concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
08/15/2001




Review written by: Jason (jabaraja@msu.edu)
Review posted on: 08/15/01 23:10:26 ET

This was this reviewer's Tool show

Just read this interesting bit in an interview with Crimson's drummer Pat Mastelotto. Sorry to take up review space, but I thought folks might find it fun and semi-pertinent to the tabla/bongos/Aloke or Robert Fripp confusings. This is an excerpt from a Feb. 15, 2001 interview by DGM webmaster Dan Kirkdorffer: "Trey Gunn recently indicated a possible tour with Tool later in the year. Have you heard anything about that?" - Pat Mastelotto: "Yes. Danny Carey came to a Crimson show in 1996 or 7 and we became chatty and later Crim even tried to get TOOL as the opening act on the Greek shows in Los Angeles (we didn't realize just how big their audience was and in fact must have insulted them with our messily offer), later when TOOL played in Austin I hooked up with Danny again and introduced him to Aloke Dutta, with whom Danny has been studying and thats Aloke on the TOOL records.. Danny and I have run into each other a few more times and occasionally email and last November upon hearing they would be touring to support a new record in 2001, I emailed Danny and suggested again that we might co-bill, but with Crimson as the opener. Danny sounded very excited and so then we turned things over to our respective managers to sort out. I was surprised Trey let this info out since nothing is for sure yet, but yes the managements are now trying to put TOOL/KC together for next September." www.krimson-news.com/interviews.shtml#67067

Review written by: ren hoek (sonickid666@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 05:46:30 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This is a very well writen review from what appears to be a huge King Crimson fan, he has a really good insight into Tool..., and he clearly understands the greatness of both bands... taken from http://www.krimson- news.com/reviews.shtml#72545 Tool/KC Mini-Tour Premiere: Red Rocks 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: Evren Seven (seven@kahuna.sdsu.edu) Review posted on: 08/16/01 06:28:24 ET

This was this reviewer's 11th Tool show

I've just got back to my campus apartment from the SDSU show... After seeing the Berkeley shows from the 11th and 15th rows, seeing this one from the absolute last row was a killjoy but the acoustics were wonderful and the band was on point except that Justin's bass strap broke halfway through parabola, the techie came out and fixed it. Here's the setlist: Grudge Stinkfist 46&2 Prison Sex extended version Pushit Disposition Reflection (Intermission) Sober Parabol Parabola Enema Lateralus There were absolutley no high frequency harmonics because it was open air, the sound carried perfectly all the way to the back and to the people laying on the grass outside the venue who couldn't get in. See you at the next show Evren 7

Review written by: saso kocarev (threesaso3@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 06:54:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

A flawless performance by all four members. I guess thatıs whatıs generally expected. The visuals were very passionate (thankfully). My personal favorite were the ones on pushit. Adam and Danny had a little fun at the end; wished I could stay longer and maybe ask them somethings about it :) Anyway, I donıt know whatıs all the fuss about tool concerts. You might catch some nice jokes and great visuals, but you know, the emotion stays the same, and with some homework, youıll probably get stronger visuals on your own. Also, when buying tickets, I saw something interesting. A guy, around 25 to 30 years of age, probably feeling extremely frantic right after purchasing two of them, screamed out ³shit, blood and cum on my hands² loud enough so that everyone there could here him. (i just wanna say this for no apparent reason at all:) fuck you, you fucking hippie!

Review written by: Tom Peelen (flocker@mac.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 07:03:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, my first show, and it was awesome. I see the setlist was posted, and i must say it was incredible. The visuals musta been great for the druggies and it was just purely amazing. What a cool show! I was the one yelling "Fuck Yea!" If anyone heard me...lol...well, i cant wait to go to the next one, how fucking cool was that...wow. ..time to think some more about waht i just saw...see you at the next...

Review written by: Brian (bwigley@ucsd.edu) Review posted on: 08/16/01 07:23:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

7th show, wish I could say it was the best but it wasn't. It was EXCELLENT and worth every penny. Set list has been posted. Nothing played from Opiate, but the trade off is that we got to hear Prison Sex, the ORIGINAL Pushit, 46 and 2, and AENIMA. Maynard is very detached from the crowd now. Stays in the back. No spotlight on him at any time. Actually only faced the crowd about 10% of the time if that. I have a feeling this is because of some politics and APC bullshit. He doesn't want to steal the show.. be the typical frontman.. so he lets the other three take front stage while he hangs in the back. Very nice of him, but fans, especially those paying hundreds, like a little acknowledgement. I know its shallow, but hey its human. Luckily we were spared most of the re-run lines.. like take this moment and make something positive.. etc. But he really only said 3 or 4 things.. We'll see you soon, thank you for joining us in this moment.. we must know where we came from to know where we are going.. that is why it is important that we toured with King Crimson... Typically he says a little about a song or two, comments on the night, the day, the audience, something personal.. but not tonight. As always Adam was stoick. That is expected and typocal. He was very warm and friendly at the end when he took a few moments to look over the whole crowd and wave goodbye. He even grabbed one or two of Danny's Drum heads and threw them like a frisbee into the crowd. The first person off the stage was Maynard.. the other three memebers lingered passing out sticks and picks.. maynard waited in the shadows and put his shirt on. Musically it was awesome. Sound was excellent. They performed better then anyone.. always in sync, you can feel the chemisty. I personally am looking forward to an arena tour.. something new, a change of pace.. This is the best band of all time. And I am extremely grateful that I exist in the same time and space that they do. What a shame it would have been to miss this. Brian

Review written by: Lyd (Lydian84@msn.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 07:34:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The shows were great...Pushit was amazing. I was disappointed with the sound...it might have just been where I was sitting, but the sound sucked...it sounded like Adam was drowning everyone else out. Danny Carey played drums on Red. Maynard said at one point something like "So...which one of you...which one of you just had Adrian Belew sing you Three of a Perfect Pair on acoustic guitar in their dressing room? Oh wait, that was me.... hahahahahha..." Maynard also said something like "I'm assuming that you were wise enough to show up early and see King Crimson..if you didn't, you should be charged twice" and Maynard mentioned that it was important to see King Crimson so that you could see where Tool evolved from and that kind of music evolved from,and where it could go... Setlist: The Grudge Stinkfist (extended) 46&2 Prison Sex (extended) Schism (Maynard with guitar) Pushit Disposition (Maynard with guitar) Reflection (Maynard with guitar) Intermission - Robert Fripp & Soundscape Material Sober Parabol Parabola (Justin's strap breaks) Maynard says something like "So I guess we'll see you soon...that is..unless...something happens...like an earthquake" Aenema Lateralus

Review written by: moz (m0z_1999@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 07:54:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Well just got back from the show at SDSU. Having been to the show at the Wiltern in LA the night before I have mixed emotions about this one. Firstly, seeing the band on it's final show with King Crimson and the finale to this leg of the tour in an open air setting was incredible. First concert at SDSU, I really liked the setup. I was fortunate to be in the front section of the promonade, fairly dead center - where the acoustics were really good. Looking down on the stage in this colloseum like setting was a stark contrast to the small intimate setting of the Wiltern. People packed in and the place was buzzing as Tool started their set. King Crimson rocked the place, I actually enjoyed their set a lot more the second time... I do hope they tour again with Tool as rumored next year. Amazing guitarwork, and drumming by Carey on Red. One thing I didn't quite get was the enthusiasm of the crowd. Hardly any singing along and particularly in the later half of the set it was pretty much dead. Aenima jolted some life into the arena but Lateralus had a gloomy feeling (in addition to it being the final piece) that wasn't present at the Wiltern. I sometimes felt I was the only one in the arena participating! Well still nothing could take away from the experience, as always (cliched but true) a religious experience... At the end it was nice to see the members (ex. Maynard) acknowledge the crowd. A really enjoyable two shows!. -moz

Review written by: very sad man (jerbass419@ganja.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 08:01:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 0st Tool show

I didnt get to go. you know why. because the show sold out right when i walked up to the counter to get my tickets. im fucking pissed. who ever went to the North County Fair mall. and got tickets ( the people in front of me) Fuck you. And a big fuck you for the people that cut in line in front of me and i didnt say shit because i didnt think it would have sold out that fast. i hope you got the shit beat out of you. you posers. more than a fan. jeremy Taglieri

Review written by: Chris (dontemailme@here.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 08:49:50 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

Well...TOOL, King Crimson. UNBELEIVABLE Hated the camera nazi's that tried to steal mine for taking a momento with me. Best TOOL show I have seen...my seats (sec DD row F) Were worth the 300 dollars on EBay. Wish maynard would come out like the old shows. Just three more words sum up the whole show: Oh My God.

Review written by: sad guy 2 (fuck@ticketmaster.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 08:58:37 ET

This was this reviewer's 0th Tool show

All I have to say is fuck you very much ticketmaster for charging my friend's credit card and not putting the tickets we fucking paid for at will call. You would think all those service charges would ensure the simple delivery of your purchase. Signed, Three friends who missed every one of their favorite songs

Review written by: SCT (scthoma@attglobal.net) Review posted on: 08/16/01 09:14:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

My friend from work called & told me the radio announced more tickets to be sold at 6:00. I raced down only to wait until 7 to find out even THOSE were sold out. He found some scalper and we all paid $80 for SRO. I was glad to get in, but didn't like the idea that every ticket the scalper didn't sell screwed a real fan out of getting a face value ticket. I went because I'm a Crimson fanatic, and to add insult to $80 of injury, I missed their 1st 2 songs. I thought the guitars for Crimson were buried in the mix. Maybe it was my location (SRO level). I heard Tool on the radio but was very impressed seeing them live. Very clever videos. And maybe they have a better sound guy, but I thought their sound mix was much better than Crimson. Maynard has great stage presence. The Fripp Soundscapes in the middle were a nice surprise. I didn't notice Fripp come onstage from way up there and thought it was one of the Tool members at first. Ultimately, a great show.

Review written by: Zoopster (Zoop2112@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 09:14:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Ijust got back from san diego and I feel blessed. Although I drove an hour and a half to get there and had no ticket, I felt sure something good was going to happen. I faced the "unknown" and came away without losing a limb. I figured nothing ventured, nothing gained and went in search of a ticket which I found, (Thank the Rock Gods), after a few minutes of looking. 60 bucks. Let me say that the sdsu open air theater is a great venue. I was amazed to see how many people there were inside, as well as all the people sitting outside listening. Again, I feel truly thankful for having the opportunity to just be in the same building as the band. Prison sex was awesome, a nice inclusion in the setlist. I also attended the Wiltern show the evening before and the sound was so much better outdoors, (though I was pretty close to the stage), Adam's guitars came through loud and clear. One thing I noticed was that the band seems to be enjoying themselves immensely onstage, esp. Maynard,which is refreshing given the way some bands just go through the motions. You can tell the guys are in their element and have been itching to play. Seeing maynard coil and tense as he prepares to sing, is mesmerising. He truly is a master of his craft. At times, he almost seemed to be a 3d realization of the images going on on the background screens. The album version of Pushit was awesome, very powerful. It is better than the "unplugged" version they did at the Wiltern, (but seeing the Tabla master Aloke at work at the wiltern was something I will never forget.) The effect of Parabol into Parabola is intense when the play the songs togetheras they did tonite. To do just the one kind of lessens the impact, They were flawless tonight. Last but not least, the cream of the crop, Aenema, was the song I most wanted to hear(besides The Paitent which they didn't play) I think there may have been some fans who were only familiar with the old stuff and didn't get into disposition/reflection and Lateralus, but all told, the audience was pretty lively. Highlight: Disposition/Reflection. Better version tonite as opposed to Wiltern.Imagery of the waving headless man was mind tripping. Flawless. Good chance for those tripping in the crowd to get their money's worth. Downpoint: hate to say it but i would have liked to hear something from opiate. Otherwise, I am in heaven Thank you Tool

Review written by: Jess (jessiejean@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 10:30:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Although I have been a Tool fan for years, I have only been de-virginized this evening by having the great privilege to share in my first live Tool experience. Thankfully, this loss of virginity was far more satisfying than my actual deflowering. I was not the only one wearing a bemused smile in the afterglow--I believe the quote of the evening was, "It was better than sex." Here's the setlist, not necessarily in the order played: 1. The Grudge 2. Stinkfist 3. Prison Sex 4. 46 & 2 5. Schism 6. Push It 7. Disposition 8. Reflection 9. Sober 10. Parabol 11. Parabola 12. Aenema 13. Lateralus Maynard was in his typical dry humor--he gloated about getting a pre-show serenade by Adrian Belieu of King Crimson in his dressing room, and then quipped that Tool would be back soon to play again, "unless there's an earthquake." He began the show in a surprisingly subdued black t-shirt and pants, sans wig. He slowly stripped off items of clothing after every couple of songs, first taking off his shoes, then his socks, returning for the second set practically naked--wearing nothing but a speedo, his tattoo, and half a face of blue paint. Maynard deliberately shed each tangible outer layer to mirror the metaphoric development of Tool's sonic landscape throughout the show. Whether or not people recognized the symbolic significance of Maynard's acts, they loudly argued over Maynard's ass, and who had seen the crack of it first--I DID--I had binoculars!. All Tool members were equally lustworthy during the show in their own unique ways--Maynard's crack and primal energy, Adam's shy broodiness under his dark curtain of hair, Justin's steady intensity shielded by his flowing locks, and Danny's muscular, rhythmic power, pulsing beats relentlessly pounding into me, again and again... Sorry, I'm getting lost in the memory. This concert was nothing short of amazing, especially considering that it was the last show with King Crimson. The most profound and inspiring moment of the night was when Maynard remarked upon the significance of witnessing Tool and King Crimson on the same bill, since King Crimson inspired them to want to express their unique take on things musically. As Maynard put it, "You need to know your history so that you can know where you came from and where you're going to." And that if anyone saw something tonight that was missing from Tool's expression and ideas, that they should use that as an inspiration to build on and expand upon to create their own art. Thus, the torch is passed. Maynard, I am opening up my notebook right now to begin...

Review written by: NIKKI (sikfoto@cs.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 10:54:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Here is the story of the best day of my life, so far... I woke up this morning thinking today was going to be just an uneventful day of packing up my belongings, getting ready to move. I make a small pot of coffee and make my way to the computer. A friend of mine happened to be online, and he just happened to have gotten into the concert last night, in Los Angeles. He didn't have a ticket, and just showed up to the theatre very early. I thought that if he could get in, then there I could possibly still get into the San Diego show tonight. I make a phone call to a friend of mine who is also a tool fan, and she was (of course) preparing to go see TOOL. I did feel jealous, but I told her to have fun and think of me... I had to get a ticket... About an hour later I call a radio station in S.D., 91X, and the lady who answered the phone told me that they were going to sell about 60 more tickets tonight at the box office, beginning at 6:00. It was almost 4:00 and so I knew I had to hurry. I called my friend again, and she was just about to leave. She was nice enough to come pick me up and I was on my way. (skip ahead a couple hours) We get to San Diego, and I get in line with my friend and a friend of hers, and still with no ticket. Two men behind us get out of line and ask us to hold their spot. I told them I would hold their spot if they had an extra ticket. Needless to say they laughed at me and left. So my friends and I got out of line and went for a walk. We pass the same men and they say that they will sell me a ticket for $400. I thought they had to be kidding... I turned around and hung my head down, thinking that I was just happy if I heard them from outside. Then I look on the ground and what do I see?.. a ticket. I pick it up and see "RAIN OR SHINE...WED, AUG 15"... I thought today is definitely shine! So i'm in. ... The feeling of the night is just amazing. I sat back in the chair next to my friends just as night was decending, and King Crimson began their show. They were great. I was not a King Crimson fan, I'd never heard them that I can remember. But I was really enjoying it, they had great energy. They seemed very relaxed and at ease. They were a great opening to the Tool show to come. Their show was short, about an hour. Before their last song the singer of King Crimson said something like "I think its time for a Tool show" For their last song, Danny Carey played drums. they did not introduce him, he just came onto stage and played. After their last song Danny came up to the front of the stage and there was a standing ovation. Danney hugged the singer of King Crimson and they were done... It was time for TooL. The lights came on and people began to mingle about. No one had come to claim the seat I was sitting in. I had sat next to my friends, not in the seat for the ticket I found. There was also an empty seat in front of me still. Slowly the seats began to fill again. A couple of minutes before TooL began, someone finally claimed the seat I was in and I slipped down a row. I was ready for the show. I got acquainted with my new neighbors a bit... Just in time for the show to start... Then, as TOOL is about to enter the stage and the lights are dimmed, someone comes to claim my new seat. TOOL enters on stage and everyone stands up. I tell the very large man standing in front of me that I'm in his seat and he just smiles and stands next to me. I slip back up to safety with my friends, anyway. The man I was sitting beside offers to let me use his binoculars whenever I want. The first song TooL played was "The Grudge". My friend and I swayed together to the music.. the energy tonight was just amazing. I could feel the music in my skin. Danny was using his new, incredibly beautiful drum set. There were two screens, one big one behind Danny and one small one that Maynard stood in front of. They were pretty much in the middle. Adam was to the left and Justin was to the right. Maynard was wearing a tight, black Tool baby-t and black pants. He had a black stripe down the middle of his face, and I'm pretty sure the right side of his face was red, adn the left was left natural. When he turned around you could see about 3 inches or so of his tattoo.. Maynard moved his body in convulsions, sort of orchestrating the sound with his body, or rather letting the music orchestrate his body. I'm not going to supply a whole set list because I think I would leave something out. THey did not play anytihg from Opiate. THey played mostly songs from Lateralus and AEnima. They played Prison Sex and Sober fron Undertow. Its probably the same as for the other shows this tour.... I am also not going to get into the things that Maynard said and the things that were on the screens. I would probably screw those things up somehow. Maynard did play a little "mini guitar" on Schism, and during Parabol/a. What I experienced was my intrepretation of the evening. I'm sure that everyone had a different experience tonight. The show was very intense, and very intimate.... They took a break I guess about 45 minutes into the show. Someone, I think from King Crimson, came out to play with his back turned to the crowd during the intermission. Maynard disappeared first. He had taken his shoes and socks off already, and I was sure from reading other reviews that he would return close to naked. Justin left the stage next, and then I think Danny left then Adam. It may have been the other way around... I sat down to rest my legs a bit; they were shaky. I still couldn't believe I was there... The roadies fiddled around with things a bit, then the show was back on. The sound never eneded though, there was music the whole time. I can't explain what it sounded like, it was unique.. The band came back and Maynard was in his "skivvies". They played sober, and the video played on the screens. Afterward, I had the binoculars and I looked down at the band.. They are wonderful. The energy was so high. They played Parabol/a and it ws just the most amazing feeling ever. I cannot begin to explain to someone. As I said it was very intimate. There are not words to explain the feeling of a TooL concert. I believe it is all perspective. TooL is so amazing. IF you have not seen them you must try. I know from now on, whenever I can, I'm buying an extra ticket. You never know when a miracle is going to happen.

Review written by: Chrissy (numbone@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 10:56:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I only have one real thing to say about this show: yum! That and the fact that Adam- When you showed your face at the end of the show it floored me! You should show your beautiful face more often!! God your hot, I would do anything to just lick the sweat from your body. Yum!

Review written by: charlie (hayesch3@msu.edu) Review posted on: 08/16/01 14:28:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

Great show! I just want to vent real quickly. Please don't bash me for this. I AM SO FUCKING SICK OF TOOL PLAYING THE SAME GODAMN SONGS IN ALMOST THE IDENTICAL ORDER WITH THE SAME DAMN SPEECHES IN BETWEEN SONGS. iTS SO MUCH FUCKING BULLSHIT THAT I WANT TO PUNCH SOMETHING REALLY HARD!!!!!!!!!!! OKAY THANKS. Charlie 6 year tool fan

Review written by: Sh0t (sh0t@yahoo) Review posted on: 08/16/01 14:28:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I waited on line when the tickets went on advance sale for an hour to be the first at my ticketmaster location. The window opened and as soon as i stepped forward to announce my order the lady put a sign on the counter saying "tool Show- sold out". What a bitch... So August 15 rolls around and im on my way home from a 12 hour work day...and by chance i just decided to stop by the open air arena at SDSU where i go to school when i feel like. There wasn't really a big crowed , it was around 730 and King Crimson was starting their set. I spent there whole show trying to sneak into the venue and/or trying to at least get a good stop to listen. Me and several dozen other faithfuls had a nice spot behind the stage by the library where i sat during the opening song "The grudge" and during the first part of what i believe was 46+2. Couldn't tell because then Police came to heard us away again. It was totally unfair... But then... as i walked around to head to the grass area we were being herded too i saw about a dozen people walking through a side enterance, so i just took a chance and followed, fake chatting on my cell phone like i was somebody important. The guy at the side tried to ask me a question, but i made a gesture as if to insult his rudeness and kept going.. I WAS FUCKING IN. I WAS IN SHOCK. I quickly left the vip area and made my way upstairs to the nosebleed seats to lessen my chance of discovery,.. As for the show...it was bitter sweet. It was tool in all their majesty, but i must admit it sounded horrible. SDSU's open air theatre is a fucking hideous place for a Rock show and it was proven here. Yet as the set when on, they seemed to make corrections and improve the sound and during the lile 5 minute intermission all seemed to be well...the first song out of the intermission was sober and it got everybody up and in a frenzy...they went into what i could not believe "PUSHIT !!!!!" i was stunned...but then came the longest....the longest 3 minutes of my year.... they softly played through parabol and everybody was quiet... NOBODY WAS MOVING OR TALKING AT ALL IN THE AUDIENCE WHILE THEY PLAYED PARABOL...everybody was anxious...waiting for that screeching of Parabola.... onceHE said "pain is an illusion...everybody got up and was crazy..even people who parked in handicapped zones were up and moving...it was religious....adam jones didn't move around much at all but his sound was overbearing and incredible, and i was simply amazed at how wildy danny was and his durmset and maynard was just....eerie...first half of the show he was clad in leather, tight lleather, and he came out after the intermission in speedo's Overall i had an amazing evening....i took a chance and stopped to at least listen and wound up getting a FREE TOOL CONCERt...i don't think life can get any sweeter.. the pieces do indeed fit

Review written by: POTPRINCSS (POTPRINCSS@AOL.COM) Review posted on: 08/16/01 15:55:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 12 Tool show

AFTER THE MELT DOWNERALUS, WE HAD THE UNBELIEVEABLE HUMONGUS FORTUNE TO ENTER AN ULTRA INTERGALATIC ODDESSY WITH SOME OF THE GUYS. FUCK THE SET LIST ....ITS INSIGNIFICANT LITTLE SHIT....HERES WHAT WAS IMPORTANT: TO THE ASSHOLES THAT WERE SOMEWHERE IN THE BACK YELLING FOR TOOL DURING KING CRIMSON........FUCK YOU! TO KING CRIMSON..............BITCHIN CAMARO TO TOOL.........SHITMANFUCK......THANKS....SEE YOU LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT....WELL, YOU KNOW WHERE

Review written by: ToolBoarder (toolboarder@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 17:15:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well that was my first time seeing Tool live. It was so great to finally see and hear them in Southern California. I must say that I was quite surprised to see how mellow the crowd was. Of course it was a small venue at a college university (where alcohol was not served) so I guess I should have expected to see all those campus rent-a-cops controlling the event. Anyway, Tool captured the audience instantly and before I knew it Tool had been playing for over an hour. Watching Maynard perfom live really shows you how much energy, heart, soul, mind and body he puts into each note. I can't believe how they controlled the crowds mood before they took their short 10-12 minute break. It was almost like I was mesmorized as I watched the "almost hypnotic" videos on the big screen. Hearing "Sober" being delivered to you live is so incredible as the whole stadium sang along. My favorite was "Aenima". The two hours they played for went by so fast, I didn't want to go but until next time.... I'll remember that "over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind." Thanks guys for your energy, passion and insight! ToolBoarder, m/31/SoCal

Review written by: rob (jxtpz@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 17:20:31 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

tool good. promotes gastric motility and metaphysical catharsis. take doses as needed. drink with water. side-effects: extremely clear magnetic discharge and urges to destroy pop-culture.

Review written by: Scott (scott@sfadv.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 17:29:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

After seeing Tool open for the Rollins band in Tijuanna back in 92, and on their mini-tour with the Melvins back in 97??, the show I saw last night proved the band is evolving into something most bands can only dream about. The songs flowed so well. They would build the tension, release, then journey to another space in the song. I love how they reworked some of the more familiar old tunes like Prison Sex, a slowed-down Pushit, and the intro for Sober. And the new songs....So full of emotion and energy that words do not do them justice. Parabol/a was truly inspiring, as was Reflection. During the second set, Maynard did his best to let his asscrack hang out of his speedos, which of course was pretty cool. Great night. I hope they continue to play intimate shows like they did this tour. Arenas will please the masses, but there is something truly special and inspiring about these smaller shows......till next time.

Review written by: b (bjutzi10@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 17:39:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

For those of you who payed $300 - $400 on e-bay HAHAHAHA!!!! Suckeeeeerssss!!!

Review written by: Andy C. (bigmancrumbs@cs.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 18:04:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

Here is my long story concerning Tool at the San Diego State Open Air Theatre. First and foremost . . . the set list: The Grudge (-)ions Stinkfist 46 & 2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection *intermission* Sober Parabol Parabola AEnima Laterulus So having traveled from San Jose to San Diego I was most determined to get into Wednesdays nights show. Here is my adventure and how I somehow ended up with great seats to the final show of the tour. On Teusday I went to a ticket agency nere Qualcom Stadium only to find out they wanted 125$ for a single ticket in section F. I thought hard about it but deceided to pass. Around 3pm the day of the show I headed over to SDSU to check out the surroundings and to see if I could find an early scalper. It was really interesting to see the ammount of work it takes to set up a show. I could see the guys with thousands of Tool t shirts setting up. I walked along the side of a building that looked straight down on the back of the stage and could see King Crimson's guitars and Adam Jones big black box that contains his equipment. As I was about to leave I noticed five people in line at the box office but didn't think much of it considering the show had been long sold out. I returned to my friends apartment to have them tell me that the local radio station 91X had announced that 30 extra tickets were being put on sale. I grabed my things and jammed back to the campus. On my way to the box office I saw a limo pull up on the side of the Open Air Theatre. Who should emerge wearing sweats, an old t shirt and backpack but Justin and someone whom I might assume to be his significant other. As I aproached the box office I realized that my leaving only a half hour ago had been a huge mistake. There were now 65 people in line. It was 5 o'clock and we had been told that tickets, now 50 of them, would go on sale in an hour. I figured I might as well wait in line and hope to get lucky. So there I stood in the blazing sun, with my black Tool shirt that I got at the Berkeley show sweating my ass off. At six o'clock the ling still wasn't moving. At six thirty I could hear a sort of jam coming from the theatre that sounded very Tool-ish. After five minutes they played all of Stinkfist and half of The Grudge. Just before seven o'clock we were told that 100 tickets were on sale and nothing more than that. I knew it was going to be very close as to whether I was going to get any or not. Mind you now that I've been in the sun for 2 hours and I'm dehydrated and basic dying. The line begins to move, Andy gets within 10 people of the ticket office when I hear the horrible words, "Sorry everyone, there are no more tickets left." To say the least, I was most sad! I got some fluids and as King Crimson started I began to search for a scalper. I found one right away who sold me a ticket for 80$. It was in section F and even lower down than the one for 125$ I almost purchased. Talk about a legit scalper, he even gave me the receipt for the place he bought it at. The show was beautiful as always. Not that this is a reflection of San Diego, but many of the people in my section were not as enthused as the Berkeley crowd. Many of the females there seemed MUCH more concerned with how their tits were hanging out of their shirts than the band on stage. Then again, maybe I was just surrounded by losers. Maynards had some funny comments as usual. The best being right before Aenima when he stated, "We'll see you guys again very, very, very soon . . . . . that is of course, unless there's an earthquake. You know the thing I'll be happy to see go the most . . . those little flash disposable cameras." So, that is my story. I drove to L.A. after the show feeling tired but satisfied that all my efforts had resulted in witnessing a great Tool show. P.S. Tim, I got you your XX t-shirt. And considering what I went through to get it, you owe me a serious wrap-around!!!

Review written by: Dick Willie (dick_willieAThotmailDOTcom) Review posted on: 08/16/01 19:45:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I will have to say that this was the best concert I've ever been to. TOOL is the most talented band I have ever had the pleasure to see live. I couldn't even begin to describe the show, all I can say is... If you've never seen TOOL, you are missing out.

Review written by: fo01 for frogs (soamelt99@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/16/01 19:50:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

seriously kick ass. the 1/2 dose my buddy gave me was perfect and it was the best 30 bucks i ever spent. that's right 30 bucks. thanks bradley. f the scalpers seats were killer. minor security hassles. maynard says he wants disposable cameras with little flashes destroyed in the apocalypse. i'd like to see those damn flashlights shoved up the aisle nazis you know where. can't wait for the arena tour. 2 sets of tool? or an opening act?

Review written by: DON BRASSELL (ddbrassell@tcsn.net) Review posted on: 08/16/01 21:03:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

IT WAS WHAT WE WANTED IT WAS WHAT WE HAD IN MIND IT WAS WHAT WE GOT---"ROCKED!!!" Thank toy TOOL, Just better and better. And this comes from your ol' 64 year old long time fan from Sun City Cal. Look forward to your up-coming arena tour---PLEASE Play TICKS and LEACHES. Thank You again DON64.

Review written by: Berj A. Doudian (berj@doudian.net) Review posted on: 08/16/01 23:44:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

As always, an amazing show by both bands, but more importantly, an fitting conclusion to an epic tour. Maynard, Danny, Adam, Justin, Robert, Adrian, Pat, Trey, and all the crew and support folks - THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING EXPERIENCES. -Berj berjd@ucla.edu berj@doudian.net

Review written by: Raul (Aeon_Blue77@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 00:33:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, it's been a day. 24 hours ago I was seated on some steps watching the line snake around the Aztec Center. Hordes of black-clad teens and middle -aged couples, and everything in between. All eager to witness the spectacle of two of the greatest, and most important bands, of the past and present. I myself am new to King Crimson but within seconds of their set, they had me. Yeah, I'm just some teenaged Tool fanboy, but OH MY GOD. They are nothing short of exceptional. I shudder at the thought of me missing this show and never giving KC another thought. I have been scouring and the Internet for an extensive history of the band and I intend to pursue them further. They really won me over. And it was nice to see Danny drumming with them on the set-closing song which is apparently titled "Red." There is no other band that I would have preferred to play with Tool, and I pray that they tour together very soon. Fantastic. Then there's the main course, Tool. They opened with "The Grudge," and delved into an unbelievebly powerful, moving, and strangely hypnotic setlist that largely consisted of the more recent stuff from the last two albums, and only two songs off of Undertow. Opiate was shunned completely. But then again, the lyrical content back then was radically different from their current writing style and, sadly enough would sound somewhat out of place amidst the 10 minute epics of today. Oh well. Maynard seemed relatively quiet. He stood on a small platform behind the band for the entire show; rather uncoventional but this isn't "just another rock band." His dry-as-dust sense of humor was present but subtle. When he did speak, he mainly talked about the importance of Tool playing with KC (and how anyone who showed up late should pay twice), or his apparent annoyance with flash disposable cameras, or the probability of Tool not playing again due to an earthquake...a more than appropriate segue into "Aenema." The visual aesthetic is one of great importance to the Tool experience. This was very evident with the large screen (as well as it's smaller sibling) displaying Tool's trademark dark, disturbing, sexual, abstract images...usually looped many times for greater effect. The waving headless man in the dirty bathroom was especially disgustingly awesome. The often dark lighting made it hard to see much of anything; Maynard was, for the most part, a silouhette against the smaller screen. Not to mention the fact that I was seated in the "garden" section (made of concrete and steel). But it was an unbelievable experience and was more than worth every red-fucking- penny.

Review written by: Andy Diem (INXSnSD@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 06:12:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Where the hell do I begin? This was my second TOOL show and it was awesome. I saw them at Coachella a few years back and have been dying for more since. SDSU has a great out door stage, well worth to 3 hour drive to be part of the "precious moment." the Reverend Maynard spoke to us about.. Anyway, the 2 hour set was not long enough but contained songs from the new album Lateralus, of course, Undertow and Aenima. King Crimson opened for TOOL and had a great set, I got there just as they started and I really enjoyed their Pink Floyd sounds to tease us to what was to come. Maynards voice was clear and as powerful as ever. I have heen to many shows and there has never, ever been another voice that has such a powerful and yet soothing tone that grabs hold of you and takes you along for the ride. Along with Danny's perfect drumming keeping time, and Justin and Adam with the rythum, there is NO equal. I hear they are coming back to California sometime later during the tour and you can bet your ass I WILL see them again.

Review written by: bob? (desert_buttons@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 06:45:03 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

If anyone is patient enough to get to this review, this is the correct setlist for King Crimson: albums in () Construction of Light (construction of light) Into the frying pan('') level 5(new song) Deception of the thrush(actually a Project 2 song) ?(didn't recognize this one, not much of a song) larks tounges in aspic 4 (construction of light) thela hun ginjeet (discipline 1980) Red (red 1974) with danny druming on last section the purpose of this review is to aid people who liked KC and wanted to know more about them. As far as recomendations albumwise, as a tool fan I would check out "Red", "Discipline", and "Thrak." Give these albums a real try and you will be in love. If anyone has any questions, I would be glad to answer them. bob?

Review written by: Tyler (apok42@juno.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 07:13:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

First off, I'd like to take a moment to say that Tool is just a band, and it is just music. I'm not denying that they're a great band, don't get me wrong. But they are just musicians, and they are just instruments. Lately it seems like many people are abandoning true appreciation of the music and jumping on the "Maynard-Is-God" bandwagon. It sickens me to think that even Tool "fans" base their opinions more on aesthetics than on what really counts. Anyway, this was my first Tool show, having missed the one that was here back in '97. Thank you Mat for the advance tickets, and the patience to let me have them a day early =). I got to the show about 2 hours early, and heard Tool's "soundcheck." I could tell even then that the acoustics weren't going to be the best, but I didn't mind. When King Crimson came on, I wasn't sure who they were, since there was no lead-up or fanfare to accompany their subdued entrance. They actually surprised me with how they performed; I'm going to have to buy one of their CD's to more truly understand them. I'd like to take a moment here to mention all the people who booed King Crimson: I would think that fans of a band like Tool would be beyond such petty crap, and that they could appreciate a band for their originality. But I guess society has disappointed me once again. Tool's set was great, as it should be. Only downside was the poor acoustics (as I mentioned) and Maynard's near-lack of commentary (as opposed to his attitude at the APC concert last year at RIMAC). I'm not going to post the setlist for 2 reasons: 1) Everyone and their mother already has, and 2) I wouldn't want to give it away, but of course all the other idiots did already. One more thing: the backgrounds were awesome, if slightly disturbing. Great job.

Review written by: ADAAAM (adamv2342@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 17:27:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I saw the August 10th Berkeley show. Sorry to be posting here, but I'm unable to post a review under the Aug. 10th show. Anyways, does anybody happen to know the name of the song King Crimson opened with on August 10th at Berkeley?

Review written by: Jon (beermetoo@home.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 17:38:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Awesome. Not as loud as Coachella but still awesome. Maynard didn't seem into it untill about 5 songs in. Thank you Tool

Review written by: Jon (beermetoo@home.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 17:38:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Awesome. Not as loud as Coachella but still awesome. Maynard didn't seem into it untill about 5 songs in. Thank you Tool

Review written by: Charles (celindsey@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 18:06:48 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

And just like that it is over. I really don't know what to write. The San Diego show was a mind opening, changing, revolving, manipulating experience. This band is one of a kind, every aspect of their performance is on a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEVEL. I don't know what else to say. I am taking a break from everything.

Review written by: Ryan (Hoojibs@disinfo.net) Review posted on: 08/17/01 18:39:48 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The experience was utterly flooring. I must say I didn't expect Tool to be nearly as good as they actually were. Danny Carey was incredible, Maynard's voice was nothing short of perfect and both Adam and Justin didn't miss a single a nuance, actually adding a few which enhanced the mood. That said, King Crimson was wonderful as well. I remember hearing 20th Century Schizoid Man a long time ago and a few others as well, but I wasn't quite aware they were *this* good. Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp were great, but of particular interest was the bassist (whose name I cannot recall). What he played wasn't quite a bass. I couldn't count the number of string it had, but suffice to say it had quite a few. Furthermore it didn't appear as if he needed to pluck the strings to get then to emit a perfect tone, he'd simply push down on them--not a hammer on at all, just simply...pushing down. I recognized The Construcktion of Light, Lark's Tongues In Aspic, Into the Frying Pan and really enjoyed the new song they played. Danny Carey joined them on drums toward the end of the last song they played. I was paying more attention to the stage and to what I was hearing more than the crowd, but from what I could tell, those amongst the crowd who really enjoyed King Crimson were somewhat sparse. Judging from Maynard's dialogue about King Crimson, he seemed a bit angered as to their rather apathetic receival by the crowd. In any case, when Tool hit the stage to the droning of distorted didgeridoos and guttural monk chants the crowd went ape shit and the thunderously loud The Grudge gave them all the more reason to continuing doing just that. This, I must say, is an incredible song to hear live and an excellent opener. Danny's bass drums resonated throughout my chest (his new drum kit, by the way, is a masterwork). Toward the end it seemed anticipation was mounting to hear Danny use the double bass and when he did, it hit like the best orgasm you've ever had. Maynard's voice was perfect. Next came the familiar static of -Ions for a few brief moments serving as an intro to a new and improved (actually just improved) Stinkfist with significant additions toward the end of the song. Maynard's voice sounded even better here then on the CD. The only drawback would have to be that some of the audience members took the more quiet movements as cues to scream their heads off. Not too bad though. Next came 46&2, Prison Sex and Schism. 46&2 rekindled some old feelings I had for the song (as it was actually the first Tool song that I really loved) and Prison Sex sounded wonderful. On both counts, Justin was wonderful. Quite a few people seemed to have just a bit too much fun screaming "shit, blood and cum on my hands." This being my first Tool show, I had this lingering fear that Maynard's voice might be spoiled by a bunch of fucking idiots who, singing along, might drown him out. Thankfully my fears were unfounded. Pushit wasn't the studio version and it wasn't quite the Salival version either. Rather, a compromise version. It started off studio and then broke down like the Salival version, at one point incorporating the riff from the very beginning of that version. I really haven't given enough credit to either Justin or Adam yet, but I assure you, they dwarf nearly any other musicians of the same trade out there. I can't give enough credit to Adam for his incredibly distinctive, innovative style. And Justin...I can't even think of a bassist to whom he even remotely compares...not too slight King Crimsonıs bassist or Les Claypoole, or any others, but Justinıs bass is just incredibly unique and very distinctive. In any case, Maynard's voice was perfect. I was convinced when I heard Salival that they had to have used ProTools to change the pitch of his voice or lengthen a note, but there's absolutely no need. If there is anybody on the planet with an archetypically perfect voice, it's him. The visuals for this one were amongst my favorite. Two naked women holding the outstretched hands of a manikin and walking around it in circles. Disposition and Reflection provided a nice counterpoint to what had come before. I enjoyed how Maynard filled in for the absence of the Arabian flute toward the beginning of the song. The entire thing was incredibly hypnotic. Justin's bass plays just as important a role in Reflection as do Danny's drums. Toward the very end of Disposition when we first got to hear Danny's...I don't know what it is but "kettle drum" comes to mind so I'll call it that (the reallllllly deep one that sounds sort of like the deepest tone you can make with a tabla) it was truly wonderful. I've always wanted a drum set, but I'd probably trade the whole thing in just for one of those. I love that sound. Toward the end of the song Robert Fripp joined Tool once again to provide a few closing notes and played a very heavily synthesized guitar during the intermission, reminding me very much of Brian Eno's ambient works, but with more of a darker tint. Maynard, Danny and Justin left stage and eventually Adam did too, leaving only Fripp. After a few moments they returned and Fripp's ambience served as an extended intro to a very immediate version of Sober. The visuals, two naked women cowering from a sharp probe, tentacle, or something phallic in any case, were rather haunting. Oh, and about Maynard guitar, it had no headstock. Is that remotely significant? no. They played Parabol/Parabola, Parabola sounding much better live than it did on Lateralus, and then came Aenema, prefaced by a joke (delivered in the most deadpan, dry wit manner) concerning an earthquake. If there was one it would have been Tool that caused it; Aenema was nothing short of the most fucking vicious thing Iıve ever heard. Fucking vicious. Lateralus. Lateralus. . . Lateralus. Canıt quite get it out. It was gorgeous. Everything came together perfectly, all the songs tied up the messages becoming more and more clear. It was all incredibly inspiring. Tool really is a tool to get those who hear them thinking and to inspire us to create something significant in our eyes. Maynard left the stage. Danny, Justin and Adam lingered. Adam waved. They tossed some sticks and drum heads into the appreciative crowd and the lights came up. It wasnıt as if I had lost anything, but as if I had gained a great deal more. I intend to use it and to turn it into something wonderful.

Review written by: Fankly (francis_t_waynir@mad.scientist.com) Review posted on: 08/17/01 20:04:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

TOOL yadda, yadda. this was much better than the 14th-of course la did have the "bongo dude" much more relaxed at this show not as hot either---probably why there were more people at KC (who kicked ass by the way-I'm not even gonna waste setlist info. on deaf ears--but you should have paid twice) Just wanted to throw this out there Tool was great (what did you expect) loved that they played parabol this time and that robert fripp lead into it. For all of you who didn't get it....well don't worry, as a toaist I.......um, well, like, whatever. And I thought the sound in SD was better but the LA show was more rockin' probably why they played opiate and all you fools yelled when MJK told you to. And is it me? I don't like MJK playing guitar (wheres buzzo?) It was good and all but since i had to stand up anyway I'd rather watch maynard writhe in that way that is just so...well you know...disturbing/creepy...that's what i call performing. And people for the 14th and 15th and I'm sure for others please since you probably listened to TOOL before the show and will after it, sing along then please, you can not hit the correct notes and intensity--after all I did pay TOOL to play. go sing along to chocolate starfish---that won't make you think, and you'll do better--I would just like to say that limp bizkit (since some may hate them because of MJK?) does rock and you know you heshians like them, because fred is good at marketing and those guys actually have a cool sound--not that i think a real singer would do them any good--but instrumental only, hats off.----don't worry they sold enough i burned it from my friend (for mine and his personal enjoyment.) go see wes boreland project. And K'beer (sorry the phonetic is stuck in my brain) thank you so much--keep up the good work, and fuck people who say you regergitate information-you keep me guessing enough (hello anyone?) just mail them the address for a rolling stone subscription. I really hope you get free stuff. And k'beer (or anyone)--toolarmy the collective UNconsious???there better be free stuff for the insult. Fuck you tool if you think I am dumb (the I should be really big) go play some music. SHANDIS ADDICTION-SHANDIS ADDICTION-SHANDIS ADDICTION-no zach? and i hope next time it like cochella with a band like rage first so the aggression can be released prior to performance.

Review written by: Kevin (spongesncandy@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 00:05:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

OK first of here is the set list: The Grudge (-) Ions Stinkfist 46 & 2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection *intermission* Sober Parabol Parabola Aenima Lateralus I came all the way from Newburport MA to see this show. I live about an hour north of boston, so I think I traveld the farthest out of anyone to see that show, if you lived farther away, my hat goes off to you... I am still in awe of the show. I mean it was just amazing. I have waited forever to see Tool, and it was all over much to quickly. I was standing during their entire set, except for about 5 min. during the intermission. The only reason I sat down was becasue the guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said "dude, can you like sit down for 10 min?" I didn't want to sit, but I didn't want to make him angry. I totally agree with Maynard's view on thoes stupid cameras that people bring in. He said some along the lines of "I'll see you all real soon, unless there's an earthquake. If there is, I hope the first things to go are thoes stupid disposable flash cameras". I mean, the band is trying to preforme a show, and thats hard enough as it is without stupid people bringing cameras in to ruin it all. Still the show was the most amazing thing i have experienced in my life. I can't wait to see them again when they play they're arena tour. My only problem with the show was that not one song off of Opiate was played, but then again, I wanted to hear the band play every song, so I can't get everything I want. I did hear my favorite Tool song, Parabola.

Review written by: Mr. Burns (mrburns78@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 01:38:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

Well I will be honest. This was my 6th TOOL show, and easily the 6th best I have seen. Now, if it was my first, I would have said it was well worth the 54 bucks for a seat. However, the performance was kind of lacluster - they really only played radio songs from any album other than Lateralus (with the notable exception of Push It, which was great). In addition, every song had a video played to it, which stifled any creativity on the part of the band - no improv, no deviation from form or the video would not 'sync' to the music. There were no covers, not very much crowd interaction at all, and as opposed to the other TOOL and APC shows I have seen, Maynard buried himself in the back of the stage, almost as if he was hiding from the crowd. It's one thing to make the statement that TOOL is a band and try to deflect attention from Maynard, but it's another thing to distance and alienate the audience. Look, they sounded great and I'm not sorry I went, I just expected more. It was by far the most packaged and least spontaneous show I've ever seen. I hope when they come back, things are different. i'll still be first in line, but maybe my expectations will be lower. Hopefully, this review won't be flamed as much as my last one (Memphis, Summer 98 for those of you who wish to relive theold flames. Mr B.

Review written by: tooldvn (bigdave@nospam.fiendation.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 01:45:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

Met up with Chantal (Rhiannfire) at around 3:30 and headed to the venue. Nothing was going on (there were maybe 5 people waiting outside) and one security guy was starting to rope things off with police tape. We walked around the back of the venue and watched the roadies for a while unpack Tool and KC's gear. Then the roping nazi found us back there and we had to leave. Having a few hours to kill (it was 4:30 then) we decided to find some local eatery. Unfortunately McDonalds was the only thing close as the school's cafeterias were closed for the summer. Around 6 pm we decide to head back to the venue as the roping nazi had told us the venue would open at 6:30. A decent crowd of about 100 people had formed and we walked up to hear Tool's soundcheck in progress (yes at 6pm..30 mins before the venue was to open). They performed Stinkfist and The Grudge while we were outside. They finished up right at 6:25 and the park staff began to let us in. I immediately headed for the port-o-let as I needed to unpack my gear which I had been concealing for going on 3 hours now (very uncomfortable). Got it unpacked and we headed to our seats. 13th row right in front of the left stack. Awesome view of all the action. King Crimson played an almost flawless set, and Danny came out at the end to give hugs all around to the KC crew. I was most impressed with "Level 5:" It was amazing to watch Trey Gunn play that huge bass with both hands on the neck... Now on to the Tool Show: Setlist: The Grudge (-) Ions Stinkfist (extended version) 46 & 2 Prison Sex (OTRM) Schism Pushit (extended) Disposition Reflection (w/ Robert Fripp at the end) Fripp Soundscape Intermission Sober (w/ Robert Fripp intro) Parabol Parabola Aenima Lateralus The show was incredible. The power of the band was amazing tonight. The bass from Danny & Justin made even the hair on my arms & legs move... I could feel it surge in and out.. This is the closest I've ever come to literally "feeling the music". Maynard was in quite the good mood tonight. Here are some of the following Maynardisms that I remember: 1) He thanked KC for playing with them this tour and told everyone that if they missed the KC set, they should have to pay double. 2) He said that "So which one of you just had Adrian Belew come backstage and play an acoustic version of "3 of a perfect Pair"?" "Oh, right, that was me" "Hah Hah ha Hah ha" (like a child would tease) 3) Someone screamed out "Play Eulogy" to which Maynard replied "Shut up" jokingly. 4) Before Aenima, he said that "We will be back soon, unless the big one hits" and "I hope the first thing to go is those fucking disposable flash cameras" 5) When they were leaving the stage and throwing out picks, drumsticks and whatnot, Maynard threw out 5 water bottles, the last of which he threw directly at someone in the fist row HARD. Intentionally HARD. I think this person was the subject of the disposable camera quote. The Stinkfist extended version was different than the one that we heard in Redrocks. It didn't have the melodic verse, but instead had an extended jam. Oh...forgot to mention that after the intermission, Maynard came out in just a pair of black speedos which his battery pack was dragging down like a Coppertone ad. Tonight was the right time if any to get a pic of his full tattoo... He also had a black stripe right down the center of his face. I was awed by the performance tonight, but couldn't help the longing I felt for some of the songs that the other venues have received like Undertow and Eulogy... I wanted so much to get into the music and let myself totally go but had to keep things in check for the bootleg. Listening to it now, and so far it came out incredible. I'm glad I made the switch to the MT77. Note from Chantal: The show tonight was amazing... even better than Redrocks if thats possible. Pushit and Lateralus were the highlights of the show for me. It was definitely worth the trip out here. I just listened to part of Dave's recording and it is so amazing. Every song is crystal clear. I'm headed back to Colorado tomorrow but I'm so glad I got the chance to come out here and see them one more time. Dave & Chantal

Review written by: hobie (hobelur@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 07:25:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

A Bit of History, a Tool Experience, and What Kind of Guitar Was That King Crimson Bassist Playing? (see answer at the bottom) Let me begin by mentioning that I went to my first concert in 1972 when I was 15. Zeppelin, Sabbath, Pink Floyd - I can't remember all the bands I've seen (and for other reasons besides being nearly 30 years agoŠ*grin*). Zep and Sabbath were among my favorites, as well as The Doors, Hendrix, and Janice (who unfortunately had all partied a little too hard before I got a chance to see them). I have always been a hard rock freak. I've been a Tool fan for a few years now, and they are right at the top of my all-time favorite band list. Their creativity, driving power, and complex tapestry of sound make them stand out from any recent or current band around. I missed seeing them when they played in Santa Barbara a couple years ago, and have frequently regretted it. So I was really looking forward to their current tour w/ King Crimson - not only because I would finally get a chance to experience Tool live, but because I also knew who King Crimson was. I mean, Court of the Crimson King (early 70's?) was perfect tripping music - KC was one of the most innovative, progressive bands of the time, and frequently pushed the musical envelope into realms unexplored (and unimagined) by few others. To me it was perfect that KC would open the show for Tool, because after all, they opened musical doors as well 30+ years ago. I think it's great that Tool acknowledged and recognized the honor of receiving the "torch" from Crim. Seeing members of both bands join each other onstage, and listening to Maynard's tribute hopefully helped the audience to appreciate the work of "those old guys with gray hair" (as two twits behind me referred to them). And for those of you who have trouble getting tickets for the upcoming arena shows - DON'T GIVE UP! I tried to get tickets for the L.A. Tool/KC shows thru Ticketmaster at the Wherehouse, and they sold out after the 1st person in line had bought their limit of 2 tickets. Less than 5 minutes! I was third in line, and was sure I could get something. But I was SOL. So the next day I tried to get them online for the Berkeley shows. Had my credit card info and all that crap preregistered so all I had to do was a couple mouseclicks at 11:00am when tickets went onsale. After repeated "submits", message finally came back that tickets were no longer available. Sold out in TWO MINUTES! Needless to say, I was pissed. One last chance - the San Diego show went onsale the next weekend. So I went down to Wherehouse really early so I could be first in line. Cashier punched them up, and I was a lucky winner. And I won big - IN THE PIT - FOURTH ROW - just off center! Infuckingcredible! I won't go into much detail about the show itself because it's already been said - except that the view and sound TEN feet from the stage was EXCELLENT! I will say it was frickin' POWERFUL - I love feeling the music as well as hearing it. And it sure was great being able to clearly see Justin's occasional shy smile as he peeked out from beneath his hair, and Danny's exuberant grins as he wailed on his new and totally awesome drum set, and Adam's moody intensity. Maynard was in the back but still pretty visible - could see his tat a little more clearly than when I saw him w/ APC. Sure love his voiceŠhe's definitely an instrument all by himself. I truly enjoyed the show, and absolutely love this band - can't wait for their arena tour! Oh, and a bit of techie trivia for those who are interested. King Crimson's bass player is Trey Gunn. I saw him last year w/ his own band - unbelievable universes that they are exploring. The guitar he was playing is a Warr guitar (do a search online if you want to know more). It is a type of 'touch' guitar in which he only touches the strings (they come in 8, 10, and 12 string models). It is not a bass, but obviously can be played as one. In the Trey Gunn Band, he uses it as lead and rhythm, and a second guitarist plays another Warr as a bass. Sometimes they trade off, even within the same song. A third band member plays a wide variety of eastern instruments; and their percussionist is absolutely phenomenal. They have a CD out called "The Joy of Molybdenum". It is not for the faint-hearted, nor for the average rock freak. But if you like music that is unique and different, you might like these guys. I have to honestly say that I like the Trey Gunn Band better than King Crimson (no disrespect intended) - they have a little more melody and structure than KC, but still turn out music that sounds like an interplanetary trip. If you get a chance to see them, do so. To watch them actually make their incredible variety of sounds is absolutely mesmerizing, and gives you a far better appreciation for their music than just listening to the CD. To find out more, Trey Gunn has his own website - look it up. And for those of you who think people over 30-35 are old fogeys - think again. This 44-year-old been rockin' a long time, and will rock you into the dust... hobie

Review written by: Steve (redtalon@san.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 08:04:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

*****ATTENTION!!!****** This is for those of you who attended the San Diego show. A friend of mine was unlawfully beaten pretty badly as he was peaceably leaving the venue by security guards at the show. What happened was during TOOL's set, a security guard saw him grab a pipe that was being passed around and asked him for it, but he had already passed it on. Being that he was really just there to see Crimson, he voluntarily left instead of getting into a fight about it with the power- hungy security guard who was threatening to throw him out. He walked towards the exit but before he got there another large security guy grabbed him and refused to let him leave. The man began to twist his arm even though my friend was telling him that he was just trying to leave. My friend pushed the security guard away from him, then a group of security guards wrestled him to the ground, held him down and cut off the majority of his air supply. To make matters worse, the cops saw the security guards, figured that my friend was some psycho and hand-cuffed him with excessive force while a guard tried to put him in a sleeper hold. Barely able to breathe, my friend managed to yell "I'm not resisting arrest" and "I can't breathe". Once the cops realized their error, they let him go and did nothing. This entire event happened during TOOL's set by the gate sometime after Stinkfist. IF YOU WITNESSED or KNOW ANYONE who witnessed any part of this event then please contact me ASAP at redtalon@san.rr.com. No life-threatening damage was done, however his arms and wrists are totally cut and bruised, severely affecting his career as a musician (guitarist). Thank you and I hope those of you who saw this will help him out by contacting me. Thanks again.

Review written by: Brandon (bnlsla@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/18/01 18:43:54 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

WOW that was an awesome show. That was my first tool show and it was more then i expected. I dont think it will ever get better then that. I was able to get tickets up in the front right in front of the stage and it was awesome. Not only was i right up in front but my brother caught one of dannys signature drum sticks one that he used playing. It was too cool seeing maynard come out wearing a TOOL t- shirt.

Review written by: Jonah aka slick balzy ballz (jonah19_99@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/19/01 02:28:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I started to listen to this band's music, like most other current fans, around the fall of 1996, just after the Aenima album was released. So to the seasoned Tool fan, I'm Johnny come lately to Tool. I am an engineering student at SDSU and spend too much time on that campus. One day after doing homework and walking back from the library I heard a band playing at the Open Air Theater, it was John Melencamp doing their warm- up set. If you were close to the library you could hear the music pretty clear. This gave me the idea of hanging around the library area when Tool came to town, considering, like most folks, that I could not get tickets. The day of the show I was in a good spot near the library. Security kept moving us back or out of certain areas. When they started to play their first song security started to kick us out all the decent spots. And as a side note, security was getting no fucking respect whatsoever from the people trying to eavesdrop. People were saying stuff like, "you got picked on in highschool and now you want to be a tuff guy." I was glad I was not a security guard that night, because those fuckers have got to hate that shit, but it took everything in my power to keep from laughing at them. The actual Police were pretty understanding but still kept herding us along. I had had my share of getting told to move out of this area and what not so I decided to go the front entrance area. As I was heading over there I saw some guy heading to where I was coming from. I told him security is kicking everyone out of there so donıt waste your time. As I started to walk away I heard him say, "do you want to get in?" He told me that he was drunk the first time he tried to go in and they didn't let him in. He then tried to get in later but with the same shitty result, they had him pegged. I asked to see the ticket and it was a $45 ticket. I gave him 40 dollars for it. I made it to my seat during 46 and 2, which was the third song. I couldn't believe the power and intensity coming from that stage, "46 and 2 are enemies...." I was floored. The drums, Adams hunting guitar, the thunderous bass and those fucking arena-filling vocals were just undescibeable. Every song was a lesson in terror, beauty, mysticism and drama rapped up in a uniquely rich harmonic blend. I have seen a lot of rock shows in the past five years and at present I do not consider Tool my favorite band. But with the performance I saw from them on 15 AUG 2001, I must concede to the fact that I witnessed the finest rock band in the world that night.

Review written by: Jonah aka slick balzy ballz (jonah19_99@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/19/01 02:28:33 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I started to listen to this band's music, like most other current fans, around the fall of 1996, just after the Aenima album was released. So to the seasoned Tool fan, I'm Johnny come lately to Tool. I am an engineering student at SDSU and spend too much time on that campus. One day after doing homework and walking back from the library I heard a band playing at the Open Air Theater, it was John Melencamp doing their warm- up set. If you were close to the library you could hear the music pretty clear. This gave me the idea of hanging around the library area when Tool came to town, considering, like most folks, that I could not get tickets. The day of the show I was in a good spot near the library. Security kept moving us back or out of certain areas. When they started to play their first song security started to kick us out all the decent spots. And as a side note, security was getting no fucking respect whatsoever from the people trying to eavesdrop. People were saying stuff like, "you got picked on in highschool and now you want to be a tuff guy." I was glad I was not a security guard that night, because those fuckers have got to hate that shit, but it took everything in my power to keep from laughing at them. The actual Police were pretty understanding but still kept herding us along. I had had my share of getting told to move out of this area and what not so I decided to go the front entrance area. As I was heading over there I saw some guy heading to where I was coming from. I told him security is kicking everyone out of there so donıt waste your time. As I started to walk away I heard him say, "do you want to get in?" He told me that he was drunk the first time he tried to go in and they didn't let him in. He then tried to get in later but with the same shitty result, they had him pegged. I asked to see the ticket and it was a $45 ticket. I gave him 40 dollars for it. I made it to my seat during 46 and 2, which was the third song. I couldn't believe the power and intensity coming from that stage, "46 and 2 are enemies...." I was floored. The drums, Adams hunting guitar, the thunderous bass and those fucking arena-filling vocals were just undescibeable. Every song was a lesson in terror, beauty, mysticism and drama rapped up in a uniquely rich harmonic blend. I have seen a lot of rock shows in the past five years and at present I do not consider Tool my favorite band. But with the performance I saw from them on 15 AUG 2001, I must concede to the fact that I witnessed the finest rock band in the world that night.