concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
08/03/2001



Review written by: Sixwords187... (sixwords@rconnect.com)
Review posted on: 08/07/01 06:05:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Setlist: The Grudge (-)ions Stinkfist Swamp Song Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection **intermission** Sober Parabol Parabola Aenima Lateralis ...It's so hard to find the right words to describe seeing Tool for the first time. I flew out from Minnesota to see them, paid an arm and leg for tickets, and came away with some of the best memories of my life. During the Crimson set, Maynard was watching from right side of the stage...Tool's set was predictable (my fault for reading past reviews) but there were a few variations I hadn't heard before and a drum instrumental by Danny at one point....Quote from Maynard (paraphrased): "This feeling you have right now...Hold on to it. Whether you're having a good or bad experience...This feeling...Take it home with you and in the coming weeks, create something positive from it..."

Review written by: Nik kannan (mkannan@adelphia.net) Review posted on: 08/07/01 06:28:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 0? Tool show

Is their such thing as a bad seat in a tool concert?.

Review written by: al (alarment13@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 07:52:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I jsut have to say that the concert was kick ass, better and much longer than when I saw them in Albuquerque of 97. King Crimson tore it up for almost an hour and then Tool came on. They played the studio version of Pushit (with out any of the Salival sound) and Prison Sex included the extra verse. Also it seemed that in Stinkfist, a new line was sang, which I have never heard of. If this was the case, did anyone else catch what it was? Maynard wore his black leather getup that gradually came off till all he had on were his little shorts. He also had a black stripe down the center of his face. I was lucky enough to get 1 extra ticket for my girlfriend the day before the conert through Ticketmaster, so there is always hope, even when they say the concerts sold out! allan

Review written by: chris (mrhat2001@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 08:18:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Not only was the concert the best one of my life, but the so was the entire day. I arrived from Houston the night before and went down the red rocks at 8 am the next morning to wait in line for good seats. At that point I was probably guranteed at least 3rd or 4th row, but the assholes way in front of me kept letting people in the line that didn't deserve to be there. Anyway, the people right in front and right behind me were very generous people that shared their pot and hash with me and we got into some cool discussions and the day went by fast. But since I wasn't used the heat and the altitude of Colorado and I was stoned out of my mind (being the pothead that I am) I became dehyrated and was throwing up water about a half hour before the gates opened. I thought I would feel better after throwing up and drank more water once we got in the 10th row (fuckn' cheap ass cutters, fuck you) but my body was still feeling terrible and I ended up throwing up more water. My paranoid sister that was with me talked to a cop and got me a parmedic. I ended getting hooked up to an iv. I could hear King Crimson playing in the parmedic's office and I thought I was going to miss the show. But luckily the iv did good I got to see 2/3's of Crimson's set and got to hear my favorite crimson song (thela hun ginjeet). I was still a little sick and disapponited because the lady who looked after my seat forgot to look after the tool workshirt I was wearing, but I was happy I at least got my seat back. And once tool got on, my sickness was gone and I was singing to every fucking song they played. Not exactly what everyone would call the greatest day of their life (hell it still boggles me) but the outcome of being able to see Tool with decent seats in the best fucking outdoor theatre in the us was all worth it and the experience will never compare to anything else in my life.

Review written by: ShogoBunky (shogobunky@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 08:56:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I also came all the way from Minnesota to see the show with my girlfriend. I've been a long time fan of Tool(8 years now, anyways), and I was pretty damn pumped to see the show. I had never heard of King Crimson before this, so I didn't know what to expect with them opening. Red Rocks is THE place to see a show.. the open air with a slight breeze underneath the stars really sets the "stage" for a wonderful time. King Crimson was cool... it's obvious how they may have inspired Tool to go in certain directions with their music. Over all, the Tool show was grand. We had the first row of the reserved seating, so the view was great. Thinking back, they played every song I ever wanted to hear Live (expect for Hooker :). If I had any gripes with the show, it would be that Maynard never came off his little stage. He spent the entire show int the shadows... I'm all for artistic expression, but damnit, I wanted to see these guys get crazy on stage!! It would have been a treat to see Maynard writhing on the main stage... you don't go to a concert to NOT see the artists. Although I felt that the show was a bit short, that can be taken as both a good and bad thing. I don't think the show went any longer than 1 hour and maybe 20-30 minutes. However, as I said earlier, they played all the songs they should have. Over all, great time. I'm looking forward to getting a little more close and personal with the stage when they get to MN.

Review written by: kingfish (1kingfish5@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 10:24:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I am going to the tool show in Los Angeles. I will have it filmed with my sony 730 camcorder. if you are interested, let me know. I will probably start shipping august 20th

Review written by: gnoled (jddelong@earthlink.net) Review posted on: 08/07/01 14:21:12 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

What an outstanding show! The first reviewer's setlist looks pretty accurate to me, but I could have sworn that 'Eon Blue Apocalypse' was played at some point (the whale sound is what I remember). Hopefully someone else can confirm or refute this. King Crimson was very good as well. I was impressed with the bassist and his twelve string electric base. Maynard's comments included : "...Playing God" when the wind forced the stage hands to temporarily lower the video screen behind the band, that the band was honored to play with King Crimson as they helped inspire the members of Tool to get together to make music, This was their first show on this tour with King Crimson (..."and you got to see it first.") and "we will be back to Denver in the fall.") Danny's golden drum kit was amazing (with Danny in a University of Kansas basketball jersey), the video footage was cool (including the "Salival" video during the intermission). The 11th row seats were awesome, thanks to my friends Bri Bri and Jeremy waiting for out all day at Red Rocks for the seats. Weather was excellent, with some wind every now and then. Enjoy the shows and the music! Late.

Review written by: Adam Boyette (boyette1@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 14:52:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

My fourth Tool show was incredible. King Crimson was good, Tool was absolutely amazing. I drove up from Fort Worth to see the show, and it was worth every mile. The set list from the first review is correct. They did not play Eon Blue Apocalypse. Too bad they didn't play Ticks & Leeches. Stinkfist did have an extra line or two, Prison Sex did have the extra verse. I've often wondered if the "O.T.R.M." on the bootleg versions of Prison Sex (w/ the extra verse) stands for "On The Road Mix." I thought Maynard said "Blame God" instead of "playing God." He did go on to say, while telling us what an honor it was to share the stage with King Crimson, that they were inspirations to Tool, much like Led Zeppelin is to Lenny Kravitz, or Debbie Gibson is to Britney Spears. Red Rocks is an awesome place to see a concert. The sound was wonderful. My ears didn't ring at all afterward, much less the normal ringing-for-2-days they usually do after a show. Tool bounced the circle-of-eyes lights off the rocks on the side of the seating area. Very cool. We also noticed people who had climbed the rocks to see the show for free. Very nice. I've been to many concerts, but this was the first time I had to deal with some punk who refused to get out of my seat. I show up, and these two dudes are in my and my wife's seats. I show them the tickets, and they acknowledge those aren't theirs, but won't leave. Apparently, some guys were in their seats (which were actually four rows closer, but on the edge) and wouldn't budge. They finally left, but not without a lot of "Fuck You"s and "You're an Asshole, Man." Their buddy, who stayed behind in the seat next to me, told me he would flatten me if I did that to him. I politely told him to shut the fuck up while I watched King Crimson. The two guys came back, but a staff member happened to walk by, and I had them removed. Silly me, driving 800+ miles one-way and still wanting to sit in the seats I paid for. The negative experience didn't hamper anything, though. Once Tool came on, nobody else existed. Listening, watching, being there with Tool. Amazing.

Review written by: Andy (andyman97@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 15:13:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

It was Thursday, before the concert. My friends Michael and Tim drove all the way up from Lake Charles, LA. We started our evening drinking and drinking more before we got back to our hotel room in Colorado Springs. Finally, it is Friday. The Friday that I'd been waiting so long for. The first show of the US tour and I was there. Tim, Michael and myself met up with my friend Wes at about 2 pm and took off for Denver. Once we arrived, we checked into the Denver Marriott and had a few drinks. I painted my face up like Maynard did in the 97 shows with a white face. Anyone who saw me there knows what I'm talking about. Once we finished, we took off for Morrison. It took about an hour to drive from downtown. The traffic was backed up all the way to the highway and the scalpers were everywhere. Luckily for me, though, I had enough foresight to pick up my ticket early. We walked around the parking lot for about twenty minutes and bumped into several different characters, some cool, some not so cool. We then proceeded to stand in line to get into the show. This line was stretched back about a half a mile or so, so it goes without saying that we waited for awhile. we got into the show and there wasn't a single seat not occupied, but it was ok because we found a little place off to the side which was close to the stage, about ten rows back. Then King Crimson came out. Needless to say, I wasn't very impressed. Sorry for all you fans who went there to see them, but I am a much bigger Tool fan. After about an hour of waiting for my ears to stop bleeding, Tool finally came out. Ahh, it was the moment I had been waiting for. I could not have been more impressed with the band, or the sound quality of the amphitheater. The show really rocked. The visual graphics onscreen were awesome and so were Maynard's monologues. This will be an experience that I will never forget and I can't wait until they come back to Denver this fall. Andy andyman97@hotmail.com

Review written by: Alisha (nynaeve0000@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 15:16:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The show was absolutely amazing...if you were there than I don't need to say anything else. This was the second time I have seen them at Red Rocks. My friend Mary is magical and she got us front row and needless to say it was the best time I have ever had. King Crimson was surprisingly great as well. a

Review written by: B. C. (toolphx@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 15:54:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

The Grudge (-)ions Stinkfist* Swamp Song Prison Sex** Schism Pushit*** Disposition Reflection^ Sober Parabol Parabola Aenima^* Lateralus * Breakdown before "I'll keep digging" Maynard sang, "white lines, running through my mind, white lines , through my mind" ** Small intro, with extra verse *** With intro ^ Played last three notes...for a long time *^ With intro. Changed "fret for your latte" to "fret for your cocaine" Other cool things include: Danny's drum tarp fell off, prematurely revealing the new drumset. Maynard said, "playing with King Crimson is like Lenny Kravitz playing with Led Zepplin, or Brittny Spears playing with Debbie Gibson". Maynard said "tonight is all about pleasure When the movie screen came down at the end of the first set Maynard said, "blame it on...blame it on, God.

Review written by: SayOw (sayow1@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 16:13:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I too am from the upper midwest (Fargo, ND) and made the drive to Denver. Prior to this concert I continued to say "If there is one place to see anyone in concert in the U.S., it would have to be Red Rocks ... then if it is Tool, it is mandatory!" My only complaint was that it wasn't loud enough... at least for me! Not a complaint... I have been to many concerts and there was no doubt that per/capita there was more pot smoked at this concert then any other one I have witnessed! Sitting up in the stands, I don't thinkt there was a person who didn't have a j... I felt at home! It is also great to come back home and then hear they are playing in Minneapolis, so I will be able to see them again in about a month, and I can hardly wait! Tool Rules!

Review written by: B. C. (toolphx@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 16:17:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

I forgot the really awesome freeze before the last big "my warning" in Swamp Song

Review written by: Doug Rooney (dmr@z-microtech.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 16:53:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

What a long strange trip, it honestly is.... My last show was back in 98 at Great Woods, MA for OzzFest. In those three years, we've seen a new President, Ray Bourque finally getting to raise the Cup, seen the music industry go from suck to blow; but for some unalienable reason, Tool has been waiting in the background like a Raptor waiting, stalking, wanting to strike.... just waiting for that perfect moment, that precious time where it all comes.... full circle At Red Rocks, the Raptor awoke...And found itself shimmered and swimming amid a sea of absolute brilliance... I flew in from Phoenix on Wednesday and linked up with a number of friends on Thursday in Fort Collins...Instead of driving from Ft. Collins, we all decided to play the role of Rock Star and rent a limo...Definitely self-serving and egotistical, but hey you only live once.... Plus we were able to stock ourselves up with the proper accoutrements (drink, smoke, food, laughter...) without Colorado's finest giving us the shakedown... Red Rocks is probably one of THE most beautiful venues I've seen in the US and the sound simply chimed off the rocks like they were an additional set of amps/speakers/PA. Combine the acoustic magnificence with the utterly breathtaking light displays on the rocks and you have a perfect show, for a perfect night...(Prison Sex, Disposition and Reflection, in particular, stand out most to me right now) Granted I hoped to hear the Alpha Songs: Third Eye, Opiate, Eulogy, 46+2 etc., but I now have a total new found joy in Lateralus...One that I thought was fading after countless listens... If anyone remembers the first time they saw Tool (Mine was 97 Wallace Civic Center...a delayed Valentine's Day present from an Ex-Girlfriend) and how captivated you were.... That's what Red Rocks did to me... One word can simply sum it all up.... Brilliance

Review written by: team 13 (team13films@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 18:29:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Like everyone else, seeing Tool live again was a long time coming. My friend offered to fly us there from Montana, which sounded sweet at the time. He even hired a private pilot to fly us back in the morning in case he was hungover. We left Friday morning early, arriving at the airport to see a piece of shit 1957 Cessna waiting for us. I'm sure aviation has progressed since the fifties, and this plane was no classic piece of work. My car has more room than this small four seater, but a five hour flight in a questionable plane is better than a ten hour drive, mainly through desolate Wyoming. And believe it or not, the gas money was only about $30 each. The views of the mountains from the air were awesome, a great start to our day. Until the turbulance hit for the last two hours. I was green as the weed we forgot at home the rest of the way. I remember waking up once as our friend let go of the yoke during a wind shear, and I couldn't see anything but the ground as we were doing a sideways nosedive. This did not help. So we eventually arrived at Broomfield, and were picked up by two friends who drove us to eat and then straight to the concert. We arrived when the upper parking lot opened at five, and could have got seats in the same place where our freind's friends did, who stood in line at the front entrance since noon. We just walked in. Suckers!!!!!!!!! Anyways, we were dead center, 22nd row or so. Yes, I appreciated them waiting in line for us though. Scott came to the concert with us, who is a little nuts. Anyone sitting near us know this, and I apologize but he's out of our control. The last Red Rocks concert he went to he got a standing ovation when he has kicked out, before any band played. He was asking people for a sip of beer and before they said yes, he's grab it, down the whole thing, and walk off. Poelpe were throwing marshmellows and he'd grab them and hit people hard and fast between the eyes from five feet away. He apparently smoked some weed laced with Angel Dust (see the movie Friday, chicken coop scene) from a stranger, and after being kicked out they took him away in ambulance and spent the night in the ER hooked up to IV's. The doctors were surprised to find his toxicology test almost came out almost negative, as he just acts like he's ODing when he isn't. Anyways, that was the last concert and we were hoping he wouldn't do that for Tool. We told him not to share any joints with anyone pasty-white and under 100 pounds. Some poor guy was recording a bootleg cd right behind us, so I'm sure anyone buying it can hear Scott go off. Be warned. But mainly he just played air guitar like a dumbass, on purpose. I gave him some tips, as air guitar is harder than it looks. You can't get involved in only playing, you gotta point at the ladies watching like you're a 80's heavy metaler. With out missing a chord. Unfortunately, in the real performance, Adam and Justin just sat there the whole concert, not ever looking up. Like a bad air gutarist. Show some emotion, like you want to be there. Maynard was in the dark the whole time, just a shadow. Which is alright I guess, especially when he was only wearing leather underoos. Danny was under a light and was somewhat mesmorizing to watch. It's weird to follow a band and watch them become so popular, and therefore see how their concerts change over the years. Just subtle things, but I noticed. It's not the same, and it's not an improvement. At the same time, the concert absolutely did not suck. It was worth the miserable plane ride. Especially to hear different variations of songs. Red Rocks sound was incredible, but the Gorge is a more beautiful setting easily. Which I've seen Tool play at. It was funny to hear my city friend say "Isn't the view amazing?" Of what, the suburbs? The interstate? This ain't Montana. Some lucky bastards crawled up in the rocks in the venue, one hundred feet straight up and sat in a nook to watch. I want to read their review, I was certainly jealous. It would be the place to just feel the music, the lyrics, the moment, with no distractions. Is Tool just about seeing a rockin' band live so you can tell your co-workers on Monday about it and how many hot chicks were there? I never thought so. It's a spiritual thing. Just like living in Montana, and not the city.

Review written by: Vanessa (Butterfly91@webtv.net) Review posted on: 08/07/01 19:19:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

My first experience seeing Tool live was the single most thrilling experience of my life. I am happy that Tool gets to play with the band that they have always looked up to, King Crimson. I am from Littleton, so I really didn't have to travel that far, and Red Rocks is a place that I have visited many times, but that night of August 3rd, I saw a show that made me feel this incredible feeling of connection, as all of the crowd sang together with Maynard. As I am watching over my boyfriend's shoulder's I am being pulled and sucked in to another state of mind. Tool's music is surrounding me, infecting me with life. I am mesmorized, as I watch the circle of eyes bouncing off of the Red Rocks, and as I watch the screen, where they play haunting and beautiful video clips. My boyfriend is the one who bought the tickets, he has been a Tool fan for a long time, he is the one who introduced me to their music. This was his first Tool concert as well, and he was just as thrilled as I was, he was seeing his heroes, the people he looks up to for the first time. The best part of that night was holding him, and wiping his tears and mine as we sang, and were entranced by Tool, and their infectious aura.

Review written by: Cabal138 (Killtrip@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 20:18:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I drove 14 hours from Boise ID to see this show. I have a friend in Denver who got me tix. Drove around to find a parking spot...humped up the hill...stood in line to get in...bought a beer and a shirt...and got to my seat halfway through King Crimson. I've never heard them before and I was impressed. One can hear the influence they have had on Tool. The setlist has been posted...the lights on the rocks were awesome...there was alot of pot being smoked...people were grooving...I didn't witness any sheeple getting agressive, but I'm sure they were there. I saw the people up on the north side rocks, and I saw security chase them off. Awesome show at a great venue...I hope they return soon.

Review written by: jeremy burke (atlanti88@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 20:46:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

WHAT CAN I SAY KIDS. THIS SHOW CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER. KING CRIMSON CAME OUT AND PUT OUT SOME TRIPPY GUITAR PARTS WHERE I RELIZED TOOL GOT THEIR INFLUENCE. MAYNARD WAS TREMENDOUS. HE LIVED UP TO EVERY THING I DREAMED OF SINCE I SAW THEM IN '97 AT FIDDLERS GREEN AT LOLLAPOLZA. ANYWAY, THE WEATHER WAS GREAT AND EVERY IN THE CROWD WAS SINGING ALONG TO EVERY SONG PLAYED. MAYNARD TOLD ALL OF US TO TAKE THIS EXPERIENCE AND REMEMBER IT FOR THREE WEEKS OR FOREVER, AND ALSO KEEP THIS IN YOU AND DO SOMETHING POSTIVE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. ADAM JONES BLEW MY ASS AWAY ON HIS GUITAR. THAT DUDE IS A GENIUS AND DANNY WAS JUST KILLING THE DRUMS LIKE THERE WAS NO TOMORROW. ALL THE LIGHTS AND SCREEN SHOWS MADE THE CONCERT MORE DRAMY AND HYPNOTIC. IT TOOK ABOUT HALF AN HOUR TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT BUT WHEN I GOT HOME I HAD A DREAM THAT VERY NIGHT ABOUT THE SHOW. I WOKE UP AND LOOKED AROUND AND RELIZED HOW LUCKY I WAS TO SEE THE BEST BAND ON THE PLANET TO WHICH NO ONE CAN REPLACE. MAYNARD ALSO CRACKED A JOKE AND SAID THAT THEM PLAYING WITH KING CRIMSON WAS LIKE LENNY KRAVITZ PLAYING WITH LED ZEPLIN OR BRITTNEY SPEARS PLAYING WITH DEBBIE GIBSON. OVER 6000 PEOPLE DIED LAUGHING. HOPE I CAN SEE THESE GUYS AGAIN. MAYNARD FOR PRESIDENT

Review written by: Kurt (kissmy_grits@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 20:53:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

this was one of the best shows I have ever been to. although I live in Littleton and the drive to Red Rocks (one I have made an uncountable number of times) is a mere 40min, we embarked on our journey at approx. 9:00 that moring. We arrived at the top parking lot a little before 10:00 and hung out until around 2:00 when we moved to where the line was going to form. Although there had been fans waiting in line since 10:00pm the night before at the entrance we waited at, we were able to achieve 4th row seats (general admission in front) at the best outdoor venue in the United States. The show was breathtaking and some of the people I met were really cool. The only part of the whole experience I could have lived without was my back had been hurt the day prior, and standing up the whole time didn't help it to feel better, and I had to spend far too much time with my brothers loud-ass cunt of a girlfriend. but really it was little to suffer through to see such an amazing preformance. I wouldn't have traded it for anything. To sum up the show: the lights, the sounds, the visiusals were all perfect. watching Danny play was amazing. he was in a trance like state the entire show, not missing a beat and putting that beautiful new drumset to work. Brilliant show... I cant wait to see them again

Review written by: darhma (clowy02@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 21:56:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 1/2 Tool show

For many years..... I have been one of the many to be moved by the symphony of raw emotions Tool has pounded out for years now. Unfortunately, I was one of the many left ticketless and disheartened. AUGUST 3- Some friends and I approached Red Rocks ticketless; backpack filled with two cases of beer and decent hiking shoes kissing the dirt. Hiking, full moon above and the wind swirled through the ampatheatre, excitement swelled somewhere inside. Purched on the side of a steep hill.... enjoying our brew.... we let the echo of the lights and the blinding sounds fill us. Never seing the actually show; only hearing the distorted sounds (like a horrible bootleg recording) of Tool in their splendid wonder... a night I will never forget and only hope those fortunate to have seen it will see it as the sam; hope they know just how fortunate they were to have shared the celebration.

Review written by: dbraden (devin-braden@msn.com) Review posted on: 08/07/01 21:58:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Using Tools: A narrative of greater than slight truth And so it began, with a near 9:00 AM wake-up. Oral hygiene was particularly important today. You cannot have a spiritual experience without first committing to a good flossing. Also, a nail trim seemed to be in order. After a large bowl of golden mushroom soup and a can of lemon-lime seltzer, my imprisoned anger and frustration guided me to my vehicle, the PBS spokesmobile ­ a sky blue 1982 Honda accord 5- speed with a very clean interior and a rear window littered with Tool stickers and a channel 6 membership drive promotional sticker. And with that brief introduction to my day and a stop at the gas station for 2 red bulls and some Gatorade, I was on my way to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see King Crimson and Tool. I reached the town of Morrison Colorado about 20 minutes after my departure, listening to Cirkus ­ disc 1, Neon Heat Disease, a live retrospective of King Crimson between 1984 and 1998 on the way. The drive was overwhelmingly warm; seeing as I have been lacking air conditioning since mid June, and I was covered in sweat by the time I reached the hill that leads up to the beautiful red monuments that gives the amphitheater its name. As I ascended toward the parking lot (free, of course) I felt my natural state of mind begin to change and I felt as if I had just barely begun to step out of myself, away from the mundane and average life I had been experiencing from day to day since I had gone on vacation from school in Boulder, Colorado ­ a place strangely similar to this one. After parking, I looked around the lower lot to see what sort of company I was in 6 hours before gates and 8 before the show. People seemed to be enjoying themselves and there was one individual who had painted himself gray ­ quite the interesting demeanor he wished to take on tonight. After pounding a red bull I began the long hike up to the line, which was nestled between two breathtaking rock formations and allowed, on a clear day, a picturesque view of the city. As I reached to red rocks trading post, I noticed a faint and very beautiful sound among the rocks ahead ­ a guitar. Not just any guitar. Adamıs guitar. Not playing just any sound check fodder. Reflection. The final 5 notes: haunting, revealing, amazing. Over and over the 5 distinct notes sounded and echoed among the monuments, growing louder as I approached those in line, all sitting patiently under a hot Rocky Mountain sun. Little did I know, but Trey Gunn of KC was enjoying the same sound from high above the amphitheater while he relaxed before his sound check and portion of the show. I reached the line and immediately felt at home with the crowd of people sitting and patiently waiting for the show to begin. By this time (around 12:00 or so), the stairs up to the doors were full and the line was beginning to wind around the stage right rock. I took a seat behind a large group of people my age, one of whom had himself constructed to look like Satan, and was followed by a man much older than myself. And with this, the waiting begins. I took a seat next to a bush that provided little shade and worked myself into a half-lotus position to watch the arriving incomers. My head was swimming. Between the climb, the red bull, the heat of the cloudless sky and intense sun, and the anticipation of my 3rd Tool experience and 1st King Crimson experience in the same 4 hour period had begun a quiet and seductive elevation of consciousness. I spoke very little, even when I recognized people I knew. One person, whom I had attended elementary school with, was not speaking in preparation for the show. She had been there since 8:00 AM. Another, whom I had also known as long, arrived around 1:30 and told me she was on the 5th day of a fast in order to elevate herself for the show. I had taken to a form of, as I can only explain it, open-eyed meditation; however, rather than concentrating on clearing my mind, I found myself drawing off of others energy and feeding my own will as to produce a ball of energy that did, in fact, put me in touch with the audience. By 3:00, the line had worked its way up the hill to where I could no longer see the end. Many had sought protection from the sun by climbing the steep rock face and hiding therein its shade. I had purchased a fairly overpriced but nonetheless amazing Tool/King Crimson tour shirt. As I see it, I will never get to see either band at this venue again, and furthermore, never would I see them together. People began to get anxious ­ there was a definite energy change at this point. It wouldnıt be much longer before doors and then we would all be on our way to the same common headspace, the finale of our long day in the hot sun. Through the rocks echoed Toolıs sound check. I could only make out two songs clearly: Reflection, reminding me of my haunting climb, and The Patient, which had become anthemic for those of us waiting outside. Little did I know that this would be the only time Tool would play this song today. 4:15. The line began to move. Those sitting hurriedly rose to their feet, leaving behind a trail of Styrofoam coolers and bottles and bags. Nobody ran, but in the same vain, nobody was taking a nice afternoon stroll up to the stone staircase. Upon my reaching the stairs, the source of this commotion was soon recognized: the upper line had been opened and, upon seeing people walking down to the entrance, those in front of this line stood ready in order to claim their stake on the first 4 rows. Unfortunately, doors were more than an hour away. Little yellow men walked up and down the down side of the line attempting to talk their definition of sense into this audience; however, at this point, we were elsewhere, unaffected by their shallow words and warnings. At 4:20, there was the usual rock concert announcement and cloud of THC swarming, but many (including myself, as always) chose to use only the bodyıs own chemicals today. The wait on the steps was less difficult than I had envisioned, and around 5:15 or so, I felt myself take yet another step toward my ultimate consciousness goal. I could hear King Crimson doing a final sound check on ³The ConstruKction of Light². I felt myself nearly fall from the step. This was going to be an unforgettable experience. With that as my final thought, the line began to moveŠ After a rigorous search on account of my being male (the little yellow man checked inanimate cavities), I left the company I was in and found my own personal overtone in the steeply graded brilliantly placed 50 year spirited amphitheater. Just 7 rows back and three or four people outside of the sound booth, I was ready for something amazing. I dared not move, but only observe those who chose to themselves. On one side, there was a couple about to leave Colorado and hoping to see Tool as their both first and final show at Red Rocks. On my right, two or three about the age I was when I experienced an Ĉnima era Lallapalooza show. In front, a man with very large eyes and a very strange Tattoo of a skull clamped and locked twice and several underage girls. This was quite the placement, indeed. I overheard parts of conversations relating to King Crimson and chose not to interject, even when disinformation was presented, as in less than 1 hour, all questions would more than likely be answered. I also saw people scurry to purchase very overpriced merchandise, of which I remained guilty, as I was now wearing my Tool/King Crimson shirt over the Novus Opiate Seclorum shirt I had picked to wear on my way in. I glanced over at the man on my left and his watch. 10 minutes. Time seemed relative at this point and, as far as I was concerned, King Crimson was already on stage. Fantastic. The band entered to a very simple black set, each member wearing all black. I could see Pat Mastelottoıs half V-Drum and half acoustic drum kit. I couldnıt wait to see him play it, being a drummer myself, as he is one of the best in the industry. Adrian Belew took his place in the front-and-center and greeted the audience with a wave. The legendary Robert Fripp, the Crimson King himself, took a seat facing Adrian on a stool on stage left. Trey Gunn picked up his baritone touch guitar on stage right and Pat took a seat at the kit. The audience stood and cheered in approval, as the wait seemed to finally be over. The band kicked right into ³The ConstruKction of Light². The music fell in waves upon the audience, and waded through and around time signatures like some dense, but greatness-masking swamp. By the time the second part, with included vocals came about, there were many confused metal heads realizing there was no way to head bang in 7/8 time. There was an air of disrespect emanating from a good deal of the audience. After a mind blowing version of ³Larkıs Tongue in Aspic IV² and ³Into the Frying Pan², there were a visible many who didnıt seem to understand exactly how important this band was, and how their individual beyond-virtuoso skill levels contributed to some of the most challenging and mind boggling music of the last 3 decades. Many sat down and after a strange slower-moving song constructed around the sampled pieces from ³Thela Hun Ginjeet², I heard a good many chanting Tool. That was the final undoing of my faith in this audience. King Crimson continued through the spectacular set, which included from the legendary ³Discipline² album ³Thela Hun Ginjeet², to a lukewarm group of Tool fans and sounded great. Adrian Belew played one of the best guitar solos Iıve ever heard during ³Red². I was blown away. What I found terribly hilarious was that the people around me noticed my enthusiasm and tried to talk to me about the band, as so not to disappoint me, Iım assuming. ³I like the way the bass player plays all up high and stuff.² RightŠ After Crimson finished their set, the entire audience stood and cheered. I would like to believe that it was in appreciation for the band; however, my instinct tells me that the majority of the people were happy to see them leave because it meant Tool was closer. The patient had grown impatient. My senses already whetted, I was ready for anything and everything. I was ready for every possible emotion and sensory input. I couldnıt believe I was about to see Tool for the first time in 4 years. Not since 1997 had I been able to experience this feeling. It was incredible. The stage was beginning to take shape for Tool. The semi- circle was constructed by placement of the Maynard silhouette screen and Dannyıs incredible golden kit (of which we had caught a glimpse of during the KC set). Now, however, the Cirkus had left town and Dissectional was about to crucify our collective ego and tear our walls down. I could now see Adamıs three cabinets and Justinıs bass on the edges. The final black shroud was pulled from the backround screen. The lights went downŠ Upon seeing four shadows take stage, the audience went to near-riotous volume. Maynard was the last to take his place in front a screen projecting identically the image on the back screen. As of current, it was the circle of eyes, only in color. He was dressed in mostly all black. Justin and Adam were dressed quite well, and Danny chose to wear his old basketball Jersey. I tilted my head back in preparation for the coming onslaught of super-sonic connection. And then it hit. ³The Grudge². I was nearly convulsing and screamed the staccato vocal line when it slammed in. By the ³cornerstone² part, I was nearly in tears due to the release of all of my frustration and anger at once, a beautifully frightening purging of every negative emotion I had to offer. It was amazing. Dannyıs kit sounded unbelievable. After the power of ³The Grudge² and a brief segue of (-) Ions, Tool delivered ³Stinkfist², along with imagery clipped from the video behind their musical presence. Another incredible experience ­ how could they follow this? Surprise ­ ³Swamp Song². I donıt think a soul was expecting to hear this one. I was amazed at how many knew and sang every word of this hidden gem from Undertow. I saw every hand in the air pointing and chastising an invisible ³belligerent fucker². It was a 9000 strong entity brought together in emotional release and reformation by the music of four people superceded by one word: Tool. And howŠ Following ³Swamp Song², Maynard greeted the audience and informed them that this was a night about pleasure. It was a pleasure for them to be playing at Red Rocks again and it was a pleasure for them to take the stage with the legendary King Crimson. There were many blushing faces. Some still stood adamant in their earlier disappointment with the band. Trey Gunnıs tour journal gives a great account: ³About five songs into the show Maynard spoke to the audience. He mentioned something about how happy he was to be playing at Red Rocks, and then he expressed a real sense of honor for being able to share the stage with King Crimson. The crowd gave that comment a good applause. But, then some guy standing right behind me stood up and shouted ³King Crimson sucks!² I couldnıt help but burst our laughing. I love the contrast of perspectives on life.² At least the band understood. Adam followed the comment with the familiar cold scratching and the band burst into ³Prison Sex². The extra bridge found its way into the song and many people were befuddled; however, they watched in sincere admiration. I looked around and locked eyes with a dozen or so people who sang along with Maynard and shared a moment of warm isolation inside the music. ³Now we have become oneŠ² With no talking, no ³Thank You², Justin played (slipping once) the four counterpointed notes leading into the next musical journey. ³Schism² was greeted with a huge uproar and a 9000-strong voice singing every word. Some interesting changes occurred live, including Maynardıs choice to sing the harmony for the first verse, instead of the low octave. He also was holding the same prop guitar he had used with A Perfect Circle. Was it plugged in? Perhaps, as it seemed he played the electronically delayed portion during the bridge, but I canıt be sure either way. After the final pieces fit and then fell away, the audience began to recover while the two in front, Adam and Justin, knelt to their effect pedals and boards like they were praying to some auditory alter. Danny closed his eyes and felt the power of his new kit. It was like ³Merkaba², only very different. Maynard bowed his head and prepared for the next outpouring. The first guitar warning of ³Pushit² rang throughout the hills and the audience again went into a frenzy. The song was beautiful and beautifully vulgar. It pulled us in as much as it pushed us away. The duples (or triples, if you count the song in a triplet-feel four) went on for much longer than on either the Ĉnima or Salival recordings, creating an unseen tension that had me crying out by the end of the 8-bar expansion. The climax of the song was fast approaching and the audience braced itself. All voice ceased to sing and just felt the power of the single vocal line echoing throughout the foothills. ³I must persuade you another way². A wind had picked up and was creating a turbulence that was felt by all. Those in charge of the stage decided that the video screen should be lowered, leaving just the rocks and the circular projections that had been present throughout the show and Maynardıs screen as the visual focal points. ³BlameŠBlame God.² Adam and Justin came together, moving Adam from the stoic unmoving posture he had been locked into the entire show. Slowly, they began the incredible interplay that is ³Disposition². Maynardıs three lines repeated over and over became a Mantra to the audience and everyone became entranced. Nearing the end, Danny began the bouncing ball portion of the song (strangely similar to the Aphex Twin song). With a final glance at the audience, he began the powerful tom melody that is the foundation of ³Reflection². Again, the audience volume grew. Uniformly, the 9000 collective began to slowly sway in approval. The rocks that created the audience enclosure suddenly became bright with colors and movement. Lights panned across the audience and Maynardıs ³self-indulgent pitiful hole² illuminated the remaining video screen. The moon, 1 day shy of being full, clawed its way from behind the clouds and told the 9000 strong collective its daunting secret. The song began to climax and the audience applauded. Adam then began the marathon 4-minute outro of 5 notes, repeated over and over, just as I had heard walking to the amphitheater 9 hours earlier. Over and over it sounded and the other members hid away. It was Adamıs moment. He brought us down from the emotional and spiritual plane gently and with caution not to make us too comfortable. Finally, he made his exit. The lights were down. We were encased in darkness. A sound, similar to ³Mantra², only faster and with what seemed to be an animal call of some sort, perhaps otherworldly, repeated over the top rang through our collective head. The screen was raised and the Salival futant rotated, as on the DVD. After nearly 10 minutes the band returned to a eager audience and a familiar uproar. No one was prepared. One chord. Repeated twice in succession. ³Sober². This time, it was not accompanied by video footage, but new visual eye candy. Nudes dancing and touching hands gently. Everyone knew every word. Truly a supernatural experience. Upon coming down, the members of the band returned to their audio segue interplay while Maynard, in his nobility, made sure to again thank King Crimson and allow us to glimpse at the awe and admiration the band felt for them. ³Itıs like Lenny Kravitz playing with Led Zeppelin, or Britney Spears Playing with Debbie GibsonŠonly, not.² This sentiment was acknowledged by a lighthearted laugh and applause from the audience. Finally, we were united and moving to feel the next adventure together. Adam and Justin again moved together, only now not physically, but mentally. They began the hauntingly beautiful ³Parabol², providing justification for the parable just presented to the audience. Everyone was prepared. With one growing feedback-laden note, the storm that is ³Parabola² hit. The Video screens were again illuminated, this time with psychedelic color patterns and sacred geometries. The Flower of Life spinning out of control. The Tree of Life melting off the screen and into our minds. Metatronıs Cube teaching us that all life emanates from these patterns. Our minds had surpassed our bodies and ³Parabola² reminded us that the bodies, all holding one another, were not alone. ³We are eternal. All this pain is an illusion.² Applause and roars journeyed out with the final reprise of ³Parabol². Once the silence was savored enough for quiet reflection, Maynard pulled us all into the final diatribe. ³Ĉnima² hit the audience like a great flash flood. The video screen projected images of people being pulled under water, helpless and crying silently. Everyone felt a final release and every last bit of anxiety and negativity flow forth from our being. There was not a single hand at a single side when the collective prayed for rain. It was a beautiful sight, indeed. The time was nearŠ ³Take this feeling. This feeling you have right now. Positive or negative ­ it doesnıt matter. And, in the next few weeks, make it something positive. Thank you and weıll see you in a few months.² Here it was. ³Lateralus². We all began to dig as deep as possible, as to fathom the miracle of our own existence and our being here. Now. Tonight. ³Black than white² ­ we saw the image of ourselves, of our ³god². ³Red and Yellow² ­ the pill? A 1999 screaming lobster lightwave image and a t-shirt gave this song new meaning. We all began to ride the spiral outward, and kept going. If we would take only one thing, it would be this. Constant expansion. A collective that is unbreakable. An overtone hidden that is slowly being revealed. All one mind. We would let the light touch us ­ and we would keep going. I found my way back down the path I had traveled 11 hours previous. Looked around at the people. Felt connected, felt closer to everything than I had ever felt. On my way out of the parking lot, I began listening to Lateralus. I wrote down the setlist and worked my car out of the earlybird lot. The little blue men directing traffic made us all go out the backside of Morrison and toward the mountains. Once back on 470 and on my way back home, I glanced over at Red Rocks, still illuminated in the afterglow. ³The Patient² was playing and I remembered the soundcheck, the reward our waiting received early that day. Somehow it worked to pull me back to that walk all those hours ago in the most beautiful place on earth. A place where the restless chaos of the earth created something so serene and breathtaking. Forever would I remember that place, as I will remember seeing King Crimson and Tool there, as a place where chaos and unrest can create something so awe-inspiring and beautiful.

Review written by: Adam (DtBass12@netscape.net) Review posted on: 08/07/01 22:01:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, I was at the Tool show on Friday. After waiting in line for what seemed liked 5 and a half hours, I was in. Then I waited for what seemed like 2 more hours. But wait, that wasn't the good part. The good parts were Tool and King Crimson. They were both incredibly good and presented their music with passion. They didn't play 46&2, but thats ok. After the show, I cried. Then I masturbated. Then I cried some more because it was such a great show that nothing I did after it was as good. Maynard said at the show, " Take this feeling your feeling right now and turn it into something positive." I am still feeling it, but maybe it's because I'm masturbating.

Review written by: Noah Yetter (monster@freeshell.org) Review posted on: 08/07/01 22:28:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I love Tool, I really do, but I gotta say that this show was not worth $50 (I shudder to think about how people who paid 3 or 4 times that feel). None of this was the fault of Tool or KC; the blame is divided between Ticketmaster and Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Here's the story, to serve as a warning. I hear on the radio one friday an ad for the Tool concert. It says tickets go on sale the very next saturday, so I get all excited. I decide that the best way for me to get tickets the instant they go on sale (I heard later that the show sold out in about 15min) is to buy them on TM's website. At 9:55am saturday morning, I'm sitting at my computer refreshing the page for Tool tickets every 20 seconds. At about 9:58, I realize "s***! I need an account first!" So I whiz through the account creation as fast as I can, and get back to the order page at 10:01. I order 4 tickets ($37.50 tickets became $50.10 after all of TM's charges) and feel pretty good about myself. A week or so later I check my order and it says the tickets have been printed, and "they usually are mailed the same day as they're printed". Again, feelin' pretty good. Wednesday, August 1st rolls around (the show is the 3rd), and no tickets. The TM order page said no tickets 48 hours before show, call customer service. So I call, and after waiting on hold for 20 minutes I talk to this very nice guy who says "well, it says here they were mailed, but since you didn't get them I'll arrange for your tickets to be waiting for you at the Will Call desk". Definitely sub-optimal, but I feel reassured, and stop panicking. The Red Rocks website says the Will Call desk opens 2 hours before the gates do (5:30, so WC at 3:30). My friends and I decide the best thing to do is get there as early as we can; so we head out from Denver at about 2:00. We turn onto the road to parking, and are stopped by a couple of yellow-shirts ("Event Staff"). We're like, "where's Will Call?", she points to a little brick hut a few yards to the right and says "this is it, it's not open yet, you can park over there and wait". So we park, and wait. We meet plenty of other people who ordered over the web and didn't get their tickets, including one guy who came all the way from Ontario. 3:30 comes and goes, no tickets. By 4:30, the desk was active and handing out tickets... except to we, the ordered- on-web/lost-in-mail crowd. WE give them our ID and credit card for verification, they check us out, and then print us up our tickets. Except there's no ticket printing equipment at the little brick hut. The Ticketmaster lady has to drive 1/4 mile up the road to the box office, print the tickets and drive back. We're about ready to strange someone at this point, but we calm our nerves and strive to be patient. OK, by about 5:00, we have our tickets in hand and get in line for the gates. At this point, the four of us thought that our tribulations were over, and the only hardships we'd have to deal with for the rest of the night were the exorbitant prices of concessions. Little did we know... We get inside and take the best seats we can grab. The place where we sit is two rows behind an anonymous yellow rope that runs the full width of the theatre. There are no signs, no ropes running perpendicular, in short, no indication of what this rope is intended to signify. We thought to ourselves, well, maybe the front section is reserved seating. There weren't any reserved seats for sale at 10:01am, so we had no prior indication that there were any reserved seats at all. Also, we've only been to Red Rocks once before (for Tool in '98), and we got there really late and ended up near the back (which is why we were determined to do better this time). It is now 6:30. We wait around, try to re-hydrate, a couple of us buy t-shirts. A few minutes before 7:30, a guy comes on stage and says hey the show's gonna start soon, the bands wanted me to thank you all for being here, have a good time (remember: this is all he said). King Crimson comes on and plays. We've never seen or heard them before, so we pay good attention. About 8:00, we overhear someone talking to one of the yellow-shirts (who's been walking back and forth across the theatre for no ascertainable reason) and we pick up on the fact that the seats we're sitting in are reserved. In fact, the entire area from this anonymous yellow rope (about 1/3 distance from the stage) and another anonymous yellow rope (which we had not previously noticed, about 2/3 from stage) is reserved. This rocks our world, twofold: 1. Why in the F*** would they sell the CENTER section as reserved seating rather than the front? This just makes no sense at all. 2. Why in the F*** didn't they TELL US ABOUT IT???!!!! Would it have taken so much effort, so many dollars, to hang SIGNS on the ropes signifying their purpose? Or to have the reserved section roped off on the sides as well as front and back? To have had that guy punctuate his otherwise pointless little blurb by saying that "oh, BTW, the seats between the ropes are reserved". Would it have been too difficult for mr. yellow shirt, while walking across the theatre (perhaps showing ppl to their seats, even) to mention to us and everyone else that these seats were reserved? By this time, the only seats left were about 90% of the distance from the stage. From that distance, we attempted, but largely failed, to enjoy the show. If you've never been to Red Rocks... there is only one battery of speakers, at the very front of the theatre. Compound that with the fact that it's an open-air venue, and about the furthest half of the theatre gets awful sound. From where we were sitting, we could certainly *feel* the music, and very high-frequency sounds carried fairly well also, but the meat of the music, the mid-range frequencies where the 6-string guitar and human voice live, is almost completely drowned out. It would be less accurate to say that we /saw/ the Tool concert, than it would be to say that we were in the same arena as the Tool concert. I'm still glad I went, and I will go to the next Tool show 100%, even if it's at accursed Red Rocks. I wouldn't even have been very disappointed if we'd shown up at 6 or 7 rather than 2:30, as we would have gotten what we deserved. What really irks all of us is that if we had had our tickets in hand when we arrived, we would have gotten great seats. Even if the Will Call desk had had our tickets when they said they would, we would have gotten great seats. But we got horrible seats. The lessons as I see them are: 1. Ticketmaster is incompetent, keep this in mind when dealing with them. 2. Red Rocks is incompetent, keep this in mind when seeing a show there. I really, REALLY hope Tool tours again before their next album (which, if the pattern keeps up, will arrive in 2008), so that I can try again...

Review written by: Master Reviewer (jbushper7@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/08/01 00:05:48 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

My 1st tool concert ever and it was a life changeing experience for me king crimson came on 1st then tool rock the rest of the night i think next time they come to denver which they will because maynard said so i they will play alot of their older stuff if youve never seen tool before you should go see them. It was the best concert ive beeen to the crowd sung with maynard

Review written by: restless7 (jon_engle2000@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/08/01 03:25:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

KICK ASS -- you know what I mean if you were there. ------------ I drove out from Kansas City and stayed with my brother in Lakewood. We drove the caddy and parked on the hillside on the way up. There were some hotties around specifically one redhead with a tight green tank on I swore was gonna come off when the music stopped. Maybe it did - I was watching the show and might have missed it. The show was fantastic. It was surreal. ------------ A bit of information for the fans that paid a shitload more money than they wanted to and to the fans that didn't even get tickets. I had 4 extra tickets and sold them on ebay for FACE value, because I knew real fans wanted to go. One week before the show I proceeded to bid on all the Red Rocks tickets I could on ebay. My intent was to make the sellers think they had a done deal, then completely jerk them around by not paying. They only had 5 days left in which to sell the tickets, get paid, and get them delivered to the lucky recipients. MY purpose was that they would have to sell them at a very low price to ensure they got sold! In the future all I can stress is DON'T buy them off ebay until the very last minute of any auction, and keep your prices as low as possible. It's bad enough ticketbastard has to rip us all off but when someone else (supposedly a fan) takes advantage of us too, that's just too much. FUCK 'EM I say... I hope you all enjoyed the show! I did...

Review written by: Rob Payne (Guitar_tool@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 08:10:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I just dont know what to say. It was the greatest show on earth and i as front row. The only thing that bothered me was my back during KC, All that standing you know since fuckin 1. Smoked enough weed to get everyone in the 1st three rows high before the show. KC was pretty amazing, not the type of music i listen to, but they had the best bassist, professionally. I could not have asked for a better seat, i was only like 20 feet from center stage and only a bout 3 yards away from adam. I mostly watched Adam to learn, but i also got in the pit for prison sex, sober, anima, and the grudge. Maynard the shit, BLAME IT ON GOD. The part i remeber the best, is the begining of prison sex. That thud thud thwweeeeeeeeeep. It seemed as though Adam played faster then the albulm version. I do have to say i was dissapointed that they didnt play anything off of opiate. But that stills didnt constitute for a bad time. And i took the feeling with me, hopefully i will create some a positive or creative as tool has. The rocks are THE BEST to see a Show, i seen tool there before, but i was in the nose bleeders do to my incompetent mom. She didnt get us there until about 6 o clock in 98. But this time i made sure to be there plenty of earliness. The whole day was great, and if i try hard enough i can bring back that feeling, its even better then sex or gettin high. Anyone with any bootlegs or good clear pics of the show email me at guitar_tool@hotmail.com, i will pay decently or trade. Go see Tool, Before its too late!!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------- "Step into my Shadow"MJK 46n2 --------------------------------------------------------------------

Review written by: Lucifloyd (floydbenson@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 16:29:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Tickets (including service charge & shipping)...$133 Hotel for four nights...$600 Driving 1126 miles to see Tool at Red Rocks...priceless Although it was definitely worth the drive and the expense to see Tool live again, especially at such an amazing venue like Red Rocks, I have to say that this was not their best show. It wasn't a bad show by any means...they played a good solid set, the sound was superb (especially for an outdoor venue), the lights and the little multimedia extraveganza was pretty damn cool...but something was missing. I think it was feeling. Danny looked like the only one that really wanted to be there...Justin, Adam and Maynard just didn't really seem to get into it...they looked / acted / seemed tired. But again, it was still a great show and worth the trip...hearing "Reflection" and "Lateralus" live alone was worth the trip..."Swamp Song" was a high point and a nice surprise...no encore though, what was up with that? Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing them in Memphis in October. Thanks to Derek and Adam (?) for sharing their pot.

Review written by: Tommy (haildiscordia23@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 17:06:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was probably the best performance by a band that I've ever seen in my opinion. Unfortunately it was also the worst audience I ever had to endure. My brother, 2 friends, and I drove from Omaha, Nebraska to Red Rocks, first time in Colorado, first Tool show. It was a great trip with the Tool show as a wonderful climaxer. We drank a small portion of mushroom tea and smoked some herb out of the new pipes we got from some concertgoer, only to have to deal with cottonmouth during the long wait up there. People around us were talking about how they were searching everyone and making my friend with joints in his pocket nervous. Drunk assholes were tossing beer bottles off the ledge. Finally when we reached the top, we got past security and rushed to a concession stand for the best bottle of water ever. When Crimson came on, we finally found some alright seats, only to have a group of shirtless, drunk, loud assholes get in front of us. King Crimson themselves were awesome, the only album I owned at the time was Discipline and so they played a lot that I recognized. Thela hun ginjeet and Frame by Frame seemed to catch my attention the most. The mindless drunk couple to the left of us kept complaining about how "Tool needs like, a heavier band to like, get the crowd going. You guys actually like this stuff? Well if you like it so much then why aren't you goin crazzzyyy?". Oh how I love Tool fans. After they played, we waited for another eternity for Tool to come on. They started with The Grudge...and it was glorious...except my attention kept being distracted by the 2 shirtless guys in front of us taking turns punching each other in the arm. One of them accidently hit the other in the eye so they started screaming at each other and got very close to getting in a fight. Now I know that I should've expected a crowd like this, but I just didn't think about it that much. After all, I'd gone to a String Cheese Incident show a couple weeks earlier, where I was exposed to a wonderful crowd of positive, friendly hippies. Big contrast. Tool's performance on the other hand was amazing. The stage setup was the coolest I've seen...the visuals on the screen (especially the more psychedelic stuff) were awesome. I recognized a lot of the sacred geometric symbols during parabola. Lots of visuals of Toolish stuff that I didn't expect to see..like the pillhead, salival guy, and the lateralus guy. Maynard kind of got my hopes up that KC would get up on stage when he acknowledged how happy they were to play with them...but since they went into Parabol afterwards I didn't mind. It was awesome seeing some ceremonial type thing where they all knelt down and Danny showed off his new set. The songs they played seemed to start with the heavier darker stuff, and gradually went towards the more inspirational stuff. I wonder what all of the drunk assholes who went crazy yelling the lyrics to Swamp Song thought when Maynard gave his simple, yet moving speech about creating something positive with the experience. I suppose a good portion of them had passed out by then, and most of the rest of them were too drunk to even make out words. Maybe its a little hopeful of me to hope that Tool may be redirecting the attitudes of their cold, depressed, hateful fans to being appreciative of life and other people.

Review written by: acidstud (acidstud@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 18:40:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well i am in dallas texas ad i have several friends in the dever area. So me my roomate flew up to the mile high city to see the greatest show on earth (i aint talkin about the circus either). We got there late thursday after a night of drinkin and smokin with friends, we was ready for friday. Friday was the day of the concert as you may know but friday i was also the day that my sis was supost to send me a package. What did the package have you ask???? 15 hits of sweet precious LSD tasty tasty. and also the perfect compliment to an already exstranary show. Well it didnt get there, Well we still went to the concert after all this was to be the pinicale of my musical life. Standing in line at red rocks drinking smokin havin a good time just 2 hours to early. Finnaly we get in Yea stop at the conter get some beers and 2 of those tool shirts (i have them all) and then head on in. Now all 9 of us habve 9 seats that are spread out all throught out th ered rocks (witch was a very nice location to have a concert), so we grab some seats in the middle (my tkt said row 25 but not a chance on that) we settle for row 32. Smoked so more drank some more partied down in the seats. Then king crison came on we watched in a masment at the old guy in the seats in front of us jammin out just really feelin it. Then the screens for tool started to apear. And then the magic monent The first glimpse of tool and those first notes ahh man this was my destiny. I dont really remember to much about the show cause i was like that old guy so invoved in the music. I do know that maynard said blame god for the weather changing not because the screen came down. And the really long ending to one song. I dont remember witch song but it seamed like 2 days. the guy with no head reaching for the mic for 2 days wow. so finally we left the parking lot after the most greatest show ever listened to TOOL in the lot and all the way home. Well the next day was spent in awe of the day before and still waiting on a fd ex delivery. NO show so we smoked some more weed and listened to aenema and watched the nightmare before christmas (much like the wizard of oz and darkside of the moon) really creepy all the coicedences. Sunday some one says hey lets go check the mail and what happens to be there a package from my sister with 15 hits of sweet acid. 8 hours before our flight back to the big D we decied to drop and guess what??? the acid really sucked it was weak beyond belife. So the morale of this trip is that TOOL is so fuckin bad ass in concert

Review written by: Master Reviewer (faqmaster@elephant-talk.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 21:29:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Saturday, August 4, 2001 - FAQman King Crimson and Tool, Red Rocks Park, Morrison, Colorado Friday, August 3, 2001 Well, Eileen and I didn't get thrown into Maynard's Mosh Pit, and no one tried to pierce our body parts against our will. In fact, we were more than pleasantly surprised by the generally nice and friendly people at last night's show. The crowd at the Tool/KC mini-tour premiere was really very charming (overall), and we had a very enjoyable time. Despite the reserved seat tickets we possessed, there was still a general amount of confusion regarding seating. This is due to the fact that the personnel at Red Rocks decided to paint seat numbers on the benches that don't correspond to the seat numbers painted directly in front of the benches on the ground. This would appear to have been intentionally committed for some perverse and anarchic reason, but the result instead was a number of friendly negotiations by the concert-goers, many of them under the influence of various and sundry herbs, chemicals and liquid concoctions. Still, cooler Heads prevailed, and in the process we struck up conversations with just about everyone around us (more on this point later). King Crimson hit the stage on time at 7:30. The crowd at this point was still milling about and chatting, and I knew the Crimson King would fight an even more difficult uphill battle than Eileen and I did making it from the parking area to our seats. I was quite correct on this, as KC fought both the usual indifference of hard-core fans to the opening act as well as a very obvious preoccupation with libations and exhortations ("Yay Tool! Get these other [expletives deleted] off the stage!"). To be blunt, half the crowd could have cared less who was on stage at that moment, and many of them had no clue what state or which planet they were on. And the applause at the end of each song indicated this. Although I probably have the order wrong, and may have missed one song, the selections played were: Lark's Tongues In Aspic Part IV The ConstruKction of Light Frame by Frame Red The Deception of the Thrush Level 5 (New) The World's My Oyster Soup Kitchen Floor Wax Museum Into the Frying Pan Thela Hun Ginjeet As you can see, the setlist is merely an abbreviated version of the previous night's set from the Fox. No encore was played. Robert Fripp has written at length at his DGM Diary about how the expectations of the audience can affect the performance of the artist. Last night, as KC played, there was not only no expectation, but very little response from the crowd. The counterpoint between this, and the previous night's Fox show in Boulder was dramatic. Fripp has also written at length about the "vampiric relationship between audience and performer". Last night, a little more measured good will from the audience may have elevated Crimson's performance from very good to exceptional. Perhaps this would have then caused the audience to respond with more applause, further enhancing the performance. Adrian was certainly into the event, chatting with the audience and playing his trademark stunt guitar riffs with flair and exhibition. Fripp appeared generally disconnected from the event, facing the band (as usual) and directing the abbreviated performance. After his fleet-fingered solo during 'Lark's Tongues In Aspic Part IV', he did receive a small amount of applause from the audience, although it dwarfed (of course) the response from the previous night's show in Boulder. About halfway though KC's set, a conversation took place between myself and an audience member that would be repeated several times (in nature) throughout the evening. A young fellow squeezed himself in next to me and said, to paraphrase: "DUDE, IT IS SO COOL THAT YOU AND YOUR WIFE (well, actually fella, she's my girlfriend :-) ARE HERE TONIGHT!!!! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INTO TOOL!!???! Clocking in at 43 and 44 years of age respectively, Eileen and I were certainly two of the oldest people I spotted at last night's fete. I would gauge the median age of last night's attendees to be about 20 years of age, which therefore meant that, yes, Eileen and I were old enough to be the parents of most of these people. It's OK, as they made us feel very welcome and, in fact, honored! One young fellow who I could tell was intrigued by the Crimson set sat down next to me and asked me to deliver a verbal history of the band, which he listened to with intensity. He then said: "DUDE, I AM CONVINCED THAT TOOL PUT KING CRIMSON ON THIS TOUR WITH THEM SO THAT I COULD MEET YOU HERE AND YOU COULD TELL ME ABOUT THEM! KING CRIMSON IS COOL AND YOU AND YOUR WIFE ROCK!!!!!" And so it goesŠ. As the King Crimson set concluded, I was somewhat saddened by the realization that many of these people might have wished later that they had listened more closely to the music. This is especially true of 'The Deception of the Thrush', which is so "Tool-esque", there was even a Tool number played last night (the title of which I am unfamiliar with) that resembles it. King Crimson eventually ended their set to mixed response. As the stage was prepared for the Tool set, more entertaining conversation with other audience members ensued ("DO YOU TWO HAVE ANY GRANDKIDS?" and "YEAH, MY DAD IS AN OLD HIPPIE, TOO!"). The Tool stage eventually took shape as a high-tech but not oppressively huge setup with a large video monitor above the stage which mirrored a smaller monitor on the stage floor. In front of this smaller monitor was an elevated mini-stage upon which Tool leader Maynard James Keenan would render his performance. Tool took the stage and played a fair amount of material from both the recent 'Lateralus', as well as 'Aenima'. My two favorites from 'Lateralus' were featured: 'The Grudge' (which they opened the show with), and 'Schism'. Tool's playing was very precise, and it is clear they take their musicianship very seriously. As the show moved forward, it became obvious why Tool relies heavily upon the presence of the video monitors. Tool IS a video band, and visual accompaniment played in synch with each and every song (and even the Intermission!) throughout the show. The actual performance area is lit in such a way as to enhance the dark mood, but also to intentionally NOT convey details about the individual appearance of the musicians in Tool. In other words, it's very difficult to see what they are doing and what they look like. I found this somewhat disconcerting, as I was especially keen to study the hand-movements of Justin Chancellor, who I consider to be an exceptional player. What the video play does help do is convey the visual message of Tool's music, and extend the world they have created through their videos and the artwork on their CDs, their DVD, and their website. There is a strange and surreal pre-occupation with the human body and specific body parts. I'm new to Tool and still trying to understand this, as well as make the connection between this preoccupation and the very distinct message in most of their lyrics. My initial belief was that Maynard thinks of the human body as a "trap" for the soul, and that we are all struggling to make our True Selves know. My belief was that perhaps he feels disconnected from his body. On our ride home after the concert, Eileen thoughtfully shot down this theory. She pointed out that Maynard James Keenan is very much in tune with his own body, as his writhing, swaying yet athletic performance on the stage proved. The mystery surrounding Tool's musical Universe is something I am very intrigued by, and I intend on investigating this fully. Maynard made it a point, early on in the set, and right after the Intermission, to mention how honored Tool was to share the stage with King Crimson. The first mention of King Crimson early on led to a fair amount of applause, although some very audible "boos" could be heard in the crowd. When Maynard mentioned this the second time, after the Intermission, he intentionally (I felt) lingered on the point that King Crimson substantially influenced Tool and their music. This seemed to create a more respectful reaction from the audience. Maynard said: "We are very, very proud to be sharing the stage with King Crimson. And to say that Tool is playing with King CrimsonŠ.which is like Lenny Kravitz playing with Led ZeppelinŠ.. or Britney Spears playing with Debbie GibsonŠ." This was humor, masking homage, masking satire. I like this guy. As the concert neared its end, most of the popular Tool songs had been played. Hopefully the "Expectation is a Prison" problem never affects Tool to the extent that it has King Crimson. I will say that the Tool band is very tight instrumentally, and I will repeat that they have created an intriguing little universe of video art that perfectly augments their lyrics and music. The liner notes of 'Aenima' go into great detail about the idea of "dissociative" anesthesia, and exploring the future through genetic adaptation. As I said previously, I definitely want to get to the bottom of this band, or at least to the heart of their message. And I will do so. Their muse is thought-provoking and radical, just as radical and valid as the approach of a certain British band that got its start in 1969. King Crimson fans who ignore outright, either through prejudice or pride, the promise, mystery and beauty of Tool and their universe make the same mistake a Tool fan does when ignoring the majesty of the King Crimson universe. Hopefully the members of Tool achieve their Aim of having KC accompany them on this mini-tour, and their own audience responds as well to the promise of the King Crimson universe.

Review written by: james statz (jpstatezny@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/09/01 22:20:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first Tool show and I can tell you that I will never miss a show that passes by me again in my life time. I was ready to get crazy when they got on stage but when they started to play I just stood there and listened to what they played. It gave me a sense of being that I have never had before. Thank you Tool for the music. To anyone that is considering checking out a Tool show I give you this advice-------Go.

Review written by: Ben Matthews (bodies@home.com) Review posted on: 08/10/01 00:34:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

My second time seeing Tool live, and I still can't decide which was the better experience. Both were damn good shows. The first was in Omaha Nebraska (where I am from) and while it wasn't as good of a show I feel it effected me more emotionally because I hadn't totally been a converted Tool fan yet but I walked away from that concert with Tool as my favorite band. This time, at the famed Red Rocks (which I had never seen) my hopes were high and my expectations were great. It was a much better show then the one in Omaha, but I got different emotions then that of being completely owned by the music, (as Tool beat me into submission previously) this time it was more of a getting what I had been craving for years finally. I suppose however this show was much better for me. First off it goes without saying The Red Rocks is a cool place. And even though there are some negatives on peoples experiences with their seating, I found security to be friendly, relaxed, and much nicer then most venues. Next I was front row for the show. The whole time. That ruled. I got a good spot cuz I showed up at 11 Am for the show, and there were already many people waiting. Some had camped there since midnight but the cops threw them out. It was funny though some of these people who showed up so early -- they didn't seem like what I would consider big Tool fans, more like groupies that would flock to each show at the RedRocks. They sat and listened to their Metallica. They wrote fake tatoos on their arms. (I'm sure Tool will be replaced with whatever big band is next at that venue) They longed for attention from the tourists by acting strange. I was very annoyed, but deep in thought I understand their actions, it is just silly to me that even a thinking-man's band like Tool gets their share of dumb attendees at concerts. Not all were bad of course. I'd say 80% of the folks in line that showed up that early were dedicated real Tool fans and I had some good talks with them. We talked about how emotional of an experience scoring tickets was, and how some of them had to pay outrageous prices. We talked about the long trips to the venue, and our horrible cars. We talked about how much we want to get ahold of Maynard's CAD tape just as a novelty. I had meant to get a feel for King Crimson before the show but when I glanced through their catalogue I realized that that would be quite a task to undertake. I had no idea what material would be played and where I would start at. I decided to listen to them at the concert for my first King Crimson experience, and I was not dissapointed. I can see what all the hype is about. They were all very acomplished musicians and I tried my best to show respect to the band even though there was no way in hell I could grasp their music the first time through, in a scenario like that. I truly hope King Crimson sees this mini-tour as a positive thing because Tool draws in just the type of youth that is willing to give their music a chance. King Crimson has won over their generation but they can still teach much to the kids today. I plan on picking up a King Crimson disc soon now. Oh yes, and King Crimson apeared very nervous. I'm sure they aren't used to opening for bands and playing for such a young audience. Tools set was awesome. I didn't 100% familiarize myself with the setlist before hand so when Adam stretched out the guitar riff at the end of Reflection I was a bit worried the show was over (as tool doesn't play encores). Little did I know it was merely a half way point! I definitly enjoyed the second half more as it contained both Parabol(a) and Lateralus. Parabola was amazing. The guitar riff in this song (you know what one I'm talking about) is uplifting and gave me Toolgasms. In Lateralus Danny was off by about a measure near the end (one could see Maynard signal to him during the "feel the rhythm..." part pointing his index finger down, symbolizing he was too far ahead) but I honestly think no one noticed but me and the band. I smiled about it as Danny chuckled to himself. Danny was definitly in a happy mood that night. Danny also had thrown his drumsticks out way early in the set, he must have many pairs :). The visuals for this show were amazing ; The twithing, eyes beaming light, guy from Salival during The Grudge was so damn cool looking and corresponded with the music so well it alone made me emotional. The visuals during Reflection were awesome, featuring a headless man waving and some pictures, bathroom stalls, etc. I tried to figure out the symbolism but to no avail as usual. The way Maynard stood in front of the visuals during this song it almost looked like he was actually standing there, moving with the images. Its hard to explain. I found it entertaining the Roadies set out for Justin the following : Gatorade, Water, and a beer. Talk about the essentials. He sipped his beer during Parabola I believe. Justin switched bass's almost every song. Him and Adam tweaked their effects by their feet often between songs as well, and damn they looked complex To me it appeared the band was having a great time. Yes I know this review goes 400 different directions at once but I tried to throw in all the information that is left in my brain and don't feel like organizing it properly right now.

Review written by: Jeff Brreege (Belewp@cs.com) Review posted on: 08/10/01 11:36:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Man( or woman) what a show . I thought the night was going to be ruined by all the knuckle dragging pit gorrilas that I had to stand in line with but fortunately they wre in the minority. A friend and I drove all the way fro Kansas City (which was a 9 hour drive) to see both King Crimson and Tool. Firstly, I'm not very familiar with King Crimson but I have to admit, they even blew away Tool that night. i couldn't believe it myself, Tool being my favorite band and all. The bassist seems to be playing with twenty fingers and the guitarist/ singer was like a heavy sounding hendrix . The drummer was a monster and I can see how he influenced Danny with his powerful chops. The other guitarist(old dude) seemed to be playing keyboard sounding music wuth his guitar and massive rack. ...I will definately check out King Crimson's albums in the near future...they blew away the masters(tool). Right.so then King Crimson walk of stage and the stage crew start setting up Tool's stage gear. I was basically spewing in my pants at what I had just witnessed and in anticipation of Tool. Tool came on about a half hour later and played an amazing set not flawed in anyway . They started off with The Grudge wich shares the slot with Jimmy as my favorite Tool song. After that they played (-) Ions witch is not too special in itself but serves as a good intro to Swamp Song or whichever song they played next.The night was just a blend of awesome music and it's hard to remember the exact order. all in all they played most of there best stuff with the sad exemption of Jimmy. Everything was perfect...the music. the atmosphere the visuals...just everything. , If eigther band comes to kansas City I'm definately going to catch them again.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (kendrap@spectralogic.com) Review posted on: 08/10/01 17:37:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Where shall I start? Well, first of all Friday the 3rd started as a day from hell. I had to be in court to find out weather or not my child's father will be getting visitation rights, which he did NOT deserve. Needless to say, I spent 2500 dollars to pay my inept lawyer, only to have the asshole receive visitation. I desperately wanted, make that NEEDED to go to the TOOL concert, but had no ticket, and I didn't think I would be up to going anyway. I said fuck it and drove down to Red's hoping to score a ticket. After haggling with the scalper that was trying to hit on me rather than selling me a ticket, I broke down and paid 150.00 dollars. Hey, it's Tool. I didn't care, I was hellbent on seeing the most incredible band of all time. Did I mention that I was alone? Anyway, I walk into Red Rocks after wheezing through the long walk and take my seat. King Crimson came out and played a rather dull set. I am only 21, so I don't know who they are, therefore I cannot appericiate their music. After a long set up of Tool's instruments they finally came out! I cried when they started playing The Grudge. It was beautiful. It was amazing. I was captured. For a lack of better words, it was awesome. The light show was spectacular, the way it reflected off the massive rocks. Maynard was incredible with the way he moved. I was in the 25th row on the far left so I didn't see the black stripe that everyone was talking about. I thought that when he was saying something about the wind it was "wind, thank god", but I wasn't sure. Thanks for clarifying that. I suppose I should try and sum this up. I am truly at a loss for words. All that I can say is that it was an amazing show, and I will never forget my experience. I guess this is my ode to Maynard. When he said "take this feeling you have right now and create something positive", I guess this is my "something positive". I can't wait to see the next show. _k_

Review written by: Phil (Pbot45@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/10/01 20:48:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I finally got a chance to see Tool in concert after waiting for a long ass time. I must say they fuckin' rocked! They had everyone at Red Rocks in awe! The visual effects were bad ass. I'm sure the drugs contributed to the enjoyment. The excitement of all the people finally getting a chance to see the band of all bands was enough to kill you. I would have to give the concert 10 stars and 5 thumbs up!

Review written by: Ben (i@i.com) Review posted on: 08/10/01 20:56:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I was massively disappointed by the show. I *was* near the back, so that may have something to do with it, but I expected a much better show. King Crimson came out first. I am a King Crimson fan--I have most of their albums, and the image of the screaming man on the cover In the Court of the Crimson King is indelibly burned into my subconscious from childhood. But I was pretty disappointed. Firstly, I wasn't especially fond of the setlist they played, because they played songs that I wasn't ecstatic about, that I had already heard, and that sounded pretty much exactly like the album versions--I like to hear something a little different at a concert. Secondly, I would have liked to hear Robert Fripp say something, instead of just having everyone walk out, play, and leave. Even just 'we're dedicating this song to so-and- so'. Lastly, there wasn't much (any) actual show--they played, and that was it. I couldn't help but contrast them with the last concert I saw--Rammstein. Singer setting himself on fire, strange props, odd costumes, face-mounted flamethrowers. A *real* show. On the whole, I felt I could have had the same experience by playing parts of ConstruKction of Light, Discipline, and Red on my home stereo. Tool came out, and was a little better as far as actual showmanship, but whoever was doing the mixing for the microphones turned Maynard down to almost silent. It was almost impossible, from where I was, to even tell whether there were vocals. Then, the main 'show' was clips from their videos, played in loops on the big screen. At least Maynard did speak a bit. But I couldn't hear what he said. And, although the songs on the setlist were most of my favorites, they played mostly (almost entirely) their very, very popular music, and it still sounded like the album. Again, I pretty much felt I could get the same experience by playing Salival on a big screen.

Review written by: Zach (zmather@msn.com) Review posted on: 08/11/01 03:33:57 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I was extremley excited to see Tool for the first time but unfortunetly, I thought the show blew. I do not blame this on Tool however, but the crowd and the mixing and/or the set up sound people. As in a review I saw of this show, the sound was HORRIBLE. I was in row 35 (so those of you there have an idea) and I couldn't hear Maynard at all and could barely hear the band. Also, I noticed Adam and Justin messing around with their monitors alot so I figured something was wrong. Sometimes, the sound would be great like it should but that usually only lasted a couple of seconds at most. The crowd: Where to begin. First off, the show was supposedly sponsered by Kilo 94.3, a Colorado Springs rock station. I live in the Springs and they play H. off Ĉnima and that's about it. Also, Kilo is the best classic rock station in the springs, unfortunatley, they aren't supposed to be a classic rock station. Anyway, because they sponsored the event, all the loser radio heads showed up and only sang to the radio songs and were absolutely loud and obnoxious. It could have just been my seats cuz I was a ways back and appearently sat in the worthless fuckhole section. In the row in front of me were a bunch of hippies that were louder than any concert i've ever herd and couldn't stop being annoying. then behind me was a 500lb walrus that had the total I.Q. of monkey shit. He kept going on how King Crimson had no talent and that Tool was a "real" band. Now I agree with him that Tool is sweet, but if he had known anything about KC, he would have realized that they are sweet musicians. He was just an asshole who thought that knew everything. Keeping on King Crimson, at least in my section, most people were booing them and were calling them to get off the stage. Saying KC sucked and was a waste of time. These of course our the radio losers who only know 5 Tool songs at best. Unfortunatley because of the lack of sound and lack of intelligence in the crowd, my first experience of a Tool concert was destroyed. I have seen many concerts but this one was the worst, and like I said, I don't blame KC or Tool, both were incredible to listen to, when you could hear them. Tool also had amazing visuals that I enjoyed emensly since I couldn't really hear. I did think that the visuals were top grade, best I had ever seen. Hopefully, when Tool comes back to Denver, 1: i will get better seats. 2: the people will actually be more civilized than a bunch of rabid monkeys. and 3: the sound will be much better. Zach

Review written by: 1kingfish5 (1kingfish5@go.com) Review posted on: 08/11/01 07:12:50 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE E-MAILED ME, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AGAIN!!!!! My inbox is empty and My address list is gone. I don't know what happened but it is all gone. alright, I am going to the tool show in Los Angeles. AUGUST 14th, I might film King Crimson if there are more requests. Sitting in the MEZZ section center. I will have it filmed with my JVC GR-DVM70U, not the 730. if you are interested, let me know. I will probably start shipping august 20th

Review written by: Marco (zappa2346@earthlink.net) Review posted on: 08/11/01 20:24:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Flying to Denver from Tampa to experience a once in a lifetime event. King Crimson, as probably many of Tool fans are unaware, achieved similar status as to where Tool is back in the early 70's. Many people calling their music demonic. More so than Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin at the time. What was so demonizing about their work was a complete and utterly set of suffering movements of music. Some difficult to perceive and others wailing through you like Maynard's voice - a freight train! The now Crimson grouping is much more careful about what they do in terms of maturity. They still rock for sure, but it is much more affluent prog rock than before. Fripp is still the zen master and the band shifts and pulls around and around every show. This is clearly experienced musicians. I was very happy to see "some" Tool fans asking - "Who are these guys" which I would happily exert my informative rants on their vulnerable ears. Well, Crim left the stage to some cheers and some quietness, then Tool came out. I was certain that space-ship-type-object was going to hover above the stage and pull the band up before they even started playing. Tool has the most incredible fans I have ever seen. Included in this arrives the idea of vulnerability. This leaves the sense that Tool can do anything on stage and be accepted by it. This is a wonderful element of Tool's live shows. Everything is accepted. The dark tones of Tool are recklessly exercised to moments of spiritual fusion. I would gather many of the more vulnerable listeners hear voices. I think Danny's drumming has much to do with this. If the Temple of Solomon is to be rebuilt - I think the basis for the construction lies in somewhere between the fusion of Danny's understanding of complex Algebra and secret codes written within Maynard's dance steps on stage. As the fans were lulled into a trance-like state, the demons began inflitrating their way across the crowd. Small fights began breaking out near the stairwells. Vomit on the rocks lining each stairwell. But the stars were feeling eccentric that night. Lightning in the distance summoned a favorably intercourse and Maynard's wailing was juxtaposed with Carmela's projection work. In between all of this was an uncanny sense that "something" was actually going on. This is so rare on a human level. Very little actually happens that is visible; but Tool brings the invisible spark of life to a conscious reality. Let us think for a moment, when was the last time things of this nature happened....by the way, World War I was the beginning of the end. The end of the end is coming soon. Check your pulses, make sure they are still activated....