concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
10/28/2001



Review written by: Morpheus (alan_27@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 10/29/01 00:56:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

My first Tool show ever... the band i've been waiting to see since i was a freshmen in High School.... In a word... Great.... yes great oh yes there were undying moments of clarity and togetherness.... Maynard got slightly mad at us for booing Tricky... Personally i enjoyed tricky and thought he was a very good performer... Tool did not bless us with an encore... nor did they play my favorite song aenima... had they played anima my experience would have tripled... however it was still a great show... unbelievable.... i pray everybody at the concert remembers what he said about being positive... and remember that moment of positivity these coming weeks.... Tricky came out and performed for a few songs... those sings were made better(if such a thing a thing was feasble) by trickys involvment... the show rocked... from the first moments of Grudge to the mellownes of Eon Blue Apolcalapse... the show totally sucked you and blew your mind...

Review written by: Randall (freakin46and2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 01:18:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Let's get one things strait. Tricky sucks Dicky. Being in the pit, no one could have seen a closer act than me. Seeing Tool was great tonight, but I wish that some people would have the courtesy to keep their mouth shut. There was a guy there - blue jean jacket, glasses, short black hair - about 6'2". You know who you are. This asshole shouts out "Texas sucks". He was also very rude in the Pit with the ladies. Now, thats fine if that is your opinion, but keep it to yourself. Oh, and if you are the guy, and you are reading this, I would watch your back. You are not impressive to me or my friends, nor is your driving. Think about it. Watch yourself the next concert. We saw you before this one. Again, let me express my thanks to Tool. The show was rich with great sound and outsanding visuals.

Review written by: Kristian (justadood@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 01:36:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

First off.. You know nothing happened tonight. It's not the bands fault security can't do their job.. It's not the bands fault people had to wait hours to get in... I mean nothing happened becaue Houston fans are not anywhere near the place the need to be.. I mean come on.. Tricky didn't come out and chant for those who had no clue (twice).. Tool didn't share themselves once again to the mass of chaos and calm. I mean THEY DIDN'T PLAY OPIATE!!!! You negative vibe fuckers.. I have something for you.. It's dark, cold and lonely..... The rest of it. WAS BLISS!!!!!!!!! The set list, once pronounced dead.. now alive. GRUDGE STINKFIST UNDERTOW PARABOL/PARABOLA PUSHIT(NICE ONE) SCHISM short jam DISPOSITION REFLECTION ---------interlude--------- TRIAD THE PATIENT OPIATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TRICKY MUTHA FUCKA!!! LATERALUS love and peace tool fans... share.

Review written by: Kevin (theshwong2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 01:53:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Tool show was great. We got Undertoe instead of fortysix & 2, and we got Opiate instead of ænema. I would have rather heard ænema, but she show was so fucking good anyways. We got both the male and female contortionists tonight too (someone said they only had the male in San Antonio). Tricky was really good, I don't know why some cities were booing them off. They got a good responce. Drummer and two of the four singers of Tricky played with Tool during their set. It was pretty good. I was suprised that Maynard hugged the drummer of Tricky. Just another amazing Tool show...

Review written by: Kooter (superpillock@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 02:12:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

One of the finest and strangest exhibits of artistry and music was displayed in this "concert". TOOL commenced in typical fashion with some very solid tracks from the Grudge to Stinkfist, and the video accompaniment was great as well. However, later the band would turn the crowd on its head with a trip far outside the realm of the imaginable with a frighteningly haunting version of "reflection" and monumental and scorching clip through "triad". Maynard displayed the true depth of his creativity and willingness to explore the vast reaches of the emotional landscape of our minds. How he developed the entracing vocals for "relfection" is quite a feat in itself. As the song ambled forward, I found myself in almost disbelief of what I was witnessing, and a few glances sideways proved that the rest of the audience felt the same. The band had succeeding in invading our hearts, minds and souls and the collective mass of onlookers were caught in the grip of the moment, and vulnerable to the power. Personally, I felt as if my soul had been raped and I was being transported into a new mental reality wherein I would be helpless to use the comforts that this world and my experience in it could provide. Frankly, I felt possessed and frightened. This was cemented by the dangling bodies that appeared with the accompanying frog-like sounds which took my mind off the chart. The mood was so eerie that it seemed as if the whole crowd had become paralyzed, physically and mentally and was trying to nurse the disbelief of the spectacle. In "Triad" the superlative drumming set pace and Adam stepped forward, opened himself up and cut loose with a searing effort which produced some of his finest guitaring yet. This version was a rude awakening to the sheerly brilliant quality of the band's musicianship and to a new standard in modern rock performance. The power of this number was unprecedented and plausibly unparalled. The production of "relfection" and "triad" was so creative, moving and progressive, that I feel we witnessed one of the most brilliant examples of modern expression and fruits of pure genius and unihibited artistry that is imaginable. I am still so gripped by what transpired tonight that I am afraid of the reality of it all and am suprised a few people did not have mental breakdowns under the crippling power of the moment.

Review written by: the reviewer guy (master_e@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 02:16:31 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. speaking as someone who just experienced not only their first tool show, but their first tool show, i can tell you that i was truly blown away by tonight's performance. i had been reading the reviews of the shows leading up to this one, but somehow the words that we fans write just can't seem to do justice to what i just witnessed tonight. tonight was just an awesome night, a night that i will always remember, it was an incredible feeling to see all the fans singing and just really letting the songs take over their entire body. opiate was a very nice surprise as was undertow, i think that added something special to this show. maynard didn't talk much, but i guess that is his choice, he is the genius, not i. adam jones is quite simply put, not of this planet, the guy is unmatched in ability. i can't give a complete review of this show without at least mentioning the visuals, absolutely awesome, they really pushed the performance over the top, thank you danny, maynard, adam, and justin for being the artists that you are.

Review written by: Neil (alcowhorlic@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 03:06:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I dont know about yall but I left a peice of myself out there on the lawn. Its a rare moment when so many people can come togeather and share such an experience. If I had my way they would have played songs like" jerk off', "H","Third Eye" & "sweat" as well as the set they so graciously treated us too, but the show is not about me. Its about the art. I hope that no one has any foul words to say about the show, if you do you should have saved your money and stayed at home to listen to your tool cd's. The preformance was a flawless production that I wil remember for the rest of my time. I didn't get to see Tricky because of the lines outside but when they helped out on "Opiate","Triad",and "Reflection" it was one of the sickest things I"ve ever seen.I truely beleive that if only 1 person bought a ticket to this show it would have been just as intense, they really are in this for the expression of their artistic talents,they don't give a shit about what we want. And to tell you the truth I don't care. As long as they kep doing what their doing I'll be satisfied. No one does it better. Maynard, Justin, Adam, Danny thank you for sharing. Long live Tool!

Review written by: Ryan (ryan@sonicedge.net) Review posted on: 10/29/01 03:07:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

It's hard to even know where to begin describing what I experienced tonight. This was my first Tool show. I have been dying to see them for years, and didn't get to go the last time they came to Houston. I lucked out and got excellent seats tonight, but was in no way prepared for what happened. Let me also say that I've been reading alot of these reviews, so I thought I knew what would be going on. Nothing could have been further from the truth. No matter how many of these things you read, NOTHING will compare to actually being there to take it all in for yourself. We got in the huge line at the Pavilion at 7:15. I thought we would be alright, even though we ran a little late, but because of the most unorganized security system in the history of mankind, we completely missed Tricky and barely made it in to see Tool start. They had already taken the stage by the time we got to our seats, and the exact second we found where we were supposed to be, Danny started counting off "The Grudge." For the next two hours I was moved by waves of emotion I had never felt at any concert before. I was pleasantly suprised several times also; when they played the extra part in "Stinkfist" (WOW), when "Undertow" started, the excellent version of "Pushit" which started as the Aenima version then somehow morphed into the Salival version and back again, when Tricky came out to help on "Reflection" and again on "Opiate", and the AMAZING live version of "Triad." I thought I knew how good Tool would be, and they far exceeded every expectation. Before "Lateralus" (my favorite song) started, Maynard said "I want you all to say a single word when I count to 3. I want you all to say the word 'yes' as loud as you can." The entire crowd did so, and then he said that he wanted us to remember how we felt when we did that and use it to do something positive in the coming weeks. The band huddled around Danny's drums, the song started, and about 1/4 of the way into the song, I looked around and almost everyone in the entire crowd was holding their lighters up. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. A perfect fit with the perfect song to end a perfect night. On a side note, I've read alot of people on here bitching about Maynard not facing the crowd, or not being able to see his face, etc. After actually seeing the show for myself, I thought it was perfect the way it was. It seems like he's up there standing in front of his screen just trying to experience the show like all of us are. Think about it, how cool would it be to stand where he is, facing the screen with the mind- blowing visuals enveloping you as you're surrounded and moved by some of the most amazing music on the planet? He was just as into the show as everyone in the audience was, more of an experience than a performance. I can't express how grateful I am to be able to share in that. I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life.

Review written by: RAINER SCHUHSLER (my_special_name@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 03:10:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st! Tool show

setlist: the grudge stinkfyst (extended version) undertow parabol(a) pushit schism disposition reflection (feat. tricky) (new? untitled music feat. tricky) the patient opiate lateralus i arrived at the pavilian earlier than i thought i would, waiting outside for at least an hour for the gates to open. security was tight, carefully inspecting everyone, twice before you even hand the person your ticket but still i managed to get my camera through (i crotched it). i quickly bought a tour t- shirt then my friends and i found ourselves a nice spot at the very front of the hill, dead center. there, we freezed our asses off in sixty degree weather (i forgot to take a jacket, and all blanket had to be checked in, they weren't allowed), waiting a bit more than an hour and a half till 7:30 when tricky finally started. the pavilian lights were shut off and it became real dark, real fast. it was already night, it became dark out an hour earlier due to daylight savings time which started today. when tricky began to play, they were in total dark, no lights other than the stars and the moon above, i started to think something was wrong with the lights. it turns out it was part of the act, when finally the lights came on, though all throughout the show, they were dim. you really couldn't see much, even as close as i was. their set wasn't all that great, i didn't enjoy it much, though it may have been because i couldn't get the cold off my mind! 8:15 they left the stage, and half an hour later, tool's set was completely assembled. once again, it became very dark when the pavilian light went off. the only thing that coube be seen was the colorful circle of eyes being displayed on all the screens (there were three onstage, and three more in front of the hill) and maynard's silhouette. suddenly, the grudge startS, and everything brightened up. a rapid-moving flaming eye was then displayed in the center of the circle of eyes. the music was loud but wasn't distorted, it was great! (the pavilian is know for perfect sound). the feeling right then was extremely great, i could display nothing more than a huge smile on my face and my eyes wide open. after the grudge was stinkfyst. everyone knew it was comming, it was in the air. it started and it was definitely welcomed, especially by the guy standing to the left of me who decided he'd start a mosh pit. me and my friends were shoved to the ground by this stupid guy and his friend, and immediately everyone made way for these assholes. the extended version was great, sounded very heavy, which i enjoyed very much after hearing it for the first time. the next song to be performed was undertow, another great performance by tool. it was great hearing a song from one of my favorite albums! the visuals for the song were also great, disfiguring the image you'll find on the cover of the album and more. followed by undertow was parabol, which was a change in pace. i had assumed ahead of time that they would skip it and go directly to parabola, i dunno why. hearing parabol was great though, especially when it climaxed and shifted to parabola. an extremely great song with extremely great visuals, though it was kind of ruined. someone informed the staff about the moshing, something i had no problem with, but all they did was stand around. they couldn't do shit, the pit had grown dramaticly out of control. all they did was make a bigger deal about it by shining their flashlights around in everyone's faces and standing in people's way. it somewhat distracted me from the show when that occured. next was pushit, another suprise. (sorry, i don't read the reviews ahead of time!) it was great hearing another song from the aenima album, performed better than the album! pushit for some reason never appealed to me until tonight. schism followed pushit, and i was looking around for osseus labyrinth. i couldn't find them anywhere, and all they were playing were edited scenes form the video. i was a bit worried that they wouldn't perform, but still had my eye at the top of the pavilian watching to see if they appear. my friend then taps me on my shoulder and points to the stage. there they were, doing their "walk", and to add to that maynard had a guitar! i expected osseus labyrinth to fall from the sky, doing their rope thing, though obviously that wasn't the case. i whipped out my camera and took a snapshot of them. the eleventh picture i had taken so far durning the performance, and then right there in front of me, a staff member appears. he put his hand out and told me to give it up. i had to. i had completely forgotten about the staff and security just to my right looking over the moshing. i felt so foolish, but sill pissed, and so were the majority of the people around me. but oh well...(eleven is when we waved good-bye). osseus labyrinth left the stage just before schism ended. after schism ended, disposition started. i wasn't so pissed off then, because i knew what song was comming next, reflection, maybe my favorite song off the new album. disposition evolved into reflection, just as i hoped for and i was happy. i WAS happy, but suddenly, i notice someone else on the stage with a mic. it was the lead singer from tricky, and he started rapping. oh, i didn't like it one bit, though i must admit i did start to get into it a bit more after he had been doing his thing for a few mins. i was getting pissed though, i was afraid maynard wasn't going to sing. well, maybe five or so minutes of tricky rapping, maynard made his way into the song. the entire song was performed, and i was soo happy! a very very good performance, although the occasional visuals of the toilet during the song didn't quite win me over. the end of reflection seemed to last forever, as they prepared for the next song. ropes drop from the ceiling and osseus labyrinth climbed uo them to the top. the starnge sound effects being played ended, and the music started. what this next song was, i don't have any idea. i haven't quite heard anything like it before, though it did seem to tease me of sober along with third eye, but it never transformed to either of the songs. it was just a very long set of music, but very enjoyable. there was no singing, but had adam on guitar, maybe maynard too, he played reflection, and also featured tricky's drummer jamming with danny. very good music to say the least, although never turning to one of the songs i expected was kind of a let-down. osseus labyrinth was also a let-down. they seemed fatigued as they only swung around a bit and wiggled some. i suppose i expected more from them, but i suppose doing this every night wasn't normal for them before. next wasn't quite a let-down though. eon blue apocalypse was being played for the second time that night (they played many of there short tracks, each before a song), and i couldn't figure out why, until the patient started. everyone was cheering and clapping. such a great song it is, and from what i hear isn't played much on this tour. the audience sang along with maynard throughout the beginning of the song, it seemed it was a special moment, i think for everyone. a very good performance also. following it was opiate. it wasn't quite what i was hoping for, but still it was a treat (i was told they would play either opiate or aenema, and was hoping for the latter). maybe the heavyist song for the show, and was perfect. another song i enjoyed a million times more than just listening to the album. maynard after the song told everyone thanx and we were a great crowd, ya know, the usual. (suprisingly though, he only talked twice berofe then: good evening everyone at the beginning of the show, and that thing where he gets everyone to say what he says, for the sheep in the crowd.) i then knew the song coming would be the last song performed, that and it was nearly 11:00 which is when the music MUST be shut off due to city ordinances. lateralus was played, and it blew me away to say the least. it's not my favorite song but it was that night. the most energy, the best visuals, and the most feedback from everyone made it great. it can easily be said lateralus was the best song performed that night! and oh, what a night! when everything was over and after the band had left the stage, the pavilian lights came back on, i had to sit down! more than two hours straight, and i was standing the whole time. my ankles ached, and suddenly i felt the cold again. i had forgotten about the cold during the show! we all went home, stunned from a show i could confidently say as being the best concert i've ever seen. if anyone or anyone you know has any pictures, audio, or even video of this show, PLEASE email me here: my_special_name@yahoo.com

Review written by: RAINER SCHUHSLER (my_special_name@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 03:14:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st! Tool show

shit, i fucked up my review, posted above. that song was triad. what was i thinking???

Review written by: Jamie R. (dorthy3@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 09:15:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I have reached the penac le of joy in this moment, and I have two words to say to all of you -AAH, TOOL! Suspended people! Acrobats! Different graphics for every song, and they hugged in the end... unbelievably beautiful. -Omari, I must say, I love you.

Review written by: stephen (ruiner@wt.net) Review posted on: 10/29/01 09:21:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

i saw them in dallas and san antonio also, and i don't know which one was best. dallas had eulogy, but was inside in a bad venue. san antonio was pretty basic, but my view was obstructed by people in seats who wouldn't sit down. and then there's last night, which is below. i wasn't gonna go to the show and then all of a sudden a jolt of common sense hit me and so i got in my car and sped like hell for houston and made it in right as stinkfist started. i got there with plenty of time before they started, but then...oh shit....there it is....i could hear the grudge from outside, but of course i was standing in line waiting for security to make sure that everyone had 3 forms of ID including but not limited to a valid driver's license and a social security card, proof of enrollment in school or a diploma from a US high school or properly accredited US college or university, a valid US birth certificate, proof of employment, proof of how you arrived, a quick pat-down search, and of course a drug test. once that was all over i made it in and kicked ass with everyone else. observations of the houston crowd, and dallas and san antonio, actually...probabaly all of them: -- someone needs to tell these little high school girls that the whole gothic thing with wearing solid black clothing, spiked boots and chains and collars, white face makeup, black lipstick, and lots of thick eye makeup...its over. OVER. it was over 4 years ago. it's no longer scary. or cool looking. please refrain! at least TRY to look like you're having a good time seeing a band that, as someone else put it in another review, completely shits all over everyone else out there right now. you're missing a good show while youi're over there pouting. -- attention certain men, especially loud, obnoxious, drunken frat boys: the whole thing with coming to a concert with your shirt off....especially when it is 45 degrees outside and you're kinda flabby.... it isn't pleasant for the rest of us. you are why shirts were invented in the first place!! [credit: dennis miller] -- please watch where you are going. if not, you will trip over the empty beer cups just like about 150 people did in front of me last night. -- back to the frat boys: quit yelling for them to play sober. maynard can't hear you. no matter how loud you yell. and even if he could, they already have the setlist made out before the show begins. and if sober isn't on there, it's not gonna get played. they're probably tired of playing it. that's why it's hardly ever on the setlist!! THEY'RE TOURING FOR LATERALUS NOW. -- some people in front of me left during triad, claiming it was "crap". see above. one of the guys kept whining for "old stuff" even after undertow. yes, he kept crying for sober. okay enough from the complaint department. apparently when maynard told the crowd that he hoped they embraced tricky earlier in the night, some idiot up front yelled "tricky sucks" and maynard said "that's a shame", or something to that affect. i couldn't hear well, but it wasn't hard to tell what was said. i have't read the reviews yet so sorry since i know it was already posted. ok, the guy hardly talks to the crowd...great way to get him to interact even more, sport. if you don't like the opening act, then show up about 1:15 after the starting time instead of flinging shit all night about how much he sucked. personally i enjoyed tricky in dallas in san antonio. so shut the fuck up about it already. the opener is there for people who want to take it in. if you don't...shut the fuck up and show up late. let's hear your band... the performances were flawless all 3 nights, and everything sounded better than i could have imagined. the interaction of tricky on a few songs was neat. if you haven't seen them yet, and they're coming to your town, quit reading this and spring for a ticket. it's beyond worth it. overall it was three nights of kickass music. thank you tool!!!

Review written by: Lochreas (toolband101@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 10:04:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The set list was pretty close to the others except they played "Undertow" and "Opiate" and they were so awesome! This was a very great show. The band seemed really into it and pretty pepped up for the show. They opened with "The Grudge" which gave the chills. It closed with Maynard telling everyone to build up positive energy by shouting "yes" and then remember that feeling you had and use it towards something positive in the coming weeks, then they played "Lateralus". The highlight for me was when they played "Pushit" the normal version with an awesome solo from Adam, and when they played "Opiate" with Tricky! It was the best version of Opiate that I will ever hear, that i am sure of! The thing that really sucked to me, was that most of the crowd just seemed to be there to "get high" and just fuck around. Most didn't seem like they were into the show, but it was still totally awesome! See you next year Tool!

Review written by: SunKing (SunKing@houston.rr.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 10:12:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

AWESOME show - thank you TOOL for visiting Houston!! It was a good vibe all around as far as I could tell - of course - I got there early and didn't have to wait in security lines. Hey - I managed to ...ummm.. get some pictures - and I'm SO late for work now I might get fired - but I had to post just a couple today - if you're interested. http://bradbman.home.texas.net/TOOL.htm Enjoy!!

Review written by: Brett (brharris@houston.rr.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 10:18:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I have to say, that is one of the best shows I have ever attended. Even though I have never seen Tool before, they were more than I expected. Finally, after the hour waiting in line for security to search/seizure, hassle people,etc. We missed Tricky, which was dissapointing, considering we could hear the bass the whole time, being teased. We had seats on the left size about 20-30 rows away from the stage. I was wondering if they were going to play Ions first or Grudge. Of course, Grudge starts off.

Review written by: Brett (brharris@houston.rr.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 10:27:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I have to say, that is one of the best shows I have ever attended. Even though I have never seen Tool before, they were more than I expected. Finally, after the hour waiting in line for security to search/seizure, hassle people,etc. Plus, you had to inhale so much second hand cigarette smoke, it couldnt get better. We missed Tricky, which was dissapointing, considering we could hear the bass the whole time, being teased. We had seats on the left size about 20-30 rows away from the stage. I was wondering if they were going to play Ions first or Grudge. Of course, Grudge starts off. Maynard's movements/dancing was incredible. I couldn't get enough of the visuals on screen, they were amazing. I was hoping they would play Aenima, instead the incredible Opiate inspired us. The crowd really got into the show at the end. The show was amazing, it was one of the best performances I have ever seen. If anyone got any pictures, audio, or videos, please email me at brharris@houston.rr.com I have access to almost every 2001 show, I hope someone recorded Houston!!! Peace.

Review written by: FamiliarParabol (leamat@orbitworld.net) Review posted on: 10/29/01 11:13:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

It's hard to even find the words of how great the show was. Before Tool actually went on, I was very annoyed by people booing Tricky and yelling at him to get off the stage. I like Tricky a lot, in fact, and I am just sorry that he (and later Maynard) had to put up with so many jerks. Never before have I been to a concert where the crowd yelling angry comments at the opening band made me so angry, in turn. Tool fans, as a whole, should be someone intellectual considering the lyrical content of their music. If the whole crowd can sing along to all the songs, you think they might take what they sing to heart. Anyways, once Tool started and I got my mind off the disrespectful crowd, it was as if I was disconnected from my body and simply lived to see and hear what was going on onstage. I didn't think about one horrible or good thing in my life. It didn't even occur to me that I had one, actually. When listening to cds I am affected as well, but nowhere to this extent. Especially during Lateralus. Never before have the words, "I embrace my desire to feel the rhythm, to feel connected enough to step aside and weep like a widow to feel inspired, to fathom the power, to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain, to swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human," meant so much to me until I heard them and saw the swirling images of the spiral onstage. Reflection was also painfully beautiful. One of my favorite parts of the concert, however, was Pushit. I was not expecting that at all. I haven't read many reviews so I didn't really know what to expect other than hearsay. Opiate was also very good, very surprising. I liked how Tricky came out and became a part of the song. I still think it would be cool if they played Bottom and Trick did Rollins' part. He, and everyone who tours with him, are underappreciated original artists and should get more attention (and you would think, Tool fans, of all people would open up the them). Ah well, I am rambling on. The concert was perfect. There are things that maybe I would want to change, but I wouldn't dare. The only bad part of the night was, once again, idiotic people who took it upon themselves to tell tricky just how bad they thought he was during his performance and even during the Tool performance. Horrible. "Embrace this moment. Remember. We are all eternal."

Review written by: Heather (CurlyQ0906@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 11:29:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Last night was the first time Ive ever seen Tool.(although I have seen A Perfect Circle) The show was amazing. What made the show special to me was it seemed as if Maynard wanted everyone to absorb theirselves in the music and visuals and not watch him and the other band members as much. Sometimes when watching a show we all get caught up in watching what the band members are doing and not listeningto the music. This to me made the show a more intimate experience. As for some being disappointed in Opiate, I feel as if that is one of the best Tool songs and my night was made when he played it. The contortionists put the show over the edge. How does someone hang like that for 10 minutes!! Over all it was one of the best concert experiences I have ever had. If anyone has any audio PLEASE email me.

Review written by: Jay (tool1075@neo.tamu.edu) Review posted on: 10/29/01 11:56:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This is the second time I have seen Tool. The first time was when they came to houston previously. I was very impressed with the musical integrity, and artistry of Tricky. I felt a sinking pain in my stomach as some people "boo'ed" him, and the group, making them feel un- welcome. -This, in my opinion, is very rude, and maybe it would have been better if those who do such things stayed at home and listened to their cd collection. Those people aren't Tool fans. Tool's presentation of their work was incredible. I really admired the way everything was setup, and the way everything flowed together. Some people don't notice those things, but man, those little things are hard to do sometimes. Many people complained, and are still complaining about how Tool did not play any "old stuff." Now, if you were Tool, and you just created a great new album, you would want to share it with everyone, right? Well there ya go. You came to a Tool show, you had intelligent, thoughtful, and charasmatic music presesnted to you. Stop your bitchin'. One more thing... wow, those contortionists... man, talk about muscle control!!! that was very impressive. The graphics were great as well. Oh, and Dan, great drums as usual.

Review written by: jerm g (tak_999@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 12:05:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

first of all, if you've only seen tool this go around, you should be ashamed. the show was, for lack of a better term, astonishing. words cannot describe the feeling. i wish i had a time machine. the highlight of the night for me was when they played reflection. jesus fucking christ. it is unbelievable that they can be so tight live. i loved the setup. i liked that maynard wasn't right in front of the crowd. i'm sure that pisses people off, but fuck them. there are (last time i checked) four people in tool. after seeing what i saw last night, i will never miss tool again. the contortionists came out during the show as they have been. awesome. the only gripe i have is the crowd. i actually heard some asshole request sober. a lot of people were getting aggravated how they would jam on one part of a song. for example, adam jones played the end of reflection for a long time. i loved it. the guitar was actually singing. anyway, some of the people didn't like that too much. i guess it's hard to beat the shit out of each other to a slow song. oh well, i wasn't surprised, but still a little disappointed with some of the people. members of tricky's band came out during the show and kicked ass with tool. tricky joined them for opiate. fucking opiate! anyway, if there is anyone with any doubts about the greatness of these demi-gods...shoot yourself in the face. setlist: (probably not in order) the grudge stinkfist pushit mantra schism undertow parabol parabola eon blue apocalypse the patient disposition reflection triad opiate lateralus best show i have ever seen by far.

Review written by: Selma (illiSelmaRoxilli@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 13:12:33 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Oh my god.... that's all i could say for the first 20 minutes or so.... i waited 5 years for this... and my dream came true. The ultimate Tool concert. Of course I'da been an EXTREMELY happy camper had they played Prison Sex, but i was satisfied with their choices. I only wish i could live in that moment forever... and ever and ever and ever! I loved every second from beginning to end. There wasn't just one special moment -- the whole thing was a special moment. My friend cried about 4 times and I couldn't help but lose myself in the music. I'd kill for the day that Tool would play every song from every album they've ever made. When they played Stinkfist you could just hear the crowd all around us just jump out of their skin. They were all so happy to sing along to those old familiar lyrics and lose themselves. I couldn't help but say after every song "What's next!??!" The screens added some very cool effects to the music. It made you feel sucked into the rhythm and your heart pound with the bass. The Pavillion was the perfect place for that concert. You didn't have to be a tall person to be able to see the stage from the lawn. Just step back and your a little higher then everyone's head in front of you. That's good for me considering im 5 feet tall. My favorite song the whole night was Parabol and Parabola. The words, shit the whole night, will be forever etched in my mind... Thank you Tool... come back and see us REAL soon! I miss ya'll already!

Review written by: Areztlan (Areztlan@Hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 13:20:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The setlist goes as follows.... 1. The grudge 2. stinkfist (with extended breakdown) 3. undertow 4. parabol 5. parabola 6 pushit (normal version) 7. schism (labaryinth come out) 8. disposition 9. reflection (Hawk from tricky sings) -------INTERMISSION-------(labaryinth come out) 10. triad (drummer from tricky plays?) 11. the patient 12. opiate (Tricky sings) 13. lateralus Let me just say great band, great music, great show. The wait outside was long but got there with plenty of time for it. Only got to see the last Tricky song but thats alright I saw his full set in San Antonio. Tricky was good and everyone should give him a chance. On to the show. It was pretty much the same setlist only with a couple of changes here and there. I noticed however that the band was more into it, more so than San Antonio. The crowd was good, even in my section everyone was really into it. The sound was just right not muddled or to loud. The visuals were something else it added to the overall effect of the music. Highlights: The whole concert. Tricky singing during opiate!! Maynard: Didn't say much as usual. what he did say was, "I hope you opened your hearts and let tricky in, if not that's a shame." "On the count of 3 I want you to yell out a positive word, yes." with the positive speech afterward. Danny: one of the best Adam: does he ever move? Justin: awesome Final notes: Tool is one of the best bands out there, they do things there way and if you don't like, well go listen to someone else. This whole thing about who should like and/or be at a tool show is up to that person if they want to spend 40+ dollars just for beer and one song that's their loss. At least Tool still get their money. Who cares what other people do, we are there for Tool. Anyway, This show is in my top 5 concerts that I've seen now, and i hope to see them again. Later. "{}"(())(()|_

Review written by: james (fortysixand2ool@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 13:39:13 ET

This was this reviewer's Tool show

oh my god..................... last night was the best night of my life. i'm still in shock. i wish i could describe why, but u wouldn't understand unless u were there. first i'd like to start by thanking Maynard, Danny, Adam, and Justin. the show was even better than i could have wished for (they could have played bottom, but what they did play more than made up for it). when undertow started i couldn't contain myself. then later on when they played opiate i felt like i was in heaven. i've loved tool since that ep came out and it just made the night that much better that they played something off of it. pushit was perfect and maynard's yell during the grudge couldn't have been better. although i didn't watch the mark and holly that much, i was impressed. i would have to say that lateralus was the perfect song to end with. i've been reading the reviews since the tour started so it really sucked that i knew it was the last song. i did get upset a few times during the show. all the girls that got dressed up like they were going out to a club (sluts), the people that talked on there cell-phones during the middle of the patient (bitches), the people who yelled "get on with the show" during reflection, disposition, & triad (do u know nothing about tool?), the clueless people who wished they wouldn't have played "those 2 songs they've never heard before", if u were one of those people.............do tool and their real fans a favor by not wasting good seats with your unworthy asses. stay home and listen to limp bizkit. in a perfect world everybody would understand why i was screaming at the top of my lungs and moving like that, instead of just staring at me. great show. flawless. only negative thing about tool and there performance, is that it ended. i guess it is ok since they are still human (on the verge of god status though)

Review written by: Morpheus (alan_27@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 14:34:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

if anybody has pictures, audio or video...! PLEASE E-MAIL ME!!!

Review written by: Chuck B (drummerjenb@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 14:40:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

First off I would put the setlist but you can already see it if you scroll up. I would like to say that for the 1st show, I was totally blown away by it. Me being a drummer, I loved to watch Danny tear ass on the drums. It kinda made me feel bad about how good he was. But then you had the two great guitars throwing out all sorts of bad ass riffs. And you wouldn't ever forget that one psycho by the name Maynard. He put on such a good show, even though he didn't move from his spot. There were some more goodies, but if you are still going to a concert coming up, I won't post it and ruin the surprise. Something that dissapointed me was that they didn't play H, 46 & 2, Aenema, or Prison Sex...but other than that....the show fucking rocked!

Review written by: Secular Glitch (secularglitch@hotnail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 15:14:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Last night was a pinacle in my life. I saw TOOL for the first time and it truely moved me. It was more of a religous experience than a rock concert. The high point for me was Lateralis closing. I lost conscience control of my body and just felt the music flow through me. This show changed me. I will see TOOL everytime they come close to me again, i can promise you this. My only gripe was Tricky singing on Reflection. His singing didnt seem to mesh well with the music, and i couldnt understand a word he said, that would have made it better. Those of you that were there... Dont forget what Rev. Maynard said, remember the positive energy, and use it.

Review written by: Master ReviewerMIKE PEAVEY (PEAVEY@EASTEX.NET) Review posted on: 10/29/01 15:18:47 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. LAST NIGHT I SAW THE MOST TALENTED BAND ON THE PLANET PERFORM. THE ONLY WAY TO DESCRIBE THEIR PERFORMANCE WAS FLAWLESS. THEY PLAYED SONGS FROM ALL ALBUMS, BUT I WAS DISSAPOINTIED THAT THEY DID'NT PLAY 46&2 OR AENIMA. MY ONLY BITCH ON THE CONCERT WAS THE LACK OF ENERGY & RESPECT THE AUDIENCE SHOWED TOWARD TOOL. ALL I CAN SAY IS TOOL IS MORE THAN FOUR MEN PLAYING INSTRUMENTS, THEY MAKE A UNIT, A SEPERATE ENTITY , OR AN ART-FORM OF THE FUTURE.

Review written by: DANNY (daniele04@neo.tamu.edu) Review posted on: 10/29/01 15:28:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Maynard, Danny, Adam, Justin, Thank you for yet another religous and orgasmic experience. See you next time.

Review written by: J Ray (stdjgr15@shsu.edu) Review posted on: 10/29/01 15:55:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

It was everything I imagined and more. I felt privileged to have seen MJK up close, rather than him turning his back on us. I felt that he accepted and appreciated his audience. His crowd participation was seldom but with purpose, as with his every move. One friend of mine regarded the actual "show" as being terrible because TOOL would rather not incite an angry mob of moshers by jumping and soloing awry. Every move, every note, and every word fell delicately into the spectrum that is TOOL's new epiphany, LATERALUS. I especially enjoyed the altered version of Stinkfist. TOOL treated us to an unforgettable show, even performing classics such as Opiate, and Pushit. Thank you TOOL for the greatest music spectacle ever theorized.

Review written by: Al Wilkes (glu@version9.net) Review posted on: 10/29/01 17:12:42 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

got to the woodlands at about 6.45ish, stood in the line for ages making funny noises (if the chick who told me to do 'hush' is reading this, then EMAIL ME!), blah blah. finally got searched, blah blah. get to the gate and i'm told that my necklace could be a weapon. WHAT THE FUCK. so i just said fuck it and threw it away; i wasn't going to waste any more time. fucking security. tricky was all right. too much bass, eh. the grudge stinkfist undertow parabol parabola pushit schism disposition reflection w/ tricky (or someone from tricky) triad w/ tricky's percussionist the patient opiate w/ tricky lateralus undertow, heh. i went mad when they started it, i was so pumped. it seemed like i was the only one in my section who knew the words. oh yeah, i was the guy who screamed "YEAH!" in the silent second after the last note. pushit was amazing. just amazing. morphed from ænima version to salival version and back. almost had me in tears. i really didn't like tricky or tricky's friend's appearance in reflection. made me sick, honestly. however, the triad drum intro was phenomenal. INCREDIBLE. danny and whoever just made it work. the contortionists really went mad on this one. triad went on forever, it was so good. just amazing. the patient, eh... i would have preferred sober :D. opiate! oh my god, opiate! was amazing. tricky also came out for this one, made it interesting, i liked that appearance. would have gone for ænema, but opiate was great. wow. lateralus was the perfect closer of a perfect night. seeing all the lighters in the crowd was truly amazing. thanks to adam, justin, danny, and maynard. see you next tour ~ al

Review written by: MasterBATER (twruestamek@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 17:40:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

after being on the road the last few days to follow you and your masters around this great state, i would like to shake you.

Review written by: jon (jonghit@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 17:46:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

wow the show in houston was my 3rd show of this tour. and my third overall time to see tool in the last week, and i must say it was the best of the three. i ventured to dallas and the voodoo music experience then on the way back to tx me and a buddy stopped at the show in houston in time for tricky, we bought scalper tix up by the gates for 40 bucks apiece, the guys ripped through a third different setlist in the last three shows, a very welcome thing to yours truly, opiate and the improv from tricky was awesome and the music of tool just speaks for itself, maybe that is why i have traveled all over texas and lousiana following them, anyways i cant wait to see tool whenever they return anywhere remotely close again, thanx guys

Review written by: Kirk (ef_2001@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 17:53:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Damn, awsome show. First we got there about 6:15 and had to wait in line for almost 2 and a half hours. We were real real pissed we missed Tricky and the Grudge and Stinkfist but I got there in time for Undertow and might I say awsome show. I got a great seat with no big heads blocking my way or fat people squishing me.. After undertow if nayone heard me scream SQUEAL LIKE A PIG! Email me I had a bet with my buddies that people heard me. I seamed to be in the Quiet section because the only people doing anything were the 40 year old couple next to me and all they were doing was bouncing. The guy next to me was probably stoned sideways because he just stood there in his trench coat and stared at the stage, no emotion. Great great show Opiate was a nice treat I loved it, One of the best part was when Maynard told everyone to say YES and hold the feeling in and make it something positive. And my personal topping to the end of the show was when they all were leaving and they gave eachother a big hug and then left waving off the stage. Great night I will never forget. Thank you for the memory I will be back... Oh yes I will be back -Kirk- PS I saw some guy climb one of the pillers and wached him videotape the show, if you know you were him email me we will talk about getting a cop of the tape.

Review written by: Troy (Tramirez9@cs.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 17:55:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The only word I can use to explain this show is WOW! The sound was great and the visuals were freakin' off the wall. Every song from start to finish was killer. Tricky, in my opinion, played a good set. They were a better opening band than the Melvins who opened for Tool the last time I saw them play Houston in '98. One of the coolest moments of the evening was when I was waiting outside for the pavilion to open and hearing the guys doing soundcheck for Stinkfist, The Grudge, and Reflection. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about you missed something pretty cool. All in all the show rocked and even though I almost froze my ass off I still enjoyed it.

Review written by: amber (maynardsgirl@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 18:01:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

tool was so awsome, the experience was so personal. the long wait sucked, but it was well worth it. tricky was great. and so where the visuals. i would like to thank tool for putting on such a awsome show i had a blast. amber

Review written by: Fuckstick (pillhead56@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 19:11:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Let me start off by saying the security issue was ridiculous. I'm all for safety and everything, but when you miss the first two songs because you have to be checked TWICE at the gate, well that's unacceptable. (BTW a gigantic FUCK YOU to all those who were cutting through the bushes.) Apparently it was only the left entrance that had any problems with people not making it in on time. My buddy left at the same time as I did and went in through the right entrance and made it in time to see some of Tricky's set. My hat's off to the people around me. I thought a full scale riot would've broken out when Tool hit the stage and that many people were still trying to get in the gate, but everyone was suprisingly calm. Second, concert crowds mainly consist of two types of people; those who are there to have a good time and come away with a positive musical experience and then there is the frat boy crowd, the ones who get fall down drunk, act like assholes and generally make it miserable for everyone else. Luckily from the places I was standing the asshole behavior was minimal. I did see at one point a lot of medical and security personnal heading up the hill, and that is usually the calling card of a frat boy crowd. I'm not saying everyone acted cool but I personally didn't see any blatant dickhead behavior. Well let me just get off my soapbox and I'll tell you about the actual show. I mentioned that I missed the first two songs, The Grudge and Stinkfist (the long version). I wasn't too dissappointed, I saw Tool on Sept. 8 in Indianapolis (thanks again for the tix John) and they played both of those songs at that show. After Stinkfist came Evening Highlight No. 1. They played Undertow. That's like my second favorite song off the album Undertow, second only to Crawl Away. I don't know the complete setlist or what order it came in but they played Pushit, Parabol, Parabola, Schism and Disposition. Next let say I didn't see or hear Tricky's set so I can't comment on it, but when his guy sang on Reflection and his drummer played on Triad, they elevated to good songs into greatness. After that collaboration insanity we were treated to The Patient, then came Evening Highlight No. 2. Opiate was played. Now I would have taken that song anyway Tool saw fit to play it, but we a got a longer version and Tricky came out and sang during it also, that was like extra icing on an already delicious cake. The show was closed with Lateralus, which is a great song and an even better song for a closer. All in all this was a great show, the band was real tight and the video screens projected some stellar visuals to acompany the music. This show would've been slightly better than the Indianapolis show had we have gotten in on time and if Tool would've played Anema or Eulogy or my all time favorite 46 and 2.

Review written by: Jessica (japc555@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 19:35:21 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

well, all i can say about TooL's performance was incredible, the best show i have seen so far. This show was a life changing experience for me. although i was a little pissed that a member from tricky came out during reflection, the song i was most looking forward to. Adam's solo was astonishing even though some trendy schism fans were pissed that he kept playing. Things like that make Tool what they are and if people can't appreciate that then don't go see Tool. When Maynard spoke to us before the salival version of push it which was bad ass, was i think so touching, and i'm glad he shared his words and his feelings with us. I have so much respect for this band. they have inspired me to open up and accept life. i thank Tool for that. and to all you people that have no respect for this band, i hope that after last night you have realized how incredibly talented these four people are. i feel honored to have been in their presence and that they shared their music and thoughts with us. thank you.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (ravensfire@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 20:07:37 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. Okay we will start by the nonsence of having Trickey open up for Tool. This was such a flawed idea in it's conception. The two groups have nothing in common and definantly not the same fan base. So we tryed to avoid Trickey all together and arrive just before he was done annoying the crowd.. Well we got to The woodlands pavillion an awful place in it's self and the security was to be frank totally unorganised and riduculous it took over 2 hours to get in this is after most people were already in and tool had already played 4 songs by then so we get in and of course have to eject the people from our seats.. then they videos flashing overhead were pretty cool for the first time or two it went through but it repeated every 5 seconds over and over the same shit.. most of the songs they played were mostly instrumental and two of the songs they had trickey come out and sing Manard was standing in the same spot all night with his back to the crowd and it was pretty much lame.. I went to A Perfect Circle a few months back and it was alot better than this I was very disappointed and having to pat 6 bucks each ticket for parking and not even parkimg there is total crap Another peace of the corporate puzzle.. Tool tryed so hard to be shocking but failed to perform for their crowd. I was amazed that I heard people saying this was the best show they had ever seen how ironic it was one of the worst I had ever seen I felt like I was at a cult meeting were they constantly flashed the same images over and over trying to hypnotise the crowd and then start with hippie crap and opening your hearts and minds to Trickey and letting him come and sing a full song during their set his regae rap it was cool for the first minute but 4 minutes later and the same regae crap sure did steal away from the tool show I guess maybe Manard figured he could get half the night off because he had no energy everything bunched up to being a waste of time and money with no encore and a bunch of idiots around two thumbs down partly for the venue being so stupid partly for the ripoff factor partly because the lame regae rap crap and mainly because manard was to lazy to perform a short set and over played instrumentals hell Manard was probally not even there.. Just another reason why I am getting sick of these bands getting big egos and bigger wallets I think I will stick to the small punk and oi shows and say screw all this trendy want to be different trying to be shock rock corporate crap... cheers Raven

Review written by: Arthur (dirty_punk_loser@myself.com) Review posted on: 10/29/01 21:04:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

This was a great show. I didn't even think I was going to be able to go, I had tried to get tickets earlier, but they seemed too expensive, then I was driving through the woodlands area yesterday and decided to stop by the pavillion. This guy was walking around outside and I talked to him and he gave me the number of a place to buy tickets, and I called them and they had some pit tickets left, so I went by there and got a ticket. I basically waited outside the pavillion from about 4:10 'til about 6:30 when they finally opened the gates, the security was tight as hell, that's one of my only complaints, I didn't get in late or anything, in fact I was there about 30 minutes before Tricky went on, but still, security was way too tight. My only other complaints were the mainstream-type fans and the moshing, you could tell me I shouldn't have been in the pit if I didn't want to mosh, but I wanted to be as close to the band as possible, and I was, I was in the very front, actually, 4 feet away from Adam. I was disappointed that I saw a lot of really trendy- type people there, not that I can judge them for what they wear, it just didn't seem like they were really music fans, and I thought if they had only let people in that were real music fans, a lot more deserving people would have gotten to see Tool. It was amazing, I actually enjoyed Tricky, I guess my musical tastes are pretty diverse, I thought they were great. Then when Tool went on, it was like "whoah." It was amazing, it was beautiful, fucking beautiful. Some people didn't like it, some people were just there for kicks, some people thought Tool was gonna be like A Perfect Circle, but I think those people should have known what they were getting into before going, and if they didn't like it they should have just shut up and left. The night was great, though people started really moshing around the time they played Disposition, and I was hoping it would've stayed a bit calmer, because I'm not really into moshing anyway, I got kicked in the head and some girl screamed in my ear, but it was still great nonetheless. They had the people from the Schism video come out and do some weird stuff, I thought that was cool, everyone else said it was strange. I loved the imagery on the big screens, it was really awesome. The show was great, but that's just my opinion, I wouldn't recommend anyone go to a Tool show unless they know what it's gonna be like before-hand, it might not be their thing, I think anyone who's really into Tool would enjoy going to one of their show's though. Anyway, to sum up the night, it was a good experience, the imagery was beautiful, the opening band was good, Tool played an awesome show, the dudes from the Schism video rocked, the place was packed, and I had a great time.

Review written by: kronosCrockett (KronosCrockett@netzero.net) Review posted on: 10/29/01 21:47:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I've been waiting since 94 to see TOOL live. I was right against the stage in the PIT. These guys were GODS and seeing Maynard "Live" is nothing like his quiet interviews. He was really into his music and freaking out. You have to see this tour especially for the actors travelling with them. I don't want to ruin it by telling you the great stunts they performed but email me if you want to know. AS for TRICKY I never heard of them til that night and they are exceptionally great if you open yourself up to them and thier great music. If you already read the review on the Toolband.com you know the songs they came out to preform with TOOL and they kicked ass. I cool new flavor. Words out of Maynards on mouth was praise for them and "if you missed out and came late it's a real shame if you didn't give it up for them". If TOOL picked them to open for them, then they have to be good; so please give a loud shout out for me on thier next shows because these guys love music like Maynard and were really into the groove. My friends that were with me been to six shows prior and said he has never seen them this great and was left numb wanting more. I might have paid extremely high prices for tickets from a scalper but it was worth every cent. The video feed was set with the music so well; watching the four members of TOOL just focusing on each other to just get it perfect reminded me of Pink Floyd when Roger Waters just wanted it to be seen and felt to it's best potential. It's a short show though, so treasure every moment of it and suck it in with every breathe as it's given and expect nothing more and nothing less just the painting that it is painted by the band and you'll be left sobbing for days wanting more. "Hope this is what you wanted!" Because Tool DELIVERED.

Review written by: matthew. (mrzebra@fumblers.org) Review posted on: 10/29/01 23:09:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

[sorry about the length. it just kept coming and coming. and I'd also like to say that this was originally a post on a non- Tool mailing list that I'm on, so a lot of it will seem like obvious background info and repeated tidbits from previous reviews. but I didn't feel like editing it. ;-P anyway. on with the show.] I will begin this review (though it's bound to become more of a memoir) with a broad, but unassumingly accurate statement: One has not fully partaken of the possibilities of the concert experience if one has not seen Tool live. Regardless of your opinion on the band or their music or their message, it cannot be denied that Maynard, Adam, Justin, Danny, and their crew have created the ultimate art extravaganza on their current tour in support of the album Lateralus. From every angle, this was simple the most transcendant artistic event of my life. Well, it would have been had my friends and I not been at the edge of a large moshpit, on the hill of the lawn no less, thus distracting me from much of the concert having to shield myself from flying skinheads. At this point, it is very clearly safe to say that there are two kinds of Tool fans: those who understand and those who do not. The latter type also apparently cannot read as there were signs at the gates forbidding moshing and the related behavior. But thanks to a wall of security guards that showed up about halfway through the set, I was able to mostly enjoy the rest of the show. Anyway. Back to transcendance. The show was utterly complete. The band was full on, putting out a flawless performance. Maynard was in (not so) rare form evoking every possible emotion from the lyrics and taking the songs to places I had only dreamed from the album versions. He even played a guitar on a 3 or so songs. And this is no strum-strum-strum rhythm guitar either; Tool guitar sonics are soundscapes of notes, chords, effects, and otherworldliness brought straight from the heart and mind of Adam, and now Maynard. On this year's tour, Maynard has gotten past his usual full body paint, women's undergarments, and large wig phase. He was in a full body leather suit and had painted his face white with a thick stripe down the front between the eyes and encompasing the nose and mouth. Unfortunately due to the backlit nature of the lighting, this was not noticeable until the show was over and all the lights came on as the band was leaving the stage. The rest of the band was in casual clothing, as they usually are. Maynard is the theatrical one of the bunch. The visuals were the most entrancing I have ever seen. There were the usual mystical emblems set up toward the rear of the stage: both lit circles with various occult and multilingual symbols encompassing them. Adam and Justin were in the front on either side of the stage, Maynard was on a dais in the rear offset slightly to stage right with a (probably 7') projection screen behind him. Danny had his new huge gold drumkit directly opposite Maynard on a dais upstage left. I thought this placement was very nice, producing an image of band-as-unit rather than Maynard- and-friends setup. In addition to the screen directly behind Maynard, there were two roughly 30' screens hanging at the rear of the stage, as well as the monitors on the outside of the pavilion for the lawn, all showing the same images. What they were showing, however is the real spectacle. Everything from formless swaths of color to naked bodies writhing in synthetic agony to CGI aliens with identical CGI aliens inside their heads. The best images, I would have to say, were of naked bodies, two female, one male, all connected and doing whwat can only be described as primitive synchronized swimming exercises. A very touching and beautiful scene. In addition to the digitized images, two members of Osseus Labyrint, a sort of Cirque de Soleil physical art group performed during two songs, totally naked and painted silver. During Schism, they walked around stage on all fours in an upside down V shape bobbing their heads in and out, much like a scene in the respective video clip, which they showed a chopped up version of as well. During another song, they climbed up on ropes in front of the large screens up to the top of them, then slowly hung from their feet for a while. As the song progressed, they started to move their heads and arms, and at one point, bent their knees, pulling their bodies up. An action that simply means their bodies would have to be pure muscle. Movement was a large part of the production. If you have never seen Maynard perform, it is quite a sight to behold. He does not pose and posture and grandstand as most singers do. He becomes the music, exploding, writhing, wriggling, crouching, stomping, and embracing every sound that emenates from his and his brothers' body, as they are totally and completely one. Three songs in the set featured guest appearances: an extra drummer for the instrumental jam, Triad, another by Hawkman, the rasta MC on Tricky's latest album, and another by Tricky himself. It was an interesting addition to the music to hear rapping over Tool's music, but I'm not quite sure it worked as well as it could have, especially Hawkman's addition. It was far too indiscipherable, as much Carribean speech is, and repetitive as all hell. He must have said the same two lines at least twenty times during the song. But Tricky's opening set was enjoyable. They did mostly newer, more rock sounding material with only a couple of the older trip-hop songs mixed in. Tricky himself was rather uninvolved for most of the set. Most of the vocal duties went to Hawkman, another MC, and a female chanteuse, with Tricky on only about half of the songs. And since he doesnt, or at least doesn't live, play any instruments, he just stood with his back to the audience against the drumset moving along to the music. So. Despite being assaulted by angry white boys, I was moved beyond comprehension. Next time I'll be sure to get a seat.

Review written by: shadow (shadow@spittingangels.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 00:25:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

first off, this review turned out a bit long so to avoid eyestrain, you may want to print it out. Since this was my first Tool show, I made my guitarist and his girlfriend spare me the details of the spectacle they had witnessed in San Antonio earlier this week, their only details being that the characters from the "Schism" video were going to be there but that they had only gotten to see the male counterpart in S.A. for some reason or another. Me and our drummer drove down from Austin, made it in plenty of time although I thought we were running late because I forgot to set my watch or the clock in my car for daylight savings time. It worked out for the best, we arrived in plenty of time to get seated, found out we had fairly good seats with a nice view of the stage which was only minimally obstructed at first by the weed leaf emblazoned backwards cap of the guy in front of me, which detracted slightly from Tricky's set. We waited around after we got through the gates and the double-security check, bought shirts...I got a long-sleeve because i forgot to bring a jacket and it was COLD. and since the only long sleeve shirt offered wasn't a particularly pleasing design to me, I bought another shirt. More money for Tool, heh. While waiting for the show to start, I lit up a cigarette and was promptly told by staff that smoking wasn't allowed in the seated area, even though it was open air. Still, I had respect and realized that these people are only doing thier jobs...don't shoot the messenger and I refrained from smoking in that area for the rest of the show. Forgoing nicotine is a small sacrifice to make for such a show as this. the lights dimmed and the stage was slowly in a strong, vivid purple --almost painful on the eyes-- as tricky led into their first song. Now, I didn't get into Tricky that much but it was not bad to hear and the bass was very powerful. But the members of Tricky appeared a bit lost on stage, Maybe they were distracted from the insults I read about in other reviews. They definitely had their moments but since i didn't know any of their lyrics or what the songs were about, I felt outside of their performance. Then they finished up and we went to get refreshments, smoke, etc. I ran into two people I knew when I lived in Houston and the tidings were well and maybe not mere coincidence if you believe that fates may be intertwined. One is now a promoter who was working the show and the other an underground female rap artist was wants to merge the hip-hop and rock styles, but not in the tired 7 string angry fratboy sense the is killing rock today. But two good connections and alliances for when our band starts playing shows in this area. But I digress...everyone wants to hear about Tool. We made our way back to our seats and the circle of eyes appeared on the video screens for what seemed like forever before the grudge kicked in. By this time the aforementioned weed hat was not an issue because everyone was standing up. I'm not going to bother trying to post a setlist because several people have done so already although I was disappointed the more ordered setlists neglected the lead-in tracks such as (-) ions, mantra and Eon Blue Apocalype, as if these fragments weren't worthy. Plus, I forgot to bring a pen to write anything down and realized by the time undertow kicked in that my time was better spent enjoying the show at present than to try and memorize the songs and their order for future reference. For most of the show, I was lost within the steady rhythms and visuals, high on music and nothing else. Parabol into Parabola was amazing, I braced myself as the transition came closer and closer. Pushit was interesting but was never one of my favorite songs off Ænima but I am pretty sure the version played was a shift between the album version and the one off Salival. As I saw Maynard strap on a guitar and heard the intro chords to "schism" ring out, I craned my neck to see "the creatures" who I know to be "Osseus Labrint" thanks to prior reviews and the internet. They walked out and around the stage a bit like in the video and one of them contorted their arms backwards above their head a bit as if their hands were small giraffe-like heads bewildered by their surroundings. Then they left and, not knowing what to expect further into the show, I was disappointed. then the whole Disposition/Reflection piece. I remember a member of Tricky coming out, I thought it was the man himself but others who bore witness here claim it to be another member of that entourage and I'll make the fragile assumption that they are correct. I have to say honestly that I was so caught up in the music at this point that I can recreate many details of that part of the performance. Then the music wound down to just Adam by himself playing the same haunting melody over and over. I was jarred out of my trance-like state not by the repetitious refrain but by some lowly Inconsiderate two rows ahead who appeared to be stoned out of his mind yelling at everyone in earshot to "go get drinks now cause this shit is going to go on for at least five minutes" I believe it was this same individual that was later asked by security to come down off of his chair, upon which he was standing, not only obstructing the view of those behind him but also flailing about wildly like an epileptic marionette. Anyways, I was worried at this point since everyone but Adam had disappeared, And then he finally left and it was quiet for a bit that that was the closing of the show. But Lo! upon the back wall were two familiar figures pulling themselves up by ropes, sitting crosslegged. Then Triad started and I instantly recognized the guest drummer when I noticed him as being from the previous Tricky set although I did not recall him playing drums then, I thought he was just singing. The song itself was completely transformed and the energy filling that venue at this point was overwhelming. The two "lovers" hanging upside down embraced only once, briefly and swung about, twisting and contorted in odd, surreal ways as the stage lights washed and flickered over their silver-hued bodies. Then on to "The Patient" which is my personal favorite off Lateralus. I had no idea how complex a song it was until I heard it live. Amazing. that's the only word I'll use because there are no words to describe how beautiful it was. Next up...hmm...opiate. I was shocked to hear this one but enjoyed it immensely. Tricky came out and performed and his addition fit rather well musically, I couldn't hear what he was aaying but I hope at least he did justice by saying something that fit within the context of the song instead of throwing random bullshit lines down that had no correlation to the song itself. Since I don't know, I can just pretend he did at least. And then Lateralis started. The intro always reminds me of Depeche Mode's "Never Let Me Down Again" for some reason. A very good song to end the evening with. At one pointed I looked around, possibly the only time I did through the entire concert and saw a sea of lighters. And the multitude of people that had drifted in. I was probably as disappointed as I imagined everyone else at the all too soon ending of the show. The rest of the evening was spent battling our way out of the venue and back to my car to face a 3 hour drive home on 290...A road I swear I hate because it's roughness and the noise created drowns out any musical accompaniment I choose to take with me on the drive. Now for my bitching, nothing to do with the performance itself... First. Upon getting to my car after, we sat in the parking lot for about ten minutes in reverse with my foot on the brake waiting to back out because everyone coming down our lane couldn't muster the charity of allowing a single car to back out in front of them. I counted at least 25 cars speed up to intentionally keep us from backing out in front of them before someone finally let us in. OK, If you are sitting at the end of a lane and see a car on the far end of the lane ahead waiting to back out and no one has let them go prior to you, have the heart and stop for them, don't just assume someone behind you will because they won't. I could've just darted out suddenly and risked an accident but I prefer to have respect to others and darting out wouldn't have allowed me the time necessary to ensure that fellow concert-goers weren't traversing by foot behind my car in an effort to get to their own. Have respect for others is basically what I'm stating and it carries on to more poignant things than just driving etiquette. Second, for all the bitching about security, I'm not sure most people realize that security has been heightened at most public venues since Sept 11th and when we arrived, which was just prior to the gates opening by about 20 minutes not many people were there and in line and we got in fairly quickly. The time is on the tickets and if you know or expect the show to be sold out or close to it, plan on arriving early if you want to ensure you get to see everything. Those security people are just doing their jobs. And finally, a shameless plug for our band, as mentioned previously. I think the length and breadth of this review has earned it and I give fair warning to those who do not want to be exposed to blatant self-promotion so they can stop reading. Our band is called *ahem*... spitting angels. we can be checked out at www.spittingangels.com in attendance with me at this concert was our drummer, marco. our quitarist, cebul attended the s.a. show and our bassist, josh, took in the dallas show. despite us all being huge tool fans, we sound nothing like them, that said, go check it out, we expect to begin playing the austin area and beyond starting in February. any questions or concerns about our music can be addressed on our messageboard at our site or emailed. yes, I realize this review was long, no, i don't particularly care what you think of me for it. thank you for reading this all, if you have. farewell, shadow

Review written by: fretdance (fretdance@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 01:06:28 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I was dissapointed. I'm really glad to see that everyone else had a great time and enjoyed themselves, that's what it is all about! However, here is why I felt let down. First of all, the crowd was terrible (and this varies from location to loaction in the venue). People were talking, loud and obnoxious, over the music such that I had trouble hearing from the lawn. The crowd seemed like it was half-assing the show. For what Tool has accomplished, I felt they deserved more respect than most people gave (again, this was just the section I was in). Perhaps the cold kept the energy low, but everyone just kind of stood around like they were watching TV. Second, the Pavillion is a bad choice for a venue. I saw Tool in Houston in 99 in the Arena Theatre and in 97 at the I-Ball. Tool's sound fits much better in a closed space - they are not an amphitheatre band. Because they are still, as it seemed to me, learning to play in a pavillion, Tool does not really know how to manipulate dynamics. They have a general idea, but it's not refined. They ended up sounding flat for songs that should have completely burned down woodlands. There were many, many good things about the show and I am delighted to see that people had a good time. Having said that, Tool did not carry the intensity that they had in their past two visits to Houston. I think they are still experimenting and adjusting to a pavillion/amphitheatre show. They were really good, yes, but they could have been great. The difference between good and great is quite small concerning music, but that little bit is what musicians aspire towards. That little difference is always under-estimated, and that's why there are so few great musicians around. So who am I, the savior of music? No- just a guy who knows what Tool is capable of, and maybe what they aspire towards. Last night, Tool didn't have it. Cheers, Fret

Review written by: SkullSkates (crankyoldtoolfan@opiate.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 03:17:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL The first time I saw TOOL they opened for Rollin's Band in 1992 at a shitty converted grocery store unairconditioned fucking dump of a club! I was completely blown away by "this little guy with a thin stringy green mohawk, an evil grip on the mic, and a HUGE voice", verbatim what I told my girlfriend(now wife) way back then. I got to see the "Opiate EP" material when they were first out touring it around the US pening for Rollins. They were unreal then, and unreal now! Rollins Band slightly upstaged them then, but aren't even in the same league now. TOOL is the greates band in the world (well Pink Floyd isn't touring)! The second time I saw them tour was at the Astro Arena for Aenema. That show was incredible! The stupid drunk frat boys and assorted morons booed the Melvins, and even threw shit at them. Buzz Ozzbourne was freaking ripping the guitar too. Stupid fucks should stay away from TOOL shows. The extended Timothy Leary psychedelic visuals and electronic/vocal/percussion jam session was beyond great. Truely ground breaking stuff. Aenema was the second best show I have ever seen, the first being Pink Floyd in '94 at the Nahlens Super Dome in VIP seats. Nobody still living puts on a better show than Floyd. And then tonight. Absolutely awesome show. I had a good center seat about 40 rows back, never get lawn tickets for the Woodlands Pavillion. Too many totally fucked up puking goony bastards up there! The music was as pure and violent and peaceful and blindingly furious and subdued as only TOOL can perform. The visuals and the contortionists climbing the ropes and thrashing about in midair were a wonderous spectacle as well. The only thing that would have been better would have been performing at a differenet venue. The Ampitheater has excellent sound, but 95% of the audience has to sit in seats with limited room to move around, much less try to dance and groove with the music, unless you have the luck and the cash for extremely limited pit tickets. Oh yeah, a friend gave me a ticket stub to get into the second row behind the pit for the last part of the show. DAMN I WISH I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GO TO MORE THAN ONE SHOW THIS TOUR. AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Now if I want to see another I have to get a freakin plane ticket, or drive to Cali.

Review written by: lo_bar (lo_bar@msn.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 10:13:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

An Event for all time ! The pavillion was awesome, the weather was a little chilly, but that added to the excitement. I had Covered Reserved seats row K(row 10) and it was almost information overload ! After awhile we settled in to the groove and left amazed. Maynard is such the gracious host; he welcomes you into his house and then shows around, different rooms and then different friends. Hawk from Tricky was amazing. He snuck up on us, we were not expecting to see him. Two hours was not enough !!!

Review written by: Casey Hunka (jacktrack_42@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 12:09:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was truly amazing. I was impressed with Tricky. I thought his sound was something new and different. The sound system at the Woodlands was great, very crisp and clean. It was great to hear Undertow at the show. The two people in the Schism video put on a good show. They were hanging upside down for atleast 10 to 15 minutes. Tricky came out to accompany Tool in Opiate, which was the best song of the night. Right before they played Lateralus, Maynard told the crowd to yell "yes" as loud as we could. He said it would bring positive vibes for the night and the future. After the show the band huddled together for a while and then threw out water bottles, playlists, and drum covers to the fans. All and all it was a great show. The only dissappointment to me was that you could never see maynards face. The light was never shown on him. Other then that, they rocked.

Review written by: Marc Falcon (marckyle_2000@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 18:36:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

Amazing show!! The set list, visuals, sound,and atmosphere were all perfect. I just wish I could have been closer. I went to the show in S.A., and this show was 10 times better!! Does TOOL not like S.A. or what? Anyway, thanks for an amazing evening guys. I can't wait until the next show!

Review written by: Aaron (dysfunctiond_14@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 18:58:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

On sunday i attended my first Tool concert. I expected an amazing show because Tool is one of my favorite bands. Unfortunately this was not the case. For about an hour of the show the entire band left the stage except Adam Jones who was droning three notes on his les paul while a bunch of stupid crap played on the screen behind him. then the skinny bald people from the schism vid came on stage and did some acrobatic shit. come on this isnt fuckin Cirque du solie. i came to see a rock concert. they played a few more pieces of crap from aenima and finally played a good song, Opiate. Then what really pissed me off was that they walked off stage without playing Sober, Aenima, Prison Sex, Eulogy, Hooker with a penis. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REST OF THE SET. after that show i lost most of my respect for tool and decided i would never attend one of their shows again. oh yeah maynard is a fuckin pussy and should come down from his little platform and sing up front like most singers do

Review written by: SunKing (SunKing@houston.rr.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 19:54:53 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

If you're interested - I've posted more pictures from the Houston show. http://bradbman.home.texas.net/TOOL.htm Enjoy!!

Review written by: Preston Ginn (elvis12@texas.net) Review posted on: 10/30/01 19:57:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Okay, let me think...WOW. Yes they outdid themselves. The previous show in New Orleans was an emotional release, and was shared with 60 or 70 thousand other people. But this show seemed much more personal. I missed Tricky's whole show because of a horrendous line. I got into the venue after TOOL were already on stage, waiting to play The Grudge. The setlist was posted already. Undertow was probably the best suprise I had had in a long time. The breakdown towards the end was spectacular. Maynard was dead on all night. He pulled off the yell in The Grudge perfectly, kept the length and all. He belted out the "to rape you" scream in Opiate with intensity I hadn't heard in any of their bootlegs, no joke. I have read many blind/ignorant/stupid people writing how Tricky came out during Reflection. NO, it was a guy named Hawk, who is in Tricky's band. The song that followed was Triad folks. It seems that you need to listen to Lateralus again or something. During Triad, Tricky's drummer, Perry, came out and did a jam along with TOOL. Maynard hit some notes on his guitar. Actually on Triad it was a bass. During Schism it's a guitar, but he doesn't play it at all on that song. The girl standing next to me wanted to hear Opiate so bad, and she went nuts when they hit the first notes of it. Before Lateralus, Maynard had us all say "Yes" and it was booming! Everyone screamed as loud as they could, and we made some great energy in there. In the first half of the song, the whole crowd was holding up lighters. I hadn't seen that kind of sheer numbers of lighters being held up before. This concert created so much positive energy in everyone there, it was beautiful. Danny is the GOD of all rock drummers, hands down. He was even crazier this show than the previous night. He makes it look so easy, too. Thank you TOOL for playing each night with the intensity and devotion you do. Keep doing what you want to do, this is why we love you guys so much!

Review written by: josh (new_flesh@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 19:58:12 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

this was my first tool show. it was the best concert i have ever attended. it was like a whole nother world.

Review written by: Chase Barrett (cbridges@austinc.edu) Review posted on: 10/30/01 20:23:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Let me begin by saying that I didn't expect to see Tool at all this year. I missed out on tickets for the Dallas show. Yet, thanks (a thousand thanks, indeed) to a wonderful girlfriend, I was blessed with tickets to the Houston show. Needless to say, I consider this girl a Goddess now. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised with Tricky. It's not normally the type of music I listen to, but thanks to the surreal mood of the night and the amazing artistry displayed by Tricky, I'll soon be the proud owner of a Tricky album or two. Now, on to Tool. What can I say? I was afraid that my experience would be ruined by reading a review or two of every show this tour before I went. Tool went above and beyond anything that anyone has written so far. Since the technical aspects of the show have pretty much been described in their entirety by previous reviewers, allow me to discuss my own personal climaxes of the show. I was in a seating area ("the lawn") in which one could see Maynard perfectly sillhouetted against the backdrop of the turbulent-psychedelia visual screen. Seeing him sway back and forth to Danny's opening tribal beats of "The Grudge" was almost enough to warrant a change of underwear. And the visuals themselves... bizarre, yet fitting. I was highly impressed with the way the visuals seemed synchronized with the songs: a hollow-eyed Adam Jones model whose eye sockets flashed gold along to the odd-time beats of "The Grudge"; two immersed bodies in the style of a Ramiro Rodriguez painting, embracing and then pulling away to the beat of "Undertow. I'm still overwhelmed, two days later. Seeing Danny Carey actually pull off some of the incredibly complex beats from the new album, the man is super-human. When the pre-"Reflection" beats began, right after a haunting performance of "Disposition," the cold weather seemed quite distant. Then Tricky came on and began repeating this urban- mantra flow to the "Reflection" intro. It fit surprisingly well. Perhaps my personal favorite part of the show was looking up at the waxing moon during the lyrics: "as full and bright as I am, this light is not my own." It was truly an experience that defies explanation. I couldn't have been more pleased to be at an outdoor venue during that song. I had high expectations coming into this show. They were surpassed. Thank you so much, Laura.

Review written by: Amanda (tiki@ev1.net) Review posted on: 10/30/01 20:33:36 ET

This was this reviewer's Tool show

My date and I got to the woodlands and after getting three different stories as to where the red lot was, FINALLY found our parking lot! We grabbed the shuttle to the pavillion and the line for VIP/box seat ticket holders. It was hidden, down kind of an alley sort of deal. We could see all the trucks used to haul in refreshments, merchandise and all the bands' stuff parked behind some gates. This sherrif kept walking up and down the line shining flash lights at people for some reason. I still don't know what the hell he was looking for. We got up to the security check and security wanted me to take most of the crap I had in my purse out (that's no easy feat..) and my date to take EVERYTHING out of his pockets. Ok, that's not that big of a deal, but when you wear a belt, and boots with buckles and steal toes you're going to make the metal detector go off. "we need to see the tops of your socks" Yeah.. I had on calf boots!! that isn't exactly possible. I can't imagine what the people with lawn seats had to go through. They should have just patted everyone down, I think it would have gone faster. By 7pm we were in and had purchased our memoriablia. We found our way to the box seats (I think they're like 15 rows back) and ordered drinks from the nice waitstaff that was serving until tool went on. I'm used to being on the lawn, so believe me, I was certainly spoiled. How are you supposed to get into the show if you can't really move around.. I didn't have that difficult of a time, but some of the folks around me did. I also saw quite a few people escorted away (they didn't come back either) for either smoking cigarettes or pot. Because the seats are covered there is no smoking. Tricky went on around 7:30. I really don't care tricky too much, but they did put on a decent show. They were full of energy. I looked back from my seat quite a few times and was simply amazed at the huge number of people present.. there was not a patch of grass to be seen. Jesus was also sitting behind me. He looked like he was having a simply transcendental experience (and he absolved me of my sins). The roadies came out and did a sound check. Tool came on around 8:45. They just walked out and started playing. They put on an ok show. It wasn't wonderful. I think that had a lot to do with the fans. Tool doesn't like Houston very much. Last time they were here the melvins were booed off the stage. I don't think they've forgiven us for it. I think that's where the bit about 'letting tricky into our hearts" came from during Maynard's group hug (which was the only time he really moved the entire night). He asked for some positive energy and for everyone to yell "yes" as loud as they could. And that was it.. I frankly expected more. The contoritionist were wonderful. They are truly talented individuals. I think their names were Hannah and Mark. They had to have been freezing, they were barely clothed, the only things covered were the simple bits used for copulation. The fans didn't really put very much effort into their applause when the show was over.. there was no encore (tool doesn't like encores...). Maynard looked like he was tired and would probably rather be sleeping. He wore something that looked kind of like a wet suit and had a black stripe painted in the middle of his head. There really wasn't very much anger going on at this show. There was a rant written by maynard about the use of anger as a creative tool. I think they've lost this for the most part. The show was pretty laid back, it could have been more energetic but I think a lot of people were bummed by the security and it was pretty cold for Houston. On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate this show a 6 or 7. It just didn't blow me away. I really expected more.

Review written by: Jerry Cruncher (undertow819@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 21:55:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Well, I had waited from 2 p.m. that afternoon to get into the concert. After sitting on hard concrete for 4 hours, Tricky was not exactly what I needed to see. I guess there music would be alright if you were into the trip hop scene, but I felt his music lacked any and all meaning. But finally TooL made it on stage. They opened with, (big surpirse), "The Grudge." Always a favrorite, but when I ran into that stadium, all I wanted to hear that night was "Flood." As Danny's kicks ended, too everyone's surprise, "Undertow" started up to the crowds delight. Of course "Stinkfist" was played and a nice addidtion was "Pushit" just to hear Maynard's beautiful voice. Now while I think Lateralus is a very good album, I was disappointed at the lack of older material. They did play "Opiate" which ended with a youngt man being handcuffed and arrested. This was my 1st show and I throughly enjoyed it, I just wish that they had played a few of their older songs. My night would have been complete with "Crawl Away," "Flood," and "Jerk-off." But "Parabola" and "Triad" were breathtaking nonethless. Bravo TooL.

Review written by: meg (glittergrl_meg@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/30/01 22:30:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Lessons Learned or How to Disenchant a Girl I hate to do this. Part of me wants to get a large amount of money. Enough to give it to Tool and them be happy and not tour anymore. Save people like me the time and trouble (not to mention 18$ service fees) This said I will continue. The Ride: I was in a Mini Van. It has a Curves for Women logo on it. It was full of people, I was glad to get out. We started at 2:30, got to the Woodlands about 4. After listening to Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere, and Sunny Day Real Estate, I am so ready. The Mall: The bathroom in Foley's is always very impressive, Nice and clean. I was hungry, but we were just peeing, as we had to hold down the fort in the front of the line. One of the girls I was with gave me some of her mini jawbreakers. They held me over. The Parking Lot: I hear sound check and want to run there. I'm excited. I get there and there is some guy doing tribal chants. As my breastbone pulsates and my heart feels like it's palpitating, my feet get antsy. Did I mention I'm excited? The line: It wasn't so bad. Well not terrible. We just hung around. At a little before 5:30 they started knocking around on stuff. At this point in time my brother goes "oh no where's my ticket?" After five minutes of my group of 9 searching through their pockets and jackets, myself hyperventilating, he took of his jacket and it fluttered to the ground. I was lucky enough to be up close. I was second in line on my side. So I had my pants rolled up like a dork, my purse contents in my hand, and I went through. The Gate: At this point I’ve gotten through security, who thought it was funny to make my cell phone beep, and the girl in front of me’s ticket is coming up invalid. Ok sucks to be her. Then my ticket scans. It was invalid as well. I terrrified. My heart is fluttering. I've been waiting for this day for who knows how long. After 5 minutes they decide to just rip the ends off. Running: I think, "Good Lawn seats must come!" "Gonna see Tool" Sitting: I got just left of Center in front of the concrete. Not bad for lawn. It was pretty close. I could see pretty well. Ok is the whole point of pre show music to make the music you’re about to listen to be awesome no matter what because the music pre show is soo bad? My hands began to freeze. I got a shirt, the one with the Tool logo with the purple with in concert on the back. And then I sat until my ass froze and was covered in brown and green. Tricky (who is no Fantomas): Um. How many people were on stage, Nine at one point? I actually grooved to them a bit. The female singer captivated me. She moved very well. I'm not sure that I would buy the Album, but I dealt. I actually didn't hear booing. More bad music, trip to bathroom, peeing with cold hands. And then they stand. And push forward. Yeah. This is what I’ve been waiting for. Days, weeks, months. I’m excited. Tool: I don’t know what song it is. It sounds funny. It is the beginning. It is the Grudge. Through the first three songs I am happy. The images are interesting. The music is solid. Then the boys next to me get more drunk. And they sing Stinkfist at the top of their lungs. And I can’t hear Maynard. I want to hear him. I want to see Danny better. Less shadow more light. It happens this way. There is too much. I can’t pay attention. I want to look at Maynard but then I can’t see clearly what going on behind him. And I have to look at the screens. Which really are just warped loops so once I’ve seen it twice I, in theory would have the capability to look away. But no. And I force myself to look at Danny to see if there is a third arm. And there is none, and then I am frustrated. This continues. Viciously. Although I did enjoy the star vaginas. So then the people come and they are doing their thing. Which is wagging. And they wag well. Don’t read the reviews. Stop reading this now. I did and I thought they danced. But they walked and wagged. Didn’t I see this before? This is a spectacular feat. I could not do it. But… The climbed to weird slurping noises. I was more distracted. And you can only watch so much synchronized wiggling. This was neat, however I would have rather seen it in a theater where all I was trying to watch was them. OK, so I am impressed that Tool can produce CD quality sound live. There are many bands that do not have this capability. But those bands are not Tool. There did not seem to be a whole lot of differentiation. And the tone of the voice, which in my opinion (only an opinion), is the embodiment of feeling was straight. Sure the words and notes were there… (damn I wish I wasn’t a voice major) but nothing else Why am I bitching? I made the mistake of reading the reviews. I did not heed the warning. And I came to the show expecting something more. And I feel taken for a ride. I feel like I have been taken hunting for Snipes. The show had to be so choreographed that there was little room for much. There was no warmth. There was little love. I felt no energy. These men may have played to their forte they have no reason to give us anything more than skill. But it was impersonal. This show was very visual. But I know not who came up with the images. From what depth they were founded. Do these images recess in their minds? And I cannot see them in my head right. So they did not stick with me. After a while the pounding felt in my xyphoid process was unsettling. The pictures just became annoying. So what lesson did Tool wish to teach me this night? Do not raise a person up on pedestals? But I really didn’t do that, I was just very impressed to the point of awe. (Right, How does someone sing contorted backward like that?) What was I supposed to take home from that? E-mail me I welcome it. Thoughts Right Now: I think this whole thing would have been a lot different if I had been closer. Been able to be more into it. Less distracted by huge screens. (shouldn’t a show be good on all levels to all people?) I feel that I could have gotten the same thing if not more by plugging in my CD. I did however verify that Danny is without a third arm. (at least from where I could see) Disappointment vs. Negativity: I really cannot explain that. I hope you can see the difference. It is not what I had expected. You can not please everyone. Tool did not lower in my view. I still will tell you I think they are the best band around. But I would not tout this experience as being a religious and deeply moving. To Each His Own, Meg

Review written by: Garrett (CREEP27188) Review posted on: 10/30/01 23:43:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Tool was awesome. It was my first tim to experience Tool, and I thoruougly enjoyed it. There was this weird electricity in the air hanging over the crowd, maybe it was just me. Who knows? There were three huge screens, and Maynard sang in front of one of them. He was a sillouette the whole show until the end of the show when the lights came on. Setlist: The Grudge , Stickfist, Undertow, Parabol, Parabola, Pushit, Schism, Mantra, Disposition, Reflection, The Patient, Opiate, Lateralus. My friend called her voicemail on her cell phone and recorded "Pushit". It was one looong messege. The music was awesome. The graphics filling the screen were beautiful yet hypnotic. The lighting was well done. The contortionists from the Schism video were there performing. They did some crazy stuff. They were interesting to watch. They bended in ways that I didn't know that the human body can bend. Cool stuff. Although Tool didn't play a couple of songs that I wanted to hear, it all was perfection. My money was not wasted.

Review written by: Robert (kotz@flash.net) Review posted on: 10/31/01 00:50:03 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This show was amazing. Me and 5 friends had seats 20 rows back on the left side. Our view was completely awesome. Due to the guards we got to our seats at about 8:25, so we missed Tricky completely, but were still there to see Tool take the stage. When the dude from Tricky sang on Reflection at first I was a little wary, but as I got into it more and more it grew on me, too bad we didn't see their performance beforehand. Maynard didn't talk much (as has been said) but that's cool, cause I was there for the music. The whole band seemed so into it all night long, and at one point I noticed my self just fading into the music and moving along with it without even realizing I was doing it. Shit, what a great show. Awesome Visuals, contortionists, amazing band, what more can you ask for? My faith as a Tool fan has been completely supported by this show. Now that I know their ability in live performances, I realize that they truly are the greatest band around.