| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
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07/23/2001
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Review written by: Butts (greentool@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 06:54:14 ETThis was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well this was my first tool show and it fuckin went off boys!!!!!! it was a real pissa! it was better than sex,really it was,absolute orgazmic! i love tool!!!!!!!!!
Review written by: tyler durden (keyser_sose@ihateclowns.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 14:06:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
well, i've just returned from being slaughtered six times sideways by tool. the melbourne show was FANTASTIC!! the set list was the same as NZ shows: GRUDGE (-) IONS STINKFIST PRISON SEX (with extra verse) 46 & 2 SCHISM PUSHIT (studio version) DISPOSITION REFLECTION - INTERMISSION - SALIVAL SCREEN, SCHISM VIDEO SOBER PARABOL PARABOLA AENIMA OPIATE LATERALUS absolutely amazing setlist, so much covered, yet still so much i wanted to see, but didn't. but i wouldn't have traded any song they did play for one they didn't. Maynard didn't say much, except, "Hey Melbourne... Its been a while... you all look - good... put on a little weight, but hey, its winter... you're allowed just make sure you hit those stairmasters in a few months... don't let yourself go..." they have reconfirmed their place as greatest live band in the world without a doubt. goodbye now, and thank you to the band, for one of the greatest nights of my life!
Review written by: Rachael Chrisp (underthepink@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 07/23/01 14:08:10 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
just got back from tool... it was great. i was pretty annoyed about our seats though, they assured us they were good, well they werent really. the setlist was pretty similar to all the other shows on this tour: The Grudge Stinkfist 46 and 2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Disposition Reflection Schism Video/Interlude Sober Parabol Parabola Aenima Opiate Lateralus with the highlights being Prison Sex, Pushit, Parabol/Parabola, Aenima and Opiate. they played for about 2 hours 15 minutes, Maynard was naked except for black underwear during the last set. security were pretty tight about cameras, i managed to hide mine though. if the photos come out good, ill post them on my site. (http://nosmile.de/fascistpansies/)
Review written by: MC Gusto (shizerboy@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 14:44:35 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, what can I say. After being a loyal reader of this website for many years i can finally share MY experience of a TOOL concert. In short - STUNNING! Tool are more than music - they are an art form. They are all about the music. The setlist was the same as all previous shows on this current tour, so i won't go into detail on that. The band put on an amazing live performance - each song performed with amazing emotion and strength. The crowd (a sellout approx 8,000) was just in awe. For those that came to mosh, well they did for about 2 songs and then succumbed to the brilliance of the band. I have never in all the concerts that i have been to (and i have been to many) seen a band hold so many different types of people in the palm of their hand and make them all come together as one through their music. Highlights (for me anyway) were The Grudge, a great opener to the concert and Aenema was just brilliant. To be honest the whole show was pheonomenal, an experience i along with many will not forget. The only downside was that Tool are only in Australia for 5 days, and will not get the notice or recognition they truly deserve...........probably the way they want it anyway. Great performance guys, one i will never forget!
Review written by: Tollbooth (davindhillon@iprimus.com.au) Review posted on: 07/23/01 14:46:41 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
WOW This was my third TOOL show and first since the Aenima tour and each show has one recurring feeling. A subtle blend of amazement and passion. I will let everyone else post setlist after setlist and maynards wuotes and quibbles because it was pretty much the same as the last few shows. I wish to post my feelings whilst I am still in this state of mind. *A n overwhelming power and presence. *At times crowd waiting silent in anticipation of what was to come. *Amazing energy towards the climax of three power songs (Pushit Aenina and Sober) *Disturbing and uncomfortable images splashed accross the screen in tune with the themes of each song. *a strong sense of community amongst the crowd. *pride in the way the artists expressed there appreciation at the end of the show. *A refreshing and satisfying experience to witness true artists in this age of cleverly marketed force fed 'music'. A priveledge I am sure to embrace whenever the opportunity presents itelf again.
Review written by: Nick (burkenj@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 15:28:30 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
WOW Just a quick note to say that being my first Tool experience the show beat all my expectations Power, passion, energy and brilliance are the four words that best describe the band and the performance they put on. Highlight for me would have to be Aenima and Sober....such a tight band...changes were all perfect bar for one small mistake in 46&2 Thanx Tool, an experience I won't soon forget.
Review written by: Jackie Ng (jumpinjackie@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 07/23/01 15:29:44 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Setlist: The Grudge Stinkfist Forty Six & 2 Prison Sex OTRM (version w/ extra verse) Schism Pushit Disposition/Reflection Sober Parabol/a AEnema Opiate Lateralus Well, it was my first TOOL show ever and it was just unreal! We got let in and hour and a half before the show started and just simply sat outside while the band simply teased us playing parts of The Grudge and The Patient, during soundchecks inside, which only served to build up our anticipation for the main show. The minute the band started playing The Grudge, the retractable roof of Rod Laver Arena was blown outta the sky (metaphorically speaking)! It was absolute madness, and I just loved every minute of it! My first mosh pit experience was quite intimidating, but absolutely amazing at the same time. By the time TOOL played Disposition/Reflection most of the intensity died down and we could finally get to see the band strut their stuff, and strut their stuff they did. Maynard was doing his strange, epileptic, contortionist dance, while Adam and Justin stood like statues throught the whole show. And Danny? Need we say more? Those with doubts over his ability to do that shit on stage should put those doubts to rest. He is just amazing, you think he's got six arms and six legs or something like that! But no, he's your normal two- arm, two-leg human being with an extraordinary talent in drumming. The video complemented the audio very nicely, while some videos were quite disturbing, they are artistically beautiful at the same time. Just one of those TOOL things I guess. And just like the headless fellow waving goodbye. We had to wave goodbye too. At the end of it all, I was hot, sweaty, partially deaf and with no voice at all (from trying to sing every song on the setlist from the bottom of my lungs), but also thinking it was an absolutely awesome experience. It was A$72 well spent. TOOL, you guys rock!
Review written by: Angel (tool_angel666@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 15:30:28 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Two words to describe the Melbourne Tool concert- MIND fucking BLOWING.It was so unbelievably amazing, Tool's talent, was enough to nearly make me black out! I won't post the setlist cuz about 50 other people already have, but highlights for me were the massive Sober, Aenima, and 46 and a 2. Absolutely worth every cent and more for the compleltey amazing experience of witnessing gods in action, for that is what they truely are- gods. Rumours that they may be coming back in January, but rumours are just that-rumours....though it certainly would be nice. The concert ran amazingly to schedule, and after half an hour of crap (Cosmic Psychos-sorry to anyone who liked them, though i get the impression that few did), Tool finally came on, opening brilliantly with The Grudge. Maynards godly voice filled the entire stadium with an ambient powerful aura, enrapturing the diverse crowd. When he spoke his 30 or so words, the crowd were silent, hanging on his every word. there was powerful imagery and visualisation for every song, Maynard spent alot of his time watching the smaller screen while he was singing. Congrats to those lucky people who got one of Danny's drumsticks or whatever else they through out at the end of the show (sniff sniff...) Dissapointingly, Maynard spent all of his time hugging the back corner of the stage in the shadows with minimal lighting- somewhat effective for the first half, but i was dissapointed to see him return to his hiding place for the stunning second half. I was left frozen, deaf and completely awed after the first few songs- even though i was in seating i still felt dizzy. Before the concert, i was majorly obsessed with Tool and everything Tool, but after seeing them live in concert I have found a new higher level- just what it is I do not know yet since the concert finished only 2 1/2 hours ago. Please, feel free to give me any feed back or if u just want to discuss the "dimensions" of the concert, so please email me.
Review written by: leroy (leroy@subshock.net) Review posted on: 07/23/01 16:12:38 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, what can I say, it was brilliant. As noted in a previous post, yes I noticed the mistake in 46&2, Maynard sang the same part twice, heh whoops =). The set-list was all encompassing, mixing songs like Schism and Aenima with Pushit, Disposition and Reflection. The visuals to say the least, were awe inspiring, some taken from their previous film clips, and some I'd never seen before, naked people seemed to be a theme though =). The visuals during Parabola were nigh on hypnotic, the whole crowd seemed to move like one during it. The support act were .. well crap, the word that comes to mind is self indulgent, anywhere they could fit a guitar solo, ye guessed it, they had one. It's kind of sad when Danny's drum kit gets more applause (when the cloth covering it was removed) than the support act did. Hrm, if I had to use one sentence to describe my thoughts about the concert, it'd be this. If I wasn't broke, I'd be on my way to Sydney for the next two shows by now. Cheers, leroy.
Review written by: Mr Tockley (mrtockley@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 07/23/01 16:34:13 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This was my first TOOL concert and hopefully not my last. I got out after the show and couldn't speak for about an hour - still having trouble typing now.. What can you say about the show that no one else has already ? I went mainly to see my hero Danny Carey and he was unbelievable. I can die a happy man now after hearing 42 & 6 live. I was sitting directly in front of the stage in the upper stand, and it was a little hard to see Maynard but It didn't really matter cos you could 'feel' him ! I would of sat in a bin as along as I was in the same room. The only let down of the night was how shit I felt when the lights came on, and it was time to leave. Absolutely amazing band, and I hope that they are back in Jan.
Review written by: NeverSleeps (neversleepz@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 17:29:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Morning, Just came back from Melbourne gig. Did anyone pick the extra/changed verse in Prison Sex? The gig was flawless. Almost too flawless, I thought at one stage they had a backing CD to help them out because it was technically perfect - I've never heard such perfection by any other band in a live perfomance. Watching the GA floor crowd change from a still calm water to a tsunami with the change from Parabol to Parabola was amazing. Actually Pushit, Stinkfist, nima, Opiate also had the crowd lift on many occasion. 46&2 live was my personal fave, it's great to see some sort of video clip for it which captures the aspects of this song. Tools shows thru this tour are all pretty similiar which is my only gripe. My advice is to stay away from the bootlegs and reviews until you see them live, esp. if it's ya 1st show, cause it'll make your experience more fresh and exciting when you do. Must get tix closer to the stage for next time they're here :-) Unfucking forgetable, Neversleeps
Review written by: Hotpants (tristanleech@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 18:41:31 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Hey Maynard - you're agent called. You got the part. Maynard looked like he was in combat gear. Danny had a massive Paiste gong. Did anyone see him use it? Word to my homies Stavros, Dickman, Timmy and Ed. We'll rock hard in Sydney. Two more times.
Review written by: Ryan (ryan_mcrobb@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/23/01 19:38:29 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Wow. The Cosmic Psyhcos weren't that bad, I thought, nothin like a bit of wholesome Aussie punk before Tool; before their second song the bassist goes; 'My neighbour is a cunt.' Yeah. Tool. Fuck. I was in the second row of seating which wasn't too bad; I had a brilliant view; I'm not a big moshpit person anymore but sometimes you just need to jump around and let it all out, and I couldn't do that so I had to keep seated for most of the time and just rock out in my chair, which was a downer. I can't add much that hasn't already been posted on this concert, but did anyone else notice Adam playing the synth part to 'Reflections' and one other song with basspedals, like the one the bass player from the Tea Party uses. (they're on most old school organs as well, but these are separate from a keyboard.) 'Reflection' was fucking brilliant actually. Maynard sung the middle eastern lute part in the song and was doing all this insane arabic chanting at the start of the song and it spun me out. My favourite songs were 'Sober,' with the wicked visuals of the naked women locked up the scary tentacle thing, and Parabola rocked hard with the tripped out visuals. I've never really liked the song 'Aenema' before, but tonight it was incredible, so intense. The crowd really surprised me, I thought there would be hardcore redneck moshpit but there was very little moshing at all, only in bit and pieces of the more heavier songs(eg Parabola); most people came to the show *experience* the music, and not as an excuse to jump around unlike most tryhard JJJ heavy bands who shall remain nameless. Fuck. There were stacks of people who jumped down from the seating and bolting past the security guards into the moshpit. This was most amusing indeed, as most were unsuccessful though a few managed to evade security and get to see Tool at close range; and good on 'em, dammit!! So much more I could write, it's 5:11am and I've got Uni at 9am. Fuck. Oh well off to bed, and I hope you all enjoyed the show as much as I did. :) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotpants: Danny hit the gong a few times, he just hit the side of it with his sticks to add a bit of ambience; he should've given it a good belting if you ask me!!!!!
Review written by: tim marsh (46and2@start.com.au) Review posted on: 07/23/01 22:47:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
OK, after first sampling Tool like a lot of people through Sober and Stinkfist on JJJ, and after getting into them very heavily very quickly, this concert has been a long time coming for me. As soon as I left work at 5 I was running on adrenaline, no dinner, straight to concert. I'll try and make this as cohesive as possible, my brain's running a squillion miles an hour right now. Here is the setlist, which was the same as the rest of the tour. For my first concert I couldn't have asked for anything more, maybe H, Eulogy, Undertow, Cold and Ugly, Third Eye and 4 degrees, but it's all good. 1. The Grudge [Me crying already - spinning wrenches video and front cover from Lateralus and flaming eye graphics] 2. Stinkfist [Stinkfist video] 3. 46and2 [Brilliant, now my brother starts crying] 4. Prison Sex [Prison Sex video] 5. Schism - Maynard on guitar, he sang half a key flat until the end half when he got rid of his guitar and sang in key, guitar also out half a key, very interesting] 6. (-) Ions type thing 7. Pushit [Me crying again, Lucas crying too now - incredible, black and white flowers graphics and hypnotic diamond-y spinning thing] 8. Disposition [Maynard on guitar, underwater scene with naked people] 9. Reflection [Toilet Scene, explained later], Adam played end riff for ages after rest of band left stage Salival graphic [person with claw hands and outstretched arms] over weird sounds ----------Schism video------------ Band returns, Maynard in undies 10.Sober [Two naked girls with stinger thing trying to get 'em] 11. Parabol 12. Parabola Ticks Intro Merkaba-ish type intro 12. Aenima Quote by Maynard [after which I teared up], "What you are feeling at this moment has nothing to do with this band. It has to do with the moment. So whether you're feeling good or feeling bad, remember this moment and in the coming weeks, try and create something positive from it" 13. Lateralus [me going berko] [Concert length 2.25 hours] Danny Carey is THE best drummer around currently. Adam is so faultless and plays so effortlessly, and Justin is ace as well. Maynard had a big black stripe painted down the centre of his face. He wore a padded suit thing for the first half of the concert and was very animated during every song. He was living the music, incredible. He was beserk after the intermission. His voice soared through keys and was so beautiful and angelic, he is an amazing singer and amazing artist. I sisn't know who to watch. The screen? Danny? Maynard [WHERE does he get his energy?] Adam? Pushit contained some of the Salival version but was mainly the original. Prison Sex had the extra verse which was good, coz I hadn't heard it. Maynard didn't say much, a "Thankyou" after 46and2 I think, and after pushit or so: "Melbourrrrrrrne. It's been a while. You all look older, and fatter. But that's ok, it's winter. Just remember to get on those treadmills in a couple of months, don't let yourself go..." He also mentioned something about art transforming you, which I have forgotten. He also got everyone [except myself and my friends of course] to quote the non-conformists ideal, which everyone fell for [it's mentioned in the NZ reviews]. The crowd was good, I didn't see any drunken morons, and everyone was just stoked to be there. I heard a few stupid comments, which I won't go into. A couple of rednecks and idiots, hopefully they understood what is was about. The aftermath: I was shellshocked, I couldn't speak. Everyone was just standing there and the lights came on and no-one knew what to do. I was bewildered by what I had just experienced. I thank God for allowing these four gifted humans to come together to help bring meaning to a lot of people [I am getting teary right now, such a wuss!!!]. I remember seeing a quote where Adam said that he creates videos and they fit music to the video. Well this wasn't more evident than for Reflection. I can't really explain the whole thing. My brother interpreted it as meaning if you don't let go of all the negativity and if you settle for less you'll just end up a little patch on a wall [headless guy in painting on wall] with your life down the toilet [toilet scene]. I don't really want to go into all the interpretations because I think each song will have different meanings for different people, I think this is what Tool set out to do, make you think for yourself and form your own ideals and beliefs and principles [Opiate/Eulogy]. All I can say now, is how the HELL am I sposed to work today? I can't stop thinking about last night. At the end of the show, I was just standing there with my head in my hands going "f#ck, f#ck, f#ck," it was beyond words. I thought I understood Tool before, it's all been shot to the shithouse now, my God, what a mindf#ck. Never ever have I been so emotional. I just stood clear of the moshpit and let Tool take me into the palm of their collective hand, where they proceeded to teach me a few things about myself. Oh my God. Lateralus transformed me, that has a lot of meaning for me, that song. Thankyou God, Thankyou Tool. This was the best night of my life, better than the first time I had sex, made love - anything. Mindblowing. I now have an eternal smile. Tim Marsh PS: If anyone gets their hands on a copy of the concert, email me at 46and2@start.com.au
Review written by: brett (brett2001au@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 01:43:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
THE MYTH THE BAND THE LEDGEND MY NIGHT WITH TOOL By BRETT Ok this how it all happened I am trying to remember this as accurately as possible. Also please excuse spelling mistakes because its now 2am and I am tired but I promised you all I would get this to you. I got to Rod Laver Arena at about 11:30am. I was still upset at my tickets because I got shitty seated ones that were far back. Anyway we walked around the arena a few times to see what was happening. Whilst doing this we met some boys from Perth who had flown across to melb for the tool show here and were then going onto Sydney for the two shows there. These boys had G.A tix (general admission, these tix are in front of the stage and are standing area they sold out in about ten minutes there were 2000 of these tix). We stayed at the stadium for a couple of hours then went home because not much was happening. We got back to the stadium at about 5pm. We were queued up for about an hour when we were finally let into the lobby. From here we could hear the sound check IT WAS AWESOME!!! This is the best bit where I seized upon an opportunity to good to miss out on. People who had G.A. tix were supposed to hand them to a guard who then gave you a blue wristband. Anyway I saw this so I got in line and the guard took my ticket without realising it was a seated tix and gave me a wristband. I was now in able to get into the G.A part of the stadium. Also because we were at the stadium early I was one of the first in line. So when the gates opened I rushed out into the floor area and I managed to end up in front of the stage right in front of where Justin was about to stand. Also not far from where Dannys drum kit was (it was a huge drum kit). Anyway the support band came out (cosmic psychos) thats all I will write about them. Then tool came out it was awesome Justin was like 10 meters right in front of me and Danny was a few meters behind him. I could see the whole stage clearly. Then they started playing, the setlist was as follows: grudge stinkfist prison sex 46&2 schism pushit disposition reflection schism film clip sober parabol parabola aenema opiate lateralus Maynard also talked for a little bit. He came out wearing a leather ensemble of some sort with black paint in a stripe down his face. After about the first half he came out wearing black boxer shorts. But you couldnt really see him to well because he was standing in front of a projection screen. Anyway the mosh pit was good I got pretty squashed and it was pretty scary. At one point this guy in front of me started complaining and he looked pretty sick so me and a few people around him helped him crowd surf to the front as I was lifting him up I looked at his eyes and they were rolling back in his head so I thought shit thats pretty bad. So I got out of the mosh pit. But for those few songs where I was pretty much on the fence in front of the stage with this huge crowd were pretty damn hard to beat. It really is the stuff dreams are made of. Anyway after leaving the mosh I headed towards the back of the G.A. part. I left the mosh pit when the band started playing disposition or reflection im not too sure. I was to overwhelmed with emotion to really remember. Anyway when I got to the back I stood there for the rest of the show. It was still a really good view. from here I could see the mixing desk area. I remembered what Muriel had told me about camella being the person who did the projections and how she was easy to spot because she was really good looking (for those of you who dont know who camella is she is Adam Jones wife. Adam is the guitarist for tool). Anyway I saw camella so I waited till the show was over and I went and said hi to her and she was really nice I was talking to her for like 5-10mins. Whilst I was talking to her this guy came up to her with a back stage pass and asked where he could use it she told him what to do. After he had gone I asked her if I could get one of these passes she said she doesnt have any but she can get people back stage. She then said that nothing was going to happen back stage tonight because everyone was too tired. She also said her and Adam were going to "split straight away". So I thought oh well she doesnt seem to keen on it so I wont push it anymore and try to get backstage. After leaving the stadium I was kicking myself I realised that I had missed out on a once in a lifetime chance to go backstage. Anyway I have some good news about tool, I asked camella if tool are coming back to Australia next year and she said yes they were in negotiations to play the big day out. So it was a great night and I am still excited, there are bits I left out because I just cant remember everything. Please remember this has been written under extreme tiredness. One last thing if you would like to ask me anything about that show just email me back and I will tell you. Anyway thats all for now, Brett
Review written by: josh (handfull30@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 01:57:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well this was my first ever tool show and i wasn't dissapointed. it was amazing!!!!i was kind of dissapointed that i didn't get to see much of Maynard but they certainly played there moneys worth. great show.
Review written by: Simone (toolkicks@start.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 02:36:32 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. If nobody has, you ought to. The less duplicated info, the easier it is for everyone to read these. Especially your mom.
Review written by: Simone (toolkicks@start.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 02:40:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well! Definately the best ever day of my life! An absolutely mind-blowing experience. The music, vocals and visuals came together to create the most powerful and moving performance ever! For those who haven't yet seen Tool live, I suggest you do, you'll regret it if you dont.
Review written by: Glenn (glennw@austarmetro.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 03:12:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Fuckin Unbelieveable again ! After the first show at Festival Hall , i remember thinking, if they ever come back , i have to be there ! It was better this tme around, the visuals were better, and this time a sat and just appreciated them more. I definately thought "Pushit" was the best and most intense song by far for me. The crowed seemed like mostly die hard tool fans which was good. The best show of my life ! thanks guys. Glenn
Review written by: one-inch-punch (oneinchpunch@tekken.cc) Review posted on: 07/24/01 03:27:27 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
following our will and wind, we may just go where no-one's been | we'll ride the spiral to the end, and may jusy go where no-one's been spiral out | keep | going | spiral out | keep | going holy shit this was a good show. tool sounded like a tidal wave. four guys. un fucking believable.
Review written by: Liam Connell (eulogist_@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 03:32:04 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Man oh man. Greatest concert ever. EVER. I hope the rumours that this was only a "promotional tour" and that TOOL will be back for a real tour next year are true. Simply unbelivable. If you weren't there you should have been and thats it. Also, the crowd were pretty good, during the first two songs, the Grudge and Stinkfist the mosh was pretty bad and I was thinking oh great, coz I don't like mosh pits I prefer to just stand there and soak it all in, the music, the visuals, the fact that my favorite band on the planet are standing what like 10 feet in front of me... and I think after the first two songs a lot of other people realised the same thing and just chilled out a lot. It's like TOOL's fans these days are so hardcore that when they see TOOL they don't jump around like monkeys they just stand there hypnotised. People realised after such a long wait from when they were at Festival Hall in '97 that, damn, this could again be the last time we get to witness this amazing spectacle for a long time so lets try to commit every single little detail to indelible memory rather than just treat it like I dunno a slipknot concert and jump around and see how cool we can look by throwing our bodies around. The people at the TOOL concert last night were a lot smarter than that, well the vast majority. Hahaha, I could see MJK's "repeat after me" thing coming a mile away. "repeat after me... think for yourself" "think for yourself" "strive to be different/unique" etc and you could so tell he was going to basically rip everyone who repeated him. But despite this the crowd were still pretty good, save for a few ocker idiots who felt the need to add the words "ya cunts" to everything they yelled out for the four hours or so before the show started. Anyone who was in general admission and turned up early for the show knows exactly what I am talking about. And everything else to be said about the band has already been said or will be said. Basically, if you are even slightly into the band you owe it to yourself to see the band, best $70 I've spent all year. I've been pretty obsessed with them since late '96 and as for their live shows, well try as we might, words simply cannot describe. Oh I haven't read the other reviews so I am sure the setlist has been posted but just in case it hasn't I am pretty sure it was something like: Grudge, Stinkfist, Forty Six &2, Prison Sex, Schism, Pushit (probably my fave), Disposition, Reflection, Schism video intermission, Sober, Parabol, Parabola, Aenima, Opiate, Lateralus. Thanks TOOL for one of the best nights of my life and thanks Kabir for such an awesome website that lets us fans post stuff like this.
Review written by: KEL (kelliebryson@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 04:30:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
5:55pm...waiting nxiously for my friends to pick me up to go to my first Tool concert. They are late and i am so fucking excited. i decided to write down my pre-concert feelings and expereinces, otherwise my mind was going to explode with the built up anticipation of what seems like my whole life spent waiting to experience something even close to the vicinity of perfection that Tool are in. My seat was awesom, dead centre, 5 rows from the front, although upon getting into such songs as Stinkfist, Prision Sex and 46 & 2 one after the other, i was starting to wish i was in general so my body could portay the way my mind was feeling. I have never felt a physical reaction quite so intent as the mental, but this time my whole being seemed to be mesmerised, fucking hypnotised, by everything that is Tool. The effects, the sound, the presence, the inspiration to go away and create something unique were so mind blowing, thought provoking, body rocking, unbelievable. Itwas great to hear the voices of people behind me, in front of me, all around me, singing like a cult that had come together to celebrate an experience like no other, ever before. we did definately have a moment. My friends are off to Sydney to do it all again...whilst i, still here at this old wooden desk, not working, but writing, thinks of them in envy, but with sweet relief that at least i had the priviledge to experience this much, which is more than i ever wished, hoped or dreamed of, or ever had any fucking right to expect. Thanks Tool...
Review written by: Orcy (orcy@bigpond.net.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 04:44:17 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I just got back to Adelaide from Melbourne where I went to see Tool for the first time with some friends. It was absolutely amazing and words can't describe the feeling I had afterwards, im still on a high 15 hours after the show finished. For someone so small Maynard really puts a lot of energy into his singing and the way he moves. The acoustics were amazing, even though I was sitting 3/4 of the way back at a slight angle I had a very good view of the stage and you could really feel the bass rumble around the entire arena. The setlist was extremely well chosen and songs like Sober and Aenema got the best reaction from the 15,000 strong crowd. Personally i'd never been to a concert before, certainly not one of that size anyway and the atmosphere was simply unbelieveable and I wish to thank not only Tool but everyone else involved in bringing the band to Australia because I knew didn't matter where it was, I was going to go.
Review written by: Kal (kal__p@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 05:28:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
It was kind of a surreal evening last night. After a highly unnerving wait for some accessories that didnt end up arriving, the group I was with headed from East Geelong to the Geelong train station to catch the 6:25 train to Melbourne. We arrived at Spencer Street station at around 7:40 and headed directly to the train that would take us to Richmond station. In Richmond we began walking to the Rod Laver Arena and stopped for a short migz on the way. We had our bags checked at the door, and some people were frisked for shit, but all the drugs managed to get in nontheless, judging by the constant wafting smell of THC. I sat down just as Dannys drum kit was revealed from underneath a black cloth, and the sound test began. A spooky German monologue was used as part of the sound test, I would have liked to have known the translation. Anyway, after a short wait my friend decided to get a drink, and had to run back into the arena as the lights dropped and the circle of fluorescent eyes appeared on the screens. The band walked onto the stage, which was in darkness. After a few moments, there was a phat explosion of noise and the bassline to The Grudge kicked in. The Grudge (Complete silence to sudden BOOM of bass.) Stinkfist (The middle instrumantal part was restructured) (-)Ions (For about 30 seconds) Forty Six & 2 (Like Id always dreamed of seeing it) Prison Sex (Extra verse and all!) Schism (Did I see Maynard playing the intro?) Pushit (Those opening notes sent shivers through my body) Disposition (Maynard pulls out the guitar again!) Reflection (On the guitar again?) Schism Video (Before the video, there was an image of the Salival figure spinning around faster and faster to trippy vibrations) Sober (This was a moment of bliss) Parabol (Audience built up to the slam of Parabola) Parabola (Shared intense vibe of pure energy throughout the arena) Aenima (Maynards heh, heh intro was drowned by cheering) Opiate (Reverend Maynard.) Lateralus (Whole audience clapped through the entire intro!) *** I think this is a correct tracklisting, but I may be wrong around the songs Prison Sex, Schism and Pushit *** Well it was of course an inspiring event to see that the musical creations of four people could incite an audience to such heights of rage, tranquility, peace, awe and unity. I was proud to be there. The lighting was very psychedelic, but not as psychedelic as those projection screens. Those images were like something from the depths of an intensely tortured mind, and they sent to audience into a frenzy. Im so pissed of that I didnt score a general administration ticket I was about 11th in line on the 29th of June, and my friend one space ahead of me got the last general admin ticket in the building. When Maynard spoke to us the single word of Melbourne caused the audience to go nuts. He commented on the time it had been since the last Melbourne concert, and told us we were all looking good. He tricked us with a Non-conformist oath that you can read in the NZ reviews, causing some embarrassed laughs. However, one thing he said really meant something to the audience I think Heres the deal The feeling you have right now, has nothing to do with this band it has to do with this moment our moment So I want you to take this feeling you have right now, whether its good or bad, it doesnt matter and over the next few weeks create something positive with it. Being lost in that music is like no other experience available to our species, as long as you know how to appreciate it.
Review written by: Roman Krakowski (romk@bigpond.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 05:30:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
SETLIST The Grudge Stinkfist 46x2 Prison Sex Schism Pushit Reflection Disposition INTERVAL -- Schism Video Sober Parabol Parabola Aenima Opiate Lateralus First of all, this was an amazing show!!! Incredible, TOOL LIVE lived up to all my expectations!!!! The intensity of the whole band was just incredible. All the band were extremly tight and the sound was perfect. Maynard spoke to the crowd four times in total, (I think). His first word to us were "Melbourne", then he just waited as the band kicked into Prison Sex. Later in the fisrt half he spoke again "Its been a while, I see you have all put on some weight, don't let yourselves go, in spring you should all start using the stepmaster!!" In the second half Maynard spoke again to us about atrists and got the crowd to repeat after him some sort of oath (this part is really blurry for me) he asked to repeat lines about how we should all be unique and to question authority, finally he ended this monologue by saying "Never repeat what other people say!" Just before Lateralus, Maynard told as all "Take this moment weather it be good or bad, and in the coming months turn into something positive". Another thin I was suprised with was that Maynard was partly painted!, He had a black stripe across his head coimh over his face. Justin was all balck, Adam was in jeans and a red shirt, Danny(who was amazing!), was simple in shorts and a singlet top. The second half of the show was incredible with Sober and Parabol - Parabola being the highlights of the night. Before Parabol-Prabola, It seemed that Danny was begining to play the intro to Ticks and Leeches!! But alas it wasn't played. After the show finished, we eventually made our way to the exit doors, form which the band would be leaving, we found this earlier in the day. About Half an hour after the show Danny, Adam and Justing emergered to our applause from an overhead landing (there was about 20 people up there), they all waved graciously as they drove off! No Maynard!! 15 minutes later Maynard appears in Jeans and and Red Jumper, holding the door for his companions, to our applause. As we were applauding Maynard looked up at us and started to clap slowly and shrug his shoulders, as to mean what are you clapping for, he then turned to a Window cleaner working accross form him and said, "Are they appalauding you, great glazing there!" He then turned to us with a huge grin, gave a big wave, and stepped into the Van and left. I traveled 800km to see Tool in Melbourne and it was worth all the money and effort that I put in. I had a great day in Melbourne and met some really cool people at the venue during the day as we waited to get in to see tool. Big hellos to, 'Jesus', and the Boy from Perth, have fun in Sydney, Lisa from Adelaide(hope to see u soon), Justine and Michelle, hope you had fun backstage!!! thanks for passing on our message, Everyone else we met in the line and who remembers us boys from Adelaide, CHEERS ROMAN PS If u are one of the people i mentioned here, email me OK
Review written by: Kel (kelandmoo@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 06:06:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
My boyfriend had built this concert up so much since he became obsessed with them after seeing the Aenima concert. I really thought they wouldn't live up to it, especially in such a huge venue. BUT I WAS WRONG! Highlights - Schism, 46 & 2, Reflection, Aenima and Lateralus. I never thought I would succumb to the hero- worship at of crying at a concert but I was moved to tears on two occasions - at the start of Schism and during Lateralus. I'm five months pregnant and I have to say even the baby loved those two songs, with huge kicking movements going on during both. What can I say about Maynard? Here is a man that feels things so strongly. You could feel the intensity of emotion in his voice and I could feel his passion and presense throughout. I respected his choice to sing in the shadows at the back of the stage - and as he said, "art saves lives" ... I would love to tell him how much Tool's lyrics has reflected certain aspects of my life. Oh, and I'd love to tell him to give Tori Amos a huge kiss for me, and thank her for saving my life on more than one occasion...'me and a gun'. Thanks Tool for passion and truth of emotion and playing up to all the complete shit that being a rock band entails.
Review written by: Slater (email removed) Review posted on: 07/24/01 06:16:14 ET
This was this reviewer's Fav Tool show
You have patience if you are this far down the page. The drum solo b4 Aenima was nothing like Merkaba and Maynard sang a different harmony in Schism (perfectly in tune) contrary to the dickhead above's remarks. I'm sure Fred Durst never says 'Take this feeling and create something positive'. He should break his fucking face. It's funny watching people mosh to Tool - really, it is. Hopefully they will get sick of the older songs and improvise more in them on the next tour.... The best live show I have ever seen. Oh my god.
Review written by: Phil McCallum (fil112@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 06:50:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Last night was my first tool tool show whicj I had been hanging out for, for a few years. After hearing so many good things about them live I had high expectations and they exceeded all of them by a mile it was quite brilliant. My favourites were parabole, aenime and my all time favourite tool song opiate. The mosh was great not to many crowdsurfers when we moshed it was great and for the rest just sat back and enjoyed the experience. it was a great experiens YAY TOOL
Review written by: Jason (screwdriver90@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 07:03:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Be Inspired!
Review written by: John (one28seventy@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 07:10:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
All I can say is that the show blew me away. It was an experience that I will never forget...I can honestly say that this was the best concert that I have EVER been to. I am already looking forward to seeing TOOL again. Thanks to TOOL for putting on such an amazing show, you guys are without a doubt the best live band in the world.
Review written by: Nick (Tool_apc_maynard@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 07:25:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Hey:) I've loved TOOL since '96 and this is my first show I was able to see them in, so of course I slept out and got first inline tickets and general admission. I can't say too much that hasn't already been said, but I am still in awe about the whole experience. There is some parts i can't remember, so I think I will have to speak to others about it and get the full experience back into me head. Please feel free to email me about the concert, and specific details. But as I knew it was going to be, a brilliant performance by the God's of music today. Well done. Nick
Review written by: ....HN (dragon2000_d2k@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 08:16:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
......The most brilliant,mesmerising, long awaited show of the year.... one of the best fuckin things I've seen in my life.... cosmic phycos?....wat tha hell is goin on?....anywayz.... To be able to hear and see something that I never could imagine seeing or hearing....well that'll be the highlight of my life for a while.... first of all thanx to Tim for gettin me tha tickets and Rock on to TOOL for a fuckin mad show It was awsome to see them play a lot of thier old shit. it was a well balanced set from the old to the new. Me and my friends were hoping to hear the clicks for eulogy...I wanted to hear hush and Hooka with a penis...but hey? wat more could I have asked for... highlights were sober, parabola, opiate...stinkfist went off.....but when the silence was broken with "hey hey hey hey" that was when it fully went off....Aenima was fuckin awsome..and the visuals have etched themselves into my brain.....most sureal, magnificent images that could ever come out of ones mind. well...I'll be there when they come down again... laterz HN
Review written by: Gazan (ragereset@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 08:21:14 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Last night's show in Melbourne was nothing short of astounding. We had general admission tickets as a result of a friend getting up at 3am (thanks Lyse) and so made our way in with enough time to get some good floorspace. The Cosmic Psychos opened and I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. In my opinion, their playing was adequate if a little mundane, but their lyrics were uninspired and tedious. Most of the people standing around me were pretty bored and there were more than a few "At last"s and "About fuckin' time"s when they finally swaggered off the stage, VBs in hand and flannelette shirts to boot... The crowd went sick even when the covers were just being pulled off Danny's drums by the roadies (and WHAT a set of drums.. and he used them all) and the roof just about came off when they came out. I won't ruin it for any Aussies who are still to see the show by describing the stage - it's worth the wait. Enjoy the suspense. Nor will I reveal the set list as I think the anticiaption is something to be savoured. Anyway, if you really want to know you can probaly find out somehow... The sound was fantastic - for the first hour I was up the front in the middle and it was great to have a full view of all the band members. Then I moved to the right and the subs pretty much shook my eyes in my head - top stuff. There was an intermission halfway through during which Maynard changed outfits and the video for Schism was played. I went out for water and returned before the end of the clip, but had to go to the back of the floor upon re-entering. This was good because it gave me opportunity to take in some atmosphere. People were all looking around at each other and sort of shaking their heads in awe at the show. I spoke to a few people and pretty much everyone was saying they were just knocked out by the showmanship and technicality of the band. One girl said to me, "I just can't get over the fact that there are four people up there making this noise live... it's unbelievable." I couldn't agree more - every song was CD-perfect or better, and the visuals were fantastic. I guess I should try to find a few negatives or criticisms by way of balancing my review. Apart from the cover band though, I don't have many gripes. I was slightly disappointed that Ticks & Leeches was omitted from the set list, as I thought this would have worked really well as a live song. Also the absence of an encore, no matter how cliched such things may be, was a bit of a downer I suppose - it's always nice to see the band come out for "one more" even though you know it's a planned part of the show. Still, these are very minor points and remain essentially trivial. A brilliant, inspired show by one of the best and most refreshing bands on the planet today. I feel lucky to have been a part of it and know that I speak for many others when I thank all four members of the band for coming all the way down here, and that we can't wait to see you guys again. Keep doing what you're doing and know that you're an inspiration to your fans. Cheers!
Review written by: Michael (bikey_mike98@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 08:55:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
An enlightening experience....... An incredible moment, one that will stand out in my mind as uncomparible to any other experience. THE GRUDGE Danny drums were cheered and applauded throughout this song, amazing. (-) IONS Guaranteed to explode your brain for anyone who was high on something that night........ :) STINKFIST The moshpit worked into a huge rythmic pattern at the start of this song and throughout other parts, looked very surreal and sent shivers up my spine. PRISON SEX(extra verse and guitar riff) Most were pretty reserved and repsecting during this song, awe inspiring. 46 AND 2 huge projection had two naked bodys wrestling underwater, it was collabarated very well with the song. SCHISM Big cheer at the start, crowd also showed respect and were shoved into a comatozed state of inspiration, the crowd swayed in rythmic patterns during this song. PUSHIT(studio version) Song sent shivers up my spine, always does, with the added atmosphere it was even better. DISPOSITION and REFLECTION Crowd stood stunned and watched the brilliant art being presented in front of them. I just cant put it into words. INTERMISSION Some got up and wasted there money on the shitty food at the arena, most stayed and watched the adam jones "schism" video. SOBER Bass seemed more heavier than usual, we all loved it just the same. PARABOL and PARABOLA Everyone stared at the band and soaked up the atmosphere during parabol then when the build up came to parabola the moshpit went into a frenzy, very awesome, maynards voice sounded great. AENIMA Again the bass seemed heavier, as maynard fought to get his voice louder than the instruments, and he did well, sensational song to hear live. OPiATE Crowd seemed surprisingly familiar with this song, which i thought was great. LATERALUS Great song to end the show, done in perfect timing, lighting in great timing also. Justin Chancellor was really active during the show, and he looked like a fairly big guy also, how tall is he? like 6'5? Things i can recall Maynard saying throughout the show were "the experience you are feeling right now, is not the band, but it is the moment, i want you to take this moment whether it be a good experience or a bad experience, and i want you to take this home with you and create something positive from it" and "It's been a while Melbourne, you all look pretty good, you look like you've put on a bit of weight though, it's ok, its the winter, your allowed to, just make sure you get on that stairmaster in the next couple of months, dont let yourself go" and "i want you to take an oath, i want you to repeat after me, think for yourself (crowd repeats) question authority (crowd repeats) strive to be unique (crowd repeats) strive to be different (crowd repeats) dont repeat what others tell you to say (crowd laughs, dumb people repeat again) hehe. If your a fan of Tool it is a MUST that you see them, i mean that. visit www.geocities.com/thetoolsite, its fairly new, always being updated though.
Review written by: No. 9 (sartoph@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 09:03:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
This was the first time i've ever seen Tool play, and I have to say it was one of the best shows i've been to in a while, the sound was pretty good but during the beginning of stinkfist the speakers were having trouble handling the base but it seemed to clear up after a bit. Although I was in seating I was fortunent enough to be on the left hand side of the stage and had a pretty good view of Maynard in all his glory :) Im not sure what people would have been able to see of Maynard on the right hand side of the venue as it looked like the drums would have been in the way. Anyway probably like every other single person that has posted a review here would have said, it was an amazing show, the visuals were great....... i wasn't aware how much they were into female anatomy but i guess going from there music video's they often come up with really interesting ways of reproduction. oh well i guess i'll finish this up, i heard that they said they were going to come back to australia later in the year or early next year to do a full tour, but i'll beleive when i see it, a perfect circle promised the same thing when they were out here last year and we never saw them again.
Review written by: Shane (creed_is_god@hotamil.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 09:34:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
TOOL ARE THE GREATEST FUCKING BAND TO WALK THE PLANET. I've never been to a concert where the crowd was in such awe to four musicians. No they aren't musicians...THEY ARE GODS! Being my first show, I wasn't particularly sure what to expect, but straight after the intro to 'The Grudge' I was electrified at the power Tool displayed on stage. I was one of the very few lucky people to be in the first row of general admission, and although I'm not big in stature, the pain I went through to watch Tool light up Melbourne was definately worth it. Tool showed such a vast variety in their playlist I think aswell, including many orchestral tunes from their previous albums. Pushit, Sober and Forty Six & 2 were the 3 songs that basically mind boggled the Melbourne crowd. The crowd had varying people aswell, but all bonded together as Tool crashed into the opening riff of The Grudge. Maynard although disgused to the ambience from the screen behind him, performed to the crowd in such a way, that I am still thinking about his every move a day later, and will be for months on end. Danny's drum kit was my highlight before the show started, as I was struck with the beauty of it when the set-up crew drew the blanket off to unveil it to the waiting and patient audience. And Danny didn't dissapoint either, with his blindingly fast drumming through all the songs, leaving my jaw dropped with amazement. I cannot leave Adam and Justin out of the picture either. Justin's speed and precision throughout the show left me amazed, and I was lucky enough to be a mere 4-5 metres away from him. Adam was over the far end of the stage, and although seeming relaxed on stage, he enthralled the audience with some awesome and stunning guitar work. But my favourite member through the concert would have to be Maynard. The way he holds his notes, the way he 'mechanically' danced on stage is still stuck in my head to this day, and although i haven't had much sleep since the greatest night in my life, will stick in my memory for years to come. Maynard's words just before the intro to Lateralus "What you are feeling at this moment has nothing to do with this band. It has to do with the moment. So whether you're feeling good or feeling bad, remember this moment and in the coming weeks, try and create something positive from it" are words straight from the God's mouth, and have been rushing through my thoughts for the past 18 hours. To end an electrifying concert with a song like 'Lateralus' left the crowd with extreme pleasure, having seen the greatest band perform live in front of their eyes. The atmosphere was enourmous, both with General Admission and those unfortunate people that were located in seating. Tool played in such a way, that the crowd bonded as a whole. This has been truly the greatest experience I had ever been offered, and feel I'm one of 10,000 lucky people to see the greatest band on Earth with my naked eye. TOOL YOU GUYS FUCKING ROCK! Email Me Shane
Review written by: Useful Idiot (usefulidiot@start.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 09:54:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well. It's now 1pm the next day. I have been listening to tool for about 15 outta the last 24 hours. 3:30pm yesterday. Leave uni. having retained absolutely nothing. Have some fairly major riffs in my head. Can't stop singing lateralis. 4pm -7pm Reach my humble abode to listen to opiate. then undertow, then nema, then lateralus. then do it all again 7:30pm Enter Rod Laver arena. 10 deep breaths. Calm. 8pm Cosmic Psycho's. Would have been ok. Spent their set freaking. Minutes tick by extremely slowly. 9pmish. Lights dim. Flaming circle of eyes on the big screen. Crowd collectively groans, then swells towards the stage. The intro/warm up is just amazing. We all feel like we are about to run a marathon. On the starters blocks. Typically tool make us wait, building the tension. Tim and Matt are going nuts. I won't go through set lists etc. as you all know. Same as NZ. Aurally spectacular (as always) the band blasted us with all they could. Maynard's voice - it's undefinable. He could have been a great operatic singer. During Pushit he would have held a note for a good 45 seconds (or so it felt). I remember looking around and just seeing peoples heads just drop in wonder. Pushit got some treatment - with elements of salivalesque discovery but staying true to nima at the same time. All the classics were rolled out - a 10 yearish span with none of the songs sounding tired. It is a credit to the band that they are able to infuse a song with new meaning after this long. Visually the stage was stunning. Crowd 250 degrees around the stage. Completely full. General admission - full and undulating. I was off to the right of the stage and back 20m ish. Massive screen hangin' of the back. Drum kit at least 2 metres tall and taking a fair portion of the stage. Maynard hiding - silhouetted against the smaller screen, in some sort of body suit, with thunder thighs and big hips. Black stripe across his face. Looking very much like a tortured creature from one of the videos. The video, filled with cut scenes from video clips, some cg stuff and mixed with footage mainly of naked men and women contorting and spinning. Best description I can think of is a watching a life-drawing class, underwater and on acid. With a soundtrack. Sorry. Just doesnt do it justice. Lets just say it was amazing. The images often conjured up feelings of unease, of anger, fear and angst. Yet at the same time were uplifting and cathartic. With Maynard on stage often looking like the tortured creatures on screen the experience was enhanced further. It is interesting the themes that ran through the video. They were often repetitious, with images repeating themselves or evolving perhaps so that the video sometimes looked like a painting on speed. Often the characters were tortured, forced to feel the same thing over and over again, yet there was a progression within the clips allowing for some feeling of release. The toilet clip shown during Reflection (before the break) was one series of repetition at different speeds and directions. By the end of it I was transfixed, watching the smaller screen and Maynard with one eye and trying to focus on the big screen with the other. The result was a powerful experience but perhaps too personal for this space. The images were often abstract (for example it took me some time to realise that the smaller screen was showing the mirror image than that on the big screen) allowing probably everyone in the arena to draw their own meanings from it. Just like their music I suppose. In terms of pure musical enjoyment, 46&2, Pushit, Sober, Parabol and Parabola (together such beauty and such power) and finally nima were standouts. There must have been 15 000 people screaming learn to swim learn to swim. A final release before the band left the stage. That and Pushit had the most effect. As Maynard reached the dizzy heights of remember I always will love you, even as I claw you fucking throat away I can remember thinking that I could die and be satisfied. By the look of Matt, Tim and Jason it was probably shared. 11:30ish. Not really sure to be honest too much of a daze. Stumble out into the cold winter air (thank god for all the fat. The stairmaster had better come out soon). 12am onwards. Fell asleep at 5am after listening to all albums again. And again. nima is on repeat wake up to 46&2. I guess thats what I got out of it all. Maynard asked the crowd to take home the feeling they had and do something creative with it. After the concert I feel cleaned out, but ready to move on to better things. I hope thats what Maynard was after. And to all you people who took the non-conformist oath. Repeat after me. Think for yourself. Be unique.
Review written by: Woj (jonathanshire@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 10:14:50 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
Bloody great gig. Fantastic. It clocks it in, at three hours, as the longest concert this reviewer ever seen. The Metro was a powerhouse of positivity, and the crowd lapped up the electric atmosphere like a pack of ferral pitbulls at a nudist colony. After an encore that seemed to be longer that the initial concert itself, Michael Franti descended into the crowd and hugged each and every punter in the place, one by one. What a legend. This man truly stands as an institution in the realm of uncommercialised hip-hop fuelled by thought and intelligence, not greed and slick imagery. God love him. Spearhead will be back in January. Can't wait to catch them again. What? Tool? Oh shit. Sorry.
Review written by: Kath (whykickamoocow2@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 10:20:12 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Just a quick note to say whoever returned my ticket to the box office 10 minutes before the concert is a bloody ledgend. The feeling when i realised i'd lost my ticket was so awful, espically because there was a group of 10 of us from adelaide, all still with their own tickets. We dashed over to the box office, waving the reciept and praying for a miracle, and we got one. Someone had handed it in 5 minutes before I showed up and you can imagine the feeling of joy. If some crazed, screaming girl ran past you in the mud before you got in the gates, i'm sorry, but there are some things words alone can't express. Oh, and the concert was worth every penny (all up it cost over $200 just to be there). The mosh in the lead up to and the first few bars of parabola was insane, limbs going everywhere. My personal favourite was aenema and 46&2 was a close second. "i swear to never repeat anything anyone else says"
Review written by: Peter McCourt (mccourt@synflux.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 11:25:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Decided to make the trip to Melbourne to watch the show even though they are playing 2 shows in my town (Sydney) - just one of those things I would regret if I didn't do. Haven't got much more to add that many people before me haven't already said. The show was great, I haven't seen them play for about 4 years and overall the show is similar but a lot more polished than the previous tour. The mosh was nice and squishy. The video screen adds to the whole experience and is improved on the previous tour (not that it was bad last time). I thought the sound quality was excellent given the venue (though I have nothing to compare to having never been there before). My only complaint is that I would like to see more variety in the setlists. From other reviews I've read the setlist was similar to previous ones, and I guess the same will be expected for the two Sydney shows. Anyway shouldn't complain too much, I got to see 2 hours from the band I consider to be far and away the best band in the world. Can't wait for tomorrow night when I get to do it all again.
Review written by: Mick Harris (hughgrection69@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 11:33:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
In the world of music the measure of success lies in a few simple things, the number of rotations your songs get on mainstream commercial radio, the number of singles and albums you can churn out- whilst compromising the quality of your product-, the number of shopping centre autograph session and the number of samples you can get in any one song and still maintain it as original. The band does none of the above and the time between albums seems like an eternity but it allows you appreciate the product. And the product always is of substance and quality But in the true sense of success all one had to do was be fortunate enough to be at the Rod Laver arena Monday 23/7/2001. There was no manufactured, pretentious, over rated trumped up wanna be's strutting their stuff to piped in music while they get their lips coordinated to the cd music that is piped in through the speakers. What the crowd witnessed last night was 2 hours of what can only be described as a masterpiece. Words and superlatives pale into insignificance when trying to best capture the power, the energy, the emotion of describing a Tool concert. To best describe it, is to actually witness a concert. I was fortunate enough to do so. A work college daughter couldnt believe someone as old as me could be going to a Tool concert. With this I trudge my old 34-year body to sit in amazement for 2 hours of mind numbing pleasure. Whilst not professing to know all the words like the younger punters, I still have comfort knowing that my connection with Tool would probably go back a few more years than those younger punters. I have listened to them for about 7 years. And never went last time they were in town and to this day have regretted this decision. But no more, and now I want more. The setlist has been well documented. The whole show was like an epic theatre production. It draws you with the first note of the first song. The production (no longer know as a concert) slowly draws you in and blissfully drags your mind and body along for a ride of a lifetime. The opening song "the grudge" powers from the first riff of the bass and the drum- you sense already that the next couple of hours you better strap yourself in and take off to were your senses have never been before. We then stop at a dark place called "stinkfist" suitably followed up by "prison sex". The journey has just started and already we are having outer body experiences and you hope for some respite, but without warning the frenzy continues with"46 & 2". At this stage the crowd has lost any connection with what is happening elsewhere. You mind is scrambling for thoughts to describe what is happening, but instead of relaxing we just keep getting overpowered by constant images on a projector screen and we hear "schism", "pushit". Tool now have you were they want you, wanting more so much more and with a sense of compassion they start to transfix the crowd into a wind down couple of tracks prior to intermission. We start to unwind with "disposition" and "reflection". Quite apt when you leave sit back at 2.00am in the morning and remember what you have experienced. The band leaves, just as quickly as they arrive. We sit and watch the "schism" video while the hairs still tingle and stand up on end after the most intense yet pleasurable hour of musically production you would wish to see. Collect you thoughts; readjust your body as the productions second session is about to start. We again hit the adrelian button with that familiar sound of the bass for the song that probably got them going in Oz "sober" My sense are far from this, they are drunk from the euphoria of what is taking place around me. We then soak up "parabol" and the crowd knows that something will explode in a short time when they launch into "parabola". Without disappointment that mosh pit is jumping as one with the first twang. We know that only a few songs remain until the inevitable conclusion, but it will never end as memories are burnt and etched into peoples minds. The time may grow longer as to when we last saw them, but the memories last a lifetime. And as with all things great they wont fade. "Aenima". "opiate" and "lateralu (i)s" finishes the production. They have taken us from point a to point b and to many places were the sense have never experienced before. All words cannot describe what we have just witnessed. Is it the best concert ever?, will they tour again?, when will this feeling of bliss disappear?. Whilist we can answer only a few of these questions, we must be grateful for what we saw. It was a rock concert, it was a rock epic of proportions. It elevated, captivated and the superlatives go on for eons. The lighting, the projection screens, the stage set up, where the band stood or sat, the secrecy of Maynard, the captivation of the audience when he spoke, the sound, the crowd. I think its a mark of respect to a band when you have about 9000 people totally captivated by what a person says, or does and there is no trouble in the crowd. The all came to be blown away by what surely at this moment the worlds best rock group both on what they produce on CD and especially what the produce live. As a said at the start, bands come and go depending on what needs to be manufactured to cater to the mass morons who lap these fly by the night ensembles, as using the word band in this instance is an outrage. Tool will be spoken about in the same vain as bands from past are spoken about today. I have seen many concerts, some good, some bad but this will stand as a highlight. I can honestly say you cannot walk away from a Tool concert disappointed. A concert is built around what they produce on stage. The quality of music, the tightness of the band on the night, the reproduction of the songs live to that of the CD, the show. You cant go past the evening of Monday 23rd July 2001, and all you need to say is TOOL Regards Mick Harris
Review written by: Taylor Wood (parabol_a@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 11:51:47 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well, Where do I start? The entire show from start to finish blew me away like nothing before. The Clips on the main screens by Adam Jones were something special!!! Justins intro to schism was brilliant, aswell as Adams finish off for reflection...gee i love that song....it sounded brilliant.....as did the entire show!!!.....from the starting song "THE GRUDGE" through to "LATERALUS" ...theres no need for me to state the setlist ..as someones already done that..... The extra verse of Prison Sex was brilliant....It was all just AWESOME!!!!!..put in one word!!!!!!! If you missed this one!!!!....then you will be mad to miss them when they return!!!!!!!!!! Great work fellas!!!!!!!!!!!...........
Review written by: Victor Wozniak (bwozniak@optusnet.com.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 12:17:02 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, sitting in my seat (Door 16 - OO 535 - 2nd last row) i thought to myself...at least i'll be able to hear it! Nevertheless, i wipped out my binoculars and gazed at 'that' drum kit which was almost the same value as my existence. Yeah, you've seen the set list, i don't think tool could have chosen a better musical experience if they'd tried! What a tease, ABSOLUTELY WE WANTED MORE!!...but that's the beauty, we can all witness another great experience in the future without feeling that we've missed something. {2 witness Maynard express his music so deeply and uniquely {2 witness Adams influence on a weeping guitar, yet so content about it {2 witness Justins tranquil expression on bass & {2 witness Danny...speechless!! ....wasn't even the highlight....it was the message that i embraced during those 2 overwhelming yet rapid hours. And i'm sure many people will walk out of that conert and do just what Maynard asked everyone to do..."go and accomplish something positive". Thankyou TOOL. VIC, Melbourne, Australia.
Review written by: aenima (red_cannibal@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 12:44:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
TOOL was fucking amaazing. Maynard's voice was flawless even when bent over double in contortionist positions. Danny went off on drums...justin and adam had amazing precision....the screen captured each song perfectly. The show was mesmerising from start to finish, the anticipation, the passion, words from Maynard - my GOD. Best concert i've been to ever. Those four amazing guys couldn't have impressed my any more than they did....i'm still pumped from the experience. Some songs I sung from the top of my voice from seats, others i just couldn't help but stare unbelievably at Maynard, wondering how the hell he makes that perfect sound from beneath his line of make-up and black jocks. The quality of sound was unbelievable, although i could still hear by the end of it, so it could have been turned up a bit. The atmosphere was amazing, watching the swell of the mosh in songs like parabola was mind-blowing. Faves included prison sex, aenima, parabol/a and 46 & 2. Aside from missin eulogy, they couldn't have played a better set, both old and new stuff was impressive. Who would have thought that four guys could be as godly as those i saw last night? My mind is still buzzing from the experience - one which i'll never forget. Guys, you were so fucking amazing, words cannot fully describe how it was. Thankyou for giving my the best night of my entire fucking life. TOOL are the artists that they themselves speak of, and the feeling was nothing short of amazing from start to finish. No doubt I'll be there when they come back again.
Review written by: michael d (thirdeye84@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 12:57:57 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well what can i say this was my first tool show and i was blown away i wont put the setlist because it has appeared many times over the concert was awsome tool were faultless danny is amazing maynard is god i was in a trance the whole concert thank you tool and i took your advice and did something creative when i got home yeah!!!!!
Review written by: Franois Hugo (tomtheweatherman@frenchy.8m.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 13:03:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well, last night I lost my Tool virginity and it was a deflowerment I will certainly remember. The setlist (as well as most of what I had to say) has been posted already so I won't chuck that in. I don't really want to contaminate this review with the words "Cosmic Psychos" but I feel I must, they were undoubtedly shit, second time I've seen them as a support band for a band I liked and they were no better the second time round. It's always going to be hard supporting the greatest band on earth but they would have had a hard time finding a band less suited to a Tool audience. Maynard was the only mic-bearing member of the band so he did all the talking and that wasn't much but what he did say was quality stuff and although I admit I was a taker of the oath of non-conformity, I saw that one coming a mile off. He wasn't, however, the only guitar bearer, he played the intro to Schism, and from what I could tell the solo as well, Adam was just strumming palm-mutes throughout it as well as donning the axe during Disposition and part of Reflection. I didn't have much of a view of Danny, it's kind of hard to see him at all behind that beast of a drum-kit (complete with evil gong, as always) and Adam was so motionless throughout the gig they could have replaced him with a statue with robotic guitar playing arms, that's not to say he didn't kick large amounts of musical arse though, 'cos he did. Justin was a bit more animated and just as good musically although I think they did crank up the bass a tad too much during Reflection. The visuals were awesome indeed in my opinion (although I thought the 2 screaming Stinkfist-character-type-women during Sober were a bit disappointing), the details have been mentioned already so I won't bore you with those. Suffice to say they kicked ass and the ones that accompanied Lateralus (my favourite Tool song ever) were awesome, also I noticed the lighting was synchronised to the lyrics of the verse (Black and white are all I see... Red and Yellow.... etc.), it's the little touches that really made the show. I'd come from Hobart for the gig so I was expecting to get my money's worth and I certainly did, and then some. I apologise to anyone unlucky enough to be near me who witnessed my Tool-induced singing attempts (I was the crazy fucker about 15m from the front of the stage in the tatty white submerged eye Tool shirt over a black 3D logo Tool shirt with boofy hair, torn jeans and a complete inability to sing) but bear in mind, I'd been waiting for this since age 11 when I first heard Stinkfist on the radio (I'm 16 now) so I was pretty excited. Anyway, an awesome gig by a fantastic band in a brilliant venue, highly recommended to anyone lucky enough to have the lads swing by their neck of the woods in the future.
Review written by: Glenn Johnson (aenima18@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 13:33:34 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
July 23rd 2001 TOOL Rod Laver Arena The lights dimmed and the Lateralus flaming eye lit up the arena. People had come from afar and had all gathered in this one place to feel the moment. This was the moment that I had waited five years to experience. Ten thousand people like me stood with mouths open gazing at the glowing eye as if it was the answer to all their questions. The air was tense and the crowd huddled like a herd of sheep. Suddenly the crowd surged forward and an almighty roar filled the stadium. TOOL walked out onto the stage very casually and prepared for take off. The band introduced themselves with The Grudge and the crowd went spastic filling the arena with an opening chant that was like no other. A new dimension began to open up and we were all suddenly pulled into the bands control. Each member looked to be in another state of mind and the level of concerntration and focus was massive. Not a single beat was misplaced as Danny Carey began the pulse. At first Maynard seemed shy as he gazed into the projection screen but soon enough we witnessed his icy stare. The band was hypnotizing and Maynards graceful voice soared into the air. The visuals and themes of The Grudge were very powerful and a feeling of evolution filled my mind throughout the entire show. Are we evolving? Will we reach 46&2? The vieoclips and visuals all reflected this feeling and the constant repetition of certain scenes was like a slow evolution. A capturing voice pulled us into Pushit and this gave the eager crowd some time to relax and to focus. Each song seemed to come to a climatic point in which the band became one and each chapter of the setlist ended. Whilst the setlist was the same as previous shows, it did not dissapoint the huge crowd. With each song a new feeling was established and I must say that each member of TOOL really put in all their effort. It was however a shame that many yobbo fucks insisted on yelling 'Aussie Aussie Aussie!' and 'Show us you undies Maynard'. I mean if this is what you pay your hard earned money to yell out, how about you do it at a Linkin Park show instead of spoiling everybody else's experience. Or maybe you should listen to reverend Maynard as I think you would learn more from one spoken sentence of his, than you will learn from any fat wanker down at the pub in your life. Thanks for making the rest of us look like dickheads and lowering us to your level of intelligence. Apart from that minor hiccup, the entire show was mind blowing and each song did not fail to represent what TOOL and the music is about. Thank you to all the people that came for the music and the experience. You are the true fans and you are rewarded with Lateralus.
Review written by: Cameron Parrent (cameron_parrent@deakin.edu.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 14:27:53 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Well, I'm gonna have to disagree with every review currently posted here, and say it was a bit disappointing. I saw Tool last time they ventured to Melbourne in 1997, so I guess I have the chance to compare that intimate gig of about 3000 people with last nights arena spectacular to about 16000 people. Visually, the show was amazing, and the passion that all the musicians put into this experience was inspiring. I spent a lot of the show just staring up at the big screen, surrounded by a surprisingly calm crowd. The last time i saw them the crush was unbearable, but this time everyone on the floor seemed more appreciative, but i guess they were the ones desperate enough to see Tool to have lined up over night to get tickets early. I had a great spot, about 2 meters away from Adam Jones. But, at least where i was, the sound was terrible. Justin's bass and Danny's bass drum just sounded off. Justin was pissed off about it, and kept trying to get the sound guys to fix it, but every not just echoed in my voicebox and made me feel sick (and today i've got no voice). The highlights of the night were definitely the anthemic Opiate, the naked chicks on the big screen, and my favorite song of all time, Reflection (although ruined slightly by the sound issue) and a re-reworked version of Pushit, which was kind of a cross between the Aenima and Salival versions, with some new parts thrown in as well. I'll just end this by telling you all that if you EVER have a chance to see Tool in a small, intimate venue then its worth camping out for a week, performing sexual favors on a local ticket agent or even killing a world leader to do so. Sadly, i think these big echoey arenas are the only way we're gonna get to see this, the world's most brilliant and artistic band. Despite all the drawbacks, its still the 2nd best concert i've been to, Tool in 1997 being the unfallable #1
Review written by: karbn (karbn@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 14:29:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
one of the most incredible experiences i have ever had. too bad the floor sold out so quickly... the way adam drew the end of reflection out for what seemed like an eternity was truly surreal, which complimented the video being looped throughout the show. on another note, looking down on the people in the pit during the beginning of the schism video was crazy. i swear not one individual was moving. everyone was mesmerised and paralyzed by the video. i'm there next time.
Review written by: Jake Bovill (lateralus@dcsi.net.au) Review posted on: 07/24/01 14:58:39 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I'm not quite sure how to express what I experienced last night, but an appropriate word would be eu-pho-ri-a. Having now seen the greatest ever band (in my unbiased opinion) I am now eternally satisfied and will die a happy man, having fulfilled my life ambition. Danny was brilliant, effortlessly producing amazing sounds from somewhere deep within a mountain of drums, cymbals, pads, and percussion instruments. Adam and Justin, at the front of the stage, were almost motionless, producing music that was so intense and full of emotion. Maynard was in full flight, reaching notes in a seemingly endless vocal range both in terms of pitch and dynamics. The way he moved on stage was primal, almost primative, like the near-human images that were projected on the two huge screens. 2+ hours flew by in a few minutes, and it was so sad when the four guys we love so much waved goodbye and left the 10,000+ capacity (sold-out) tennis centre. I'm so honoured to have had the privelage to share this experience, and certainly hope that I will get the opportunity again. Thank you Danny, Justin, Adam and Maynard, for the greatest night of my life.
Review written by: Wayne (sch1sm@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/24/01 22:22:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I had to sit through the absolutely crap support act, which only made me want to see tool even more and makes you appreciate how much effort they put into their music. With songs like "i want to be like David Lee Roth", the 40 year old yobbo punk band, Cosmic Psychos, made noise that wouldn't even sound welcome coming from an arsehole. Who picks these bands. Any way Tool came on and blew me away, Danny looks as though he's playing well within his capabilities even when playing the ending of schism, Adam and Justin glide through songs seamlessly and maynard has just an unbelievable voice, no studio enhancements for this lead singer. I would have loved to have heard 4 Degrees, thats one of my favourites. Maynard on guitar as well, Unbelievable. I can't wait when they come back, what i have heard it will be soon so they can do a full australian tour.
Review written by: Dave (undertow909@disinfo.net) Review posted on: 07/24/01 23:40:21 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well..... the concert was the most incredible night of my entire life........ the setlist was perfect...... maynard as enigmatic as ever.... exellent visuals..... i had good seats and had tears in my eyes when they came onstage... pity about the support band they were very BAD
Review written by: Matthew Tierney (macteeny@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 01:42:13 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
It was like nothing i have ever seen before. A totally pulsating, mind-numbingly insightfully inspiring experience. Everything was executed with perfection and raw power. The animations we're like a portal, as maynard stared into his own screen, a reverse of what we we're seeing, to perhaps somehow be connected to him through all the emotion. "So we're all well aware then, that art saves lives."-maynard That really blew me away. He also made a request to the audience, "Take this feeling (the awesome feeling we were all getting) and over the coming weeks create something positive with it." There will surely be more inspiration for us all to become artists just from those words. The most amazing feeling i had was that as i sang along, i realized i wasn't just singing along to the voice on the c.d., i was singing 'WITH' the voice. That was truly overwhelming. Thankyou Tool, for those precious unforgetable moments.
Review written by: Linds (Lindsay_pb@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 03:35:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
its 2 days after the melbourne gig, and its only now can i remember details because im still coming out of the numbness of the whole thing. i think everyone is in agreeance that the cosmic psychos should be buried alive, but it was quite amusing all the same. when we walked into the arena, there was this black shape that was dannys kit covered with a sheet. After the psychos left, the sheet was removed, producing a roar from the crowd, and thats when the whole thing started to intensify. Some noises went on for a few minutes, then it was black and the guys walked on. After my hyperventilating had ceased, i was able to fully enjoy the experience, and id say it was more surreal than exciting- id been checking the internet every day for the past four years in the hope that tool would announce a tour, and like many fans have been thouroghly listening to at least one whole album a day since i was introduced to their art. So to actually see these guys on stage was a bit frightening! Played live, and with slight changes to the songs, once again new dimensions were added to music that is always fresh and challenging. And the extra little bit in prison sex was just amazing, it put a whole new light on the song and made it sound like something off aenima rather than undertow. I cant remember how long that bit went for, or even the tune of it, but im glad because ill always remember that fleeting little mournful, submissive feeling i got when i heard it, the music itself was almost crying. Until they walked off stage, tool had deadpan expressions, but it was good to see theyd enjoyed themselves, danny congratulating adam and justin by way of a pat on the back. At the train station afterwards, 8 platforms were covered with tool fans, and ive never heard it so silent before.
Review written by: Antony Beard (antonybeard@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 03:54:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
WOW... tell me tell me how good AENEMA was, for me that was simply awesome. From the first sounds made by james, the whole crowd went sick. IT was just awesome. There was such a buzz in the air, and shivers were constantly flowing through me. There were so many moments where you got goosebumps. For me, the climax of puchit, where james lets go of that high note, and the band stops was absoloutley unreal. It was simply awesome. You just have to be there for the full efffect. You just can't explain it......
Review written by: fmx_rider (foxymx@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 04:32:32 ET
This was this reviewer's best Tool show
I almost missed this concert as I was away interstate the day that tickets were released and although I had organised means of getting some, these fell through on the sale day! This was devestating for me, a fan since Undertow. Luckily once I came back to Vic, I jumped on ebay and secured 2 tickets in lower bay 18 row 6! They cost a lot more than face value ($130 each) but were cheaper than flying to sydney which was my next option. Anyway moving onto the concert. Arrived late about 8:30, seated by 8:45, but by all reviews this was great timing as we totally missed the opening band-cosmic psychos. The show was as almost everyone has already stated, truely awesome, with the projection screens perfectly matched to the music. The flaming eye circle projections on the crowd at the end of the stadium looked cool too. Best song I felt was Prison sex, with the great new verse added, while Aenima, Parabola and Opiate were also great. The tightest song was Lateralus, sounded tighter than the cd! Crowd was subdued mostly, prefering the experience than a mosh. Only criticism is: The sound in our area was predominately from Adam and Justin, and therefore their playing drowned out Maynards vocals in the softer lines in Pushit, Reflection and most prominately in Disposition. Overall tho, awesome show, hope they come back soon in 2002. See them at all costs, they are worth every cent.
Review written by: Robbie (bungleski@bigpond.com.au) Review posted on: 07/25/01 04:55:49 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I dont have a lot to add to what everyone else has already said. It was the the most amazing performence I have seen in my life. I still have tears come to my eyes when I think about. Pushit was unbelievable. The extended end to reflection with a lone adam jones repeating that one riff over and over though seemingly basic makes me want to cry thinking about. So much power. No matter what I say i cant describe to anyone what i felt at the time and even now two days later. I literaly couldn't speak to any of friends on the way home I was so lost for words. Understatment of the night. Maynard: 'its better live' no shit maynard it was the best, most mind fucking experience of my life.
Review written by: Mark M (stavrocci@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 06:29:59 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Just like to say that Tool are one of the most creative bands ever. They are unique yet powerful. There is not a single word you could use from the dictionary to explain the feelings everyone there had. The mosh died after the first song or too, everyone was stunned by the band. The artwork from Adam is incredible, it reallys adds to the whole experience. I travelled from Adelaide to see Tool, spent $1000 in 4 days, and every single cent was worth it. They are the greatest band out there, and I hope they dont go commercial. Thank you Tool for the best experience ever!
Review written by: my name is ur a bunch of fucken cunts (TOOL@HOTMALE.COM) Review posted on: 07/25/01 06:56:32 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Don't wanna be an arsehole but just thought I would point to the person above out maynard didn't say "art saves lives" he said "god saves lives, so we needed something extra special to save mine" not sure if the whole qoute is exactly right but he did say god not art .
Review written by: Ryan G (tonedef30@another.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 07:44:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
TOOL. LIVE. There are no words. I won't try. As Maynard put it, that moment was ours and ours alone, and it was an honour to share it. Personal higlights: DEFINITELY Disposition/Reflection with 'Adam's last stand', Danny, and the ultra-heavy version of Sober. Plea: Guys, when you come back, please give us our own Eulogy. Note: To anyone wondering about a return later this year/early next: the back of the shirts proudly sports the phrase "PRE-SEMINAL". If this show was the pre-seminal one, i can't wait to see what the full orgasmic one will be like...
Review written by: Robert H (robert@iamwasted.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 07:45:42 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well what can I say, its been a couple of days and things are quietly starting to carm down. When the topic of Monday night comes up in conversation you cant help but talk and talk with anyone for ages. I'll start at when I got home from school, I ran home at the idea that in about 4 or so hours I would be seeing TOOL live for the first time and with that adrenaline rush nothing could stop me. I got changed quicker than I have ever in my life and grabbed my stuff and got in the car and headed for my friends house. He got in and we all headed for The Rod Laver Arena. We got there quite early and walked around for a while, bought t-shirts and watched as many TOOL fans stared to pour in. As we were walking around we could hear TOOL doing a soundcheck, they played Grudge and this made us go absolutely crazy at the idea that we were going to be in there so soon. They finally opened the doors for people with seated tickets and we sat down and waited. We saw some people we knew and we all sat down and listened to the supporting band the Cosmic Psychos, sorry to the guys but I kind of got the impression not many people liked them. But in the short space of half and hour TOOL began and we sat there gobsmacked for about 2 and a half hours not just at the incredible sound but also at the artistic talent of the band. Its been a couple of days and I still cant stop talking about it, cheers to the band and their magnificent performance and to everyone in the crowd who made it a night to remember, ta! TOOL better come back soon, MELBOURNE wants them! Bye!
Review written by: Coga (jcoga@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 07:48:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Hey Tool Fans, This was my first Tool show.... And there are no real words that can explain the way I felt when tool were playing less than 50metres away from me.... The whole atmosphere and feeling of being there was unbelievable. The screen and clips added to the strange feelings I experienced, the videos are trippy as.... They are trippin me out you wore a mix bowl on ya head... lol... hey vale Sick show Tool!! I won't be forgetting in too soon!
Review written by: simon kaye (are_you_sancho@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 08:28:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
i been hangin 17 years for a concert and i always wanted my first to be TOOL.....and it was my first concert, first time in the mosh and FUK was it CrAzY!!!!!!!! hope to see them guys down-under again soon and if the band be readin this... good work good luck with the shows have a great time here in aussie land keep up the good work/fun... whatever and erm....u welcome back any time :) later all P.S. if ya missed the show, get up at 5am like i did just for the tickets :P
Review written by: Spiralout (-) Review posted on: 07/25/01 09:11:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Oh my god..I am speechless..what an amazing show! I can't believe that it is now all over..the music was incredible..the visuals left me staring into the screen, completely drawn in. I felt the whole audience connect during Reflection..it was fucking awesome..a few days later I am still speechless..what an amazing feeling. How do they do it? How do they make you feel such a way? And while they played for over two hours, it felt like only minutes. You could feel the anticipation from the crowd just before TOOL were going to come on stage. This is what I have been waiting for for so long..and now it has finally happened. How will I ever go and see any other band play ever again? They will look so pathetic compared to TOOL..such quality. Everyone sure as hell got their $70 worth..Unfuckinbelievable..And they played Pushit!! The mosh was at a complete standstill throughout Disposition and Refletion..everyone was gaping at the screen. This was such an amazing experience..The lighting, the visuals, the music, it all fell into place. It was perfect. What more could one wish for?? Maynard's voice touched everyone, especially during Parabol..I can't believe ot, they were actually here! In Australia! In Melbourne! This concert has completely changed me. Thanks to TOOL for such an amazing experience! And thanks to everyone in the crowd (woth the exception of a fe people, but I won't go into that.) You made the concert what it was, Spiralout
Review written by: Ivy (ivy76_98@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 10:42:28 ET
This was this reviewer's fav Tool show
what can i say that hasn't already been said. Tool, FUCK! i wont post the set list again but just add that they did play ions after the grudge and eon blue apocalypsearound the time of intermission... could have been more but i was to lost in the moment to remember If you missed them this time dont make the same mistake twice they do change your life, i'm still trying not to take it all to seriously. just letting the guy who refers to himself as "ur a bunch of fuckin cunts" that maynard did say art saves lives. i feel that he meant this in a healing way. Music does heal. as for the rest of what he said, well thats his humour coming out... i'm inspired.
Review written by: Cinammon Girl (opal_76@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 12:14:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
His Majesty, Maynard-dark shadows and brilliant highlights, he had me in awe for 2 hours and fifteen minutes....so many different emotions and i'm sure you will all agree-what an amazing show-what an amazing voice-what an amazing band of sheer brilliance.........
Review written by: Willy (sir_willy69@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/25/01 13:04:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well what can I say.......................UnFuckingbelievable. Tool were everything + more than what I expected. No offence to any cosmic phsycho fans but I think more time could have been takin choosing a support band. Not that the support band even matters when your goin to see tool. I couldn't believe how good they were live. the mix was perfect!!! A large highlght was to see Danny in action with has mindblowing style. I was also a fan of the trippy screens behind Maynard. The words Maynard spoke were gold. He told everyone to take home thier experience (even if its a good or bad experience) and turn it into something positive. After getting myself into a great spot in the mosh I thought my night couldn't get any better until I got myself one of Dannys sticks which he threw out in the middle of playing prison sex. I couldn't believe my luck. All I can say is a huge thankyou to Tool and everyone involved with thier tour and cd's and if i were to die today i would die a very happy person. YOU FUCKING ROCK TOOL
Review written by: Steven Caddy (eek@vanillacircus.net) Review posted on: 07/25/01 15:52:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Sitting around in the arena gate queue talking shit and trying to loosen up a bunch of wound up muscles I got my first taste of what was to come. The guttural groaning of some beast behind those blue doors gave way to partial renditions of what were to be the opening songs and had faces smiling and exchanging knowing and hopeful nods. As we exchanged our tickets for wristbands Joe Security explained that there were only 2,000 to be given out and I wondered if the floor would be split into two pits as per the Smashing Pumpkins shows. A minute (an hour?) later and we were shifting around on the concrete floor trying to maintain comfortable as the stands gradually filled. I suppose there's no rush when your seating is allocated. My place, dead centre, four back from the barrier had taken an icy night's winning a few weeks back. A slightly warmer concrete floor under my ass wasn't going to let me forget it. Security gave the usual (false) warnings about surfers being ejected on first offence and (perhaps not-so-false) amateur photographers along with them. A somewhat scary looking, mohawked guy stalked up and down the barrier (head roadie? if you kill the head roadie, do all the other roadies die? stage manager?), occasionally stopping to talk or flash a holographic plastic card with the all-seeing circular saw pattern on it. He eventually flipped a circular backstage pass to a girl up the front and the eschewing squealing, hugging and parading of the pass led to widespread speculation that she'd somehow lose it before the night was over. That would really have to suck... losing a back stage pass. The stage was comparatively low, the speaker stacks and roof-hung quarter orbs significantly smaller than my last visit to this arena and I wondered at how they managed to punch out such an amazing sound. On stage toward the back were two platforms - one that would be Maynard's with the smaller rear projection screen behind it and the other which bore the multi-peaked marquee that could only be one thing. The Cosmic Psychos came onstage seeming like they were expecting to be hated, and they took more than their fair share of abuse from the crowed. But their appearance surely tells of many a harder night than this one and they hammered out one Aussie punk rip after another. I kept my earplugs in - in true punk tradition they were too loud, sharp and harsh. A quick thankyou to Tool for having them as guests and they disappeared off stage, their meagre kit with them. The big Messa BOOGIE bass amps arrived. Sound checks and positioning. A fat bank of effect pedals. The black cloth revealed the most complicated, craziest drum kit I've ever seen. Two kick drums sporting octagon-based geometry, rows of drums, pads and double tiers of symbols. The drum kit alone drew a roar from the crowd. The lights die and we quickly stand and scramble forward, our necks craned. The first bars of The Grudge explode out over the crowd and I'm looking to see what Danny is up to. Until now I've been half expecting the roadies to wheel out a multi-armed box spurting steam and flailing drum sticks aplenty, but no, he is human. And effortless. He doesn't so much as drum so much as gesture at parts of the kit, the corresponding elements beneath blurry fists quaking to life and throwing out the Hammer of Thor over and through us. Hey its, no... no it is... (-) Ions. I smile to myself. That one was unexpected. As you know from the set list the opening fury continued. Precise and clear and strong and fast, Maynard in his Geigeresque alien suit, the other three just doing what they do best. I tried not to look at the screens so much and just let the crowd and the music move me around. Somewhere during Prison Sex I copped a finger in the eye and lost a contact lens. Funnily enough the semi-fuzz vision I had for the rest of the night didn't bother me. Like the subsonic movements rippling out over and through us, the blurry figure before the screen moved in hypnotic ways that I only almost anticipated. Towards the middle of Pushit there was a lot of sideways surging and I drifted backward for a while when I could stand freely and just listen. I closed my eyes and let Disposition wash over me in all of its subtle sweetness with my eyes closed and head down. The guitars gave way to the drumfall lead-in of Reflection, more perfect and rhythmic than just dropping the stick to the skin could possibly be. I'm not sure what Danny does to do that. On the first entry of the bass drum I thought, oh no, he's hit the big drum on the first hit and the final, usually more powerful entry beat for the rest of the band would lose its effect, but when it came, it was powerful and liquid, like a gentle but strong, involuntary contraction throughout the body. And so on, building and building Until I Pine Away. M's lyrical crescendo ramped us onto a sea of guitar and percussion that was as precise as it was ethereal. The ending repeated again and again, lingering more each time, reaching deeper and deeper, until the note seemed to separate into strange harmonic pieces. When I opened my eyes the lone guitarist stoic as he had been all night. When it faded away with the lights and him with it, the 8,000 (more?) reciprocated warmly. The lights came up again somewhat and there was the uneasy feeling that settles over a crowd when the act leaves. The CD Schism and video came on, which was cool - I hadn't been able to catch the Schism video before and I have to say that you really haven't heard a favourite CD played until it's through a system like this. ;) Once more Tool emerge, Maynard having shed his alien skin down to black boxer-briefs. The piercing lead to Sober quickly recharged the air and the people in front of me moved with a the familiar ease of enthusiasm that comes with old favourites. "Its going to get bigger from here" I tell myself and begin slipping forward through the swell and body press, going where the forms would have me. So I float through them to Parabola, listening and moving and feeling the subversive underdroans tug at me. "All this pain is an illuUuUuUsion"... Crescendo, we lift as one, break and for what may have been only a few seconds or as many as ten, my feet aren't on the ground -- I'm just one in a heaving, easy, human swell. When it breaks into chop Danny is at it again, casting out the volcanics with thunderous support from Justin, Adam finally tearing it down again only to rebuild it up as Aenima. The air is electric, the pit a more perfect, heaving sea than before and once again I am them and we're all one. I've learned to swim ;) The lesson winds up into Opiate, which I'll admit I don't know well enough to seek out its form in the thunder. Its so strange. I hear them as someone who has never heard them might or as people who hear me play them might... its familiar but immaterial, and I can't grasp it for more than fleeting moments so again I look up, exhale and slip forward inch by hip by shoulder by inch, for surely the end is near. The checker plate notches, the short incline and open space between the heads before me signal the end of the journey. Somehow I'm dead centre, second row and what has to be the final epic is lurking high and low in the darkness - the opening bars of Lateralus. I let it break down the thoughts in me, feel the enormous presences behind and in front of me and let the emotions spiral up to meet the usic. "Come embrace my desire to ... " If you were there then you know and I won't clutter it with clumsy words. ::: POSTSCRIPT ::: When the band left the stage, lights on and instruments down-set their faces and figures were that of normal people. Of course. But not of rock gods, not elated, not proud, but humble and dignified and grateful to their audience. Okay, I'll say it: oh to have heard The Patient and Triad, but let's not be ungrateful here, the set was amazing. 46&2 and Pushit were gifts enough, Lateralis / Disposition & Reflection being the most powerful if you gave yourself over to them, Aenima and Sober if you came to rock out. Something I hadn't seen or heard of before was the inverted spine and skeletal hands down Maynard's back. Erie and somehow fitting too in the darkness. He certainly feels everything that pours over the stage lip - anyone who hears the voice or sees his compact and muscular silhouette ape and move in front of that screen knows it. I fell for the first three lines of the Non-Conformist Ideal. It was very uneasy for me - Maynard preaching and holding the mic out to capture the echoes like so many self- improvement seminar adverts. I wasn't expecting it at all. A lesson? A smoke screen? A joke or a betrayal of everything I'd come to know them for? Lesson and Joke it seems, and I was relieved. Still it's scary how many people fell in, right through "I will strive to be unique; I will think for myself". It's a powerful illustration. The other things Maynard said are no less valid on their repetition at each show. I girl I grew up with has something alien and unstoppable growing in her bones and will be gone in three weeks. The Ideal, Cancer's deathly touch and advice (given and taken) to feel, create and be positive in the moment may or may not be co-incidence. But listen again and take note of the common threads that dip through their work. "Art saves lives", if you're ready to hear it I guess it just might. Thankyou Tool.
Review written by: dan burke (linda.burke@bigpond.com.au) Review posted on: 07/26/01 00:25:10 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
unfortunatley for me i have spent the last three days in awe trying to recollect the lost moments of bliss that flowed into the memory of this night. as an avid tool fan just seeing them perform would have easily been enough, but their incredibly high standard of performance has led me to only appreciate their artistry more. tool have combinded several of the most fundemental properties of expression into a show sight- the mindblowing visuals and maynards dancing (go you sexy bitch) sound- the explosive riffs the climatic vocals the incredible percussion and the filling and pounding bass lines, and thus left my other senses jelous to be left out. i slept out in Box Hill to get my tickets with two other friends that also earned the tag of obsessed though i was beat to first place in the line by a girl who managed to get the first line stub off the newsagent, we were sitting in the car and only going up to see if it was open every half hour or so. i manage to get the best tickets possible and i acheieved a link to 10,000 other like minded fans. Everyone has posted the setlist, i loved it and enyoyed the insight into what tool thought the best songs were though i must say i wish the'd played eulogy. Maynard gave me so much insparation when he told us all to go create something positive, i am a guitarist of 13 years and i am goin to write the most intricate concerto that has ever been performed. i really got alot out of this show and i still believe tool are the best live band in the world , the most intelligent band in the world and the bets creators of inspiring and energising music that this world has ecer seen. thank you roadies, sound crew, tour managers and producers and everyone else involved for helping tool get their voice out to a new audience. thank you also danny, justin, adam and maynard for giving me that positive moment. hi al its dan here
Review written by: Kelly (kelly_rattle@start.com.au) Review posted on: 07/26/01 01:10:10 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Could not have asked for a better sound or a group of more talented musicans. I must say that the atmosphere was no where near as strong as it was on the last tour- but it certainly wasn't the fault of the band. The Rod Laver was just too big; two shows at Festival again would have been better. I think that after the first time that I saw them, my expectations were far too high, I guess in a way I was hoping for the show to exceed the first one (although this was unrealistic because seeing them the first time was the most memorable experience of my young life). Was any one else curious as to why they left the stage so abruptly and the lights went up so dam quick- where was the 15 minute encore that left us absolutely mesmorised like in the last tour? I was very disappointed that Eulogy wasn't on the list! But would not have changed the list for anything. They played such a good mix from all the albumns. The fat suit kicked ass! I was wondering if there was more to Maynards "oath" than people made out, was he trying to imply that Australian's are all a bunch of sheep, or was he paying out on people in general? For all of you out there who did repeat after him- I hope that you did some real thinking about who you are, maybe you like being a sheep, but as for the rest of us who have our own minds... hats off to us! I was also wondering if in Maynard's other life he is a dentist? - we never saw his face, but sillhoute's are cool! The decapitated dude waving good-by, the finger under the eye lid and all that stuff kicks in only a way that TOOL could pull off! CAn't get any better! That 4am wake up to get tix last month was well worth it. Hey, Nov's if your reading this you rock, TOOL brought back so many ace memories- catch ya soon!
Review written by: Bear Of House (jaosn108@ausi.com) Review posted on: 07/26/01 04:41:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
TOOL are the greatest band ever. Nothing can top what i saw on Monday the greatest performance i have ever and propably ever will see. I got there about 5:30pm and got inside Rod Laver Arena about 6:30ish and we heard TOOL doing sound tests and from that moment listening to Maynard sing Reflection my friends and I knew we were in for an bloody go show and we weren't dissapointed in any way what so ever. From the opening song 'The Grudge' the stage was set for a great show and the quality of the show just seemed to get better and better with TOOL also playing all time favourites like 'Opiate'. 'Sober', 'Prison Sex', 'Pushit' and NIMA also incorperating their new stuff which sounded perfect. I was not t all dissapointed and neither were my friends we would have loved to seen them play more songs but we weren't complaining about what we did see. The highlight of the show for me is when they played 'Pushit' cause its my all time favourite song. I just hope TOOL make another trip downunder so us die hard TOOL fans have another oppurtunity to see them again. TOOL fucken rule.
Review written by: Melissa (StaleSiren@itookmyprozac.com) Review posted on: 07/26/01 12:29:04 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
This was MY Tool experience. Tool touring, only three shows in Australia, you're getting a ticket I told myself. Lower section, row M, I was going to the Tool concert. I finally "roped" my sister into joining me and we arrived at the Rod Laver Arena to be dumbfounded by thousands of people. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity within the crowd. Men and women of all ages, teenagers, (some) children even! When I saw this amazing sea of people, I was finally ready for Tool. Walking into the arena and hearing the "noise," I was glad the concert hadn't already started, sitting down and actually seeing the stage was a huge relief as well. Cosmic Psychos departed the stage, getting cheers only when the lead singer mentioned Tool, and they only got louder when Danny's set was finally revealed. Within minutes, there was Tool getting ready. As soon as The Grudge started everyone in my section was up on his or her feet. The next parts were a blur, I remember singing to every song (which I'm sure the gentleman next to me didn't appreciate.) Fuck him, I was there to sing, sway and embody the music. The next part I remember was the teenagers in font of me looking at each other whispering "oh my god, this is it isn't it?" I knew it was big, then Maynard started quietly "hey, hey, hey, hey." My sister recalls the boys giving each other high fives (hilarious eh?) On came Aenima, a song that a few thousand people were dying to hear. Big blur, then it was over. The lights came on, some people stood around anticipating an encore, others looked around for the nearest exit. It was a dream, a nightmare and life, all in two hours. It's scary the power some people have...
Review written by: Mick (newie90@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/26/01 13:11:52 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
The greatest aural experience of my lifetime. No band has ever played such complex music so perfectly. The sound quality and the playing was better than any of their CD's. Thanks to the general ad. crowd who realised that you don't have to mosh to everthing to enjoy it. Please e-mail me if anyone recorded the concert. It has played a special part in my life.
Review written by: Ashley Brown (sentient73@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/27/01 04:44:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Tool Rocked. Rocked is what Tool did. Rock hard did Tool. Hard is what Tool rocked did. Rock is what Tool did hard. What Tool did hard is rock. Tool rock did hard. Tool sang songs. Songs is what Tool sang. Sang more than one song did Tool. Tool sang Tool songs. Rock hard did Tool songs that Tool sang. Hard sang Tool rock did. Me is eloquent I is. Me's future as rock jurno I has. Me's knows about things that rock. regards, Future Rolling Stone Editor PS If there's a message in this for fellow reviwers here, it's that if you haven't got anything new or eloquent to say, just don't bother saying it. Reading "Tool fucking rocked" eighty times in a row can get tiresome. Seriously though, Tool, you are a cultural anomaly. It's gratifying to see that an uncompromising band that actually still care about the music can pack out a stadium. Ah, there's hope for music yet.
Review written by: angel (tashy81@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 07/27/01 05:55:51 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
well firstly i would just like to say how awesome tool were in melbourne. i have missed them before when they were in australia but this time i wasnt missing it for the world! i cannot explain how mindblowing it was. the experiance of it all. people who were there can understand how much i just wanted to jump up and down and go nuts throughout the whole show, but the whole two hours were spent with our asses glued to the seat because thats all i felt i could do. just sit there and stare in amazement and sing as loud as i could tap my thighs with my hands, although i did make the effort to stand up and scream and clap as loud as i could after each song was played! i could not help but stare at maynard for most of the night. i dont know, he took me to some weird but wicked place! or maybe it was the state i was in!! i also sat there contemplating how i could get on the stage and give them all a big hug and go nuts!! times like this i wish i could fly!! it was an experiance i wont forget for a long time and they better come back to australia real soon so i can experiance it all over again! and i just wanna thank my big brother for sharing it with me and for buying me the ticket!! TOOL ROCK!!
Review written by: brendan (shimer25@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 07/27/01 06:49:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
finally. after five years of waiting. five years since hearing aenima and discovering the brilliance of tool, i got to see them. it was phenomenal. i was in a dream-like state. i can't remember all of it, but memories keep flooding back from time to time . . . . . . the end of the grudge when maynard's saying "let go". he started whispering it, then a little louder, and then for the last 6 or 8 lines he yelled it, before ending with a final, painful scream, which disappeared into the massive drums and oppressive final riff . . . . . . the "i'll keep digging" section of stinkfist. the lighting was spectacular. each heavy strum of the guitars signalled an awesome explosion of light which filled the entire arena . . . . . . the explosive chorus of 46 + 2, and then the ending, "see my shadow changing" all the way through to the closing, pounding riff . . . . . . the cheer of the entire audience as justin let loose with the opening bass line of schism . . . . . . the ultimate power rush of the end of pushit, where maynard wails "it will end no other way . . .". in my opinion, this is the best ending to any song in the world. the way it is delivered is pure genius . . . . . . the all-round soothing texture of disposition and reflection, the way it puts me to sleep time and time again, was so much more evident when heard live . . . . . . the back-breaking power of sober as it builds up into climactic explosion of feeling and emotion . . . . . . the ripple of energy that shook the arena as parabol turned into parabola, and the sudden rise and fall of the mosh as it occured . . . . . . the satisfying feeling i got when the mosh pit turned into a frenzy in the chorus of aemema, just like i predicted, and the roar of the crowd when the song ended . . . . . . the feeling of gratitude as opiate began, with maynard singing "if you want to get your soul to heaven . . ." i was so happy . . . . . . the tingling feeling as i witnessed beauty when maynard sang "swing on the spiral" in lateralus. i had moist eyes . . . and then the lights came on in the stadium, and my girlfriend looked at me in time to see me nod my head in thanks, regret, and satisfaction. i was speechless for a full five minutes as we sat there, and then i couldn't stop talking about it. it was unbelievable. another thing that comes to mind is a comment that a 50- something year old guy made in the seat behind me to his companion . . . . . ."what a set, hey? what a set for four guys to make" . . . i couldn't help but smile and agree.