concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart
05/13/2002



Review written by: Barry (btoma@hotmail.com)
Review posted on: 05/13/02 17:46:51 ET

This was this reviewer's - Tool show

Regarding the new group-hug at the end of the concert... A friend of mine spooked me out by saying how they never did that before and he was seriously thinking that this may be the end of Tool. This friend is a freak, a freak in details. In life. He scared me, now I scare you by that one thing we all love to do, sharing.... And while we are all worrying about the correct setlists anyway, here's a game for ya: start clocking Maynard's screams. Isn't he listed in the Guiness Book of Records already? Love you all.

Review written by: Russ (russx2@btinternet.com) Review posted on: 05/13/02 18:31:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Wow. This was my first tool show and I'm astounded. It was truly an amazing experience and one which I shall never forget. First, I thought the people there were great. I was about in the middle, floor, so couldn't quite see the people at the front but there didn't seem to be too many idiots! I can't *quite* remember the exact setlist (my memory is utterly terrible) but I shall try... For now I'll just list the important stuff. They started with Ticks and Leaches (again!) but there was no vocals. Danny was amazing on the drums, my heart just dropped. Next came the obligatory The Grudge. My memory is hazy after this (I'm a little under the influence) but it pretty much followed previous setlists with the exceptions of H, yes!, in the first part. In the second they played Flood, The Patient instead of Triad and ending with Lateralus. They did the group hug thing and Danny made a wicked throw of something firsbee- like into the croud which hit the ceiling just above my head. Sorry I can't be more specific on the setlist! I'd like to express my jealousy to the two ladies I was speaking to before the gig who were given back-stage passes right in front of my very eyes! Sexism I tells ya :-) I hope you had fun girls if you're reading this! All in all it was an amazing gig, for me, and the general crowd reaction seemd to agree. Awesome!

Review written by: McKee (shadesofred@ntlworld.com) Review posted on: 05/13/02 19:46:56 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

I just got back from that second Brixton show. I went to the first one thee night before, but they had different setlists and different atmospheres which i thought was interesting. I find I prefer their older stuff live, and found myself yearning for more Opiate/Undertow songs in place of some of the epic soundscapes from Lateralus. Anyway the reason I wanted to comment on this show is because I felt really bad for a guy next to us who got thrown out within the first 15 minutes. There was some kid jossling and shoving and generally showing no fucking respect for peoples space and was getting glares and shoves off pretty much everyone. I gave him a shove and he kinda backed off for a bit. So anyway he shoves some girl and this guy next to me snaps, gives him a couple of punches and takes a return punch in the mouth. Security rushed the pair of them and they both get thrown out. I just wanted to say to the guy who got punched in the mouth that everyone saw that you were pretty justified in reacting to this asshole and we think it sucks you got thrown out. You were a tall dude recording the show with a blue Discman and this all took place to the right of the stage about 3 rows behind the barrier. Oh and to the guy who posted that earlier review, sorry dude I think it was me and my freind Laura who gave away some passes right under your nose! And I don't recall them opening with Ticks and Leeches on the sedond night??

Review written by: Neil Ogden (i_am_the_sun@lycos.com) Review posted on: 05/13/02 21:35:07 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Set List: 1. Triad 2. The Grudge 3. Stinkfist 4. Parabol 5. Parabola 6. Schism 7. Sober 8. H. 9. Disposition 10. Reflection ----------------------- Parabol/Parabola video ----------------------- 11. Flood 12. The Patient 13. Lateralus Started with an extended version of 'Triad', which I certainly didn't expect, the drummer from support band Pablo again appearing as a guest drummer. He was set up to stage right this time, as opposed to yesterday when he was placed on Maynard's podium, tonight Maynard adding guitar standing on his podium. Then it was off into fairly standard set-list territory, 'Stinkfist' and 'Schism' again having extended middle sections. 'Sober' and 'H.' were great, both of which were absent yesterday. 'Disposition' and 'Reflection' again ending the first half before the new video. They came on again to play 'Flood' which was a great bonus. 'The Patient' was preceded with the standard '...take away something from this experience, good or bad, and use it to do something positive...', the only thing spoken to the crowd except 'Good. Evening.' after 'The Grudge'. Maynard was also painted half blue, half green, dressed just in underwear, which were being pulled down by his microphone unit, which was clipped on to them, to reveal what looked like a second pair of orangey underwear underneath. 'The Patient' was fantastic and was followed by what seemed to me like a perfect rendition of 'Lateralus', fortunately lacking the mistakes of the previous night. Cue the throwing of water bottles, drum sticks, etc out into the crowd, Danny just missing getting a drum skin up to the balcony. They hugged and left. All in all, a pretty good gig with a decent setlist. It was marred slightly by the crowd constantly moshing and many crowd surfers, despite the signs not to. The night before I only noticed one crowd surfer, during 'Ænema' , but tonight they were everywhere! They were even coming over during the video and the quieter bits of 'Parabol', 'Disposition' and 'Reflection'. Anyway, certainly worth the experience of going.

Review written by: Martin Porter (bigsur@btinternet.com) Review posted on: 05/13/02 21:47:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Yup, they changed the setlist again. This time they started with Triad, not an "instrumental Ticks and leeches" two shows in two days and I don't know where my head is at the mo'. I feel like I've seen the entire catalogue now. I won't post a set list cos I'm wrecked and easily confused with last night!!! I think it might have been along the lines of; Triad (drummer from pablo helping out) The Grudge And then it all goes sort of hazy...including Jimmy, Reflections, Disposition.Parabol/Parabola extended schism. Ah, yes. They played Sober as well. I hope it had nothing to do with the previous nights heckling and more to do with winding the hecklers who weren't there, up. intermission - Parabol/parabola video Lateralus - played tighter than a gnats chuff, to make up for the faux pas last night. I know i've missed some out but I was too busy enjoying myself instead of being a setlist bore.. See you all somewhere on the spiral... p.s. Thank you tool. for helping us float in this sea of shit

Review written by: smokebox (on_ima@tiscali.co.uk) Review posted on: 05/14/02 03:53:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

yesterday was my first tool concert. it is now the first morning of my new life. i am a changed person. i've got all the albums. now i've had the experience. this was a concert of the highest order. i was in the circle, and apart from one or two people being sick, (carrots and all) it was 'all seated' - 'eyes forward' - 'eyes GLUED' to the stage. don't know what was happening downstairs but it was HOT in there. the videos were a class apart. who are the nude models? personally, i don't play instruments, so all i do is marvel at others ability. i thought the sound was great - and band was as tight as fuck man. when is the next tour - and when are they gonna do a live dvd? PEace

Review written by: Jimmy Pop (j_duffy@exite.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 04:44:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 10th Tool show

Great show. The setlist is pretty much the same as the night before, except Sober was a nice addition. The sound was good except for really heavy bass guitar feedback. Maynard was noticeably low key - his singing was great, but he stayed bahind the band the whole night. I don't think i saw his face once. The band was tight and intense - - very intense. I can still feel the bass. The songs were all nicely drawn out, some 10 minutes long. The Brixton Academy can be a cozy place to see them, and having the bar right at the back is nice, but i'm not convinced the sound was the best it could have been. Maybe it was where i was standing.

Review written by: Peasy (pubelymccumber@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 04:47:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

The guy who wrote the set list in a proper list format is correct. highlights for me were The Grudge which was note perfect, H which I certainly didn't expect with MJK letting the crowd sing the first two 'I don't mind' lines and then hollering the last one, and ending with Lateralus. The video was great. I didn't get Eulogy again but you can't have everything. Because the light on MJK was so dark, I didn't notice he was coloured up until halfway through. Finally, as I was sitting upstairs, I got to watch Danny for most of the show, and i still don't know how he does it all!!!

Review written by: Karla (karlasopp@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 06:08:39 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This was always going to be a pretty special gig for me since it was my birthday. Tool performing on my birthday... I couldn't think of a better band to watch. Anyway... I was sitting in the circle upstairs, and, in my humble opinion, was the best place to watch the show. You could capture the whole atmosphere up there: the amazing lighting, the screens, Danny's drumming, and, of course, Maynard's silloutte against the screen behind him. The first time I watched Tool, I was right up the front against the barrier, right in the middle. It was still an amazing show, but I got a bit pissed off at people pushing and shoving, hecklers, and crowd surfers, so this time, when I actually sat down and watched them play, it was a totally different experience. You get to see everything, the details Tool put into their live performence; utterly amazing. I couldn't pick a single favourite song, or moment, but some things that stick in my mind are... - Reflection/Disposition: chilled out and atmospheric lighting projected onto the ceiling. - H.: Really wonderfull visuals on the projected screens. - Lateralus: The closing song was always going to be amazing. Plus EVERYONE at the end got up to their feet and clapped and clapped. It would have been quite special to see this from the stage. -karla

Review written by: Sanguisuk (thirdeyeeyedriht@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 06:26:11 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

The show overall was great, but the relationship between crowd and band was very pronounced. When the crowd was down, the band seemed a little off, but when the crowd was together it was incredible. A good indication of this was Maynard's movenment. He was all over the place when the crowd were giving off energy. Parabola and Schism I thought were suprisingly poor, but that was mainly due to mosh- monkeys. There were some real c***s in that crowd. the high point was either H, Sober or Lateralus at the end. Great videos, great songs. By the way, starting with Triad, nice touch!! Melded well with Grudge. And he held the shout for ages. Most impressive. 8.5-ish out of ten.

Review written by: mark w (mark@mtheory.freeserve.co.uk) Review posted on: 05/14/02 06:49:08 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

ok 2nd night in london and once again i wasnt dissapointed! well i got my H i couldnt beleive they played it i was really hoping they would play it and sure enough i heard that bass line and was almost in tears!! wow london has really been blessed with some amazingly rare songs over the last 2 nights! THANK YOU TOOL!!!! moshing still seems to be a problem but i guess you just cant stop these fuckers who have no fucking respect for anyone around them! no fuck ups tonight hehe i guess everyone who went to the show yesterday(like me) was listening very close to lateralis and seeing if they was gonna fuck it up haha (i know i was as were many around me) i saw adam and justin looking at danny a hell of alot during that song haha I WONDER WHY? set was amazing! opened up with triad which was a great opener once again getting the full on danny carey sound on his own before guitars and bass kicked in REAL TRIBAL! flood was a real surprise which came after the parabol/parabola video, kinda pissed me off as not many people seemed to even know what song it was!!!! i was listening to some guys next to me asking his friends"what is this?" all his friends replying "i aint got a clue" hmm some tool fans huh? oh and people trying to mosh to differrent time signatures is always really funny and entertaining still makes me laugh my arse off!!! hehe, eon blue apocalypse into the patient was a real treat too GREAT SONG and people loved that one! stinkfist was still the extended version and works really well as usual people go fucking crazy for that song! schism works really well with the extended middle mellow section too its so spiritial and dreamy i cant explain unless you have seen and felt it(tool fans you know what i mean huh?) tonight we actually got parabol before parabola which didnt happen yesterday which i thought was strange as the 2 go together on cd and fit perfect together, reflection as always was amazing!!! and this time adam did play the end wah mellow riff but not for too long in fact it was just about as long as it is on cd, adam looking out to the crowd every now and again with that total dead pan look of his hehe classic!!! the crowd got there prayers answered finally YES YOU GUESSED IT TOOL PLAYED SOBER thank god they played it cause i was starting to get a little pissed off with everyone shouting out for it all the fucking time! grrrr personally i prefer them not to play the "crowd favourite tracks" as then we get more little gems like we got with: ticks and leeches,4 degrees,H,eon blue apocalypse,the patient,jimmy,aenima and triad etc etc. i could live without sober etc if it mesns we get more of the "out there" tracks we love and cherish tool for, still im praying to get one of danny careys sticks hehe i guess its never gonna happen who knows i may be lucky one day???? the show as i said was just perfect and i will always remember the feeling tool give me when i see them live or listen to them on cd they really are something special!! cant wait for ozzfest now!!! woo hoo role on 25th of may I WILL BE THERE FOR SURE!! as im sure many of you will be too who knows what songs they got in store for us there?on this is for sure there will be people moshing like crazy for tool because of all those nu metal bands playing there(DOH) anyway THANK YOU TOOL FOR THE LAST 2 NIGHTS VERY VERY SPECIAL INDEED!!! MARK.W

Review written by: Bennet (bennetlivingstone@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 06:58:27 ET

This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show

I don't know if it will ever be released but they had a camera set up from the mixing desk last night - fingers crossed.There was a lot of added security tonight - i got patted down,but not last night.There were a lot of warning signs about no recording whatsoever - saying people might be thrown out if caught.Anyway,the show:Having missed ticks last night i made sure to be early - the roto-toms were baught out to the front of the stage in front of Danny's kit.Danny came on to a huge cheer and gave a wave before starting a little solo(30 seconds or so) then started the familiar d-de d-de d-de tom rhythm of Triad with the pablo drummer(forget what i said about Maynard playing the drums yesterday - they just both look similar).While having 2 drummers added layers, to be really honest (being a drummer myself) a lot of it was not fully tight.I know it's knitpicking but i think it's best left to Danny - unless Dave Lombardo or someone else is around.When Triad fully kicks it is awesome to watch - Adam does a few guitar solo's and it's just a lot more in your face than on record.The grudge - oh,yeah - Maynard REALLY WENT OFF(as much as he does these days on his platform) he was really throwing his body into it - and it was obvious he was enjoying it because his voice had an extra touch of clarity and tried that bit harder to nail the notes - and boy did he - the scream was sick.I can't remember the exact setlist but Jimmy was played on Sunday but not last night as someone above stated.H was a great treat - lovely lighting during the mellow parts and the crowd's 'i don't mind' leading into Maynard's I DON'T MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIND - sorry just reliving it.Ahhhh, these shows were much more involved and enjoyable than last time but then everyone's had time to digest most of Lateralus.Parabola was WICKED!!! I normally watch Danny for most of the shows but i watched Maynard alot last night because he really seemed into it(especially the first half) and my lasting image of last night will be Maynard,after singing his soul out of that song and hiting every note with precision and clarity, satanding side on to the crowd (always on his platform) while Adam strums out the final power chords,pulled his shoulders back,head up,puffed out his chest (not in some macho body builder pose) and just stood tall & proud - didn't move an inch for 2 minutes.Looked like he was feeling the energy generated from such a performance.I'm to fucked from it all to write anymore.Quickly: Thank you for playing Flood - it was everything i hoped it would be.Lateralus - Danny stuck to the album version and there were no fuck ups,just a really powerful performance.Maynard gave us a 2 fingered salute (peace sign) and the band had quite a long hug - Danny looked really chuffed.Sound was not as good as i've heard before at Brixton - way more bass tonight than yesterday - you could feel Danny's double kick through the floor,and as someone else said the feedback was also felt through the floor.There were heaps of crowd surfers,i was front row on Sunday night & had 1 person go over me - i was about 10 meters away last night & there were legs going in the air all night - i just wish i'd ran into that knob that started that shit earlier - people like that needed to be sorted very quickly - i'm 100 kg and instead of flattening the guy - i'd just blow him a few kisses.Don't think my girlfriend would of been too happy though.See you next time or time will see you.Bennet.

Review written by: Mandeep (gabba_bubba@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 07:03:20 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Unfortunately I did not get to go the first London date, but this show was incredible - just as good as the 2 gigs at Brixton last year. Highlights for me were - H, the extended Stinkfist and Lateralus. But as a experience as a whole it was unbeatable - the visuals were sublime. Although I was not really near the front, the crowd response, especially at the end was incredible, and I think all the band really appreciated it. Even Adam looked more animate and appreciative than usual. I can't help but echo the sentiments of the first post, because I got the exact same feeling that this is possibly the last time I will ever see them. Its just the way they greeted the crowd after the show so enthusiactically, it seemed strange. I hope this is not the case. We need them. Watch them blow Donington away.

Review written by: Michael KD (mrbwg1@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 07:07:58 ET

This was this reviewer's ~th Tool show

Tricky, the advertised support band, were replaced by Pabilo who were much better suited (in sound anyway) to TOOL. I saw Tricky play with TOOL in California and they did not suit at all. Thankfully at this gig there didnt seem to be any redneck meatheads hellbend on hitting Maynard with projectiles, and so he had no cause to throw his mic down and cease preaching...thankfully. It was an awesome gig, as always, and full of good people who were there for the right reasons....mostly. I decided to slink down the front as Flood started up, and thats when the pit seemed to open up.....just behind me, and at times dragging me into it. Fucking goons!! Get some understanding. Realise that everyone in there who has an ounze of TOOL understanding in them is scowling at YOU! The band included! I'm sure I was scowled at myself because I was dragged into this embarrasing freakshow, and fought back to defend myself and my own space. I was the goodlooking guy with the long hair, no shirt on, black panties on (not that you would have seen thse) and the one being admired by all. I have to say I felt like a God. I understand TOOL's music better than most fans and people could obviously see this in my dancing. Everywhere I looked I saw eyes of admiration, want and approval. Danny (the bassist? - Maynards the only one I can name with confidence, but then the band arnt important are they?) even had his eyes fixed on me through much of his crowd watching. Incidentally there were no contorshionists tonight, which was a shame. Being almost directly under them would have been an experience but then, perhaps that would have lost their meaning - appearing elevated instead of constricted. I didn't leave the gig with the usual buzz an excitement of life that seeing TOOL usually leaves me with, but maybe that's just me OK well, sadly TOOL are coming to a close. There will be no more 'new' albums, but if the band do tour again, I have a suggestion for you guys that will keep us all satisfied. You blessed us with the delights of Stinkfist, H, and Sober tonight, but still, stop playing so much of your Lateralus work! I'm sure the majority of your listeners have not reached Lateralus's level of development, evolution and understanding yet. And in my opinion, its a level that should be appreciated and grasped when in your own company. It is not a bonding album. Opiate, Undertow and Aenima; what everyone is clammering for and what you are teasing us with, a little at each gig, is much better suited to the live performances. If it must be performed live, Lateralus would be more suited to an all seating arena. It's an introspective album. This is of course just my humble opinion, formed from my understanding of life and TOOL, and if you don't agree with it, well, then I applaud you. Your closer than most. D&B&D&B2>>+ This is the end of TOOL though. They might still be here to try and help us though, but basically that's it. The message has been given. It's up to us now. Up to you. Finally, to the fat bald guy, standing at the bar downstairs at the end who was telling people that he was Tony, TOOL's projections guy....I was just wondering who you were thinking of being next week. Maynards understudy? Britney Spears panty inspector? Let it go! Spiral out >>>>>> KEEP GOING

Review written by: Evan (fightthemoustache@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 07:11:15 ET

This was this reviewer's 12th Tool show

Previous posted setlist is wrong Triaad The Grudge Parabol/ Parabola Schism Sober Disposition / Reflection --------------- Flood The Patient Lateralus The tits!!! Much better than Monday's show. One of the best I have ever seen them. Maynard looked very fetching in blue.

Review written by: arf (wamnet56@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 09:09:18 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

Hey guys. Last night was absolutely awesome. I travelled up alone from Bournemouth to see them, got back at 2 in the morning, and it was totally worth it. I was eager for them to play Aenema and 4 degrees as they did last night, but the completely unexpected H almost made me cry from joy, it's undoubtedly my favourite song. Also a beautiful rendition of sober, which was unexpected after hearing about last nights cheers for them to play it. It was a fantastic evening. I never realised how many avid Tool fans there are out there. It was disappointing to see the kids in Mudvayne hoodies thinking that this concert is a place to mosh, but I still think the crowd was great. The sound quality was awesome too. Maynard came through loud and clear, adam was perfect (as always) and I'm so glad that justin was turned up as loud as he was! I never realised quite how integral he is to the band, I would say even more so than Danny's drumming (which I felt were a tad too quiet... but still breathtaking). Well, I had to take the day off to recover from the experience. I do hope to take something beautiful away from this :) Oh, and if anyone got a video/sound recording of last night, EMAIL ME PLEASE! I'll be more than grateful to send ya a few pounds for your trouble if you can hook me up. Peace out fellas.

Review written by: Andy Dickens (mrfixxxer@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 10:10:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. What an amazing show, i cannot put into words the feelings at that show, awesome. Set-list was great, i'm glad that tey did a few different songs to the tour last year, Flood and H especially. I won't bother with the full set-list as others have already put it down above. The highlights for me were triad, the grudge, skinkfist sober, H, the paitent and schism Definately worth the train journey from birmingham. All that is left for me to say now is roll on ozzfest. See you there.

Review written by: Becca (siva@funny.co.uk) Review posted on: 05/14/02 11:51:13 ET

This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show

Well, I'm not going to post the setlist again because that's been up several times already. I just got back from London this afternoon (i took a train down from YORKSHIRE to see them!) and i have to say last night was probably my favourite tool show so far. The Manchester Apollo gig last June was also amazing, but the fact that this time they played H made it even more fantastic. I admit to crying a bit through that one - of course, being a girl squished at the front holding a phone in the air for my friend, the bouncers thought i was in trouble and tried to pull me out.... oh well... highlights of the night for me: Maynard, painted in green and blue (i think) - THAT was unexpected! Triad - unexpected, especially as an opener! I've always thought it was ok on CD but when you hear it live it definitley has an edge to it. Stinkfist (extended version) - i've never heard this long version before and i have to say i liked it alot, even though it confused a lot of the drunken people at the front who tried to sing the next bit! H - already said that i cried during this because it's one of my favourite tool songs and i was so happy to finally hear it played live. Flood - it started. I recognised it and cheered. no one else joined in. hmmm. Lateralus - because it's my favourite song ever by anyone so to hear it live for the third time was fantabulous. i especially liked the group hug at the end, that was really sweet! The videos were just as excellent as last time... it's like some wierd psychedelic trippy twisted porn but it goes well with the music and that's what matters. The Parabol/Parabola video is fantastic - not sure if this is the effect they were going for but that little claymation guy with the bouncing face, is so so so cute :) haha The only downside to the gig was, apart from Maynard not talking to us enough, the idiots in the crowd behind me, pushing to the front and moshing during songs that you wouldn't normally mosh to... i've got plenty of bruises but i suppose they act as souveniers from a brilliant gig... it's a shame there's always a small group of people who insist on crushing the people in front of them to try to get to the front.. anyway, only 12 days now till Ozzfest!

Review written by: Xerxius (robert_crudler@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 12:26:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

This show was great! Danny came out first and sat there for a while (the crowd was cheering for about 5 minutes) then he started playing Triad, Justin came out next and began, then we saw Adam and maynard come out... i only noticed during the second song that maynard was painted half blue half white(?) it was at the back at first but it managed to get right at the front next to adam! as much as i despise the morons trying to start pits and the people jumping up and down and elbowing people in the head (those people should listen to swamp song rather than skipping it just because its not heavy!) there was something good about them, that is, when they jumped you could give them a shove while they were in the air and you could move past them and get closer to the band!! i did this a few times, this is how i ended up at the front i agree maynard was going crazy, you could tell he was enjoying it i didnt catch one of the water bottles at the end though :( and dannys drum skin flew right over everyones heads! but to the other people starting pits that was just dumb, its right they have no respect for anyone, they just start shoving you. i remember seeing two brainless fuckheads with their eyes closed just swinging their arms and pushing into people aother than that the gig was amazing, tool were perfect and maynards voice was great H. was my favourite song they played but all of them were so good

Review written by: kickstand (nev20@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 12:58:30 ET

This was this reviewer's best Tool show

As with evey tool concert, they could play for 5 hours and still miss out some "essential tool songs" Wish they had played Jimmy but when you look at a setlist containing H and flood you cant really complain can you. I know there were a lot of people there who moshed or didn't understand the true intensity of the songs ( not that i pretend to know it all ) but it didn't piss me off so much as make me feel sorry for them. After all, there the ones missing out.

Review written by: pea (maude_mongoos@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 13:35:51 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

i think seeing tool live has brought another dimension to tool, they are artists also visually as well as their music and i believe this is extreamly important. The visuals were amazing and intense. As a christian its hard to really get into music properly when its dark, tool explore the darker sides of life but come out with something more positive which i personally can draw out, it is positive because it is creativite not destructive.

Review written by: Rob (bang_thy_head@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 13:56:23 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

OH MY GOD!!!! That was the greatest night of my life... Tool are easily my favourite band - the best in this universe. Every song was fantastic - I nearly shed a tear at the sing- along 'I don't mind' in H. The visuals were amazing as I expected. Flood nearly shattered my ribcage. Reflection sent me into an eyes-shut-sway-like-maynard trance (when the song finished I honestly forgot where I was!) Everyone around me was really enjoying themselves and feeling the music on a higher plain - except some twat who started a fight, but he was removed during Stinkfist. I will never forget last night and vow to see them at everyone of their UK (if not further afield) shows (except festivals, which I damn-near despise) The group hug at the end really symbolised the whole Tool experience to me. Thanks guys, you absolutely rock better than anyone. Ever.

Review written by: guy (sdf3333) Review posted on: 05/14/02 14:52:03 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

its was great,...i was moshing the whole time...i elbowed at least three chicks, and i know i knocked one guy out., i am so big and muscular..i am the best mosher ever!!!!!! anyone know what the lead guys name is from tool?

Review written by: won (wonniemail@aol.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 16:21:16 ET

This was this reviewer's ?st Tool show

Wow, that second night couldnt have been any better. For some reason something was lacking on the first night but they found it for sure on the second. H was just astonishing. Parabol was amazing. The whole stage show fitted so well. The first night I went standing and the second I went seated, and I would definately recomend seeing Tool seated cos you can really watch and take it in. On the second night I think we touched perfection.

Review written by: Shawn (shawnpil_65@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 17:07:49 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

hey Barry you are a fucking retard...they hug at the end of shows all the time..ass

Review written by: Rich (richard@tool.com) Review posted on: 05/14/02 19:58:29 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Great show, probably better than Manchester last year. I only really wanted to say, Sam, if you read this, mail me dude. We saw the second half from the back and the sound was perfect, but I didn't spot you coming out, and I don't have an address for you any more. Rich

Review written by: Benji (ben_aj@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/15/02 04:54:10 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show

...I know it's a bit late but christ I only got back from London to Leeds last night. As the previous posts hint, that experience has to be the highlight of the year for the dedicated, especially for the people who were Tool virgins until the 12th/13th. Brix.Academy was perfect, old converted cinema meant the gradient of the floor gave a decent view no matter where you stood and respect to the bar staff..especially the tall thin dark haired guy, I've never seen anyone serve up a pint whilst simultaneously thrashing their limbs loose to Sober! Pity you have to watch shit like Pet Shop Boys too. Agree they could have played more early stuff, would've loved to have seen Hush played, still the contained booming acoustics of that place and collective energy will be with me for a very long time. Just one moan and that's to that fucking meat-headed topless muscleman wanker who was using his arms like a shield to 'protect' those two stranger girls, stop massaging your own ego you bell-ended fool and realize that there are people that go to see Tool through passion for the music and visuals, we don't want to have our engagement with this one-off band spoiled by being pushed around like a ragdoll. OK diatribe over and a request to a beautiful fan to contact me, you were chatting to an American guy whilst I was trying to get to the front, you had long straight hair, black eyeshadow/top and appeared next to me during parabola singing along..

Review written by: thedreamwithinadream (incubaby101@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/15/02 06:27:16 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Hey fellow tool worshippers, just a small review of this show coz i feel obligated to give something back for what they did for me. from the 4 times ive seen them this woz without doubt the tightest they have ever sounded,but the setlist of last years show on the 12th of june at this very venue was better. The opening with "triad" worked brilliantly and i didnt stop shivering from the start to the end. Then came the customery "The grudge" which echoed amazingly amoungst the crowd and mixed with the audiences vocals to create a deafening sound. "stinkfist" was excellent as always with a strange remixed sample of the opening sound effects after the feed back mid song. Then came Parabol/parabola, the first bringing me to tears. Schism and Sober were outstanding and then the song of the evening H! i never thought they would play that in a million yars but i woz more than extatic with that. The regular Disposition/reflection then video then followed and everyone lighting up various toxins. the band then returned to the stage over a rupterous applause and burst straight into Flood a rarely played track from undertow that when down brilliantly with the hardcore toolaholics. After this we had eon blue apocolypse followed by the patient and a finale of a wonderful lateralus which brought the house down. The best thing about tool live is there sound and stage presence. there isnt one band better at putting there music across to an audience than tool and the shear power and forcefulness at which they do this is staggering.Maynards hypnotic dancing also has a dramatic effect and i found myself staring at him in amazment without even realising i was doing it. A total Blast.if you are a fan of music, See tool when ever you can and for woteva price trust me.

Review written by: aos (aoshotmail@baesystems) Review posted on: 05/15/02 06:48:43 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

Hello there! Just got back on my 400 mile round trip. what a show! I think the set list is pretty much accrate except at the start it was triad, not ticks and leeches. On the whole a very fine performance, with the exception in parts where it seemed like Maynard was struggling a little in the first half. I MUST commend the whole second half performance especially of The Patient and Laterelis, they were spot on! It was good also to have them perform sober and do it so well. As usual a few neanderthols at the front but we must remember this is a powerful and energetic band in Tool and we all gain release in different ways. We shouldn't moan at those who choose to mosh heavy. If you are uncomfortable then move away afew feet, they're always in the front middle. Anyway, it was a great show! A shame i didn't go on the Sunday, i could have seen 4 degrees, bet then i would have missed the Patient. I'm not complaining. After ozzfest I hope to see you return next year!

Review written by: who care's (goddamhippy@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/15/02 13:17:32 ET

This was this reviewer's 156 Tool show

if you have got this far I'm impressed! No matter how many gig's these dude's do they never let us down. I know know what a female orgasm must feel like! The General may have died Maynard but the troops will never give up! the show was great the audiance was great. See ya @ Ozzfest....last ever uk show?????????????????????????????????????let's hope not!

Review written by: SPELKYJACK (SPELKYJACK@HOTMAIL.COM) Review posted on: 05/15/02 14:36:34 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

this was areally good gig but not as good as the manchester one last summer.This is probably because i live near nottingham and i had to get the train all the way to london and run up and down Euston RD to find somewhere to stay before i went to the concert.I got my camera taken off me which sucked - but you cant blame tool for not wanting trigger happy idiots like me taking photos all night. I was seated in the circle seated area which i had no clue about-up until i got inside i thought i was standing.The seating area was good except for having to get up to get some more beer and cigs during the parabola video but id seen that before anyway.oh and the australian guy next to me kept smokin' reefers and i didn't have time to score any weed before i came into the concert.this pissed me off a bit- not that you need stimulating drugs at tool concerts anyway.the video screens are enough to open my mind. They started with TRIAD which was a bit unexpeted but outsatndingly amazing!!!Danny started it with a drum solo, then the pablo drummer came on and started playing the electric drums they had set up next to him.Justin started rocking out the riff,then jones and then maynard came on with his headstockless guitar and screamed his lungs out - while getting very evil feedback from his guitar.When this kicked in the crowd rocked their heads intime even on the balcony!!! the grudge was the same as when i saw them at manchester.It really was spot on without a single mistake (they are so tight).Maynards scream was longer then the album version i think!!! stinkfist had an extra verse-JONES FEED BACK WAS FANTASTIC ON THE SOLO SECTION!!!! Then straight into parabol/a - the people sat around me started to piss me off here because they all looked bored or really stoned where as i was really into it!!!!they were even worse later on when they went for a beer and a piss during disposition and reflection!!! H was nothing short of amazing - the sound was a bit strange - I think this was because of the difference in sound between the albums Aenima(my favorite) and Lateralus.The distortion on Justins bass started to feed back quite a lot,but the sound men soon sorted this out.When Maynard sang the"i dont mind"bit the crowd sang along and then he screamed his lungs out and Adam played the solo pefectly. Sober got all the bored people back into it amd it really had a fantastic sound.Maynard(who was painted one side blue and one side green with pants on as usual)started to dive around and he sang it brilliantly!! FLOOD was one of the highlights of the night for me i was not at all expecting to see this and the sound was so big on it.The video projections on this where cool with the salival style circles of geometry flashing in and out on it. Eon blue was really good - but the crowd kept pissing me off when they kept cheering before the songs were even over - so i couldn't here the end of them!! and there was alot of crowd surfers i could even see them from my seat. The pateint was very good and so was lateralus - spot on just like in Manchester !!!! on a whole the gig was fantastic ,just like all tool things are - every thing they touch seems to turn to gold !!!! It was just a shame about all the 3 year olds that turned up in Nu-metal tops and crowd surfed all night - I bet if you asked them a question about crowley,evolution,drop d tunig or king crimson they would look at you like you were from another planet!!!!! Oh and maynard i could see those pants falling down!!!!

Review written by: SPELKYJACK (SPELKYJACK@HOTMAIL.COM) Review posted on: 05/15/02 14:37:03 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

this was areally good gig but not as good as the manchester one last summer.This is probably because i live near nottingham and i had to get the train all the way to london and run up and down Euston RD to find somewhere to stay before i went to the concert.I got my camera taken off me which sucked - but you cant blame tool for not wanting trigger happy idiots like me taking photos all night. I was seated in the circle seated area which i had no clue about-up until i got inside i thought i was standing.The seating area was good except for having to get up to get some more beer and cigs during the parabola video but id seen that before anyway.oh and the australian guy next to me kept smokin' reefers and i didn't have time to score any weed before i came into the concert.this pissed me off a bit- not that you need stimulating drugs at tool concerts anyway.the video screens are enough to open my mind. They started with TRIAD which was a bit unexpeted but outsatndingly amazing!!!Danny started it with a drum solo, then the pablo drummer came on and started playing the electric drums they had set up next to him.Justin started rocking out the riff,then jones and then maynard came on with his headstockless guitar and screamed his lungs out - while getting very evil feedback from his guitar.When this kicked in the crowd rocked their heads intime even on the balcony!!! the grudge was the same as when i saw them at manchester.It really was spot on without a single mistake (they are so tight).Maynards scream was longer then the album version i think!!! stinkfist had an extra verse-JONES FEED BACK WAS FANTASTIC ON THE SOLO SECTION!!!! Then straight into parabol/a - the people sat around me started to piss me off here because they all looked bored or really stoned where as i was really into it!!!!they were even worse later on when they went for a beer and a piss during disposition and reflection!!! H was nothing short of amazing - the sound was a bit strange - I think this was because of the difference in sound between the albums Aenima(my favorite) and Lateralus.The distortion on Justins bass started to feed back quite a lot,but the sound men soon sorted this out.When Maynard sang the"i dont mind"bit the crowd sang along and then he screamed his lungs out and Adam played the solo pefectly. Sober got all the bored people back into it amd it really had a fantastic sound.Maynard(who was painted one side blue and one side green with pants on as usual)started to dive around and he sang it brilliantly!! FLOOD was one of the highlights of the night for me i was not at all expecting to see this and the sound was so big on it.The video projections on this where cool with the salival style circles of geometry flashing in and out on it. Eon blue was really good - but the crowd kept pissing me off when they kept cheering before the songs were even over - so i couldn't here the end of them!! and there was alot of crowd surfers i could even see them from my seat. The pateint was very good and so was lateralus - spot on just like in Manchester !!!! on a whole the gig was fantastic ,just like all tool things are - every thing they touch seems to turn to gold !!!! It was just a shame about all the 3 year olds that turned up in Nu-metal tops and crowd surfed all night - I bet if you asked them a question about crowley,evolution,drop d tunig or king crimson they would look at you like you were from another planet!!!!! Oh and maynard i could see those pants falling down!!!!

Review written by: spelkyjack (SPELKYJACK@HOTMAIL.COM) Review posted on: 05/15/02 14:46:59 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

oh i forgot to mention the lateralus circles on the roof above my seat spinning around and Danny Careys amazing drumming you colud see his whole drumkit from up there even every little hit of a cymbal. OH YEAH I ALSO NEARLY CAME IN MY PANTS HALF WAY THROUGH!!!!

Review written by: Trim (trim_mckenna@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/15/02 15:00:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

I contemplated the ozzfest - lots of good bands but most ive seen before - the only real pull was Tool whom ive never seen despite them being my favourite band, but then i saw the advert... We drove down from manchester to see it, and we broke down on the way back near stafford, but hell, it was worth it... dinner at nandos ( peri peri yummmmm...) Highlights for me... Sober and H - although i was praying for rain, praying for tidal waves... The girlfriend ( who preffered Perfect Circle... ) is a convert - even managing to sing along unconvincingly to stinkfist ( i made her watch the video before we went... ) The crowd were ace... we were not far from the front but to the left - next to the moshing t**t with the angel tatoo between his shoulder blades... although i was dissapointed to see the security were not evicting surfers - its the only way they will ever learn...

Review written by: Jim B (jim_b666@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/16/02 06:05:01 ET

This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show

Somebody DID post the setlist (near the top) but I'm certain that H followed Schism and Sober followed H. (whatever...) and like most people who visit this excellent site, I knew Flood and was surprised at the lack of audience reaction, but hey - it means the greatest live band on the face of this or any other planet are picking up new fans. Give them a break, they'll get there in the end... And more "for what it's worth" the 2nd night was better for me, tighter performance, better set-list -apart from nothing from Opiate and a lack of Aenema, AND I've still never seen them do Hooker With A Penis live : ( ....I thought this was better than Manchester (my least favourite Tool show so far, but still great!) and both of the London shows last year... Maynard moving around a lot like Maynard of old etc... and yes - amazing audience reaction at the end. Almost (say it quietly) a religious experience. Euphoric. Jim (ps - Hi to Jamie S from Aus.)

Review written by: Matthew Coleman (mouthofsteel@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/17/02 08:54:06 ET

This was this reviewer's 4th Tool show

Simply fantastic, again. It was my girlfriend's first show and she was gobsmacked. I don't really have much else to say that I haven't said in previous reviews. The best Tool show I have been to. They are getting better and better. If the guy who recorded last year's shows has recorded them again, then send me an email and we'll sort something out. :) Thank you Tool. <3 ;)

Review written by: dan thomas (manicsocialist@yahoo.co.uk) Review posted on: 05/17/02 09:29:00 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

well it wasnt exactly hat i wanted but it still left me happy. after a truly awful opening band, espicially after i had been told the melvins were supporting, tool opened with triad, which i relly wasnt expecting.it didnt really lift off the way it should of and things only really kicked off when the grudge hit in. this was my first tool show and i wasnt sure whether there would be moshing but there certainly was,which i was surprised at. overall disposition/reflection was prob the highlight and the way the songs built up was amazing. lateralus was also much better than on record. maybe a little bit much off lateralus? every song apart from ticks&leeches, and only two off aenema. i had my fingers crossed for pushit but it dint come. ah well, theres always next time!

Review written by: DJ BACOZZA (FILIPPO.FABBRI9@TIN.IT) Review posted on: 05/19/02 07:21:54 ET

ANGUILLE ICONA DOLCE E NOVELLA DI AMPOLLA, CORRI , POI FUGGI D'UN CANTO SOAVE CHE CON UNGHIE FELINE VEDO SCALFIRE LA VERNICE DEL MIO MASCHIO; RICORDO. ORA RICORDO PER SFUGGIRE AL LAMENTO, L'AURORA NEL TUO VOLTO CHE FULGIDO BRILLA, POI CELA MESTIZIA. E' ARDUO COMBATTERE I RUSCELLI DI NOTE DI UN FLAUTO CHE ALTRO NON SUONA SE NON LA POCHEZZA DELLA VITA FUNESTA, E POI A TERRA STRAMAZZA. ASCOLTATE IL MIO TACITURNO CANTO, O ANGUILLE, NON SI CORICA MAI; MISERRIMO ME, SCHIAVO DEL CANTO! E OSCILLA, E ONDEGGIA, E RISTAGNA SALMASTRO E POI, PLUMBEO COME IL PIU' AMABILE DEGLI AUGELLI, AVVOLGE LA VITA IN UN VORTICE FITTIZIO DI SOSPIRI, TRASUDANDO TEPORE ED AMOR PERFETTO....IL GIUSTO SAPORE DELLA VITA, O ANGUILLE.

Review written by: pea (maude_mongoose@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 05/20/02 12:56:33 ET

This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show

is it true that the proceeds of the may 12th london gig went to a christian outreach programme? i f so i have much respect and i feel that even though christianity may not be on the increase it can be appreciated and aknowledged, god is an awsome god and has given tool something special to be so creative and a gift able to touch on things so spiritual. sorry just wanted to share....

Review written by: judas from ponty (judasdip@netscapeonline.co.uk) Review posted on: 05/23/02 07:45:36 ET

This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show

Is it me or did MJK's silhouette look eerily like retired Liverpool FC defender Gary McAllister? Anywho, f@cking great show: roll on Ozzfest... \m/ \m/ Tool rock!!!