A Review of the Fall 1996 Tour

Date: December 6


From: Steve Light (slight@plcmc.lib.nc.us) kabir, Just thought I'd give you some thoughts on last night's Tool show. Show Date: 12.6.96 Location: Charlotte (Grady Cole Center) Opening Act: Pyschotica Around 8:00 or so, Pyschotica came out. To be frank, I pity any opening act. I more or less just sit though them. I have seen my share of terrible openers, (Mr. Big opening for Rush sucked bad) BUT Pyschotica wasn't too bad. They seemed to realize their role, played well, thanked Tool for the invite, and got off the stage by 8:45. Around 9:10ish TOOL's "Square Sun" came on the screen and the the lights dropped off. Tool let us stew for a while and jumped out. They opened with Third Eye. I rememer the following (and out of order, perhaps): Third Eye, Stinkfist (CHICKENWEASEL!!), Eulogy, Forty Six & Two, Prison Sex, Jimmy, Sober w/intro, Pushit, Opiate, AEma. Now, I have been fortunate to see many good bands (Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant, Page/Plant, Rusted Root, Primus, and so on). I was eagerly awaiting Tool. I couldn't wait to see them. Tool is simply the best show I have ever seen. Not because I am some rabid fan, but for much more. First, played VERY, VERY cleanly. It sounded close to studio, and I mean that as a compliment. Secondly, the vocals were impressive. I heard no signs of a tired throat. Lastly, Tool performed in a way that delivered their music/message in a way that touched me. Words can do no justice to what I experienced last night. If you can do only one more thing in your life, go see Tool. If you missed them, pray they come your way some day soon. -Steve Light