| concert reviews firsthand, immediate, from the heart |
 |
|
08/23/2002
|
Review written by: Jay (imalreadydeadtothisworld666@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 23:30:42 ETThis was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
That was fucking amazing. Throughout the entire show I couldn't stop singing and (air) druming. What fun! I can't believe it. Maynard had facepaint on. White on the sides and a black stripes down the center... most likely so you can't see his profile. Here's the DEFFINATE setlist: Intro Merkaba (guitar only) Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist H Parabol Parabola Aenema INTERMISSION Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus That was an amazing show. If you haven't seen Tool yet, go see them now. The crowd was amazing. You could completely tell that Tool loved the audience. Spiral Out ~Jay
Review written by: Jay (imalreadydeadtothisworld666@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/23/02 23:36:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
SORRY! I screwed up the setlist. Here's the real one: Intro Merkaba (guitar only) Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist *Schism* H Parabol Parabola Aenema INTERMISSION Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus OH! And I'll have pictures up soon. On a sadder note, my sister just called Maynard an idiot so I have to go kill her. Later ~Jay
Review written by: Al (bo_tard@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:30:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Here is the setlist from WHAT I REMEMBER: Sober The Grudge Stinkfist H. Schism Aenima Parabol Parabola *intermission* eon blue apocalypse reflection triad lateralus
Review written by: Al (bo_tard@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:30:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Here is the setlist from WHAT I REMEMBER: Sober The Grudge Stinkfist H. Schism Aenima Parabol Parabola *intermission* eon blue apocalypse reflection triad lateralus
Review written by: al (bo_tard@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:33:43 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I got some of the setlist wrong, but it was a damn good show. tomahawk...well, mike patton just screams nonsense. i didnt like them. there were some faggots crowd surfing to reflection.
Review written by: John (one_useful_idiot@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:48:39 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
Wow. Tomahawk was excellent. it's funny cuz a lot of the morons who derided or attempted to ridicule them prior to them taking stage and as they began their set SHUT UP when they played. interesting, considering rumor has it that the Syracuse jerks booed them offstage. they won over the crowd...and it was clear that the band felt a "conquest" in Buffalo...boos were very few and far between. Patton was a genius with his gadgetry...I loved how he was singing through a goddamn CB unit! So fitting with the cop uniforms and subject matter of their material. He was very humorous...at one point he made fun of this fat heckler, pointing out his Motley Crue t-shirt. Classic. It was cool watching Patton himself help clear his equipment along with the other "roadies" after they finished. I'm beginning to wonder if that blue cop iniform is less about subverting law enforcement signifiers than it is being a "true" blue collar worker. Nice! TOOL. mindblowing! Sober The Grudge Stinkfist H. Schism Eon Blue Apocalypse Parabol Parabola Aenema ---intermission--- Disposition Reflection Triad Lateralus I think that's the order. Very impressed with the rhythm section. Danny was even more incredible than the hype. The true highlights for me were the final four songs. A wonderful showcase for the talent of the bass/drum tandem of Justin/Danny. So much presence. I could feel the air around my arms and the vibrations permeate my body as they played. It was such a warm feeling...like no other i've felt at a concert. Truly fitting in the over-riding theme of universal inter- connectedness in their music, particularly in that "Triad" of songs. easily the highlight of the show. Becoming ONE... Excellent show, all around...even considering the assholes they have working security at HSBC. Thank you TOOL!
Review written by: Brandon (bentley3_16@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:54:10 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Sober The Grudge Stinkfist (extended) (-)ions H. (yes, they played it) Eon Blue Apocalypse Schism Parabol/Parabola (intermission) Disposition Reflection (sixteen minutes!!!!) Triad group hug Lateralus Well, I am in awe. Completely left in a state of euphoria. Here I am an hour or so after the show and I still feel it. Ahh yes, everything I expected and so much more. Maynard is a god, but the rest of the band are comparative equals in the fray. No one else can move me the way they have, and I am speechless. They even played H., which I had hoped they would. Not that I'd have cared if they didn't, but I could have gone home pleased after just that. And to all you who think Tomahawk sucks, pay attention instead of simply passing judgment early. Mike Patton is pretty good, and their experimental stuff was decent. Nevermind his screaming, which sounded like his testicles have yet to descend...but anyways, they were decent, to say the least. Still in awe, still feeling the emotional, psychological and physical trip of the night, it's like an all-over hardcore metal-gasm. Yup. Loved it, and will see it again.
Review written by: Steve of USC (wholelotta1969@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 00:54:31 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
ALL AND ALL A VERY ROCKING NIGHT..... Tool was fantastic. Sober was the opener and it blew the roof off of HSBC. What a show they put on. This being my first tool concert ive gotta say it was far exceeded my expectations of what a band should be live. My favorite part was the rare stage banter, with maynerd stating buffalo as the home of "green jelly", officially the worst band ever. Also impressive was their sound .... i walked out un able to hear anything. what a beautiful show...it has moved me. It would have been a perfect night if not for to small problems: ONE, the ticket desk messed up my seats so i had to sit a section back and TWO, Tommahawk is the worst fucking band i have ever heard. It was like compleat garbage punctuated by 3 or 5 seconds of brilliance. I couldnt tell if the lead singer was making his shit up as he went along or not.Rumor has it that they got booed off the stage in syracuse. ANyways I came for TOOL, not them so i doesnt matter, the ruled !
Review written by: Darla (RoxyMcRobbins@cs.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 01:30:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
To say this show was amazing is such a terible understatement. ive just spent the last two hours in complete awe not only of the boys themselves, but of this symbiotic relationship that tool manages to create with their audience: they create for us these indescribable sights and sounds, an they feed off the awe they put us in- even the silence of an arena full of people during disposition was eerily beautiful and rare to say the least. i cant possibly remember the set list, but they did play aenima which was amazing. and the floating balls that look like gigantic atoms- odd, yet they fit perfectly in place at the same time. god i love tool.
Review written by: Derek (dneuland@fuganet.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 04:13:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Their set was truely amazing! so much better than the first time i saw them last summer. The visuals and backdrops were incredible!! the set list went like this if i remember correctly: 1: Sober 2: The Grudge 3: Stinkfist 4: H 5: Schism 6: Parabol 7: Parabola 8: Aenema Intermission 9: Disposition 10: Reflection 11: Triad (w/Mike & John of Tomahawk) 12: Lateralus Maynard had a black stripe down the middle of his head,from his neck to his chin. He also talked about the band Green Jello a bit(probably because one of the members of Green Jello is from Buffalo). at one point inbetween songs he said "little pig little pig let me in" and then the crowd replied with the obvious "not by the hair on my chinny chin chin". this happened twice in a row.
Review written by: Aimee Helene (aimee_helene@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 04:39:44 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
I knew that this show would be outstanding, because TOOL puts on the most energizing and immaculate shows ever possible, but I could never have anticipated the intensity of this show!!!! First, I must say that this is also the best part in my eyes, TOOL played "H"...easily my favorite of their tracks. They also had such an amazing spectacle of visual effects that was completely different from last year's silver painted acrobats. I really don't know why I am trying to put this show into words, because it was too impressive to even begin to do so. But, there is one part that I found so pleasantly sarcastic. Maynard referenced the fact that Buffalo is where Green Jello originated from (and did not ease up on his ridicule of the band simply because he used to be a member). I cannot express enough how important it is for all of you to attend one of their summer shows!!! I look forward to seeing you all in the fall for their next tour.
Review written by: Bob Krum (Krum@gullible.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 09:27:40 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Well, this was my first big concert at the HSBC because Tool is one of the few bands I like that are big enough to play there. Tomohawk opened. I'm a big Mr. Bungle fan, so it was good to see Mike Patton again. I was happy to see that not too many people were being assholes to them. Mike did some experimenting with a sound effects machine and took the time to speak to a young man in a Pantera shirt. He offered us all wings at the Anchor bar and claimed his guitarist performed anal sex on Tommy Lee, which I found humorous. Then Tool came on. I regret that I could not see Danny because a stack of speakers blocked my view. Maynard came on dressed in black with a single black stripe painted from the back of his head all the way down his face. The setlist was: Introduction Sober The Grudge Stinkfist (extended) H. Schism (Maynard on guitar) Parabol Parabola Aenema (Yes, Aenema, I can't believe they played it) Intermission (not the song, but a breif break) Disposition Reflection (With Maynard on guitar) Triad (With Mike Patton on keyboard and the drummer from Tomohawk) Lateralus The artwork was impressive and the video images blew my mind. The video of the serpent swallowing itself during H. sticks out in my mind, how it sped up as the song reached its climax. During Parabola, the suspended molecule things were brought out. Ialso saw the video for parabola for the first time and it was amazing. Tool's artwork on Lateralus takes on whole new meanings in this video. I can't really explain, you just have to see it. I was pleasanly surprised that the band played the song Aenema and Maynard switched around the lyrics to the "fuck L. Ron Hubbard...." part without missing a beat. Of course there were some morons who, I can't believe this, were moshing to Reflection. We weren't on the floor so we didn't have to deal with them, but it was still an embarassing sight. The high point came during an extended version of Triad, in which Mike Patton and the drummer from Tomohawk joined the band on stage. I think Maynard grabbed a bass for this part as well, but he was in the back and it was sort of hard to see. After Lateralus, the band joined in a group hug and Maynard urged us to take what we were feeling and create something positve with it. I've waited years to see Tool (I was out of town the last time they were in Buffalo) but this concert blew any expectations...
Review written by: Luther (---) Review posted on: 08/24/02 09:43:56 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
7:30 Tomahawk Takes Stage, and performs an interesting amazing set. The arena was half full at this time, and seemed to be very into watching them. Patton continued through the set, calling us buffalo scum.(good thing im from Canada and i made the trip across the broader, cuz people in buffalo are scum. Patton then spotted out some fool wearing a motley crew shirt, and he did deserve to be made fun of with his cut of motley crew t-shirt, his black bandana around his head, and his ripped jeans he looked as if he was trying to bring late 80's early 90's rock back to us. 8:45 Tool begins. A three not guitar rif, accompanied by distortion humming from the bass lead us into sober. Setlist -------- Sober Grudge Stinkfist H. parabol parabola aneima ---intermission--- reflection disposition triad (featuring Patton and the drummer from tomahawk- sorry i dont know his name) Lateralus All in all the show was amazing, the stage design was great, the sound at the HSBC was great and it will be well worth anyone in the niagara or toronto area to make the trip to hamilton to catch this one. You wont regret paying for the $55 tickets much like i didnt regret having to pay the exchange rate on these ones, or having being pulled over by some asshole cops at the broader
Review written by: Jeremy (Jer2Dope@rochester.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 11:27:22 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Not much that I can say that hasn’t been already said about Tool. I can provide you with a real set list though: Sober The Grudge Ions Stinkfist H. Schism Parabol Parabola Aenima -Intermission- Disposition Reflection Triad (with Mike and John of Tomahawk) Lateralus See everyone in Hamilton on Sunday!
Review written by: John McLean (aceface33@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 12:18:36 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Call me stupid, but I never realized Green Jelly was from Buffalo until tonight when Maynard said, "Is this Buffalo...home of the shittiest rock band ever, Green Jelly?" Later on before Aenima, he led the crowd in a rendition of "Little pig Little pig let me in...Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!" Anyways, the show was great, Tomahawk was ok, would have been better if they weren't continuously insulting the crowd I guess. Tool was absolutely mind-expanding. Triad featuring the drummer from Tomahawk was the best exhibition of drumming I have ever seen. I was standing right in front of the speakers (to better avoid the mosh pits) and let me tell you....it was like I had no ears, and the music was not coming from speakers, but was originating from inside my brain. The art and images displayed after the intermission really hit home in that reagrd- peeling away the outside layers and joining one sigular conciousness. The band seemed to be enjoying themselves. Shaking hands all around after disposition/reflection/traid, and big hugs (and taking a bow!) after the show was over. BTW, Maynard was dressed in all black leather with a blue stripe up the middle of his face and down the back of his head. Here's to hoping they come around here next tour.
Review written by: Shannon McLean (lilpix33@ivillage.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 12:48:20 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Last Night's Tool concert was everything I imagined it would be. I wanted to go see Tool for four years now, but something always prevented me from getting to a show near me (lat year I was getting married...not a good excuse, I know :) Maynard's voice is unbelievable live, and Danny is incredible. The whole drum solo with the guy from Tomahawk was intense and mindblowing. I've never heard Tool loud enough until last night. I'm absolutely in love with Justin's playing and feeling the bass through my whole body was very cool indeed. The whole experience was a total out of body experience. The stage props completed the whole concert, I loved the little balloon-things from the Parabola video, and the see-through layers of the guy. Tool knows how to put on a show, and I can't wait to see them again. Best part of the show for me: Seeing Parabola...I was hoping I could hear that live!
Review written by: Matt c (toolarmyca@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 12:56:08 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Amazing show!!! Danny Carey was perfect. Triad was the highlight of the night. Setlist: sober the grudge stinkfist H. schism parabol parabola aenima --------------- disposition reflection triad lateralus
Review written by: Neurotic Skitz (brian@djshows.zzn.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 18:10:00 ET
This was this reviewer's 5th Tool show
Well, ... where to find the words? For starters, the best performance by tool ever. The sound check must have gone really well. I have never heard Maynard sing so good. The setlist was as expected, by the quality was beyond expaination. I got the boot from the show during reflection for smoking. IS that not the stupidest thing that could ever happen? Well, atleast sunday should be good. I prefer my Canadian tool shows. Setlist... -------- intro sober the grudge stinkfist h. Parabol Parabola Aenima -intermission- disposition reflection Triad lateralus I must say that the intermission compared to last tour fucking sucked ass. But what can you do? It's tool
Review written by: Master Reviewer (skzdfygs@sdn.sdfzfg) Review posted on: 08/24/02 22:39:06 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: bill-a (deisel_power_13@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/24/02 23:40:35 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
I saw my first tool show if was the best show ive ever seen. If i was to never see another concert i would be content having the last show be tool. they show was great all except for tomahawk they were terrible. but im sure anyone who has seen a recent concert knows that. im sure that tool could have found a better opeaning band. although it was worth waiting 2 hours to get in and then sitting through torture to see almost 2 and 1/2 hours of pure heaven. Bill-a
Review written by: catmall (babsbird@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 00:48:03 ET
This was this reviewer's 9th Tool show
Hey you! Read reviews already posted for your show to see if somebody already posted the setlist. .. buffalo didnt sound the greatest(muffly).....i was bummed out by that......i hope this is an off night or something,,,,visually i was getting into it............hard to hear maynard ...chaotic noise almost in heavy parts..it was just to loud in the wrong ways.....yknow?...... maynard said something funny after a song or two...here it is "apparently this is buffalo"...everyone says yaaaaaa,,,,wowoww........"are you sure this is buffalo".....everyone again,,,,,yaaaaaaaa....wowowwwa "BULLSHIT"...HAHAHA:~) SETLIST cool intro music.....very moody,,,,, then a trippy cosmic like jam opened to............ SOBER THE GRUDGE ions STINKFIST (white lines.whatever they are?) H. (its been sometime eh?) SCHISM (neat intro....child like sounds) parabol (been added lately i guess) parabola aenema (hoping for opiate...oh well) _______________________________________________________ intermission i really got into this.....the image on the screens...the cool sounds.........it affected me........ ________________________________________________________ disposition (some confetti..not much) reflection triad (best sounding of the night) lateralus hope the sound in hamilton improves.....get with it sound guys! rrrrrrrrrrrrh the shirts were better this time around as well......check them out.............. and lots of new images on screens...some old some new.....its good!!! SEEYA IN HAMITON,,,,,LAAAAAAAATER
Review written by: David Frescatore (dfrescat@nycap.rr.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 06:01:43 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
If you ever need to get hit by a wall of sound, look no further than Tool. They are by far the best hard rock band playing! The play list matches much of what the other reviews posted so I am not going to waste my time. Earlier this year I saw Tool in Albany and see they changed their show a bit. Nonetheless, these boys can rock and did. The sound, lights and video were first class! Great show by a great band. If you have yet to see Tool, you’re cheating yourself!
Review written by: dmv (vuke1@attbi.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 10:14:55 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. Let me first say that there is a cool story before this review. First off I'm from Pittsburgh and since the tour was not coming near me, it was time for a road trip... We got in to Buffalo about 1pm, checked into our hotel which was the Hyatt Buffalo. Then we decided to take a walk around the city to check it out, as far as my wife and me were concerned, one street was as good as the next, now the really cool part of this story....we just crossed the street and she was talking to me about something (don't know what) , when these two guys are walking up the street toward me and then right passed me. I stopped dead in my tracks, turned and looked, it was Maynard and a friend carrying what looked liked a Starbucks bag.....I turned to my wife and said "that was Maynard" she said "no Fucking Way" ...By now, they are around the corner and heading toward our Hotel...I forgot to mention that when we pulled up to the hotel there was what looked like your typical tour bus out front ....Now me, thinking that they are heading to MY hotel, went one block up and then down to head them off, Did i mention that im know running....I got to the hotel before them and waited....and sure enough It WAS MAYNARD.....I was in shock not knowing what to say or do..I just said to him "HELLO MAYNARD HAVE A GREAT SHOW" He looked right at me and said"THANKS MAN" and slipped into the hotel....and Yes the same hotel we were staying at!! I found my wife told her the whole thing, we decided to go back to the hotel and wait for him to come out . At this point I'm convinced that the bus IS their's and the whole band is staying there. We both got a beer from the bar and set up camp in the lobby, about a 1/2 hour later two guys came down and I just knew that they were connected to the band in some way...they are at the font desk talking to some lady and then Justin walks off the elevator right passsed us.....Now I am a huge Tool fan and I know that the guys like there privacy so I don't say any thing to him....My wife and I then go outside thinking that the band will all be coming down soon, did I mention the we had a camera?? We set up outside to get some shots. First out of the hotel was Justin, then a couple of minutes later was Adam walking with what appeared to be body guards, so it was really tough getting pictures without them knowing it..Next down, was Danny with no body guard, he walked right passed me and I told hiim to have a great show...he said "Thanks Man" and was off, My wife had the camera and took his picture not sure if they are going to be good ones or not??? And finally down was Maynard and his body gaurd right by his side so the pictures of him are probably of the side and back of his head......I Know that this sounds like a fish story but I assure you it is TRUE.... remember that I have pictures, although probably not that good, to prove it... Ok now off to the show .....The set list: SOBER. THE GRUDGE, USEFUL IDIOT, STINKFIST, H, SCHISM, AENEMA. PARABOL, PAROBLA, INTERMISSION, DISPOSITION, REFLECTION, TRIAD, LATERALUS. The show was, without a doubt, great from the set list to the lights to the art work from ALEX GREY. MAYNARD was not that talkative but that is normal. At the beginning, it seemed like the bass was up way too much but soon corrected...All in all, the guys were really tight tonight. With AENEMA AND LATERALUS being the best songs. Well thats all for now. I think there might be another road trip in store for CLEVELAND.....SPIRAL OUT.........
Review written by: Jamie (jowens@sial.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 11:03:05 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
Simply unbelievable show...kicked it off with Sober which was a pleasant surprise. I saw Tool in Pittsburgh last year but no tour dates in PA this time so my friends and I made the 5 hour journey to Buffalo. It was well worth it. Stinkfist was incredible. And Tomahawk was much better than Fantomas, they actually had song structure this time. I'll let someone with a better memory post the setlist. I was too captivated by the spectacular visuals and artwork to remember. "Respect the delicate ecology of your delusions"
Review written by: Dustin (tinjoo@msn.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 14:42:46 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
This was my first ever Tool show, so I didn't know what to expect. I had heard from other people that the show was amazing, so my expectations were pretty high. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint. My brother and I had general admission floor tickets so we got there just before the doors opened and made our way up front. Tomahawk came on around 7:30. I've read about what Mike Patton is trying to do here, being expermentive and innovative with different sounds, but all it comes off as is sounding like a bunch of shitty noise. He was pretty humorous though, and he promised ot buy everyone some wings (like no one in Buffalo has ever had chicken wings before). Anyway, they finished up and it seemed like forever for Tool to come on, but once the lights went down and the intro music started up, the place started to buzz and then finally the band came on and started out with "Sober." After "Sober" the lights kicked in and a huge Alex Grey artpiece was shown behind them and I was just amazed at the set. The screens showing more art and some video snippets, it was just amazing. Tool is easily the most talented band I have ever had the chance to listen to and see in concert. The instrumental piece they played (I can't remember the name of it) with Patton and the drummer from Tomahawk coming out to jam was excellent. The setlist was the same its been for this leg of the tour. I have no complaints (except Tomahawk). Tool was and is amazing, hope to see them again sometime.
Review written by: LazyE (LazyE462@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 15:11:23 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
great show, great visuals. Band was solid, except for very minor slip by adam during triad. Great backdrops, especially durng reflection withthe backdrops showing the chakras. Danny was amazing, he played his ass off. Everyone looked they were having a good time. the crowd was decntly behaved. I was in the front row, and I saw some moshng going on behnd me (dumbfucks). Peace
Review written by: Dustin (tinjoo@msn.com) Review posted on: 08/25/02 15:29:43 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
Disregard my previous review, because it sucked. Delete it if possible, heh. Okay. This was my first ever Tool show so I didn't know what to expect. I got there around 6:30 and got right in easily, I was on the floor, right up front. Tomahawk came on around 7:30. I know Mike Patton is trying to be experimentive and innovative but the music they played came off sounding like a bunch of shitty noise. Patton was pretty humorous, that was about the only saving grace that Tomahawk had. Tool came on around 9 and they completely blew me away. Like I said this was my first Tool show and I didn't know what to expect. I know that when I listen to their music I'm moved but seeing these four incredible musicians come together and completely tear the place down was amazing. They opened with "Sober" which to me, is a good song to open with. Everyone knows it, it's a heavy song and it just sets the tone for the rest of the night. After "Sober" the lights came on and the set came to life. A huge Alex Grey artpiece was illuminated on a black curtian behind them and it was an awesome visual. Next was "The Grudge" which is one of my personal favorites. The end of that song is insane and it was so awesome to see Danny do the song live and to hear Maynard hold that note for 30 some odd seconds. "(-) Ions" was played and accompanied by some more visuals, the screens on either side of the stage had even more Grey artwork and also some snippets of the music videos. "H." was fantastic, except for the idiot next to me who thought he was singing the song onstage, he had his hands up to his mouth like a mic or something. Moron. Also, there were some morons in the pit that think everyone there is there to mosh. I've moshed before but Tool is just not a band I want to mosh too. I just wanted to watch the show and take it all in and not have an idiot come slamming into me every five minutes. It happened anyway, but that's what I started standing with my elbows pointed out, heh. I was amazed at their talent. I'm a big fan of Tool but I'm not a diehard fan like I am for some other bands. I've heard some songs before with odd sounds that I just can't seem to place what instrument it's coming from, bass or guitar. I was extremely amazed at how much sound Justin's bass produces. He's not just there to keep a rythym or a beat going, he's amazing. The entire band is amazing. The little intermissions where some ear candy tracks were played (Eon Blue Apocolypse, etc.) were very cool to hear. That gave me a chance to just look at the art and the visuals and take it all in. Maynard then strapped on a guitar and they started to tune in with each other as Adam played the main riff to "Schism" very slowly. Everyone was sort of looking around and wondering what they were doing, but I knew "Schism" was next. Again, complete amazement. The entire place was just rumbling with sound, it was so loud yet so clear, I could hear every note. You could feel bass rumbling through your chest and if you tried to focus on anything, it looked as if it was vibrating, but it was actually your eyes that were vibrating, incredible. "Parabol" got the crowd worked up because we knew "Parabola" was next. Once they kicked into it a huge balloon structure (the same thing from the video) came up and floated around behind Maynard, it was cool to say the least. Again, the visuals kept changing and the entire experience just became more and more mindblowing. The intermission seemed to kind of drag on for a while, but again it was a chance to sit back and look at more of the visual effects they had going on. "Disposition", "Reflection", and "Triad" all strung together like that were some of the most amazing sounds I've ever heard. Danny with John from Tomahawk doing percussion like they did for a good 10 minutes was just insane. I loved it. They finished up with "Lateralus" came together for a hug and a bow and I don't think anyone went home disappointed. My ears were ringing so loud, I can't think of any other word to describe it except AMAZING!
Review written by: Heather (wiccanpie@abyss.za.org) Review posted on: 08/25/02 22:18:58 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
I pulled into HSBC Arena's parking lot around 7:10, went through the line to get frisked and was told to either take back the pins from my skirt or to throw them out. So I take them back to the car, and go back to the Arena to meet up with Bryan, Lindsay, and Jason. Went through the line where they take tickets and started breathing irreguarly. Bryan kept looking over at me every few seconds to make sure I was ok. As we walked into the isle to go to our seats, Tomahawk was on, I started going nuts over the fact of how close we were to stage. I was very happy over this. And also very happy I was NOT on the floor. After Tomahawk left the stage (thank god) I started getting really smiley. Tool -(minus) Maynard came on I stopped breathing. Waiting in anticipation for what was next to come. As they started playing the begining notes to Sober, my eyes filled with tears, all to be completed when Maynards voice came into picture, where I started sobbing and becoming completely vaulnerable to the vocals. Maynard is like a male siren. He is fabulous. I sat there for a good majority of the time with my eyes closed, and tears streaming down my cheeks. I was seriously in heaven. Held there by Maynard's vocals, the music surrounding my body andmy boyfriend's arms around my waist. The track list went: *Sober* *The Grudge * *Stinkfist* *H.* *Schism* *Parabol -> Parabola* *Aenima* ----------------------- *Disposition* *Reflection* *Lateralus* Maynard was wearing these really yummy leather pants that just made me want to pinch his ass. They played wonderfully. At the end, a group hug. Overall rating: ( * * * * * ) 5 stars. I have to say, best concert I have EVER been at.
Review written by: Chris (Chrisnw14@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 00:25:20 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
One of the most different experences I've ever had. Although the crowd was sub par the band still rocked out. I thought maybe a smaller venue would have changed that. I doubt they will come back to buffalo any time soon, but I guess if your not the goo goo dolls or the buffalo bills your not gonna sell out. reading other reviews I knew what to expect, I wasnt totally blow away but the show was definatly a experence. Also the fact that tickets were 40 bucks a peice is a turn off, a more stripped down show would be 10 times more kick ass, I know the band wants the artwork and stuff but a more stripped down show production would be much more effective and cheaper like pearl jam. Really I cant complain over all GREAT SHOW!
Review written by: rob (collnite@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 00:47:38 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
the reviews aren't showing up as a link
Review written by: Kahunaman (t@kahunalei.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 09:26:18 ET
This was this reviewer's 2nd Tool show
That concert was one of the most intense displays I have ever experienced. I will leave the set-list to someone else, but I'll just say that there were minimal surprises. Not that this is a problem, because what they did choose to play was perfect. They again opened with Sober, and followed with The Grudge. Stinkfist was extended again, and blew me away. We also got treated to H, which I heard them play in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago. Nice Work on that one. The second set was identical, with Disposition & Reflection and so on. Great work with bringing the guy from Tomahawk out on the Drums. Much to my girlfriend's dismay, Maynard did NOT choose to strip down for this show at all, be we were graced with him wearing the full on leather ourfit that I've seen in pictures of previous tours. Maybe he remembers the snow in Buffalo, and just wanted to be prepared. Anyway, The entire experience was amazing, intense, and uplifting. And I can't help but drop my commentary on Tomahawk. While I understand that some people enjoy them, I disliked them so much when I saw the show a couple weeks ago, that I made myself late for this Buffalo show, just so I didnt' have to hear them. It bothered me entirely too much last time. Maybe if Patton had some bouncing fish on the stage or something... I dunno. But I was very disappointed in them, and their music is, at best, annoying. Also, I was surprised that The Arena didn't serve Beer. What the hell was that all about? And my biggest issue. Where were you Buffalo? 5,000 tickets? Come on. That place was EMPTY. Shameful Buffalo....Shameful. Thank you Tool for coming to buffalo. -Tom
Review written by: Master Reviewer (sdt@fdrr.c0m) Review posted on: 08/26/02 17:50:15 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: dmv (vuke1) Review posted on: 08/26/02 21:59:59 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: dmv (vuke1) Review posted on: 08/26/02 21:59:59 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: dmv (vuke1) Review posted on: 08/26/02 22:00:21 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: Mike Manson (snaketoe@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 22:05:16 ET
Shit! I had waited for years because of bad timing and circumstance to see Tool. When I heard they were coming to town I gladly put down 42 x 2 of my hard earned dollars for a pair of tickets to see the show. Was it worth it? No. I walked out of the HSBC Arena feeling kinda cheated. First is the issue of Maynard not facing the crowd. Im sure hes got some visionary artistic bullshit statement hes trying to make but he comes off looking like an asshole whos trying way to hard. Then there was the songs - I realize theres a new album to push, so a healthy dose of Lateralus was expected, but the rest of the set was crap. For christsake they opened with sober. They could have at least waited till i has to piss to play that one. Maybe the reason I didnt hear more of the songs I wanted to was because they only played for an hour and a half. Less than that if you cut out all the synthesizer crap and a lame jam with the guy from tommahawk (Who asked for that?). Bottom line is the show was weak at best. If your a fan from pre-Aenima days save your cash, theres not much there for you.
Review written by: 3rd libra (rgherson@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 22:10:45 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Earlier on in the summer, when Tool announced their tour, I went and bought tickets to the Hamilton Show on august 25. I had floors and I was needless to say very pumped. The last two shows I saw I ended up front row against the railing, so that was my plan for the hamilton show. Well, a couple of weeks later, I get a letter from my hockey team, telling me training camp starts in sarnia on august 25th. I double and triple check the letter and it's the same night as the tool show, so i get pretty bitter and start to accept that I won't see tool on this tour. Then, i'm looking on toolshed one day and I see that tool is playing in Buffalo on the 23rd, that's only like an hour and a half away. So, I sell my hamilton tickets using toolshed's ticket hookup and go on the internet and buy three tickets for buffalo. No floors left, so i settle for seats in section 103, in hopes of trading them for three ga's with a scalper. The day of the show rolls around and I am going to buffalo with my buddy and my girlfriend, who is a new tool fan, thanks to me and doesn't really know them that well. She calls Sober our "Fucking" song, because she likes to hear it when we have sex it is a very good fucking song by the way, i recommend trying it out. So, we go to buffalo and park the car and try and find somewhere to eat before the show. We find this sketchy, smoky bar and I order wings (what else do you order in buffalo?) My girlfriend starts to feel shitty and says to me, lets just keep our tickets, i don't want to stand in the pit all night, so since it's my 3rd tool show and I really like my girlfriend, I say ok and we keep our tickets. We get to the show somewhere during the Tomohawks set, it isn't my type of music, but i see some things i like in them. Our seats aren't too bad. We were right at the end of the rink, a bit to the side. we can see the whole stage and the screens, so it was good. Finally after an agonizing wait during the introduction music, where I'm sure Tool sits backstage and just laughs at all the fans going crazy waiting for them, tool finally comes on stage and starts with Sober. My girlfriend is the most pumped person ever. They played pretty much the same set as most nights on the tour. and they played H. which was awesome live, and the only song of the night i hadn't heard live before. Somewhere during Lateralus, I told my girlfriend I loved her for the first time. she turned around and gave me a huge hug and told me she loved me too. cheesy, i know, but, I think it's something about that song that gets me all romantic. On the way home from the show we went to Niagara Falls and had sex to Sober.
Review written by: meeeee (millk@hotmail.com) Review posted on: 08/26/02 22:46:16 ET
This was this reviewer's 3rd Tool show
Awesome
Review written by: Metalanarchist (noneofyourbusiness@here.org) Review posted on: 08/27/02 14:02:37 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
PERSONAL NOTE: This was my girlfriend's and my second show on the tour. We drove eight hours from near New York City — got pulled over by cops for no legitimate reason, so they could practice their interrogation and intimidation techniques on us before letting us go with a "warning"; plus walked around what may be THE most depressed city in the United States, with more abandoned buildings and people in wheelchairs per square mile than I have ever seen; plus searched for what seemed like forever looking for a restaurant, and we vegetarians wound up settling for a salad and baked potato at a steakhouse where there was a faux-Frank Sinatra piano player and the waiter revelled in presenting a cart laden with slabs of raw, unrefrigerated red meat to "tempt" us (UGH) — but you know what? It was worth it! TOMAHAWK: I am a huge Patton fan, and I probably revelled in the abuse the Tool fans in the seats around me heaped on him as much as he did. Of course, I laughed my ass off as he dished it right back: "You Buffalo scumbags!" he began. "I'm going to let you know about our aftershow party. It's at the Anchor bar. Show up, and we'll beat the shit out of you, then buy you a bucket of wings. So — come to the party, and first we'll kick your ass, then we'll buy you wings." Oh, he was in great form tonight! "I look at you thousands of people, and all I see is one guy — in a Motley Crue shirt! Bwaa-ha-hah!!!" Later, he found another tough guy to razz: "Aw, this guy in a Pantera shirt doesn't like us! Boo-hoo-hoo!" Yes, he mentioned that his guitarist, Duane, had performed anal sex on Tommy Lee, and that he was better than Pamela. He also mentioned that it was "unpatriotic to not like us!", following up with a mock "USA! USA!" chant in a stage whisper to no doubt ridicule the typical crowd chant of those who have one conformed mind and little political consciousness, so typical among most teenagers. To the Pantera shirt-wearing kid, he advised, "You're going to love our next song," which was their cover of "Angel Eyes", the jazz staple with which he crooned the testosterone-filled closed-minded fools into a final spate of outrage. "YOUUUU SUCK!!!!" I laughed and laughed. It was a great rendition. Musically, this show was comparable to East Rutherford's, except the band switched two of their album cuts for two others we hadn't heard before, including the exquisitely trippy "Birdsong." I am looking forward to this band's second record even more. (Hint: If you want to know what Mike is vocalizing, look the lyrics up on the net, and buy the CD to familiarize yourself with the tunes.) GREAT opening act. Thanks, Tool, for bringing them out! TOOL: In East Rutherford, they played their core songs, "The Patient," "Forty Six & 2," "Opiate," and their cover of the Ramones "Commando." Here they rotated in "H" and "Aenema," which were the two songs I wanted to hear most. Thus, I feel like I got to hear every piece of music that is being presented on this tour (with the exception of "4 Degrees" or "Flood," which they played only on the first few dates of the tour — but I got "Flood" on my bootleg video of the Inglewood show, so that takes care of that). Our mission was complete and we appreciated the subtleties of the concert even more. I would point to "Parabola" as the highlight of this experience. Fans around my girlfriend and me gave us looks as we danced and headbanged throughout the first set, while they stood passively in place. My girlfriend, who is from the area, said that people here aren't as expressive as people from New York City. It was a great release for us. Maynard also talked quite a lot. I am glad that this small crowd, which could not have been larger than 6000-7000, didn't arouse his ire in any way. We really got lucky in the two shows we picked. He began: "Is this Buffalo, home of the shittiest band ever, Green Jello? ... Are you sure? ... Bullshit." Before Aenema, he said, "Let's go back a bit. This is going to test your memory. Little pig, little pig, let me in." The people that were with it responded, "Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!" Few probably understood the reference, as most of the high-school-aged fans likely never heard Maynard's high-voiced performance of that line on Green Jello's 1993 "Three Little Pigs." I didn't know the Buffalo connection; it was a welcome and hilarious addition to his usual repartee. Conversely, he was not moved to instruct us tonight to go have sex as he wished that the show would inspire and heal us, but adapted his post-Triad joke to say, "Mike and John from Tomahawk...also known as Power Rangers — a little-known fact. They also own a Chinese restaurant and car wash in Riverside, California." It was a powerful performance. Alex Grey's artwork is astounding, made more so by the manipulation of the stage lighting. The videos are thought-provoking and creepy as always. The band's ability is even more impressive live than on CD. Etc. etc. etc. We certainly will be going to another show or two in the fall when Tool return with MESHUGGAH! This show was a real gift, and we are very grateful. One last wry note: Tool's music kneads you on a deep level and lifts you out of yourself as you hear it, but when you see them in Buffalo you quickly return to earth as you leave the arena, unfortunately, after you smell the rotten egg stench wafting over from the Sewer Authority across the street. Ugh! Ah, well — "All this pain is an illusion..."
Review written by: Andreana (LHSucks02@aol.com) Review posted on: 08/28/02 12:35:07 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st? Tool show
wow, that was the most incrediable show i have ever seen! it was my 1st TOOL show, and it was definatly worth the $! the band was soo amazing and the artwork and stuff in the background was awesome! i went with people that didnt really like TOOL as much , so they didnt feel the vibe as much. i think its amazig how they conncect w/the audience without saying many things. tomahawk sucked though. they were good.... till the singer opened his mouth.... hehe. -dreee
Review written by: Anthony (PWee1306@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/29/02 17:11:21 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. Ok, so, now on to my Buffalo review. First things first, Tomahawk friggin ruled. Patton is awsome. Loved his jokes, and me and my friends and family drove all around Buffalo looking for the Anchor Bar to no avail. Poor us. I can see why people don't like them, it is not a very easy style to get into, but just cause you don't like the style don't bash them and try and get people to avoid them because you never know, someone else may like it. Now on to TOOL. As I said in my Syracuse review, I can only compare TOOL's performances, and not the whole shows in general, because I missed Tomahawk in Syracuse. Tool were good. I am not gonna talk about the setlist cause it has all ready been posted like a hundred times, except that it was the same as normal except for replacing 46 and 2 with H. TOOL's performance seemd much more tame then the Syracuse one. They were not bad, not in the least, but they were much more inspired in Syracuse and more reliable here. The band itself weren't very animate, but they were still good. They did not miss a beat and made the songs sound even better. TOOL live is, to me, like seeing a well oiled war machine going into battle and completely dominating their opponent. TOOL are a precision instrument live. Maynard didn't face the audience the entire night, but he talked a lot more then he did in Syracuse. Even made some jokes about the old band Green Jello, yes he said jellonot jelly, cause that was what they were originally called till they got sued by the jello corporation, which him and Danny used to be members of. Up close maynard with his back turned can seem like a bad thing, but if you go to the back of the arena, you notice it looks very cool due to the lighting and his outfit turning him into a shadow. My dad went with me and he thought it was the funniest thing he ever saw. 'I've never seen anythign like that before. The singer spent the entire night singing to the background. He has cool down to a T.' Also tonight they seemed to be having some trouble keeping the giant cancer balls up. The one behind Danny kept falling. The crowd was very good tonight. Absolutely no one that i could hear booed either Tomahawk or TOOL's Lateralus songs. And just as in Syracuse, Triad is amazing live when John and Mike join them. That part of the trilogy, well the whole trilogy, Lateralus, The Grudge, H, and Aenima were the highlights of the night for me. Same in Syracuse except replace H with 46 and 2.
Review written by: Genghoid Flippiant (penis@marijuana.com) Review posted on: 08/29/02 23:39:29 ET
This was this reviewer's 1st Tool show
It rocked my shit. Tomahawk was ON. Tool was even more on. Definately an excellent package.
Review written by: Sierra (saphyrva@yahoo.com) Review posted on: 08/30/02 12:54:25 ET
This was this reviewer's 7th Tool show
Although everything seemed up to par, I felt something was still lacking in this performance. It definitely felt as if the band did not want to be there., they were just not into it. The passion and energy I felt in previous shows was not present. Perhaps though, I was trying to hard to find it. Good show nevertheless and as always a great experience.