concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
11/03/2002



Review written by: patrick (patricktrout@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 11/03/02 23:21:35 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

set list from roanoke va. nov 3rd cold and ugly (a dream come true for me) the grudge ions stinkfist h. schism parabol parabola 'think for yourself, question authority' speech opiate (i'm not lying) intermisson (mind numbing feedback and blue lights) disposition reflection triad (with meshug) 'positivity' speech lateralus hands down the best of the four shows i've seen cool things i remember: have been praying for 'cold and ugly' - prayers answered stinkfist and h. back to back a rain of glitter during disposition no violence in the pit (that i could see) OPIATE OPIATE OPIATE!!!!!!!!!! almost all the graphics differed from the show i recently saw in richmond dr leary's spoken words during 'opiate' danny playing drums like a freight train bunches and bunches of writhing crowd surfers during 'triad' maynard had a big black rectangle painted on his face and head tool 'live' in my home town- who could ask for more?

Review written by: Brad Z (pharcyded@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/03/02 23:29:09 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

Two Words.....Tight Ass! I am amazed at how much Tool was actually into the show. I seen them at Radio City in NYC a couple months ago and this was almost as good of show....nah..maybe not as good but pretty damn good. Messugah (correct spelling?) was not bad. They kind of left a Pantera taste in my mouth but still was tight. Maynard informed us to "take your televisions and throw it in the fireplace, write some poetry, and masturbate.?.?.......... ". I didnt catch the last part of what he was saying.. maybe something about masturbating ourselves into oblivion...i dont know... i would ramble on about what songs they played but im sure someone else will do that. Well, I hope to see the Tool Army back around this way again sometime. I like not having to travel hours to see them, Peace FooDaddy

Review written by: pat (patricktrout@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/03/02 23:42:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

maynard said, "masturbate until only air comes out"

Review written by: ToolTalyDorky (Tooltalydorky@earthlink.net) Review posted on: 11/04/02 00:28:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

HOLY HELL AND HIGH WATERS! THIS WAS MY FIRST CONCERT EVER... AND IT WAS TOOL. SO, WOW! To start off with, I was so happy with all the songs played. I think the arrangement rocked! (tho i can't remember the orders, but they're posted already). There were only a few problems. I was hoarse before the show started heh. The mosh pit, it was cool until I, unvoluntarily, got elbowed in my spinal cord *ya basterds (purposly misspelled)* . Then, the weed. It's like, Tool, ya basterds, ya don't put on crazy images when the entire crowd is high! SO much of a second hand buzz man! Surrounded by the tokers. But, I think it kind of enhanced the show! I was feeling the music more than I ever have. Then, there was this guy (wonder if you're reading). He was to my right in perhaps the middle-center of the floor. It felt like.. we connected through the music... but we never spoke a word. We would end up moving at the same pace and with the same force. We'd occasionally meet eyes, but that was it. I just... felt connected to him and I am pretty sure he felt it too. Then, the damn basterd mosh pit people separated us. I was okay with it, zoning in and out of consciousness into melodical oblivion. Well, we'd still catch eye and do the same connecting motions and such, at least I think. Then, the show was over and he was gone. No name, and not a word spoken... It was so odd, but really cool. That's all from me... except KICK ASS SHOW!!! I would have paid like $300 to see em! I loved the set!!:o) Maynard, you weren't all sexy man-woman tho! I now can't say I know you have cuter undies than me, YAY!

Review written by: Waka Jawaka (flashback8@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 00:31:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Hello. I'll let others provide more extensive reviews. I just want to say that the setlist provided in the first review seems to be correct. I haven't heard "Opiate" in awhile but I'm pretty sure that's what they played, along with the Timothy Leary sample. I would've preferred "Third Eye" myself, but hey, I'm not complaining. Meshuggah...uggh. Fantomas and Tomahawk were fine but Meshuggah just doesn't work for me at all. The sound was also horrible and made me feel like I had holes instead of ears. Bleech. At least they kind of made up for it when two of the guys jammed on "Triad." Overall, I'd say the show was pretty good. Not as good as Baltimore and maybe a bit better than D.C. I was surprised to see the guys put out so much energy when they're so close (in theory) to their final show on the tour. I would've given up a long time ago but the boys keep pressing on. Remarkable. Okay, I'm off to bed. Don't forget to burn your TV, write some poetry, and masturbate until only air is left. ;-)

Review written by: Brad A. (twelve_3_74@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 00:51:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

tool put on a phenomenal show tonight. in my opinion it only had one drawback - the sound. for some reason there was a thick wall of distortion throughout the civic center, and maynards voice at times was unaudible. that of course was not the bands fault. they played with great energy and passion nonetheless. from an artistic and visual standpoint, the atmosphere was outstanding. i hope they release a new album and tour this way again soon - but you can't rush great art and music.

Review written by: king of trash (saintlyblifil@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 01:14:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Fantastic. This was my second Tool show--the first was earlier this summer, at the infamously violent show in Fort Myers. I took a lot of hard hits that time and ended up with a mild concussion, and so my first experience was somewhat wrecked. The boys certainly redeemed themselves tonight. From the opening riff of Cold & Ugly through the absolute insane jam on Triad and then Lateralus...stupendous. New screens, new lighting--I was on the floor about 40 feet back from the stage, and I couldn't think of a better spot. Danny was a wild man tonight, Maynard actually showed off his face (painted with a black stripe down the middle) quite a bit tonight, which was a welcome change from the standard back-to-the-crowd. All in all, the band seemed really on tonight, meshing with each other exceptionally well. Even on Triad, with the drummers from Meshuggah out and joining up, everything was a sort of beautiful contained chaos. The highlight of the night was, without a doubt, Opiate. Maynard did the "question authority" speech, and we all thought we were getting Third Eye. The first note off the guitar sunk our spirits...until we all realized what the second note was. Absolutely stunning--the jam went on for about 10, 12 minutes, with the videoscreen footage of Timothy Leary speaking interspersed into the middle. I'll go out on a limb and say that the performance of Opiate was the single best song I've seen performed live out of any show I've been too--the timing was perfect, the song was perfect, and the mood was perfect. Bravo, gentlemen, to a show well done and full of many superb surprises. This time around, I was not disappointed in the least.

Review written by: TOOL FAN (clpharaoh@aol.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 01:52:25 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

ROANOKE KICKED ASS!!!!!!!!! MESHUGGAH was great despite what most people are saying about them. Setlist not in this order but really close: Cold and Ugly The Grudge Stinkfist H ions schism parabol/a opiate ------------- intermission ------------- d/r/t lateralus i think one more but cannot remember right now to damn late...... THANK YOU TOOL FOR KICKING ROANOKE VA'S ASS TONIGHT THE SHOW WAS GREAT!!!!!!!

Review written by: rupa (drainedqi@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 02:06:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

ahhhhhhh seeing my favorite band for the first time. setlist: cold and ugly the grudge stinkfist H mantra schism parabol parabola opiate!!! --intermission-- disposition reflection triad lateralis meshuggah was good stuff...the sound didn't seem that great but their singer's voice is unbelievable. new millenium cyanide christ and soulburn were fantastic. the singer jens made a bunch of references to his nipples. those crazy swedes! tool...since it was my first time seeing them, the visuals were all new to me so i was pretty fixated on them, didn't watch the band much..but with maynard next to danny, he obviously wasn't meant to be the focus...they basically focused on their music and let the songs and images do the work. from where i was, it seemed like the crowd wasn't moving at all except for a few crowdsurfers...strange.i was so surprised that they didn't play A SINGLE THING off undertow...but opening with cold and ugly and playing opiate were pretty unexpected and wonderful. the visuals were amazing, as were the big banners of alex grey paintings. (by the way..that big star of david-esque symbol on the backdrop of the stage...does anyone know its significance?) maynard didn't speak much, but some of the things he did say were lovely ('follow your bliss') and some were rather odd : p the seque into opiate was fantastic - think for yourself, question authority...never thought i'd hear them play that song. triad was gorgeous, with the guys from meshuggah helping out..definitely one of the highpoints of the night. and lateralis of course...i was still hoping they'd play some more at that point, but lateralis is just the perfect closing song. an mind-blowing show, i hope people weren't bothered too much by the lack of undertow songs and appreciated it nonetheless.

Review written by: just anotehr fan (no) Review posted on: 11/04/02 02:20:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Well the show was good. They did their usual excellent job. Some new animations i had not seen before, some confetti from the ceiling, and some new stuff ect. Was pleased to hear them open with cold and ugly. I'm sure a lot of newer tool fans liked the fact that 90% of the show was the lasteralus album. I would have preferred some older stuff. But even so, when the displayed the tapestries of the stages on man and the animation for the tree of life, there were ppl moshing and so forth. Which made me realize how many people don't really understand the music, or just want to get crazy. And thats cool too i guess. Overall, was a good show, thought they were going to play 3rd eye when they did the timothy leary stuff, but opiate was good instead. Maynard had a few comical lines. So recap, lotsa good music, old and new fans mixing, 90% lateralus, nothing out of the ordinary for a recent tool show.

Review written by: James Richardson (MaliciousMisery@Hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 03:02:02 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

The setlists posted are correct, or at least close to it. Highlights of the night were definetely Opiate and D/T/R. Lots of positive energy, FUCKING BEAUTIFUL STAGE, very well done. They played incredibly, it was just a lot of fun.. I wish Maynard had spoken more though. At least he was funny. Meshuggah? Meh. They were alright. I really got into Rational Gaze but that's it. I'm really not sure what else to say.. Tool just leaves you feeling.. good. So very good. Go see them. Oh, a word of wisdom to those who think you can wait by the buses for Tool.. You're gonna be waiting there for a while.

Review written by: Josh (ilovetheglands@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 03:24:55 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

gosh...where to start.. This is my second time seeing tool so i knew what to expect. I saw them last october when the lateralus tour first got underway and they had first started fantomas was opening for them then.. Tonight killed that show. the backdrops by alex grey are nothing but pure eye candy, simply amazing work. The falling glitter and floating atam balls on parabola was unexpected and new. loads of the visuals awere new too....this show was so awesome.. its only at a tool show that i can put myself in the state of mind where i feel weightless and free for that one moment..i think my favorite song of the night was opiate with the "think for yourself" speach. i just felt so connected to everything during that song.. i really dont know what more to say. the setlists are right and im sure people will have more comments to come, im still in awwe i dont know what to say. thanks danny, adam, justin, and maynard for the best experience thus far in my life. and thank you to meshuggah---> not my style but very talented and traid......you guys fucking rocked it out on traid..thanks alot for enhancing my experience untill next time. thank you tool..

Review written by: Josh (ilovetheglands@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 03:32:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

sorry i forgot im just so super tired from this show. if anyone has ANY i mean ANY pictures or ANY bootleg audio and or video. please e-mail me on info how to get them..i'll buy a copy of video if anyone bootlegged ilovetheglands@hotmail.com

Review written by: Disco Stu (DiscoStu@aol.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 04:41:38 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

Mesuggah...just another radio-friendly pop band out to make a quick buck. Singing about love and flowers and puppies is all well and good, but I expected them to be a heavier kind of band. When they played their smash hit "Girl, I'm loving You. It's True, I Really Am" I was bored out of my mind. I did buy a kick-ass Tool trapper-keeper though, which was cool.

Review written by: Blaine Campbell (theblaine@lycos.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 05:54:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I gotta say that was one of the very best set lists tool could have played, i was not able to be on the floor tonight, so i was up in the seats and not a damn person stood up, i was so disappointed, i was booed for standing up for most of the show, as for TOOL they were awesome, as for Roanoke the fans lacked alot. Blaine Campbell ps i even shead a few tears during H

Review written by: skewedperspective (deanb@skewedperspective.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 09:25:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Maynard: "Roanoke?" Crowd: Maynard: "You don't sound so sure..." Well Maynard, you try living in our backwards but beautiful part of Virginia. You'd be hesitant to claim citizenship to the area too... My god though...what an incredible show and a wonderful contrast to this summer's leg which I also enjoyed BUT.... OPIATE blew me away, I was stunned, taken aback, excited, torn to pieces in the most positive way possible by having them play one of my absolutely favorite songs.... -- My ticket was great, except that Roanoke Civic Center people decided to have the stage abnormally moved up to cover up the lack of floor tickets sold- this meant that my would-be great seat stared straight into the speakers and I could almost make out Adam's head. Luckily, the Event Staff let us move over to the next section up... Which was better than we cold have imagined, since this put us literally at the band's side, in fact Adam & Justin were actually closer to the floor crowd than we were- and I was less than 15 yards from Maynard & Danny. This was perfect since I'd seen the video tricks already and was more than ready to focus on the band-- and it was amazing... The set list was surprisingly different (I'd heard they were keeping nearly identical sets from date to date, but I was unaware the summer leg was a different set than the fall one). Truly incredible, a wonderful experience, even, or perhaps because of, sitting alone...

Review written by: Jonathan Turner (probata@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 09:38:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Last night my faith was restored. My faltering faith that Tool was going to pull out something strong for their next album had a moment of strength last night as I took in the 2002 Tool show. Actually, I admit a bit glowingly, our show was pretty special. Not only did the setlist include at least one song they play very rarely, the order of the setlist was different... *and* some of their tried and true staples were replaced by taking what songs they did play and playing extended versions of them. I don't know if they are doing *that* many extended songs on this tour, but last night almost every song was in its extended form. In comparison, the Tool shows I caught last year were very by the album, and very rote. The shows themselves were pretty but lacked a lot of the energy that I could tell Tool could pull off from hearing older bootlegs. Roanoke, being a smaller venue, could have helped in that regard by getting the audience to focus more. Whatever it was, something worked. And while it didn't seem that Maynard was really into it at the beginning, he and the gang hit stride, turned inward and sought, once again, to please themselves. What they pulled off with Triad(Tool acc. by members of Meshuggah) I will probably remember to be one of the most effective concert climaxes I've ever seen. I'm in some serious pain, but it was all worth it. If that show was any indication, Tool hasn't lost their touch, and the next step they take will be like fusing their current material with more of a classic prog feel (think Genesis/Pink Floyd, and who knows, maybe a little Magma). Also of note: I don't remember hearing a single angry song. The setlist seemed to consist of songs of warning and songs of edification. Couple that with almost entirely redone visuals... even going so far as to replace the video to Schism with one, I must admit, I liked much more. Incredible show.

Review written by: Grant (Theologue462@msn.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 10:29:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. This was probably the best show that I have seen on this tour.I loved hearing cold and ugly, opiate, and H. This was the first time i'd seen them play these songs and it was amazing. The band seemed really into the show this time and they played really well. Meshugga was really tight as well. It was a beautiful show. later

Review written by: Dumbfounded Dipshit (learntoswim@arizonabay.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 11:05:24 ET

This was this reviewer's 69th Tool show

Penn State got Aenima... Winston-Salem got Third Eye... and Roanoke got Opiate. Three consecutive shows, three different pre-intermission anthems. Praying for Third Eye in San Antonio. Sorry this isn't a review but I thought it was an observation worth sharing.

Review written by: Pacman (pcarrico@radford.edu) Review posted on: 11/04/02 11:35:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

show was great. so here is how it was: we got seats.. i prefer to enjoy from afar. lights go out, mushuggah (sp?) came on. i personally enjoying mushuggah...they had a very interesting metal sound...there drummer plays very offbeat...quite interesting. i couldn't tell you what they played....they only think i understood that the guy said was something about his sweedish titty. hm... long wait...and tool comes on. the fuzz gets louder, and i expect the opening bass riff to sober... and instead... cold and ugly- quite a nice surprise. i saw tool in richmond last tour and saw sober, so it was nice to see something new (or old, rather..haha) good opener. got the crowd goin.. and then... the grudge- no better or worse than last time i saw it. good drumming, good...everything. then... (-) ions- haha. it was cool. i guess... stinkfist (extended)- i really like this song. very well done live. nice to hear the extended part (again). H.- i didnt see this last time either. this is my very favorite tool song, so i was VERY happy to see it. and it WAS GOOD. Schism- same as last time. good song. Parabol/a- also same as last time.. very nice.... and then.. he started saying the think for yourself, question authority thing...so you can guess what i expceted, but instead got... Opiate- wow. it was VERY cool. they took those third eye parts and put them IN opiate. very nice. Intermission- the only part of the show that was boring. Disposition- very pretty. Reflection- definitly got a standing ovation from me. Triad- the WALL OF DRUMS. the mushuggah guy was really good. i don't know what that other mushuggah guy was doing. looked like he was making random noises on some machine... then maynard gave us his positive spill, told us to sit in front of our fire place and throw our tv's in it, and something about masterbating till the hair falls out or something like that, then... Lateralus- good ending. very powerful. and that was the show. everyone seemed to really enjoy. i think mushuggah and tool both enjoyed our small crowd. rock on tool. and as for that guy from mushuggah, KNOW that i respect ANYONE who can headbang BACKWARDS. see you on the other side...

Review written by: Daniel (iluv_metallica@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 12:23:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show

One of the most mind altering shows I have ever seen. I wasn't drunk nor high, but through the music and visulas I felt like I was on a long, strange, and beautiful trip throughout the whole (tool) show. Cold and Ugly was a great surprise, but the highlight of the night was Opiate...hands down. When I heard the "think for yourself " speech I was anticipating third eye, but I was not even remotely prepared for Opiate. Thank you so much, Maynard, Adam, DAnny, and Justin for such a surreal and inspiring performance. Can't wait to catch Tool again, even if I have to drive further than Roanoke because it is well worth any troubles it might take to get there.

Review written by: Nothingface2003 (rob-e@direcway.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 12:41:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first Tool show, and I was really impressed. seeing them playing 2 songs from there first CD was a dream come true. Especially seeing them opening the show with Cold and Ugly. To be honest I was in complete amazement during the whole 2 hours of the concert. For those of you who have never seen Tool. THERE IS A PART OF YOUR LIFE MISSING. Maynard's voice with the music, is unbelievable. I was also really impressed with the sound and visual effects, it by far is one of the best that you could even sit down and hope for, or even possible imagine. Thank you TOOL for last night.

Review written by: tool fool (Dandm203@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 12:59:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

I drove 312 miles just to see tool. It was a long drive with nothing but my thoughts, a bag of pretzels and some jammin music. Every mile was worth it just to see tool. I had see tool in Philly just days prior to this show, so I already knew what to expect. It felt kinda stupid being at a tool concert alone, but fuck it, i'm dedicated. Cold and Ugly was a good opener, but I still like the Grudge as an opener better. The grudge rocked! Awsome graphics the whole show. It was cool to see the Timothy Leary speech. My favorite part of the night was to hear either the extended part of Stinkfist, or hear Reflection live with my own ears. The show would have been much better had I been on E or if I had not seen tool just days prior in Philly. Never the less, ALWAYS WORTH DRIVING FOR A TOOL SHOW! see you on the other side.....

Review written by: me (greygirlofadonis@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 13:16:22 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Was I at the same show as everyone else?! Tool was tight, yes. almost flawless. but.. the crowd was full of ASSHOLES. and you people who said the pit wasnt violent, you must not have been near the front center. i want to say a big FUCK YOU to the 6 foot tall guy who elbowed me in the jaw and busted my lip. i was the little 5'2 girl with the yellow and green shirt. and fuck you also to the giant boy who landed on top of me. punching and elbowing is not moshing. it is idiocy. I would like to say thank you to the boy in the blue shirt that ended up standing there and shoving the people who came at us back into the other violent idiots. I thought cold and ugly was a totally appropriate song. also. out of the four shows I have been at on this tour, this is the smallest venue, and the smallest city, and the only one where the floor has not sold out. yet it is the ONLY one where the fans on the floor were FIGHTING and shoving eachother out of the way for a better view of the band. when the people told us we could stand up, it was like a stampede, a heard of mindless animals.. running for a spot. holy shit. if we'd all have taken one little step back.. we would have ALL been able to see better. and i'd like to say fuck you to the guy who must have been 6"3 who stepped directly in front of me right before the band came out, leaving me to try to shove my way through the crowd for another spot. I have never been so disgusted with people in general at an event where people are supposed to share the same common passions in my entire life. the philadelphia show was amazing. i'm glad they didn't play third eye here. the idiot punch-moshers would've ruined it any way. and a crowd that treats eachother with such little respect obviously doesnt understand that song anyway. opiate was much more suitable. some people are just meant to be sheep. that song made my day. third eye was amazing in philly... but opiate was what i was really hoping for. so i was the one little girl who started cheering and screaming when i realized they WERENT playing third eye. oh. my favourite part of the show? when idiots were crowd surfing during lateralus.. and one was taken away right in front of maynard.. i was hoping he'd give them the finger. well.. he didn't.. but he made jerk-off motions with the microphone - even better, i thought. idiot jerk-off violent moshers. cheers, maynard. if you want to mosh - mosh. but dont fucking be an idiot about it and dont jump on top of other people, moron. and DONT do it to lateralus and reflection. i wonder sometimes if half the people out there have the power to interperet meanings to songs. over all i would have to say this was hardly even worth coming. it just reminded me how disgusting and egocentric people out. spiral OUT, not in. and for those people who say they felt connected with every one in the crowd.. fuck, i must have been in the wrong section. because where i was, and.. from my view point, the entire first 8 rows of people, was nothing but assholes give or take a dozen. oh. thankyou to the girl who said she liked my shirt. as i was sitting there thinking of how idiotic and ugly people were, that restored some of my wavering faith in humanity. oh. and. the video to lateralus is astounding. i wish they'd release it. i am sad that this is how the last concert i'll see of them this tour had to go. i knew that this concert wouldn't top philly, but i didn't anticipate it would leave me with such a.. dissapointment in people. but, hey. i got opiate. and. it was a nice scenic drive. and. i had fun staying up all night pacifying myself reading joseph campbell and jrr tolkien. so. the trip was saved. though. it wouldve been better if i had paper, so i couldve drawn or written or something. you'd have thought the hotel would've had stationary or notepad or.. something. but no. nothing. not even a comment card. heck. the hotel didnt even have an alarm clock. oh. yeah. i was saying fuck you to people. i forgot one. fuck you to the group of like 15 people in line who said 'i don't really like tool, i am just here to rough stuff up in the pit'. morons. ok. and i've been to four concerts. and. i still... don't grasp.. what is going on.. during.. the intermission with that... head thing... on the screen. obviously it is linked to the noise.. but is there some one on screen playing something controling it? or is it just pre-recorded. people always cheer. but i am too short to see. hm. ok. i think thats all. "roanoke? are you sure? well whatever."

Review written by: Dave (Slipnoticx@aol.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 13:26:52 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Awsome show! here's the setlist.... maybe a little out of order Cold and ugly -ions the grudge 46&2 H. Schism parabol parabola -think for yourself speech - think for yourself video/smaple opiate -intermission disposition reflection triad w/ meshuggah members Lateralus crowd was overall one of the best i have seen, very small venue, which made it much more intimate - overall a great performance!

Review written by: Chris (clively41@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 13:29:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Wow this was truely amazing. I would never thought TOOL would come to Roanoke, but that did and they put on a awesome show. Meshuggah was alright, I have never listen to their music before but it wasn't to bad. The wait for TOOL to come on was ne ve racking. Then they come on with cold and ugly and my jaw just dropped to the floor. They played with a lot of energy tonight and you could really feel it. When they dropped the curtain to show that one alex grey painting during the grudge was also amazing. Stinkfist had me in tears. I was seated half way in the box seats so I had a good view of things. The visuals were great to. I think the highlight of the night was d/r/t. They tore the civic center to pieces with triad. well my life has been changed now. thanks danny,maynard,adam and justin for an incredible night and best of luck.

Review written by: Big Zick (foosejuice@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 13:34:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

My ears are ringing... I can bareley focus... It's all so colourful... All that before intermission. All I can say is Tool is the s**t. I saw them last @ Radio City Music Hall in NYC and the show in the 'noke was damn close ...well...let's not get ahead of ourselves. Anyways it was worth the change to catch the show . My only objection was the Gothy junior high school idiot's singing koombahyah during Disposition. Next time stay home kiddies. Zickawhat?

Review written by: me (greygirlofadonis@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 13:44:58 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

oh. and to that person who asked what that "star of david- esque" type thing was that was on their back drop and their lighting rig, - it is a magick symbol, - its a seven pointed star..or a fairy star, - and it can symobolizes the four elements - earth, water, air, fire, . and... above. below... and self. .... or the four elements.. and mind, body, and spirit.... or the 7 chakras

Review written by: me (greygirlofadonis@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 14:19:41 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

and why does everyone always think that is paint on maynards face? that was most certainly not paint.

Review written by: R (toolgrrrl@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 14:47:16 ET

yay! cold & ugly h!!! and opiate!! thought we were gonna hear third eye.. but actually preferred opiate! would've been nicer if ppl werent so violent in the mosh pit. i guess i dont get moshing. i mean. if you feel so inclined, do it, I suppose.. but.. don't shove me over just because i am standing next to you, and you like shoving people and being shoved over. shoving people around and flinging yourself into people doesn't look like fun to me. people were getting elbowed and knocked to the ground too. the other show i went to, they took people who were doing crap like this out. i don't understand why they didn't here. maybe they didn't see the group doing this. since all you other people are posting how nice and peaceful the show was, i am guessing maybe thats it. because it certainly looked violent from my perspective. but all and all, the band played great.. thanks tool!

Review written by: chris (creep462@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 15:06:30 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

simply amazing.

Review written by: Erik (RHIN0100@aol.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 15:08:17 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

God-fuckin'-damn Tool was on point tonight! Peace fuckwads

Review written by: Bradshaw (jrhudson@radford.edu) Review posted on: 11/04/02 15:24:19 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

I saw them for the first time October 6th, 2001 in Charlotte and that show kicked ass, but this show just surpassed it and fucking rocked. All of the images and sounds hitting me straight out of the speakers just made it that more exciting. I can still feel the energy from the show. All day my head has been replaying and blending everything from the show in an attempt to regain the ecstasy that I had last night. I can't wait to see them again and get this feeling all over again.

Review written by: Tool88 (tommyzamow@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 16:21:40 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Ok, first of all, great show!!!! In the fall i got Sober and Aenema.... this time i got Cold and Ugly, and Opiate!!!! Now, I have a question for a group of people.. Why the hell do you push people back and forth for? That is so childish...... and moshing to Disposition?? (i saw a few kids doing it) WTF is that crap about??? If you moshers want to BEAT PEOPLE UP, go see a f**king Slipknot show or something, and leave us (the people that want to experience a TOOL show) alone.... I pledge this to anyone out there that feels the same way as I do about moshers.... Get together at a venue and STAY TOGETHER... then when an idiot is crowd surfing to Lateralus or Disposition or any TOOL song for that matter, and they come your way, DROP THEM ON THEIR DAMN HEADS, then maybe when enough of these people end up in hospitals, they will get the point! Thank you TOOL for providing me with an experience I will never forget! ~Tommy

Review written by: Dreaming Neon Black (take2@realmedia.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 16:32:06 ET

This was this reviewer's Z Tool show

Great NO 3RD EYE? I was thinking about driving the 12 hour roundtrip from northern virginia to go to this show as I had missed the band on their previous stops through the state. Now I'm glad I didn't go. Still, OPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIATTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEE is a great song and it must have been great especially the ending. WE BOTH WANT...TO RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!

Review written by: Patrick (imyeye@excite.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 16:54:03 ET

This was this reviewer's 7 Tool show

I've seen TOOL on a consistent basis everytime they've come to our area since they started touring for AEnima in 1996. I've seen them in big arenas (i.e. Lollapalooza) and small ones (i.e. Capital Ballroom). The crowds have changed (younger, drunker, ruder... sorry) and so has the act (remember Maynard?), but regardless of their personal or managerial metamorpheses, TOOL remains the most intense, intellectual, and inspiring shows in the country. While I ache for the days when about 300 people stood moon-eyed and silently swaying to the rhythmic cacophany of these musicians who are surely the modern heirs to a Floyd / Zeppelin lineage, I'm happy I can still drive 4 hours to the Lost Colony and not be disappointed, no matter how many drunken rednecks are screaming in my ear for "Freebird." Just remember, there are a few of us out there in the crowds who still remember that TOOL is not only a sonic and visual experience, but a cerebral one. They have a philosophy, they have a grander meaning. Don't feel alone if you find yourself *thinking* at a show and not beer-bonging. Sorry, just a chip on my shoulder, I guess. By the way, everyone pick up all of Meshuggah's albums. These guys have been around for a long time, and are finally getting the attention that ground-breakers deserve. See you at the next show.

Review written by: Phaedrus (Phaedrus@crackdealer.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 16:58:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

This was my first show, I was one of those 'assholes' in the first 8 rows of people on the floor. All I have to say to the other girls who were out there is, the floor is a rough place. If you have objections to getting knocked around and squished, you shouldn't be there. There were a lot of assholes on the floor, and a lot of big guys who were not looking around for what they were crashing into but overall it was a kick ass show. Opiate rocked, and everyone calmed down a lot after the intermission and it would have been very easy to enjoy the last part if it wasn't for all of those damn crowd surfers.

Review written by: Novus_ (Novus_0@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 17:18:44 ET

This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show

Cold and Ugly The Grudge Stinkfist H. Schism Parabol Parabola Opiate Intermission Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus The guys get better each time I see them.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (jntcamp@msn.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 17:54:47 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

I wasn't at the Roanoke show, but I will be at the Beaumont, Texas show on the 15th. Every day I read the reviews posted for each show leading up to my 2nd TOOL concert. I can't wait!! Thank you for posting set list . I can only wish for them to play Opiate. That is one of my favorites. I look at the list from each show and try to picture myself there, experiencing the show with all of you. I didn't know half the songs they played last July in Houston. I only knew the Lateralus CD. Parabol/Parabola are incredible live. Since that show, I have become a TOOL junkie. I listen to them daily and faithfully. I am ready to hear anything they want to play. Thanks again for the reviews! I'm counting the days until Beaumont! Please play Opiate!!!! Cross your fingers for me! Tracey

Review written by: Master Reviewer (noneofyourbuisness) Review posted on: 11/04/02 18:41:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

IF THIS HELPS ANYONE WHO IS GOING TO SHOWS FROM NOW ON. IF MAYNARD SAY "AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SOPONSORS" BEFORE TIM LEARY COMES ON THE SCREEN YOU WILL HEAR 3rd EYE. IF NOT YOU WON'T.

Review written by: JAFA (RD NEK@PODUNK.COM) Review posted on: 11/04/02 20:59:34 ET

On Aug 1 2002 in Pensacola Florida I had the greatest musical experience of my life. My first Tool show.I sat awstruck as these four men played tunes for me I have waited 10 years to hear. Sober,H,Aenima And one of my all time favorites " STINKFIST ". As me and my bud made our way back home after that eventful night we said to each other that no matter what, If they ever came back around any where close we would go and see them again.Well low and behold i sit here 3 days away from my second Toll show. I would just like to say thanks to the four men that put my faith back into clean,crisp,lyrical rock & roll and to ask these new GODS OF THUNDER if they could PLEASE...PLEASE..PLEASE do the Cold & Ugly,OPiate and 46 and 2..yes 46 and 2 then my life will be complete and the next 5 year wait wont be so bad.Thanks so much guys....Peace Out

Review written by: Snake (kudzu@weedmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 21:14:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Hey, Tool fans. I am a certified old fart. I had heard bits and pieces of Tool CD's, and I thought, "Hmmm... these guys might be interesting." And I had heard that their live show was pretty good. So, when they came to town, I decided to check out the show. It was amazing. From this day forward, I will not miss seeing Tool whenever they play anywhere near where I am.

Review written by: Soulfly3399 (m_a_ortiz@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 21:20:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

awesome show Tool is/was awesome whoever opened M---...? sucked dick (in my humble opinion) some dude had a seizure right in from of me in a pit ... he got taken out limp ... hope he isn't dead peace

Review written by: Deena (cookiestandwookie@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 21:29:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Ok this tool show was my 1st it was one of the greatest experiences in my life...i loved it..it was just one of those musical experiences where your soul leaves your body for those couple of hours....i really dont know what to say..i mean it was just great i love it...the visuals rocked they were so awsome...all of it was so great...i ltruly loved it,...the experience was prob. the greatest i will ever have at a concert in my life!!!

Review written by: roofees69 (clarson67@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/04/02 22:46:14 ET

This was this reviewer's 11th Tool show

one of the most intense performances i've seen from the band in my 10+ years as a fan. it was the first time in 5 years they looked lke they actually enjoyed it. but i have one fucking question... WHERE THE FUCK WAS THIRD EYE????? i know it was a hillbilly backwoods loser redneck town, and the crowd was quite small compared to DC & richmond, but us diehards (read:sheep) travel long distances (5 fuckin hours) to see this amazing performance time and time again, then read setlists from previous shows to see that the epic track had made its way to the setlist only to have maynard and the gang tease us with Dr LSD's speech and some other feedback @ other times of the show. im not knockin tool, and i will still get led long distances to other shows like a lamb to the slaughter, but the last time i saw 3rd eye live was in 96 and now 6 years later, my personal meaning of the song has changed so greatly and it would be incredible to hear it live again, this time from a different point of view. that way i could go home and masturbate til only air comes out....

Review written by: Ryan B. (Paniro55) Review posted on: 11/04/02 23:28:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Back on August 9th, I witnessed a euphoria that I never thought would be reached again. This was my first TOOL concert. Well the time has come as we drove 5 hours to relive that same feeling. It was everything I expected and more. Cold and Ugly, what a dream come true and nothing could prepare me for the very rare Opiate. The Timothy Leary speech almost sent me into a shock, as it wasn't performed a couple months earlier. Ah yes, and who could forget about H. live, simply mindbending. Every song was a virtual masterpeice: Stinkfist almost sent me over the edge and Parabola finally did, as I actually blacked out during the climax of the song for god knows how long. Meshugga joining on the drums and synthesizer also took Triad to new heights. Speaking of, the crowd accepted Meshugga extremely well as opposed to when I saw Tomahawk litteraly booed off the stage. The only complaint I have, to this perfect concert, the fans. What the fuck were you guys thinking sitting down at a TOOL concert. My friend Blaine Cambell (who has already posted earlier about this show) and I were actually discouraged from standing up and partaking in this mind-blowing event. Needless to say the pit thoroughly enjoyed the show ang gave TOOL the respect they deserve. I'm just glad TOOL wasn't discouraged by the lack of participation and still gave this concert their all. This all said and done after the show, the most captivating moment, when Blaine and I ran Adam Jones down and he returned our gratitude with a wave of endearment. THANK YOU TOOL, YOU TRULY ARE A BLESSING.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (blawson2@gladstone.uoregon.edu) Review posted on: 11/05/02 00:16:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

you've seen them once, you've seen them. I saw them years ago on their first Aenema tour, and they blew me away. Playing all the shit from undertow and opiate. All i have to say about this show is WEAK SETLIST. They can do much better than that.. especially since they plug all their damn radio songs into one set. They need to mix it up alot before i got to another tool concert again. Sure the stage was cool and the sound/visuals rocked, but they are just straight out boring me now. Meshuggah on the other hand is fucking amazing. I really want to see ANYONE play what they play live. Going from 6/7 to 13/8 time is called talent, especially when playing at over 110 bpm. Thomas Haake (their drummer) is easily the best drummer in metal today... not to the mention the rest of the band. Watch out for meshuggah... they are reinventing metal as we know it today. p.s. a pre-empted fuck you to all those who will flame my email addy for this post.

Review written by: Master Reviewer (yeah, no) Review posted on: 11/05/02 02:18:05 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

tool is not a metal band? meshuggah is? yeah. ok. thats how i look at it anyway. this is a LATERALUS TOUR. what the FUCK do you expect people. what IDIOT would go to THIS tour and expect them to play an entire setlist of UNDERTOW. ive heard sets of their aenima tour, and it seems to me they pretty much played almost all of the Aenima album, mixing in some undertow and opiate. well. here they play all of lateralus, mixing in some aenima, and opiate. same freaking thing. no wonder the band is rumoured to hate its fans so much. every band.. if they are a decent band.. will continue to grow and evolve.. whether you like it or not.. and whether your growth and evolution mirrors theirs really isnt any of their concern. and what are these so-called RADIO hits?! Schism!? what other song off of lateralus made it to the radio?! none. if all you care about is heavy death metal, find a new band, because i dont see this one progressing in the direction you want them too. i'd have to speculate that... the way tool is evolving... their next album is going to be mind blowingly intellectual.. more so than lateralus. more than any other band i've seen in quite some time, tool has made in each of its albums such a huge GROWTH in its music, in every aspect in its music, in the whole ambiance of the experience. and if all you're looking for in a concert is a metal mosh pit - don't come. especially to their NEXT tour, because i'd predict you're going to be left far far behind. so mindlessly hang on to your undertow and your opiate (not that those weren't great albums, with astounding messages even then), but let those of us who get it enjoy it on the level it was meant to be enjoyed. we'll even take a moment to feel sorry for you because you lack the ability, atleast i will anyway. if every single person who walked into the doors of the civic center that night could have understood what lateralus was really saying... if even.. half.. the people.. could have understood... what an incredible.. moving.. experience that would've been. but, fine. you want to bitch at tool for playing lateralus at their lateralus tool. go right ahead. you're absolutely right. those idiots. what were they thinking. playing the album they were covering while on that album tour.

Review written by: Adam P (tr763@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/05/02 11:56:26 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

The guy above me you totally right and ill be at the knoxville show feeling the same way you do, screw all these ppl who try and talk crap about Tool becuase they arent fans and dont even know what Tool music is so keep on preaching the facts, we need more fans like you!

Review written by: TooL Fan (i have none) Review posted on: 11/05/02 14:40:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

kick ass show the opening band kicked ass to

Review written by: Tony T (www.bunghole.com) Review posted on: 11/05/02 17:14:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 8th Tool show

This was the most incredible Tool show that I have ever seen. Aside for the fact that it was in inbreeding, redneck capital of the world the set list was top notch. There were many suprise guests. 1.Commando. w/Joey Ramone. Yes, with help from Dannys satan,occult magic,they brought Joey back from the dead. He never sounded better. 2.The Grudge. Very powerful. This song moved me. 3.Muhammad my Friend. w/Tori Amos. Tori came out dressed like Osama bin Laden Her and Maynard sing wonderfully together. 4.Parabol 5.Parabola. Incredible Vissuals 6.Sweat. w/Paul DMore. Paul came on stage and kicked Justins ass.I think he wanted his job back. I hear Peach is looking for a bassist. 7.Die Eier Von Satan. w/Marth Stewart. The queen of cooking actually came on stage and baked cookies with the band 8.Swamp Song. Half way through the song Dannys spell wore off and Joey died again 9.4 Degrees. Sounded great 10.Hanukkah Song. w/Adam Sandler. What a suprise. A first for Tool. What a great way to end the show. I am so glad I made this show.This was a once in a lifetime concert.Afterwards I went home and slept with my sister,being in Knoxville and all Spiral Out

Review written by: john panzino (metalhead770@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/06/02 10:58:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. this was my second tool show i caught them at ozfest in 98 they were great in 98 as were they here in roanoke.i am curious to see if anyone knows what happened to the guy that was crowd surfing and fell on his head.he was unconscios and shaking,looked like he broke his neck.meshugga sounded like total shit,not their fault soundmans fault.maynard seemed to be entertaining his own crowd off to the side.but overall tool kicked ass.well worth the 37 bucks despite the shitty crowd.if anyone knows what happened to that guy e-mail me at metalhead770@yahoo.com thanx

Review written by: Gabi (gabuchyhoochie@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 11/07/02 16:15:22 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

oh wow oh wow oh wow!!!!! how wonderful and orgasmical! this was the 1st tool concert i went to with floor seats. i was kind of dissapointed. You roanokers werent really that into it. And i couldn't see so i crowdSurfed. i know! i know! i'm sorry. i suck. i'm 5', i couldnt see anything. i wanted so bad to see. tool is my favorite band EVER. and the people that i was standing around were really not into it, so i felt the need to get away from them. and i just didnt know what to do with myself. tool just gives me so much energy. i had driven 4 hours to roanoke from d.c. And i couldnt move where i was, like i couldnt dance or anything. so if you saw a little hispanic-looking girl floating around, it was me. sorry if i bothered you, or inflicted any damage, or ruined your tool experience. i cant stand still for tool. too much energy. and what a great concert. like some sweet, beautiful dream. and just tool is awesome. they are incredible. it amazes me and almost moves me to tears to think of how 4 people can create such beautiful music. when i ponder how they can do it, it gives me chills. i cannot begin to comprehend. my little brain cant take it. my conclusion: they must be aliens. thank god for opiate. no wait, thank TOOL for opiate. thank tool for the whole experience. OGT gabuchyhoochie@hotmail.com

Review written by: maven (maven@maven.com) Review posted on: 11/07/02 23:02:22 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

cold and ugly ripped my face off!

Review written by: maven (maven@maven.com) Review posted on: 11/07/02 23:03:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

cold and ugly ripped my face off!

Review written by: KRISTEN (OWENSKL5150@MBC.EDU) Review posted on: 11/10/02 23:26:30 ET

This was this reviewer's 6TH Tool show

I PROMISE I WONT SAY MUCH SINCE THE LAST REVIEW I WROTE WAS RIPPED APART BY MEAN PEOPLE. I WILL SAY THAT THE SHOWS KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. THE GUYS PLAYED A BEAUTIFUL VERSION OF "H". THAT MADE FOR A GREAT EVENING. AND JUST A REMINDER PEOPLE... REVIEW PAGES ARE FOR REVIEWS!! KRISTEN

Review written by: Rae (GenerationAntiX@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/11/02 23:53:46 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

This was the best Tool concert I've been to! I saw them last year at the MCI Center, had crappy seats, and annoying people all around me. This time, I was in the front row and right next to the stage. There was a speaker directly in front of me, but it was such an awesome view from the side that it doesn't bother me that I'm still deaf. I love Opiate! That was my anthem when I was like 19, so I loved it! It was a long drive from Alexandria, but worth every fucking minute! Next time they tour, I will probably seek out a smaller venue just because I enjoyed it more. I think Roanoke must be the edge of the Universe, because where else can you still smoke in Burger King? I didn't mind seeing Tool play there at all. This concert was so fucking awesome! I can't wait for another album and tour!

Review written by: David (ddesola34@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 11/13/02 17:24:04 ET

This was this reviewer's 6th Tool show

Check out my review of the Tool/Meshuggah show and accompanying feature on Meshuggah here: http://www.addictedtosound.com/meshuggahtoolrev.htm