| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
 |
|
10/25/2002
|
Review written by: Spoonman (Gravy_Trader@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/25/02 23:26:57 ETThis was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I just got back this was my first show and it was great i cant believe that Tool came to umass
Review written by: Nick (nrk10@pitt.edu) Review posted on: 10/25/02 23:56:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
setlist: sober grudge stinkfist h parabol/a aenima schism intermission mantra reflection triad lateralus order might not be right, i got most of the songs right though... first time on open floor, a couple dick heads who didnt appreciate tool were just jumping around and acting like morons. one was being a real prick to this girl i was standing next to. but all in all a good show(wish they played 46&2)... flew in from pittsburgh on thursday and will be seeing the show in lowell, anyone have comments or wants to talk about the concert email me messages... sprial out
Review written by: L. (l,etc@stuff) Review posted on: 10/26/02 00:22:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 5 Tool show
Meshuggah was excellent. I had read some of the Slayer, Pantera, etc. comparisons, but Meshuggah is more like if the members of those bands had advanced degrees in math. You just have to like that kind of music though. . . Of course Tool was Tool. I'm looking forward to Augusta tomorrow. L.
Review written by: Jenna (Tijuanna1324@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 01:08:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
For a third time posting a review, TOOL_is_the_shit. After the Boston concert I went to this summer, I thought "Too bad they won't come to Amherst. Who the hell knows about Amherst?" Meshuggah - Well they weren't the worst opening group I've seen. The lead singer was hard-core and the head banging was great. Their stuff was a little too repetitive for my taste. Tool - As always, another amazing show. I just wish that we could have been a better audience. It was upsetting to look up and see people SITTING in their chairs while Tool was playing. The audience makes a huge differenece - like the ASSHOLE that was standing next to me and wouldn't fucking put his arm down so I could breath. **Thanks to everyone around me who helped throw him out - you all kick ass.** For a while, my focus was on that situation and not on Tool - this made me kindof pissed. That guy was trying to ruin my night by screaming in my face, but it didn't work. I saw Tool. The only thing that could have ruined my night would be NOT seeing Tool. The setlist was similar to my last concert's, but I didn't mind. The show was amazing and unbelievable. The show was TOOL. And to Maynard, Danny, Justin, and Adam - Thank you. ~Jenna
Review written by: Chris (ibanez144@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 02:16:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The setlist above is correct, so I'm not going to post it again. Meshuggah was a pretty good opener, even though their style doesn't mix well with the music of Tool. They still managed to put on a damn good show despite the fact that not too many people seemed that interested in hearing their stuff (I was one of those people at first, but by the end of the set I was getting into it). Then came Tool. There was a definite energy in the air before they took the stage, and the place erupted when they finally came out. I was pretty disappointed about not getting to hear Cold & Ugly or Third Eye (one of my favorites), but H. came damn close to making up for it. MJK really let loose on that one, good job guys. Overall, the show was standard Tool fare- that is, a mind-blowing, soul-cleansing, life-changing experience that leaves a feeling unmatched by anything else in the world. High points were H., Aenima, Maynard nailing every high note and scream to perfection, and Danny's insane playing in Triad. The only parts of the show that sucked were the dumbasses trying to mosh to every single song, and the absence of third eye (and 4 degrees... i still pray to hear that played live). Great show, can't wait for the next one.
Review written by: Road Soda #3 (mihido@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 02:21:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
This night ruled. After pounding some calamari at Pasta y Basta, Jay and I met up with Shwag and Nips at the ABC. Being graduates of UMass, we decided it was our duty to retell stories of mass snowball fights and a drunken, dishelved Red who made moonshine in his dorm. Then it was off to Tool. The Mullins Center has only two entrances, one for the floor, and one for the seats (us). The line just to get in was way too fucking long, but Nips saw some Irish guy who let us cut in front of him, and it was on. Quick Note: UMass has tons of hot chicks. You'd think there would be hot chicks galore, especially at a concert (New Haven had the hottest metal chicks). Nope. Most of the girls looked like they were 12 and on heroin. The rest were Northampton crunchies. It was slim pickins. We got in just as Meshuggah was on their 2nd or 3rd song. It's funny, because most of the crowd tried to get in before Meshuggah came on, but again, the line in was way too fucking long. My take on Meshuggah is "progressive Pantera." The drummer was good, and the three hair-thrashers played some pretty mean strings. Two guitarists and one bass threw out intenese metal riffs in unusual time and structure; you don't see that often in similar metal bands, save Fantomas. I was enjoying the songs, but I couldn't really tell the difference between each one because of the singer. He was the only bald guy in the band, and he did nothing but scream and growl into the mic while doing puppet-style moves. Unlike Patton, he had no vocal range. But I'll have to check out the CD and see what that's all about. Meshuggah left, and I had time to check out the crowd. We were seated to the stage's right, second row from the floor and about 40 yards from the stage. Excellent view. I was expecting a rowdy UMass crowd, probably some douche-frat boys from Delta Chi. But nope, everyone was pretty positive and their own person... well, except for the two douche-lickers who painted their faces. Try to do a better job next time, ass-lickers!! We also spotted some cameras (for a DVD?). Tiny ones, set up on the stage and the floor. The loud pre-show soundscape kicks in, and about 1 minute later, the lights go out. Tool takes the stage. At this point, I light the jibba, take only a few puffs (I want to enjoy this straight), and pass the b to Shwag. I take my stance, and let the sound envelop me. Setlist: Soundscape intro - Sober - tight, fun, to the point. The visuals were a good time. I love singing this one. - The Grudge - super-tight, with Maynard giving a huge scream. I think he botched a vocal part, but that might have been the sound system. Great performance from everyone (during Justin's D,D#,D,D towards the end of the song, this super-crazy wah kicked in). - Stinkfist (with extendo jam) - one of my favorites of the night. No matter how many times I see it, the Stinfist jam amazes me. Pompeii-style Floyd influences for sure. Did anyone notice Danny play the CD's drum-intro during the end of the jam? I got a chill when that happened. I would like to say to all the "fans" who complain about the set-list. Try to enjoy the stuff that's NOT on the CD! Damn anti-jam heathens. - H - I was hoping for 46 & 2 (my favorite bass riff to play), but H is always great to hear. The fuzz sounded good, the timing was tight as hell, and Maynard was incredible. By this time, he's enjoying the crowd. - Timothy Leary brainwashing tease - a video of the Prince of the LSD using a super yellow digitize effect thing-a-ma- jig. Made me wish for Third Eye, but I knew it was a tease. Pretty cool. I didn't see this in New Haven. - Schism - How can people think of this as a sell-out song? I think it's one of the most complex, beautiful songs out there. The intro was amazing. I don't think anybody knew it was Schism, save myself and those who know the song well. Justin and Adam then did the hammer on duet, paused, then played the opening chords. Justin then busted out the opening bass line, and it was a go. Tighest I've ever heard this song. During the slow part, there was a bit of an extension. Very nice. At this point, Maynard takes off his leather suit, and sports the black leather undies. His face is painted with three, thin stripes down the front of this face (wasn't it solid during the summer tour?). He was in good spirits tonight, and was always dancing. - Parabol/Parabola - super tight. At first, the opening guitar riff of Parabola blew out my ears, and I heard nothing but pure rage. But once the opening solo kicked in, I heard everything much clearer. Everyone was singing for this one. No matter how many times I hear it, this song will always have a special place in my heart. Lyrically and emotionally, it's pure beauty. Aenima - I'm glad they played this. I saw Opiate the last two times, so I got psyched when I heard "Heh-Heh-Heh- Heh." Great version of this. Tool was tight as hell, and the Mullin's Center Arena sang this one. The final lines of lyrics were very emotional. Intermission - Faceplant implant guy. - Disposition/Reflection/Triad - Words cannot describe. All I have to say is, you must see this live (the Meshuggah drummer/Danny combo made me piss my pants). - Lateralus - Maynard spinning around, Justin riffing and whammying, Danny poudning away, and Adam moving and playing to Maynard, bopping his head from time to time. This is always a great closer, but this time around, I saw the band play off of pure positive energy. Great performance of this one. Over all, this show was up there. They were tight, positive (huge standing ovation, making a nice group hug more enjoyable), loud, and into their music. I can't find a better live band. Well, I'm about to crash now, but a few more notes and words of thought. Maynard is one of the best vocalists ever. Singing night after night, screaming The Grudge every time, He takes a beating. I'm in awe with the guy. Spiritually positive and inspiring. Thanks Maynard. Adam throws out the best sustains. Such a splendid sound to hear. Thanks Adam. Justin is pretty cool for a British guy. Will always be my sensei for the bass. Thanks Justin. Danny. Neil Pert on speed. Thanks Danny. Umass gave me a BA and a lifetime of experience. They also gave me Tool. Thanks UMass, and fellow UMassians. Amherst smells like cow shit. Thanks Amherst. Thanks to Shwag who got us the tickets, thanks to Nips who plays guitar for Road Sodas, and thanks to Jay for loving Tool and being a brother. And most of all, thanks to Tool for reconnecting me, enlightening me, and inspiring me. "We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion."
Review written by: Scott C. (ThatMonopolyGuy@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 02:51:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
wow... amazing show. this is my fourth show and i'd have to say it was the best yet, everything was just incredible. heres the setlist. Sober The Grudge (-) ions Stinkfist H. Schism Parabol/Parabola Aenema Intermission (same visuals as last leg of the tour) Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus Sound- The sound was amazing at this show. Maynards vocals were loud and clear for the most part (occasionally being drowned out by the other instruments, but they cant help that). Dannys drumming sounded amazing,, as always. Justin really seemed to be getting into his music tonight, swaying back and forth more then I'd seen him do before. Adams guitar sounded really good too, very clear and easy to make out. Visuals- I didnt pay as much attention to the visuals tonight, although for the most part they were pretty much the same from what i saw. Show- Damn good show. Early in the show, Maynard said "Amherst" and waited fora reply from the crowd... then he said "not acceptbale.. Amherst" once again the crowd cheered even louder. Then he said "Lets try this again, Amherst" and the feedback from the crowd grew even louder. The Timothty Leory quote was played, and Maynard did a little think for yourself speech, emphasizing the question authority part. Then near the end he did the speech about "remembering this feeling" and "turning it into somthing possitive". The highpint of the show for me was Triad. It sounded better then the other two times i'd heard/seen it. Overall, this show was just...fucking amazing. Alright, well, im looking forward to seeing the Augusta show tommorow! TOOL!!!!
Review written by: Master Reviewer (na) Review posted on: 10/26/02 04:15:38 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.
Review written by: nick (nixisme@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 04:58:21 ET
This was this reviewer's 2 Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlisI HAVE JUST SEEN TOOL LIVE FOR THE SECOND TIME HERE IS THE OUT OF THIS WORLD SETLIST. THIRD EYE THE GRUDGE HOOKER EULOGY SCHISIM JIMMY INTERMISSON LATERALUS TICKS AND LEECHES PARABOLA DISPOSISTION REFLECTION
Review written by: brent (brent@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 08:45:28 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
right.... you're an idiot. heh. tool owns. awesome show.
Review written by: Tool Rocks My World (smfaattisu@toolrulz.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 10:02:00 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
So, this is what a $180 hotel room will get you -- the ability to post a review while on the road. I am assuming that someone has already posted the setlist, so I won't (even though I managed to snag an actual setlist from the sound techs...). Let me just say that if you haven't seen Tool in Amherst you haven't seen Tool! Best show!! The crowd was into it, the band was into it, and it was the most amazing experience! The setlist was awesome, with a nice little "Third Eye" teaser in there (the Leary into that went into ....Aenema maybe?). They opened with Sober and played Stinkfist, H., and Aenema as well as the other standard stuff from Lateralus. This is first time that I personally have seen Maynard get down to his skivvies, and it is true what they say. Take an already incredible concert and supercharge it with a barely clothed and manaical lead singer and you end up with a kick ass concert experience. Totally kicked the experience up several degrees. I have never seen the band so crazy and alive before! Wow, is all I have to say. Wow. Thank's for rocking my world so hard. See you tonight in Augusta. -- Kette
Review written by: Matt (mmf144@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 11:12:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show
Tool looked very tired last night. Take a break, boys. Watching from the side of the stage was symbolic for me, because I felt like I was watching from the sidelines of my formerly intense fandom for the band. They were indeed less than the sum of their parts last night, but hey, they've been touring like crazed lunatics, so I can't blame them. I never thought I would leave halfway through the last song to make it out of the parking lot easily, but I did just that. Maybe it's because I just saw them a few weeks ago, I don't know. Even if they had played Third Eye, I would still be saying the same thing. Something just wasn't there last night, and I never thought that could happen with these guys. But it did. I hope the mystique comes back next time around. By the way, why are you fuckers reading this and not listening to the new Fire Theft mp3?
Review written by: Tanya (NineInchTool@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 11:21:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This was my first Tool show and I must say it was amazing. Opening up with 'Sober' was excellent. And they played H.! Tool definately knows how to put on a show. The way that Maynard moved when he sang was hypnotic. And watching Danny Carey drumming was just breath taking. His arms moved in almost a robotic way. Adam Jones wowed me with this hands and the way they moved across his guitar. Justin Chancellor puts a lot of movement with his bass playing which just gets you. Maynard's voice live is just so great, and watching them all just makes you just wowed, there are no real words. The artwork at the show was incredible. Watching them definately gives you inspiration. There has to be something in there music. All I have to say is that Tool is the greatest band and they sure as hell know how to put on a show. I can't wait to see them again. *Tanya*
Review written by: DJ (dylan_white@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 12:27:43 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Wow. I had never seen Tool before, and believe me last night wasn't the last. They were everything I had expected and then some, (my friend and I would have liked Third Eye though). The lights, artwork, atmosphere, everything was incredible. Danny's drumming put me in a trance, and Maynard's voice amazed me. The highlight of the show was Aenima for me, that and Lateralus gave me chills. All I can say is I hope for Tool to come back to Amherst as soon as they can!
Review written by: Clarissa (thoughtless_intentions@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 12:42:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, last night's concert was absolutely stunning. It was the first concert I've ever been to, and it blew me away completely. After a two hour drive from medford to amherst was turned into a four and a half hour trip into hell thanks to traffic, my friend and I finally arrived around 8 o'clock. We completely missed Meshuggah, but that's all right. I came for Tool. The line to get in was insanely long, so of course I was even happier to have floor tickets. My friend and I squeezed into the already packed area, asking extremely tall people if we could stand infront of them due to our shortness (we really are quite short, my friend more so than me). After a little while of moving foward, we finally got to a place about 25 feet from the stage. Beautiful. The concert stunned me. Maynard was... Maynard. It blew my mind inside out. The crowd however, I could have done without. Fights broke out during the middle of Parabola and Aenima and I couldn't have been more pissed off. We were right on the edge of the fights and kept getting shoved and pushed and I couldn't focus on two of my favorite songs. Please people, calm the fuck down. If you need to fight so bad, please, get away from me. Also, when Maynard said "Keep this moment with you, keep this feeling with you." I was so innerly touched... then I heard about twenty people around me... "WHAT FEELING?!"... hm... Tool is the best. Maynard is my god. -clarissa-
Review written by: Heather (hjb2429@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 12:42:55 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd? Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. Best TOOL show yet...the guys were so fucking tight and Maynard's voice was crystal-clear and strong...Regardless of the idiotic UMASS frat-mosh crowd & the ridiculous parking situation, an incredible TOOL performance once again! Bummed that we did'nt get Cold & Ugly or Third Eye, but I was so happy to hear H. & Aenema. someone should tell Maynard that the "h" in Amherst is silent (at least to those of us from around here)... TOOL Tix...$100 Sweatshirt....$60 Getting to see TOOL play a great show 15 min. from your home...PRICELESS....
Review written by: Ihteu2439 (Ihteu2439@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 13:51:50 ET
This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show
I just spent a good amount of time posting my though on the Tool Army page, and im not gonna do the same here. Im just gonn tell you that Meshuggah was fuckin amazing. They sonded way better then they did in Erie, and they looked a bit more enthousiastic. The set list was the same but who cares it was insane anyway. Sane Sickning Nebulus Rational Gaze NMCC Soul Burn Closed Eye Visuals Future Breed Machine(sonded insane tonigt) I Cant wait for them to do there own tour Ill be the with a fukin bell on. As for Tool All was good. Like last time Triad was the highlight. I you cant hear a better version then the one they do with Meshuggah. They just add so much to it/sound wise. I love the purpl lighting at the beging of disposition. Looked amazing. I dont know it was all amazing/it always is. Ill see you all on the Next tour...whenever that may be. And remeber.....There is no such thing as the past....whats done is gonna stay done. dont get bent because one show isnt as good(so you think) as one you saw 1 night ago/one month ago/one year etc.... Live in the now, Love every min. of it, go home happy. The past dosnt matter. Its all about today. Try not to waste your time in the past.
Review written by: Justin (Jdurg@myeastern.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 14:38:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
This was the first concert I have EVER gone to, and it definitely won't be the last. Waiting this long to go see Tool made it even better than I could have anticipated. My seats were to the left of the stage basically at the bottom of the upper section. I could see the entire band the whole time, as well as all of the visuals. Having never gone to a concert before, let alone a Tool concert, I really didn't know what to expect. What I discovered is that Tool is the most amazing band out there today. Maynard was incredible with the vocals tonight, and his scream during The Grudge just shows how powerful that man's lungs are and how into his music he gets. The drum "duel" during Triad just blew me away. I had always known that Danny Carey was a great drummer, but that song just completely solidified that belief. Justin and Adam were really in a trance-like state while playing, which was perfect because it fit the mood of the songs and they never messed up once that I can recall. Maynard was really into pretty much everything. The Grudge, Aenima, H., and Lateralus really stood out as songs that Maynard was into full force which really caused the crowd to get into it as well. They opened with Sober, and when I heard that intro being played live, a chill went down my spine. Sober is the song that got me into Tool, and hearing it live is an experience I will never forget. Maynard appeard to change the lyrics around very slightly, and didn't seem fully into it. However, it was still great and understandable seeing as how it was the first song and you have to hold back a little bit to make it through the whole set. I'm not sure if my eyes were deceiving me, but in the beginning of Sober, Maynard was in the far back left corner of the arena just standing in the shadows. All you could see was the outline of his body, and that was a great touch to the song. (Then again, it could have been someone else, but from the reaction of the crowd over there, I think it was Maynard.) Since my mind is still wandering about trying to handle all the stimulation last night, I'll just cut to the end right here. Lateralus last night was the best that I have ever heard the song. The sound levels were perfect, the band was holding nothing back on the instrumentals, and Maynard was going crazy with the song. The crowd was completely into every word and note that was being said/played, and the energy flowing from the stage was more than I could have ever imagined. Upon completion of Lateralus, the crowd just gave them a massive ovation and cheered and clapped incessantly. The band then went around and clapped for the audience, had huge smiles on their faces, and were giving thumbs up and appreciation to us (the crowd), believe it or not, for our support of them. That made the night absolutely perfect. This was my first Tool concert and will NOT be my last.
Review written by: matt (mjcg@prodigy.net) Review posted on: 10/26/02 14:58:10 ET
This was a decent show even if the setlist almost exactly the same as it was for Boston. The only difference was the absence of The Patient and 46 & 2 and the addition of 'h'. Maynard was on the same side of the stage that we were sitting so we got to see him most of the night which was cool even though he didn't interact with the crowd most of the night. We noticed some changes in the visuals since the Boston show. Setlist Sober The Grudge (-)ions Stinkfist (ext. but without extra lyrics) h Schism (ext. also had a long intro) *timothy leary salival sample on video *maynard strips down to speedos Parabol Parabola Aenema intermission Disposition Reflection Triad (with some members of Meshuggah) Lateralus Maynards comments: After The Grudge- "Amherst.......unacceptable..Amherst....... third time's the charm..Amherst" After Parabola- "Thank you very much for your support." After Triad- "Thanks Meshuggah.......Thank you for sharing this experience with us. We hope we were a source of inspiration for you. We hope you listened to Timothy Leary's speech earlier on. Remember it is especially important in times like these to think for yourself and question authority. With emphasis on question authority. I want you to take this feeling you have right now and in the coming weeks, months and years use it to create something positive. Thank you very much...(after a short jam)...See you on the other side." Meshuggah was pretty good from what I saw but because of the long lines to get in we missed the first half of their set. Shout-outs to Julian and Brandon. The ride home was an adventure
Review written by: Reviewer (yep@yap.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 15:02:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Awesome show! They played a new version of "Lateralus". It lasted 2 hours! Thanks so much!
Review written by: Matt (slayer_taunu@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 15:54:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
Tool played well, but the show was waaaaaay to similar to the last time we saw them. i dont mind that the stage was the same, but i just wish they tossed up the play list a bit more. the show started off the same, but when they played "H." for the 4th song, i got really thinking that there was gonna be a lot more different stuff. then after they did Schism (with Maynard on guitar), they started playing the Leary "Think for yourself" quote, and the crowd went wild because we all thought they were gonna play Third Eye, but alas, they did not... we'd be had! that was probably the biggest let down of the night. Aenima was the only other change up of the night from the last time I saw them in Boston. and now that i'm looking at the play list from the last time they played Boston, they played one less song than they did that time. they finished up the night with Disposition/Reflection/Triad (/w maynard on guitar again) and then Lateralus. D/R/T was interesting to see the first time i saw them on this tour, but now that this is the 3rd time this tour, i feel as though the 30 minutes they spend on that could be allocated better elsewhere. Also, Maynard didnt really make any Maynardisms, as some people like to put it... he only made a comment regarding the Leary quote at the end before the last song. For a moment I thought this was going to be where they were going to do Third Eye, but they finished up the night with Lateralus. If this was your first time seeing Tool on this tour, it was a great show, but if you'd seen them the last two times they came around, then you might have been a little dissapointed with the lack of variety in the setlist. Here is the exact setlist: Sober The Grudge (-) Ions Stinkfist (extended version) H. Schism Parabol/Parabola Aenema (intermission) Disposition/Reflection/Triad Lateralus
Review written by: Sean (Grifan2440@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 16:24:05 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Tool was awesome as always. That’s how I find myself describing each show I go to now. I never expect anything less than an amazing musical performance when I see Tool, and they never disappoint me. My experience was completely enjoyable. My friends and I got outside the Mullins Center at about 7:15 and stood in line for about 10 minutes before we realized there was a separate line for people with floor tickets. We zipped through that. This was my first time being on the floor at a Tool concert. I was PUMPED!!! Meshuggah came onstage right around 7:30. I, for one, don’t appreciate that kind of hard, industrial, scream-your-lungs-out, break-stuff metal, but I know there are people who do, and some of them were definitely there on the floor to mosh to Meshuggah. To me (and I know I sound like a grandmother here), the screaming and the driving bass just sounded like noise. However, to their credit, there was some melody to their songs, even if it was very repetitive, and the singer was very energetic onstage, reminding me of Dave Draiman with some of his mannerisms, and they were definitely better than Fantomas or Tomahawk from the previous Tool tours. (Anything is better than they are – a guy playing spoons would have been more enjoyable to my ears than their stupid sounds.) Now let’s get to the meat of the concert – TOOL KICKED ASS. The setlist was tight and very similar to that of the previous tour. They played H., which I was ecstatic to hear live for the first time; it sounded as incredible as I had imagined. I was also hoping to hear Third Eye, because they had played it at the last 3 concerts on the tour. They even played the Timothy Leary intro to it (“Think for yourself… Question Authority…”), but that was a transition into Parabol. I heard Aenima again, which, along with Stinkfist (the extended version – my favorite Tool song) was the most raucous song of the night. Triad is definitely the most incredible song that they play live. It’s a site to see all four members of Tool and two members from the warm-up band just JAMMING on this song. At one point, the drummer from Meshuggah broke his drumstick and threw it out to the crowd. Every time I hear/see it live, that song impresses me more than any other; it just sounds so much more incredible live when compared with the album version (which is awesome as well). And they ended with Lateralus, as expected. It was a fantastic finisher to a fantastic concert. As for my less specific impressions of the concert, the sound was GREAT. As I said before, I was on the floor for the first time at a Tool concert. At one point I was about 10 feet away from the speaker. It was a LOUD show. The next time I get on the floor I am definitely wearing earplugs. Everything sounded crisp and clear, especially Maynard. His voice sounded great, better than at past concerts. I loved being so close to the band. It was all the more enjoyable because I could see the ever-stoic expression on Adam’s face, the swinging of Justin’s curly mop, Danny’s blood-red face during especially energetic numbers like Triad and The Grudge, and even each of Maynard’s singular vertebrae on his spinal cord tattoo, along with his black face paint down the center of his face which stretched up to his usual mowhawk. Maynard was his usual self. He wore a black leather suit that he eventually took off in order to strip down to black underwear. He made his usual plea that the audience “…take this experience home with you, and, in the coming weeks, in the coming months, in the coming years, do something positive with it.” I didn’t focus on the exterior visuals this concert as much because I was so close to the stage that I became entranced with the band’s movements and behaviors. The video screens, from what I saw, were very similar to those of the last tour, with a different, occult video for every song. They added to the music with light reflectors floating down from above during Disposition, static electric lines above the stage during (-) Ions, and screens of the different levels of dissection of the human during Reflection (I think?). After Lateralus ended, the band joined in a group hug, gave their thanks to the audience and left. What proceeded was a soft techno recording with a voice- over of some mechanical voice repeating: “Get the fuck out… Leave… Exit now…” That made me chuckle. The crowd was a typical Tool crowd I thought. The floor swayed and attempted to mosh during Stinkfist and a little during heavy moments of H. and Aenima and The Grudge. Mostly though, people just stood and vibed to the music. And there were some token individuals, such as myself, who were singing along with every word of every song. All in all, it was a fantastic concert. I will be listening and waiting for my next chance to see them!!! P.S. – Danny Carey is a GENIUS.
Review written by: Melissa Emery (dertyberd@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 16:38:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
Words cannot express any tool concert, well worth the 4 hour drive. TooL had me hooked from the first time I saw them on the Lallapallooza tour back in the early 90's. It has been a true gift to watch this band evolve to what they have become and I look forward to what ever they throw at us in the future. Think for yourself...............Question Authority!!!
Review written by: chewy (chewy@apatheticexistence.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 17:35:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The Setlist: Merkaba-esque Sober Intro Sober The Grudge Stinkfist (Extended) H. Schism Intro Schism (Extended) Timothy Leary Speech Parabol Parabola Ænema -Intermission- Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus It was this show that I finally realized that words simply cannot describe the experience of a Tool show. As soon as they opened up with the trail end of Merkaba, what's known as the Sober Intro, I forgot everything else about my life and just listened and connected to the music. You know it must be powerful when you can tune out all of the idiots around you that know nothing about the band or their art. I ffelt like it was just me and the music and that was it. So they wrapped up Sober and went right into The Grudge, one of the most powerful live songs imagineable. After that Maynard adressed the crowd. "Amherst." The crowd responded fairly quietly. He then said quickly, "Unacceptable. Amherst." To which the crowd responded a little more loudly. He then said, "Thid time's a charm. Amherst." The crowd then responded quit loudly. That was one of the very few times he spoke during the whole set. They then went right into Stinkfist, an amazing song live. I love more than anything when they get to the part that, on the album, the lyrics are "I'll keep digging until I feel something," and all the people there don't know what they're doing and scream out the lyrics, not knowing that the band doesn't play that version live anymore. After that, they played one of my all-time favorite Tool songs, H. This was the first time I had seen it live and it is amazing. The power that is emitted when Maynard sings "And as the walls come down, and as I look in your eyes, my fear begins to fade, recalling all of the times I have died, and will die. It's alright" and then waited for a small extension and then screamed "I don't mind." It was simply amazing. They then went into the new Schism intro, which was very good. Obviously Schism followed this. What an amazing song that is. It is just a masterpiece. The Timothy Leary speech came on and told us to think for ourselves, a novel idea. Having read reviews of earlier shows, I imagined that Third Eye was not going to follow. Sure enough Parabol was next. As Maynard squatted on his platform, hardly any other sound being emitted, it really emphasized what an incredibly talented vocalist he is. His voice is absolutely amazing. Parabol flowed into Parabola. This song has such an incredibly postive outlook on things and it is just incredibly inspiring. It just puts an incredible feeling in my body when I watched the guys perform this song. We really are eternal and when at this show it is an incredible reminder that all this pain really is an illusion. The guys went into Ænema after this song, which is great live, obviously. After that they went off the stage for a bit and the bass noise was used as the intermission. When they came back on they went into Disposition, which is a song that I personally am very close to, so it was just an incredible experience. Reflection followed, which needs to description. A few of the guys from Meshuggah came out and helped out on Triad, which was really great. After this song, Maynard reminded us that in times like these, it is more important than ever to really think for yourself and to question authority, as we heard Dr. Leary say earlier. He then gave his "do something positive" speech in which he told us to take home all of the feelings we had tonight and, over the coming weeks, months, and years, do something positive with them. The guys all huddled around Danny's drumset and started the intro into Lateralus, during which Maynard said, "See you on the other side." This song is just incredible. Once again, words simply cannot describe it. You just have to experience it. The song wrapped up and the guys came up to the front of the stage and stood their for quite some time waving to their fans. It was just an incredible moment. They joined together for the group hug and went back to waving to the crowd. They made their way off the stage and everybody was left with and incredible experience and the chance to go out and do something positive. What a night. What a show. What a band. Ride the spiral to the end, you may just go where no one's been... -chewy
Review written by: antaydos (mrushfor@zoo.uvm.edu) Review posted on: 10/26/02 17:49:00 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I went to the August 24th show in Providence, and man was that great. I'd been reading reviews of recent conerts before tonight's, including more songs from Undertow and even Opiate. Hell, some shows even listed 46&2. So I was hoping that I'd get to hear some different songs this time around. Guess what. IDENTICAL setlist to the show in Providence. That was very frustrating. I mean, I still LOVED the show (how could I not?) but I really wish that when a band plays the same area twice, they make sure that the concert-goers will hear different playlists each time. This mesuahagagahaha a crap fucking sucked. What the hell was that? When you can't discern a single note in a song and every one of them sounds exactly the same, you know you suck. And they REALLY sucked. Oh wow, they can play fast! Big fucking deal. No musical talent at all. Anyone can pracitce enough to play fast, but it takes natural talent like that of Tool to write GOOD songs. The same goes for Tomahawk when they opened during the summer. Why are these incredibly shitty bands being tagged on to Tool shows? Fuck that noise. Immediately after the concert let out, I saw a bunch of police officers racing into the arena. Then leaving the parking lot, more cruisers showed up. Anyone know what this was about? Big fight or something? Would've been cool to see.
Review written by: Patrick (pats7314@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 17:55:49 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
After seeing Tool 5 times including 4 times this year, the only conclusion i can draw is that their music is the most powerful form of art imaginable. Going to a Tool show is not a concert, its an experience. Being a Umass student, it was literally a dream come true that tool played in Amherst on this tour. Anyway to the show, when the band finally took the stage they seemed to play a longer intro then they did on the last tour so i wasnt sure exactly what song to expect. I was hoping to hear something different but when they kicked into sober it didnt even matter. That song is so powerful live it gives me chills and almost brought me to tears. Next was the grudge which is always excellent, high lighted by Maynard's long bellow. Then came stinkfist which really got the crowd going and loudly singing along. Maynard sang the portuguese lyrics this time. H is always a show stopper. Theres something about that song that makes it stand out even among tool songs. After schism, Maynard left the stage to disrobe and the timothy leary, "third eye teaser" was played but the song did not follow (god i hope they play it in lowell). Next was a flawless version of parabol(a). The last song before the intermission was aenema. This song gets better live each time. After the break was Dispostion/Reflection/Triad. I will never understand why some people mosh to reflection, but it doesnt really bother me like it does some people. I cant stand still while witnessing tool but i am never compelled to do that. Finally was Lateralus, argueably the greatest live song in the history of music. It was performed spectacularly by the guys as it always is. As the song ended there was deffining applause from the crowd, by far the loudest i have ever heard that building. A few other notes, Maynard did not have much to say tonight, he said hello, thank you, and did the question authority and positivity speech before lateralus. Also, i think the band may have decided to play mostly singles because they know people in this part of the state are not very bright. It may sound stupid to some, but seeing tool in person can truly impact a person and even change their outlook on life. I have already had one friend tell me, after seeing them for the first time, now i know why you like them so much. I dont know if the guys in this band know how much their music effects people and i will probably never get the chance to tell them, but thank you tool for the music, the experience, and the feeling. Hope to see everyone in Lowell on monday. Spiral Out...
Review written by: Joe Hawkeye (joerz83@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 19:16:38 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
What a show, I was 2 people from the front barrier on the floor and it was quite an experience. Not much moshing, which was good, the crowd surges were expected. Did anyone else notice that Danny was wearing a clown's halloween mask during either the fourth or fifth song??? Maybe I was too messed up and it was just the shadows but other people around me noticed the same thing. Oh yeah, the kid wearing the pantera shirt should stab himself, who goes to get sodas and popcorn during a tool show????? What a loser. To all those people that got me high, THANKS. To all those people i stepped on or hit by accident, you probably deserved it, learn to swim. TOOL, thanks for the mind fucking, I needed it.
Review written by: Mike (ctx151@Hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 19:26:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Setlist (the right one): 1) Sober (W/ extended intro) 2) The Grudge 3) Stinkfist 4) H. 5) Schism (W/ extended intro) 6) Parabol - 7) Parabola 8) Ænema -INTERMISSION- 9) Disposition- 10)Reflection- 11)Triad 12)Lateralus The show was fucking amazing! It was way more than I ever EVER expected. The crowd lost it when maynard did the intro to ænema (including me). The set was a lot different from the ones I saw in pictures. The videos they played where great! the crowd lost it when Maynard did the "Amherst" thing. Justin was wicked into the music, doing the foot stomp and everything. he was a movin and a shakin. It was great! At the end the band started throwing their water bottles into the crowd. Danny was throwing a disc like objects into the crowd. Adam even throw his setlist in.There are so other many great things going on that I don't want to ruin it for when you go (AND YOU WILL GO). The only problem is that any other bands concert that I go to will pretty crapy in comparison. My dad said "Where to you go from here?". TOOL is the guaranteed greatest band ever. Ever. EVER!
Review written by: Zoe (angelbelle7@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 19:35:20 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said already... This was only my second Tool show, sadly. But there will be others, provided I live long enough to see them Tour again. My first concert was also on this tour; August 18 in Providence, RI. The show last night was a much better experience than the first one, because the crowd was a lot better, not as full of posers as the last one. I was THE FIRST person into the arena, because I had gotten to the Mullins Center at noon and doors opened at 7:30... Classes are so much less important than Tool. I managed to stay at the fence throughout the whole show, but I lost my ribs and the ability to bend my left knee. Such a small price to pay for seeing Tool... Meshuggah sucked ass... The songs all sounded the same and what the hell was the singer doing with his head? But Tool... Tool was... TOOL. I don't know how to describe my experience. There are no words for my feelings. Just TOOL. Tool is all that matters... I have to say though, I'm still rather disappointed that I didn't get hit by Tool's tour bus after the show. That would be such an excellent way to die. Spiral out. Zoe.
Review written by: Ashlee (ash19lee@AOL.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 19:47:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
The show was so great. It was 10 times better than anything I could have imagined. They did such a great job on H. Lateralus was proably my favorite though. The lighting, the sound, everything except for some of the crowd was amazing. I was proably the youngest one there but I still made it to the front row for a few songs until someone decided to crush me and almost break my arm,I couldn't breath. Oh well...I shouldn't be complaining this was one of the greatest experiances of my life. Thank you Tool!
Review written by: Agent Cooyon (CullCull247@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 20:58:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Great Show.... I wasn't exactly happy with the class of people there though. I mean I just wasn't prepared to see so much white trash, and rednecks pushing everyone on the floor I was in the the very front and chose to move back cause of of those smelly dirt balls that don't use deodorant. Hey and fuck all you geeks Moshing, you are the worst. First of all, the band hates it and Most everyone else there with a brain hates it too. I did enjoy throttling a couple of fags that bumped into me...Enough negativity though obviosly it was insane they are my Favorite band Monday at the Tsongus arena is going to be sick too I hope MA gets it share of Third Eye though I was all excited when I heard Tim leary intro but they didn't play it but whatever it was still incredible and hopes are very high for the Lowell show. An Iq test should be given and a minimum score should be required to get tickets after seeing all those Shit heads last night. Even adam looked disappointed with those assholes at one point.
Review written by: Silversunset (silversunset_01@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 22:49:02 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Dear god. I was amazingly blown away by the concert. Yes, it was my first, but i was right up there with all the other die- hard TOOL fans singing along. It's alright that noone noticed i was half out of it most of the time...for some reason listneing to TOOL does that to me - that's why i can't listen to it in the car. My boyfriend got me hooked on them and now it's his fault, but that's alright. I especially loved the screens that they had, and the one for STINKFIST was my favorite. And the EYEFISH are the best thing in the world to look at - i only wished they had used them more, but i guess they don't want to overdo it. the only downside to the night, was my bf and i almost got crushed to death in the front by all the idiots who had to squeeze into the front 3 feet of the floor. Get over it:) we got up, and moved back so that we could enjoy maynard from a safe distance without loosing any of his half-naked screaming. I can't wait for the next concert i go to, unfortunatly i don't know when or where it will be. I went away from the concert with a bigger love for TOOL and all i can say is come visit us again!
Review written by: Julian (TOOLdannycarey@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 22:51:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show
This show was great, but too similar to the one we saw at the FleetCenter. I thought Maynard was a lot more serious, but it's all good. Danny, however, continues and will remain being my biggest inspiration. I've been an extremely die- hard fan since I first heard and saw them, but next time around, we'll hopefully hear less off Lateralus. Actually, I was getting the feeling that maybe they would play Commando, just out of nowhere when we least suspect it. I prefer this show in a few ways compared to the Boston when it comes to sound. Both Tool and Meshuggah sounded GREAT! Thanks to no acoustics.
Review written by: Julian (TOOLdannycarey@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/26/02 22:52:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show
This show was great, but too similar to the one we saw at the FleetCenter. I thought Maynard was a lot more serious, but it's all good. Danny, however, continues and will remain being my biggest inspiration. I've been an extremely die- hard fan since I first heard and saw them, but next time around, we'll hopefully hear less off Lateralus. Actually, I was getting the feeling that maybe they would play Commando, just out of nowhere when we least suspect it. I prefer this show in a few ways compared to the Boston when it comes to sound. Both Tool and Meshuggah sounded GREAT! Thanks to no acoustics. Adam and Justin played very well, as usual. So I guess this show was pretty good. A shout-out to Matt and Brandon- sonofabitch!
Review written by: Devo H (keshger@attbi.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 00:15:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
IF YOU WERE AT THIS SHOW, YOU DO NOT WANT TO PASS ON THIS, PLEASE READ, I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED: AS ANYONE WHO WAS STANDING IN LINE FOR THE THE GENERAL ADMISSION/FLOOR SEATING SECTION WILL REMEMBER, I WAS THE ASS WHO SLIPPED DOWN THE HILL TRYING TO GET TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE(you gotta admit, I did a fairly decent job of catching myself though, as not to look like a complete and total fool!) First of all, I'd like to clear everyone's minds that, no, I was not cutting all of you. I was really there since around 1PM and I had just left my party for just a minute(unfotunately for me, it just so happened to be the EXACT minute when they started to let people in!) So if anyone did think I cut them, please be assured that I did not, I put a long and honest day's work into making sure I would get front row dead center. AND OH YEAH, FOR ALL OF YOU THAT DID LAUGH AT ME FOR FALLING, LET ME REPEAT THAT AGAIN JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT A SECOND AGO---I DID GET FRONT ROW, DEAD CENTER. Anyway, onto my brief summary of the show. Out of the 7 times I've seen them over the years, 5 were front row, and all 5 times the sound of the vocals SUCKED. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the sound for the enitre show did not suck, but I guess it's just something about being so close to the speakers and all that that makes it sound like that(especially on Grudge for some reason, barely heard any lyrics AT ALL). Oh well, I suppose a lot of people would trade worse sounding vocals for front row so I'm not gonna bitch. The crowd seemed pretty decent from what I could tell, no disrespect towards Meshuggah which was pretty decent of folks(not to mention that it makes Tool much happier to come out). Not that I like, or even have heard of them, but you gotta respect any artist for even being up there performing. As for Tool themselves, the band as a whole were pretty well into it tonight. I'm not gonna even try to describe the whole visual-combined-with-musical-combined-with-emotial-combined-with-everything else experience that they give us each and every time. Simply put:NO WORDS CAN.Period. I do have to admit I am one of the ones who enjoyed much more when they changed the set list every night(waaaay back when), but, again, I'm not gonna bitch cause I am just happy to see/hear them play ANY of their music. Bottom line is this: At this point, you know they are gonna play the same setlist night in and night out(with the exception of 2 or 3 songs), so if you don't want to hear it, then just don't go I guess. Is there any other way to put it? In closing, I just want to say hi to the blonde girl who was to the right of me on the railing(you talked with my girlfriend who was to my left). In a situation where you have to be stuck next to someone for like 3 hours all sweaty, hot, nasty and gross, you made it more than bareable. Thank you. And also, thank you to the kid behind me right at the end of the concert who stuck up with me against that fuck-ass security guard. YUP, THAT WAS ALSO ME- THE KID THAT ALMOST GOT INTO A BRAWL WITH THE ASSWIPE OF A SECURITY GUARD RIGHT IN FRONT PF THE STAGE DIRECTLY AFTER THE BAND WALKED OFF. AND IF BY SOME ODD CHANCE THAT NEANDERTHAL OF A GUARD IS READING THIS(if he even can read): FUCK YOU AND YOURS. TRYING TO STEAL A SOUVENIER FROM A 17-YEAR OLD GIRL? JUST BECAUSE SHE WAS WRESTLING OVER A DRUM STICK THROWN INTO THE CROWD? THATS WHAT PEOPLE DO AT CONCERTS! WAKE UP, YOU WHITE TRASH OVER-THE-HILL PROBABLY-3-TIMES-DIVORSED LOSER. SOMEONE OFFERS YOU A POSITION WITH A TINY BIT OF AUTHORITY OVER YOUNG KIDS, OF COURSE YOU JUMP ON IT. CAUSE YOU'VE PROBABLY HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL EVER ANYTHING ELSE IN YOUR LIFE, SO YOU TRY TO PLAY GOD TO A 17-YEAR OLD GIRL AND RUIN HER NIGHT. NICE LIFE BUDDY. SOME PEOPLE ARE SO FAR BEHIND IN THE RACE THAT THEY ACTUALLY THINK THEY'RE WINNING. ANY OTHER PLACE, ANY OTHER TIME, YOU WOULD HAVE WISHED THAT YOU JUST IGNORED THE SITUATION FROM THE VERY START AND WALKED AWAY. YOU BEST PRAY AND HOPE YOU NEVER CROSS MY PATH AGAIN. OH, DID I MENTION: I HOPE YOU MOTHER DIES OF CANCER OF THE CLITORIS, AND YOUR CHILDREN GET RAPED BY ADEBISI. YOU FUCKIN IGNORAMUS. Sorry for the rant folks, but this certain individual almost ruined my and several other people's long awaited good time by trying to play god and be the "alpha-male", if you know what I mean. I thank you for taking the time to read this, I know it wasn't all about the show, but i'm sure it cleared up a lot of things you may have saw happening at certain points of the evening. Feel free to drop me an email, either about the show or whatever. Or especially if you are that fuck of a so called secturity guard. My door is alays open, ans I'll make sure to lay out the red carpet for you. PS-I would feel it very unfair if I did not mention that THE REST OF THE CONCERT SECURITY WERE ACTUALLY ALL VERY GOOD, just this one fuckin guy though...goddamit!
Review written by: Powerlines (bgvt8@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 12:28:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Alrighty, tonight was a real good experience except for the morons mpshing but what can you expect from Zoomass. Maynard didnt seem into at the beggining but once i saw him doin his maynard dance he seemed to be in good spirits. Like everyone else i was hoping for third eye but fuck the rest of the show was good enough for me not too bitch about it. Hoping Lowell with be just as good if not better, i figure lowell doesnt have frat kids moshing to REFLECTION, what the hell is that how can you do that fuck them. BRAINIAC
Review written by: Mike (balls@nutsack.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 14:50:31 ET
This was this reviewer's 3d Tool show
Kind of a late review, so I won't post the setlist. Saw them at the Fleetcenter in Boston in August...kinda the same show. They played "H" this time, which friggin rocked. Everything else just kicked ass. I was up front, not that bad a crowd. Mostly college kids getting stoned...some jocks being pricks as well. Pretty damn good though. Almost caught Maynard's water, but missed. Highlights were... H...kickass Reflection...some assholes were moshing to it? Triad...eek ...ahh...pretty much everything. Seeing them again Monday...hopefully they play the Cold and Ugly/Third Eye setlist. I'll be happy either way! Kick ass...thanks for coming to Mass again.
Review written by: Chris (sljmp2@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 21:43:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
I love you TOOL. Maynard, don't ever stop dancing.
Review written by: Dave Tardif (davetardif@budweiser.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 22:43:43 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
Well, the set list seems pretty accurate, i wasn't sure what to expect after the timothy leary bit, I thought possibly third eye or Opiate, but they instead came out with parabol, which fit just perfect. When i realized that all the seats weren't GA, i was wicked pissed because our seats were behind the stage and just about as high up as you could get, so we moved down to some really good seats on the guitar side and about 20-30 rows up, excellent quality sound. Anyway, it just so happens that the person(s) we were sitting next to had never seen tool but had an old college friend by the name of Alex grey, we talked for quite some time about tool and music in general, well after meshuggah went offstage (the drummer kicks ass by the way..) everyone took their seats.. and everyone who had "taken" seats were sent to their original seats... except us... the 4 seats taken by us remained unoccupied by the original ticketholders for the remainder of the show.. which KICKED ASS! Maynard was full of energy tonight, and the others fed off his energy..this was the 4th time i've seen tool, and i'm going again monday in amhearst... this one was the best sounding show.. it wasn't the longest, but the sound quality surpassed that of the Fleetcenter, The verizon wireless arena, and the Tweeter Center... THANK YOU ADAM, DANNY, JUSTIN, MAYNARD...
Review written by: John (toolrocks@tool.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 22:55:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
i've seen tool 3 other times before this but this is the first time i was on the floor. i somehow made my way all the way to the front by like the 2nd song and i stayed there the rest of the show. this was definitly the greatest show I have ever seen. the mullins center is such a tiny venue, im so surprised they played at it. i can't wait till tomorrow to see them for the 5th time in Lowell!
Review written by: c.n. (igotnobellybuton@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/27/02 23:27:18 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Thank you Tool for the memories. The energy was great in the pit area. People weren't going around hitting eachother, and I for one thought it was interesting to see those few dozen people get lost in the music and send themselves into exhaustion for Tool. I found myself eyes closed floating my way through the group several times. THe video of the creature doing Tai Chi was tight. Thank you Tool. P.O.M.E.
Review written by: Mark Toolin (reliqua@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/28/02 10:04:33 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
I would like to start by thanking the musicians. Their efforts made for a wonderful evening. It's great to see people making music together, and enjoying each other's company so much at the same time. A lot of people may complain that they play nearly all of the same tunes in every city. However, the same people might complain as well if they did just the opposite. Just try to look at the situation as, they're doing their thing, to what purpose we're not sure. All in all, just try to enjoy yourself in their presence and worry less about being so analytical. On a different note.. one thing that always makes me laugh at their concerts is watching nearly everyone get thrown off during the extension of Stinkfist. Everyone should go to their local flea market and pick up an old bootleg with that song on it (circa 1998). One will realize that they've been playing that version for well over four years at least. Every time I've seen them, it never fails. Everyone gets really energized and begins screaming the misplaced lyrics, "I'll! Keep! Diggg..... oops." ::scratch their heads:: Anyhow, that's all for now. Let's hope they'll come around again soon. Take care now. p.s Hopefully we'll see that tabs up again soon.
Review written by: Tool Rocks My World (toolbootlegtrader@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 10/28/02 20:17:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show
***If anyone has a recording of this show, please e-mail me! This concert was worth the 8 hour drive and was the best of the tour that I saw!**** toolbootlegtrader@yahoo.com
Review written by: Fuckin Liar (IWish@FuckinA.com) Review posted on: 10/29/02 00:10:32 ET
This was this reviewer's 69th Tool show
Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maynard came on stage with a fuckin pumpkin on his head!!!! Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sweat Intolerance Prison Sex Pushit H Third Eye Aenima Swamp Song -Intermission- No Quarter Eulogy Cold & Ugly Jerk-Off Opiate Ticks & Leeches Disposition-Reflection-Triad Lateralus And Then He Actually Encored!!!!!!!!! Maynard's Dick!!!! He wasnt a trick and we gots our treat!!!!
Review written by: siokaos (chris@siokaos.org) Review posted on: 10/29/02 16:45:32 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
The show in Amherst, MA, my hometown, will forever serve my memory as a pivotal point for many things. I held up my fingers to tool, in appreciation. Here's a list: -being in the front-row-center section -my friend who lost his floor ticket getting onto the floor -my little sister seeing the show last-minute -running around the mullins (so as to have circumnavigated the greatest band in 'rock' history) -not getting my ass-kicked in my the asshole who was trampling my friend (Mr Cockmaster, was what we called him on the floor) -the exact same setlist as my last show -the mere fact that tool came to my hometown; These are ALL insignifigant side-effects of the magic that has spawned from that which is me, in alignment with tool as a whole. I mean, I could think of them as amazing..... In Providence, I felt deeply effected by Maynard James Keenan; and a mutual sense of connection with Adam Jones (as if he were to cast his music directly into the nosebleed-section where my physical body stood) However, in Amherst, I had the opportunity to be physically closer to the band. I looked Danny Carey in the eye, holding my hand out to reach, and he nodded straight at me, as if to say 'yes, that's right' in a sad, loving way. I also looked at Justin, who couldn't help from looking at me (even with his hair in the way), and I grinned; which was returned. No, they didn't play third eye; I didn't get to meet them; and everything in my life was not healed by the performance. I felt connected, and assured of my own capacity. They've left me with that; and that's all I willl ever need from tool.
Review written by: someone (someone@somewhere.com) Review posted on: 10/29/02 20:45:00 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
ok, i'm from albany and this is my 3rd time seeing them. i saw them in albany for the fall 2001 tour, thought it was awesome, had floor seats and was upfront too. then, in the summer i saw them in syracuse, the next closest place to albany. i didn't get as lucky there, and got seats, but who cares, it's tool. then, i saw them in amherst...i found out about tix too late and this was the closest show to my house that wasn't on sale yet. so anyway, after finding a hotel in the middle of nowhere and leaving to see the show, we got stuck in traffic for a good hour and a half on 91 north. what the fuck was that? we left to get there before 730 and there was traffic right up til 9! it was insane. and all you people who thought u were cool driving in the shoulder, i just wish there was a cop waiting for all of you at the exit, dumbasses...what really shocked me is when i saw a tractor trailer in the shoulder...damn cutters. anyway, we mised messhugah, and got there right when tool started. it was good, we had to stand in the back because of all you people who cant drive, but it was the same exact show as from syracuse! same setlist everything...there were very very minor differences...i still enjoyed it, but my b/f who went w/me expected it to be somewhat different, or at least the videos which changed from the albany tour to syracuse. it's a different "set" tour, why was it all the same? regardless, i know i probably won't be able to see them again for a long time, but i wish something was different. half the people there didn't even know who were tool were probably, just went there to get high and drunk, b/c thats all i smelled. people were sitting down during some of the best songs, and didn't even know anything not off lateralus. damn radioheads. then, when i got into the moment, people looked at me funny b/c i actually was appreciating tools music. going to amherst was cool, because i admit there were probably a lot of people there who had never seen tool before because of where their hometown is, but its bad b/c all the losers how have nothing to do have to show up and ruin everyones time. didnt anyone notice how he turned his back for the first few songs b/c he was disappointed by the audience? he said amherst 3 times and the third time there was a mild cheer. i have to admit thought, the venue size was ideal and the sound was great. all in all, a great show, i just dont think colleges are as great as an idea, and i wish on different tours the stuff would change even a little. and whats with not even playing hooker...ever? (and if you say it never changes, on the albany tour nothing was played off of opiate or undertow, but now things are)...spiral out, keep going..... setlist: sober the grudge stinkfist h. schism parabol parabola aenima break dispostion reflection triad lateralus
Review written by: satisfied gurl (smkngorang@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 10/30/02 14:17:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
this was my first show, and i want to say that tool does not dissappoint....worth every penny it cost me to get there from PA. It was everything I wanted and more. The show was amazing, almost shed a tear or two in sheer happiness just to be able to be there *sniff, sniff* THANK YOU.....it was fucking amazing.
Review written by: Mike (mikec311@aol.com) Review posted on: 10/30/02 22:06:06 ET
I attended both the Amhearst and Lowell shows in MA. TOOL is very unique in the fact that the songs, lyrics and messages actually stimulate thought about your surroundings. The thought process contiunues after the lights come on and the days pass. I do not think that I am qualified to "review" the events that I was a part of. I can say that if you have not expierienced TOOL live, then you need to turn the computer off and head out to a show. I beleive that I gain each and evry time I see them perform. OUTSTANDING is the one word I will use to describe TOOL and these past performances...... See you on the next tour and thank you for sharing with us. Mike.
Review written by: Johnnytuba (Johnnytuba@aol.com) Review posted on: 11/05/02 10:05:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Tool, just the best music that this world has to offer. This show was outstanding, and better than last years show at the Pepsi arena. Is it possible for Tool to out do themselves...I think so. Didn't catch Meshuggah...However it was kind of nice to drive 2 hours, and then 15 minutes after you arrive, Tool starts playing.........