| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
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04/22/2002
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Review written by: MrWarandieBoy (avatar_band@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 02:51:50 ETThis was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
flood, the grudge, (-) ions, stinkfist, parabola, schism, sober, h, disposition, reflection, (intermission with parabola), triad, opiate, lateralus awesome. loved every moment. cool things: - everyone going nuts at every single little thing for the first few minutes - extended stinkfist (white lines lyrics?) - the band seemed to add little bits here and there to almost all of the songs. since most ppl seem to complain about tool not changing the songs much live (pretty much the same as on the album), i found this a bit unexpected. it was cool to see them jam here and there. - dale from the melvins played a set of roto-toms during triad. - maynard did his usual 'take this feeling' speech. he also said that the crowd seemed like it was on acid. >:) oh, the melvins rocked too cant wait to see them again
Review written by: Andrew McMillen (NiteShok@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 03:15:34 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Here comes the water... On the 22nd of April, 2002, Tool delivered their show to Queensland fans after skipping them when they visited last July. All was quickly forgotten as they brought their uniquely styled show to Brisbane with a blast. T-shirts there were $45. Luckily, I found an awesome design [the skeletal structure from the Lateralus booklet, horizontal, inside 'Tool' in lower case] for $30 at Skinny's in Brisbane earlier that day. I wouldn't have minded a special 'In Concert' design, but money is the problem. Too little, namely. ANYWAY. The night began with the DJ, some chick, who was only good at letting off bass drops every half-second. Total waste of space. Afterwards, the crowd on the floor rushed forward as the US-based band, The Melvins, came on amidst some ear- splitting feedback courtesy of their lead guitar. This group quickly showed the crowd a great time - the music was very loud, but cohesive and professional at the same time. They were allowed 45 minutes of playing time, which was awesome as they are only a support act for this tour, but the absence of a third performer in the lineup gave them room, I guess. An interval saw Tool's stage being set up, and Danny Carey's massive drumkit took shape. At last the lights went out, and Tool's trademark introduction music played. At the same time, 2 giant video screens, and a smaller one to the bottom left, appeared, and on the screen was a colour image of the eye design featured on the Lateralus compact disc. The crowd were going off at this very image, which then morphed into a flaming eye, and the music hadn't even started! Brisbane Tool fans could obviously not contain their elation. Then, you could see the shape of a big guy move across the smaller projection screen - who else but Danny Carey. Justin Chancellor and Adam Jones came in from opposite sides of the stage, in the darkness, and began to play the opening riffs of Flood, from their 1993 debut album Undertow. Maynard's silhouette appeared in front of the smaller screen, which was positioned just behind his pedestal. I originally thought that they were just doing Flood as an intro, then move into The Grudge as I have read them do countless times [thanks to t.d.n's awesome review system] in their sets, but as the song moved into gear - I could not believe it. My legs were absolutely shaking with the anticipation of finally seeing my favourite band play my favourite songs live right before my ears, and eyes. The visuals going on while Flood was beind played were awesome - it showed the camera going down and into the ribcage image from the Undertow cover, over and over again. After possibly one of the best choices for an opening song imaginable, Tool went almost straight into The Grudge - which exceeding all of my expectations. I always thought it to be one of the low-lights of the Lateralus album, however last night has changed all of this. They really nailed the hell out of it live, especially the ending. Insane. As the song ended the crowd, naturally, went off, and as it died down Maynard announced their presence. "Good evening. We are Tool." Audience goes nuts. "We say this, in case you are so fucked up on acid you forgot who we are." After that amusing thought, Stinkfist ripped everyone apart. The absolute power of this song is amazing, definetly a highlight of the night. They performed the extended version, with the extra verse smack bang in the middle, which was awesome. As with their recent New Zealand shows, Parabola began with the hardcore riff rather than Parabol, which was welcome although it lost a little of its' impact, what with the lack of build-up. The visuals were especially awesome for this track, accompanying it perfectly. This was another highlight; the crowd really went nuts. The raw power and energy of this song never ceases to amaze me. Next up was Schism. Maynard could be seen picking up a guitar in the build-up to the song, and wore it for the duration. Before the "cold silence" line, the entire song was stripped down to just Adam and Justin playing the notes, and the twins from the Schism video did that amazing walk, on straight hands and feet, onto the stage, around Maynard's pedestal and the rest of the band. This lasted for about five minutes - no doubt everyone short of their hardcore fans were scratching their heads at this act. They "walked" off stage, and the song wound up beautifully. Sober continued the setlist, and while it's a great song, there's hardly any noteworthy additional extras that Tool injected it with live. The video playing was the most disturbing of the night - a robotic viper attacking two naked girls. Hmm. What happened next was another huge surprise for me. Tool played H., which truly is a rarity in their recent live shows. Taken from Ænima, this is one of the subtlest songs in their repetoire, beginning with hazy guitar feedback and stripping it back right until the chorus. This was a really special moment - hearing Maynard gently say 'I don't mind' along with a packed Brisbane Entertainment Centre crowd, then hearing it go absolutely off as the song continued pounding right until the end. Wow. Maynard could again be seen picking up a guitar, as Disposition began. Blue lights made slow archs of the venue throughout both this song and Reflection, giving an awesome effect. This was a great 'chill-out' period, as the two tracks are awesomely relaxing. Danny's tabla playing is amazing. The band left immediately after the end of Reflection, and the video for Parabol/Parabola began. I'm not too sure about anyone else, but I think after seeing all of their other brilliant visuals during their live shows, this video lost a whole lot of its impact. It's still cool - the computer generated flaming eyes' ascent of the character's spine is awe-inspiring. All the while, a four-drum set was being assembled on Maynard's pedestal, lacking both cymbals and a stool. Major feedback announced Adam's return to the stage. After a bit of jamming, it became clear that the song was taking the shape of Triad. During the intro, two figures could be seen climbing up ropes connected to the rafters. I assumed this was the acrobatic duo Osseus Labyrint, and was later proved correctly. They hung upside down, swayed with the music, and other stuff. It was cool, but I wouldn't have missed its absence. Meanwhile, there was a drumming play-off between Danny and a shape who was absolutely smashing the four drums set up on the other side of Danny's kit. Going off the info of reader's reviews of Tool's NZ shows, I correctly guessed this person to be Dale from The Melvins. Maynard's silhouette could be seen on the small screen, apparently playing the guitar - whether or not he actually was or not I couldn't tell you. After Tried, he thanked both Dale and Osseus Labyrint. All was relatiely quiet for a minute, then Opiate began! The amount of energy they put into this song blew me away. Maynard's words were perfect to syllable used on their debut EP. Once again this was a personal highlight of the show. Maynard waited for the noise to die down before giving us our assignment - to "use the feeling you're having right now in a positive way over the coming days, the coming months, the coming years" - the same lecture he has given every crowd they've performed in front of since last year. Very cool nonetheless. Lateralus, their final song of the night, began, to raptuous applause, an for a great reason. This song is absolutely mind-blowing, awe-inspiringly brilliant live. It would be worth the money just to see Lateralus performed live. This, I believe, is the best song ever written, and I'll leave it at that. What a great way to end a great night. Tool ended proceedings by throwing out drink bottles and drum sticks [lucky, whoever caught them!], and then hugging each other to a standing ovation. Tool are not musicians. They're artists.
Review written by: Daniel J. Brixey (micheldan@optusnet.com.au) Review posted on: 04/23/02 03:15:39 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I have never seen anything like it before in my life and I have been to lots of concerts. They took all the rock'n'roll cliches and just stomped on them. I liked the fact that they opened with Flood. Everything I had read lead me to believe that they would open with The Grudge but I was pleasantly surprised. Flood is my favourtie song on Undertow. Tool are working on their own level. I felt that I could compare them with Pink Floyd but that is really only on a presentation level. I also loved the fact that the concert itself didn't overwhelm me, but instead just let the emotion and feeling of the show just wash over me. I felt then that I didn't have to try and remember parts of the show. The whole thing just keeps coming back to me. No disappointments. Couldn't pick a highlight, as it was all on such a high level. The Melvins were very good, but I think some of the crowd couldn't quite figure out what they were all about. Tool are the best band at the moment. I can understand when Maynard has expressed his disappointment that more bands aren't doing what they are doing. And Osseus Labyrint really added that extra dimension to the show.
Review written by: capt'n cranky (captncranky@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 03:36:11 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
"Good evening....... we are tool....... we say that just in case any of you out there are so fucked up on acid that you forgot" -Maynard. The projections were amazing as was the band (Typical). The handwalking naked people from the Schism filmclip were onstage then above it, suspended by their feet..... amazing. Crowd went nucking futs when a few old favourites (thats how we spell it down here) were revisited, mainly Stinkfist and Opiate, I personally liked Flood... The drummer (Dale) from the melvins played for a bit after the showing of the new Parabola filmclip... very decent. At the end Maynard thanked us for our time..... kinda strange considering that everyone there was genuinely grateful that Tool didnt skip our small city like they did the last time they were here. Then Danny threw one of his symbols like a frisbee into the crowd and probably decapitated someone ....ahh well, such is life. All four members embraced before leaving..... I hope they enjoy perfroming as much as we enjoy listening.
Review written by: Marcus Allison (marcusthemartian@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 03:43:27 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
The setlist posted before is right, except it was stinkfist extended. This was my first ever tool concert, one i had been waiting for for a long time too. I ordered my ticket only 5 minutes after they went on sale so i too was lucky enough to be in the front mosh pit. The crowd all sat down and waited for the Melvins to come out. The DJ that was performing while we waited actually had some stuff that i really liked, including beats in 6/4. When the Melvins did come out we all got up and moved forward. I was over the right hand side of the stage so i could see danny. I gotta say though, as much as the Melvins were different and were playing some weird time sigs etc. they did suck tremendously, all i managed to get out of them was sore ears and a ringing that is still there now, 16 hours later. Buzz does have a giant afro, i think he may have been playing thru adam's setup but i'm not sure, the drummer was wearing nothing but undies and the bassist looked so drugfucked, he was moshing to nothing but feedback. I don't know their songs but they all seemed to mix together, they weren't out for very long. Their sound seemed very muffled and mushed together, it was hard to make stuff out. When they went off the crowd seemed to double in size instantly. The techs did all their sound checks and the giant screens were revealled. Before they came out there was this cool noise coming thru the speakers, so i was told, it was all voice, apparently a mongolian singing technique involving tapping your neck, it sounded cool. As the Danny Justin and Adam came out a huge roar went up. They opened with flood which was awesome, it wasn't completely unexpected after the NZ concerts. A little bit into flood Maynard walked out to his platform in front of a smaller screen to a huge cheer. From were i was standing i could not see danny as Justin was blocking my view. I was loving it 'til this giant behemeth came charging from behind, the song wasn't even in full go and this guy was having a vertical epileptic fit, he was annoying the fuck out of everyone around him. I pushed him out of the way and ripped two of my biggest punches into his kidneys, they did not faze him for a second, my mates were also trying to push him away and were poking him in the back, but to no avail, this guy was massive and was going stupid. I couldn't see his face as he was all hair, but we pushed him away and moved towards the centre. I could now see danny in full glory and his amazing drumkit. Flood was in full swing and it was amazing. The song finished to a huge cheer and they went into the grudge. I love the song and was dying to see it. Just before it started maynard looked at Danny and pointed at his own head very intently then smiled at each other. They were faultless, danny was pounding the fuck out of his kit, he broke a drumstick around here sometime and threw it out to the crowd after the song finished. Maynard was wearing his tight leather outfit, long pants and jacket, sometime around now he took the jacket off, he had a thick black line, around 10cm (4inches) painted in the middle of his face going back over his head. They then had some sounds and adam started the feedback, they launched into stinkfist and the crowd went nuts, i never thought that it would be able to be moshed to so well, as it is slower than easy mosh speed, but everyone was jumping high with little effort, it was awesome. The start was not sampled, Danny played it all on his elctronic part. They played the extended version of it as i was hoping they would, it is awesome live. They then played parabola with no parabol, that was good also, the crowd loved it and the mosh was good. Everyone jumping when the time came and not jumping in the right spots. Schism was then started with a huge cheer. When it got to the slow part i.e. "cold silence tends..." they all stopped playing except for danny and adam, they kept it quiet as Osseus Labrynt came walking out on stage like animals, they walked around for 3-5mins then left. A couple of people around me laughed, but most were awestruck and were on tippytoes trying to see them. I thought they were awesome, they then walked off and the song continued til end. Justin then started the bass for sober and the crowd went off, it was a good mosh and everone knew the words and was singing. They then played H. which i was stoked with. It was awesome live, absoultely unreal. Adam and justin then said something to each other, faced each other and began disposition, this was awesome, i loved how well they performed it, this then went straight into reflection, danny's drums are spot on, he used the electronic drums for the drums at the end of disposition/start of reflection, this also was awesome. Fuck it, it was all friggin awesome. At the end of this they all walked off stage for the parbola video. A few calls could be heard "come back", "don't go yet", which i thought was pretty funny as i knew it was a break. The parabola video played, i had seen it plenty before, but it was awesome to whatch it on the big screens with the huge sound. The crowd went "ewwww" when the fat guys spewed up. No-one moshed for the vid (thank god, it was a good breather), they all just stood and watched, then cheered heaps at the end. Osseus Labrynt came back out again at this stage, they climbed up into the rafters held up by a rope and began their routine. The extra drums were brought out for triad. I was watching Osseus when i looked down and saw Danny sitting at his kit, the drummer from the Melvins came out also. The rest of the band came out minus maynard. They started into triad, the start was extended a little, it was awesome to watch, the whole song was freakin unbelievable, you could see maynards silouhette (spelling?) behind the small screen playing guitar. This finished and they all came out. Maynard thanked Dale from the Melvins and Osseus Labrynt for performing. I was now expecting Ænama, but instead heard the bass intro to Opiate, the crowed cheered heaps, the song was awesome. All the members then went and stood around the drumkit, Maynard gave the "make something positive out of this" speech and thanked the crowd for giving them our time and support, a multitude of "thankyou's" returned this and they bagan Lateralus. I went all tingly, it was an awesome feeling. The song was so powerfull. Seeing the 987 time sigs go down live was unbelievable, by the end I was all tingly again. You could not have a better song to finish with. There was then a HUGE cheer as they all came to the front of the stage, maynard chucked out bottles of water, one clocked a guy fair in the head near me. Danny chucked out a fair few drumsticks and frisbeed a couple of drum skins. They had a group hug and then waved appreciatevly and slowly left the stage, adam had a good look around and waved a lot before they left. A chant for an encore went up to no avail and the people slowly filed out. It was the best concert i have ever been to. I could not believe how accurately sounding it was. Adam sounded much like the CD's i couldn't believe it, he has the best tone i have ever heard. Danny was so powerful, i have no idea how he keeps it up all night, he is a blur. Justin was faultless and maynard let every scream rip. Even the giant one in the grudge! They seemed to be enjoying themselves a fair bit, swapping smiles occasionly. Interesting notes: -Maynard played guitar in schism, reflection, disposition, and triad. Most of the stuff he was playing seemed to be small, like plucking a D chord, or filling in little bits. He used a headless guitar, the guitar didn't sound very good, but then again it was not very loud either. - I think it may have been in the Grudge, one part where i thought Danny would be doing a hardcore double kick it looked like he was hitting one of his electronic pads. You know, it was really fast but nevertheless, i may be wrong though. -In parabola it looked like adams G-string (no pun intended) slipped out of tune, i noticed he had to bend up occasionally to hit the right note, it put him off a little. -I saw a fair few pictures taken and a fair few flashes going off, the security guards tryed to get on top of it, but it was hard for them, hope to see some pics posted soon. The visuals throughout the entire concert were superb, i understand that Camella Grace makes a lot of them, brilliant stuff, sometimes very disturbing but they were nonetheless brilliant. They all had themes to them and yes, the album covers did pop up a fair bit, i.e. the smokebox, undertow ribs, lateralus eyes etc The crowd was generally excellent, being quiet when they should and going nuts when they should, each person was getting into it in their own way. Most of the crowd surfing (not much which was good) was to get out of the hot mosh. All up, an amazing night, i was driving around today listening to H. and i could fully picture them up on stage playing it. Its going to take alot to top this. Thanks guys.
Review written by: Mike (wellburn@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 03:56:24 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Wow, tool came back again... and this time no long trip to sydney to see them. The visuals were much better this time, although what can i stay, there's still a lot of ignorant tool fans out there aren't there? Anyway, the music was great and it was great to hear more off opiate and undertow. If i could change anything it would be not letting in drunk fuckwits who wanna start a fight while listening to tool, I have no time for them. @spiral out
Review written by: Darragh Murray (iamtheporkfireman@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 04:13:51 ET
Simply perfect. Best concert I've ever been to (and I've been to quite a few). I was blessed with great seats, and an uncompromised veiw of the stage....No wankers in my way... The set was awesome (no Ænima though)...Sound wise - pretty good, nice visuals. Danny was AMAZING, I can't beleive anyone can drum like that, and maynards voice was angelic. I was unfamiliar with the Melvins music, but I wasn't captured by it, the drumming was pretty good though. The setlist from what I can remember... Flood The Grudge Stinkfist Parabola (no parabol) Schism Sober H Disposition Reflection ---- parabola video ---- Triad (with accompanying body distortion artist dudes, and the Melvins Drummer) Opiate Lateralus Eon Blue Apocalpse was in there somewhere....
Review written by: Aliera (mezzabee@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 05:48:08 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. Lost my virginity to TooL last night....After 8 years of possibly unhealthy devotion. Everyone else here says it all in detail...it was breath taking... Thankyou Brisbane for finally showing so much respect. The croud was amazing...so much respect...could hear a pin drop after reflection Mmmmmmm!!! TooL you amaze me every day!!!
Review written by: Ricky.. (booboss_kop@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 06:27:41 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
well i went to the show last night and holy dooly i am still peeing my pants...and im loving every second of it.. everything was mindblowing..not to mention the blowing that was going on in my pants..i have no complaints at all...i wouldnt complain if they walked on stage, farted and left again....but still i am kinda glad they didnt do that because it wouldnt have been as good as it was last night.. so as i leave i say again..this show was bloody amazing..and yes..i am still peeing my pants..
Review written by: idunno (idunnno@thefragile.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 06:39:19 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
It's good to see some detailed reviews, so rather than re- iterate, I'll contribute my take on the show and observations. The DJ was more like a friend saying, hey, checkout my CD collection. Nothing inspiring. The Melvins were amazing to say the least, I've never heard a bass scream like that, a very sharp jolt of energy hit me a they hit the stage, there was no indication of them starting so suddenly, but was a nice surprise. Their set was unrelenting, leaving the crowd unable to get any woo's or claps in, the crowd were definitely into it though. They left with as much speed as their entrance, the crowd gave a huge applause. Sidenote: Where was half the crowd for the melvins? Only in the moments before Tool hit the stage did the stadium fill to full capacity. I must say the music over the PA before Tool were on was stunning. Does anyone know who that really beautiful synth track was by? Or is it by anyone. That really struck a chord in me. They must have been confident about the sound because the sound check was very short(did not interrupt that that song on the PA for which I am thankful). Lights went off and the groan began, having not read anything about the Tour through Japan and NZ, I did not know the setlist off by heart, which I'm glad I didn't. Wouldn’t want to unwrap the present before Christmas. The screens do an awesome job of creating anticipation. I saw Justin enter from (his) left, thinking they might open with The Grudge, I wondered what was happening. Very loud drones came from his bass, it took awhile to click that it was Flood, I had know idea they'd put a song like Flood in as an opener, it works very well. When Maynard came on, it was awesome that the long sighs he sang were more audible than on the album. The visuals are so fitting, the silhouette of the body in the water was awesome. Just as the melvins before, the crowd does not have enough time to get a clap in as the next song bursts through the gate. The Grudge has some of the best visuals of the night, the fit with what I think of as going with the song. Anyone who's seen the sequence on one of the secret pages on www.toolband.com knows the face with the blank eyes. It(he/she/insert description?) face does a morph at grows swollen, then proceeds to get more agitated as the song grows more agitated. Maynard has a few words, as has been said. Ions clicks over as Stinkfist begins, the extensions is really cool and really funny. As it fades into the interlude it leaves a trail of confused singing what they thought was to become' I... Feel... Something'. I THINK Parabola should always be accompanied with Parabol, but obviously for this set list they THOUGHT otherwise. Very cool Lateralus visuals throughout, I especially like the red eye and the green foreground. It's is a good idea that they left out visuals from the video, it's would be detrimental to the video when its played later on. When the song reaches it's conclusion Maynard’s bodily reaction to the music is incredible. Arms and back arched up soaking it up. While schism is being set up(guitar, mics stands) there is a noise that I can't remember how it went. I like the manipulation of the schism video on the projector with this song. I love the breakdown they have where Osseus Labyrint arrive butting heads onstage, it is really well done. The end of the song is an earthquake. Justin kicks into the bass with a snap. The intro to Sober does sound different to the album. Is it me or did the bells sounds from Merkaba lead into this song? The best part was the disturbing visual, it wasn't disturbing really, but triggered an old memory I THINK. Maybe I saw something like that in a movie at an early age... fucked if I know. One of the biggest surprise I will be eternally grateful for is the inclusion of H. I've not heard of this being played since the Ænima tours. Correct me if I'm wrong. I had been so interested in how this song sound live, and was wonderful of them to let me know. I made sure I sucked it up and enjoyed every moment. I really dig the live action visual they have, this one was especially psychedelic. The extra guitar and mic stand sets it self up again. Disposition has visual that I really relate too, funny then, that the visuals for Reflection were the exact opposite. Awesome, but not what my idea is, I won't go into it, cause it's got nothing to do with review. I'll go to opinions and talk there. Disposition/ Reflection/ Triad end up lasting about a half hour. Putting the Parabol/a video beside Reflection and Triad was interesting and smart. Reflection has to be one of the moments I'll hold close from the night. Adam stayed onstage till the start of the video came one. When it was over a frog like croak blared from the speakers, soon Osseus Labyrint climbed 2 cable side by side till they reached the roof. Their finesse and physical/ mental strength cannot be left unnoticed. It would be bloody hard trying to lift themselves upside down with that sort of grace. Anyone who said the guys are motionless onstage made me think they would be these static objects. Adam moves around, Danny is swaying side to side, Justin really pounds his legs, and Maynard's movement is a performance unto itself. Opiate is an example of this. When the song draws to a close it seems that Maynard is letting his body let go. You can't fake that kind of movement. When our assignment is given (I know what mine is), the begin to huddle and Latarali(u)s enters its motion. The thump, thump, thump at the start makes the wall boom. This song is definitely a special moment for me and I can see for others too. I cried as the song entered its final stages. The night was positive for all involved, no doubt many nights to come. And years. Incredible cheers and smiles as there was a group hug. Something else, Maynard sounded different all night, a little higher pitched than I had than I had heard him talk before. He nailed all songs. Was it me or was Danny's geometric symbols on the drum skins gone? Maybe it was the angle I was on, they just appeared black. Please, any help on the origin of the song played on the PA before Tool was onstage would be greatly appreciated.
Review written by: N (bobit@hotmail.com.s) Review posted on: 04/23/02 07:21:26 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
It has tacken me all day to recover. It seems to have drained me, I mean this in a good way though. I am a huge Tool fan. I was in the pit area with a good view of everything though I left the moshing to the kids and just concentrated on the show. It was a surreal experience being engrossed within each song and eagerly anticiapating what would come next. At times the projections took away from the music I felt, just an opinion. If the projection side of things were a little less constant the show would benefit, the music can hold up on its own. It was quality art though, some of the images were extremely intriguing a couple were fairly half- arse , the basic computer generated stuff was mediocre. I don't know what the mix was like in the seats but in the pit the bass was overblown to the point where the pa was peaking out and muffling maynard's vocals. This was happening for both danny's kick drum and justin's bass. I guess I expected perfection and therefore being a bit finicky. It was an amazing show and I look forward to next time, Thanks Tool.
Review written by: craig (laoq49@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 08:26:02 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I'm now gonna go into any great detail... but the whole concert experience was quite different than anything I've ever seen! Minimal lighting, video projections for every single song and naked contortionists hanging upside down. It was extremely different. For the whole concert (most of it anyway), Maynard stood in front of a little projection screen at the back of the stage. Absolutely no lights were shon on him. This was so unconventional, yet so effective. My head is filled with images of a black figure swaying with the music and singing oh so emotionally. Some highlights of the night for me were... - that circle of eyes that was first displayed on the screens. The crowd just went bananas. - the first song, Flood. Big D guitar chords, Maynard's spooky voice, and the crazy video sequence of some richter scale thing when the song kicked in. - Sober. The images from the projectors were just disturbing. - shouting along with everybody in those climactic sections. Such as the "I don't mind!" bit in H. - watching danny kick ass on those drums. hell!!!! He's such a professional! He makes it look so easy! - the big group hug at the end. awwwwwwww - having some crazy. weird, drunk guy compliment me on my Nine Inch Nails t-shirt!
Review written by: Greg (1400320@softhome.net) Review posted on: 04/23/02 08:40:54 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well I am absolutely dumbfounded. I have never been son fullfilled in my life. By far the best concert I have ever seen, as well as being a dream come true in my first TOOL concert. I was on the front baricade a third from the left hand side. Awesome view...right in there, point blank range. The only thing that could put me (and most TOOL fans I am sure) at rest would be for TOOL to have played every song off every album, which of course couldnt ever happen, but this is definately the next best thing. I know it has been posted, but the setlist: Flood (Opened) The Grudge Stinkfist (Slightly extended version) SHORT Parabola SHORT (Without Parabol) Schism Sober H. (Here I think? I added this to the Official Setlist) Disposition (Beautifully played) SHORT Reflection SHORT (Nearly brought a tear to my eye) --- Video - Osseus - Labyrint --- Triad Opiate (We didnt luck out on our share of 1991 ;-) ) Lateralus (Absolutely Awesome Close) I am unsure of the position of one of my favourites, which was H. I nearly forgot how awesome it was until they played it, best song of the night I think. Maynard said a few things throughout the night, the most notable being something along the lines of "Good evening - We are TOOL. I am telling you this for you people who are wacked out on ACID, and have probably forgotten" and "We have an assignment for you. Over the next few days/weeks/months/years is for you to remember how you are feeling right at this moment, as well as other great memories you have, and use them in a positive way". When they started off with Flood, I was so suprised, and because I wouldnt let myself read reviews on the Tokyo/NZ shows, I couldnt believe that they didnt start with The Grudge. It was such an awesome song, a perfect started, and one of my personal favourites. As for the "SHORT" above, I am unsure that they were actually shorter than the normal versions. The Official Setlist was thrown into the crowd by one of the band members, and one of my friends got it. So the above setlist is from the Official Setlist, bar my attempt to insert H, which after reading other reviews, seems to be right. The video played was of course the new Parabol(a) video which looked absolutely fantastic on the huge screens. Adam has outdone himself again. Mindblowing. One question though, why play Parabola live, and play the video too? The live version was really, really awesome though :) It was also great to see Danny smash his gong toward the end of Lateralus. A big "Fuck You" to everyone who says he doesnt use it :) I also thought the use of Osseus - Labyrint - those head bobbing hand and feet walkers from the Schism film clip, who were stark naked, was quite interesting. It shows that TOOL are passionate about their work. And yes there was one female and one male. And yes you could see their dangly bits. No it wasnt anything rude. It was just art people, get over it, we have all seen a dick and a pussy before. Special thanks to Danny, Adam, Justin, and Maynard (who was bald, and had a black stripe running along the top of his head and down his face, over his cheeks and nose), for putting in an incredible effort. You all deserved the group hug you had, and the full support of so many fans. Eulogy would have been sweet as, but we understand that you aren't a sellout band, you play what you want :) We appreciate that. And anyway, everyone has their Favourite song, and you cant please everyone :) BTW I thought The Melvins were good, especially for something different. First opening band I know not to get chanted or boooed at the end of the set. Kudos. The crowd was great - not too timid, definately not rough...Thanks everyone who went for being sensible, and helping to make it a great night. Someone still managed to get a laser pointer inside though...*sigh* its so early nineties guys... HIGHLIGHTS - Everyone going off at anything for the first 10 minutes of the show...it was amaizing to think nearly everyone in that place was nearly as dedicated as me :) - Thinking the start of Flood was actually Justins sound test, then realising it was Flood and nearly beating my head on the bar, and then feeling relieved when they played the song through, not just the intro. - Not realising how important it was for them to play H. until they started playing it, and being so utterly speachless and fullfilled when they finished. - Seeing the Parabol(a) video for the first time, with so many other first timers admiring it around me. Far better than seeing on a TV for your first time...that atmosphere was incredible. - The applause that filled the huge centre at every possible free moment. - Watching the band, at one with their music, and their instrument. And being at one with them. - Having Lateralus leave me totally breathless at the finish, and to actually see Danny hit his gong in the wrap up stages. - Becoming hoarse at the end of the show after singing and screaming every single word to every single song, and knowing I no longer have to wonder, and can take this with me everywhere, for years to come. Thanks again TOOL...I have waited for this for 6 years...and I am not at all dissapointed. Hope you enjoyed Australia, and her fans. Equally hope you come back and play for us again soon...we love you. A truely euforic experience. - Greg - AKA -[=TrAsH=] ICQ 4499340
Review written by: Master Reviewer (trashed@optushome.com.au) Review posted on: 04/23/02 09:13:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
The highlights: - Watching the ring of eyes come up on the projection screen, and everyone going wild. - The guy singing behind me, who couldnt sing for shit, but didnt care. - Chatting to all the other fanatics up the front of the concert, and sharing anything that went (water, confectionary etc) - Knowing the correct way to play those riffs!! YEAH! - Disbeleif at Dannys ability to play drums...Worlds Best Drummer - Dannys skins without their usual pattern on the front If anyone managed to bootleg the concert, let me know. I would love a copy for memorabilias sake. I want to see the concert again, in my head, with audio aids :) Come back in 6 months guys!! You are the best band alive!
Review written by: Liam (infiniteunknown@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 10:35:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Absouletly brilliant show, was blown away by the whole evening. Some interesting notes:- They weren't nearly as loud as i thought they would be. I'm not complaining at all, it's actually quite pleasant waking up without ringing ears and a throbbing headache. I could hear everything just perfectly. Something really funny, when we were walking out i heard this one guy say :- 'Yeah, it was good, but i wonder how it will relate to destiny's child' They started at 9.05, and left at about 11.10 i think
Review written by: Happy Fan (desp102@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 13:35:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
GREAT concert, first tool concert ever. Comparable in some ways to Pink Floyd's concerts but really Tool were on their own level last night. The evil looking dude in the top-hat holding the trident thing in Reflection was mindblowing as well as the computer generated eye travelling up the lateralus cover-man in Parabol/Parabola video. Cheers to the crowd as well for going to ENJOY the music not to mosh like ignorant teenagers, I was up the front and really enjoyed the atmosphere of almost like a community up the front as 1000's of other people who feel just as strongly about Tool as I do on the same level, so to speal. Some of Maynard's words last night made me really realise the meaning of the name Tool - a "tool" to get you thinking, to get you creative, to get you inspired. Great stuff. Also a nice point was the fact that the focus was not on any particular band member for the whole concert when they were all on stage at the same time, normally the focus is on someone but not last night. The group hug thing was awesome too at the end, really appreciated that. One sore note though - A collective FUCK OFF to the guys who got on each others shoulders right in front of a gruop of us in the pit to take a photo in the middle of Lateralus. You inconsiderate wankers... About Maynards words at the end about creating something positive out of the experience, 9000 Tool fans means a lot of creative people, how about toolshed.down.net hosting a section to hook like-minded musicians up to create really cool stuff (Maynard has complained in the past that there aren't other bands doing what Tool is doing...)??? Being a guitar player myself it is sometimes frustrating not to be able to find too many people with the same music tastes and willing to experiment musically to jam with.
Review written by: Jesse Carroll (jeztallica@start.com.au) Review posted on: 04/23/02 17:41:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
First of all ......amazing work guys!! The set list was as follows: Flood The Grudge (Jacobs Ladder noises) Stinkfist (extended) Parabola (no parabol) Schism (Extended with Osseus Labyrnit) Sober H. Disposition Reflection ================ Parabol/parabol video ================ Triad (With Melvins drummer) Opiate Lateralus Seams no one has posted yet..... Any way.....the show was huge. I was seated on Dannys side and had a perfect view of everyone! The visuals (as everyone knows already) were stunning. The view of the band this time round (from my seat) was awesome....you could see every little hit Danny did!! Last time round when i saw them in Sydney (25/7/01) our seats were awesome but you couldnt feel the interaction between the band.....this time you could. The sound was awesome. The Line Array speaker system worked wonders as usual!!! The definition was very good....between all instruments. I noticed that there wasnt as many vocal effects on Maynard this time....a little more dry.....but still there and perfect delay times and vocal distortion. The 3 screens were amazing......and osseus added a werid....very Tool touch to Triad and Schism. The overall feel was highly surreal!!!! The backdrop lighting was also amazing (much more than last time), it gave mor atmosphere. At on point the walls looked to be moving! Maynard was powerful in every song....and played a lot more guitar than normal....the overall use of samples was boosted this time. Even Danny was triggering stuff between songs. Speaking of....his trigger work was amazing...to see him so busy makes me really respect him in the drumming world.....HE IS A MACHINE! All in all....an amazing show. The sound, visuals and atmosphere was huge. Highlights were included everything!!!! The set didnt go for quite as long as last time .....but i got to witness some songs I have never seen before!!!! I have much mor to say....so if anyone would like to chat about the show just email me!!!! Im already at their next tour!!!! 23/04/2002 jeztallica@start.com.au
Review written by: Dale (dalefelix@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/23/02 20:53:06 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I'm not sure if Tool are overrated live, or they didn't spend the money on this tour. The performance aspect of the show was nothing to impressive. Osseus Labyrint were the only visuals besides the screens. ... oh and Danny was perfect in performance. Maynard didn't perform, just sang. The 'other two' were like that ...faceless.. boring. Luckily the music was perfectly replicated, and sounded awesome... only I wish I left that place blown away by the whole experience. .. Thanks to a lack of 'performance' I did not. Just left with that little warm feeling inside that I was tool live.
Review written by: Azkatro (shawn@noddy.nu) Review posted on: 04/23/02 21:10:59 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I'd been hanging out to see Tool live for a long time now and I finally got my chance when they went to Brisbane and I had some money. I went in with high expectations and they were met ... and then some. It was great to see them open with Flood .. like a lot of people I was expecting the Grudge. And at the end of Flood the guys kicked straight onto the Grudge like it was the same song and the crowd went nuts. I enjoyed all of the songs immensely but I left the show thinking that the most enjoyable song they played was Opiate.. they played it perfectly and it was a beautiful leadin to the finale in Lateralus. With the intermission included the show went for just under 2 hours I think and I am left with the feeling that I've really seen Tool at their best. Of course I have no basis for comparison but I can't imagine a live show getting much better than what I saw Monday night. Most importantly there was a really good vibe about the whole show, very positive, which made it even more worthwhile. Thanks Tool for creating and performing such amazing music and well done Brisbane and the crowd that was there for being so great! Musically this is the best thing I've ever experienced.
Review written by: Chris (voydo@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 00:44:14 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Gotta agree with Dale I'm afraid. After over a year of reading awesome reviews for my favourite band I guess I arrived expecting too much from the guys. Don't get me wrong - for the most part the show was quite amazing - but I do have a few things to point out that really left me underwhelmed. - Firstly, what is the deal with Maynard spending the entire show behind the screen. This is a genuine question & I would appreciate a genuine response via e-mail if possible. I really found it quite impersonal for him to do that for the entire show. I mean we all forked out our hard earned money to see the greatest band on the planet and then we don't even get to see one of the key players that make them so potent. The way I see it is that WE are the genuine fans and we truly LOVE their music so it would be cool to see Maynard enjoying the music as much as we do. It makes it really hard to read facial expression through a bloody screen. For a band that espouses COMMUNICATION so much i just think its a bit weak that we can't even see the singers face. Phew...glad to get that out. - Second, and this is really only knit picking now. I thought they could have played more of Aenama. There was only Stinkfist and H. as far as I remember. It would have been great to hear stuff like Push It or Eulogy which have the big crescendos and emotional highs. - Third and finally, I guess I'm writing all this because I left the show feeling just a little dissapointed and underwhelmed. Much of the show - despite the videos and other extras - seemed to be pretty much by the numbers and not too spontaneous. There was very little talking to the crowd and sometimes I felt as though they might as well just have had the CD playing.Must acknowledge the pure professionalism and skill desplayed by the guys though. They truly know their instruments and music inside out. I just wish you could display more of that passion in your live performance guys. Anyway, its still the best thing I have ever heard before, but maybe not the best thing I have ever seen.
Review written by: The Man (pjohansen@softhome.net) Review posted on: 04/24/02 02:26:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Flood The Grudge Stinkfist Parabola (no parabol) Schism Sober H Disposition Reflection ---- Triad Opiate Lateralus As everyone knows this was the set list for my 2nd Tool concert and 3rd Maynard experience. The Grudge and Stinkfist were always a previous necessity for me in a Tool Concert but they have always left me wanting more and the Brisbane concert arrived as no different. Parabola envoked the younger members of the crowd for its power and remained as the mood opener for the rest of the night. Schism provided the Maynard vocals finally be accredited and still left the crowd in anticipation for a climax in the Tool experience. Sobre came along and it kept the conert at ease surprising considering the percussion being driven out by Carey. Pause....this is now where the concert hit overdrive. H came along and collaborated the vocals of the entertainment centre and pleased the souls of many fans yet to experience a lesser played track Disposition was the awesome introduction to the brilliant, awe inspiring Reflection. This masterpiece of artistic simplicity and soul brought along emotions that are transcended into other forms of natural phenomena. Triad maintained this fix of awe inspiring feelings Opiate, Maynard in his raw provided the release of many emotions for the fans which left thousands gasping. Lateralus~what can be said? Musically-perfection Artistically-brilliant Emotionally-The Third Dimension of Togetherness
Review written by: TN Review posted on: 04/24/02 02:33:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I know it's already been posted, but here's the setlist anyway. - Flood - The Grudge - (-) Ions - Stinkfist - Parabola - Schism (w/ Osseus Labyrint) - Sober - H. - Disposition - Reflection - ** Intermission ** - Parabola video - Triad (w/ Osseus Labyrint and The Melvins drummer, in clothes) - Opiate - Lateralus (and Danny hit the gong!) I could've sworn they threw in Eon Blue Apocalypse in there somewhere.... anyway... I, too, went crazy as soon as soon as the ring of eyes was thrown onto the screen. I was at the front of the rear mosh (the absolute front), and I had a great view of everything. When they began Flood, I was to shellshocked/dumbstruck to go wild. I sang along to every song as loud as I could, even though I couldn't hear myself. I could feel everyone else's breath, though (albeit that doesn't make up for not being able to hear my beautiful singing). When H. started, I nearly cried. I couldn't believe that it was on their setlist. Oh my god... I even got "I have died" on the back of my year 12 shirt. :D I am honestly lost for words to describe the night. The lighting, the crowds' wild reaction, the atmosphere... brilliant- no, perfect. Tool rock. It was a flawless performance, I wish I could see it again for the first time. Even the second time... please? I still can't get over it, and neither can my voice.
Review written by: indiie (indiie1@optusnet.com.au) Review posted on: 04/24/02 02:51:55 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Great show as per usual. Sadly, I missed the supports. I wanted to see The Melvins but so be it. Standing area was separated into two areas. One small part running full length of the front of the stage, was barred off to rest of the floor to avoid crowd crushes. I was in this front area. I couldn't ask for anything more. Room to move, Room to mosh - your pick. And being 6' 10" I was head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd... ahhh beautiful. The furthermost I was ever away from the band members would have been about 20 feet. Brilliant. If only I had a camera. I saw at least one person in front of me taking an occasional pic. I started on the right side of the stage in front of Justin. I wanted to get more central so as to be able to see Danny. As I managed to move over, so did Justin thus exactly blocking my view of Danny. Eventually he moved back to the right and I was set with a perfect view. Adam on the left of the stage up front with, I think, a keyboard/synthesiser setup there for the offering, wearing long pants and long sleeved shirt. Slightly left of centre was Maynards risen platform with small screen. Seemed to be a hell of a lot bigger than the way it looked to me at last years Melbourne gig (from nose bleed seats). I didn't see Maynard move out of the shadows once. So couldn't see what getup/body paint he had if any. Definitely no Oakley Medusa goggles (Predator-like head gear). Silhouette of shaven head as soon as he appeared. But I did see him remove a piece of clothing soon into the set. Possibly taking off a jacket. Danny (with ponytail/plait?) sitting behind his beautiful kit complete with gong on another riser slightly right of centre stage up the back. Justin on right of stage up the front with long pants and long sleeve shirt. The boys opened with Flood. I think I had my first real Toolgasm. My body was tingling for a good minute and I couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face as the drumming came on. The tingling eventually subsided but the grin stayed for a good few songs. At the end, all of the band members came forward and threw water bottles/drum sticks into the crowd. Then had a group hug before leaving the stage together. Setlist: Mostly as per above. There was definitely a 'song' that had a couple of looped samples of burping/squelching noises before the boys started jamming. And the intermission vid was parabol and parabola, not just parabola. If ions WAS played it certainly must have been only a few seconds, no thunder, no static heard. Imagery: Two huge vid screens on the back wall. Maynards smaller screen on a riser on stage. Opened with the Lateralus circle of eyes and followed by the flaming eye image form the Parabol/Parabola vid that the flaming leaf turns into. This was before the band took the stage. The rest of the imagery included themes from album imagery (Undertow rib cage, Aenima smoke box, Lateralus eyes), video imagery (Salival man, Schism), water themes and Osseus Labyrint (complete with Tricky-like (from parabol/a vid) antennae. A long and a short one from the temples and also 2 from the hands. Communication?) During Reflection there was a scene that looked somewhat like a communal showering room with a long mirror running the length of the wall and with toilet stalls further long. There was a headless man waving at his reflection in the mirror. As the scene changes to the toilet stalls there is a man with a top hat standing in front of them. The camera proceeds to plunge into the black of the toilet bowl. Along the shower room floor roam large green bulbous creatures. Looked like over-bloated dugongs or possibly bulbous germs/virus of some kind leeching off the floor. I associated them with the (germ-like) negative effects of the ego. Lateralis had a red eyeball in the centre of the screen with a black/red and white (if I recall correctly) spinal (bone) spiral emanating out of the screen toward the viewer. Other concepts used include a lot of repetition (looping) of scenes and the use of symmetry. I watched the Parabol/Parabola vid on one of the large screens right up to the point where Tricky puts his head into the glass box before I realised I was actually watching a mirrored version of the vid on the right screen while the original was being played on the left screen (Don't think I was paying *HEAPS* of attention). Was interesting - things like the black (cancerous?) spheres being on the opposite side when being blasted by Tricky's scream etc. There was an audible crowd reaction of "Eeewwwww!" when the men spewed up the black stuff. This was followed by one quick witted audience member calling out "Taxi!!" (as in "I think you've had enough to drink. You need a taxi") Osseus Labyrint: First appeared on stage as the creatures (characters?) from the Schism during Schism. Walking on all fours doing the head wobble thang. Looked amazing. They looked perfectly like 3D images from the video. They roamed around the stage a bit. During Disposition/Reflection the duo reappeared and proceeded to climb ropes hanging from the ceiling before hanging upside tied up by their feet like life-less swinging corpses. This was followed by them going into spinning moves with arms out etc. Pretty awesome to watch. I don't know what skills/attributes they need to do what they do but I think they definitely involve excellent flexibility, serious muscle control and whatever physical/mental condition is required to be able to hang upside for long periods of time without going insane/passing out! Maynard speaking: "Good evening, we are Tool." "We say this, in case you are so fucked up on acid you forgot who we are." Take this feeling speech Thanked Osseus Labyrinth (followed by crowd applause) Thanked the Dale the drummer from The Melvins after he played. Tidbits: A friend said they heard Maynard insert the lyrics from a song called "White Line(s?)" into another song (possibly Stinkfist?). Maynard appeared to play guitar in one song. Very distorted, almost sounding like a synthesiser. But really seemed to be playing. And Adam wasn't near the gear he had set up at this time. Dale from The Melvins joined the boys on stage at one point for Triad. He had two pairs of standup drums placed for him in Maynards position in front of the smaller screen (while Maynard disappeared). He shook all band members hands before leaving the stage. Justin half bowed to him. At one point in the show when Adam was playing a solo and I was watching Justin standing in front of me, the scene/soundscape brought back a memory of seeing Layne Staley (AIC - RIP). Must have been from a vid/bootleg. I guess it subconsciously popped into my head after him being in my thoughts yesterday. A friend said he saw people wearing arm bands. I recall hearing what I first thought to be a few seconds of (wickee-wickee-wee) turntable scratching at one point in one of the songs played early on (once again not sure which). Presumably it was Adam. But it threw me for a sec... Tool = Lincoln Park... what tha? When the band left the stage for the video intermission the crowd began to chant 'Tool' probably thinking that was it - lets get 'em back for an encore. I noticed Maynard had a slight effect to extend at least one of his screams. He still held it for fucking ages himself, but it kept going for a bit after he caught a breath. Downsides: No Prison Sex, 4 Degrees, The Patient, Aenema... I could go on = /. Very little off Opiate/Undertow/Aenema. Hoped they'd mix it up a bit more after seeing most of Lateralus played at the Melbourne show last year. Occasional sound ambiguities. Cocks standing directly in front of me screaming "Maynard" multiple times WHILE MAYNARD WAS TALKING. Idiot. I said "Hey man, I don't think he gives a fuck." Comparison to previous Tool experience (Melbourne July 2001): I was in awe for the entire Melbourne show, being my first live Tool experience. I was in seating and not in the best position (+not best eyesight) so I didn't see a lot of the 'show'. This time I had a prime spot. I could see everything and take it all in at once. I experienced the whole show therefore I definitely think it was better. Musically in Melbourne the band was spot on, I never once doubted any notes played. Tonight the question popped up once or twice. Maybe it was just me.
Review written by: FUGNARD (fuggetman@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 03:31:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
i think everyones forgetting about the guy on drugs who was dancing on the mosh pit floor for about 45 mins straight before the show. he was cool, pure energy
Review written by: Brock (lateralised@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 04:49:53 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Well im 15 and i have to say that no words can describe how awesome tool were, without a doubt the best day of my life. When maynard said: I have an assignment 4 u all, remember this moment, and in the coming days, weeks, months, years, take this feeling, and create something positive; and then started playing lateralus with the whole crowd cheering, i realised that there is a god, that god is tool.
Review written by: idunno (idunnno@thefragile.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 05:10:57 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Haha, yes I noticed our bouncy friend. He nearly got thrown out at the start of the DJ's set, because security said he must have been smoking something. They let him stay.
Review written by: Robin (robin_black82@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 07:32:02 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
AS this was my first Tool concert, I thought it rocked pretty hard as I had a really good time (and i'm not trying to sound like/be a brown nose either) The Set that was played is as follows (in no paticular order) Flood The Grudge Stinkfist Schism Parabol Parabola (played twice?) H Sober Dispisition Reflection Opiate Lateralis If I forgoton anything, can you forgive me 'cause I'm only human! Just a general ask to people who saw the Brisbane concert, was Parabola played twice, or was imagining things? Another query of mine about the concert is. With a majority of the songs the projected images made constant refrences to eyes that had mystical/paranormal connotations. All I could figure out from it was that these eyes can see things that can't be seen normally OR in some instances they were refering in/direectly to the windows of the soul. If someone can explain it to me it would be much appreciated. On a totally diffrent note, there were faults with this concert (very small and insignificant mind you). Here were the fualts with the concert (P.S if you don't like criticism don't read the next few paragraphs) 1. Anyone who lives in Brisbane/S.East Queensland knows that the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (where the concert was held) is at Boondal. This venue is in the middle of nowhere/whoop whoop thus making it very difficult to get there and back. In the future hopefully Brisbane will have a venue of similar capcity closer to the city. 2. The moshpit was as dead a doornail (well from where I was, (behind the barrier) anywhy). The fuckh*ad organisers who run the event are obviously interested in people safety (general interest in people safety or worried about being suied, I don't know), but to put signs up everywhere stating you will be expelled from the venue if you particpate or are moshed is a bit harsh. Probably I was to cautious and the people who got moshed were not expelled, but its just unfair that the organiser did not stat what is/what nott exceptable. 3. Tool didn't play, forty six & two or Aenema :( 4. My last and final petty gripe is that when you are of a average height (as I am) & your in the mosh pit, its annoying having people that are significantly taller then you as you can't see any band members at all (however the progected images and sound where great). O well, next time I guess I should plan ahead and put myself on a rack so I can be a few Centimeter's taller......hmmm, Yeah right. Other then those small gripes, the concert was one of the best I've been to as the set, lighting, projected images (to the songs), sound quality, atmosphere, the band's onstage energy was great to say the least. Hopefully next time there in Australia I'll get to see them again. Thanks for reading my review Robin
Review written by: Jizzlobber (Jizzlobber@phreaker.net) Review posted on: 04/24/02 09:24:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This was my first every concert and what a show to see. Tool and Faith no more are my fav band and being 16 its rare for me too see patton in an over 18 show. I had row A seats for tool and were possibly the best in the house. If i had to explain or write an indeath review of this show i will simply say this. What you see is more than amazing but what you hear is exactly the same as cd except with the buzz of atmospher. Thats talent. If you playing a show that sounds exactly like the cd just with visuals then you are damn good. Tool are and Tool proved it. From Jizzlobber
Review written by: Jared (jazza16@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 22:20:52 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
DANCER-MAN FANS UNITE!!!! that guy deadset stole the show....well maybe not quite but he oughta be congratulated nonetheless. Im not gonna waste everyones time by posting the setlist again.... the concert was unbelievably good...i got the first headache i have had in about 6 months about 2 hours before the show...terrible, terrible timing but the headache just disappeared when i the bands started playing, i was just far too focused on Tool and every little thing that happened to acknowledge any pain my head was giving me. I thought the melvins were very poor, it just sounded like noise, could barely make out note changes or words. i really enjoyed 1 or two of their songs, the rest were very average i thought. they nailed every single song, their playing was simply flawless, unbelievable..... i am a complete Tool addict (went through stages where i would listen to Tool for an hour before school and 3 hours after for weeks on end) so my expectations were very high...the fact that i wasnt disappointed b the show is amazing. My expectations were not surppassed however, and that is no-ones fault but my own. highlights for me were seeing the crowd mosh as one in stinkfist...Flood was a brilliant start, awesome song! Triad was great...H was EXCEPTIONAL! You could just feel an intimacy in the air between the crowd during this song....like we could all feel maynards pain a little. the fact that the played opiate (although i prolly would've rathered aenema) Lateralus is the most mind blowing song ever to be created, christ i love that song. wish i saw maynard, disappointing he was behind a screen. all in all im glad i made the 10 hour trip to get there, and spent the 10 hours home going through the coner in my head. thanks Tool.
Review written by: Rachel (apcfan2000@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 04/24/02 22:42:55 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
This was my third tool experience having seen them previously in brissie 97' et in arcadia tour, and the first sydney show last july(my review for that show is on this site). I also didn't read the Japan/NZ reviews before this show so I was psyched as to what the setlist would be. I was in the front mosh and fairly close to the stage to the left and was pleasantly surprised they played flood first and then kicked into the grudgeetc. I won't write the setlist for monday night as it has been written repeatedly above. But I will say my highlights for the show were parabola(I was surprised they didn't start with parabol as they did last year) but we did get to see the epic 10min clip with tricky on the screen. Other favourites were h, reflection, opiate and extended version of stinkfist. The biggest highlight of the night was getting aftershow passes from one of the tool crew just before the closer of the night lateralus. To get the chance to hang out with my fav band/musicians was a truly awesome experience. Thank-you tool.
Review written by: Mark Childs (gordonwik@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/25/02 06:17:18 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. We walked a dimly lit track through dry, dark trees that twisted out of the earth like giant iron hands. We walked quickly, like metal pieces being pulled in by some giant magnet. Inside the little metal pieces darted this way and that, buying merchandise, making last stops to overcrowded lavatories. All the while the draw of the magnet played in our heads. Tickets led to doors and doors were opened. The air was full of sound and the room was full of figures, seething in the weak light. All was still and dark until on a screen, one of three, a symbol appeared, a psychadelic burning eye. The little magents watched in awe as the eye multiplied and then the burning eyes formed a circle. The circle began to flow. Then, out of the darkness, a figure stalked to the left of the stage. It picked up a bass and began to play. A slow pulse. Then two more came; a drummer and a guitarist on the right. Then a silhouette, smaller than the others, moved like a shadow. The power of the magnet was complete. The four were tool and I will never be the same. See tool live.
Review written by: Brett James (ninboy57@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/25/02 20:33:15 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
This wasn't a concert, it was ART, pure art. It is 4 days since the art show, and I still can't get over how great it was. I read a few reviews from here before the show, and thought that all the people raving about the shows were just going over the top. Wrong. They were all as close as you could get to describing the undescribable. My only fear is that they won't be coming back, because I can't see how they can top that, plus the fact that they thanked and waved to everybody at the end. (I've never seen them do that before)
Review written by: Oh so. Grateful. Toolfan. (stillhuman@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/26/02 21:26:09 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
a lot of insightful stuff written already, so here are some personal thoughts: i.) Melvins, or 'Wall of Noise'. Always going to be hard to open for someone like tool. going for pure volume is an interesting approach. scared the hell out of many tool fans who thought that perhaps the sound system would be that poor when tool hit stage. Indistinguishable aural assualts aside, a hearty 'good on ya' goes to Buzz for his impossibly huge afro and the drummer who had the necessary skills to hold his own with danny later on in the show. ii.) Flood. a special treat for all toolfans. purposely not having read previous reviews of the japan/NZ tours, i was in heaven when the opening bass bolts merged into this gem from the undertow album. a grand opening. 'this changes everything...' H and Opiate also old favourites that got an airing. Pushit would have made the night perfect, but we mere mortals are not supposed to experience perfection... iii.) Highlights: the blue circles of light lazily scanning the crowd during disposition/reflection, showing the entire crowd for the first time. you went from your own personal world of tool to seeing that experience 'reflected' on the faces of many others. another good crowd moment when maynard stopped for a second, and the whole packed house continued to sing 'i don't mind, i don't mind...' as one, before maynard and the band launched back into the song. the visuals were outstanding, and merged well with the music. congrats to adam on typically fine work on the new parabol/parabola video. and special mention to the guy in black dancing on his own to the PA before the Melvins came on. in his own world, and loving it. got to love acid. highlight of the night: Lateralus at the end. i feel this song to be the clearest exposition of tool's philosophy, and it absolutely cranked. it sounded totally insane live, and the final words have followed me home. 'spiral out, keep going....' thanks to all the other toolfans who made this another great tool concert, and hope it can keep us sane before our next tool experience. stay human.
Review written by: Unsober (broom_broom_carr@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 04/27/02 00:28:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
FUCK THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! Good set list - but i would have liked to have heard some other songs - but no matter what - its never enough!!! (unless they played ALL there songs) Yes maynards voice was amazing - his movements rocked Osseus Labrynt were unbelievable - they put the iceing on the cake! I was front row - so it was a great expierence! Moved me - spiritually - artisitally - emotionally - EVERYWAY!!!! My assignment (the one maynard gave us) is a solo project (music) that im creating - it is caled.........GOD! Thank you tool!!!