parabol 7: Parabola 8: Aenema (meditation period) 9: Disposition 10: Reflection 11: Triad (Mike & John of Tamahawk sit in) 12: Lateralus WOW!!!!!! I just got home minuets ago. What a show!!!!!!! Opening w/ Sober was a great choice. I was real happy to hear Stinkfist and 46 & 2! Schism great, especialy at the end. Maynard was dressed up like a cop and faceing sideways untill Parabol, when just before the song began he vanished and came back in nothing but a pair of black underware. Since he was faceing sideways we couldn't notice it but when he came back, he turned around and he had a black line painted down the center of his face. One of the highlites of the show (for me at least) was Aenema. The band and the audience and the band went crazy!!!!!! Reflection was moving and powerful. Triad blew me away!!! Maynard played bass (at least I think it was a bass?) and Mike and John from Tamahawk played synth and drums. Maynard then said something about taking the feeling we have now and in the future use it for something positive, and getting naked and having sex. They closed with Lateralus, Excellent ending!!!!!!! I had a blast from begining to end. I WILL DEFINATLY SEE THEM AGAIN!!!!!!!!! So untill next tour.....

Review written by: Dr Jim (drjim138@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 00:41:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I went to the Tool show in syracuse on the 21st . It was my first show and I had a blast the whole night despite having seats 300 miles away from the stage. I thought Tomahawk was pretty cool but judging by the response they got, I was the only one. Funny moment, Mike Patton knows that nobody is diggin his band so before they play their last song he goes "If you dont start cheering, were gonna play FIVE more songs!" The place then erupted in cheers. Tool hit the stage and their setlist went as follows: 1.Sober 2. The Grudge (My vote for best song of the night) 3. Stinkfist 4. 46 & 2 5. Schism 6. Parabol/a (played the video on the screens, had floating balls on stage like in the video, nice touch) 7. Aenema 8. Intermission type deal where they just blasted the whole place with this pounding bass, when you talked it sounded like talking into a fan. 9. Disposition 10. Reflection 11. Triad 12. Lateralus I wasnt too much into the disposition/reflection/triad bit but thats just because those songs dont really do much for me. They performed them excellently and members of Tomahawk joined them on stage during Reflection which was pretty cool. All in all Id say its one of the better concerts Ive been to in a while and id gladly go again

Review written by: Brenden (brendencolling@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:00:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The setlist as I remember it: End of Merkaba (I think) Sober The Grudge Stinkfist 46&2 Schism Parabol Parabola AENIMA (believe it) --(intermission)-- Disposition Reflection (nifty drum solo into) Triad Laterualus Tomahawk was pretty bad, I thought. The vocals weren't coming through at all and the guitars were too loud. Most of the people around me and myself thought they played too long. Not to mention the guys stupid little comedy act involved telling the crowd adam jones hated all of us. Once Tool got on things were awesome. The crowd was great, apart from the floor having actual seats... Bad setup I thought. Aenima was an excellent surprise and in my opinion worth the tradeoff of The Patient and (-) Ions and Opiate. Visuals were great, overall just a fantastic event. They didn't say much until a little speech at the end about doing something positive with the feelings you get at the concert, and he told us to have sex on the way home. He picked up a guitar for disposition/reflection/triad as he has been doing. The Grudge was the highlight for me. It was the best song of the night and played pretty much flawlessly. Great concert overall and a great experience. I'll be living in the glory of this night for a while I think.

Review written by: Dunk (cheko@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:29:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Man it was the crazyest show ever i cant remember the set list prolly cuz i smoked too much crack but it was the best tool show i have seen so far

Review written by: SgtBaker420 (SgtBaker420@stny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:30:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Wow...what a great show. Tomahawk was nothing like like what I would've have expected having read past reviews this tour and having seen Fantomas last tour. I think they were great. The crowd at the oncenter seemed to cheer them on...and I think it pissed Mike off. After not hearing any boo's from the crowd he started to rag on us a bit. Played a tight set and didn't get help from Danny tonight...Mike said that it was because Danny's "a pussy" and that he hated everyone in the Syracuse crowd. I though it was funny as hell. Tool....wow. I had a much better time seeing them tonight than my first show (had to baby-sit on the floor) being in the upper concourse with a fantastic view. I was way to into it to remember a set list, but it looked familiar. Sober was fantastic. Every song was tight, but I thought that the over amped the guitar a tad. My high-light was Triad...they played thier ass off. I also enjoyed the ending of 46&2. Damn Danny's good. I thought the crowd was great. I can presume so did the band...Maynard seemed like he was having a blast. And congratulated the members of Tomahawk that played with them during Triad for opening the "first ever Amway Store"...in case anyone needed soap on a rope. Well, I've got a craving for some "Chinese Food". Tool is amazing...I left speechless...GO SEE TOOL LIVE! Peace.

Review written by: freethinker (billyd1@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:36:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

tool was at their usual brilliance, not as good as my first show which was 4 days after 9/11 but nothing ever will be. i believe i am the only person, to my limited knowledge, that noticed the seven pointed light emitting apparatus hanging above the stage to match the obvious one in the stage backdrop. the crowd was really into it except for those few exceptional, musically and spiritually challenged fools that thought tool sucked, to those i bid good luck in the next 'life'.

Review written by: Peter Bermel (Demigod@twcny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:39:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The All-Important Setlist will not be posted by me due to the likelihood of it being inaccurate as a result of my current state of euphoric bliss. It;s 11:51. The show has been over for about an hour. I'm still in the zone, in the state of mind. Tool has put me and thousands others who came to this show through a beautiful and breathtaking experience. Let me tell you about it... I bought two tickets to this show the day they were released, June 15th. My whole summer lead up to this day, August 21st. I took my friend, Josh. His stepfather picked me up from my house at around 5:45. We picked up Josh, then got Josh and I were dropped off on the corner of the museum next to the five statues, where we were instructed to go after the show was finished.. He and I walked up to the line and talked about how fucking amazing the show was going to be.. Seven minutes later we were let in. We were checked for drugs, bombs, guns etc... then OK'ed. we bought two $30 dollar tour T-shirts. Expensive? Yes. Once in a life-time opportunity well worth the money? Yes. We got ushered to our seats. We scoped out the freaks and ghouls (to quote Billy Corgan.) I was not at all surprised to see a diverse crowd. 40 year olds, blondes with implants, black guys, little brothers...the list goes on and on. (May beautiful women there as well...:) Anywho..eventually Tomahawk came on. They were intense and innovative. With that said, they sucked as well. They showed some promise at first but lagged later in their 45 minute set. Mike Patton was humorous enough/ Most notable was his comment on a couple in the front who were "going nowhere" (the female half of which I met after the show was over.) He flipped off the crowd constantly (in between songs, that is,) and you could just tell that he could care a less what the crowd thought, that he was enjoying himself. It seemed to me that compared to what other reviewers have said about past crowds' reactions to Tomahawk, the Syracuse crowd was decent enough. More of them "got it" I guess. Tomahawk finished. The lights came on and the stage crew immediately got to work setting things up. I simply could not resist muttering "Motherfuck!" when they unveiled Danny's drumkit. Eventually the lights came dimmed and a blue glow shined through to the stage. Tool. Fuck. This show was about three things: Music, Visuals, and Perception. Musically they were T.I.G.H.T. It was as if one person was playing everything, it was flawless. The visulas were breathtaking. Everything about them...the black and white torture scenes during Sober...the somewhat surprisng curtain fall at the beginning of The Grudge...the electric current in the air, the floating balls during Parabola...everything else that I can't remember at the moment, it was all stimulating and made for an unforgettable experience. The crowd was great. How you perceived the music and the stage/screen art was what made it your own. This show was my first Tool experience. I have a renewed sense of appreciation and adoration for this band's artistic vision. This is something that I'll remember until the day I pass away in a senior citizen's home by choking on a hot dog Please, by any means necessary, see Tool live. Some interesting facts: Stinkfist was extended Schism was extended with some trippy arpeggios from Maynard. Dispostition/Reflection/Triad was extended.with an awesome drum solo and a lengthy guitar outro to Reflection. Maynard played guitar/bass in at least half of the songs, which leads me to believe that either they need him to play the secondary guitar parts or he'll contribute more on the six string mofo/four string badass on the next record. Maynard addressed the crowd before they played Lateralus with congratulations to the drummer from Tomahawk on something about a retail store (I can't remeber it but it was funny.) He then asked us all to "Take this feeling home that you have now, and in the coming days, weeks, months and years do something positive with it." The band threw out picks, drum sticks, water bottles, etc... to the crowd and then joined in a group hug. The crowd went wild as the band members took in all the praise and love from their fans and waved goodbye. A perfect 10.

Review written by: brianascott (brianascott@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:39:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

hey all cuse show was awsome great to start with sober the jam you guys did juct before the end was great!!! I just want to tell all tool fans and the band that I put a tattoo of the guy fromthe baxs set on my stomec see you all in buffalo on friday on the floor a fan from rochester brian a scott

Review written by: shawn (longview@twcny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:56:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first Tool show, and hopefully not my last. I was prepared for an amazing show, but not for that. To start it off tomahawk was the worst band I have ever heard. Honestly, I had my ears plugged for more than half of their set. Nothing relieved me and my eardrums more to see them walk off the stage. After waiting for what seemed forever, all of the lights went off, and my body went numb. As chills ran down my spine, I stood there in the most suspense I have ever felt. I don't remember the setlist exactly, but The Grudge, Ænima, Sober, Stinkfist and Parabol/Parabola were the most amazing songs of the night. The music, the art, everything. Thank you, Tool, for such inspiration. ps. i wanted to cry during the scream in the grudge ;)

Review written by: Joe (joe@enormity.net) Review posted on: 08/22/02 01:59:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Never being to a tool concert....and having one this close to home i had to go. To me there is nothing more sootheing that Maynards voice...tomahawk...they are a joke to me...they shouldnt have the right to share the same stage with adam, maynard, danny and justin...i love tool to no end...i have no voice right now because i just got out of the show...it was worth it. i doubt i will ever see a better show from any other band after seeing a tool show. After reading other peoples reviews like the new haven one im glad my croud was enthusiastic...maynard started in a cop outfit then went down to the speedo thing he does....he and the band faced us the whole time, and it was just amazing. i was right dead center with the stage about 20-30 rows back on the floor...and i had a midget on a seat behind me...hah...wow...anyways here is what i remember them playing...its probably wrong but...what can you do..im going nuts right now. sober- the grudge- stinkfist- forty six & 2- (-) ions- parabol- parabola- cesaro summability- Ænima- dispositon-reflection-triad (all fucking together...just like on the cd...:::Creams::::) Lateralus- (im pretty sure thats the set...but the experience was to crazy for me to notice) tool is the most amazing band that there ever was...everyone that saw the show or has seen a show of theirs knows there is no other show in the world that will ever come even remotely close to theirs... MAYNARD IS amazing plain and simple...anyone that can disagree and not second guess those negative thoughts of maynard should die.... i look forward to seeing them all live again...hopefully without tomahawk... i will never look at a concert the same way again... all bands should strive to be like tool...thats all

Review written by: dean (dean11@ziplip.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 02:22:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

same setlist as the rest of the shows, with 46&2 and Ænema in there (they have been switching between 46&2/H. and Ænema/Opiate recently). i dont remember hearing The Patient, which disappointed me. i understand that mike patton is trying to act annoying and get the crowd angry at him, but his jokes are pretty lame and that "i'm a jerk" act isnt very interesting or comical. i just sat there waiting for their set to end. security was surprisingly tight and strict; even though it was annoying, i was glad that it kept the dumbass metalheads from moshing, since i was in the middle of the floor and had a great view. Tool's performance was indescribable. the highlights were, for me, Reflection, Parabol(a), Stinkfist, and Ænema. Lateralus was a great closing song as well, yet i am still bitter that i didnt get to hear H. The visuals were amazing as well, but i was disappointed to learn that the (-) ions electric bolts were just wires that lit up (i had the impression that they were going to be actual bolts of electricity zapping around above us, from reading past reviews). The floating 3D flower of life ball-things were very cool, as well as the multiple screens and backdrops.

Review written by: delusional (apaquette@stny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 02:40:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. Someone can probably correct me here but I have a basic setlist. I didn't write it down so here it goes. Sober Grudge Stinkfist 46+2 schism aenima ions- parabol parabola mega-bass break disposition reflection triad lateralus I have seen a good number of shows but this tops them all. I thought they sounded amazing. The whole production is just mind blowing, the audio quality is sonically unbelievable. I had really nice seats in the first section of seats on the left side of the stage. Great view of everybody, except maynard was out of sight behind the front speakers occassionaly. I was still close enough to see his tattoos and all of them work their magick. Perfect spot, even could see Danny's facial expressions through his cymbals. Maynard seemed into every vocal. Besides the regular comment about how he wants us to take the feeling with you and doing something positive he joked that we should also get naked and have sex on our way out? Also joked about Mike and John's Amway store that sells soap and chinese food after they left after performing triad with the band. Oh yeah I haven't mentioned Tomahawk. Of course there were people who can not grasp the brilliance of Mike and the bands work but I enjoyed them. I've heard most of the album and am surprised the audience has to be so rude, but Patton fed off of it and taunted the audience it was hilarious. Back to Tool, Aenima rocked Justin and Maynard were really getting into at the end. The intermission which I call MegaBass Break was incredible. I've never felt anything like that. After the bass soothed everyone's soul they came in with disposition(maynard with guitar or bass, it has a funny square looking head and the neck looks long I haven't heard the final word on what it is yet) It is great to see him jamming along with everyone adding to the sonic landscape. NO PATIENT tonight, I wanted to see the confetti too. No complaining here though. Good crowd response throughout the show and at the end a very good vibe went through the arena. The visuals were better than last year, I didn't watch them too much as I was keeping a close eye on the band. My girlfriend I went with said she was having revelations throughout the show. I think I was too. Thank you guys for showing me that we are capable of all thats conceivable.

Review written by: Jared Rogers (sepquitus@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 02:54:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Wow, first time but definitely not the last! Most amazing concert I?ve every seen. They played all the best songs, IMO, and had an amazing combination of lights, video, set and musical genius all wrapped in one. I got 2 speeding tickets on the way (true story) just to get there on time and it was SO worth it. Now I just have to find a way to explain this to my parents. Only down side was that there was no encore. I just want to thank Tool for a spectacular show and the sound guys for the INCREDIBLE bass speakers they had. Pretty sure it stopped my heart a few times and my bones cracked a little.Wow, first time but definitely not the last! Most amazing concert I?ve every seen. They played all the best songs, IMO, and had an amazing combination of lights, video, set and musical genius all wrapped in one. I got 2 speeding tickets on the way (true story) just to get there on time and it was SO worth it. Now I just have to find a way to explain this to my parents. Only down side was that there was no encore. I just want to thank Tool for a spectacular show and the sound guys for the INCREDIBLE bass speakers they had. Pretty sure it stopped my heart a few times and my bones cracked a little.

Review written by: Josh Kruk (ThaRooster88@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 02:55:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Set list: Sober The Grudge Stinkfist 46&2 Schism Parabol Parabola Aenima -Intermission- Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralis Not much of a surprise set list here..kinda wish they threw a curveball like Opiate, Eulogy or 3rd Eye....there were tons of real tool fans there, not the "fake radio" ones Ive been readin about in other reviews...Im actually from Buffalo so I made the 2 hour drive to Syracuse to see these guys (I bought tickets before they even announced a Buffalo show.) It was worth it all. Most amazing concert experience Ive ever had...I remember seeing Rage Against The Machine at Woodstock thinking nothing was gunna top it, but Tool did. Great visuals, great group chemistry. Best live band around

Review written by: Clay Stablein (radoncphys2@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 07:39:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my wife and my first Tool show. It will be my wife's 1st and last. She said that it was like being in Hell for two hours. The type of music combined with the sick videos made her feel as if she was in Hell. I tried to explain to her that its all about the pain, but she wasn't buying it. She did offer that the band was "very tight". I on the other hand couldn't have been more pleased! We were even treated to 46&2! That was a surprise (at least from previous setlist expectations). I was deeply impressed with the whole show (sans the videos which I didn't pay attention to). You could just tell that the band wanted every cord to come out just right. They obviously don't play around with their music much in the studio, cause every song sounded like live studio quality. After seeing so many modern rock acts that couldn't hold their own live, I was rewarded finally. My faith in modern musicianship has been restored! I liked how Maynard did not come up front stage. He became more surreal in the background. He dressed in a tight black outfit for part of the show and then came out in only a black speedo. He reminded me of the naked neuts in their videos. The pain and struggle of being a human on this giant blue ball of watery dirt really came through. He didn't say much and they all just played their hearts out. The crowd was great and most people stood the whole time and really showed their appreciation. He came back to earth, though, for me when he mentioned that "John and Mike" (who guest appeared on Triad) opened the first commercial/retail "Amway" business! That let the air out a little too much, but I guess he wanted to recognize their accomplishment, so cool enough! I can't wait for the next show!

Review written by: Artie (brpng@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 08:51:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I know the idea is to take the positive energy we feel during the show and apply it to our everyday lives in order to try and make the world around us a more positive place, but I have some very negative words towards Syracuse : Fuck your OnCenter, Fuck it's seats on the floor, Fuck it's Nazi security, and Fuck their Facist crowd control techniques I was actually surprised that their were actually seats on the floor when I arrived. For a moment I thought I might enjoy it, as I would be able to avoid the drunk frat boys, who can't name 5 Tool songs and only come to mosh. But I soon found out that I would've rather spent the entire show in one said mosh pit, and get continuously kicked in the head by inconsiderate crowd surfers, than deal with the security that the OnCenter had deployed. These A-holes repeatedly checked everyones ticket, wouldn't let anyone stand in the isles, and shined their flashlight in your face until you stepped down from your chair. I tried not to let them bother me and enjoy the music, but it was almost impossible. They definitely made the entire experience alot less enjoyable than it should have been. I was afraid to move for fear that I would instantly have a huge spotlight shined on me and I would be thrown up against the wall and anally probed. These pieces of shit, and I kid you not, actually went through the entire crowd on the floor during the show and checked everyones ticket. Totally ruined Stinkfist for me. Hey Hitler youth : You know you're gonna have another accident? You know I'm involved with black magic? Fuck you. Die. Bastard. You think you're so cool, hm? Asshole. I have a suggestion for everyone on the floor, including myself, who obeyed these pieces of shit like sheep : Think for yourself... Question Authority Their antics definitley had a signifcant negative impact on the energy of the floor, which in return affected the rest of the crowd. Tool's performance itself was amazing as usual. I loved the new set and visuals. Totally different than last year. I only wished I was seeing them in Buffalo instead. I'm sure the crown and facilities their will make for a more enjoyable atmosphere. A suggestion for Tool, never play that shithole called Syracuse again. Come a little farther west to a little less shitty of a city, Rochester. Our war memorial is a lot better place to see a concert. Till the next time I have the privledge of witnessing Tool, Spiral out.....

Review written by: Jesse (jlbertram@lycos.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 09:09:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Setlist - Sorry for the potental incorrect order... Sober Grudge Stinkfist Forty-Six & 2 Schism Aenema Parabol Parabola Eon Blue Apocalypse Triad ( mixed with Disposition? w/ drummer from Toma ) Lateralus Saw Tool for the first time last fall in Albany and was blown away by the feel/sound/visuals/entire environment......hard to believe that this show could out-do that one. There's nothing more to say that hasn't been said on here before....Tool produces an AMAZING atmosphere that must be experienced to understand. The 190min. drive to Syracuse was worth the drive, and I recommend to drive as far as you have to to catch their show at least once...you will not be dissappointed. Maynard and the band seemed to enjoy the crowd, and they received a HUGE standing ovation when the closed....Thanks to Tool and their crew.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (khgvjhgjhv) Review posted on: 08/22/02 09:28:05 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: Jeff (Jeff.mcewen@sdms.usa.xerox.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 10:03:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I would like to start out by saying that I'm not much of a reviewer. First off, Tomohawk was alright. We missed there first half because of the beer lines. We wnated to get our fill before they shut them down at 9:30. Mike Patton was talking alot of bull to the crowd and Adam Jones came out and tackled him. The crowd erupted. Tool was excellent. They played a good mix of old and new songs. I wish they would have played just one more song off undertow. Oh well, the show was amazing anyway. After the intermission my buddies girlfreind horked all over him. It was hillarious. The band was real tight. The visuals were intense and Maynerds vocals were flawless. It looked like he had a mohawk that continued down his face, and the Amway comment about mike patten and his drummer was pretty damn funny. All in all, a great night. I brought my wife and a buddy of mine who have never seen tool live, and they loved it. I'm not publishing a setlist. I'll let someone else handle that. CYA in Buffalo Friday!!!

Review written by: Josh W (DemonBlade87@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 10:17:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was my first Tool concert, and it was awesome!! Tomahawk was kinda funny, but not really that good. Tool ruled when they went up. The visuals were awesome, the instrumentals were awesome, and Maynard's vocals were even more awesome(obviously). I'm definetly going to the next Tool concert(but maybe not on time if Tomahawk is with them again)...

Review written by: Matt (iluvtotravel@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 11:14:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Sober The Grudge - Ions Stinkfist (extended) 46&2 Schism Parabol Parabola Aenima Intermission Disposition Reflection Triad (with Tomahawk) Lateralus ************************************************* Just before the show last night my friends and I were walking around the concert hall when we saw Adam Jones outside smoking. The first time we saw him he was in the back of the building (the non State Street side.) We did not want to bother him, (and we were afraid of security), so we continued on our way. We took another lap around the building and noticed that he was gone. As we got back to the front of the building I spotted him leaving the building with the stage crew and hopping into a blue/green Chrysler Sebring convertible with two ladies. Everyone outside was completely oblivious even though he was just a few feet from them. Odd. Anyway, this show was better then my last. Tomahawk, while not a very good band, was much better then Fantomas the year before. Mike made me laugh a couple times but his humor started to get stale as they played on. I was very happy to see them leave. TOOL played another great show. The crowd was better this year compared to the last. They sang along and very few negative things were shouted out. I had upfront floor tickets with a very good view of the band although the sound was distorted because of this. Maynard came out wearing a cop uniform and then stripped down to a black Speedo. Again odd. It always amazes me how well that band plays together and last night was no exception. Overall it was a fantastic experience and the memories will last with me forever.

Review written by: ShakeNBake (ShakeNBakes23@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 11:40:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Well first off Tomahawk was decent, I liked them way better then Fontomas. I can't stand people that just sit there and start booing for someone who isnt THAT bad.Why would you boo somebody who has the honor to open for Tool anyway. Oh well there are stupid people out there. Anyway lets get to the good part. Tool was amazing here is the set list. Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist 46&2 Schism Parabol Parabola AEnema *Intermission* Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus Tool is my favorite band of all time. This was my 2nd Tool show and performance was just as amazing as the first. The stage was a little different with the views of the movies being shown right on maynard instead of a screen being behind which I thought was better. Every song they played, they played prefectly. I mean come on even if they did mess up could you really tell. The most amazing songs of the night would have to be AEnema and Triad. They brought out the drummer and the singer of Tomahawk to help add more vibe to the song, which i thought was really cool. Another part of the concert that was neat to see added, was during Lateralus at the end maynards stage started to rotate spinning him around in circles. If you've never seen a Tool show I say GO OUT AND SEE ONE. There the best! Anyway thats all I have to say Spiral Out

Review written by: Glen A. Metz (glenmetz@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 12:14:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I'm pretty sure the setlist hasn't been posted yet as I don't believe there are any reviews yet, so here is my best crack at it. Sober (Rocking opener) Schism Stinkfist - ions 46 & 2 Parabol Parabola Aenima (this was the highlight of the show in my opinion) Intermission Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus Absolutely phenominal show. Tomahawk, not much to say there, other then perhaps Tool can find a band other then one of Mike Pattons to open for them. The visuals were incredible. I was in Albany last year and thought that was awesome, but this was easily 10 times better. The sound was better as well (smaller building). I stood in my aisle and rocked and swayed and screamed my ass off. To the blond in Sect 23, Row EE, seat 10 or 11, you are hot. Send me an e-mail, I was right behind you going nuts. Maynard was into it all night. Had the speedo on by Parabol. I realized what a beautiful combination Disposition, Reflection, and Triad are. Its one big wave riding you into the spirals of Lateralus. If anyone has a ticket for Buffalo, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know. I would love to go.

Review written by: Scott (sec36@cornell.du) Review posted on: 08/22/02 13:09:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Caught my first Tool show last night. Suffice to say, I was very impressed. Can’t give you a complete set list, but can tell you that it was notably different than the set lists for the more recent shows before 8/21 in Syracuse, NY. They played probably 5 or 6 tracks off Lateralus, which all sounded amazing. I have to say in all the concerts & club shows I’ve been to over the last 23 years, I was very much blown away by these guys. Just the fact that the lead vocalist of a band playing in an arena stays back by the drums, only is shown silhouetted for almost the entire two first songs (Sober & The Grudge), & then is never directly lit a spotlight for pretty much the entire show was just too much. Maynard is as good & interesting to watch as everyone who’s posted previously has made him out to be. During “Triad,” they brought out one of the guys from Tomahawk to jam with them. Very intense. It was a little tough to see everything, because I was sitting in Section 18 & there was someone who I began referring to as “bad dancing guy” in Section 17 a couple of rows away who wouldn’t stop flailing around. Not to rain on his parade, it was just tough to see everything. During the song, Maynard was playing along with the rest of the band. Other previous posters claimed he was playing guitar, but judging from the way he was holding it & the overall size of it, it could have been a bass – I was too far away to tell for certain. After “Triad,” Maynard spoke to the crowd a little, which based on other posts he doesn’t seem to do a whole lot. He said that he hoped we all took something away from their music, & he hoped we did something positive with it (can’t give you a verbatim dialogue here… ). The visuals on the screens & the lights were amazing & very in synch with the timing of the music. They are one incredibly tight band & four incredibly talented people. Danny’s drumming was mind-blowing. I would urge anyone to catch this tour if they’re coming to an area near you. If someone has a complete set list, please email it to me at sec36@cornell.edu.

Review written by: me (onthewingg@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 13:47:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

This is actually a story i needed to vent out as it is rather unnerving.. Ok. So New Haven was my Last show of the tour unless the fall tour comes anywhere near the pennsylvania area. this is truely sad.. But the most terrible thing is that...... On the way out of the show I was leaning on the wall outside of the venue and came across an Aftershow backstage pass.. It was just stuck to the wall. So i freak. I put it on and re-enter the building.. I ask security what to do.. They turned me away. I ask another security person and they proceed to lead me to the 'pick-up' point.. Unfortunately i was a minute or two too late and they couldn't get me backstage, apparently.. This was the single most disappointing moment of my Tool years.. The worst thing is that i was only delayed while contemplating buying tickets for the next nights show in Syracuse.. That is something, i did not end up doing.. So anyway, it was terribly frustrating. Finally i walked to the tour bus area and asked the security guy there if there was anything he could do. He was very kind but also very sure that i was not allowed in through that entrance.. He said 'Don't worry.. Maynard is a stable guy in good health. He'll be back again..' This may or may not be true but the one in a million chance of randomly coming across a backstage pass to the band that has four-handedly (five if you count paul) brought awareness to what i've been missing, saved my mind from giving up, inspired me to be a better musician, and all that other gooey stuff... well let's just say, i'm not going to be counting on it.. I suppose meeting them in such an environment as backstage after a show, really wouldn't give me the gratification anyway.. They are mentors to me, not just some hot hard rocking stars.. Being treated as one of the herd would probably make me depressed in the long run.. But i still spent that entire night dreaming that i met them and all that blah blah.. well anyway.. See you...

Review written by: me (onthewingg@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 13:47:45 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

Review written by: killer (murderdeathkillme@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 14:39:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. setlist: sober grudge stinkfist 46 & 2 schism parabol/a aenima intermission disposition reflection triad lateralus this was my last show of 6 for this tour. awesome each show was. words can't describe it. go if you can. also, mike patton is pretty funny.

Review written by: Mike (mike@designguy.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 14:50:37 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Great Show. Tomahawk has quite a sense of humor... Amazingly Talented.. Flawless Music... I have a few minor complaints about the show: The OnCenter is not the greatest venue for a concert, the acoustics were a bit rough, the place is an accident waiting to happen with the lights off. I felt like I was in some twisted church rather than a concert. The Floydian style graphics/movies playing at both sides of the stage seemed more like a distraction for lack of showmanship. The movies proved to be more nauseating out of repetition than content Put Maynard up front, put some light on him & Adam and entartain the crowd.

Review written by: ZIGGY (dig it@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 15:10:37 ET

A lot of people say that Tool likes Tomahawk, that's why they are opening for them; well that may or may not be true. In reality, the headlining band often does not pick the opening act. Instead, it is usually chosen by the front office. So maybe Tool doesn't like Tomahawk, but who knows. Just wanted to inform everyone. (This bit of info came from Steve Morse in Guitar Magazine.)

Review written by: Master Reviewer (ABC@AOL.COM) Review posted on: 08/22/02 16:49:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Great show once again. Tool is by far the best live band out there. It was awesome for them to come up to Syracuse. Thanks TOOL!!!!

Review written by: M Rudy (Mrudy44@the18th.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 17:46:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

All I can say to everyone that asked me how last nights show was, is "AWESOME" I saw Tool for the 1st time in albany last year, and thought that show was great. This one was better.Maynard was incredible as expected. Danny continues to blow me away, his ability to change speeds during a show is astonishing. Adam and Justin were equally impressive. The set was fantastic, Sober has to be the best opener I could think of. The crowd was great from i saw. I was 17 rows back on the floor, and the energy and song knowledge that the people around me displayed was overwhelming (with the exception of some lameass next to me that just stood there in a coma-like trance the entire show) If there's any of you reading this that have never experienced a Tool show, I suggest you make it happen at any cost. Thank you Tool for another incredible evening. I'm sure it won't be the last. Setlist...( I might fuck up the order on the 1st three from Aenima, but the songs are there ) Sober The Grudge Stinkfist 46and2 Aenima Parabol Parabola intermission Reflection Disposition Triad Lateralus

Review written by: M Rudy (Mrudy44@the18th.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 17:51:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

oops I forgot to write in schism and I put Aenima too early ignore my setlist, I'm an idiot....

Review written by: Matt Colomb (matthewtcolomb@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 18:21:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Probably the greatest show that has ever come through syracuse. and definitely on my top 5 shows ever. Tomohawk was freaking incredible, its too bad people didn't appreciate them and boos could be heard between songs. DO ANY OF THESE PEOPLE KNOW WHO MIKE PATTON IS????? Tool put on an amazing show which i think was far better than when i saw them last october. All four members are playing so tight, and with more passion. there was a lot more movement on stage as well. The stage show was incredible. if you've seen the show you already know. if not, i don't want to ruin it. Unfortunatley we didn't get to hear Opiate, but got Aenima in its place, which is a fair trade, i guess...i just really would to love to hear them bust out the old songs. Triad was freaking incredible they brought out the drummer from Tomohawk and mike patton. they rocked that song for at least 10-15 minutes. At one point Mike Patton pulled out his "dick" and jerked off on adam jones. It was actually a gag prop but if you weren't sitting in the right place it must have looked real. you could tell all were in good spirits and joking around with one another. i will take a stab at the setlist from what i recall, if i don't get it exact, i am sure someone will. sober the grudge schism ions stinkfist (with extended middle section) 46 & 2 parabol parabola aenima intermission disposition reflection triad (with members from tomohawk, including mike patton) lateralus all in all an absolutely incredible show. afterwards went to a bar and saw CC Deville from Poison eating a sandwich and having a beer. then the building next to the bar caught on fire. strange night. one i will remember for a long time to come.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (iamatool69@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 20:18:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

well this is my second show on this tour (baltimore, syracuse, and tomorrows buffalo show) the setlist was the same from the baltimore show but instead of H they played 46 & 2. the whole venue was seated which was kind of weird but the energy was definately flowing. i noticed there was some different video playing in some parts (either that or because i was in seats i was able to pay more attention to the video). all in all it was an amazing show and look forward to seeing them again tomorrow night here in buffalo which i will be on the floor once again.

Review written by: Jeremy Johnston (undertoweleven@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 20:29:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Here is the setlist from what i can remember, it might be slightly out order. Sober The Grudge Stinkfist Forty-six & 2 Schism Parabol Parabola AEnema Intermission Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus It feels like i'm forgetting something but i'm not sure... This was by far the most inspiring concert i've ever seen. I enjoyed Tomahawk very much. I think they are very unique and have quiet a sense of humor. The audience was mixed 75% frat boys who wanted to get drunk, high and listen to loud music and 15% real tool fans. I enjoyed this show very much although the security was so tight it was hard to breathe without someone wanting to check your ticket. After waiting around for a while I decided to Question Authority so my girlfriend and I snuck down to the floor during Tomahawks set to get closer. Some guy in front of us gave us two ticket stubbs so if anyone asked to see our tickets we wouldn't get in trouble. The tickets i originally bought were far back and to the right, I bought my tickets the day they came out and it sucked to see drunken frat boys up close to the band when they don't even appreciate their music. Once tool started, in the first 10 seconds of sober EVERYONE in front of us got up ontop of thier chairs so we couldn't see anything. So instead of following along with everyone else i decided to think for myself so we left the floor and returned to are seats, which weren't horrible just not as close as i wanted to be. The Alex Grey artwork was one of the most mezmerizing things i have ever seen. I've been reading the reviews of ever single show in anticipation of this night. Although i had an idea in mind of what to expect, i was completely overtaken as tool brought all of my senses to their extremes. Throughout the show it felt as if i had never any of these songs before. As if it were being created for the first time in front of me. Hearing Forty-Six and two brought tears to my eyes. That song has so much emotional value for me. The lyrics feel as if they pass right through to my inner subconcious helping me find reason to live on in this world of violence and racism. I was hoping for the last several months to hear AEnema. Although i am overjoyed and would have been happy no matter what they played i know deep down inside i was hoping for Aenema. Once the lights dimmed and "Hey,Hey,Hey,Hey..." rang through my body i almost lost it. Hearing that song brought me so much emotion and happiness, it felt like a huge exploding release of bottled up feelings. I couldn't pick out one song to call the highlight, without feeling like i'm downplaying the rest of the show. Every moment was a highlight, every second of the show was my favorite part. Tool is by far the most incredible band in existence. Every sense is effected. Every emotion brought out.....Adam, Danny, Maynard and Justin the most talented musicians alive, together they are able to bring us what is tool. I give them my uttermost respect and thanks. Here is the quote of the night from maynard " A congradulations goes out to Mike and Jon from Tomahawk....they as entrepenures have been granted the first permission ever to open an AMWAY retail store... so now you can go buy soap and detergent without having a fat guy come to your door....also they will sell chinese food...mike and jons chinese..." all i can say is who knew?? lol. All in all it was an amazing show and if you haven't seen them you must, it will change your life. It certainly did mine. But for now i must go and take maynard advice, and do something positive. Thank you for your patience. Meet you on the other side Jeremy

Review written by: the gemini (goobrett@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 08/22/02 21:54:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The first time was great the second left me speechless, me and my girlfriend left Brooklyn for Syracuse and took five hours to get there, and during that time i really thought that all of this would have been a waste of time...you know the come down and all of that, but was i wrong. So we get to the Oncenter at like 7:15 and i was so shocked when i saw the tininess of the venue, we entered and i was floored, We had really great seats on the floor section Q i estimate about less that seventy five feet from the stage, i was overwhelmend cause i have never seen tool this close, and because i was really emotional at the first concert i was naturally blown away.... So 7 30 arives and there are tons of really nasty men in the crowd, forgive my blatant discription but.......ewwwww...... Tomahawk does not suck at all i missed em last time around and clearly tool fans anticipate way to much, cause if you are like me you have seen tons of shit on stage, they weren't bad at all and they were funny as hell, refering to Adam as a "pussy" cause he could not handle the tight riffts...what a joke.....and refering to MJK as the offspring....tacky as hell.....with a pic and all really really tacky.....a lot of banter whether intillegent or not went on between the lead and a couple of guys in the crowd...i really got into thier music....much different show from NYC and NJ.....So tool took forever to come out it seemed like a year and my blood was boiling and it started to give me so much energy and life....i think it was about 8:45 or so TOOL look the stage... and with an incredibly long intro they borrk out into the following Sober The Grudge ( this song is so intense) i was between orgasms and weightless) think i passed on weed too :) good move for me Stinkfist 46&2 Mantra Schism Parabol Parabola( one of my faves for the night) Aenima ( first time ive heard this live ) Disposistion Reflection Triad (with Tomahawk) Lateralus All of the songs were amazing i cant put into words how connected i was again last night. it was so inspirational and to actually see the expressions on thier faces whether stoic or just intense concentration. Jones mesmerized me the most, i have looked at this mans art for a long time and he has inspired me and to see him there so constant and prevailing was so releasing. MJK is so fine that man is so sexy and what a voice, he does a dance at the end of lateralus. i could almost feel the air moving around me from his movement, i nearly passed out and could not stop trembling and convulsing

Review written by: Lauren (laurduck@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 22:16:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This concert was simply amazing. Far better then i would have ever imagined, or dreamed. The drumming during triad...it was like being someplace else, nothing else mattered but the sounds i was hearing, and the feeling that i had. To go back to that place is necessary- to relive in memory....timeless.

Review written by: Scott H. (focuself@focuselves.com) Review posted on: 08/22/02 22:19:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I don't have the setlist unfortunately, I did begin to ink it upon my left fore-arm, but was too captivated by the show after the first song (sober) to commit myself to such a distracting activity. Let me start out by stating my affinity for the genious that is Mike Patton. I've like him through at least 3 of his faces of death bands now, and Tomahawk is no differnt really when it's all said and done. The man is a genious. At one point donning some gas-mask like apperatus with built in mics and then pushing it up past his brow to scream into a police officers Urgent Assitance relay radio (which was rigged through the sound system of course). Patton is to vocal innovation what Frampton is to guitar. I'll say that about the band becaue if you go in there expecting Eve 6 or Faith no More, you'll be mighty pissed. More on Patton later. Ok so this particular venue (you may wish to note) resides in Onandaga County which absolutely forbids (by LAW) general admission. So when I arrived I was taken back by the trimmed rows of secured seats on the floor. I happened to be seated in the 4th row from the front, but they really had nothing against us moving up in the front of the aisle when the show started and standing cautiously against the railing, essentially putting us 8 feet or less from Chancellor. OMG what a show. Maynard didn't hide as I've heard rumours to that effect. The band in fact came out in Tomahawk Garb, Maynard wore the uniform of a cop more notably, and had the Symetrical aspects of his face and straight over the arch of the skull and fading in back painted black. He did of course stay in the back, on the drum platform. He had a portion of the platform beneath him which would rotate much like one of those luggage conveyors. At some point Patton came out and urinated on stage -- Someone please email me about this inside joke of theirs. Bah I could have written more but I am tired and want some sleep. Great show, one of the best I've ever seen. -Scott

Review written by: Jen (pandorasboxers@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 00:37:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The show was amazing, eventhough the opening act [tomahawk] was horrid. everyone in the audience was sitting for tomahawk, then all rose from their seats when the lights dimmed once again after the break, and the stage went black and foggy. there were two large screens one on each side of the stage hanging which showed animations and videos going along w/ each of the songs. during the playing of parabola they had two large black conglomerates of atom-like structures like the ones in the video for parabola floating and spinning in the back of the stage. maynard was toward the back of the stage. he wore all black, and after two or three songs, relieved himself of his attire, and stripped down to a black speedo. not surprising with the bright hot lights shining down on him. he was adorned w/ a black stripe down his head and face. scrolls dropped w/ medical x-rays, and nerve diagrams. among the songs played were the grudge, sober, 46 and 2, aenema, lateralus, reflection, schism, parabol/parabola, and stinkfist. there was an amazing drum solo, where they brought out an additional drummer w/ a small drum kit. im not sure exactly how long it went on for but, it was really exciting. maynard was playing a guitar on some songs. and joking about amway's chinese food. at the end the whole band gathered for a group hug at the front of the stage. there was no encore unfortunately.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (Lynn Johnson) Review posted on: 08/23/02 08:53:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th? Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. The show "The Pulse" last night (8/22) on Fox played 15 seconds of Tool at the beginning of a organ transplant/organ selling segment at 9:25pm Eastern Time. Do shows like this need to get permisson first. Anyway it made my night to hear some Tool since lightning struck my CD player. See you in Cincinnati.....driving from Greensboro, NC.

Review written by: RacerChik (racer_chik1@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 09:09:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

We got there around 8:10 and were STUNNED to hear that Tomahawk was already done. I heard mixed reviews about their performance - very heavy with little to no lyrical vocals. Lots of effects. I am going to put some effort into catching Tomahawk tonight in Buffalo unless people spam here that I shouldn't bother. I don't have the set list so I can't help you there. I am really bad at song names. I saw Tool in Mass earlier on this tour so it was nice to see some changes to the video and stage. I'm going to have to leave the intimate details to someone who isn't still in AWE of this band. I'm still a n00b to their live show. Maybe I'll have more to report after Buffalo. There was a really good jam session that started with Danny on the drums. The jam included someone up front on a small drum kit - percussion? and a mixer off to the left of the stage. Maynard introduced these folks but I missed who they were. The only thing I remember is that they own an Amway retail store with Chinese food. =D Maynard cut his "take this energy and do somethign positive with it" really short and pretty much ran off the stage after the post-show group hug. "We are Tool." My only gripe was the intermission - but that's probably because the one in Mass was awesome with Adam going on with Reflection for 5+ minutes, but eh whatever. So ok I am now the dork with the first post. Now you real people post some stuff. I know you all were at the show - I SAW YOU THERE! - RacerChik -> Buffalo show tonight

Review written by: inc. (warreng@theregulator.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 10:06:57 ET

fuck Dashboard Confessional, Tool is the REAL emo band. And they have power to boot.

Review written by: tool0loot (markkull@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 11:00:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

This show rocked. My 8th show, and the 9th is today in Buffalo. These guys don't pull shit out of their ass, or jump of the walls. If you come to hear great music, this is it. No stunts, no magic, JUST TOOL! 2 hours straight. Had back row seats, but just walked myself right up to the front and enjoyed every minute of it. But i'd like to voice my opinion of tomahawk, the opening band. I speak for most fans when i say they are horrible and too loud. Thanks for another beautiful night Tool and can't wait for tonight in Buffalo.

Review written by: opiateandanthoney (opanthe@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 11:08:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

and what a better way to celebrate this moment than with the demise of opie & anthony, later loserz! great seeing the band for the 7th time in six years, (1st time outside of the DC area). As per the usual everything was great sober, grudge, schism, parabola, disposition/reflection/triad combo, lateralus, etc. They should augment the setlist, more maybe move to an "evening with.." format and play 3 hours - 2 distinct sets. The first one being with normal songs and the second rarer songs - Ticks & Leeches, 4 Degrees; some of the ones I'd like to see on the U.S. tour that were done in Europe only. Makes NO SENSE not to play them here..

Review written by: aaron v (snb@stny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 16:20:22 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Amazing show. Danny blew my mind. Someone please post a set list for the show.

Review written by: mel. (smashkin33@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 16:57:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first Tool show, and I wish I could give you an accurate set list but I just can't. I was just too overwhelmed I think. (I'd love to see someone post one though!) From reading the review of the New Haven show, I really did not know what to expect. I was just hoping the crowd was into it and that the band would reward us with a great show... which they did. I think I had a 'Toolgasm' as soon as I heard the start of the first song, Sober. That is such a great song and the crowd was very mcuh into it. Everybody was well behaved for the whole show, I didn't notice any asshole frat guys getting into fights and nobody ripped chairs off the floor as far as I could see. It did not take long for Maynard to come out of the shadow of the rear part of the stage and strip down to his 'speedo'. He had a stripe of black makeup going from his chin (i think) all the way to the back of his head, it looked awesome. ænima was probably the highlight of the show to me, it seemed to be a huge crowd pleaser to everyone else too. Thanks for giving us such a great show, it was 2 days ago and I can still feel it.

Review written by: CES (radoncphys2@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 17:13:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

My wife also said she thought the music might incite violence in lesser human beings. She is right. The videos are missleading and the music is pounding. If you study the lyrics (esp. of Lateralus) you know its all about the awakening from human struggle, but ...

Review written by: crust (crust@rogers.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 17:21:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. Syracuse rocked: as stunning and tight as it gets - after having seen the awesome show they put on in Toronto back in September, I was amazed that the boys were able to bring even more intensity this time around - the addition of Triad to the set after losing my mind to an unbelievable version of Reflection made my fuckin year! ...and fuck can Justin play bass! C.

Review written by: Joe A. (ripsniff.com@twcny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 22:22:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This show was friken amazing!!! I'm still in shock from actually seeing them in SYRACUSE. The opening act Tomahawk sucked and I think everyone there would agree with me from the way they all cheered when Tomahawk announced their last song. I'm not sure why Tool didn't play Eon Blue Apocalypse and The Patient because it looked like they were playing it at every show from what I saw in other reviews. They didn't fill the place of those songs either but that didn't really do anything to ruin the show, it was still great.The best song of the night for me was when they played Aenima. I think this is how the set list went. Sober The Grudge Stinkfist (extended solo part) (-)ions 46 and 2 Schism Parabol Parabola Aenima intermission Disposition Reflection Triad (amazing drum part in the beginning) Lateralus Great show and I hope they come back to the cuse soon.

Review written by: poopmoose (toolshock@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 22:30:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

All i got to say is Tool rules and no one will ever put on a better show than them.

Review written by: novus animus (Novax2112@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 22:52:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Review written by: CES (radoncphys2@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 23:00:24 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Its been two days since the best rock show on the planet took place in downtown Syracuse's War Memorial. The whole magnificent spectacle keeps going over and over in my head. I have been listening to each of the songs played that night trying to recapture some of the magic. The band is so tight and so good live that for the first time, I have found a band that is better live than in the studio. Maybe others of been lucky enough with other bands and other live experiences to feel this way, I don't know. Seeing the band live certainly did not diminish the studio versions, but only enhanced them because I can now visualize the band playing them. As concerns the venue, I was a bit surprised it resonated so good. I don't know about others (I haven't read the reviews yet), but I thought it sounded great in the War Memorial. The place was packed and I think the band thought Syracuse fans were pretty cool cause they rocked hard, Maynard said very little (till the end) and I got a great vibe from both the crowd and the band. I thought Tomahawk played well live. From what I heard on their CD, the live show sounded great. This Mike guy (Tomahawks frontman) is kinda a jerk, but I thought people should cut the guy a break. He gives his bands his all. He gets to play keyboards during Triad (which is way too cool) and basically gets to hang out and tour with the greatest Rock band ever, so I for one am jealous of the jerk. Perfect night, perfect show and it keeps growing on me minute by minute. Peace

Review written by: novus animus (Novax2112@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 23:26:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

well, of course every TOOL show is amazing. this one had quite a different effect on me for various reasons i guess. First of all Tomahawk was an amazing opening band, not just because I love everything Mike Patton is in, but because Tomahawk is brilliant all together. They did a little improv section during the show and even played a couple songs not on their albulm i never heard before. For all you people who didn't like Tomahawk, you will never understand. and for you people there is a reason mike patton is trying to get under your skin, besides the fact that you're a bunch of morons. Patton said, "for all you morons out there this is our last song", and everyone clapped, dont you people know that he likes that reaction. anyways thanks mike for keeping the place alive with your humor and putting up with the people out there. Now, TOOL.......... AMAZING..... started off with sober which sounded a little different, kinda like danny was using his electronic kit. during this there was a display of red fading in and out off a black backround, then as soon as the grudge kicked in the first back drop of inter being was displayed with colors changing its appearance slightly while imagery was processing on the two video screens adam created, then extended version of stinkfist, 46 and 2, schism, parabol, parabola with cancer balls floating while video and imagery is diplayed with sacred geometry, amazing version of aenema, then the intermission which tapped into everyones sound chakra that was there. I actually felt one with the universe during the intermission while the vibrations and the familiar imagery processing in front of me were mixing the crowds energy all over, while i was passing from 3rd to 4th dimensional awareness before they came back on, then they played disposition-reflection- triad with brilliant Alex Grey backdrops dropping down, a little different sounds improved during reflection (EVOLUTION) and light getting brighter to transfigurations backdrop ( i think) as the hipnotic beginning to triad began to get more intense, then maynards positive speach about using that energy to create something positive in the future, then lateralus with spiral imagery and third eye opening, then the band says its thanks and goodbye's in their own way, amazing lighting, imagery, backdrops and definately amazing sound, all in all brilliant show, thanks tool, for sharing that moment, ************************************************* IF ANYONE HAS ANY video BOOTLEGS OF THIS SHOW OR ANY OTHER SHOW IN 2001 OR 2002 ,OR KING CRIMSON SHOWS DURING TOOL TOUR EMAIL ME AT Novax2112@aol.com, or if you know someone that wants to trade,i will pay for them or trade, i have lots of PROGRESSIVE BOOTLEG VIDEOS THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE AND HAVE ACCESS TO MANY THROUGH FRIENDS, I HAVE TOOL, KING CRIMSON, APC, PINK FLOYD, LOTS OF FRANK ZAPPA, YES, EARLY GENESIS, Nine Inch Nails, Fantomas, Mr. Bungle, Faith no More, RADIO HEAD, E MAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT A TRADE AT again (for people with short attention spans) Novax@aol.com THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME

Review written by: novus animus (Novax2112@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 23:27:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Review written by: Jeremy (Jer2Dope@rochester.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 11:19:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

First of all, I’ll never go to another show at the OnCenter again unless Tool decides to return. Don’t get me wrong, I was attending a phenomenal concert, but it was at a horrible venue. The smoking police were out in full force, and threatening to kick you out if they caught you smoking. That wasn’t the worst part unfortunately. Chairs on the floor, at a Tool show….Boo! They had folding chairs on the floor, connected at the bottoms. Even if we wanted to start collapsing chairs, security would kick our asses out so fast; we wouldn’t know what happened to us! They weren’t even letting people stand in the aisles! Enough of my bitching…Tomahawk came out, played some organized noise and left. Mike Patton did his usual crowd antagonizing, called some guy a fat ass, and asked him how him and his fat girlfriend could possibly fuck. Nothing new from Mike Patton. But when Tool came out, I suddenly forgot about the chairs and the smoking police. Here’s the complete set list (I wrote it down from my luxurious folding chair on the floor): Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist (extended live version) 46 & 2 Schism Parabol Parabola Aenima INTERMISSION Disposition Reflection Triad (with Mike and John from Tomahawk) Lateralus Musically, Tool was as good as I’ve ever seen them, but like I said, thumbs down to the OnCenter as a venue. All I have to say is that I’m glad I’ve still got tickets to two more shows on the tour that utilize REAL floor tickets.

Review written by: Russ (omniruss@twcny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 14:48:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Great group of muscians, not so great atmosphere. Tool puts on a great show, but I enjoyed them much more when I saw them at Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena last year. The acoustics at the OnCenter are on the reverberative side - Tool's notorious kicking base just didn't punch me in the chest with great precision. And I didn't think the crowd exactly had Tool's mentality - all standing, trying to dance to off-beat time signatures and yelling obsenities against Tool during intermissions. Just sit down and enjoy the show! The huge backdrop and tapestries are an excellent viusal complement, followed by millions of dumb-founded dipshits.

Review written by: Fuck You Mom (AIM - Leeech86) Review posted on: 08/24/02 15:10:43 ET

God damn, Im so sick and tired of Tool, and thier fans. Since when is Tool Goth? And do you guys know how stupid you look in your Tool shirts? Ive never seen so many in 1 place wearing Tool shirts. Its sort of funny. Everyone wearing the same shit. Like a cult or something. FUCK TOOL AND THEIR SHITTY ASS FANS. Mike, you rule. Keep pissing the preps that attend the show off. Your doing a great job. Peeping Tom next.

Review written by: Rakan (gussthejanitor@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 16:56:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This show was great. Tomahawk came out dressed as police. They had a deer statue standing behind them the whole time. (That was a great deer.) Tomahawk was recieved rather poorly, which seems to happen a lot. Having heard their studio recorded material previous to seeing them live, I enjoyed it more than most people. Even so, they didn't sound that great. Near the end, Mike Patton informed the audience that the following song was their last. Mild cheering came from the audience. Mike then yelled out "Cheer more, or we'll play five more fucking songs!" Much more cheering this time. They played their final song and then exited the stage. Of course, Tool came on soon after Tomahawk left. The setlist was: -Sober -The Grudge -Stinkfist -46 & 2 -Schism -Parabol -Parabola -Aenema *Intermission* -Disposition -Reflection -Triad -Lateralus And (-) ions fit in there somewhere, I just can't remember where. The sound quality, overall, was excellent. Maynard stripped down from his black leather suit to the black speedo a little bit before the intermission. The visuals, both on the screen and the backdrops, were amazing. The videos on the screen were synchronized perfectly with the music. And the backdrops were chock full of Alex Grey goodness. This was definitely the best concert I've been to, and a must see for any Tool fan.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (jed@omniblank.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 13:11:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

ok...i was looking forward to thids day for quite some time..tool in syracuse, ny...however, i was very disappointed...first off, tomahawk did nothing but annoy me and from what i could see, everyone else in the crowd..mike patton is an asshole who has obviously lost all his talent therefore must resort to heckling the audience..tough guy from up on the stage with loads of bouncers preventing fans from climbing up there to beat his ass..now tool...i felt they did not want to be there at all..whats with the three finger salute from maynard at the end..is this a read between the lines "fuck you"..these people paid good money to see you entertain and it did not...i am a fan of tool's songs, not their interludes that drone on for 20 minutes at a time..some people may like it..i did not..but thats not the bad thing, i can get over that....it just seemed like tool did not want to perform or are in fact, bored...but whatever...needless to say they were better last time i saw them on the aenema tour!

Review written by: Eric (ejb924@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 10:15:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Syracuse was my first Tool concert and it was completly increadible. My good friend is big into Tomahawk, although he was about the only one in the audience who cared much for their style of music...let alone would wait until 1 in the morning to get a wasted Mike Pattons' autograph. Tool was amazing...they played everything I expected they would and more. They included the audience and would talk to them freely. What I most respected is that before their last song, advised the audience to use this new found spirituality from their music and use it to do something positive both for themselves and for others. It really was a nice thing to do and you could see all people from different backrounds and cultures somewhat unite for a split second and cheer for that. I enjoyed Sober as well as their endless jam off Lateralus. The men put on great shows and I would not hesitate to see them again

Review written by: learn to swim (buttlick.com@twcny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 15:09:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

TOOL rules. Show was sweet.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (rgriffith@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 18:21:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Where are all the reviews for the most recent shows??????

Review written by: Master Reviewer (tdefazio@stny.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 21:17:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This was almost the same setlist as I saw in Wilkes Barre last year, only with Sober and without Eulogy and Patient. I really wish I heard H. and Opiate like they have been doing recently. Anyway, it was a great show and a great crowd. Everyone just chilled and enjoyed them, no moshing or shit like that. Maynard was really energetic tonight, Justin was really into it too. Adam was the same as always, Danny was absolutely fucking awesome again!! Triad was so powerful it shook the house. Aenema was awesome too. I wish they played one extra song, though. The show ended after exactly 2 hours, they could have added one easy. One other thing, MJK's voice is so good live. The man can sing better live than ANYONE in any band today. Most singers don't let it all out in concert, not him. Thanks!!

Review written by: the gemini (goobrett@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 08/27/02 04:01:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Review written by: Nacho (thisisafakeaddress@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/27/02 15:53:37 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

First with the NEGATIVES: OnCenter sucks ass. Syracuse, as well, sucks ass. People who get wasted at Tool shows, and stand next to me, do indeed suck ass. No H or Opiate....I definatly woulda traded Aenema for H (but I still have a soft spot for 46&2) Now for the rest: I am amazed at how many people refuse to accept anything Mike Patton does, just because it is different. Hey, wake up, he's joking. (let's not get into those who dont' even know who he is) I thought Tomahawk was great, but I still liked Fantomas better...but Patton was still great, and had one of the best stage quotes ever (I am surprised no one posted this yet) Before they go into a song he says "OK, now usually a guy named ADAM JONES from a band called TOOL comes out and plays with us. There are TWO reasons why he isn't coming out tonight. NUMBER ONE: He is too much of a PUSSY to handle our...HEAVY RIFFS! NUMBER TWO!! HE HATES EVERYONE IN SYRACUSE!!! That means YOU and YOU and YOU!!!" Oh jesus that is one funny man. as for Tool, there is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said...I thought it was awesome to see Maynard with the shaved head and makeup. He also moved around and rocked out quite a bit, unlike last time I saw them (Albany, NY, Oct 4) The visuals were amazing, the backdrop was awesome, and the big drop-downs late in the show were fucking cool, and of course, the giant blow up THINGS in Parabola was an awesome surprise :) one thing I noticed that not many other people did is during the visuals for AEnema, they had a repeating image of kind of an exploding ring of fire, and for a split second there was a smiley face in the fire. Also, during The Grudge there was this particular image of an eye that they went back and forth to, and the spot of glare on the eyeball was in the shape of a cross. Cool. Definatly the deepest concert experience ever..well actually I think it was a tie with the Albany show :) ps wait, Star of David? Tool is Jewish? haha (that's for Brent) keep on rockin and don't stop the doom! www.haybale.org

Review written by: the gemini (goobrett@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 08/28/02 00:01:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Patton refered to MJK as the offspring of Charles Manson..........i though that was funny as hell....the man has humor

Review written by: Anthony (PWee1306@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/29/02 16:50:34 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. Ok, so, it's taken me a while to post this review cause I did both Syracuse and Buffalo and I have been comparing and contrasting the two to see which I liked better. First, let me just say i missed Tomahawk and I am really upset about it cause I like Patton's work and I totally dug Fantomas last year. So, I can only compare the TOOL portion of the show. The setlist was the same as most shows, the basic one with 46 and 2, and Aenima. The show, visually, was mind blowing. I was totally diggin the visuals. Even after reading what they do from previous reviews I was still astounded to see it live. But I tell what they are as to not ruin it for some one else who has yet to go. As for TOOL, they were on! I only saw them last year in Albany and that show seemed very stripped down. This one was rocking. After seeing this show I now know why people consider them to be one of the best live bands ever. Maynard stipped to his speedo halfway through the show and was going friggin nuts the whole night. The man is probably one of the best front men ever when he is on his game. He is right along side Patton and Resnor. The rest of the band were very into the show too. Adam and Justin both moved a lot and even did some "posing" and seemed to be smiling and talking amongst themselves all night. They really seemed into it. Danny was a beast the entire night. I am sorry, but there is no drummer better then him. And after the show, when they came out to the front of the stage throwing goodies and waving bye, they stayed longer then I figure they normally do reading the reviews of previous shows. All in all, an excelent show. Top quality. Just on TOOL alone, since I previously stated I missed Tomahawk, I still think it was one of the best shows I have seen. I am not gonna get into the crowd cause I hate talking about other people. Plus I think some of these losers just like yelling out, "This Sucks! Play your old stuff, your new shit sucks!", just to get attention. But, there were only a couple fo them in the audience.