concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

09/06/2001

Review written by: Chris (suriano@earthlink.net)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 00:39:50 ET


This was this reviewer's 17 Tool show

Just walked in from the show at XCEL in St. Paul, and TOOL 
impressed as always. This was the First Large Arena 
Headlining Show that I have seen TOOL perform at, and as 
opposed to the common theory that smaller shows are much 
better (more intimate), I have to say that this show ranked 
in my top 3 all time TOOL concerts. (Best show was October 
1996, Glass House in Pomona, CA.)
Being in a Arena gave a different feel, but with the stage 
setup, lightwork, and artistic touch of TOOL, I was sucked 
right in! The crowd was also going insane from the first riff of 
the Grudge to the end.
Concert Started with:
Grudge , 
then rolled right into Stinkfist, 
then 46 +2, 
then Prison sex and Schism,
Push It (aenima/salival version)..
At this point i wasn't going to keep track of the setlist, I was  
in toolphoria.
I do need to add that I beleive tonight was the debut of the 
two TOOL FREAKS (male and female shaved naked 
contorsionist like pretzle people). They first appeared during 
Schism. Then made an appearance later, hanging by there 
ankles in mid air, in front of the video screens, while twisting 
and spazzing like larvae trying to get break free from their 
cocoon.
Well another TOOL memory made. These boys are simply 
the greatest group of individuals as performers and artists.
An arena show for the ages. Go experience this tour. And as 
maynard said, hang onto the feeling you get from their 
music, whether good or bad,  and go out and do something 
good!









Review written by: Wouldn't you wanna know! (nubkaz@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 01:05:45 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, Just got back from the TOOL show...  my first 
CONCERT ever, period.  The show was beyond insane, they 
opened with The Grudge, went into Stinkfist  and after that I 
was so engrossed in the show I couldnt keep track...  They 
did close with Aenema then Lateralus.   This show will be 
engraved in my mind forever.  Keep up the awesome work 
guys, words simply can not desribe this show.








Review written by: ajen (ajen_trypt)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 01:11:52 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Everyone is in for a treat these next couple of weeks.  tool 
started there tour in, thankfully, my home state. I have 
never been more speechless.  I would like to post the set 
list, but i can't.  I dont want to.  It would do a great 
disservice to tool, who , instead of starting and stopping a 
song they let it sway, and let the borders fall away; then the 
sound stops, but the reverberation lives on in our lives.  
Look in that place were you dare not look and  you will find 
tool staring back at you.!!!








Review written by: Chris And Ivan (no1toolfanmn_20@hotmail.com )
Review posted on: 09/07/01 01:39:55 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

First of all let me start off by saying, This show was fucking 
amazing, I was surprise to hear TOOL play songs I never 
thought they would the Set of songs they played were, "The 
Grudge", "Stinkfist", "Forty-six & 2", "Prison Sex", "Schism",  
"Pushit", "Parabol/Parabola", "Refletions/Disposion", "The 
Patient", "AEnima", "Lateralus"..... All of the songs were 
surrounded by an amazing backround video they did 
remixes of all of they're music videos and had an amazing 
light show.... For the Song "Prison Sex" they did the 
extended "OTRM Prison Sex" version with the extra verse.... 
Just about every person in the Excel Energy Center was on 
they're feet the hole time. The performance was flawless 
except for Justin making a slight mistake on "SCHISM" But 
so suddle I doubt many rellized it.... There was what seemd 
to be an intermission before "Parabol/Parabola" were two 
naked people were hanging upside down and rocking back 
and forth for what seemd to be about 5 minute everyone 
there had a blank expression on they're face not knowing 
what the hell was going on, Maynard told the audience to 
take the energy we were feeling there and to never forget it 
and to express it in a positive manner... Maynard expressed 
his gratitude to the auidience for listening and the crowd 
loved him for it.... The floor area went completely wild 
during "AEnima"as expected while I just stood there 
emotionless and in shock that I was witnessing the most 
amazing performance Ive ever seen in my life and probably 
ever will.... Ive been a fan of TOOL since I first heard "Cold 
and Ugly" In 92 or 93 on my brothers CD player when I 
heard it I knew that they were going to be the most amazing 
band to grace the music world... I always thought I couldnt 
love TOOL more then I already did but  I was proved wrong 
because now I do.... Anyone who say them knows wha I'm 
talking about... Ive read the reviews from most other TOOL 
shows and In the MN stop they seemd to play much more 
then they have before and with much more emotion.... At 
The end of the show the hole band hugged... I was smileing 
like a giddy school boy.... Wow why did I mention that .... 
Probably to make myself seem gayer then I already do right 
now... by the time I was walking out of the Arena I was 
Shivering and my body went numb.. a feeling that surpases 
any other Ive ever had... Meshuggah was a great opening 
act aswell... Im happy to know there are atleast some bands 
keeping real Metal alive.... Anyways I'm done boring all of 
you just want to say that if anyone has any other questions 
about the event or if someone just wants to talk feel free to 
write me or IM me my screen name and email 
is "Tourniquet1515"...... This Is Ivan writting this by the way 
Chris is busy making food...... which im sure non of you give 
a shit about........... anyways..... Bye








Review written by: Jeremy (jwbeck@go.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 01:41:33 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This is a REAL review of the show that took place in St. Paul:

$18 to park the vehicle. Yikes!

Meshugga:
I had only heard a clip of Meshugga once, a few days ago. 
They seemed OK recorded, but I wasn't impressed with their 
live performance. Curt (fellow music fan and former co-
worker and boss), who was much more familiar with 
Meshugga, said that they definitely were more of a studio 
band. But the crowd listened politely and cheered, never 
booing, which was cool.

After the Meshugga set (which ran from 7:30-8:15) there 
was about a half hour intermission. Towards the end of the 
intermission they started playing this music over the PA that 
reminded me of the intermission music in 2001: A Space 
Odyssey. This seemed to build the anticipation for what was 
to come.

Tool:
The stage had 3 video screens as a backdrop - 2 larger 
ones on either side of the stage and a smaller one below 
the two larger ones, centered in between. I would call the 
smaller screen "The Maynard Screen", because that's where 
he performed during the show, with Danny kind of to his left, 
and Adam and Justin in front. On these screens they showed 
various video clips, many of the clips taken from the Tool 
videos. Most of the clips had something to do with the 
human form, keeping in theme with the Lateralus cover art.

The band started the set off with "The Grudge", great song 
to open the show with. Then I think they rattled off Ions, 
Stinkfist, 46 & 2, Prison Sex, and Schism before Maynard 
said one word to the crowd, which was actually two: "Good 
Evening". He didn't say anything for awhile afterwords, and I 
was beginning to think that's all he was going to utter that 
night. But before playing "The Patient", Maynard said, "This 
goes out to all the users, cling-ons, vampires [and a whole 
list of disparaging remarks]." On a more positive note, he 
also told the crowd several times "Thanks for listening." 
Then he said, "Hope to see you again soon" before the 
band exploded into Aenema. But the most noteworthy thing 
he said was, "I have an assignment for all of you. Think of 
how you're feeling right now, at this moment, and remember 
this feeling several weeks from now, whether it's positive, 
negative, or indifferent. Then make something good out of 
it." The band ended the set with Lateralis at 10:45.

Set list:
I can't give you any kind of order to the songs, other than 
what I described above. But they played "Prison Sex" from 
Undertow; "Ions", "Stinkfist", "46&2", and "Aenema" from 
Aenima, and nearly everything from Lateralus, except 
for "Ticks & Leeches", "Triad", and "Faaip De Oiad". Nothing 
from Opiate.

Most surprising moment:
Maynard actually picked up a guitar and jammed during 
several of the Lateralus songs!

Weirdest moment:
So many to choose from! Probably the two acrobats who 
scampered across the stage during Schism and twisted and 
contorted during several of the other songs.

Overall:
Great experience. A little more subdued performance than 
the '98 show -- probably due to the number of Lateralus 
tunes. But still amazing. Go see this show! If you see/saw 
the show, let me know what you think!

-Jer









Review written by: mike and dawn (masthachef!aol.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 02:18:33 ET


This was this reviewer's 4&1 Tool show

Hey you, the tool show was kinda neat.  i thought 
meshuggah was very LOUD and we couldn't understand 
anything he was saying.  there were 2 people hangin upside 
down on a rope naked, and the two things from the "schism" 
video (bent over with their heads swinging frantically) CAME 
OUT ON STAGE WITH TOOL. maynard was hiding in the back 
on a platform with a giant screen behind him, always in the 
dark, could never get a glimpse of him, but his shadow 
looked sweet!!!!  lots of new images, crisp clear sound, 
sounded just like the albums, we wanted to find their tour 
bus after and smoke a bowl with them but we had a hard 
enough time finding our car.....we love you guys, man! and 
no you cant have our bud light.. j/k maynard said very little 
but one thing that stands out was that he said "the way you 
feel right now, the positive energy, do something positive 
with it, in the next few coming weeks," a very positive 
message to send out to everyone, especially our today's 
troubled youths who needs someone like you maynard to be 
a role model and teach kids to love one another instead of 
killing each other  ...and that's all we have to say bout that.








Review written by: Weston (Radioheadslave@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 02:49:51 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show


Wow!  I can't beleive that I just experienced something so amazing.  Tool
is really something else.  I felt that I was having some kind of spirutal
experience as I sung/shouted/felt every song, every note and every lyric.  
This was my first time seeing Tool and as you can see I was blown away by
these guys.  These are things that I cannot forget.

1.  The band never messed up.  It is so amazing that they can come
together in such a way that you can forget anything else.

2.  I also loved how the band is pretty hidden.  You can see the shapes of
their bodys but that is about it.  This is especially true with Maynard
who is probebly the least visable.  This really says a lot about how they
look at their music.  They are saying we are not as important as the whole
or the songs themselves.  The music stand's on it's own.

3.  People have already posted the setlist so I will not post it again.  
For me my favorite songs where The Grudge ( great way to open the show
besides it's one of my favorite songs off of Lateralus), Pushit ( during
the last three minutes of the song I was such an emotional high) Anema
(this sounded so tight, so together)  and Lateralus ( this is the song I
wanted to here tonight, I kept saying to my girlfriend "please play
Lateralus"  and then they did it for their last song, fucking amazing).

4.  Maynard sounded amazing tonight.  His voice had so much more fluid
tonight then on my CD's

5.  The artists from the Schism video were really cool.  They just came
out of nowhere.

6.  I love what Maynard said at the end of the concert right before
playing Lateralus "I want you to do a favor for me.  Remember this moment.  
Whether it be positve, negative or indifferent.  Remember it, take it with
you and do something postive" ( Not exact word but pretty close)  I will
Maynard

7. The last thing that we saw was the entire band giving each other hugs.  
What a way to end the show.

I just wanted to give a thank you.  A thank you to Tool.  Thanks for
coming and giving me something I will remeber.  This show really means
alot to me, your art means alot to me.  You guy's give me so much and for
that I am thankful.








Review written by: Blind&Deaf&Dumb&BornToFollow (reference23@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 02:54:51 ET


This was this reviewer's 2th Tool show

Tool really knows how to appease the minority of the 
audience who is tripping balls.  Psychotomimetic visuals 
galore, massachistic acrobats, Maynard pulling a Mr. Rogers 
("and several weeks from now, remember this show, and go 
out and do something positive!", paraphrased), for those 
noble men who follow Leary's idea of reality, the show was a 
blast.  Hell, even some of the Xcel Energy Center security 
guards got toked up.
Missed the opiate songs & ticks & leeches.  Also, when is 
tool finally going to break down and do an actual encore?  
Ahh, fuck at least they all (band) hugged each other @ the 
end.








Review written by: [cory] (bytescream@93xrocks.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 03:47:54 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

half the fun of this, my first real concert ever, was managing 
to get to the floor, since we had seat tickets.  i even got 
stopped by a guard when i tried to rush the floor alone. i 
made it to the floor just as The Grudge began.
Maynard sat out for most of the songs. He had something 
else he wanted us to be looking at: the videos. Every song 
had a visual accompanyment, which i found myself watching 
more than the band.  It was more active at least.
The band was fucking killer tonight, the only mishap i picked 
out was that Justin dropped a note from the intro to schism.  
Not a show stopper, but I kinda was like :o
Awesome show, but as my first concert, I fear I will expect 
equal kick-assness from my next few concerts :/

I had a positive experience, and I am off to make 
something positive come of it :)  visit #tool on efnet! :)








Review written by: Derek Arnold (monoperative@disinfo.net)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 03:48:52 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, everyone knows the setlist, so I'll post something a 
little more introspective.

I'd have to say I definitely felt like there were quite a few 
hundred people in tune with eachother tonight, even 
amongst the mundanes and their slipknot t-shirts, or 
whatever.  

Highlights for me were probably seeing osseus labyrint 
coming out during schism, and later hanging suspended 
from the rafters during Parabol and Parabola.

I had no idea that those people from the schism vid were 
real people, and that their heads could in fact do that.

And, as usual, Maynard had some loving words towards the 
end in the hopes that someone would actually listen and do 
something positive.  I definitely was happy I had seating 
and was able to watch the show, rather than just getting 
squished in general admission, set to some soundtrack I 
wouldn't remember.

Pushit was played normally except for one instance of the 
opening riff from the Salival version.

Stinkfist was played with the extended part that has now 
become commonplace (even though it's still a welcome 
addition to the song).

Prison Sex also had an extra part in it, the all-too familiar 
OTRM version.

Probably the most suprising things was that Maynard put on 
a guitar and played.  And sung at the same time.  He 
screwed it up a little bit, but then again, it's nice to know 
they're people, and not music robots.

Seeing them in person kind of makes you think that 
celebrities ARE real people.  : )

Definitely going to sleep good tonight.

Later.

http://triop.port5.com








Review written by: Tony (jlhlc@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 09:39:58 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

wow the concert was great, it was the single greatest 
experience of my whole life, i really like the fact that before 
the show, those of us who came early enough, heard TOOL 
do their own sound check, they played the grudge, third eye, 
and stinkfist, i was amazed before the show even started!! 
being on the bar the whole time was very painful, but most 
definately worth it. well dont want to bore u ppl reading 
these, just go see them, u wont be disapointed!
Tony








Review written by: Shane (shane@o'meara.rules)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 10:30:52 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Wow, what an amazing show.  Tool has once again proved 
themselves as one of the best live bands around!  The 
sound quality was great and the visuals were amazing. Their 
video show was intriguing and disturbing as expected from 
them.  The band as a whole is always mind blowing live but 
Danny and Adam are just so tight it’s unreal. I was seated in 
the club level and it took me awhile to figure out the 
Maynard was actually on a small riser at the back of the 
stage next to Danny.  He also had his own little video screen 
behind him, it was an interesting setup to say the least.  I 
was really happy with the set list they played, although I was 
hoping they would play Ticks & Leeches.  

One of the more interesting moments of the night was when 
they played Schism and the contortionist people from the 
video came out and danced around the stage while they 
played.  They came out once again right before Parabol / 
Parabola and hung upside down above the stage, twisting 
and contorting themselves to the music.  It was fun just 
watching the expression on the crowds face as they hung 
there for what seemed like ten minutes. 

I think everyone else has covered the set list and other 
points of the show pretty well.  I just have to mention the 
guy seated in front of us who was pounding down beers all 
night and then passed out around the end of The Grudge 
and was out until the end of the show, $40 well spent.








Review written by: Mike Lyon (smgl2397@oberlin.edu)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 11:12:58 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show


A Tool fan for almost 8 goddamn years, and my first show!  It took long
enough, I guess.  It was a remarkable experience to say the least, and
easily one of the best shows I've ever been to.  The setlist was as
follows:

The Grudge
Stinkfist
46 & 2
Prison Sex
Pushit
Schism
Reflection/Disposition
Parabol/Parabola
The Patient
Aenima
Lateralis

But let me back up to Meshugga - I don't mean to insult any longtime
Meshugga fans, but I was REALLY not impressed.  I had heard one or two
things about them before show, but really, they were ridiculous.  The lead
singer was very courteous, and they played in some very interesting time
signatures, but otherwise a real ho-hum production.

Tool though was pretty goddamn out of control.  The Grudge has slowly
become one of my favorite Tool songs over the past 4 months, and when they
busted out with that I was in heaven.  I started singing, and sang along
to every song the whole night long at the top of my lungs.  There were 3
screens onstage with the movies running and 3 above the audience, as well.  
Maynard came out wearing either a long coat or a dress (bet on the
latter), but of course you couldn't really tell since he was only backlit.  
He removed it after 2 songs at any rate, and went topless.

They ripped through the songs at a perfect clip, only pausing between
songs several times, first so Maynard could say "Hi".  Before The Patient,
he stopped for the 2nd time and said "This song is for all the thieves,
the liars, the Klingons".  I actually found The Patient to be one of the
highlights of the show, although it wasn't my favorite before!  At the end
of the show, he stopped and thanked us all for coming, and told us to
"Remember this feeling, whether it's positive, negative, or interesting,
remember this feeling and in the coming weeks, use that feeling to create
something positive" - it was astounding, everyone was through the roof and
in the clouds.

Highlights: - The contortionists came out and "head-bobbed" like in the
video during Schism, then climbed the walls and hung upside down *more
than 15 minutes*.  I hope their little shaved heads are okay...  -46 & 2,
just because I really didn't expect them to play it, and it's one of my
favorite songs.  -Many of the visuals will stick with me forever, from the
hallway/lavatory cycle to the recurring naked man/woman collages.  It was
beautiful.  -Maynard's scream during The Grudge.  A lot of people I know
think that it's all electronic bullshit, that Maynard can't scream for 4
full measures.  Well, believe it.  - The end of the show was gorgeous,
really.  Aenima was so moving, the entire crowd surging as one, I think
there were maybe 2 people stationary in the entire place.  At the end,
Adam reached down with his guitar and let some of the kids in the crowd
whack out the feedback!  Then they all huddled together around Danny as
they began grooving out Lateralis.  When they show ended, each member
hugged every other member of the band.

The show was more than 2 hours long, but it really could've gone on
forever.  If you're reading this and haven't yet soon Tool, you've gotta
find a way too, no matter the cost.  If this is your 70th Tool show or
your first, this tour is something really amazing.

Cheers-
Mike








Review written by: Joe (stupidpanda6@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 11:35:14 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Heres just something Maynard said towards the end of the 
show, I thought it was very interesting...

"I want you to remember how you feel right now,  weather it 
be positive.... negative... or in-different and in the next few 
weeks I want you to look back on how you felt tonight and 
do something positive with it."









Review written by: Genuine Tool Fan (????@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 11:48:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show


Wow, what an absolutely amazing experience.  The near flawless
perfermance, (except for Justin's little mistake in Schism), shows how
dedicated and true these four men are to their music.  All four of the
guys were just rocking out there as one big unit, epitomized at the end by
the group hug.  The highlight of the show had to have been when maynard
asked the audience to remember something, he said: "Think of how you're
feeling right now, at this moment, and remember this feeling several weeks
from now, whether it's positive, negative, or indifferent. Then make
something good out of it."  What an amazing thought by Maynard, a man who
was literally worshipped, a god out on the stage, yet he doesnt live the
role or take any pride by it.  Aside from the beatings that every single
person (including me) took on the floor, everyone was standing, singing,
and rocking to every note of every single song.  Musically, this band
right now has to be at their best, and if not, we can only be so greatful
if they continue to grow as musicians, as men.  Maynard, keep up your
lifestyle, please.  The power you seemingly have over most of the people
there is unconsious, and unknown, but please lead these people toward
these "positive experiences" and lifestyles you wish them to have.  Thank
you Tool.  And by the way, please, oh please do not be anywhere near
California when the tidal waves, earthquake, and meteor showers come.  
Stay far away.  Otherwise guys, take your advise, and learn to swim.

Thank you Tool

Keep it up, and see you tomorrow night in Madison.








Review written by: Mr. Happy (i_am_a_walrus@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 12:11:32 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

WoW!!!!!!! Fuck yeah!!!!!!!!!! Those are about the only words 
that describe what I'm feelin at this moment. I've been 
waitin 3 whole years to see these guys, so the expectations 
were enormous. They didn't disappoint one bit. Props go out 
to the Tool gang. You can't even put into words how brilliant 
the performance was. All of them were on top of their game, 
especially Danny. That set is fuckin amazin. He's easlily the 
best drummer in the business, I don''t care what anyone 
says, Lars sucks a nut compared to this dude. Maynard hit 
every single fuckin note like always, and Justin and Adam 
were superb. The only downer on the night was that they 
didn't play "Sober" (not the big of a deal. I guess if you 
played it a few thousand times, it'd get a little old) but I'm 
not complainin one bit. Aenema was fan-fuckin-tastic, easily 
the best song of the night. Every single member of the 
crowd was jammin out. It was just fuckin nutz. It was well 
worth the 3 year wait. I hope it's not that long before I get 
to see them again!!!!


Oh yeah, I wanna say thanx to the short, drop-dead 
gorgeous girl with the perfect smile in the bandana and 
white top (who was friends with the girl in the red bandana)
standing about 20 - 30 feet in front of the sound boards who 
couldn't see anything cause of a fuckin 50 year old hippie 
that you wanted to kill. You know who you are. Thank you 
soooo much for sharin this experience with me. You don't 
know how much it meant to me. I wish I could have stayed 
afterwards to talk to ya. I feel bad that I didn't even catch 
your name. :(:(:( If you read this 
pllllleeeeeeeaaaaaazzzzzzz e-mail me sometime!!!!








Review written by: CortexanneX (cortexannex@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 13:04:06 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

It's now the morning after and I feel as though i was 
strapped to the mast of a mystic ship, pummelling through 
potent waves and an unstoppable storm for an evening, 
stopping occasionally in the calmest of waters.  As though 
listening to the lateralus album wasn't a moving enough 
experience, I feel far beyond grateful [moreoever reverent] 
to the members of tool for their ability, for their musical gift, 
for their overflowing creativity, and for their subtle, yet 
powerful messages.  
Euphoria, agony, humanity.  pulled and pushed and twisted 
between what seemed like an endless chaotic melee of 
human energy, the floor both humbled me and allowed me 
to feel as a god for moments.  awing up at the musicians, i 
knew they gave their all.  the sweat shining on their faces 
showed their dedication.  the experience in its entirety 
seemed far more important than the music.
And what an experience it was.  as soon as i found out that 
the band was touring again, i knew i couldn't miss out this 
time.  the internet presale allowed many of the most 
dedicated fans to get closest and most acquainted with the 
band, which created an incredibly communal and positive 
electricity on the floor.  if the band ever reads this, i want to 
express my deepest gratitude.  this experience will outlive 
many of my fondest memories.
Another thank you to the gorgeous woman who so kindly 
traded tickets with me so i could experience the floor.  i cant 
believe i almost turned it down.  you may never know what a 
gift you gave.
if anyone wants to talk about the concert or whatever else, 
my sn is cortexannex.









Review written by: Smokes01 (smokes007@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 14:52:38 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Mashuga was OK but Tool definitely kicked ass.  It was cool 
how Maynard stood in the shadows all night long.  I was 
surpurised by how short he was.  Every song was frickin 
awesome, especially the well known ones.  It was definitely 
worth the $36.50 and I hope they come to town a lot sooner 
than another 5 years.








Review written by: John (Stimulus19@aol.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 15:48:18 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Sorry if this review is hard to understand.. i'm very very 
tired.. 

What a truly amazing experience.. My girlfriend and I arrived 
at the show at approx. 6:45 - just enough time to grab 
some Subway and head over to the venue.  We made it to 
the floor just in time to see Meshuggah take the stage.. No 
offense to any diehard Meshuggah fans, but they do not 
belong on this tour, in my opinion - I don't think I was able 
to make out one word they were saying, even on songs that 
I already knew.. they seem to be strictly a studio band.  
Anyways, after Meshuggah left the stage, we settled in to 
the crowd about 15 feet back from the stage.  Two large 
video screens hung above the stage, with a smaller screen 
tucked just to the left of Danny's drumset.  Finally, after 
about 30 minutes of setup, it was time for tool to take the 
stage.  Music resembling that of 2001: A space oddysey was 
piped over the speakers, while the multicolored Lateralus 
flame was projected over all 3 screens.  The crowd erupted in 
cheers as Danny, then Justin, then Adam and Maynard took 
the stage.  The first notes of The Grudge sent the crowd into 
convulsions.. an absolutely flawless transition to live 
performance, with the exception of Maynard only 
holding "the scream" out for 3/4 of the album duration.  As 
The Grudge ended, they quickly proceeded into Stinkfist - 
this was probably the most energetic song of the night in 
terms of the crowd- the entire floor moved and bounced in 
synch to the music - tonight, Stinkfist came complete with an 
extended bridge.  With only a few seconds pause, 46&2 
began.. images of a worm squirming on the floor were 
projected on the video screens.. Next was Prison Sex (OTRM 
version) - i was surprised at how many other people knew 
the lyrics to this.. At this point, Maynard thanked the crowd 
for coming, picked up a guitar, and signalled for the start of 
Schism.  Midway through the song, Osseus Labyrinth (the 
characters in the Schism video) crawled, nude, out onto the 
stage, bobbing their heads in true Tool style.  These two 
were later seen at the beginning of Parabol/Parabola, where 
they were suspended from the ceiling - absolutely incredible 
visuals for both songs - Osseus were the perfect choice to 
compliment the music. pushit (aenima version, but different 
middle section)  Next was a flawless version of Pushit (with 
hints of the slow version), followed by Disposition/Reflection, 
for which Maynard once again donned a guitar.  After a short 
intermission, during which Osseus were hoisted to the 
rafters, Parabol began, followed by Parabola.  (There are no 
words to describe how incredible this was.)  Then - the 
surprise of the night - The Patient.  Maynard dedicated it to 
all the "vampires" out there - as the first notes of Eon Blue 
Apocalypse rang out, my eyes welled up with tears - this 
song was the most perfect thing I have ever heard.. 
absolutely perfect.  They ended the show with the typical 
Aenema/Lateralus combo.. both incredible.. All in all a great 
show - although i would have liked Maynard to be a bit more 
talkative, the music spoke volumes.  I'm looking forward to 
re-experiencing heaven tonight in Madison.  See you there :)








Review written by: Darkchoco (jim@square-net.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 15:48:22 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I won't post the setlist but I'll share some thoughts. I got to 
the show at about 7 (Started at 7:30) so that I could sneak 
down to the floor (which I easily did). Meshuggah came on 
who got the crowd ready and had some wicked solos but I 
was too pumped for Tool to be thinking about them. During 
Mesh, I was around the middle of the floor and I thought I 
saw Danny Carey (It wasn't, but I do know Tool guys like to 
watch opening bands from the crowds). About 10 minutes 
before Tool got on, the lights were getting darker and tons 
of people were jumping onto the floor and just pushing 
everyone up. It was getting really annoying but a group of 
girls were pushing people to get up front and I asked if I 
could join, so Eventually I was in like second row of the floor 
right in front of Justin. The Security guys in front were really 
cool because they were giving water to the guys up front 
since it was really hot. The show itself was amazing. I really 
understand why people love the show without all the fancy 
pyros or stunts. I was a bit disappointed Maynard was 
bashful and didn't make his usual hilarious comments, and 
that they didn't play anything off Opiate as our little crowd 
up front was yelling for but definately worth seeing.








Review written by: Master Reviewer (some@some.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 16:48:44 ET


This was this reviewer's 5 Tool show

QUESTION 
EVERYTHING








Review written by: Heidi (TOOL919@aol.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 16:48:56 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

...I don't know what to say. This was my first big concert, 
and I beleive it is going to be the best. Meshuggah came 
out and played an awesome set. They sound very good live. 
If you are planning to skip out on the (which most people 
did) you should deffinately rethink that decision. They are a 
very very good band.
As for TOOL, I don't know what to say. I don't believe there 
are words to describe it. "The Grudge" was deffinatly a good 
choice for an opening song. Everyone in the crowd went 
crazy! It was awesome. Some has posted the set list 
already, I believe, but when they got to "Pushit" that was it! 
I was in another state of mind. It was absolutly amazing! 
They also picked a great song to end the show 
with, "ænema". That completely surprised me! I would have 
never guessed that. It also was amazing (that is the only 
word I can think of right now).
The two performers from the "Schism" video were very cool. 
That added a lot to the show. It was very interesting. Not 
something you would see at any other concert, which makes 
Tool concerts so unique.
So, basically to sum everything up... It was a phenominal 
show. Deffinately do not miss this!









Review written by: Pissant (Bored6380@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 17:21:17 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first Tool concert ever. I heard that people were 
eating shit and drinking piss to get tickets, after 
experiencing this amazing performance I can honestly say it 
would've been worth it (I just went to the ticketmaster 
though). I would post the setlist but I think I might just 
have to break the cycle. Because if you're reading this review 
you've probably got it memorized. Every song Ruled, I liked 
the fact that they did the original version of pushit too. I 
thought the best song was Ænima, everyone was singing 
along...it just kicked total ass!!! I also liked the Patient. I 
was a little bit dissapointed that they didn't do Ticks and 
Leeches, I was really looking forward to seeing danny play 
that one. But I guess I shouldn't complain since the girl who 
drank her own piss and the guy who kicked himself in the 
balls 40 times didn't get tickets. I didn't really like the 
opening band, I thought that they sounded way too loud. 
Tool's sound (and music) were much, much better.
As the lights dimmed a man walked on stage and the crowd 
went nuts (unfortunately though, it was just a roadie). But 
once the lights were totally off, Tool entered the stage. Once 
I heard the first sounds, my whole body went numb and my 
penis became erect, and I shot a load on an old woman. 
Sorry about your shirt daloris.....wait....nevermind that, 
different concert....where was I???
Oh....after the grudge was Stinkfist, the song was great and 
the video clips were very entertaining. For most of the songs 
though, it looked like they were doing a bio on Ron Jeremy 
(cause he's a pornstar! hehe) every song they did was better 
than the previous, I loved it when they did Lateralus...but 
when they were done, they decided to keep the lights low 
(leading me to believe an oncore was on the way) but about 
two minutes later they turned em back on :-( I was 
expecting that they might break out one of the classics like 
Jerk-Off or Opiate, only to be left wanting more. But the 
second I entered my rusty Ford Fiesta my Opiate cd was in 
and I was happy again. I don't think I shall ever forget this 
amazing display of awesomeness. The only thing that could 
top this show is seeing them again (which I plan on doing)

BYE BYE








Review written by: Angela (berz13@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 17:23:37 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I just have to say that TOOL is absolutely amazing in 
concert. I experienced my 1st TOOL show last night. I 
couldn't believe my eyes. Like, was I really there? Shit yeah! 
Trippy photos continuously flashing on large screens behind 
the stage and on the scoreboard above our heads. I was 
blown away by the sound and the nude puppet-like people 
crawling on the stage and later dangling above the stage by 
their feet. I loved that at the end of the show Maynerd 
actually came to the front of the stage (he was towards the 
back of the stage almost throughout the entire show, 
stripping off layers of shirts/jackets, facing the crowd 
donning the painted face, and almost looked like a shy guy) 
and all the band memebers hugged. Great show...
I wanted to share my excitement with other fans. 
Thanks for listening.








Review written by: chris (snow_dove@email.msn.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 17:58:03 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Hey everyone, last night was my first TOOL show.  I'll skip to 
the good stuff.  The concert was amazing, no one performs 
like them.  Maynard was so tiny hiding in the back.  Lots of 
bowls gettin' smoked!  There was two huge screens side by 
side in the back with maynard in the back left in front of a 
smaller screen,  Danny to the back right,  justin up front on 
the right , and adam in the front on the left.  They played 
slightly extended versions of prison sex and stinkfist.  I'd 
heard maynard was short but DAMN!!!  He has such a 
powerful voice especially considering he was bent over the 
whole time.  During one song he literally stumbled around in 
a trance.  Not much moshing until AEnima, that's when the 
whole place went absolutely nuts! By the Way, I've never 
seen so many naked people with out it being a porn in my 
life, but no one was immature about it except the weed-
head sitting next to me...perv








Review written by: Setik (Setik@usinternet.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 17:58:10 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

What could I possibly say to describe such a show, and why 
did it take me so long to see them live. I’m going to skip 
some of what others have talked about, the set list, the 
precision playing, and for the most part excellent fans. I 
noticed a few people wonder what was playing during the 
intermission between Meshugga and tool, I knew exactly 
what it was when it came on. It was a track from King 
Crimson Guitarist Robert Fripp’s Soundscapes, I think the 
1999 album. Very nice for spacey stuff, and he does it all 
solo and live with his “Frippertronics” techniques. I think it 
was a fine choice by TOOL, it built the energy that would 
surely explode once they hit the stage. Man, and when they 
did come out, they came out hard! Like most people have 
said The Grudge is a great opener, it absolutely took my 
breath away and every one was on there feet within the first 
bar. They tore it up for a while then brought the mood back 
down before the brought it to its climatic end. I was 
impressed by how much the fans responded to the music, 
TOOL knows what they are doing to give people the ride of 
their lives. There was such a huge vibe in there, it was like a 
living thing, it was the ether that bridged with the band and 
the fans and every one picked up on it and fed it. The band 
was in excellent form, and I found that they were all giving 
us all they had. I was seated near Danny so I perhaps 
focused too much on him, but I could not help notice Adam 
going into some haunting solos. I could not hear Justin very 
well but I knew he was in there, and then there is Maynard. 
Maynard was incredible I was completely blown away by how 
much he uses his voice as an instrument, not only for 
musical purposes but to connect the music with words of 
understanding. I went in expecting the best and got 
something that transcended me to a higher level of music 
appreciation, for that I truly thank the band for everything 
they gave. If they are coming anywhere near you do not 
miss the opportunity to take part in the experience!









Review written by: james (blueandnow@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 18:40:52 ET


This was this reviewer's assy Tool show

first of all, meshuggah is an amazing band. from a 
drummer's standpoint no one can realize how talented they 
are in a sense of how fucked up their time signatures are, 
and how tight they execute their songs. all kicks match up 
with guitar strokes, and i was very very impressed. second, 
meshuggah is even more rare to see live than tool. so those 
of you who saw them have some fucking appreciation for 
them. 

also, a big fuck you goes to all the people who didn't bother 
to help people up when a group of 50-60 people went down 
to the ground 5 rows from the stage at the beginning of the 
grudge. i happened to be one of the ones struggling on the 
ground and you all know how tight packed the floor was. it 
was hell. i don't appreciate having to use a guys shirt and 
another dudes belt as a means of getting back up. fuck you 
assholes. 

otherwise the show was good. a must see.








Review written by: Michael Kaduce (noleafclover@maximumsled.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 19:05:52 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well. I had a really long review typed up. I hit Start over. Oh 
well. BTW, I'm 13.

Highlights:

Tool. Nuff said.

The Nude dancers.

The cool guy sitting next to me.

Meshuggah. I've been a fan for over 5 years and they blew 
me away!








Review written by: Ursus Maritimus (Jrushbear@aol.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 20:03:39 ET


This was this reviewer's 10th Tool show

But my first review.
  Massugah was a little reminicent of Pantera in stage 
presence.  A tall bald guy performing the "I'm a metal 
singer" nod while strutting around the stage.  They sounded 
great though.  Amazing drummer, and they played new 
songs and old ones.  
  Tool played a much shorter set than they did in CA.  I also 
attended the Berkley and LA shows.  They played some new 
Lateralus and some golden oldies, the set list is in here 
someplace.  
  The Schism actor/dancers were a treat, writhing around 
while hanging by thier ankles from the ceiing.  The visual 
effect were almost all the same as CA with a few new treats.  
The mosh was virtually nonexistent since every one was 
more intent on being in front instead of enjoying the music 
and stage show, a little disapointing.    
  I really like the "take this feeling and create something 
with it in the next few days" message.  Inspiering.  And 
Justine flubbed one bar in the intro of Schism which made 
me smile.  I won't toss my bass in the trash after all.
  Overall an "A-" show.  I liked Crimsons intermission from 
the CA shows but the dancers made up for it.  The show was 
topped off by a big Tool group hug on stage which made my 
night.
  Until next time.  Thanks for the space Kabir.  And thanks 
for your time.
  Have fun,
-Ursus-
  








Review written by: ToolFan (Tool920949@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 21:12:46 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I can't believe how many people are giving Meshuggah "OK" 
ratings let alone that people even thought they were close to 
good...THEY SUCKED!!!  Talk about no talent ass clowns. 
Almost everyone in my section was ready to start booing. 

Screaming into a microphone (incoherently) is not talent. 
And to the lead guitarist...I appreciate that you can play fast 
and clean, but there is this concept in music known 
as "scales". They are a grouping of notes that go well 
together. 

And if people think I'm one of the few who feel this way, I'm 
not. Just by watching the crowd's reaction you could see that 
hardly anyone was impressed. The entire crowd just stood 
there practically motionless (with the exception of a few 
polite people nodding there heads).

Sorry to rant so long about the ONLY sucky part of the 
concert (but someone had to do it). When Tool came out it 
made it all worth sitting through the painful experience of 
Meshuggah. 

I don't think I need to go on for fifty pages about how 
awesome Tool was.  You all know it. (just had to set the 
record straight on Meshuggah).










Review written by: Master Reviewer (thirdeyetoolfan)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 21:27:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The best concert I have ever seen. The band had videos in 
the arena for EVERY single song. By far the most disturbing 
moment of the night was right before Parabola, two bodies 
descended from the top of the arena and everyone was 
wondering if they were real or dummies (I think they were 
dummies). There were a lot of really cool things about this 
show I couldn't even begin to describe. I do know that  
Tool's live show sounds just as good, no, superior to their 
studio releases. I had heard live bootlegs before but 
NOTHING even matched the intensity and proficiency of the 
show. Here's the set:

The Grudge
Everyone just went NUTS. The "Lateralus" logo (the one 
around the CD) was played as well as this video. The perfect 
way to open a concert.

Ions
No, not the full song. Just a little tease. I started flipping out 
thinking they would play "Third Eye," but knew they would 
follow with...

Stinkfist
As good as "The Grudge" in terms of crowd reaction. 
Maynard would just thrust really violently to the left and right 
during the, "Its not enough!/I need more!/Nothing seems to 
satisfy!" part while clips of the video were shown.

Forty Six & 2
It didn't take too long to recognize this classic. Wickedly 
good outro. 

Prison Sex
The only song off "Undertow," but it didn't matter because 
they played it with the extra verse! They only used a few 
clips from the "actual" video to this song and replaced it with 
this other video.

Schism
Incredible perfomance and Maynard actually played a little 
guitar. It was the first time I had seen the "Schism" video.

Pushit
Really glad this was played. Maynard was on guitar again.

Disposition/Reflection
A dramatic dynamic change from (mostly) hard, heavy songs 
to spacey art rock until..

Parbol/Parabola
Turning point of the entire show. Played with near perfect 
precision. 

The Patient
One of the few times Maynard talked to the crowd. He said 
the song was about "assholes trying to bring us down; the 
vampires" proceeding to deliver a song I thought would be 
impossible to do live.

Ænema
I never thought they would segue "Patient" into Ænema. The 
obvious way to do things would be to go into "Opiate," 
then "Ænema."
But Tool are far from conventinal, and just about everybody 
was singing along.

Lateralus
Maynard gave a little speech before this song about 
remembering the night and to make something positive out 
of it and then closed with one of their most powerful songs. 
Great live rendition.

After the show, all of the band members hugged and left. 
And yes, there were many people who probably would have 
liked to hear "Sober" or "Opiate" (including this hilarious guy 
who kept yelling for "Jerk-Off) but this night exemplified the 
transition from a once nihilistic band to a group comfortable 
with life who may just ride the spiral to the end and go where 
no one's been. 









Review written by: kojak (maynard@gullible.com)
Review posted on: 09/07/01 22:33:05 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

i think i have a slightly different perspective of the concert 
than those who already posted, cuz, for the first time i 
brought a pair of binoculars to the show.  we had fuckin 
great seats as it was,  but this put the band right into my 
lap.  

a few things i noticed:

maynard's face paint - a single black stripe down his face.
and it was so fuckin weird, his water bottle glowed like he 
was drinking some otherworldly potion.  it was obviously lit 
up by a black light behind him but it was weird that nothing 
else was illuminated but the bottle.  it looked badass 
between songs when it was maynard's sillouhette against a 
bright green background drinking from a glowing bottle.

the naked schism people - they came out and everyone was 
like "what the fuck".  i didn't see any genitals, though, they 
looked weirdly asexual.  crazy.  but then there was a full on 
labia shot of the chick right when my girlfriend grabbed the 
binoculars.  hahahaha.    then, when they were suspended 
from the ceiling, in extreme graphic detail could you see 
them.  i mean, with the binoculars it was fuckin weird.  i 
wasn't expecting a money shot of a chicks anus and vagina, 
and according to my girlfriend, the guy was uncircumcised.  i 
didn't look too closely to that.   it was all, interesting to say 
the least.

maynard playing guitar - cool to see, but, since i had a up 
close view, i couldn't help but notice that he wasn't playing 
anything.  i never saw his fingers move.

adam was looking right at us.  i swear.

justin has good taste.  my girlfriend and i both agreed that 
he had, next to a couple water bottles, two bottles of Two 
Dogs lemon brew on top of an amp.  one of the finest beers 
made.

i neglected danny for much of the show, since i was watching 
maynard alot, checking out justin's fingerwork, and i'm 
telling you zoomed in on the visuals made me feel like i was 
on acid, so i watched danny for all of the patient.  he's a 
fucking machine.  

a couple people in the nosebleed section having the time of 
their life, regardless of their shitty seats.

overall, it was a very powerful, emotional experience.  rather 
than being a draining experience, i found myself refuled.  
there are alot of other reasons in the peripheral why this 
concert was one of the greatest things i have ever witnessed, 
none of which you all would be interested in.  but all i can 
say is that it is weird how everything falls into place, when 
the impossible becomes a reality.  alot of crazy dominoes 
had to fall to get us to this concert and i thought during the 
show that all this  was the best dream i had ever had.


most importantly, thank you tool for offering a ticket presale 
for the hardcore fans through toolband.  great seats for a 
reasonable price with absolutely no hassle.








Review written by: biggest tool fan (earlygrays@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 00:04:26 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Hey you!  Read reviews already posted for your show to see 
if somebody already posted the setlist. 

If nobody has, you ought to.  The less duplicated info, the 
easier it is for everyone to read these.   Especially your mom.
That concert left me breathless, best show ive ever seen in 
my life there all geniuses....they perfected every song they 
played here is the setlist
1. the grudge
2.stinkfist
3.46 & 2
4.Prison Sex
5.Schism
6.Pushit (Aenima Version)
7.Disposition
8.Reflection
Intermission
9.Parabol
10.Parabola
11.The Patient
12.Aenema
13.Lateralus








Review written by: harry houdini (zeppelin52@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 00:09:17 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

well it was by far one of the best concerts i have ever seen in 
my life.......its just too bad the opening band sucked









Review written by: schneima (fgomgr@patioworldusa.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 05:52:03 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Hey you!  Read reviews already posted for your show to see 
if somebody already posted the setlist. 

If nobody has, you ought to.  The less duplicated info, the 
easier it is for everyone to read these.   Especially your mom.









Review written by: schneima (fgomgr@patioworldusa.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 06:15:57 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I understand the insignificance that I pose when I try to 
present and plant my posies among your trees. Tool fans 
are  to be the, in my opinion,  diplomats of a 
conscienceness towards the gain of adhersion to what 
musical fans in American society are suppose to be (And if 
the European socialist doesn't follow my theory and hold in 
suit-F*ck em!). All I want to understand in this whole 
plausable situation is that my comfort in a marketable band 
is deemable! (Beleive me- this band is the most marketable 
concept in the entertainment industry in years. All who wish 
to respect Tool but, @ the same time, discuss how they just 
keep us quessing (And, yes, all you strongarms, I do realize 
that  my be the very point of their existance), go ahead and 
contact me. Peace.








Review written by: Marker (rhythm_mine@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 15:45:21 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

1. Arrived at the venue around 3 p.m. to be greeted by 2 
beautiful girls and an overzealous Vision of Disorder street 
team member. We talked for awhile.
2. Sat inside and listened to Tool warm up with Stinkfist, The 
Patient, and Triad. 
3. Bought a t-shirt and a necklace.
4. Entered the gates and found my seat, which was in 
section 104, row 7, seat 5. I was sitting next to my best 
friend who was in seat 4.
5. My conciousness began to expand as the anticipation of 
the show took hold and brought me to a whole new level of 
love and understanding.
6. Ate a hot dog.
7. Listened as a bunch of angry Swedes jumped around and 
screamed about stuff I couldn't understand nor cared about. 
My teeth were beginning to hurt, so I 
8. Stepped outside for a minute. They were playing a Tool 
marathon on the loudspeakers at the venue, and I got to 
hear H, which is good because they didn't play that song at 
the show..
9. Sat back down and prepared my mind for what I was 
about to encounter.
10. Stood there unable to move as the band I've been 
waiting 3 1/2 years to see took the stage and pounded away 
at the Grudge. I was in tears by 46 and 2.
11. Sang along to every part of every song, including the 
extra verse in Prison Sex, and let myself go. I was 
enveloped by the visions and the music and the beauty of it 
all - trapped in psychedelia without taking any drugs 
whatsoever.
12. Stumbled my way out to the car, the explosive Hell's 
Fermata they played at the end of Lateralus still ringing in 
my ear. I felt completely drained and completely fulfilled at 
the same time. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but that's 
the best way I can describe it. I hope everyone reading this 
gets to experience Tool live at least once in their lives. 
Peace.








Review written by: Steve Patrick (andromeda_rain@thefragile.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 16:38:06 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show


     I must admit...Im fairly dissapointed with the multitude of mindless
peons that inhabit my state and that also have the sheer audacity to call
themselves Tool fans. First of all, don't mosh at a Tool show. For
everyone of you dumbfucks that feel the need to burn calories slamming
into other males, there are one hundred or so others that think of you as
plankton throbbing in some bizarre homosexual mating ritual dance. Moshing
is not conducive to the message and experience the band was trying to give
you.  Getting shitfaced drunk and vomiting on the floor is not required
nor is conducive to the afforementioned goal either. Fools such as
yourselves comprised the only negative aspect of the evening.
    With that in mind, let us proceed to this informal review.
    I was disheartened with the harsh response Meshuggah recieved. Anyone
that knows anything about music would not have put them down. You might
not have to like their brand of music...but you should respect the talent
they possess. For instance:  Mesuggah displayed superb musicianship. Never
were they off time with each other. The drummer was amazing. Thor, the
lead guitarist, was excellent. Haunting melodies. Eerie solo work. I will
give you plankton the benefit of the doubt and suggest that perhaps you
felt the need to be disrespectful because lead singer, Jens, is not
Maynard James Keenan. This is understandable.  However, it is really not a
good reason to be disrespectful. By the way, I noticed that very few
people booed Meshuggah. At least not openly. You would rather talk shit
quietly amongst yourselves. Perhaps you were fearful that one of the big
Nordic looking fellows would descend the stage and stomp you into a
substance somewhat reminiscent of a horses' fecal matter. The band
displayed extreme talent for the time signature change. Never choppy and
always fluid. To be able to play so swiftly and so accurately and still
have time to warp onto a heavy groove and fit in an, from the look of
Thor's face, obviously emotional melodic lead take alot of talent. Not
that very many in the crowd, at least on the floor where I was, would
notice these musical wonders.
     I won't spend much time on Tool. Obviously, I drove the 57 miles from
Big Lake to St. Paul for them. They were flawless, save one minor mistake
commited by Justin during "Schism". It was a beautiful experience. Too bad
so many dipshits attended and wont remember much of what they were given.
Osseus Labyrint was a great and very artistic addition to the bands
performance.  Despite the plankton around my companion and I saying such
thoughtful and colorful things as "What is this gay shit?" Adam's keyboard
intro into "Pushit" was spectacular. I would also like to add that all of
you idiots that always feel the need to push and shove, forced me to pay
more attention to keeping my balance instead of listening and absorbing
"The Grudge". Thank you. I only hope that I will have the oppurtunity to
show you exactly how deep my appreciation of your efforts extends to.
     This has turned into a semi-bitching rant. Allow me to refocus...
     The show was amazing, after all the initial pushing and shoving was
over with. The images being displayed on the screens fully complimented
the performace. Spasmodically jerking humanoid creatures. One visual that
stands out in my eyes is the animation of the yellow-orange worms during
"46 & 2". Nudity as an art form seemed to be the general artistic motiff
of the Tool set. Just image all the drunken fools proclaiming "Tits!"
every time the screen featured a nude woman. Please...all you accomplish
in doing that is the announcement that you are a pervert, a virgin or
both. If anyone saw the last webcast on toolband.com they might have
recognized the animations during "Aenima". I was very pleased that the
band played "The Patient". Again, I want to congratualte Osseus Labyrint
on their performance. The message of coming together and reunification
during "Parabol/Parabola" was not lost on all.
     Beautiful show. Excellent experience. I will certainly attend all
Tool shows from now on. They are such an influence on my art and my own
music. I can but hope that other bands will arise that create music for
the sake of music. Unfortunately it seems that bands with those very
ethics are shunned.
     And with that, I am done. Thank you for enduring my Bitch Fest.









Review written by: Dayv Lambelet (dayv@starmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 17:47:28 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

WOW...

That doesn't even begin to describe a Tool 
performance...almost overwhelming. Osseus Labyrint was 
simply amazing. And seeing Maynard on guitar was great. If 
anyone hasn't had the opportunity to see Tool's live 
performance, GO. You will not be disappointed.

Set List:

Mantra
The Grudge
ions
Stinkfist
46 & 2
Prison Sex
Schism* 
Merkaba
Pushit
Disposition*
Reflection*
Parabol
Parabola
The Patient
Aenima
Lateralus










Review written by: sixwords187 (sixwords@rconnect.com)
Review posted on: 09/08/01 17:48:38 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show


My second Tool show...Saw them @ Red Rocks 08.03.01. The light show was a
little better than Denver, but they didn't play Sober...Oh well. Setlist
above is right except for a few minor interludes...

The Grudge
Ions
Stinkfist
46 & 2
Prison Sex
Schism
Pushit
Disposition
Reflection
**intermission**
Parabol
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Aenima
Lateralis








Review written by: thordendal (StimpsonJCat@prodigy.net)
Review posted on: 09/09/01 14:01:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

k..............i had to write this review mostly to correct 
ToolFans statements about Meshuggah. I went to the show 
SOLELY to see Meshuggah and left right after they finished. 
They are the most brilliant and exciting musicians ive seen 
in a long while. And yes ToolFan, Fredrik (the lead guitarist) 
has an extensive knowledge of scales and various tones, 
you obviously just have not heard of the diminished (whole-
half, half-whole) scales which he uses extensively. 
Meshuggah will ALWAYS put on a FLAWLESS show. period. 









Review written by: Tool (the man, not the band) (tool1033@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/09/01 14:45:35 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I am not a religious man

But seeing Tool live was the biggest spiritual experience I've 
ever had. They moved me in a way no other band could 
possibly do. All four members are masters of their craft, yet 
they can come together and truly be greater than the sum of 
their parts. 

I listened to Lateralus in my car on the way back home from 
St. Paul. My mind was flooded full of memories from the 
previous night, as it will be anytime I hear Aenima, Pushit, 
Prison Sex, Stinkfist or 46 & 2

If I could bottle up the feeling of being there and sell it, it 
would be the greatest drug ever. A euphoric state that 
everyone should experience, and nobody wants to end. 

Thank you for listening. 








Review written by: Josh (cheaky_monkie@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/09/01 15:53:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Holy shit!!!! it was the most amaising experience I've ever 
gone through.  I could be killed now and be happy.
Meshugga sucked ass I thought, slipknot wanna be rippoffs
When they were done and the roadies had it all set up they 
played a very suspensful noise that just kept building on 
you, it made you anticipate their appearance even more 
then before, and they kept waiting it out, like when you'd 
expect them to come out, they waited, then you'd think for 
sure they'd be out in a minute, they waited longer, until you 
couldnt' handle it any longer, then they came.
The crowd went wild, they played the grudge and the crowd 
went even more wild.  The two huge screens in the 
background played a variety of images.  Maynard danced in 
one spot in front of a smaller screen, it was incredible.
They played about 5 or 6 more songs everyone of them just 
fuck'n amaising, then they played schism.  I read on 
toolband.com that they'd have the actors from the video, 
halfway through the song they came out and walked around 
on all fours like in the video, bobbing their heads the whole 
time.  After Schism they started to slow it down a bit.
They played pushit, the way they played it sounded kinda 
like a mix of the album version and the version on salival, it 
was the best, I wish I would have been sitting to see that.  
After a few songs they took a  break, kinda.  They set up 
some harness like things for the two actors from schism, 
they got strapped inand were lifted up by the screens then 
switched around so they were hanging by there feet.  THe 
band came back and played parabol.  on the two screens 
they played the image thats on the cover of salival, the 
body spread out or whatever it is, then the two actors swung 
back and forth upside down with there arms straight out, 
when the band broke into parabola they went crazy doing 
weird movements, it was all so fucking amaising.............
then they played aenima, the crowd seemed to be waiting to 
hear that one all night.  I was excited for lateralus though.
After Aenima maynard said something that sent a chill down 
my spine, something I will remember for the rest of my life, 
I hope, it went something like this  "I have an assignment 
for all of you. That feeling you have inside you right now, 
whether its positive, negative, or indifferent, I want you all to 
take that feeling, and remember it forever. In the next week 
or two, I want you to take that feeling and do something 
with it, do something positive, make something positive with 
that feeling" then they played lateralus and left.  I read that 
hearing lateralus live would change the way you listen to the 
song,  Hearing them live has changed the way I listen to any 
tool now, I can't belive how great it was, I hope they come to 
fargo so i can go again, and again, and again, I hope...








Review written by: dave (whzombie656@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/09/01 15:57:19 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

I was on the floor, the front of the floor to be precise, and 
when 5,000 people are all trying to squeeze into the small 
space you are occupying, its tuff to concentrate on the 
music. but I thought it was a good, show all in all. though 
maynard didn't talk much, it was pretty much a straight 
forward tool show. the band came on stage, maynard was 
wearing his little leather SS officer out fit thing, with what 
appeared to me to be glasses or goggles, and I think a 
goatee, I was only 15ft away from him, but hes not lit up 
very well, then after one song, he crouched down, and came 
back up, without goggles, and a black stripe on the middle 
of his face. Adam looked up occasionaly, and became 
noticably irritated with this little fat girl taking flash pictures. 
Danny was on his game, awesome as usual, and Justin was 
pounding it pretty heavy on the bass. I have seen better 
tool shows, but the addition of the nakd schism dancers 
definately made the show interesting, and I would just like 
to say, that it takes a lot of balls to hang upside down in 
front of a bunch of drunkass people with your junk hanging 
out. oh yeh, a bunch of people got into the show for under 
$15 because scalpers had too many tickets and couldn't get 
rid of them.










Review written by: Jake (JJv1979@charter.net)
Review posted on: 09/10/01 04:22:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I saw the first and second show of the tour, Minneapolis and 
Madison, the shows were both great.  I don't want to give 
anything away to anyone who may be going to the show, but 
trust me you will love it.  I would have liked to have followed 
the band across the U.S. but I couldn't.  The show is a must 
see!!!








Review written by: mike mullins (michaelamullins@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 09/10/01 11:59:25 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Well, began my own personal pilgrimage today at 2:30 pm, off to see 
the band I have been yearning for for so long.  I've had chances to 
see them in the past but let them slip away...but not this time.  I've 
tickets to St. Paul and Madison, and I'm shaking with excitement.

Arrived around 8pm or so, just as the opening band was finishing up 
(we'll see them tomorrow, no need to overdo it).  The crowd seemed 
pretty diverse, but generally friendly and excited.  Took our seats 
(back row of the lower section, looking dead-on at the stage) and 
tried not to explode with anticipation.  

What an amazing sensation.  The crowd was really into it, the visuals 
were fantastic, but most importantly, the music was beautifully 
performed.  After tonight I am positive that there is no band that 
better brings its sound to a live audience than our friends in tool.  
MJK thanked the crowd a couple of times, not for coming to the show, 
but for LISTENING.  It's music, it's emotion, it's touch and sound and 
sight and taste and smell all wrapped up into a electrical, magical 
sensation.

I thought the setup for the stage was well thought-out -- MJK in the 
background, a silhouette against a video screen, held unnecessary 
"Maynard" screams to a minimum, and kept the focus on the total music 
experience.  (Don't get me wrong, I love Mr. Keenan too, but I love 
everyone else in the band too, and anyway there are better ways to 
express yourself.)  Two bigger screens in back and some fairly simple 
but effective lighting created a really cool atmosphere.  Danny's new 
drum set looked pretty cool, but I wasn't close enough to check it out 
in detail.

The set itself was pretty brilliant.  Including Osseous in the middle 
was fantastic and moving, although I think that some people didn't 
"get it" (maybe they're missing the point then...).  And, as I had 
been silently hoping all along, they played, "The Patient", which 
speaks to me like no other song they perform and is without a doubt my 
favorite song to listen to, to sing along with, and to (clumsily) play 
along with on my shitty guitar. 

The show ended after just under two hours of pure musical pleasure.  
Afterwards, I felt that kind of joyous high that I don't think any 
drug can match.  And best of all, I knew that in a few hours, I was 
going to be on my way to Madison to do it all again.









Review written by: Brandon (mjdirk@yahoo.com)
Review posted on: 09/10/01 23:19:30 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This has to have been the best damn concert i've ever been 
to. I couldn't believe that I was standing front row center 
when the band walked out, when the opening riff to Grudge 
just blew me away, I mean my jaw dropped to the floor and i 
just stood there crushed against the barrier not feeling the 
pain of my ribs being cracked and bruised (I sure felt it after 
the show), it took me half way through the song to believe 
that I was actually there. Meshuggah was pretty shitty, but 
they had a few good riffs, a decent opening band. I was 
extremely glad to hear "lateralus" as the final song of the 
evening, since it is my favorite track of of the new album.








Review written by: Jones (jonastank@aol.com)
Review posted on: 09/11/01 00:09:42 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The show was solid but unspectacular.  In normal Tool 
fashion, a number of the songs were longer than they 
needed to be- using time that could have been used to play 
a wider variety.  Nothing off "Opiate"- which was quite 
disappointing.  Damn near everything off the new album, 
though.  "Buy, buy, buy, my new record....."

The Undertow songs that were played were the obvious 
choices (e.g. "Prison Sex").  Nothing that the non-common 
Tool fan would know, like "4 Degrees" or "Crawl."

What they did play, though, was impressive.  Adam Jones 
manages to play the coolest and heaviest riffs with barely 
any effort, and Danny Carey (or Carrey, I can't remember 
how it's spelled at the moment) is honestly one of the best 
drummers I've ever heard.  "46x2" live, for example.  

The crowd mix was interesting- I've been a Tool fan since 
1994, and it seems that a lot of these people  weren't aware 
that the band was around before AEnima.  I'm not saying 
that I'm "King Tool fan" or passing judgement on the band's 
direction, but they ARE obviously trying to reach a different 
audience.  More power to them.  Just don't expect me to be 
in line buying the next CD next to a 16 year-old girl buying 
the new 'N Sync disc and the "cool new Tool".  My opinion.  
Later.