concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart

04/27/2002

Review written by: Conor (miechieboy@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 09:30:32 ET


This was this reviewer's ??? Tool show

  I have questoion marks next to the amount of shows seen 
for one reason. I was there and I wasn't. This is how. I 
called one of my friends in Melbourne this morning from 
Ireland and found that he scored tickets to the Melbourne 
show. I arranged to call him 3 hours later. Which is about 
9:30 Melbourne time. 
So I call him and he answers and Schism is playing. Even 
over a Mobile phone in Australia  to a Mobile in Ireland it 
sounded so unbelievably good. I cant wait til I actually see 
them again in Ireland. I apologise that I have no details of 
the setlist except for Schism Extended. For all of you that 
went no doubt it was Awesone and I hope you all enjoyed.
Peace,
Conor








Review written by: Tim Marsh (46and2@start.com.au)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 10:26:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  [I f#cked up my bootleg, it was my first effort, so if ANYONE 
HAS A COPY EMAIL ME 46and2@start.com.au and we'll work 
something out. Ta]

Just to clear it up once and for all, MJK does not play a 
guitar or Steinberger, he was playing his cock, it was large.  
Sound came from it. Got it, punk?

Holy schnykies!
Hucking Fell!

Sit back for a minute. Can you image someone reaching 
into you, and grabbing hold of your soul and subconcious 
simultaneously,and switching between a gentle caress and 
scream provoking vice like grip for nigh on 2 hours, whilst 
also furnishing your mind with the most incredible set of 
visual and audio provocations to aid your salvation known to 
mankind? Can you then imagine that person kicking you in 
the guts until you are doubled up in pain and pleasure? You 
plead for them to stop, yet beg for more.  All this occurs 
simultaneously for 2 hours, your adrenal glands become 
shrivelled ghosts of their former selves. ...."what is the 
prognosis doctor?"..."Well this person has seen Tool, I don't 
hold much hope for their bodily health. We can rejoice in the 
fact that he has gone to a better place." The human body 
was not made to withstand such and aural and visual 
stimulation of the magnitude that this band can produce.  
Bombastic.  Holding your head in your hands, trying to hold 
your mind in one piece...it does not work. Better just let go, 
let go, let gooooooo. Ignore looks from other people 
around.  Salvation of the soul does not require a rubber 
stamp from another. Each will be saved when ready.

I had a friend once he took some acid, now he thinks he's a 
firetruck.....it's ok, until he pisses on your lighter.....
 
Welcome to the world of dark imagery, where Gigeresque 
images rule supreme, yet where the music bears light to 
save your soul (from a world saturated with sugarine pop 
princesses, clean cut boy bands and so called self professed 
hardcore rock groups).  Welcome to the world of Tool. 
Manna for the soul.  A beautiful endless requiem in the 
endless sea of madness that is human behaviour.

To read the full review, go here:
http://www.geocities.com/hubbair/toolreview02.html.
(Will be up Monday Australian time)

If you think this is self indulgent twaddle, please skip.  
Sometimes "Tool f#cken rocked" gets a little tiresome.

Here is the setlist, I include it for completeness. Tonight was 
my 2nd show.  (There seems to be a proliferation of people 
on their second shows - where have you been Tool?).  I am 
not sure about the argument about the same set list for 
every show on a tour being relatively the same...on one 
hand everyone hears the same, thus you don't go "F#ck I 
wish I had've gone to Sydney instead of Newcastle" or 
whatever...on the other hand if you were naughty and 
opened your present before Christmas present before 
Christmas Day, you're not surprised.

//Setlist (as close as I can remember it - didn't take 
paper/pen in like last time)
Flood [only song I needed to hear] flowed into [I cried]
Grudge
(-)ve ions
Stinkfist extended
4 degrees
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocolypse
The Patient
Schism
Disposition
Reflection
Parabol/a Video
Triad w/ Dale on drums and Ossius Labrynth
Aenima
Lateralus
//End Setlist

Correct me if I am wrong.
Couple of improvs, which were cool. Maynard did not say 
much which was good. Their music says all I need to hear.  I 
also think a repetition of the same speech at each show 
depersonalises the experience.  So yeah.  Melbourne wasn't 
high on acid, so we didn't forget who Tool were.

Of course, one can never be fully satisfied from a Tool show. 
There will always be songs they didn't play but shouldn't 
have. This is a supercilious argument. You are there for 
Tool. They are not there for you.  "I am not, a fucking. 
Jukebox." Amen.  I think you only have to watch them to 
realise they are creating a vehicle...step aboard if you want.

All my feelings - euphoria, anger, release, bewilderment, 
euphoria - from my first concert have been duplicated here.  
Again I lost myself in the moment. It was hard to force 
myself back to "reality."  A dreadful reality where the 
mundane rules supreme, where who you are is governed by 
what you own - materialism is a plague that I abhorr the 
thought of, yet enjoy the feel of.  

We all have our ideal setlist, this will not suit everyone. 
Everyone must walk away closely holding a little moment 
where they were at one with themselves. At the last show in 
Melbourne, this occured for me during a couple of songs, but 
manifested itself with the most intensity during Lateralus. 
Someone, please, pass a tissue.  It is easy to say "what a 
pussy."  Come onnnnnn, don't tell me you didn't choke a bit 
at some point. Liar.

Personally, after enlightenment from Adam F, and after 
some serious questioning, I realise that too much focus is 
on TOOL, the band, not Tool the music.  All you know about 
me is what I sold you, dumb fuck.  Think about that 
one....are Tool really all that dark....or is it just clever 
marketing...we only see what we are allowed to see, for that 
reason I take anything they say, especially what MJK says, 
with a grain of salt.  Everyone thinks Maynard is a God. He is 
just one man who can sing about some ideas....The actual 
music does more for me.  I think it is quite good that the 
band members are minimalised with regards to what we can 
see...I find it much more cathartic to watch the incredible 
visuals and let the music wash over me. Not there to see 
Maynard, there for music.  Enough of this, the concert:

//review
//melvins
The Melvins were fucking sick.  We got there late so I only 
heard some, I definitely heard a song or two from Stoner 
Witch...They were WOW. 

//tool
First up. The sound was not as good as last time. I felt the 
bass was too overpowering, especially of Adam...
It was excellent to see Justin so much more extroverted. His 
bass playing was mind numbing. Danny. Don't need words. 
You all know.  Adam. Refer Danny. Maynard. Voice was much 
more passionate it seemed to me, much more intimate and 
personal.  He had some clothes on.

Some of the videos were a bit different from last time, I 
think Parabola, Stinkfist and Aenima were???  The Flood vid 
was wicked.
Someone please do a description for the songs.  I was trying 
to hold myself together most of the time. So I forget.

Flood: magic. All I wanted was that song.  Opening, and I 
held my breath it would continue.
The Grudge. Good.
Stinkfist: Good
4 degrees: Badass. Fucking badass. This was the next song 
I wanted to hear, along with Flood and Triad probably the 
highlight of the night. A lot of people were happy to hear 
this.
Parabola: sound shocking, song good. Weird without 
Parabol. Good change up.
Schism: Nice, Maynard sung a different harmony. And he 
played his cock, not a synth guitar.
Eon/Patient: Brilliant, very cathartic. Epic.
Disposition: Good breather
Reflection:  Wicked, but sound was shyte.
Triad: w/Dale on Drums. And Osseus Labrynth or however 
you spell it. I think this sums it up best. I saw a lot of 
people just staring with mouths wide open in disbelief. 
Fucking mindfuck. Respect for this song.
Hey hey hey hey Aenima: keng wecked as always. Choice eh 
bro.
Lateralus: Epic, cathartic, brilliant. Thankyou.

I will tell you what - Ossues are fricking bendy. Wow.
The crowd was fantastic. Most people were content to sit 
back and rock out.
At times, hands reached out to the band.  At times, it 
seemed Maynard screamed our pain and frustration for us. 
Grudge scream good example

So, Danny played some Drums. Justin played some 4 string 
gee-tar. Adam played some 6 string guitar. Maynard did 
some vocals. Tool gave us some music. They held me down 
and mindfucked me.  We all lapped it up. People went home 
happy.

I am sure I will want to add more to this but it is straight 
from the heart and only 1 hour since the concert ended.

Tired. Need brain rest. Out Tim
PS: ANYONE WHO HAS AUDIO OF THIS EMAIL ME!!!








Review written by: Steve Le Busque (food_god@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 10:27:05 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Blame the effects of marijuana on my memory if this setlist 
is slightly incomplete / out of order:

Flood
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist (extended version)
4 Degrees
Parabola
Schism
The Patient
Dispostion
Reflection

Intermission: Parabola vid

Triad (with Dale from melvins on drums)
Aenema
Lateralus


Great experience, Aenema was definately a highlight...









Review written by: Minus (a_perfect_c@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 10:35:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Flood 
The Grudge
(-) ions
Stinkfist extended
4 degrees
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocolypse
The Patient
Schism
Disposition
Reflection
Parabol/a Video
Triad w/ Dale on drums and Ossius Labrynth
Aenima
Lateralus

all i can say is fucking unreal.  4 degrees was the highlight 
for me and when they finished with lateralus it gave this 
sense of completeness.  nothing more was neeeded.
a perfect show.









Review written by: Cam (cameron_parrent@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 10:40:26 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  Well, for the first time i'm about to write a real review for a 
show, not just a few observations (which always get me in 
trouble)

I'd already seen Tool in Newcastle earlier in the week.  At 
that show I was virtually the first person in the venue, so 
had a perfect position right on the front barrier, just on 
Adam's side of the centre of the stage.  Tonight, seating 
beckoned for the first time in my 4 Toolish experiences, and 
I couldn't have been more unexcited about the show if I'd 
tried.

Then came something that I've only ever dreamed of .... 
Flood.  I'd never been convinced it would work as an opener, 
but as each band member joined the stage in around 1 
minute intervals, it all fitted together.  Maynard appeared 
last, simply as a sillhouette which lasted for almost the 
whole show, dressed in his famous short shorts.  Flood 
ended and went straight into The Grudge, which I think 
works much better as a non-opener.

Yet another amazing version of Stinkfist followed, with a 
fantastic extra verse that confused the hell out of the GA 
section below.  It's the little things like these that show that 
Tool is never satisfied, and that a Tool song is never 
finished.  Likewise, I noticed a slight lyrical change in 4 
degrees, which followed.  The simple words 'life's too short 
to fuck it up' at the end of the first verse somehow brought 
a chill to my spine and a tear to my eye.  After having gone 
through some fairly rough stages of life lately, the words 
filled me with some strangely comforting, yet scared 
emotion.

Parabola followed, with a short intro that had me anticipating 
The Patient, but it wasn't to be.  Next came Schism, which i 
think I could listen to non-stop for days (and I probably 
have), before I finally got what I'd been wishing for since 
last July ... the haunting Eon Blue Apocolypse, followed by 
The Patient.  This song, especially live, just highlights 
Maynard's voice, and epitomises the band's ability to go 
from slow to fast, heavy to soft, without breaking a sweat - 
It was worth the ticket price and the cost of going to 
Newcastle alone.

An amazing Danny Carey special drum solo followed, which 
was always going to lead into Disposition.  The whole 
Disposition/Reflection thing was my favorite part of Lateralus 
since my first listen, and my favorite piece of Tool for almost 
as long, and ended with a much shorter than usual Outro 
from Adam on guitar ... I can only hope he wasn't offended 
by the heckling from the Newcastle crowd on Tuesday!

The Parabola video saw the venue almost empty, but things 
got moving again when Dale from the Melvins again joined 
Tool and Osseus Labbyrint during Triad.  This song's 
amazing live, although it's always been something I'd 
skipped over on CD.  With time for only two more songs, 
one of which would be the usual Lateralus, Maynard said the 
magic words 'Aye, aye, aye' and the band launched into the 
always energetic Aenema.  Now, I've been working on an 
alternative chorus to this guys, tell me what you think:
"I sure could use a vacation from this bullshit three-ringed 
circus sideshow of freaks here in this hopeless fucking hole 
we call MELBOURNE.  The only way to fix it is to flush it all 
away. Any fucking time, any fucking day. Learn to swim, i'll 
see you down in New South Wales Bay." ... if only Jeff was 
still in charge, it might happen!

Thanks guys for another amazing experience.  Even from so 
far back (well, it was only row 6) you continue to blow my 
mind.

Come back soon.








Review written by: James Carman (opiate49@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:06:46 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Unbelievable show. The contortionists were amazing. The 
Melvins pretty much sucked, except for the drummer.
We got a slightly different setlist from the other gigs. We 
didn't get Opiate, but we got The Patient and Aenema 
instead... fair trade if you ask me.

Highlights - Aenima, 4 degrees, Lateralus.
Funniest moment - In the melvins set, the drummer fucked 
up and one of his sticks flew about 5 metres into the air and 
almost hit a security guy.










Review written by: MART (rumble6@bigpond.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:10:45 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Hey you!  Read reviews already posted for your show to see 
if somebody already posted the setlist. 


LOUD is a good word for this concert, but at least you come 
away with something, fantastic visuals alot better than last 
year
 
And maynard didnt say anything about the four degree 
theory, but he did say something like...we,d like to thank 
you for being here and sharing this moment with us,..and in 
the coming weeks & months years take this feeling & do 
somethig positive with it.

Group hug at the end, and they all had a turn at throwing 
something into the croud
What is it about the feeling you get at a tool concert,
overwhelming

Being a bass player myself, i have to say justin is incredable
Overall, just dont miss it

please  come back soon TOOL
  








Review written by: FergZ (tha_fergmeister@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:11:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  what can i say??
holy shit that was one breathtaking experience!!
the setlist has already been posted so i won't be an 
annoying fuck and write it again..

--Osseus Labirynth--
Freaky shit, those 2 are amazing... very cool!

-- to all you sydney siders out there--
suck my balls, we got to hear the patient and aenima in 
exchange for opiate!! and yes, they went off!!

all i can say is, there is no way i could be dissapointed by 
Tool, and when and if they come back, i will pay litteraly 
anything to see them!
Thank you guys... Keep making them, and I'll keep buying 
them

FergZ

P.S -  if anyone has live audio, that is of a decent quality, 
can you let me know. thanks
tha_fergmeister@hotmail.com








Review written by: Tool Fan From Oz (shpadoinkle_2000@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:12:00 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  What else can I say but, Awesome once again.
loved the contortionists. wish Maynard would come out so we 
can actually see him....









Review written by: Molestick (radtawan@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:21:18 ET

  my ears is still ringing from great sound of TOOL
it was the best sound i've ever heard in my whole life.
what can i say..im freakin speechless!!! i cannot discribe it!
ahh u gota b there to feel vibes








Review written by: luke (blade828@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 11:56:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  its 1:50am and all i can say is FUCKING AWSOME. those 
osseus labrinth people were pretty fucked up but it was all 
good it was the loudest thing i have ever heard 
and...AENIMA WAS FUCKING SICK!!!!!
if anyones got the audio email me








Review written by: Luke (lporter@bigpond.net.au)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 14:22:56 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  What an incredible show. The haunting music they played 
over the PA just before TooL came onstage was the BEST 
build up before the lights came down (before the sounds 
that accompanies the flaming eye). Flood was just 
nasty...totally amazing way to start a set. 4 
degrees/Patient/Ænema were highlights for me personally.

My friend got a good quality video recording and my other 
friend got a good quality audio recording...have to get them 
online in the coming week once they're ripped.








Review written by: Kirka (tool)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 19:35:58 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  Hey you!  Read reviews already posted for your show to see 
if somebody already posted the setlist. 









Review written by: Kirk (tool_maniac@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 20:04:39 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Well, what can i say other than fucking mindblowing 
experience once again.

Where to start......first off, well i was apart of the Mosh for 
the most part, and upon arriving at about 4:30 to Rod Laver 
Arena when the doors were to open we were basically first in 
line which gave us good positioning up the front of the 
barriers...

The most annoying part before the Melvins came out was 
that fucking Dj....she just went on and on and on, and most 
of the fellow tool fans around me were anxious to throw 
whatever they could find at her....but then, right at that 
moment, the Melvins came out on stage, and i could see for 
the most part that most of the people around me were 
curious as to what they sounded like.....to me, the music 
itself wasn't that bad....it had kind of a silverchair/Metallica 
feel to it. But damn, their Bass player was stoned out his 
brains, looked like a pedofile and the fact that he was 
making rude gestures to those of us in front of him didn't 
really help his image.Yeah, and like someone had 
previously said, when Dale lost a Drum Stick mid song that 
went flying through the kit...he recovered extremely well. I 
can see why he joined in with TooL on Triad.

Danny's drum kit, as per usual, got a much larger cheer 
than the warm up act, significant to the fact that it's one 
huge mother of a setup!!~!!....than, out of no-
where....Justin came out on stage and led into Flood...along 
with Adam and Danny who joined the stage 
similtanously...Maynard, like always, last to appear. Fuck, 
Flood is one track, along with patient, that i've always 
wanted to see live, and the fact that they played it, let alone 
opened with it made this night even more special.

Skipping through the setlist...as i'm sure you've all read 
enougth about the other tracks played....the true highlight 
for me was the performance of Triad...Danny Carey is a 
fucking machine...or a god....i'd say the latter.

Overall, an awsome, mindblowing show...the visuals were 
great as usaul (4 degrees in particular), the sound was 
awsome as usual.....and Maynard voice...well, i think 
faultless is the word.

His little motivational speech he has before Lateralis was 
longer than usaul....can't remember what was said word for 
word. The thanks that the band gave the crowd, clapping 
every inch of rod laver was one which went on behond 5 
minutes...Justin in particular. the group hug between bands 
members was an emotional thing to watch...a picture that 
will stick in my mind for a longgg time!

Ah but wait, there's more....unlike the most of you, who left 
basically straight after the show...me and my friend stayed 
behind a met a couple of fellow fans (Matt and Brandon??), 
and after getting the camera back which we had to hand in, 
we sat around the entry point from which the band enters 
and leaves with about 25 other fans. we waited for like an 
hour....a bit more mabye, but, than, maynard appeared at 
the entry door (white shirt, beeny, sunnys), but quickely 
went back inside....then he came out, we took a couple of 
quick snaps before security begn yelling at my firend Rach 
to get back.....but she took some photo's none the 
less....than Danny soon appeared to more cheers from 
us....and gave us all a wave, from which more photo's were 
taken.....though, we didn't see Adam or Justin, i thought 
getting snaps of danny and Maynard was pretty damn good 
in itself.

My seggesstion to those who went with camara's, like so 
many did, is to, rather than have them taken off you, hand 
them in....and stay behind after the show were your only but 
garrenteed some pics.








Review written by: Simon Fazio (kungfuonion@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 20:07:20 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Tool : From the Nosebleeds - by Simon Fazio

Hey, well, last night me, and two of my close friends had the 
honor of seeing Tool for the second time in a year. Indeed, 
I was luckier with the ticketing last time, managing only 
nosebleed seats, almost on the most acute angle you could 
buy, as opposed to having general admission last time. It 
was a different perspective none the less, however, we'll get 
to that later.

The day that tickets went on sale was a hectic one, with 
Clarky (one of my two companions last night) coming over 
for a full phone and internet assault. Unfortunatly, camping 
out seemed like a better idea, as it took us an hour and a 
half to get through, and by that time, we were rushing to 
school in the car, late for our Year 12 English SAC. However, 
we got there okay, if not a little buzzed about scoring 
tickets. At the venue however, I was appaled to see plenty 
of empty seating both above and below the place where we 
were. However, we got over it.

After a day of waiting around, Clarky and I borded the 6:01 
train to the city, ready for a night of Tool. I was a little 
hungry, as all I had had to eat for the past day or so were a 
couple of saladas and some hommus, so i reluctantly 
purchased a McChicken burger at an outragious price when 
we got into the city. After a brief walk (against Clarky's 
desire to take a tram to the venue), we arrived at Rod Laver 
Arena shortly before 7:00. We got the regular pat down and 
went into the venue. After buying some merchandise (2 t-
shirts, one for me, and one for my little brother at home 
crying because he was too young to see Tool), Clarky 
bumped into some friends of his, and started chatting. I 
decided to scope out our seating.

When I finally finished my Everest-like-assent to our 
seating, i was a little relieved to see that we had a clear view 
of the stage, as I thought we previously might not have. It 
was also intresting to note that we could see the entire setup 
of the stage area, and were probably the first to see 
anyones entry and exit onto the stage. Anyway, I was 
delighted to see that DJ Angela Someoneorother had 
commenced her set, and that we wouldnt have long to wait 
before the proper show got underway. I met my second 
companion, Ben, about ten mintues later, which was good, 
because I previously thought he was going to miss out on 
part of the show, due to a late basketball match. Anyway, we 
were all seated shortly before 7:30, and were ready for a big 
night of Tool. The usual discussion of all things tool (in 
particular the new Live EP Gammon), trying to pass the time 
before we got to see the greatest band on earth (excuse the 
cliche).

The problem was, the DJ wouldnt stop. We were a little harsh 
in our comments to her, seeing as a DJ would obviously not 
appeal to a vast majority of Tool fans, openminded or 
otheriwise. Anyway, we saw what Ben thought to be 
a "soundcheck girl" appear on stage, but what I correctly 
guessed was Dale from the Melvins appear on stage. 
Anyway, he sat at his kit, whilst the DJ continued her set. 
Suddenly, to my surprise, Dale commenced a thunderous 
drum beat, which nearly gave me a coronary. Anyway, after 
the initial shock, followed by the joy of seeing Angela walk 
off stage, Buzz and Kevin walked on stage, plugged in, 
tuned their instruments and commenced playing.

It was nothing special.

Yeah, the Melvins have been around for a while, and while 
their set was energetic, I couldnt really get into it, despite 
the fact that I had tried to weeks before. The only song I 
recognised was Brain Center at Whipples off their latest 
release Hostile Ambient Takeover, althought a few songs 
sounded familar. Dont ask me the setlist. Anyway, there 
were only lyrics for one or two of the songs, and perhaps 
only one or two breaks, and songs ran into each other for 
the whole set. Perhaps this was an attempt to give the crowd 
no chance to not clap for this band? I know its always a hard 
task for a band to support though, so i'll stop attacking.

The Melvins stopped quite abruptly, and left the stage as 
they entered it, without saying a word. 

We waited a little longer, and the regular occurances of a 
Tool show commenced : the unbeiling of Danny's giant drum 
kit, the tuning of the bass and guitar, the weird music 
playing over the PA, preceeded by the german monologue 
(mention something about cadavers) I was familiar with 
from July show. Then, all hell broke loose.

The giant eye-circle appeared on the screens, now two 
screens with one mirroring the other. It was a very nice 
addition from last time, with the visuals more stunning than 
before. Anyway, a short time later, after a few minutes of 
ambience, Justin made his way to the stage and 
commenced the first song of the night, Flood. Shortly after, 
Danny came on stage, followed by Adam. The belted out the 
start of flood for a few minutes, before we saw Maynard 
come from behind the stage, stand at the back of his little 
screen (which we couldnt see), and then make his way onto 
his little platform. It was great. I was happy. I wanted to 
stay there forever. However, the show progressed, Maynard 
commenced singing ('Here comes the water'), and then 
Flood got going. The song continued almost to the end when 
suddenly the burst into The Grudge, a move I was not 
expecting. Even though we were so high up, we were still a 
very active bunch, singing, and playing air 
guitar/bass/drums through the song, unlike everybody else 
in the area. The 'defining, controlling' part of the song 
kicked in, and the general admission area had its first 
chance to mosh. The bodys turned into a raging sea of 
most, a sight pretty unknown to me, as i'm usually in the 
mosh, rather than looking down apon it. The Grudde was 
good, as like last time, although I had the lyrics down pat 
now. Maynard scream was as impressive as ever, lasting a 
good 20 seconds or so. And then, it was over.

"Good Evening"

Those few words got the crowd going like no-ones business, 
the first of many lines, such as asking the crowd in these 
hard times, we have to all do our little part in like, so on the 
count of three, i want everyone to say Yes! 1, 2, 3....

I didnt say anything.

But anyway, I forget where his little lines of onstage talk slot 
in, so I wont put them anywhere.

Anyway, the opening feedback to Stinkfist started, my 2nd 
favorite song of the night. I got right into it, and it was cool 
to see the extended version played, with the album intro 
played before the 'I Keep Digging' line, a move which left 
me breathless. Anyway, after that 4 Degrees kicked in. I 
didnt know all the words (shame on me!), however, I sang 
what I could, but I was sitting back on my seat at that time, 
setting the tone for the rest of the show, bar the last song. 
Anyway, after that, I beleve that Parabola, Schism 
(accompanied by the stunning Osseus Labyrint, doing their 
walk from the video, heads going back and forth), Eon Blue, 
The Patient (one of my favorites for the night, and one I 
was really hanging out for last time round), Disposition and 
Reflection. There was a very cool Noise Jam in there, with 
Adam on his Virus Indigo. For all the musicians out there, I 
think that Adam actually has two synths on stage, or at least 
another controller on stage, as he was on his knees twisting 
knobs at the the end of the last song, Lateralus. Anyway,  
Danny was going mental in Reflection, much to the delight 
of Ben, a drummer himself. I found myself watching the 
band much more this time, partially due to the fact I'm a 
short ass and couldnt see shit last time.

The Parabola video started, and we left for a breath for fresh 
air, and to see if i could find a Bratwurst, or anything to eat 
for the that matter. I went back outside with my friends, 
Bratwurst-less, but none the less pumped for the big finale. 
We discussed the dissapointment of h. not being played 
(our big wish for the night), among other things, and as the 
Parabola video wound up, we made our was back to our 
seats for the last three songs.

We say down just Tricky was holding up the leaf on the 
video, and noticed parts of Dale's kit in on Maynard's little 
platform. We knew then that Triad would be next. Tool, sans-
Maynard but with Dale Crover came back on stage to 
thunderous applause. Danny kicked off proceedings, with 
Dale bashing along too, and shortly after Justin started the 
bassline. Maynard was behind the screen, playing guitar, 
and Osseus Labyrint had climed up infront of the screen 
(with the male of the group giving up quite and eyefull). 
Triad was personally the highlight of the night for me, being 
on of my neglected tracks of the album up until early this 
year. The song was a visual feast, and persoanlly, I couldnt 
decide what to look at, the screen, the two drummers, 
Maynard, Osseus Labyrint or Adam or Justin. It was sensory 
overload in the truest form of the word.

Anyway, Triad ran its course, Danny shook hands with Dale, 
Dale left, shook hands with MJK, and the drum kit was take 
from the stage. Maynard came out and vocally thanked 
Osseus Labyrint and Dale, and then atoped his platform for 
the last time of the night.

"hey..hey..hey..hey..hey..hey..hey..hey.."

The crowd went nuts as Aenema kicked in, only the 2nd 
song from the album of the night. It was good, I think 
better than the last performance, with the highlight being 
Maynard's vocals, which, for the first time of the night 
appeared truly stunning to me. I think after the song I had 
a new appreciation for him, if thats even possible, as I think 
he's the greatest singer in any group at the moment. The 
band was going off at the, end, I belive with Justin having 
one foot on the drum riser at the conclusion. Anyway, they 
all came together at the end of the song, around Danny's 
drums, and started the last song of the night, Lateralus.

It was mind-blowing. I had mixed feelings all through the 
song, as I knew it would be the last of the night 
unfortunatly, and nearing the conclusion, the band kicked 
into overdrive, then kicked up and notch, and then another 
with Adam taking on his synth yet again in a hail of static 
and whirring-synth. It ended with the final open D chord, the 
band went to the front of the stage, threw items out. 
(including a drum skin, caught by some lucky bastard), 
embraced, and then waved goodbye.

And then it was over.

And then we went home.









Review written by: Tim White (currypuff3@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 20:24:16 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey......................HOLY SHIT. 
Even better than last time!  From the melbourne show last 
time, Tool played Flood, 4 Degrees, Eon BLue Apocolypse, 
The Patient, Triad, instead of Pushit (DOH!!!!!!), Prison Sex, 
Sober, 46 & 2!  A very decent trade considering im a bit sick 
of hearing those tracks from undertow, as well as 46 & 2.


Osseus Labrynt (and their names are hanna and mark) were 
insane. How they do that weird shit with the arms and 
shoulders hanging upside down is unbelievable.  Triad was 
fucking heavy shit, but Danny, u r a cocktease. After playing 
a couple of the drum rolls from the start of third eye, i got 
all excited, but hey, no conmplaints.

Flood, 4 degrees, The Patient and the ever exciting Aenima 
were brilliant.  Tool are without a doubt the best live band I 
have ever seen (and I've seen Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, 
Sepultura etc.).

Never have I smiled so much for so long, and never will i 
smile for so long again (apart from when I listen to the 
recording i made, like right now - hence my grin from ear to 
ear).

To Kerrie and Luke, I cant think of two better people to 
share such an awesome experience with. Luke, we were on 
the floor, I opened my eye and there we were...........we will 
not give up our search for TOOL untill we hear third eye 
live!!!!!!!!

RESPECT.










Review written by: Fryhtanic (fryhtanic@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 20:29:47 ET

  Tool were flawless.  Fucking mind blowing.  Loud, energy 
charged creating an extremely emotional experience.  

All round roaring all night.  We the crowd roared as the 
intruments were tuned, when Dannys drumset was revealed 
and shortly after when the darkness set in.  At this point 
almost everyone was roaring.

Then, as we first glimsed the members walk across the 
stage to get their instruments fucking oath, they roared 
even more.  They roared as we saw a glimpse of Justin 
walking across the stage to grab his bass guitar, followed by 
Danny sitting down into his drumset and then Adam grabed 
his guitar.   They unleased Flood, everyone was making 
noise.  Enter Maynard's siloquette, extremely loud roar. 
Maynard started moving around, the crowd did also. What 
followed nearly made Rod Laver Area go out of Earths hold. 
Epic setlist, I nor the crowd couldn't stop moving from the 
start of Flood to the end of Lateralus.  I had tears in my 
eyes during 4 degrees.  They riped out my soul and 
replaced it with a happier one.

Flawless as I said above,  Justin and Adam stold pretty 
much all night, banging their heads a few times yet still 
creating highly emotional music.  Danny was a like a 
mechanical octopus, possibly the worlds best drummer.  
Maynard, reached out to the crowd in his trademark mode.

The above setlists and quotes are pretty much correct.
I will create something positive from this experience.

  








Review written by: Tim White (currypuff3@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 20:32:59 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  P.S - Forgot to say, I have recordings that i made of this 
years gig, which is awesome, and last year's too which rules. 
So if anyone is interested in trading, let me know.

TOOL was fucked up and i luved it!








Review written by: Reviewer (r)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 22:56:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 6 Tool show

  
merkaba. awesome.









Review written by: Chris (chubmark@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 23:17:40 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  PHWOAR!.. this was a messiah of a show. huge.. sure, the 
melvins were pretty sucky.. but thats now why we were there 
right?

4 degrees. where the fuck did that come from!? triad. where 
the fuck did THAT come from!? oh my fucken god...i couldnt 
believe they played it. definate highlight of the night. 
ossieus labyrint really added that extra touch.. amazing. 

The double screen mirrored had a wicked effect on the 
atmosphere, much better than the single of last year, and 
the new material that was on there was very well done. good 
work adam. 

the downer of the night was lateralus, as soon as i heard 
that opening note, my heart sank. it was almost over. i didnt 
want it to end. having such a time, i didnt want to leave. oh 
well. hopefully my pictures work out.. im hoping

(to the guy that came down the front row and gave me spare 
change to use my phone: you cheeky bastard. sneakin into 
the place.. heh. ah well.)








Review written by: kris (theboogfuku@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/27/02 23:42:02 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  Tool played fucking awesome show for us down here in 
melbounre last night. There effects were spectacular and it 
showed everyone once again how magnificent tool are, 
although there were a few things that didnt make it totally 
breathtaking.
Firstly i dont have the setlist, sorry, but Tool played many 
new songs and i would have liked some more stuff from 
Opiate (they didnt play anything from it), so more from 
Undertow and Aenima, but i guess they're promoting 
Laterals so that might be why they decdided to play more 
from that album. Personally, i reckon Opiate and Undertow 
are better than the later two albums, so it would have been 
nice to see some more songs from them.
Anyway, enough of the shit, it was a fucking awesome show, 
people came from all over the state, the security was 
minimal (good) and GA wasnt full which shitted me coz they 
wouldnt sell anymore and the pit was maybe 3/4 full.
Apart from that it was a fantastic show by the boys, well 
done and if anyone else from melbourne feels like posting 
something to contradict me, feel free to do so....
 

catchya.....
     kris








Review written by: Jackie Ng (jumpinjackieNOSPAM@optushome.com.au)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 00:13:52 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Ahhh, the memories of my first Tool show in Melbourne last year have
been re-ignited. This show was better than last time round, due to a
more diverse setlist and NO COSMIC PHUKING PSYCHOS! I wanted to hear
Flood, 4 Degrees and H, and I got 2 out of 3. Not bad!

Quote of the night: We still want Maynard's Dick! (by someone in the
crowd)









Review written by: Steph (sdyhin@iprimus.com.au)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 00:59:05 ET


This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

  contrary to what other reviews of this show stated, tool were not
perfect, and i think that made it so much better.  
last year's shows, and from what i can remember of '97 were
note-perfect from the album.  but last night there were slipups,
improvisation and embellishments that i made it unreal.  it was
finally a real live experience - performance as it should be with the
musicians really feeling and being part of what they were doing. 
which i think made it a much more powerful experience. 

another improvement - the involved light show - i didn't even realise
there was a screen behind the screens until they lit the whole thing
up in an etherial green which created the most amazing effects... as
did having OL performing what could be described as a live
interpretation of a tool video - an extension of the music.

tool have the hugest sound live.  it fills you up and takes you to
another place.  surely a lot is in the music itself, but i am always
amazed at the way it comes across - they really pull it together and
make it something else, creating an energy as they did last night. 
that energy is what sets them apart from all other live music i've
ever seen.

my only criticism - couldn't maynard come up with something new to
say?  he barely said anything, and the few words he did were directly
scripted as per last year's show.  they were able to change so many
other things - the extensions of songs were awesome, the lights, the
images on the screens... is it so hard to ad lib?  has a man of such
musical talent really got such little to say?  does he care?  as you
can see this has left me disolusioned....

so i will leave you with the following.
tool, last night, as on their other shows that i have seen, revived
my faith in a live music experience - as a whole, with lights and
energy and brilliant musicianship - it really takes you to another
level of consciousness.

-steph









Review written by: Ben Foster (hermolt@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 01:15:58 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Wow.  What amazing spectacle.  Setlist been posted, I had 
vowed not to look at one before the gig..shame on me.  But 
I was surprised infinitely when as Flood was drawing to a 
close and I was gearing up for Stinkfist, out came The 
Grudge, and I was in heaven.

Speaking of which, I nearly was there considering the seats I 
had.  Ticket attendants were replaced by Sherpas as I got 
about halfway...Tool is brilliant from anywhere, these seats 
didn't detract from the experience one little bit.

Triad with Dale from the Melvins was awesome, as were 
Osseus Labryint, but can someone please by them 
codpieces for Christmas?  Dangling from the roof is one 
thing, dangling from the loins is completely another.

As with last year, I found myself completely taken over by 
the music in some parts, most of all during Parabola.  What 
a song.  4 degrees was unbelievably good, I was so pumped 
for that.  Would have liked h., but what are you going to do?

Melvins = Cool.  Dj Angela Mason was some gothic DJ who 
played for far too long, my friend mentioned in the car 
home he thought she was a 'Make-A-Wish' Kid..someone 
who had their dying wish come true..poor taste, but very 
funny.  Props to the Melvins who got the DJ off stage when 
Dale just got up and smashed his kit a little..

I thought that although it was a little shorter, this show far 
outstripped last year's offering.  I think I appreciated the 
whole experience a little more this time.  Bring on next time!








Review written by: giann (unknown_45@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 01:18:59 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  well after a poor nights sleep, im ready for my review...

the set was awesome. i'll dispense with posting a setlist as plenty of 
people have posted it already.

the energy of the show is truly indescribable - my friend next to me 
was virtually catatonic...it took him an icy cold heiniken from blue 
train to get him back to normal, ;)

i think the highlight of the night was definatly triad....danny carey 
is an absolute god on the drums, and the guy from the melvins added an 
extra dimesnion to the song...oessus labrynt (or however you spell it) 
were absolutely awesome, and the projections on the 3 screens were 
insane during triad...definatly a great song live

other highlight was when adam jones did that improv with the 
synth....we could feel the low frequency in the stands, and it just 
sounded awesome....

the only thing that could possibly top this concert is another tool 
concert - im just glad i was there to witness possibly the most 
important tour in tools career, and i think the thousands of people 
there share my view.









Review written by: The White Glove (still_andbreathless@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 02:28:37 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd? Tool show

  O.K..what to say that hasn't already been said..and then 
again..what to say that would make any sense or even come 
close to describing something that cant be described..that in 
itself already doesnt make sense..i just felt overwhelmed..i 
had tears in my eyes during the patient and there were 
several occasions where my head was just completely numb 
and i thought i was going to pass out..quite and amazing 
thing for a band to make you feel this way..but that is when 
you get to thinking..the difference is, TOOL go beyond being 
a band..they arent a band consisting of four people..the four 
people don't matter, what matters it the magic that occurs 
when those four people come together..the emotions that 
are given..from anger and fear to pure vulnerability..and 
then afterwards the spaced out feeling of nothingness that 
you get at the end..the thought that you can reach out 
beyond your own intellectual understandings to some place 
even if it is only for a short time..and to think things deeper 
than your own understandng..things of which make no 
sense..does this mean they will in the future?? to feel 
nothing negative..a sense of not even being in your own 
body..our mind was captured and it went along in the screen 
of tripped out images showing in fact that of your own pain..

well as much as i would like to continute must end and get 
some sleep..anyone that thinks "pfft to TOOL" please go 
and check it out before you say anything..but then again 
you already have negativity in your mind so I guess it is 
probably pointless and that of in fact your own loss

"keep your eye on the ball and remember what is most 
important in life"








Review written by: Giosue (giosuepro@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 02:42:30 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  There is an anti-climax today, which if dwelled upon can 
leave me feeling a bit empty. Why?

The emotions that are sucked from you at a Tool show are 
like peaking on MDMA. In Melbourne Tool has a hell of a lot 
more listeners. At moments trough out the concert, as I 
looked at the sea of fans around me, I was awestruck at all 
the eyes and mouths wide open, in a trance-like state at 
one with each other and the music.

The explosive Flood was an excellent opener to the set and 
dealt a brutal and climatic build-up. Maynard's howling in the 
Grudge was phenomenal. The sound at Rod Laver was very 
good for the most part. Only during Reflection and Parabola 
was the sound slightly distorted and fuzzy. The omission of 
Parabol prior to Parabola caused that track to lose the 
intensity of the climax where the two tracks meet. 
Always appreciated, Stinkfist sounded clear and got the 
crowd moving, however Maynard did make a slight lyrical 
mistake, which the rest of the band were quick to hide. The 
Patient was a pleasing surprise, as was 4 degrees. 

The unnatural drumming of Danny was at it's best 
throughout the whole show. Justin graced his side of the 
stage with strong and flawless bass playing. Adam's guitar 
formed the basis of crowd’s groove, though he was really 
only concentrating on playing for the most part. In a 
talkative mood, Maynard was not. The few words he did say 
were meticulously slotted between tracks. I felt that 
the "positive speech" (with all it's beauty) should not have 
been repeated from the 2001 Melbourne show, slightly 
taking away from its message. Osseus Labrynt were, what I 
can only describe as, the most beautiful non-human 
humans I have seen. The withering and bizarre movements, 
somehow fitting perfectly with Tool's musical assault. Not 
forgetting Maynard's signature little shorts and head-to-toe 
body paint. (Bright blue, just like Melbourne's weather! Not.)

After the Parabol/a video intermission, The Melvins' 
drummer Dale joined the band with his tabla-like setup 
taking shape on Maynard's backlit platform. The double 
drummed version of Triad engulfed the stadium with its 
tribal beats and Maynard's silhouette could be seen playing 
the synth/guitar behind Dale. Aenema followed to the 
crowd's ecstasy, the mosh-pit an undulating wave of bodies. 
But the real magic was felt during the closing Lateralus. The 
spiral imagery on the screen had the crowd hypnotized, as 
did Maynard's singing, which was at that point his finest of 
the night. I think a wave of goose bumps was felt 
throughout the stadium as Maynard, trans-mutated by the 
music swirled and pulsated almost out of control. This was 
the one moment were he "let go" and so did the audience. 
It's moments like those that remain with you forever. The 
concert experience was an emotional roller coaster of highs 
and lows. An emotion is probably the best way to describe it.
 
It is difficult not to feel very slightly disappointed though. 
Tool for me signify much more than just a band. Maynard is 
not God. He is a person who performs music as a living. 
However, he is a poet, a singer, a musician, a passionate 
individual and a human. All these elements form the person 
that none of us really know. But that's ok. We get his 
quarter of Tool through the lyrics and vocals. He is only one 
quarter, as he himself has repeatedly stated. However, he is 
also a performer. Most of the show, Maynard's figure could 
only be barely made out. He will always be the 'front-man', 
no matter how much he chooses to hide in the shadows. 

Being the often-faceless singer of Tool to the media is a 
good thing. Being a faceless singer to fans who wait years 
on end to see Tool live is not. It was only really during the 
concluding Lateralus that I felt lost in the music. This was 
because there was more lighting on Maynard and I could 
actually see him losing himself in the music. I can 
understand Maynard wanting not be the 'superstar' lead 
singer. But Tool will always be a hard rocking outfit and for 
him to be hidden from the crowd will leave many fans 
disappointed. But in the end I respect what Tool are.

Tool is a unique entity in music. Dwelling on one negative 
point of the whole Lateralus tour would not be just. After 
seeing Tool live twice within a year, (and having there CD's 
playing infinitely throughout my everyday life) I have come 
to realize that the message that Tool is sending is so 
accurate. We are all individuals. We all have emotions. We 
all have a mind. We all deserve respect. Tool is just that. A 
tool to use on ourselves. 

Tool will always have my respect. They have influenced my 
life with their art. As the years go by, they will be eternally 
implanted in my mind for making me realize that in the end 
the only thing we have are emotions. Sometimes fragile, 
sometimes angry, sometimes ecstatic. They are what make 
us human. 

"To swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human."
Thank you for helping me find myself.









Review written by: Jason Sankovic (blacksleeve)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 03:08:34 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I'll make it short and sweet. A bit like the concert. (HA HA) It 
went way too quick!! Different setlist but still enjoyable. We 
were able to change seats into a cool spot. Those dudes who 
did all that wierd shit up on the cables were really cool. 
Melvins were short but cool. I only recognised one song from 
them but they played well. Adam moved a bit more 
especially when he frisbied the skins. GO DORGANS!!!!!!!








Review written by: Kon (aka neversleepz) (neversleepz@useoz.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 03:19:15 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  My mind is numb, but it's still thinking.  This review will sound a little disjointed but I'm still in awe.  I couldn't take my eyes off the stage.  Last night redefined fun.  My friend, who had not heard Tool since Ænima days was also mesmerised - 'the lights were burning my retina's' - the visuals were extroardinary. The screens appeared to have more clarity than last year.  And that's aside to ossues labyrint - while walking around the band members during Schism, they added another dimension, made the gig appear like a pop-up book, rather than 4 people playing their music in set positions on the stage.

I couldn't understand why the GA crowd was so subdued - not much moshing, but then again with the sensory overload going on all around us, I don't blame them.

Highlights were Flood, 4 degrees and Triad, the setlist couldn't have been better.  Tool played for about an hour and 20 mins before intermission  - I haven't heard of any rock act do that - many would have their whole show (inc break) in that space of time, yet Tool just continued to awe us all by coming back with the multi-dimensional energy packed Triad.

Quite easily the best night I have ever had and will not ever forget.  The standing ovation Tool received from everyone at the end - the mutual understanding and respect between the band and the audience - summed up the the greatness of this band and this truly unforgetable night.

PS Hello to all the amt'ers I met yesterday.  Hope you guys got a good nights sleep ;-) Thanks for the great night! 








Review written by: Robert Hecimovic (rob_simmo@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 04:12:04 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Just a brilliant show, was it just me or did everyone fell the 
music inside their body? I felt the bass mainly in my chest 
and at one stage my nostrils were spasming. Just relates 
back to the feeling. The Melvins set was good but I only 
recognised the second song off Stag, they have so much 
shit out. And then there was TOOL, the set list obviously 
posted before was mainly stuff off Lateralus and Undertow 
with Ænima and Stinkfist creeping in their somewhere. But 
the guys were there usual brilliant self never failing to 
impress, Maynard didn’t talk much but I guess he wasn’t 
there to do that. But all in all I couldn’t have asked for a 
better artistic show. The visuals were Amazing, Osseus 
Labyrinth were really, really good as well adding to the 
atmosphere and making the night a night to truly recollect 
later on. Thanks for a brilliant show and we look forward to 
next time in GA.








Review written by: Rahni Schmidt (tool_angel666@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 07:43:59 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  For the second time in my life, i felt truely enlightened, and 
special. Chosen. Chosen to share that precious, mind 
twisting holy moment with Tool. Chosen to be here in this 
holy reality, this holy experience. For the second time in my 
life my mind and my soul completley lost contact with my 
body, my jaw slackened, and I lost all physical awareness as 
the melodic masterpeice that is Tool collected my soul on its 
wings and carried me to a higher place.
After a much better opening with the Melvins (opposed to 
last year with a band that no one really liked much), the air 
grew thick with anticipation and my mind was filled with only 
one word- Tool.
I really don't know what to say- I am still at loss for words. 
For the second time im my life i had an out of body 
experience , only induced by one drug- Tool. 
Osseus Labyrint would have to be the strangest, most 
fascinating thing i have ever seen. It was difficult to believe 
that they were even human, but then in a way they felt to 
me more human then the rest of us.
The flood was a very powerful opening, and i soon became 
choked with all the emotions that i felt when they started 
last year.
4 degrees was a true highlight, it was wonderful to hear 
them perform it live as it has always been a favourite of 
mine.
I was a bit dissapointed with the audience- I think there was 
a larger percentage of drunken yobbos then last year, and 
less appreciative thoughtful tool fans- until i read the 
reviews so far and i am glad to see that there are people 
who truely appreciated last nights holy experience.
I was also a bit dissapointed about the time people took to 
arrive in the venue- at quarter past eight the venue was less 
then half full.
I think the staging was a lot better this year, there was more 
effort put into the actual appearance factor. Osseus labyrint 
alongside adams sometimes disturbing but always amazing 
videos made for some very interesting visual material.
I particularly enjoyed Tool's rare and unexpected audience 
interaction, with the waterbottles etc and the waving to fans.
i dont see the point of ranting on endlessly since i am at 
loss for words- I know you all know how I feel.
Feel free to email me with any feedback, comments, or just 
to share your toolian experience, whatever
*****
With my feet upon the ground i move myself between the 
sounds and
open wide to suck it in, i feel it move across my skin
i'm reaching up and reaching out, im reaching for the 
random or whatever will bewidler me whatever will bewidler 
me
and following our will and wind we may jsut go where noones 
been we'll ride the spiral to the end and may just go where 
no ones been.
spiral out. keep going.
spiral out. keep going.
spiral out. keep going.
spiral out. keep going.
*****









Review written by: Martyn McDonnell (leroy@subshock.net)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 08:30:05 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  After being rather blown away in July last year,  I'd be in 
withdrawal for far too long.  This time around, I was closer to 
the stage, yet around on the flanks, so I've a stiff neck from 
looking to the left for ~4 hours.

The Melvins
-------------
Gave me (as well as most people) a heart attack when Dale 
started playing.  Played a good set, one song after another.  
I hadn't heard much of their stuff so I was pleasantly 
surprised when I heard Revolve (that being one of two mp3s 
of their songs I'd acquired Friday night).

That main act I've forgotten the name of
----------------------------------------------
From reading previous reviews, I had an inkling as to what 
the setlist was going to be, that didn't prepare me though 
for the beginning of things.  Flood was excellent as a show 
starter.  I also thoroughly enjoyed 4degrees (one of my 
favourites from Undertow).  Osseus Labyrint were jus' freaky 
during Schism, and Triad.

Highlights
-----------
4 degrees and Reflection, two brilliant songs performed 
spectacularly.  Triad rates a mention as well.

The guy hassling everyone at Richmond station that bought 
those crappy fake t-shirts.  And those two kids that ripped 
off that huge "Tool in concert" poster, ah I would've loved to 
have had that hanging on one of my walls.  Lucky bastards 
=).

Downers
---------
Only one downer, the amount of people complaining about 
not hearing Sober.  Sure I would've loved it if they'd have 
played it, but they didn't. So what?

Conclusion
------------
It wasn't as magical-mystical as the last show, but then, the 
first show'll always be the most special.  A totally mind 
numbing experience never-the-less, and I feel priviledged 
for being able to share that moment.

Cheers,

leroy.








Review written by: Jarrod (cap_x@dingoblue.net.au)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 09:00:24 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  well what can i say about that show... once again i have 
been blown away by one of the best bands of all time. after 
already knowing the set list from reading reviews from the 
other shows i went there knowing what to expect, this is 
something i won't be doing next time. Flood was a total hit 
on the floor people were just going nuts one of the top 
moments from the show. the best pard of the night for me 
would have to be Triad. Ossius Labrynth just totally blew me 
away i like everyone else around me were just awstruck. 

I thought that this years show was more than a concert. 
using video and lighting they really tryed to convey themes 
into the songs they were playing. It was great they they also 
mixed thing up a bit by not playing every thing exactly the 
same as it is on the albums.

The music this time round just enveloped your whole body. 
you could feel the music drawing into your body it was just 
totally fucking mad crazy stuff... i'm still buzzing almost 24 
hours later and i don't think this buzz is going to end any 
time soon.

Tool i thank you for the once again life changing show and 
the next time you play Melbourne i will soo be there again.









Review written by: wysht (thought_of_none@thefragile.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 10:25:14 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  anyone else having withdrawls?

i wont go into details as everyone else has already 
mentioned just about everything. to sum up, if you weren't 
there, you'll never know what you missed, and if you were, 
you don't need me to tell you how good it was.

two things i HAD to mentin though:
Triad.  how unbelievable was that. they way they built it up 
with osseus labyrint coming out on the ropes to the synth 
noises, followed by danny's drum solo.  only to be joined by 
dale.  having read setlists, i knew what the song was gonna 
be.  but it was so far removed fromthe way it started on the 
album that i could not figure out how they were going to shift 
into it.  enter justin and the base riff.  things starting to 
sound familiar but couldn't envision the final change yet.  it 
was left up to those brilliant solos from adam and maynard 
(on both voice and guitar).  if there's one image i would use 
to sum up this show, it would be a huge orange-lit curtain 
behind two people dangling upside down from the ceiling, 
surrounded by swirling colours and paterns, and below them 
five extremly talanted musicians playing the most intricate 
and powerful of songs. impossible to give an impression of 
this by describing it peice-by-peice as you really must get 
the whole lot at once as one perception. but again, if you 
were there, you know, if you weren't, yu never will.

and finally, Lateralus.  one of my absolute favourites on the 
album, this song brought everything together for me.  the 
moment maynard spoke the words "thank you for sharing 
this moment with us", my heart dropped.  i knew this was 
the last song, and i desperaely didn't want it to end.  but 
this feeling could never last once those opening notes rang 
out.  absolutely the highlight of the night as it brouht 
everything together and i became lost in the music and the 
visuals.  i have a feeling the band let go of themselves for 
this one too, as did everyone who knew why they were 
there.  the one part of this song that cannot got without 
mention happened right towards the end, during the final 
vocal section ("with my feet upon the ground..."). as a 
guitarist, i was watching adam to see that he played his part 
in the same manner i did. i was eagerly anticipating his 
change into the part where maynard sings "following the will 
and whim it may just go where no-ones been", and as it 
came a huge, deafening roar exploded through the 
speakers, drowning out everything else. at first i thought 
adam had kicked in some extreme distortion for some odd 
reason, but then i looked across to notice the hgogn behind 
danny physically shaking. he must have smacked the crap 
out of that thing.  obiously he hadn't played it during the 
show till that point, or he'd only played it softly, becuuase 
the sound guy had the mike n it turned up FAR too loud and 
i would be surprised if that noise didn't break something.  
still it fit in perfectly with the song and made it so much 
more complete.

25 hours later and my ears are still ringing.  i'm actually 
begining to worry that maybe i've done some serious, 
permanent damage to them.








Review written by: Letitia (Picturepainted@blue.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 11:12:01 ET

  I have to say after this being my first time seated for Tool, 
it left me somewhat empty, I really don't get the full impact 
of the show unless I am in GA... though i really hate to say 
that, but to me that is how i feel. although it was comforting 
to be seated 6th row front on (and probably the best 
seating) and just sit and soak in the the aurual and visual 
spectaculars.
I saw Tool in Newcastle this past Tuesady and was lucky to 
be right in front of Adam on the barrier.

.

also i'm just not  into the visuals anymore maybe seeing 
them repeatibly bored me or they may not of touched me as 
i hoped, i truely admire where Tool are coming from and i 
think in theory they work well, but to my own perfectionist -
artistic mind they don't work for me.. but that is only me as 
how you feel the music and try to filter it to a visual sense 
varies .. but over all i found the visuals pleasing maybe just 
not with the music.

But don't mistake me i found the show otherwise brilliant. 
seeing just the silhouette of maynard quite captivating (in 
other times i was able to see him some what clearly.)

They played beautifully, and again the "Stinkfist" extended  
and 4 degrees to my delight. I was so pleased that after two 
previos shows 'The Patient' was finally played where i was as 
i have hoped for it since my last trek in Melbourne last year.
I would have to say that no matter how i felt when i left the 
arena, no other band performance can match. and to date 
hasn't, and i have seen so many varied bands.


The melvins once again played a great set and i will be 
seeing them again tonight by themselves.

I know you all had a great time however you came out 
feeling, and to experiece a band that has brought so much 
to each of us in their own little way, how their music touches 
us even in the slighest.....so rare

The music is one of our influences as music is a higher form 
of communication. for those two hours the outside was 
oblivious to us and we all shared a moment.

until next time ;)

On a light note:
Adam in plaid pants and no sparkle thread :(  Maynard in tan
(?) jocks that one is up to you to you to decide.... and is 
that sponge bob?

Mr Ripper one day down ? to go...

ok that is not meant to read "deep"so just read it out aloud 
in a dorky bubbley voice......... now doesn't it seem light 
hearted? 

So much fun so little time to remember 



 











Review written by: Stu (finners@mac.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 11:35:21 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  This show(masterpiece) was the perfect complement to what 
was my most anticipated moment (my first tool experience 
at last year's performance). I cried when they started with 
the Grudge last year, because I knew that the following eight 
minutes would tear me apart, but yet put me at ease. 
However I smiled when Adam sustained those first notes of 
flood, followed by the mind numbing bass of Justin (sooo 
loud and overpowering). Just seeing the silhouette of 
Maynard gave me piece of mind. What words can you use to 
provide an accurate account of such a heavenly experience? 
All I can say is that ingesting the visuals of tool whilst 
reveling in the sound is like a deep sleep. All you have to do 
is let go and take off with your imagination.

Highlights:
* Sharing the night with so many others that obviously feel 
the same way.
* Seeing the feelings of people around me when Maynard 
expresses ("this ground is not the rock I thought it to be") 
in flood.
* The Patient (enough said)
* The theatrics of the performers from the schism video.
* Triad
* The group hug. Just proof that relationships are the key to 
success.

Lowlights:
* So fucking loud. The bass and drums overpowered the 
vocals of Maynard & Adam, which to me drained the voice of 
the band. Although I still found beauty in the (minimal) 
dissonance.

Thankyou Tool.








Review written by: James (james_543@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 13:13:43 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  FLOOD OPENED!!!!!

thats all i have to say








Review written by: Huge Fan (tool_kick_ass434@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 13:15:18 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Triad is unbelievable live...the best song by far...THANKS 
TOOL!!!








Review written by: That Guy (ImThatGuy@thatserver.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 16:14:38 ET


This was this reviewer's neat Tool show

  First off....the set list.  No one seems to ever post this so I 
will be that guy and do it:

Couple songs here
Couple songs there
That one song

Coffee break

That new one with that video
That one really long song
The one about that guy who did that thing
The one about Kurt Cobain

I think thats it, but I'm not sure about the order.  Hope that 
helps.  The guys were in matching vertical stripe type 
sequence (bravo to their stylist) and Mr. Motormouth Keenan 
never seemed to stop talking.  That guy's a riot.  At one 
point in the show, Maynard pulled a little girl up on stage
(someones daughter I assume) and began to sing to her 
bent down on one knee.  It was sweet.  Adam was doing 
those jump splits thoughout the show and urged the crowd 
to clap in time with that one song.  My personal highlight 
was when Danny put the sticks down and did his solo during 
that one song with a microphone and his mouth.  Kind of a 
human beat box type thing.  He easily could have been 
mistaken for Slick Rick or one of the Fat Boys.  Cheers to 
Tool.  Great Show.

P.S.  I didn't go to that show.  I totally made all of this up.  
HAHA.  In the wisdom laced words of David St. Hubbins, "I 
believe virtually everything I read."  Something to think 
about.









Review written by: Pissed Off (dickheads@f#ckoff.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 19:48:35 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

  Sorry everybody to post this but Kabir can you delete shit by 
dickheads like the fellow above.








Review written by: Aaron Van Berkel - Scarlette Rose (advan1@student.monash.edu.au)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 19:53:59 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  Alot of review eh, congratulations on making it this far.

It's Monday morning and my whole body still arches from 
Saturday night.

Just about everything that could be said already has been, 
so I wont repeat it all again. It was really beyond 
description - HAD to be there!

I found the mosh to be alot less friendly than last year!

I was at the front almost the whole concert, nearly passed 
out until i went over the barrier and got 4lt's of free water 
from the St Johns guys (BTW thanx for the water! - saved 
my life)

Went back into the mosh and got right to the front and 
stayed there til the end

-----------------------------READ THIS----------------------------
When the band was throwing out water bottles, drum stix 
and skin and etc you way have noticed Justin screw up his 
setlist and throw it into the audience...you may have also 
have seen my hand fly high above the rest and pluck it from 
the air. YES, I HAVE JUSTINS SETLIST. Cant believe it myself!

I'll post a scan of it at
http://www.gippsland.monash.edu.au/~advan1/tool/
if anyone is interested in seeing it. (It is case sensitive)

Thanx to all who made this experience possible, thanx to 
Tool and every one who went.








Review written by: Manny Galouzis (snowblind2002@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 20:17:21 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Hey guys... this is my first show and i fucking loved it.

Got there at 7pm..met up with some friends and everything 
was going well.  Melvins started with an awesome drum solo 
at the start from Dale which got the ball rolling for what 
would be a great nite.

Melvins played for about half an hour and they were pretty 
decent.  There was about a 20 min wait between The Melvins 
and Tool. Everybody was getting really impatient but as soon 
as Tool came on a big crush towards the front started... not 
good for yours truly as im only 5'10 but i lived :D

We start off with Flood, which is a little different from most 
shows normally starting with The Grudge.. but this didnt 
matter as they played it next which was one of my favourite 
songs for the night.  

(-) Ions next... nobody really noticed

We then moved into Stinkfist, one of my personal favourites 
which rocked!  It was an extended version where he sings 
some other shit instead of whispering some Portugese.

The next song was 4 Degrees... a song i hadnt heard that 
much but was good all the same.

Then finally.. my favourite Tool song.. Parabola! but no 
Parabol... which is what has been happening all this tour.  
This song was a great one to sing along and mosh to.. great 
time for all.  Eon Blue Apocolypse followed this and then The 
Patient much to the delight of the more hardcore Tool fans.

Then we were all treated to a very weird and sometimes 
disturbing experience of a naked guy and woman (Osseus 
Labryinth) walking around the stage on their hands during 
Schism... a crowd favourite.

Here started Disposition/Reflection.. i wasnt feeling to well 
right when this started so i missed about 10 mins of it when 
i went to get some water.... sorry, nothing really to tell here. 

The band went off stage for about 15 mins and on came the 
Parabol/Parabola video... for fans interested in this clip and 
its interpretations.. join the alt.music.tool newsgroup for 
interpretations and other songs synced with the video which 
is guaranteed to interest all.

Then came the most mind boggling 'moment' of the night.  
Triad started with Dale from the Melvins playing a drum 
contraption of some sort while the rest of the band played 
Triad.  While this was happening, Mark and Hanna from 
Osseus Labryinth climbed up above the screens on ropes 
and starting swinging around doing all this flexible shit.  It 
just added to the 'moment' that Maynard kept talking 
about... believe me, I would hold this moment forever... not 
for the naked guys on the ropes... but from the great times 
had at this fucking masterpiece of a concert.

Maynard thanked Dale, Mark and Hanna for the contribution 
to the night and then it started... "hey hey hey hey hey hey 
hey hey" possibly the crowd fav. for the night, every one 
went apeshit when Ænima started... including me!  The 
chorus of that was the highlight of the night for me.. 
screaming out how much of a fucking hell hole LA is and how 
we have to flush it all away...

And finally (unfortunately :( ) came the guitar intro to 
Lateralus... seeing everyone sing along to this song was 
truly a great experience.. as was the night overall... being 
there with friends, witnessing one of the greatest bands 
live.. its now 2 days later, my hearing is still not 100% and 
my throat is still pretty rooted :P

I'd like to thank my mom, my dad, satan :D, nah seriously, 
big thanks to T.D.N for putting up that ticket round up 
feature on the sight, because without it, i would not be able 
to go see them and i would have spent my saturday night 
doing things of much less importance and fun.

OVERALL: A FUCKING good show for all, well worth the $80... 
thank you and good night.

Manny Galouzis









Review written by: MiKe (michaelkane@optusnet.com.au)
Review posted on: 04/28/02 20:40:56 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I went to Saturday's show with high expectations, and what a 
surprise..... I was not disappointed.  I had somewhat lost 
my faith over the last few months, but as soon as Justin 
Chancellor walked onto the stage, I saw the light.  At this 
moment I realised I was soon to be in viewing distance of all 
4 band members.  This thought alone made the hairs on 
the back of my neck stand on end.  Then Danny Carey 
appeared...... my little brother (who is 13 and at his first 
show) starts smacking me on the shoulder to let me know 
that Carey was there... I turned to him with a look of "as if I 
didn't see him" on my face.  Then Flood started, it was 
LOUD.  I could feel Danny's kick drum in my eyeball's, it was 
the best, the best ever.  This feeling continued throughout 
the entire show along with the many, many others that you 
can expect from seeing one of the greatest bands to ever 
walk this great earth of ours.
I must admit the setlist was very interesting.  But to all 
those people whinging and bitching cause they wanted to 
hear this and that (I know I have done my fair share after 
the first show), who really cares?  You saw TOOL in the flesh, 
its not like they have any bad songs.  Be happy with what 
you got cause all the whinging in the world is not going to 
change it.
The highlight for me was most definitely the song Lateralus.  
The groove and vibe that it gave was completely 
overwhelming for me.  It's not that I love the song any more 
than the rest, it was just seeing Danny play it and enjoy 
playing it so god damn much. I must admit I am a bit of a 
biased reviewer as my eye's were focused on the drum side 
of the stage for most of the night.
Overall, I can safely say that this show shares the number 
one spot on my "greatest concerts" list, along side last 
years "teaser" show.  It is however disappointing when you 
come to the realisation that TOOL will not be back for a 
long, long time.  So the best advice I can give any one that 
will be seeing TOOL over the coming shows is savour it, 
enjoy every single millisecond, don't get too wasted cause 
you'll never forgive yourself, and if all this seems a bit too 
much effort...... BOOTLEG IT!!!!









Review written by: michael (mhaydock79@start.com.au)
Review posted on: 04/29/02 03:22:28 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  A few highlights possibly not already mentioned:

- I thought Disposition was brilliant, with the aqua lights 
washing over the crowd.

- it was also great that they didnt overuse some of the 
spectacular lighting, saving it for those climatic moments 
(eg. whole back curtains lighting up orange).

- only problem with lighting was those green lights on the 
floor near the band members - they were so bright for 
people in the stands we couldnt see anything.

- Having seen the second show in sydney last year, i thought 
this was a more polished performance, not necessarily 
mistakes-wise, but the structure of the show and the fact 
that the band (esp. Maynard and Justin) were much more 
animated and into the music.

- To those people who say Maynard should be more visible, i 
would say that once you get further than 20m away, you cant 
distinguish much even with lights. so the fact that he is a 
sillouette makes it even better for the majority of the crowd 
who can clearly see his body movements (which were 
amazing at this show).

- Seeing Justin several times during the show turn around to 
face Danny, leaning back while playing, almost physically 
drawing on the power of Dannys work.

- Melvins were great.








Review written by: Lisa (Fletch) (fletch72@bigpond.com)
Review posted on: 04/29/02 06:07:16 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I couldnt have dreampt a more perfect evening...

I live in Adelaide and i had a mini holiday to melbourne 
booked with my best friend. When tool announced their tour 
dates I WENT CRAZY cos i realised i would get to see them 
twice, here in adelaide and in melbourne! Only downfall was 
the provisions for interstate ticket booking, which left me 
with seated tix... but i got over it, i mean, i was gonna see 
my fave band in the world, i just focused on that fact. So i 
rock up to Rod Laver saturday arvo with my friend and i 
meet up with another friend from adelaide. After an 
unsuccessful attempt at the ticketing place to swap our seats 
for GA, my friends went inside and spoke to the arm band 
guys, who sent them to the box office. After telling them 
about the fucked up online booking (GA couldnt be booked 
over the net) and how we were from interstate, the box 
office allowed my other friend to get an armband. However 
my best friend and i had booked over the phone, but the 
arm band guys didnt know that, so she gets and arm band 
and runs outside to get me. Next thing i know i'm sitting by 
the door with a red armband and absolutely glowing with 
anticipation!!!! 

I really like the melvins, i know people go there focused on 
the fact that they're seeing tool and they dont give a shit 
about the support act. But i maintain an open mind, and i 
thought they were great. 

Tool, quite obviously, blew me away. I spent the first 2 
songs marvelling at the fact that i was in GA and not sitting 
on my ass in a stand. Just like last year, they created this 
energy and this atmosphere that words cant do justice to. 
The crowd was much more violent than last time, so we 
moved back so we could enjoy it alot more. Its more than a 
gig, its a full show, an true experience unmatched. The 
songs i enjoyed most were the ones i wasnt expecting - 4 
degrees, stinkfist, aenima. I came out emotionally 
exhausted, my friend didnt understand why. Sure she 
enjoyed it, but she didnt FEEL it. I cant wait till wednesday to 
feel it again. 

After the gig we went to the cherry club to try and talk our 
way in, we didnt know it was sold out. Even though we 
eventually convinced the guard on the door to let us in, I 
couldnt afford it. But the trip was worth it, as we saw Adam 
Jones. I said hello and shook his hand in appreciation for 
the emotions he gave me. He was happy to talk, happy to 
see people from interstate came down to see the show, nice 
guy... amazing musician. 

In conclusion, money cant buy the feeling i had saturday 
night.








Review written by: Shannon (462@nme.com)
Review posted on: 04/30/02 20:29:42 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  
Mindblowingly amazing. If last years show got 10/10 (which 
it did as far as I'm concerned) then this one gets 15. It was 
so organic and chaotic in such a beautiful way.

I got there in the afternoon, in time to hear the sound-check 
from outside the venue, which was pretty cool. We heard 
them mix around The Grudge and Flood, so I was looking 
forward to see what they did there. Then we saw them leave 
the building afterwards. We couldn't get near them, but we 
got waves from Danny and Adam, and a bit of a grease-off 
from Justin when he popped out for a smoke a little earlier.

But the show itself was what I was there for, and it didn't 
disappoint. The only problem is not knowing where to look. 
My eyes were divided between watching Danny (that man 
must be a mutant) and the incredible imagery on the 
screens, as well as the odd glance at the other members.

Opening with Flood was amazing. Being my favourite song 
on Undertow, I wasn't really expecting to hear it, but I was 
happy. I was really hoping to also here Third Eye, but I 
guess I'll just have to deal with the fact that I could have 
seen them in '97 and I didn't. Oh well.

The sound quality, as has already been said, wasn't as good 
as last year, but nevertheless it was satisfactory.

Well, I could post a setlist and go on, but that's already 
been done here, so I won't.

I guess the only way I'll ever see a better live show is if I 
ever see Tool again.









Review written by: sjt (stephenjamestyas@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 04/30/02 23:47:53 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I don't think I could say anything more than what's already 
been said already so here's some notes from my night with 
Tool.

When we got to the arena my friend Wal was disappointed 
to find that he was the only man in a dress. Lol. Funnily 
enough I overheard someone say that he was Maynard. Lol.

When we got into the arena my friends all went up the front 
while I hung out up the back so I could get the same view of 
the stage I did last time & partake in a little Maynard 
spotting. While the Melvins were playing a man in a ponytail 
& a big moustache came & stood a couple of meters away 
fro me & when the Melvins finished I cracked up laughing 
because someone in the crowd shouted out Melvins rule! & it 
was just so random I couldn't help but laugh & the guy 
swung around & looked at me like I just shot someone then 
made his way slowly through the crowd. Hmmmmm......

I liked the Melvins. Man, could they play. I kind of got the 
feeling that they were rushing through thier set a bit but it 
didn't take anything away from thier preformance. I was 
hoping they'd come back on later & play Divorced with Tool 
but they didn't. Damn, I love that song. 

Tool were amazing from the word go. I could have left after 
Flood & still felt like I'd got my money's worth. The drums & 
bass were so powerful it literally took my breath away at 
times. The music. The vocals. The visuals. A religious 
experience as always. Thanks guys.

Was Maynrad taking the piss when he asked us all to say 
yes? 

The only gripe I have is with Rod Laver Area. I was boiling 
by the time the intermission come around. My mouth was 
dry & I felt faint & I went into the foyer to find all the 
consession stands were closed. I was told by staff I could 
get a drink in the toilets. I went back into the Area for Triad 
but had to leave again because I couldn't handle it. I wasn't 
on drugs, I'm just not well so it was hard for me & when I 
came back out I found there were first aid people around as 
well as fans all over the place who looked worn out. The staff 
finally opened a sand briefly but after paying 15 dollars for a 
hamburger I was out so I collected my bags, vented my 
frustrations on one of the staff & walked out making sure to 
tear my armband off in a exaggertaed fashion so they would 
know I was pissed.

Even still, it was an unforgottable night & as long as they 
don't play Rod Laver again I'll be going again next time. 
Thanks again guys.









Review written by: Ryan (AKA Fungus Mungus) (admin@fungusmungus.cjb.net)
Review posted on: 05/01/02 03:46:39 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  holy shit people... that was one FUCKING good show

i would pay anything to see anything similar to that again

the songs were un-fucking-believeable

hilites were flood schism triad and lateralus... and of course 
when the drummer from the melvins lost one of his sticks 
and it went flying across the stage...

the melvins sucked arse and i was glad when they finished... 
but i must say i liked the drum intro...

tool, however.... words cant describe how amazing it was to 
have been there and see them play - especially the way 
they play songs differently... i cant remember which one it 
was but they added an extra verse to one of them and it 
sounded like the solo from ticks and leeches with different 
timing....

anyway it has been 4 days now and my ears have only just 
stopped ringing yesterday... and still every time i hear a tool 
song on the radio or on my cd player i fall into a kind of 
trance remembering what i experienced so recently...

this is definitely going to stay in my mind for a long time 
and i would recommend anyone who likes music to go to the 
next show they do...

anyway anyone who has any audio or video from the 
melbourne show PLEASE email me 
admin@fungusmungus.cjb.net

it was too good a show to see only once

     ~ryan








Review written by: Ashley Brown (sentient73@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 05/01/02 07:21:42 ET


This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

  I dunno, I'm doing this for a bit of fun really, just in case 'ol 
Toolie boys are reading this (any one will do). Shithot 
concert as usual, but I'm a tad bias I guess. But I must say 
that I got the impression from, I believe, Toolshed 
somewhere that Ticks & Leeches was now part of your set 
list, yet you seem to have played it nowhere in Aust. I was 
way hanging for it and it didn't come. As much as you and 
your material has progressed since the naked aggression of 
Aenima (definitely for the better), some people still want to 
hear it live. (I'd do a lot to hear, well, the obvious one, 
Hooker)...

That's it really. Also, gotta say The Patient sounded great 
live and Aenima was particularly powerful that night.

Also, all those cockheads putting up fake set lists...for fuck's 
sake, get a life.








Review written by: Blackmajic (blackmajic@kmail.com.au)
Review posted on: 05/02/02 11:05:31 ET


This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

  Not only my 1st Tool show, but my first concert.
and WOW, what a night!
To be honest, I didn't really realise it till i left the concert, 
and not only that, i wasn't even all that excited leading up to 
the concert. 
I guess, that's partly because after 1.5 hours on the phone, 
I still had such shitty seats! 
Upper level, need i say more?
It just killed to see empty seats further down, but hey, what 
can you do?

Anyway, first up, as has been said many times, were the 
Melvins. Okay, truly, I was there for Tool and Tool alone, 
and all i can say about the Melvins is that the drummer 
could drum.


Tool.... well, from the minute they came on, my heart 
starting beating faster, and EVERYTHING just moved 
incredibly fast, it was an incredibly short two hours.
.
There was the "problem" of what to do- look at Maynard 
flowing/contorting/whatever to the music, at the lights 
everywhere, at Adam, at Justin, at the videos OR to just 
close my eyes and listen to the power of Tool (but then miss 
everything!!!)! 
(no Danny there because I couldn't really see him behind 
the drum kit)

Maynard's voice live is so much richer, sweeter and stronger 
than anything on the band's CD's, combined with the 
instruments, for me, the sound was perfect. 
ESPECIALLY after listening to the NOISE that is the Melvins- 
at one point, i was itching for earplugs! ;)

In fact, the concert (after Tool came on, of course) was 
pretty much perfect.
I was really disappointed about missing them last year, and 
sad as it is, i have literally DREAMED about this concert 
about three or four times... the real thing pretty much 
matched up to my dreams (minus the bit where i actually 
got to meet them and talk to them about their music... but 
hey, dreams are, afterall, dreams).

I guess the other thing is that i always imagined that 
Maynard would talk alot. 
Having heard them crap on and on in the interview on 
toolband a while ago, it just seemed natural, although i 
knew they'd only ever be fucking with our minds. So it was 
interesting to see that Maynard only talked 3 times? or was 
it two? and to see how many people responded to Maynard's 
creativity speech, because as i've discovered, they've 
repeated that speech at previous concerts- it really had no 
meaning.

The other thing I learnt is that Tool have a lot of water, eyes 
and human body/naked people (as i heard one girl saying 
on her mobile phone "We saw naked people!") imagery in 
their video clips, and it's new incentive to actually WORK 
OUT what they mean! The clips themselves were fascinating, 
and they fit the music perfectly. 

Osseus Labyrint... again, a testament to the whole body 
thing, and well, i'm not gonna say anymore, because others 
have said what i was thinking.

Umm.... in conclusion, if you love Tool, you HAVE HAVE HAVE 
to see them live.

Even if you're like me, and only discover just HOW fucking 
excellent they are live when you listen to their CD's the next 
day and notice the difference, it isn't a concert you'll EVER 
regret going to. It's memorable, and I'm sure i'm not going 
to forget it for a looonnngggg time (it's a week(ish) now, 
and i'm still thinking about it ALOT).
Albeit i've stopped reading the reviews coz i keep getting 
jealous!! (people who talked to them, got into the mosh pit, 
etc etc etc)

That's about it, i guess, TOOL are excellent, I guess the 
only change I'd like to see is more experimentation with 
their music. I know they actually did a fair bit in there, but I 
just get the feeling that if they wanted to, they could take a 
song and change it COMPETELY, not just add another verse, 
lengthen a note or add in a few more guitars, and I would 
LOVE to hear that!

As has been said before by others, if anyone has any 
photos, videoclips, bootlegs, etc,  from the melb. show, 
please email me! Also, if anyone knows where i can get a 
tool poster- of the artwork, not really the band- please email 
me about that too.

Now I can go to sleep without thinking about the concert 
TOO much.

Till the next tool concert...









Review written by: Jenny (jennymm69@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 05/03/02 10:31:57 ET


This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

  Hey, I know there's like a million review already up but I 
wanna say a couple of things anyway. The show in Melb was 
my second for this tour as I saw them in Sydney on Wed 
and was of course BLOWN AWAY yet again. So i pretty much 
knew what songs to expect in Melb, and they played all the 
same except for Aenema instead of Opiate. And it 
absolutely went off!! I was really hoping they'd play Eulogy 
as it's my fave song and they didn't play it in Melb last year, 
but Aenema was just amazing. Overall I think the set for 
last year was better, but their playing was absolutely 
faultless this time around. I was really glad that the songs 
they chose to play off Undertow were the non - single ones, 
songs I thought I'd never get to hear them play live! I 
couldn't believe my ears when they opened with  flood and it 
was awesome! I was also really impressed by the Melvins 
who I knew very little about, and I will definetely be chasing 
up some of their stuff now. I was pretty pissed that they 
played Parabola without Parabol before it - I think the song 
lost a lot because of that. I dunno what the hell MJK was 
doing with that whole "yes" thing but I felt like it was some 
sorta mindfuck. I also think it's a shame they played 'the 
patient' instead of something like 'ticks and leeches' though 
I'm just grateful they played at all! I'm surprised not many 
people have mentioned that this tour the shows are 
definatly more trippy and hypnotic than heavy. Which I'm 
not saying is a bad thing, but it was definatly noticable. I 
walked away from the Sydney show feeling very unfulfilled so 
I'm very glad I got to see em in Melb because I can't get 
enough of them! I wish I could have seen all their shows, 
but I will never forget the ones I saw. It was just such a 
positive, beautiful experience, and I thought it was really 
nice how they all hugged at the end. They are one of the few 
bands whose members are truly artists, and they certainly 
challenge people to open their minds. BTW the people 
sitting around me didn't seem to be getting into it at all - I 
was going spastic in my chair while some of the idiots 
around me were writing text messages. No respect! Anyway, 
I guess now we have to sit and wait until the next time the 
best band in the world grace our shores again......