| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
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09/18/2001
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Review written by: Cory S. (kargoss@sympatico.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:02:26 ETThis was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Even in light of all that has happened in that past 7 days, leave it to MJK et al to thankfully give me something else to think about and to focus my full attention on... The set was tight. The visuals were spectacular, as per usual. The setlist was, dare I say, perfect. The group hug at the end was necessary. The boys played their hearts out seemingly even more than they usually do. Highlight of the night: Salival version of 'Pushit'. Absolutely devastating. What a treat. Maynard's words concerning Sept 11th were to the point, in that he assigned us to take home our good/bad/indifferent feelings and create something positive out of such tragedy. Spiral out...keep...going...
Review written by: tool fan (toolfan@fakeemail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:07:27 ET
This was this reviewer's 4 Tool show
HMMM....... LOVE..... P.S. Classic
Review written by: Deadpool5 (Deadpool5@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:17:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
i just got back home and i have to say, that was one of the best concerts i've been to. the men of tool performed so well, they had their hearts put into the music. a 'full' review will be posted on my site @ http://www.deadpool5.cjb.net under my tool section. anyways, i'll have to agree with the person above, one of the best songs was 'Pushit (Salival Version)', but ultimately i think it was Maynard's speech followed by "Lateralus" (what a perfect way to end the show, i got a t-shirt too) thanks. 'Spiral out. Keep going....going....going...go...' SETLIST (unconfirmed) ====== intro - the grudge - (-) ions - stinkfist - unknown bridge - forty six & 2 - pushit - schism - intermission/performance artists - parabol - parabola - schism - disposition - reflection - eon blue apocalypse - the patient - AEnema - Lateralus
Review written by: Phat Matt (null@down.net) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:27:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
for my first tool show, I was impressed... I missed edgefest, so I was more than overly pleased when I got these tickets. Meshuggah could have played notes instead of noise. Maynard "It's good to see you again". That might have something to do with the fact that the show sold out within hours. The visuals were impressive for the songs... could someone explain if during the grudge video (I think) was that one girl trying to eat (sexual) the other girl (if it was a girl, that was a topic of debate) or actually biting the other girl(guy?)? ...no one has reproduced the setlist thus far. in between many of the songs, they appeared to be playing noise which sounded like 'merkaba-type' noise...the ions served as the intro for stinkfist, and maynard was chanting something other than 'chupa picha', etc. all the songs were from the JC era of tool... grudge ions (the zappy part) stinkfist (extended bridge) 46 & 2 pushit (salival) schism disposition reflection -intermission- parabol parabola eon blue apocalypse the patient aenima lateralus maynard said "we have an assignment for you. take this feeling you have now, whether it's good, bad or indifferent, and create something positive that can heal the globe" some clown kept screaming "play sober, assholes" I found the lack of sober and prison sex refreshing, actually, with them proving they can do their own thing. can't wait until the next show.
Review written by: Chris Edmunds (shinjithirdeye@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:30:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Hi everyone, the setlist as i remember it was: the grudge stinkfist 46 & 2 pushit (salival version) disposition reflection schism parabol parabola Aenema Eon blue apocalypse patient lateralus Certainly not in that order, though some are in the correct order Well this was my first tool concert ever, and i must say i was moved. the band had a connection with the audience while the audience stared in awe. The extended version of stinkfist was really a treat. The visuals were really a great addition. The two individuals in the schism video were present and really enhanced it. i was amazed at their physical ability. With them in the show it became more that just a music concert, it became a piece of wonderful art. What was especially moving was right before finishing up with lateralus, maynard said "we've got an assignment for you... When you go home, remember this feeling, good or bad or indifferent, and in the coming months use it to create something positive... So we can heal the entire globe" and finishing up with lateralus. They then proceeded to have a group hug onstage which touched the crowd. For all we have to be thankful for, we have to be thankful for honest artists like tool. Peace everyone Chris
Review written by: matthew breuls (pearl_Drummer_1784@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:30:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
WHAT A FUCKING SHOW.... IF U MISSED EDGEFEST COMPARED TO THIS U MISSED NOTHING......... AS USUAL THEY OEPENED WITH THE GRUDGE...... AND THE STINKFIST ... BUT A NEW VERSION......... SWEET ASS DRUM SOLO........... BUT BEST AND WEIREDEST PART WAS IN INTERMISSION. WELL WAS REALLY ONE..... 2 PPL WERE LIFTED UP WHILE THEY SHOULD THE SAVIAL GUY . THEY WENT UPSIDE DOWN 30FT UP TO TOP OF THE SCREEN......GUITAR RIFFS WERE SICK... EXCEPT WHEN THE RIFF FOR REFLECTION WENT ON FOR 5MIN AFTER SONG WAS DONE BUT THATS COOL..... DANNY , AKA*GOD ON DRUMS* WAS SICK AND AT HIS BEST..... JUSTIN WAS DOING A GOOD JOBE.... HEHEH.......*WEBCAST JOKE* .... BUT MAYNARD PLAYED A BIT OF BASS DURING THE SOHW TOO.....SUCH A SHAME HE DIDNT COME OUT ON STAGE, JUST STAYED IN HIS LITTLE STAGE TO LEFT OF DANNY....... the GRUDGE, STINKFIST, pushit live version 46 AND 2 ,SCHISM, DISPOSITION, REFELCTION, THE PATIENT, ÆNEMA AND SADLY AND FINALY LATERALUS...... NO STUFF FROM 1ST AND 2ND ALBUM I TIHKN THATS SETLIST ORDER I CANT REMEMBER THAT WELL I WAS STUCK LOOKING AT DANNY......... SWEETEST WAS WHEN THEY ALL HUGGED AT THE END ........ I WAS SADEND THAT IT WAS OVER... BUT I WAS SO HAPPY I GOT TO BE IN A ENVIOMENT FILLED WITH BEING SOULS AND MINDS LIKE MINE. for ppl who have not seen tool live AND WANT TO SEE A SHOW WORTH MORE THAT 55 BUCKS A TICKET MORE LIKE 500 IT SHOULD BE...........SEE TOOL IN YOUR CITY YOU WONT REGRET IT ........ EMAIL ME AND STALK ME IF U DO........... LUV THE DANNY CAREY WANNABEE. MATTHEW J B,
Review written by: jon (jonhunchuck@home.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:31:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
setlist corrections: intro the grudge (-) ions stinkfist 46 & 2 pushit (slow salival) disposition reflection *intermission* - osseus labyrint parabol parabola eon blue apocalypse the patient aenema lateralus clean, flawless, perfect. jon
Review written by: brad (bbm211@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:33:01 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
After some of the bullshit reviews that have been posted latley by some extremly petty and selfish fans it is nice to see some fitting reviews. its just kinda funny how the greatest band around has to go to Canada to get a little understanding from the fans. no offense you hosers!
Review written by: Peter Miller (thegolem@mindless.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:41:12 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Just got back from the Tool show; a few comments: 1) The visuals, unreleased video and extra parts of songs ( and extra music in general) really give you a good reason to see the band. So many cookie-cutter acts out there play straight from their albums, leaving you wondering why you don't just sit at home and listen to them. Tool shows a true musicians spirit in letting the live performance guide and change some of their songs. 2) Tool is not a hardcore heavy metal rock on band. If you think it is, and that this is a show full of swearing for the sake of vulgarity as well as hard, heavy repetitive crap - don't buy a ticket. Tool is art-metal, and progressive rock at is core. It may have a heavier basis than others, but that is what it is. Except excellent concept music, and enjoy it. Some obscenely idiotic comments from the audience: "Stop playing keyboards - keyboards fucking suck..." (During intro to Push It...)_- "Play a fucking sony already..." (During intermission - performance art) - "What a fucking waste of twenty minutes..." *Groan* Other than some members of the audience being culturally impotent, Tool put on a fantastic show which definitely ranks as one of the most impressive I've seen put on. Next time, throw them into a smaller venue with better acoustics and less idiots and it'll be the best ever. Thanks guys.
Review written by: scott wilson (scott_w_wilson@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:50:10 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
Tool rocked my world. The visuals were stunning, the band, the sound and the crowd were all awesome. Thanks for one of the best shows of the season. Simple perfection... I wish all the shows we pay to see are half as good as the one I just witnessed. scott
Review written by: Golden Hobo (goldenhobo@hobomail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 00:55:48 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Great Show! And this is coming from not your average fan, average being a the standard teenie bopper type with their black makeup and hair etc. Hmm....The correct setlist, as i remember The Grudge ions Stinkfist (extended) ??? (maybe off salival?) 46 & 2 pushit (salival) schism (dancers) reflection disposition Break (dancers) Parabol Parabola eon blue the patient aenima lateralus I think thats how it went. I found it a little odd that nothing was played off of undertow or opiate, but i guess thats just tool. There was also very little interaction with the crowd, would have been nice to hear some more of maynards humour. Maynard came out in his leather suit, and after he warmed up he took it off and was wearing a bra type thing. Seemed to have a mohawk from what i could see, i was up in the seats though. After the break the bra was gone. Overall, was an excellent show, well worth the $$, looking forward to catching them the next time around. Oh and boo to the winers that we're crying about not hearing sober. There was a chick who painted herself blue, sitting wayyy up there. Nice, thatta show support for the band! -Hobo
Review written by: Pete (rushedman@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:15:14 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Amazing....... pushit and aenema were the highlights. The patient moved me even more than the 1st time i heard it on Lateralus... The video for Dis/Reflec was REALLY cool looking. Kinda like a dirty haunted house, and in the dirty washroom a lot. Everyone was having a great time. People even were getting into the opening band quite a bit. Thats nice to see :) Even if you have allready read about the schism people being there, words cannot describe how cool it looks when they go on stage. Maynards guitar was accually pretty good :D I thought he was getting into it a lot acually. Justin played a MEAN bass. Sounded sooooo sweet. Made me want to stop by a music shop and pick up a bass to go with my guitar. Adam played VERY well on pushit and used a different FX for the guitar durring it (kinda like the eastern sounding style on the extended jerk-off from coachella), and on reflection he played that final note like a machine. Every one was cheering him on. :) Danny went nutty on 46&2.... great drumming on reflection as well. That song has such a sweet ass beat :) And back to Maynard again. The face paint he had on in the 2nd half looked VERY cool. It was more than a stripe really. Kinda like his entire face and it flowed to the top of his head and beyond. And yes, he held the 20 second roar on the grudge..... ow.... All in all a perfect concert, and a good time was had by all. Everyone hugged, waved good bye (for an extra long time too), and heaved tons of water bottles and such. I hope they will enjoy their time in Canada (from the looks of things so far, they have). We sure did. Thanks fellas. COME BACK SOON!!!!!!!!!! PS: I hope this doesnt look nutty in the morning when i wake up..... cause that would just suck....
Review written by: roberto (collnite@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:24:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well if that wasn't the cat's ass...but i have a few things to say....tool do a great job at leaving the audience wanting more....more maynard...more danny...more adam...more justin...perhaps even one spotlight on these people during the show would be nice...me being an old fart concert goer being used to the likes of gabriel, neil young, genesis, and even our lady peace, i was really wanting more....i guess it's a sign of a great show...i will be around again...why does a band not play songs that are going to make everyone happy...no sober...no prison sex...no opiate...no eulogy...no undertow....etc....could we not have concert versions of reflection that are less than 16 min long...is disposition necessary as a lead in to something as long as reflection...if everyone wants to see maynard up front why doesn't he?...cause he wants to piss me off and leave me wanting more that's why...oh also the vocals during stinkfist stunk...i think the sound guy was getting his bearings...and what's this with 50 scalpers with a ton of floors....i did hear that there were bogus floors out there...we had great 60 dollar seats and then when we got there we were obstructed...if the guy beside me could not see maynard at all because of the speakers...but then again neither could i because no light shines on anyone's faces...i even bought a t-shirt afterwards and one of those street artist's pictures of maynard and argued with a friend that i plan to buy aenema tomorrow (because i had previously borrowed one for this show...because i had never heard tool before august) when he wants me to burn one but i said no....tool i paid alot of money to see this show...i bought lateralus..i support you 100% because your music is completely compelling and amazing...the show was very...very ...extremely good...but i wanted to walk out of there saying i got every penny....the songs u played were great..(even though we seem to have been shortchanged one older song from previous setlists...ie cleveland had same setlist as us but they had opiate too (i'm fairly sure))...i wanted to walk out saying best concert ever...gabriel has had better shows (and worse ones too)...so has neil young...so has genesis...so has our lady peace....tool did a great great job...aenema was fantastic...parabola was perfect if not better...pushit as mentioned by others was unreal...everything they did was great...but they left me wanting alot more....i will buy aenema tomorrow...and if pittsburg is on a weekend we will see....later
Review written by: Halcyon (halcyon1234@home.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:30:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Ahh, my first Tool concert! How ever to describe it. How do you spell "{happy content sigh}"? I went to the Box Office at the Air Canada Centre to get my ticket, not a problem. It was assigned seating, so the lineups didn't really matter. I wandered around a bit, bought a paper, then sat down near the gate to read it. In, no problem. My seat was 3 rows up, but I spent most of the pre-show just standing at the railing enjoying the view... so when the lights went down, I just took a seat. First row, 300 level. Oh boy. It was not a bad view of the stage, although, there wasn't much to watch. The opening act was Messugalah (or some odd name like that). Ye Olde Standard scream, shout and play loud. Yawn. They're on for a set or two, and then the lights come back. That's when my friend who works security at the ACC comes around and is able to bring me down to the floor! At that point, there was a big crowd leading up to the stage... but I was still on the floor! Before Tool is on, I was able to walk my way through the crowd and ended up about, oh, six "rows" back. Then the music started, and so did the pushing. Although pushing really isn't the right word for it. It was more like everyone's bodies melted together. Nothing rude or violent about it. I kept my arms in a defensive posture so that I always had breathing space and could either resist or go with any ebb or flow of the crowd. There was a lot of squishing involved, and for the first few songs I was pretty much using the person infront of me as an arm rest... but that's how it goes. After the first few songs, I was four deep... then three, where I stayed until the mid-concert show... where I was able to work my way two, then one... and long before the concert ended, I was there, right up against the rails, arms hanging over... with a perfect view of the band. The sound system was spectacular. The instruments were balanced with the lead singer's voice, so that neither drowned each other out. The speakers were of a good enough quality so that you could clearly hear every word sung, every note struck, every beat of the drum (I think Danny, the drummer, has a setup of about 33 drums, so there is a lot to hear ). The ACC is definately a good place to see a concert. They started out a bit heavy with some classic favourites. That got the crowd's attention for sure, before moving into the more melodic and musically poetic sounds, starting with the haunting live version of Pushit, then moving onto a mix of items from the new album. I've said it before, I'm not a big fan of live performances... mostly because either a) there is so much remastering involved in a CD that it is impossible to recreate the songs or b) the artists don't have enough talent or enough of a grasp of their own music to play it live. Neither is true of Tool. Every note, chord and sound is played by hand or throat... including some sounds I could have sworn were just digital samples. The band was in perfect musical unision... and much to the surprise of the entire crowd, Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer... strapped on a guitar for a good chunk of the second set! Everyone knows him for his amazing vocals... but this is the first tour he's ever played guitar! When Schism (the pieces fit song ) was played, the crowd was presented with another unexpected treat. The two contortionists from the video, in full body makeup, sauntered onto stage. What they were doing almost looked easy... walking around on all fours while swinging their heads up and down... until you realize just how arched their backs are... and how loose their necks are... and that they're only on fingers and toes, with arms and legs staying perfectly straight! They went off stage a short while after, but did return soon. During the half way point, the band went off stage, one at a time, with a hanting riff off Adam's guitar echoing. Wires came down from the catwalk, though no one could see what was on them. After a few minutes, two figures, wearing no harnesses except for a couple loops around their ankles, climbed the rope. The same two contortionists. Their faces remained primitively blank, and their bodies showed no signs of waiver or fatigue as they climbed fifty feet into the air, and then put their feet into the loops. With that done, they hung upside down, bodies rigid and arms outstretched, and performed an eerie act of ariel acrobatics. They spun, reached out for each other, embraced and entangled, swung away, stretched and a whole host of other feats... all while upside down and rigid. While it seems tame... again, one must realize that they were at this for at least fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes of no muscle spasams... keeping their arms outstretched (like the letter T), not hanging loose... any movement of their body a flowing one... all while upside down! Halfway through this the band was back to provide them with musical accompinment. Although there were no official encores, the band did stop and start a few times. In all, there was a solid two hours of music... ending with the riviting Aenima. Many times over the couse of the show, Maynard thanked the audience for being such a good one... and ended the show with these words, his voice as determined and haunting as always: "Thank you all for coming out. Tonight... You all have... an assignment. What I want... what I want you all to do... is to remember the feelings... the emotions... you felt tonight. Remember them all. The good. The bad. The indiferent. Take them home with you... and use them to /create/ something... create something good... to heal our world." Now, concidering how most band's on stage banter usually consists of "[insert city here] rocks!" "Screw everyone!" or "You're all the best motherfuckin' people we've played for! Yarrrrrrrg!"... this one speech alone does wonders to help show just how unique, different and special Tool is. The band tossed out the standard guitar picks and drum sticks, then had a group hug, and left the stage. So, to wrap it up, if Tool's coming to your home town (or anywhere near it), buy a ticket. Even if it's a bad seat, it's still Tool,and you WON'T be dissapointed.
Review written by: Neil (neil@weirdness.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:44:33 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Like I said, "cleansing synchronicity." This show was everything that the Edgefest show was lacking. Great energy, great vibe from the crowd (at least from where I was), and of course, a flawless performance. The different angle Pushit was great to hear, and this rendition of Stinkfist was the best I've heard yet. For quite a few songs, Maynard was actually playing guitar. As for track selection... That's the only area I was a little disappointed in. But then again, I guess they can't play everything. Nothing off of Undertow or Opiate. Almost all of the major tracks off of Lateralus (save for Ticks & Leeches of course). It was great to hear Parabol/Parabola and Disposition/Reflection together, as they should be. Just hearing Parabola without Parabol at the Edgefest show really left me feeling jilted. Then again, after Edgefest I griped about always hearing Sober, while the new stuff stayed on the shelf. So I'll just drop that. The visuals, the thing that drew me to the band in the first place, were totally amazing. I'm really liking the transition from the grainy film-noir look of previous tours to the slick 3D pieces. The visuals for Reflection and Lateralus were so close to what I'd imagined while listening to the album on peyote in the mountains of Mexico a while back... it was kind of eerie. Normally I wouldn't comment on attire (unless Maynard was in drag again), but Adam was wearing this dapper-looking red shirt. Quite a change from how I'd previously seen him. Oh and Danny (if this will somehow reach you in the universal sub-conscious), please don't throw your drumsticks near me. While I'd love to have one, that's 3 shows in a row I've watched semi-civilized people go totally primitive over a piece of wood. So in summation, I can't wait till I get to see them in Texas next month. As long as I can get my voice back by then...
Review written by: Mr. Crown of Negativity (berzerkx@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:44:41 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I've read all the reviews and I'll find mine to be the different one. 1st off, I think the next time Tool plays, it would be more effective if Maynard hid in a closet on stage and got out of the way of the one videotron, cuz apparently he doesnt want his faceto be seen. In that case, I dont think any of them should eb on stage. There should be more "ART" on stage since i guess Tool is an "artsy" band. 2nd, they didnt play Eulogy and they could have easily fit it in after reflection/disposition was 20 minutes with one riff being repeated for 5. I mean is it that hard? Does Tool not remember what songs they played in Barrie? Why repeat Stinkfist? That song was TOTALLY not necessary. The sound was ok for most songs, but a little scuffled. What i did find humourous was how everyone would clap and cheer, and the goddams ong wasnt even over. And the group hug at the end made me sick. I guess I was a litle disappointed, but I'm cure Ill get the comments that Im not a "TRUE" tool fan. Edgefest was dissaponting too... A disappointed "fan"......
Review written by: Mr. Crown of Negativity (berzerkx@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 01:50:05 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
P.S. The opening band "Slipknot" stunk. Tool is an "artsy" band. Why is their opening band heavy metal with a guy screaming like hes dyying? Please respond...
Review written by: barhos (ratsass@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 02:01:38 ET
This was this reviewer's 11t? Tool show
Mr. crown of negativity, you are not tool. don't tell them what to play. when you are in a bang as big as them, then you can talk shit. but your not so shut up. I don't think they care what they played last time they were in your town. They've been playing the old songs for 9 years now. I wouldn't want to play them either. so quit your bitchin' you dipshit.
Review written by: Opiate (soldout@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 02:10:05 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
The setlist was as follows: lateralus aenima aenima lateralus lateralus etc.. Where was Opiate? Where was undertow? Since when is Tool an art show? Tool sold-out
Review written by: Christoph (talktochris@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 02:46:13 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
An experince THis was my second time seeing tool, and it was absolutley flawless!! If you've never seen them, just go I saw them at edgefest, and some songs were missing, but this time they played the ones i didn't hear last time. THe light show was amazing. And bringing out the guys who walk on all fours, (from schism) was great. Everything, perfect, i had orgasms the whole time. Every song was very tight, and danney carrey is a god, which I'm sure you'll agree.
Review written by: jack sprat (evolution46and2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 02:59:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 111 Tool show
what am i hearing? Where have you people come from? What are your demands? You hold consciousness hostage. Fussing and fuming, murmuring hate. Misunderstanding breeds intolerance. ..........and all this at a Tool show. (chew on this) "eleven is when we waved goodbye" flight 11 had 92 passengers on board (9+2=11) flight 77 had 65 passengers on board (6+5=11) sept 11th 2001 - 9/11 (9+1+1=11) 254 day of the year (2+5+4=11) after sept 11th there are 111 days left in the year new york state was the 11th state added to union new york city (11 letters) the pentagon (11 letters) afghanistan (11 letters) ramzi yousef (11 letters) iran & iraq area code 119 (1+1+9=11) twin towers silouette.......well you see the pattern in conclusion, if you feel the need to complain about what this band choses to play during "their" concert then i suggest you take your fevered fucking ego back home and watch cnn. the sky might be falling. peace (literally) jsn ~ p.s. - understanding requires communication
Review written by: Ralph (compuvision@sympatico.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 03:00:33 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
What can I say that has'nt been said already? I'll keep it short. I know the people that read all the way down to here must be sick/bored so I'll add in a few comments. #1. Had balcony tickets and swapped those for GA's. Regrets? NONE! #2. On the floor... There was this girl with brunette hair and a red T-Shirt... If you ever read this, you're kick ass! I never seen a female in a mosh getting thrown around as much as I seen you... EVER! #3. Anyone else get a little "loose" breathing the ACC air? ;) I was praying to god someone would whip a water bottle at my head so I could have a quick drink.... PASTIES!!! #4. Awesome crowd. Watching Tool @ Edgefest I never once seen Maynard face the crowd... but with tonights awesome vibe he sang towards us all... and that was totally worth it! (Shlynn and his body surfing techniques owned.) Great show, cant wait till you guys come back and inspire Toronto! (Short, my ass!)
Review written by: Gregg (gregg3bone@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 03:13:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
First off, the show was not bad, not good, not shit, not amazing, IT WAS TOOL. If you got it, you loved it. If not, DON'T GO TO ANOTHER TOOL SHOW because you WILL be disappointed again. For those of you who don't know, music IS art. How is it an "art show" or "selling out" to add more artistic aspects to a concert? To me, an art show and selling out are contradictions. For those of you that just wanted to hear the singles and songs that have videos and found songs like Parabol and Disposition boring and indulgent, STAY HOME NEXT TIME. Don't be mad just because Tool wanted to stray from the formula of every other band by making sure they always play "the hit songs". By leaving out songs like Sober and Opiate (which any long-term fan has already heard in concert) they left room for songs that you wouldn't expect them to play but were still amazing to witness. In case you know nothing about Tool, they do what they do for themselves first and everything else is just icing on the cake. I got all I wanted from them when Maynard said "Thank you for sharing this moment with us." They are a band trying to present their art in a meaningful and original fashion, not a corporate sell-out jukebox. I didn't go to the concert to see them jump around and "rock out". I went to hear how they pull off their songs live and to see a visual experience that would enhance the music. In both cases I was not disappointed. As for the concert itself, here are a few suggestions for future concert goers. These all come from my experience tonight. 1)Don't sing along if you a) don't know the words b) are going to yell so loud that you drown out Maynard for everyone within 20 feet c) can't hit the notes as well as Maynard and force everyone around you to listen to you off-keyly and tone-deafly butcher great songs. 2) Don't stand when 99% of the crowd is sitting. Save you standing for the ovation at the end. You are only blocking the view of people who want to see the show that they paid $50 to see. 3) Don't shout song requests. This is pretty much covered above but it should also be noted that the band probably can't hear you when you're yelling them from the nosebleed seats. 4) Don't try to "headbang" to Tool, the time signatures are too complex. Although it is kind of amusing to watch the look on some people's faces when they keep falling behind the beat and can't quite figure out why. 5) Don't mosh to mellow songs. You look ridiculous. Just sit back and enjoy. 6) Maynard doesn't talk much, so when he does, don't jump up and yell out "Whoo-hoo's" and whistle and yell. Just listen. This was particularly embarrassing when he was talking about September 11th. To each their own and by all means do whatever you want at concerts, but just remember that there are other people there trying to enjoy the show in their own way and that just because they're not making an ass of themselves and bothering other people, it doesn't mean they don't appreciate or enjoy the show. Please exercise some common sense and decency and everyone will have a better time.
Review written by: Paolo Catanzaro (pcatanzaro@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 03:15:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show
Another TOOl show! This TOOl experience was my best damn experience of my life, musically. The band themselves were rewarded by the crowd the entire night. The crowd at this concert tonight were very respectable of TOOL's music. Canadians understand art when we hear and/or see it. This fact was displayed this evening from start to finish. I went to Detroit last night and that show did not even come close. People in Detroit were killing eachother in the pit. How can you focus on art when people are engage on beating eachother every where below the neck. DUMBASSES! I suggest people in the states should come see TOOL in canada. It is totally different, but i can only speak for Detroit. Actually, I was at Coachella( 10.10.99 Indio, California ), and that crowd was very similar to the Toronto crowd this evening. The crowd tonight were watching and moving at a brilliant pace. No dumb-ass jocks in their way. THAT'S CANADA! At the Detroit show Maynard did not even stick around after Lateralus, he was gone. Tonight he was the first one in the hug circle waiting to be hugged. It goes to show. I love Canada and it's people. The government sucks ass but the people kick ass. Sweet dreams to the PSYCHEDELIC God
Review written by: jon (daddy@llamaengineering.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 06:45:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Mmm.. tasty concert. Don't ask me for the setlist, i kinda don't remember, but what the other people said was fairly accurate. I was sitting not too far away (not dead close either), just slightly past the middle-arena screen thing. Tool's whole set was quite nice, the opener kinda sucked goat penis in my opinion (thrasher? please..) - what i *do* remember them playing is stinkfist - which had an _amazing_ bridge, 46&2, schism, lateralis (spiral out, keep going..) It was kinda clear that Tool wanted us to focus on the music/visuals rather than the actual band members - he was in front of the tiny screen the whole time. everybody was real friendly, typical of us canucks ;-) *sigh* i've had lateralis in my head since the concert ended (roughly 8 hours).. really good tune, played very well live - hehe i found it funny how so many people were trying to mosh to 7-beats.. quite amusing ;-) anywho, all in all, great concert, great setlist, great sound.
Review written by: Roman Sokal (rsokal@tapeop.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 07:22:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Yet another elating experience- however, personally, I felt that the two shows in Los Angeles in August cannot be topped. Perhaps it has something to do with taking place in a more intimate environment. Who knows. Anyhow, I think Tool are at a stage where they have reached perfection (or at least the closest to that 'concept'), and it appears that every show they perform is a victory of sorts. It's more spiritually uplifiting than cathartic like the previous tours. "The Grudge" was immensely fierce- even the more older/removed photographers I was shooting with commented on it's power. From there the energy became a little more lax and fixed. Everyone in the band operates with a workhorse-like stature. Danny, constantly modifying patches, preparing for the next section of a song, and of course doing his intricate playing as usual. Neil Peart to the exponent of ten genetically fused with Pat Mastelotto. Justin, very blue collar. Chugging like a train. He could go for another hour. Adam- very still and gracefully firing away those piercing and trippy washes of guitar. His role is almost more prominent than the others in an odd way, as his sounds are exotic. And Maynard- giving it as much as he can, and perhaps showing a little more mortality (as in fatigue!) much earlier on than he normally would. Perhaps the highlight was the pair of contortionists, 'osseus labyrint'. Cannot drum up any words besides deeming them as pure Art. Although- I am curious as to what music/sounds accompanied them during the intermission performance. It was rather disturbing and very organic sounding. If anyone knows the source of this, drop me a line via e-mail. I would be interested in hearing more. Commendations/medals goes out to the band's overall aid and protector- the chap with the mohawk ('Hawk'/'Haak'?). I've seen him around at APC and other Tool shows...this guy is dedicated and is extremely sharp. From outdoors to hallways and the front of the stage, he is there; and he is watching. I saw him eyeing out certain people in the general admission floor area. All I can say is that too bad he wasn't around to help out for Altamont in 1969! After the show I hurried my carcass over to a small club to see and photograph FANTOMAS. I managed to watch the show practically like 5 feet away from the drummer Dave Lombardo's back and was in heaven. Not only are Fantomas like a schizophrenic scissor circus of heavy fucked up sounds, (not to mention time signatures) they're equally as tight as Tool, and will be an excellent double bill. Consider yourselves lucky to be able to see these two together starting later this week! Catch Tool during this stage of their existence. It's certainly not to be missed. It's almost like experiencing an excellently crafted film that fucks with time and space at all levels. But...one wonders...what could possibly be next? Speaking of mortality- I haven't gone to sleep yet, and hours have passed. I can't sleep. My pupils are fucking huge right now. It's one side effect that Tool might provide. :) r
Review written by: roberto again (collnite@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 07:37:48 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
so i've now woken up and have decided to come dancing with my autistic daughter who loves tool....we did opiate...we did sober...we jumped up and down to prison sex...c'mon lets face it...those songs were missing....so i got the rest of my concert at home...it seems at 3 of us reviewers took this show for what it's worth ...a great show with two things needed...more songs to move to...and some light on the performers...the contortionists were the best...and by the way people if you are not going to move then why not sit the hell down...many of sat during the slow songs and watched the screen only.i mean why not you couldn't see the band members anyway...
Review written by: Master Reviewer (pollsite@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 08:27:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
This concert was absolutely awesome. The setlist was excellent, Maynards words regarding tuesday's attack were memorable. I am definitely returning for future Tool concerts.
Review written by: the knob (collnite@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 08:53:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
JIM AIELLO, i just want to do something positive like maynard says...im sitting here at work telling everyone how great it was...and great it was.....my friend Jim Aiello originally from burlington lost his kids due to his illness...in the last 6 years he has become one of the greatest humble people i have ever met...he has turned his life around and deserves his kids
Review written by: Chris (workthethudstaff@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 09:11:52 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
one word: PERFECT. the edgefest show was such a tease. Excellent, but still a tease. last night was the real deal. the band is playing better and better every time (a seemingly impossible feat). it was great to see maynard so animated by the end. despite their desire to let the art speak for itself, you could see their enjoyment and their involvement in the moment. thankfully, they focused primarily on material from Lateralus, although i know that some people will whine and complain that the performance artists were there while Tool could have played Opiate or Sober. well....get over it. If you are not willing to trust Tool's artistic integrity in terms of how they want to play their own show, burn yourself a greatest hits compilation and stay at home. Thank you Tool for another great experience. " keep going " Chris
Review written by: Dr. Goudas (Peter_Schwarz@ucc.on.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 10:13:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I got to the ACC as early as I could (which entailed skipping last period English class), and a near-5 hour wait in the GA line ultimately payed off. My friend and I got one of the best "seats" in the house - front row, just right off centre - a position we had to fight to keep, as it could get rough and easy to get swept away in the current if not for the guardrails. I admire all the "littler" people (myself included) for holding up so well under the enormous pressure of so many swaying bodies. Though it could get a little hard on the ribs, it was truly an intimate experience to be in unison with so many people, both physically and emotionally. As for the show, it was a truly orgasmic experience. Lateralus is my personal favourite (just a notch above Ænima), so you can imagine my delight (though hardly my surprise) that I could hear virtually all of the new songs in their live glory. I won't go through the setlist, as it's been posted billions of times. The band was very tight, and though their was little physical movement on stage (save Maynard), it added to the mysterious aura, along with the dark lighting and psychedelic imagery on the big screens. Every member of the band shone through, and showed that each one of them is equally integral to the sound of the band. I had a great view of Justin's fretboard! Anyway, personal highlights of the show were the contortionists (a couple assholes behind me would beg to differ, and kept yelling for TOOL to "fucking play already") - seeing them in their impossible positions made me forget my discomfort in the crowd for a couple seconds. The mellow version of Pushit was simply breathtaking, the Grudge was every bit as intense (if not more so) as on the record, and Parabol/Parabola just blew me away. Disposition/Reflection was a very welcome change in atmosphere, and virtually put me into a trance. All in all, the show was very intense, and definately one of the more powerful experiences of my life. TOOL have definately mastered their art, yet they continue to "push the envelope" and amaze us with their artistic integrity and powerful music. Definately a night to remember. I can't wait to see them again, whenever that may be.
Review written by: stunned (youdliketoknow@fakemail.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 10:54:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Amazing show (how's that for an original comment)! The show was an emotional journey -- the highs, the lows, the loud, the quiet -- all I could do was close my eyes and hang on for the ride. The juxtaposition of songs, the lighting, the visual display, was all designed and carefully chosen to enhance the beauty, the emotion, the raw energy of the music... it was like no show I've been to. (well, except maybe NIN in Toronto, where APC opened -- Reznor put on one hell of a show that night, but the focus of the lighting and the music was different than last night at tool -- Reznor does not shy away from the spotlight) It's been said too many times, but tool is about the music, not the band members. For the drunken 50 year old rockers in the row behind me (16 rows back in the 100's section) who insisted on carrying on loud conversations during the quiet moments of the night -- "look at the way they play guitar, that's how I play" -- Hey! Fuck You! (pardon the use of foul language, but in this case it was necessary) I didn't come this concert to listen to you loudly count out time signatures (incorrectly I might add). And nobody cares about Judas Priest! If you're not there to listen to the music, go home. Enough said. Last night was an experience not to be forgotten. I see those of you who didn't get it have already written reviews above, complaining about certain songs not being played, or certain band members not playing to the crowd. You folks can stop reading now. For those of us who did get it -- all I can say is "wow". Or maybe, "please god, let me have an experience like that again in the future". Pity to those who missed an excellent show.
Review written by: Insane Chris (imreallychris@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 11:03:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Ok this band messiha or something like that opened for tool, nobody knew who they were. But as i watched i noticed Danny Carey was watching Messiha perform. Now on to TOOL...... I went to Edge fest that was nothing compared to this show, this is the set list that they played... grudge ions stinkfist (extended bridge) 46 & 2 pushit (Long slower version) schism During the song the ppl from the video came out, and they were on there tippy toes and fingers bangin there heads walking around........ disposition reflection (Adam played the outro for a long time) -intermission- This was pretty fucked up the ppl from the schism video climed up the big screen and they hung thereselfs upside down and started swinging , When they huged each other in the air that when the intermission ended and parbol started. parabol parabola eon blue apocalypse the patient aenima lateralus after that they threw the Drumb sticks and some water into the crowd they huged each other....... Thats about all that happened. But i'm totally Amazed by there performance.
Review written by: jessica b. (plutogirl83@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 11:17:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Yesterday i saw Tool at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. It was a freaking amazing show! it sounded awesome! They played sooo good. The set up of the stage was great. From where i was sitting i could see everything. They had i think 3 screens. One big huge one behind the stage, a smaller one behind maynard, and the A.C.C. had a 4-sided screen thing hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the arena. i would have to say my favourite part (which was hard to choose because it was all so good) was when they played the Salival version of Pushit. it sounded amazing. during Schism, the 2 people from the video came out on stage doing that weird walking on all 4s thing. that was way to cool. i would have to say it was the best show i have ever or will ever see.
Review written by: Matt Blakely (mblakely@sympatico.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 11:33:48 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well this was my first TOOL concert and so overdo. These guys have basically been my favourite band for several years now, but I held off on crowning them my favourite because I'd yet to see them perform live. It goes without saying that they are now my all-time favourite band. As for the concert itself, it was mindblowing. The setlist was incredible. The extended stinkfist kicks ass, and the salival version of Pushit ruled. The visuals spectacular. The combination of the 2 made it so that each song was like a journey that the band was taking you on. It was like they were conveying their emotions onto the crowd. I've never been so into anything in my life. I also want to mention how good the fans and everyone was at this concert, and how obvious it was that the band really picked up on this and appreciated it. When songs like Pushit were being performed, the crowd was fairly subdued and the floor was swaying back and forth - not moshing as at some of the other shows. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and there was an energy in the building that you could almost feel. Maynard thanked the crowd at least 3 times throughout the night, and participated in the group hug at the end of the show. I think that Aenima was kind of a reward for the fans for how well they were last night. Last night at the concert was possibly the best night of my life. I've never enjoyed anything so much. Thank you so much TOOL, you've literally changed my life.
Review written by: brianascott (brianascott@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 12:20:34 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
hey guys the show was fucking awsome acetped where was sober? but it was still amazing. the hanging poeple where great I had seen them in 99 at cochalle I was tell poeple about them before the show so whenthey came out the poeple around me went craze thank for a great show guys!!! I am from rochester ny.
Review written by: Intolerater (the_fragile_nails@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 12:22:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
My life is now complete. Thank you.
Review written by: Badger (paulmel@sympatico.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 12:51:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show
Last night's Tool concert at the Air Canada Centre certainly reinforced the concept of 'show' when it comes to arena rock. While this reviewer abhors the notion of 'huge stadium' rock shows because of their impersonality and, as of late, their humdrum performances, it was refreshing to see that a band is going beyond the atypical flatlined concert format. Complete with nightmarish films and two naked contortionists, Tool's neatly divided 120 minute set was both challenging and stimulating to the viewer. What makes Tool such an important band is that they never sacrifice the show for the ego of the band. While most bands parading around Canada and the United States take a 'look at me' approach their setups, it evident that Tool's strength lies in the collectivity of its members. Thus said, last nights show was the most original and sense stimulating I have seen at an enormo-dome level. Going straight for the jugular with the visceral opener 'The Grudge' and 'Stickfist', Tool's sonic onslaught rumbled on. With the omitance of crowd-pleasers such as 'Sober' and 'Prison Sex' it seemed as some of the audience were lost on the most recent album Lateralus' more quieter moments opting for older material perhaps. Nonetheless, the majority hung onto the band's every note fully absorbing the intricities of band's material including a pummelling and ferocious crowd for Aenema and closer Lateralus. The lengthy intermission proved to be a tad troublesome for some fans as many impatient ones clammoured for more music. But would one expect any less from Tool to not challenge the audience to rock show that is unique and strangely paced. In all, an amazing performance from a band that has raised the bar for live shows and recorded material. Danny Carey is definitely the most creative drummer in rock and definitely of the most admired as it seemed everybody around myself were drummers like me to catch the clinic he personally put on. While Carey's virtuostic performance will stay fresh in this reviewer's mind and make myself as a drummer think 'well, back to the drawing table', it simply doesn't impede on the other members in the band as Tool is THE band at the moment.
Review written by: Jagger Benham (postbass@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 12:51:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Setlist: The Grudge Stinkfist (with extended outro) 46 & 2 Pushit (Salival version) Schism Disposition Reflection -Int- Parabol Parabola Eon Blue Apocolypse The Patient Aenema Lateralus Amazing show, didn't sound quite as good as Edgefest did but the sound in the ACC is never really great apparently. The band was a little more into it this time around, although Maynard didn't say every much. The salival version of Pushit was a surprise as was The Patient. The visuals were done very well. The Patient visuals were exceptionally creepy. As was the strange croaking sound that was looped while the contortionists did their show. Tool is the greatest band of this new century, and I don't see many bands stepping up to their level in the very near future. cheers..
Review written by: Mitch Murray (mitchmurray@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 13:13:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I saw Tool live for the first time last night and it was the greatest show i have ever seen. I can't begin to describe how good they were. From start to finish the were rockin'. If Tool is coming to your town you have to check them out they prove why the are the best fuckin band in the world
Review written by: SteW (stewindustries@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 13:36:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 10th Tool show
Absolutely amazing show. Lateralus was amazing, something about that time sig switch at the end of the song that hits me. Some powerful shit.
Review written by: Reverend David (reverend_david@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 15:36:52 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
---------- SET LIST ---------- THE GRUDGE (-) IONS STINKFIST (extended solo) FOURTY SIX & 2 PUSHIT (salival) SCHISM (walking creatures) DISPOSITION REFLECTION --------------- INTERMISION (creatues climb ropes and hang upside down for 20 minutes) --------------- PARABOL PARABOLA EON BLUE APOCALYPSE THE PATIENT ÆNIMA LATERALUS
Review written by: jem (jem46and2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:03:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
The show was beyond words. I have such a deep respect for the members... how 4 guys can create such depth is beyond me. Danny Carey was breathtaking to watch, as were the visuals. The dancers were a delightful surprise, and got a very positive reaction from the audience. The overall positive feeling was just amazing. Keenan must have said "thank you" at least 3 or 4 times. I saw Tool at Edgefest, but that was nothing in comparison. Even though it was only a day ago, I can't wait to see them play again. Special thanks to the guy beside us... section 120 row 21... you added the perfect touch to a perfect evening! I only hope everyone takes Keenan's advice to heart.
Review written by: Meshuggah Dominates (Allanholdsworthisbeyondtoolfans@ha.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:05:04 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
FACE IT, MESHUGGAH IS BEYOND TOOL FANS. THAT MUST DISAPPOINTT THE BAND. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO A MESHUGGAH CD BEFORE MAKING AN OPINION OFF OF A 40 MINUTE LIVE SET.
Review written by: solvent (solvent@lycos.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:11:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. If nobody has, you ought to. The less duplicated info, the easier it is for everyone to read these. Especially your mom. toronto was great. messugha played to a less then receptive crowd. the black and white imaging on the over head screens was abit to repetitive . almost trance inducing. no songs off undertow. plenty of hash in the crowd. super tight security.love the stage design and all of the geometrics.probably going to follow them to europe if they havent gone yet
Review written by: Claire Powell (clairethetattoopowell@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:19:59 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hidden in the depths of the Air Canada Centre, the souls of 4 true musicians were seeking expression. Softly, sadly, with poignant clearness, the music lifted into the night- low and pleadingly at first; then stronger and more vibrant with feeling, as though sweetly insistent in its call; swelling next in volume and passion, as though in warning of some threatening evil; ringing with loving fear; sobbing, wailing, moaning, in anguish; clearly, gloriously, triumphant, at last; then sinking into solemn, reverent benediction- losing itself, finally, in a group hug, and back into the darkness even as it had come. Truely, the best experience of my life.
Review written by: Adam (adam@fatbabies.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:25:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Thank you TOOL for this experience PS, if anyone has a recording of the show please e-mail me
Review written by: Adam (adam@fatbabies.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:25:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Thank you TOOL for this experience PS, if anyone has a recording of the show please e-mail me
Review written by: Matt Griffin (taz_man8@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 16:58:13 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Oh my god! What an experience having at the age of 14. I died and went to heaven as soon as the lights went out and as soon as maynard sang those words " 46+2 just ahead of me " i closed my eyes and when i opened them again i was a new person. That was the best night of my life , the best concert i have attended , the best light shows , the best corwd to be with and share the experience and the best fucking band that has graced god's green earth. My favorite part of the show was the whole show , flawless as usual. Maynard was perfect just silouhetted infront of the video screen and he looked beatiful that way. Adam held that note for atleast 3 minutes and my eyes started to fill with tears , Justin is a god of bass and perfection , and Danny well he just keeps getting better and better ..... You hear a lot today about bands hitting their peak at their fist record and then just putting out shit albums but with TOOL i think they get better every time they hit the studio and it feels really good to know that your favorite band love eachother and arent just in it for the money. I wish i had of gotten a picture of the group hug or all the other hundreds of perfect moments. I was stuck in a moment and i couldnt get out of it no matter how hard i tried and today i feel like a new person , a better person. PLEASE IF SOMEONE HAS ANY OF THE PICUTRES COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME A FEW BECAUSE IT WAS THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE AND I DIDNT HAVE A CAMERA. I AM SURE WE CAN MAKE OUT SOME AGREEMENT IN RETURN. taz_man8@hotmail.com
Review written by: Master Rebater (blowme@suckfest.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 17:50:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 0 Tool show
Hey!! To all you losers who complain about intermissions, extended guitar playing at end of songs, etc......why don't you pull your heads out of your asses and think? These breaks are designed to give the band members a rest....Maynard's voice gets a huge workout at each concert and he needs time to pause so he doesn't fuck it....probably the same for Danny...he plays those drums hard out and needs a break....so......why don't you fuckhead morons give the band a break? It's sad that there are so called 'fans' out there who are so consumed by their own sense of greed, selfishness and self importance that they think they have a right to demand a tailored performance geared towards their ideal Tool concert....you stupid fucks think you can buy that for 55 bucks? Get over yourselves....you are nothings, nobodys, and your opinion makes less noise than a fart in a vaccuum.... You gonna die of cancer, I promise....
Review written by: violentmoan (VenalAnatomica) Review posted on: 09/19/01 17:56:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
The first thing i noticed when entering the arena was a guy with a HUGE american flag draped over him. So I was a bit apprehensive that there would be a detroit like vibe. I'm happy to say that was not to be. Messhuggah opened with a flawless performance, although I felt as though I was one of the few people in the arena who truly enjoyed it. Future Breed Machine was especially excellent. I noticed Danny on the left of the stage grooving to them throughout their set. It started with The Grudge. The backdrop visuals on this song were outstanding. When Maynard did the infamous scream in this song people went CRAZY. The crowd's energy was nice from the start. Next was ions which led up to the wonderful extended version of Stinkfist. The crowd went crazy for this one and the backdrops were a kind of mix up from the stinkfist video with some variations that went well with the song. 46&2 followed with a visual of a worm like thing with a face that transformed throughout the show. The face had braces. :) I can't remember exactly where in the show there were visuals of two girls fighting under water..but it was amazing...i want to say it was near the end of 46&2. Pushit started out very slow....salival version like. It was beautiful. Backdrop had a male and female form walking in circles holding the hands of what looked like half of a manequin. It got harder into the song with a great powerful finish. After Pushit Maynard said "Wonderful to see all of you again." I remember because it was one of the few things said throughout the show. Schism was next and the crowd went wild. The backdrop was the video and the Osseus Labyrint came out onto the stage during the show mimicking movements from the video. It was beautiful. Next was disposition. The crowd calmed down during this one. There was a slow intro into Reflection. Then it went full out. The backdrop was veiws of things that looked like mirrors or paintings. (i'm assuming they were meant to be mirrors.) And there were a few different things it went back and forth from...like a creepy looking guy standing in front of a row of toilets looking over his shoulder. Visually stunning. Now came the bit of an intermission while the Osseus Labyrint got hooked up and ready. The crowd got very excited when they saw them scale up the wires. Then they swayed with the visuals from the front of Salival. Then they reached out grabbed each others hands and quickly grasped each other in an embrace. Soon after parabol started....followed with parabola, naturally. Watching them against the backdrop was absolutely astounding. It was very colorful and intense. This display could be seen as a cause of sensory overload. Very impressive. They came down and Eon Blue Apocalypse started followed with The Patient. I know there was a lot nudity within the visuals but I can't place everything with all of the songs. Ænima was next and it was pretty wild from here on to the end. I remember two long structure like thing shaking against each other in the visuals. I was good to hear this during the show. Maynard said "I have an assignment for you. Remember these feelings you're having: good, bad or indifferent. Take them home with you...and in the coming months, create something positive that will heal the globe." Then they played the last song. Lateralus. The visuals are hard to explain as they were very wavy. The crowd loved it and afterwards they all seemed to be SMILING and they all hugged. They threw out water bottles and drum sticks and a drum head. I was left in tears...very moving. Best Tool show I have ever seen.
Review written by: Quiescent (leoricii@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 18:04:00 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Amazing show, it was my first Tool concert, and well worth the wait. The show opened with the Grudge, which didn't sound all that great, from where I was sitting anyway. There was a mean echo in the stadium which caused the song to sound very cluttered. It was still great though. Next were 46&2 and Stinkfist, which were both great. The first three heavy songs (as mentioned above) had the crowd really roaring with enthusiasm, unfortunately, most of their appreciation was a double-edged sword. After 46&2, they began Pushit -- the full salival version, the highlight of the show in my opinion. The whole band played through it flawlessly, and Maynard sung through it with amazing emotion, right from his heart. The unfortunate thing, was a lot of the crowd during the song. The pair behind me, and a few in front of me, were talking through the whole song, as if it were mere ambience. I did see a few people who were really into it though, nice to see some intelligent fans. Although the crowd was going crazy when Danny broke into his tabla solo, as was I. After the beauty of Pushit, Maynard readied his guitar, which signalled to me that Schism was about to start, and it did. Everyone in the crowd recognized Schism as soon as Justin went began the intro bassline. It was painfully obvious that a lot of the crowd came for Schism and nothing else, although that is to be expected to a certain extent. Anyway, Schism was played flawlessly, it could of been juxtaposed to the album version with little difference found. I saw osseus labyrint (the contortionists) running around a bit during the song, but they were hard to spot. I didn't even notice until one of them ran past the small monitor behind Maynard. Disposition came next, which coupled with Reflection are my favorites off Lateralus, so I was excited. Maynard seemed a little off during Disposition with his guitar, at one point he fell a bit behind and had to rapidly hit the notes missed to catch back up with the rhythm. Danny did his infamous 'bouncing ball' ending, and Reflection began. Reflection sounded great, although at times it seemed (to me anyway) like Maynard was rushing through his vocals a bit, probably due to time constraints. The ending verses were the highlight of the song, and seemed dead on. I noticed a lot of the 'Schism-Fans' (as I call them) around me were getting restless during Reflection, and one girl behind me thought it would be nice to have a lengthy conversation with her company through most of the song. As the song came to an end, Adam repeated the closing riff, over and over, while the rest of the band went off stage. During the intermission was when contortionists really showed themselves, climbing to the ceiling, and hanging upside down like cocoons. Eventually they stretched out, arms fully extended, and began a sort of spiral. The Salival tree of life symbol appeared on screen, fading in and out, and twirling. The hanging pair mimicked the image, twirling right along with it. When the band finally came back, Adam pulled out his B- tuned Les Paul, which meant Parabol/a. While Parabol is not an overly difficult song, it was played with absolute precision, and the vocals were dead on. At this point I overheard someone behind me tell his friend something along the lines of, 'Hold on, this part sucks, but it gets good really soon.' How pitiful. Parabol came to an end, and the band came on full force with Parabola, which also sounded superb. Eon Blue Apocalypse and The Patient followed, both sounding utterly perfect. Justin was exceptional during the Patient, as were Adam and Danny. After The Patient, Maynard thanked the crowd for coming, which was the first thing he said all night. After his tiny little conversation, he began Aenema, as soon as he did the rapid breathing at the beginning, the crowd went wild. The audience was singing right along during the chorus and through most of the song. Aenema was another album- perfect tune. I noticed the "Fuck L. Ron Hubbard..." part was sung in a different order, it through me off a bit. I wonder if it was intentional. As Aenema came to a close, Maynard told his now well known positive energy speech, and the final song, Lateralus began. Adam was amazing during Lateralus, every solo was simply awe-inspiring, once again, flawless. Maynard thanked the crowd once again, the entire band had a group hug, waterbottles and such were tossed into the audience, and the band walked off stage, and the concert ended. The crowd wildly cheering during all of this. I was overly critical of the crowd, but on the whole, they were fantastic. There were a few morons shouting idiotic things, but they were few and far between. As far as Meshuggah is concerned, I really didn't like them. Infact, I thought they were horrible. I know Adam hand- picked them, but I still don't see much content. Their whole setlist seemed like one, neverending song, and I didn't understand damn word. The only 'vocal' I made out was Suicide. I'll reiterate, amazing, awe-inspiring show. Thank you Adam, Justin, Maynard, Danny and all the Tool roadies.
Review written by: lithium (thumbs69@hotmail) Review posted on: 09/19/01 18:05:31 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
That was the most amazing concert i have ever been to and ever will see. Tool put on a two set show the absolutly blew my mind. they were flaless and at the same time creative adding in new and unheard intro'ss and bridges . just want to say that anyone who missed that show, there will never be another tool show like that one.
Review written by: lithium (thumbs69@hotmail) Review posted on: 09/19/01 18:08:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
That was the most amazing concert i have ever been to and ever will see. Tool put on a two set show the absolutly blew my mind. they were flaless and at the same time creative adding in new and unheard intro'ss and bridges . just want to say that anyone who missed that show, there will never be another tool show like that one. i was at edge fest and it was not nearly as amasing as this. i think the band was dissatified with edge fest and were making up for it. they succeede.
Review written by: redwing (wetwilly182@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 18:11:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
ill try to say anything thats already been said like 100 times. 1. opening band sucked for a tool show, ok to open up for pantara or sepultura, but it would be like manson opening up for APC, everyone just stood around on the floor chillin, counting the minutes, i tried to break it down, but lets face it Brazilian(sweedish) death metal is adying form of art. 2. Maynard, with little light on him the entire night stood left of center towards the back, starting off with black basic look with regular pants (no APC copies) and had a side clip kind of vest on, just coolin, with little or no big movements untill he freestyled it towards the end of the extended stinkfist? after the intro which they really didnt need to take cuz other than the drummer noone seemed to do that much phyusically and with the 20 minute musical interloods MJK's voice should of been OK. MJK came back with a kind of double triangle painted in crimson paint on his face with one point starting at his nose and the other in the back of his head, would of been better with more light on him i was against the gate and couldn't for sure say what it was, id hate to have actual seats and i should have the right to say that as its my 60bucks that keeps his family fead. 3. Painted contortionists, everyone has said basically what they did, except that when they were hanging just infront of the massive video screens they started pushing on each other and really got swinging until the finally grapped hands and grasped in some metaphoric way no science major could ever comprehend. 4. The fans, except for few were amazing, it had to be like 110f at the front everyone sharing H20, helping people get out who couldn't take it anymore, Personal thanks for the shirrtless bald guy who helped my 5 2' girlfreind get to the gate. Not as agressive as a Metallica floor, but much more intimate and more of an endurance event instead of RAW human power. Overall alot of comic relief fromt he floor to make up for the lack of interactions between band and audience, i meen i dont think MJK even looked at the audience for more than 10minutes the hole night. show was spot on musically, wish they would of made some more mistakes to make it more memorable, more interaction with the audiece would have been great. And finaly, maynards little words of wisdom with save the globe stuff was a nice slice of propoganda id usaully excpect to SEE form U2 or Rage, if anyone really cared we'd spend our 60 bucks that we spent on a ticket towards solving the massive homeless problem in T.O. and that 40bucks even im guilty of for spending on a T shirt that youll forget about in a year or two could of helped Some other CANADIAN charity much more than making yourself, tool and the promotors feel asthetically compatible. TIME TO UNITE CANADIANS GO LEAFS GO
Review written by: Laila (dissectional_tool@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 18:40:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Everything has been said. I just want to say that the group hug was really moving as I've never seen them, and other bands too, do that. Also, they spent time to wave to the fans and threw bottled water and other stuff . I had seat tix, section 109, just to the left of the stage so I could really see Adam and Maynard. I even saw the Schism performers wearing a black robe at the back right before they climbed up. This was my very first Tool show and I was just so ecstatic that at the end, they paused and waved at us, to our section anyway. Adam particularly looked up and he probably saw me since I'm the only one not wearing a black/dark colored shirt. That was a highlight because I felt that he was waving to me. I wish they'll come back again.
Review written by: Kevin (lord_rods@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 19:13:30 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I'd just like to thank Tool for a truly emotional and phenomenal show... I was in tears during pushit... it was like for a moment I could forget all the crap going on in my life.... for a beautiful moment... I'd like to thank Tool for that.... We all acted like brothers and sisters, helping each other out... forgeting for a few hours the hatred going on in the world.... lets spread the experience like Maynard told us to
Review written by: eric (ses@oncomdis.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 19:36:35 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hey just thought id put my two cents in By far the most moving concert of my life and everything from now on will be compared to that. TOOL were stunning and the setlist was proof that these guys play for themselves alone. wich is awesome crowd was amazing compared to what ive read in other reviews. best moments: pushit, fortysix+2(lesbian graphic scene is haunting) the patien and aenima if TOOL can possibly get better than ill be surprised and if they cant then im glad i got to witness last nights show. overall vibe was hypnotic, and really emotional TOOL seemed like they were having a blast and I could tell that adam sometimes was really holding back a grin. Front row centre!! best show ever to Dafoe, Brett and Blackass ROCK ON Thank you TOOL
Review written by: Tool Fiend (jlangley73@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 20:11:41 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I can't remember the setlist because I was just too into the music and the whole experience. I'm also not good at the names of songs. I'm more into the whole experience of TOOL. There is just no band to compare them too. I've seen Pink Floyd, The Who, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, The Hip but Tool have definitely thrown out any kind of model on what a band should be and followed their hearts and musical instincts. The emotional level of the crowd and the band on Tuesday night in Toronto was incredible. The crowd said "give me more!" and Tool said "We can only give you truth." Truth is what this band is about so, no matter what happens in the world, their music will always be relevant and stirring. Tool delivered an honest performance. During push-it the graphics were enough to make me shutter. The couple on the screen were embroiled in this sexual struggle. They were spinning around with this top half of a body in the middle in a perfect balance, joined at the hands so delicately while Maynard wailed "Pushin me, shuvin me." The two contrasting images worked so well together it was positively bone- chilling. Then the song blended into the most terrifying version of Aenema that I've ever heard. Interpretations of Tool could go on for hundreds of years. There is no question that Tool is the single most intelligent, profound and relevant music of our time. I recommend that you get as many people to listen to this band as possible. It's not for everybody, but it should be. Truth prevails.
Review written by: Nick (klunk@home.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 20:16:48 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I won't bother repeating the setlist, you can find that on your own. Just wanted to say the show was astounding. Best concert I've been to.
Review written by: Tool Fiend (jlangley73@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 22:09:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Is there going to be a DVD of this concert because I want to relive it again and again. It was such an experience. I think that the Toronto show would have some good recordings since the band seemed so emotional and in tune with the audience. It would be special to see parts of the actual show that I was at on DVD but any other concert date would probably have some memorable moments as well.
Review written by: Peter Landers (planders@ntl.sympatico.ca) Review posted on: 09/19/01 22:51:29 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I drove 500 km to see Tool in Toronto, and wasn't disappointed. The sound was great, and the crowd in my immediate vicinity were "real" Tool fans (i.e. didn't go to sleep in the mellow bits.) The setlist contained nothing "simple," and it was great to see a band that could deliver such complex performances live without exploding. It was fun to occasionally watch the floor crowd obstinately trying to mosh to unmoshable songs (Disposition is the last song I'd expect to see people crowd-surfing to.) At least they were getting their exercise... Thanks to the viewing angle from my seat I actually was able to see Maynard clearly for the whole show, despite the fact that he didn't have a single light on him the whole time. Quite the amazing performer, even if he makes you work to see him. Osseus Labyrint were a wonderful addition to the show; I'd love to see one of their full performances someday. Everything else has been said by now, except that it's worth mentioning the fellow in section 110 who was, as far as I can tell, the only person in the arena to really get into Meshuggah. His headbanging, hair-waving, and horned-fist gesticulating were infinitely more entertaining than Meshuggah themselves! My congratulations to the ACC for hosting an exceptionally well-organized show. The security staff were attentive without being over-restrictive, and the overall atmosphere was positive in the extreme. This may have been my first Tool show, but it definitely won't be the last...
Review written by: Greg (disposition13@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 09/19/01 22:54:01 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I must say until last year after A Perfect Circle came out I did not know who Tool was but in August I bought Aenima and was spellbound by it and I soon bought all of Tool's other releases and they became my favourite band. There is not a song I dislike by them I had tickets for Edgefest in July to see them but I was devastated when I could not get a ride and for this show I almost didn't get a ride and I had to get my Christian dad to give in and drive me a my friend at the last minute. First off I had Side view tickets in section 110, row 25 and these were very good seats I could see Maynard fairly well and saw the intermission performers leave the stage in robes. My section was not crowded at all and everyone was engrossed in the concert and appeared to be as mesmerized as I was. Messhugah were not spectacular but they did not suck as some people have said already. Tool on the other hand was nothing short of breathtaking and as close to perfect as is possible. I was captivated by every note and sang along to every song. Every song was a highlight. The Grudge was a very solid opening song followed by a powerful long rendition of Stinkfist. I was delighted to see my favourite Tool song Forty-Six & 2 and I was captivated by the long version of Pushit. During Schism I was amazed to see the creatures from the video come in and it was an amazing sight to see. Then came Disposition/Reflection which was a breathtaking sight and I was in awe watching Adam playing Reflection long after the other band members had the left the stage for the intermission. The the characters from Schism video were back, this time suspended 30 feet above the stage upside down where the Salival cover was shown and the "acrobats" or contortionists spun like it and performed manoevers and embraced, They stayed suspended even through Parabol/Parabola where they were moving almost violently and I was amazed that they didn't bump into each other. Eon Blue Apocalypse/The Patient was very powerful especially the last 2 minutes or so. Next was Aenema which is another one of my favourite Tool songs and the crowd was very into this song and I sung along to ever word emitted from Maynard mouth. Just before the final song Maynard moved over near Danny's drum set and spoke the most he had all night saying " "I have an assignment for you, Remember these feelings you're having: Good, bad or indifferent. Take them home with you. And in the coming months, create something positive that will heal the globe." A very intelligent statement compard to what many other bands might say. Though Tool is in a class of their own so I was not at all surprised to hear these words of wisdom. The closing song is my favourite song off Lateralus which was infact the title track and that song too was very powerful. The concert ended with a group hug that was very moving and the crowd appreciated this very much. After the band throwing water bottles, Danny throwing his drumsticks and a frisbee to the crowd it was over, the greatest experience yet in my life over, and unlikely to be matched anytime until Tool comes back to town to pleasure my eyes, ears and nerves with the greatest music ever made and some stunning visuals. Throughout the concert I fould myself watching the visuals more than the band themself which I believe is what the band wanted. Some have commented that they would have like to hear some of the material from Opiate and Undertow, I on the otherhand have no complaints whatsoever, in my opinion Aenima is the greatest cd ever and Lateralus the second so seeing and hearing songs from the 2 greatest cd's ever was truly a special and memorable occurence. Thank you Tool for a truly holy experience that I thouroughly enjoyed appreciated and I already can not wait until I am once again honored to attend a Tool concert.
Review written by: Steve DiBiase (steve_dibiase@yahoo.ca) Review posted on: 09/20/01 00:51:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th? Tool show
To all tool fans that missed out, This was my 4th show. As usual Tools performaance was insping to say the least. The visuals, sound and tightnest of the music was perfect. However, the setlist I thought was a little disapointing. Most of the song on Lateralus were performed which was cool but nothing off of Undertow and Opiate. They didn't play Sober which was fine but something off of Undertow would have been nice. As well, the never ending ending to Reflection was getting on my nerves, they could have played another song in that time frame but, it's their show so they can play what they want. Nonetheless, the show was still amazing and Maynards mission of helping to heal the globe in coming months was very appreciated by the crowd and got a big ovation by the fans (deservedly so). Not the best show I've seen from them but still well worth my time and money and I'll see them again (even if the show were to land on my wedding day). a report by Steve
Review written by: Flim (darren@flim.net) Review posted on: 09/20/01 02:17:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 1th Tool show
Show was awesome... Almost as good as NIN was last year. Anyone who's looking for a recording of the concert should check on a little program called MORPHEUS. You can download it at www.musiccity.com - I'll be offering it there shortly. I won't be doing any personal deals for this show so don't even ask. Just download.
Review written by: neil (sherman9099@home.com) Review posted on: 09/20/01 02:18:05 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Speechless - inspired - awestruck - emotionally uplifted!!!! Thanx guys - thanx for making those horrible images that have been stamped in our heads by the tragic events go away for at least a little while. No-one puts on a "show" the way you do - no-one takes the soul and mind to a level that you guys do. as disappointed as I was by the edgefest show(no fault of yours) - this night will live on in my soul for a long time - well,at least until you come back to toronto!!!! your passion and commitment to what you hold dear to yourselves comes shining through to all of us. once again - thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!