06.29.2010 - Denver, CO @ Red Rocks

[SadSummerSea]

Reviews only, please.

Setlist:

Third eye
Jambi
Stinkfist
Vicarious
Intension
Right in Two
Schism
Flood
Lateralus w dalek
Ænema

[no_name]

Third eye
Jambi
Stnkfst
Vicar
Intension!!!
Ri2!!!!
Schism
Flood
Lateralus w dalek
Aenima

[Az Bay]

It was fantastic, SOOOOO glad they changed up the list from last night. Right In Two was mindblowing. Until next time, Tool, thanks for a great two nights!

[kanaduh]

First time ever for Intension - the FULL version!!!
Followed by Right in Two, and Flood is back.

Mark my words - the intro to Vicarious WILL be on the next album. Justin added a semi-lengthy bass tracking for the ambient work-in-progress.

RED ROCKS - thank you!

Best venue i've ever seen.

Great setlist Tool.

Thanks again to the fellow tdners I met in Denver (noname, jwb).

[riverboy]

Awesome show, seemed more energetic than last night. Great set list. Flood was the highlight for me, though Stinkfist left quite an impression. The crowd around our seats was WAY better, though security was militant.

The band was tight, Maynard sounded perfect, and Danny blew my mind as always. Both Justin and Adam were ROCKING OUT. I've never seen such enthusiasm from them.

The only bummer was the show was about 20 minutes shorter than the first night.
I enjoyed Dalek, but I think I was only one of about 10 that did.

The guy behind me got the last signed poster (again by Adam) around 7pm.
You had to be in the right line to get the signed ones, a lesson learned by standing in the wrong line for 15 min. They both nights' posters framed for something like $700. Once again, the framing quality was crap, no mat, crooked, etc.

Best Tool show I've seen since '93!

[soreal]

Adam drew,both rhe posters. Justin was on last nights,and shelle on tonights, for the recent marriage I'm guessing. Got one of each signed.

Adams hair was down tonight, not in pig tails. Justin was kicking Ass like usual. Danny is a god. Maynard was great, wearing pants and mohawk not the postal get up.

Loved the show tonight, intension and RI2 I loved.

See u in Seattle san fran and sactown.

Also noticed last night he made a comment like " everything is gonna be ok " sounded like a bill hicks impression and and a lot of the 3rd eye vocals sounded like hicks impressions a well. Anyone else catch that?

[drbg781]

Wow...another TooL show in the bags and this one was AMAZING!!!! I can't even describe it so I won't. Set list changes were so cool...if you went both nights you saw a killer mix of songs...LA has something to look forward to. I can't ask any more of TooL. I think they just shut up all the negative people bashing them for not doing anything new or interesting with the live show. You have no clue what you're talking about. Third Eye was cool again, Right In Two was so perfect for me because it had Intension before hand, and I alaways like Flood. The band was into it...they understood what it was coming to Red Rocks this summer...they could have only been just as excited to play that venue as we were to see them there. These last two nights have changed my life. Crowd around me was much cooler than last night. I agree that the Vicarious Jam is a going to be on the next album, or something very similar. They added to it tonight...Justin did that is. Anyone notice Adam playing a little riff from No Quarter at the intro to Lateralus?? Its so tiny you can almost miss it...its the "they bring the news that must get through" riff. Not much, but its something. I was really interested in knowing what Danny, Adam and Maynard were talking about right before Lateralus, Maynard seemed to shake his head and then Danny and Adam looked to agree on something. Who knows, probably nothing. Last note, got a signed gig "justin" poster last night and a regular "Shelley" poster tonight. I like the bride and groom idea, they will look great framed together. Got a limited edition shirt tonight as well...goodbye paycheck!

Take care friends, I hope you all had as much fun as I did the last two nights...I had the most though!!! LOL!

It was a special moment in time...

Peace. Out.

[havokb24]

Show 20 something for me. Didn't get to go to last night, but this was the best TOOL show I have been to. Hard to believe it had been 9 years since they had played Red Rocks. Pretty much indescribable show really pushes the boundaries of your mind and your emotions. The new lighting and screens are amazing, the show goes so far beyond the music now. The animation during the "intermission" was awesome, really high definition unlike anything I have seen in any of the TOOL videos. Danny has gotten so unbelievable now.....Third Eye was just amazing but you almost forget it happened by the end. My mind almost collapsed at the end of Right in Two, such power and energy. Maynard messing with his voice a lot, quite humorous and adds a spin here and there. Never get tired of the extended Stinkfist instrumental and sped up Schism.......They really include so many powerful build ups now. If you haven't seen them yet this would be a good place to start, although this night did feel special.

[Az Bay]

did anyone notice at the end of Jambi, Maynard bent over the stage and was motioning like a dog owner would motion to their dog, by bending over and clapping for someone or something to come closer. he seemed to do it a few times, and no one or nothing responded, so then he got off the platform and then bent down as if he was petting a dog. was there a dog there? or was he just fucking around with the lab coat dudes and me?

[benpedro]

Great seeing reviews from every stop on this tour as being the best TOOL show each person has ever seen. Just wish the itinerary wasn't limited to midwest and west coast. I wish I could see this new show.

[heliotrpic]

No dog but I did see a sound tech put a wind up R2D2 on the stage behind Adam. Awesome show. The new setlist seemed to make the guys a little more spontaneous, at least that's how it felt from where I was standing.

I grew up in Detroit and have seen some pretty rowdy crowds, Colorado seems to be pretty subdued, I think everyone has their medical card and just chills instead of really jamming out.

People kept asking if I thought it was better than Monday's show. I would say they were both awesome but different. The setlist was missing a quickie off of Opiate, they had time, they could have done it. Flood was a welcome surprise and a very nice treat. Third Eye was amazing.

Show 31 is in the bag.

[Az Bay]

No dog but I did see a sound tech put a wind up R2D2 on the stage behind Adam.

Ha ha, thanks! It was funny to watch Maynard calling for it as if it were a dog.

[t46@2]

I have been going to TOOL concerts since 1994, they played in Bremerton Washington and lastnight show was amazing!!! Tool has gone from a hard core industrial metal band to a truly stuning performance band.
For thouse of you that were fortunite to be at Red Rocks for these last two shows know why Red Rocks is the premier location for a concert.
Last night was the 4th time I saw TOOL at RR.

[SolomonSeven]

So now that I have finally come down off my bad ass mushroom trip.. Let me say WOW. I was blown away and very impressed with the set list since I had expected them to play the exact same show as the night before but they came out tonight and showed me that mystical element to the live experiance that I have known and loved them for everytime I have seen them play live.. My first tool show was Red rocks 2001... Last night and tonight were 11 and 12. Tonights show by far being the best tool show I have ever been to, and I can't wait to have both my posters framed and hanging on the wall with the others. Great feeling tonight boys! Thank you for playing Red Rocks again, and Thanks to the hippies in row 15 that hooked me up with a night that I won't ever forget as long as I am alive. To everyone reading this that is waiting for Tool in the days to come =) It's going to be one hell of a ride.

[BlairLicksTaint]

wow. tripping during last night's show made it so great. Danny blew me away. He never quits lately, always embellishing his fills, adding new ones, and it's he's BAD ASS. The new visuals looked so much better from row 18 then row 66. I liked the setlist much better, even though I've heard Flood so many times, those guitar chords ringing in my dome never gets old. Love that song live, especially the videos during it. Intension and Right in Two were mind blowing, Although Danny got confused on Intension a few times. He pulled it off just fine, but as a drummer I could see him tripping up a little bit.

I hope I get another chance to see Tool atRed Rocks because that was absolutely the best concert I've been to. Better than Phoenix 2002

[sentell]

Best concert ever. No need to ever go see any other show ever. Saw them both nights here, 8th show total for me. Tuesday's show blows everything away. Maynard was obviously more into tonight, energetic, diaper dances, etc. The band fed off that and the crowd and incredible atmosphere that was red rocks. They worked the lights better today and thank god they mixed up the setlist with 3 incredible songs. The crowd was much more about TOOL tonight than last night (as opposed to just partying). And Red Rocks venue allowing everyone space to dance and jam out in their seats was incredible, allowed me the perfect trip. The Moon was full and eerie again. I won't ever forget this one. So damn lucky to have been there (seats 6 rows center behind the sound booth didn't hurt either!)
AND STINKFIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zombie]

Just flew back to Atlanta. Oh my Jebus. Both days they soundchecked right in two. The second day, they soundchecked flood also. The Vicarious intro was longer and the bass part seemed WAY more developed. I was literally right in front of Justin in the 3rd row. Both posters look cool next to each other. The embossing is cool as shit.

I was wondering what the hell maynard was doing clapping his hands. At first he waved and then gave a thumbs up and then clapped at the ground. r2d2 makes sense. INTENSION! and how about the digital drums in the buildup of RI2. He was going triple fast, blurry sticks. I'm soo tired, I didn't sleep last night either... my flight home was @ 6.



am.


did anyone else think maynard purposefully hit the wrong key(s) everytime in Vicarious? And the Aenima fret for yours were mixed up, and he def. said "Fuck John Travolta" in there too.

Red Rocks is the shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



more later

[havokb24]

did anyone else think maynard purposefully hit the wrong key(s) everytime in Vicarious? And the Aenima fret for yours were mixed up, and he def. said "Fuck John Travolta" in there too.

Red Rocks is the shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes the part that keeps playing over and over in my head today is Maynard singing Vicarious especially "a poison in his tea" I remember poison being really drawn out it was pretty badass honestly I thought it made the song feel a little more sinister, and definitely on purpose.

[Bridger the Mountain Man]

The sound was a lot better this night. The 1st night wasnt as loud either. I could hear maynard more clearly.

Was worth it to go to both nights since they changed it up.

[tremans]

Here's a little video clip from last night...

Ænema
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5mrMsixNko

ETA: A shaky clip of Right In Two:
http://www.vimeo.com/12971947

[MunsterRugby07]

This was the best Tool show I've seen. Band seemed energetic and committed to the moment. Thought Maynard taking pictures at the begninning with his phone was interesting. Maybe a hack on the venue for being nazis about what you could/couldn't bring in? Who knows, I am probably wrong but was just a thought.

The visuals were incredible. Was just hands down the most intense thing I have ever seen.

My only 'negative' (if it's even really a negative) was that they took out The Patient and Intolerance for Right In Two and Flood, and we got shorted 46&2. Don't get me wrong, both RI2 and F were amazing, but I saw them both multiple times over the last 4 years. And for the people that will say I should've just went to both shows, well I can't afford that. So, suck it.... :) Im just bitter cause in '07 they replaced PushIt with Right In Two the night I went lol. So I got screwed by RI2 twice so far lol

[PryingOpen11]

I will keep this brief. Last night was my 33rd TOOL concert. 33. I think that puts me in some unique company and makes me slightly qualified to judge a show. Don't miss this show. And take mushrooms. That is all.

[base metal]

Pretty damn epic. Not my favorite set list but that's just tough shit. Red Rocks is always a treat, glad i could be there for this one. Highlights for me were definitely 3rd eye, flood and right in two. Thanks to Tool for a hell of a show.

See y'all next time

[ROCKMOUSE]

i liked tonights show better than the redrocks 28th show, i think from being in the back on the 28th, and seeing a dude on a bike with a ticket upgrade, i was close enough to see them sweat, and the sound was a lot better then i thought it would being closer, hats off to jr again and thanks TOOL for another great performance, off to ST. Paul, then the long bridge into Canada, where the trees are green and a girl i no lives in sin, then hurry up California shows

[The Embryo 2]

I will keep this brief. Last night was my 33rd TOOL concert. 33. I think that puts me in some unique company and makes me slightly qualified to judge a show. Don't miss this show. And take mushrooms. That is all.

Tool nation. You need to find a way to see this tour.


Period.

[LAWSONMILLIKEN]

First of all, WOW! 13 year fan of tool and I have never seen them live. (priorities, kids, work) you get the idea. I have purchased tickets to these genious' on 2 separate occasions, of which both fell through and I had to sell. I have never witnessed anything like I did last night. The last 10 years solid I have been dying to see them, so it has been an interesting psychological build up to last night. Of course, I went into the show thinking, "Is this really going to be everything I have had to wait for, for 10 years straight?" The answer is YES, without a doubt. Let me add here; LIVE DVD PLEASE!! Granted, it will not hold a candle to being there, but I would be more than content with one. My personal highlight of the night had to be FLOOD. Caught me completely off guard and to be honest, this is one song that I have never really taken a strong liking to. Not because I didn't like the feel, only because there are way too many others. I now feel otherwise; I have been listening to this song all day now because last nights amazing performance of it. Looking at it in another light for sure. I want to say that the security nazi's were the downfall of the night for me. Assholes; they would not leave anybody alone. We were next to some really cool people who had some killer greens. Added to the experience for sure. Maynard's vocals were spot on the whole night. Especially impressive in THIRD EYE. I must say when Maynard was imitating what sounded like an auctioneer just before the HEY HEY into Aenima, I had to giggle. I managed to get an autographed poster and the limited edition t-shirt. Very happy. If I never seen them again, I would die a happy man. Nobody will ever top a performance like that, other than the masters' themselves.....Truly unbelievable. To everyone else awaiting their arrival, "Be ready for a life altering experience that you will never forget." I wish I could have taken my children to witness such a beautiful performance...........Maybe next time..

[havokb24]

Tool nation. You need to find a way to see this tour.


Period.

Exactly you have to find a way if you are a hardcore fan who knows how many chances there will be to have this indescribable experience.

[trebor777]

Tool nation. You need to find a way to see this tour.


Period.

Well, a couple of shows east of the Mississippi River would help...

[licks and teeches]

What can I say...that was THE best show I have ever seen.Without a doubt.I never thought that the 2 Lateralus shows I seen in 2002 would be beat but then again I hadn't seen TOOL @ Red Rocks before either! There was a definate magical,mystical aura surrounding this day,can't describe as i've seen said posted here before.Met a few really cool heads,all that traveled great distances for this holiest of holy experiences.Thank You TOOL,Thank You Red Rocks,Thank you Colorado for making this truly one of the most memorable days of my life.9th show...can't wait for number 10......keep going

[PessimisticOptimist]

Just flew back to Atlanta. Oh my Jebus. Both days they soundchecked right in two. The second day, they soundchecked flood also. The Vicarious intro was longer and the bass part seemed WAY more developed. I was literally right in front of Justin in the 3rd row. Both posters look cool next to each other. The embossing is cool as shit.

I was wondering what the hell maynard was doing clapping his hands. At first he waved and then gave a thumbs up and then clapped at the ground. r2d2 makes sense. INTENSION! and how about the digital drums in the buildup of RI2. He was going triple fast, blurry sticks. I'm soo tired, I didn't sleep last night either... my flight home was @ 6.



am.


did anyone else think maynard purposefully hit the wrong key(s) everytime in Vicarious? And the Aenima fret for yours were mixed up, and he def. said "Fuck John Travolta" in there too.

Red Rocks is the shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



more later

I'm almost postive that my seat was right next to your dads a bit further up in row 12. If thats the case, your dad is one chill ass dude. Most the other people in our general area were as well, save for a few. And thanks for clarifying that portion of Maynards change up on the lyrics for Aenima. Travolta would definitely fit in place of L. Ron Hubbard as a more contemporary symbol of scientology so that makes sense for that part of the song.

Last year we made it down to AZ for their Phoenix show but I'd say this show was 100 times better. The change up from nosebleed seats in a stuffy sports center, to 12th row at RED ROCKS, being the key reasons.

Danny was throwing down like a CHAMP! Seeing Justin jam the fuck out with all that energy is a memory I'm pretty confident will flare up in my mind for the rest of my life. I didnt have the best view of Adam but I definitely heard him shredding like a beast, and I could hear Maynard much more clearly this time(most likely due to our durastically upgraded seats).

I heard Maynard's name being shouted and spoken quite often during the show but after Lateralus, I shouted "DANNY!" and a number of people nearby looked over at me with looks on their faces that seemed to say, to me at least, "who the fuck is Danny?" Which brings me to my theory for all these people ive seen commenting on Maynard rolling out as soon as the last song ends. Personally, I think he is trying to give back credit to the other three members of the band. Adam, Danny, and Justin all put just as much effort, energy, and emotion into these albums and shows that Maynard does, but I think some of these fans forget that there are 4 talented artists behind Tool.

Overall though, I had a blast and this was by far the best concert of 3 that I've seen at Red Rocks. I didnt get a T shirt this year because The Red Rocks exlcusives were gone before i got to the front of the line, but i did leave the show with a wider perspective of a band that has had a profound impact on my life. So that's how I choose to look at it.

[BlairLicksTaint]

I was surprised at the people who thought Maynard was more into it the second night. I Thought he performed amazingly, but instead of his usual crazy dancing, he was mostly just standing still, staring at Danny the whole show. If he wasn't singing, he would just sort of stand on the back corner of his riser. Now, he definitely could have been marvelling in the sight that is Danny Carey throwing down, but he sees that every night. I was on a heavy dose of shrooms, but I know that whenever I looked over at Maynard, he was standing still, arms to his side. Did anyone else notice this or was it just happening the few times I took my eyes off of Danny?

[milehigh462]

WOW! Where to begin? Well first off, this was my 8th time, 7th occured the night before. These were the best visuals ever at a show, hands down!
The Monday June 28th show was amazing, especially the way the moon turned red, then yellow, then as the show ended, the moon settled in behind the clouds, a fitting end no doubt. I was row 42, seat 60, amazing show!! Intolerance was unreal, 46&2 was intense, Lateralus was awesome as always...
Now, for the Tuesday June 29th show, a dream come true, 2nd row center, seat 60, face to face with the band, WOW!
Never been that close to TOOL, it was incredible to say the least! Was unreal to be able to watch them up close, going through their rituals, rocking out, Maynard being Maynard, rocking the Hawk, slamming wine.
I am still in awe!!! This was the most incredible night of my life, I am speechless and humbled, Thanks boys, you are appreciated.
I always dreamed what it would be like to see Tool front row at Red Rocks, all of my expectations are surpassed....Nothing can top this one!!!!!!!!!!
Well, maybe next time :)

[Durangatang]

Exactly you have to find a way if you are a hardcore fan who knows how many chances there will be to have this indescribable experience.

Amen brotha. I've been going to Tool shows since 1999 and this tour is as good or better than Lateralus. My wife and I have been strapped for cash lately but we both have been wanting/waiting to see our first show at Red Rocks. We made the decision to go less than one week before the show after seeing it would not be the same 10,000 days setlist. Getting the chance to see our favorite band play at the most beautiful spot (and fuckin' kill it) was the highlight of the summer. Payin stubhub prices is the only reason we didn't go both nights but, it was so worth it....

Red Rocks is an indescribable experience where you can just say "Saw Tool there in 2010..." and either the person smiles and knows or it just goes over their head.

[Durangatang]

[QUOTE=PessimisticOptimist;2923391]

Personally, I think he is trying to give back credit to the other three members of the band. Adam, Danny, and Justin all put just as much effort, energy, and emotion into these albums and shows that Maynard does, but I think some of these fans forget that there are 4 talented artists behind Tool.
[QUOTE]


Maybe, but Maynard hates the public in general. Especially the "fans" who scream his name and want to touch him. If I was as sick of society as him, I would not want to hang around and give them what they want. Which is recognition of them (the fans). Besides, I have heard from people who have met him that he is a total dick to those outside of his circle and has the ultimate "fuck you, fuck off" attitude of a rock star.

Oh well, at least the other three members know how much we love them and are appreciative of our devotion.

[entheo]

First of all, thank you to everyone who was there. The crowd and crew at these shows were fantastic in all regards and made the experience much more enjoyable than the average Tool show. These were my 14th & 15th Tool concerts and the second night (Tuesday) easily took the top spot of all. I've seen Tool perform at their best, (The Gorge in 2006) their worst, (Reno in 2007) and somewhere in between. This was easily their best show since the Lateralus-era tours. I drove 14 hours to Red Rocks with my two best friends and we all managed to get signed posters for both nights and the limited t-shirts too. Words cannot begin to describe how epic these two shows were and I doubt Tool will be able to top them any time soon. Perfect venue. Perfect sound. Perfect band. Perfect crowd. Perfection. Cheers.


Here's some pictures of the signed posters:
both signed posters (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/posters.jpg)
first poster close up (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/june28.jpg)
second poster close up (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/june29.jpg)

And here's some pictures my friend took before the shows:
the stage setup (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow1.jpg)
red rocks 1 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow2.jpg)
red rocks 2 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow3.jpg)
red rocks 3 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow4.jpg)

[nicolinaz]

I have heard from people who have met him that he is a total dick to those outside of his circle and has the ultimate "fuck you, fuck off" attitude of a rock star

Not at all.

Totally fun dude. Nerdy, Eccentric & likes his wine.

[nicolinaz]

And here's some pictures my friend took before the shows:
the stage setup (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow1.jpg)
red rocks 1 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow2.jpg)
red rocks 2 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow3.jpg)
red rocks 3 (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp58/eyechakra/TOOL%20at%20Red%20Rocks%202010/redrockpreshow4.jpg)


Awsome senary.

[tool-n-die]

it says Dalek performed on Lateralus....how did that sound?
what did they do together?

[LAWSONMILLIKEN]

it says Dalek performed on Lateralus....how did that sound?
what did they do together?

Honestly, they did nothing to really enhance the sound. The best way to put it is they did not butcher the song and they did not make it sound any better. They had this swelling sound throughout their whole set and that is all they did on lateralus. Think of the build up into TIME by Pink Floyd. Hope this helps...All in all nothing impressive...

[jaydfeldman]

I went to both amazing Red Rocks shows (Monday 6/28 and Tuesday 6/29) - my 33rd and 34th (I think) Tool shows since 1996. Here are some highlights from my perspective, on both shows.

Flew from SF Bay Area to Denver Monday afternoon to meet two good buddies (one a Denver local) and see the shows. I’d never been to Red Rocks but always wanted to – and what a way to experience the venue: with my favorite band. We went out to the venue early to pick up our will call tickets – we were fortunate to get 6th row seats for Monday! We had some extra tickets (further back in the venue) that we sold to lucky and grateful fans at face value – fun to hook up die hard fans.

What an amazingly beautiful site! We got inside in time to catch Wovenhand. I liked what I heard on myspace, but didn’t really get into the set. I was really excited to see Tool – it had been too long. I love hearing Third Eye live, and hadn’t heard it for years so this was an amazing way to start the show. Very cool visuals for this Third Eye – some of which were projected on the red rocks, which made for cool texture.

Maynard asked, “how many of you are 25?” and several folks raised their hands. “You were five years old when we wrote this” and they went right into Intolerance. Undertow is still my favorite album, as a whole– so I really got into this it, but I could tell that not everyone knew the song.

I think they’ve played 46&2 at most of the 34 shows I’ve been to, and it always kicks ass. Danny Carey is amazing on the drums– you can’t tell he just turned 49, he’s fit and powerful.

They closed Monday with Lateralus/Aenima – a great combo. Before the last song, MJK said, “I have a joke for you; a priest, a rabbi and a…. Hey, hey, hey, hey” right into Aenima – pretty funny actually.

Tuesday night we were in the 25th row and more central than Monday. We drove up to the upper north lot and went to the visitor’s center, where there’s a cool Tool display from their 2001 show, and ate dinner at the Ship Rock Grille. This is at the very back of the venue and has a great view of the backside of the hills on which the venue sits. As the sun was going down, we saw lots of folks hiking up the steep hills to get free, albeit distant, seats for the show.

Darren and I picked up limited edition posters, unique for each night, with art by Adam Jones. Darren paid extra for a signed one. The cool thing is that these two different posters are actually a matched set. There’s symmetry between them, and it turns out that one of the well dressed though spooky figures is Justin and the other is Shelee - it’s a wedding portrait since they just got married a few weeks ago. Nice artwork and good quality prints.

I’m glad we got to see them from the 6th row (Monday) and the 25th row (Tuesday). I think I preferred being back a little bit as it allowed us to really take in all the visuals, which were quite cool. I didn’t care for Dalek, so we took time to walk around the venue and see different features at the site. This time, when Tool came on, Maynard was sporting a mohawk, which must have been under his hat on Monday. Danny wore a Kansas basketball shirt instead of the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

Before the show, we were speculating if there’d be a change in set list. Darren, incredibly, called it that we’d lose The Patient (and something else) and gain Flood and Right in Two. We were amazed that he was right! Right in Two is amazing, especially live. I’ve had the fortune of experiencing this song 3 times now, live, and I don’t think they’ve played it very much at all. This was the first time I heard it with Intension at the front. With that song, I’ve once again heard them play every one of their album songs live, at some point. It’s clearly a technically challenging song to play, especially for Danny and Justin. Mid-way through the song we noticed Justin shaking and stretching out his hand after shredding though the song.

I like it that they bring in the opening band to shred with them during Lateralus. It was kinda different for Dalek since they had some kind of digital turntable. I couldn’t really hear much of what they were playing – some scratching. It must have been intimidating for them as MJK was walking around them, checking it out, and as my buddy Nate put it, “looking like a disapproving teacher.” But Maynard was cool and shared his wine (which he drinks straight from the bottle while on stage) with both Dalek guys. They left the stage and Maynard had a look like “that’s it”.

Another funny thing Maynard did was start the show by walking around with a cell phone taking pictures of his band-mates. This seemed like a bit of a F-you since they had put a strict no recording policy where cell phone picture takers could get thown out (after one warning). I’ve heard or read MJK say they don’t like crappy quality photos or video floating around on the web – can’t blame them. He introduced Aenima, the closer, by reciting some really fast gibberish, which made us laugh.

A cool sight on the way out of the venue, from the top/back, was seeing all the hikers streaming down the hills with their flashlights on – after getting a free show.

I think these two shows are my favorite pair seen to date, largely because of the amazing venue and the great friends I experienced it with. I especially liked the set list on the second night. The only other show pair I’ve seen that competes with these was the two nights at the Hollywood Palladium, back in 1998, where they played their entire music library through Aenima.

[VinDieselFiesta]

Holy. Fucking. Shit. What an amazing show, far superior in my opinion to the night before. chilling in row 9 this time on danny & justin's side, perfect angle for watching DC fucking destroy that kit. WAY louder than the first night, i felt the energy in the place was insanely more substantial as soon as the band came out and went in to third eye. third eye is a phenomenal opener and i would love to see it again. very very very epic, did i mention i caught danny and justin just grinning the biggest smiles at each other during this one, maynard talking to danny for a bit, danny just smiling back at him. jambi rocked as did the night before, even though they did that weird 3 or 4 second extended ending thing. stinkfist was great, they've got that song nailed to the fucking teeth it's pretty much perfect. vicarious kinda felt like we were just going through the motions like the previous night, nothing special except awesome visuals (thanks JR.) this was the moment where i knew if they were gonna change it up, it was gonna be now or never. and sure fucking enough INTENSION starts. i believe i was the only person anywhere near me that knew how epic this was that we were being witnesses of the first ever full performance of this song in it's entirety, vocals and all. i went absolutely apeshit for a moment and noone had any idea why i was so excited for what seemed to be just another ambience'ish segue-intro to another song. i quieted down and listened with all of my heart and tried to take in every second to it's fullest potential and let me tell you that song is AWESOME. very technically challenging for danny and justin and it was very cool watching them lay it down. danny again smiling the entire time at justin, seemed to be loving every second of it as much as i was myself. then of course in to right in two, which was my second time seeing it live. i think this is a great song and i'd love to see tool put it out there a little bit more than they do. everybody else seemed to really dig it, minus a few drunk jackasses screaming the entire show for sober. schism with the extended double time break down, was phenomenal as always, love watching danny beast out on this one. right as i was expecting 46&2 to start pumping out, justin thuds out the heavy ass intro notes to flood, FUCK YES. although i saw flood twice on the 2007 tour, i was super stoked that they decided to shake up the setlist this much from the night before, i honestly didn't even think we'd see a single song change up. the new lighting rig really contributes to making this song a very powerful companion to the set. and then again intermission into lateralus w/dalek guesting in the jam break down which i thought was very entertaining even though you could barely hear anything they contributed to the song, mainly just ambience noise. mainly the song was phenomenal to watch go down. danny shatters my head in half every time with that epic gong hit. aenema closer was perfect, compared to the night before where they fucking butchered the ending. crowd seemed to love it, the band seemed to love it, and i'd say this was probably my best/favorite tool show yet. i'm seriously considering trying to get to another show on this tour. i had 3 friends over the 2 nights that had never seen them live before and they basically felt like they had some sort of super intense religious experience at the shows, all 3 being absolutely speechless when asked what they thought of the show. thanks again Tool & Co for yet again proving me wrong when I ask how could your live shows ever possibly continue to get any more amazing.

BTW on a side note, was anyone else baffled by the amount of deadhead hippies were in attendance of both nights? jesus christ, when did tool become so attractive to all these brain fried jam band crunchy groove folk?

[BOXCAR]

So would you concert goers say you got a full 7 minute Intension? (Just read above) but please confirm.

[VinDieselFiesta]

So would you concert goers say you got a full 7 minute Intension? (Just read above) but please confirm.

yes, in it's entirety for the first time. epic.

[LAWSONMILLIKEN]

So would you concert goers say you got a full 7 minute Intension? (Just read above) but please confirm.

Guaranteed my friend. And they dominated it. Absolute brilliance..

[jvalentine]

I was at the opening show in New Orleans and it was amazing....but according to these reviews I missed an EPIC night :(

"BTW on a side note, was anyone else baffled by the amount of deadhead hippies were in attendance of both nights? jesus christ, when did tool become so attractive to all these brain fried jam band crunchy groove folk?"........i think tool is one of the few bands that anyone who loves music will like

[merkaboy]

drove almost 24 hours straight, from Portland, Or. my first time to the absolutely breathtaking red rocks amphitheater. my 20th tool show and hands down, the all time greatest!!!! and especially after last year, im surprised im saying that!

night one-

the entire red rocks park is amazing, my only complaint is you'd think they'd have developed a better way to get in and out of that place. we missed wovenhand cause we were waiting in line. and for the love of bob, GPS mark your car when you get there, cause afterwords in the dark, its much much harder to remember. we walked all over that mountain for at least an hour before we found the car! lol

we were in the 13th row, almost dead center, and guess who was passing the pipe (and then a joint lol) directly 2 rows right in front of me?? none other than Dt. Stabler himself, Christopher Meloni!! i knew he was a big tool fan and friends with the guys, but that was just cool as hell. then security came over and rushed him and his friends backstage.

the lights went down and timothy leary's face and voice materialized. i still dont really know what to say to accurately describe the feeling of finally letting the greatest song ever recorded, wash over me for the first time since '98. the next 15 minutes were probably the most completely overwhelming of my entire life, and im not afraid to say i cried a little lol
the other two highlights as you all know of course, the patient and intolerence, were absolutely spot on.
the lateralus jam with that wovenhand japanese(?) guy was pretty sweet. i like how his son who looked liked short round lol came out and watched and adam went up and high fived him.
maynard seemed soooo much more into it than he was last year. i know alot of it WAS because of red rocks, but that really was the most amazing thing ive ever seen!! the guys were sooooooooo tight. the visuals were mindblowing!!! the guys were having fun and the crowd seemed very appreciative.

now to start the seemingly endless quest to find my car.

*a note about monday night, that was the easiest security check ive ever seen! no metal detector, lazy pat down and thats it. no one was getting busted for pot or cameras. not so with the cameras on tuesday! the security guards were replaced with nazi look alikes who hated recording devices as if they were Aldo "the apache"!! i still got some shots but they were busting people for taking them AFTER the last song, as danny and justin were waving goodbye!! fucks!

night 2

ill keep this short, more of the same amazing awesomeness, with the exception of the inclusion of FLOOD!!! and INTENSION FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!! and RIGHT IN TWO!!!!!! OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

missed delek cause of the entrance line again. the lateralus solo seemed like a really interesting idea IN THEORY, but i didn't really think they added a whole lot unfortunately. maynard passing them his bottle was cool though :)
I will never again miss a tool show at red rocks!!!!

almost forgot, christopher meloni pushed passed us in the 8th row, at the end of Aenema, on tuesday lol awesome!!!

if anyone has any great pics of these shows or red rocks park itself, id love to trade!!!!!

THANK YOU TOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YOU IN SEATTLE AND VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"this is the last song, so you all can put your clothes on...that means you chris." LOL
__________________

[ckritik]

Wow. This is a little late, but it's the thought that counts. First off, Red Rocks + Tool = win. I've never seen/felt/heard/everything that epic. Ever. It blew my mind then and I'm still dreaming about it now. This was, undoubtedly, the best Tool concert that my brother and I have been to so far. We were in row 13 almost dead center (only five seats away from the mixing station), which was (at least for us) the best. We were close enough to see everyone (my brother's a HUGE fan of Adam, as I am of Justin) but still far enough away to enjoy the visuals. And enjoy we did.
Starting out with Third Eye was amazing. Incredible. Brilliant. When Leary's voice/face popped up, the whole place went nuts, myself included. The rest of the set was just as awesome and I, like quite a few around me, was moved to tears on more than one occasion. Full Intension/Right in Two took it home, though. My brother and I literally had to sit down after the pair. As for the band itself, they rocked, like always. Danny's a fucking monster, no doubt. Maynard's vocals were amazing and he seemed to be enjoying himself (R2D2!!). Adam was incredible (my brother said it was "the best fucking playing" he'd seen) and Justin both rocked it and proved that he's unquestionably the best bassist out there. :) Thanks, guys, and we'll see you again soon.

[ladycommish]

I enjoyed all the pretty lights. flood made me feel like I was underwater, both deep and shallow.
what a treat it was to hear and see intension into right in two.

excellent. glad I went both nights.

[gnjasmkr]

Going to make this one short and once again really glad that i was able to make these 2 shows.

It was finally amazing to hear Intension in its entirety and to be followed by Right in Two was just perfect but that's not all folks... then GD FLOOD!!!

Awesome set and the lights were awesome Jr. Thank you and the entire crew that does what you do to make these shows happen. You guys are very much a huge part of this whole experience. The crowd as well just did it for me. No one was a real douche around me this time around which made for a better night. My seat was in Row 32 Seat 133 but you can read where i ended up in the review for the first night.

Hung out with great friends and met some new cool people and scored some posters. All in all a great and positive experience.

Thanks again to everyone and i'll see you in S.F., S.D., Vegas and the L.A. shows

[ultratang7]

The best show I've ever seen. Amplified by hallucinegens, it was absolutely breath-taking. It was as if the band was playing with the audience, like we were all puppets dangling on strings. I will never ever forget this one, or this venue. It truly was a special moment in time, like real Magic. I was in row 50, seat one, in the corner, so I had a good view of the whole crowd, and I loved the way the lights would light up the crowd, who really seemed to be "in the moment", every once in a while. The light show was bad-ass. Favorite song of the night- Laterulus(of course, lol) followed by RI2. I'm still in awe a week later. Probably one of the most amazing expiriences of my life. No, definately. P.S I really enjoyed the opening act, It was like nothing I've ever heard, like melodic(?) chaos. Maybe it was the "enhancers", but I was gettin' down on that shit!

[misguided]

There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said here. I just had a brief observation. This is show # 12 & 13 for me and show # 5 & 6 outside of utah. I noticed AGAIN maynard puts a lot more in to a show when he is not in utah! Guess I will see if this proves true again in vegas!

[LAWSONMILLIKEN]

I was at the opening show in New Orleans and it was amazing....but according to these reviews I missed an EPIC night :(

"BTW on a side note, was anyone else baffled by the amount of deadhead hippies were in attendance of both nights? jesus christ, when did tool become so attractive to all these brain fried jam band crunchy groove folk?"........i think tool is one of the few bands that anyone who loves music will like

I bet I heard a dozen different people talking about the Widespread Panic show the weekend before. They were all over for sure..

[VinDieselFiesta]

did anybody acquire any decent pictures from the two nights or know of any floating around out there? i would kill for gorgeous pic of those lazers during lateralus shooting out over the crowd during lateralus...