2006/05/19 - New York, NY - City Center

[swaps]

SETLIST --

Lost Keys
Rosetta Stoned
Stinkfist
Forty Six & 2
Jambi
Right in Two
Schism
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænema



*DO NOT POST IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE SHOW!

[local420]

just got in from the show.i did not like this venue from where i was. which happened to be upper level.vocals way to low for up there and overwhelling bass acoustics

[local420]

i`m not putting the band down what so ever,i think they played well but the venue just isn`t made for them.start time 10pm end somewhere around 11:40pm.also i stood in a very slow line to get a beer and when i got to my seat was told i could not take it to me seat and had to drink it before i could sit down.

[local420]

setlist if i`m correct was the same as Philly and Maynard did not appear to be sick.

[dave_nyc]

SETLIST

Lost Keys
Rosetta Stoned
Stinkfist
Forty Six & 2
Jambi
Right in Two
Schism
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænema


My 9th Tool Show, 3rd on this tour (Seattle and Toronto). NYC was by far the best of the 3, and while I'm probably still reeling in euphoria, I might put it in my top 3 Tool Shows Ever. I also exposed a rookie friend of mine, who was quote: "blown away by how amazing Danny is" - just as I told him.

Looked like Adam fucked up (or had tech probs) during Right in Two, but Danny and Justin held out, making eye contact the whole time until Adam kicked in, then they were right back in synch - just proves how tight they are.

Highlights for me were the extended Stinkfist (minus Orbison Lyrics) and the "fast" version of Schism. That was incredible.

My seats were first mezz, about 8 rows back, so I had a stellar view. All in all, a great show, and clearly tighter than they were in Seattle a few weeks ago. Maynard even made new jokes this time....."fuck is a gateway word, a gateway to terrorism." MJK may still be a little under the weather, he didn't move nearly as much as he did in SEA. EIther way, top notch performance, and great sound from where I was sitting.

[TJBundy]

just got back from the show. amazing. so tired right now. goodnight.

[FKassad]

Just got back. Amazing concert. (1st tool show). I agree with the previous poster saying the vocals were too low. I could barely hear maynard the entire show.

[dloozer]

This was my first Tool show and i could not be more estatic with the performance. Yes, the vox were a little low, but that's it. The venue was great, the band was amazing, right now, i have to take a nap before i try to get tickets for tomorrow night's show. BTW, i was the kid with red hair and glasses sitting in the mid mezz section on Adam's side. If anyone saw me stop and say hi. I met a lot of cool people online...Jeff, you are the man.

[hbynoe]

front row orchestra..
unbelievable
i fucking love tool so much
adam is my hero

ill post more when i can type

highlights...all of it

uber highlights...lateralus
fastened version of schism...didn't know it was possible.
and jambi..

[waking believing running]

god i hate myself. i have really bad anxiety and was thinking about how i was late for work today and couldnt' concentrate on the first 1/3 of the show. i should have done some drugs. seriously. Maynard was much better tonight than in Philly, he was actually moving around and his singing was clearer, and better, and he hit more of the higher notes instead of singing them lower....i think he'll be even better tomorrow night. i'm not really one to give "reviews", just wanted to check in and say the show fucking ruled, like usual -- the venue kind of sucks though. beer was $6.00 just for one and you can't even take it into the theatre!! WTF?! no smoking too, i got away with one though and some guy in front of me got away with a joint. hehe i should have taken some!!!!

anyway, i hope *i'm* better tomorrow night so i can enjoy the show more and be in the moment and quit stressin over work and stupid shit. see you all tomorrow night, those who are going!

[Virtual Light]

First Tool show for me, Rear Mezzanine, K5 and 7, unscalped (yes!) -- God, I can't believe the view I had of Danny and Maynard, and Danny has officially taken over top active drummer spot for me ahead of Mike Portnoy...aside from "Rosetta Stoned," which I think is tough anyway to translate live, the vocals and instrumental mix was perfect, didn't even need earplugs...amazed at how tight the band is live, I really didn't catch any mistakes whatsoever...really loved the instrumental opening to "Sober"..."New Fucking York -- there'll be more swearing in this show, hope you're not offended" and "What can we say besides fuck? Poop." and "That about covers it" before the start of "Ænema"... Justin looked the most relaxed and genuinely happy to see the fans, but I loved Danny's bow at the finale (and, in fact, the genuine camaraderie of the band)...off to bed now, definite 9.5 out of 10, finally got to see my favorite band live!

[marshmeli]

awesome show... i thought the venue was nice... i didnt mind that i couldnt bring a drink to my seat (less reason to buy beer)...

is it just me or where did they mess up stinkfist? not sure why i think that, but for some reason i did... He didnt sound sick at all, and was on...

can't wait for tomorrow, hoping to get Prison Sex instead of Sober and The Pot?????, maybe an opiate bust out for the tour too!!!!

I took some picture from the Mezz
http://community.webshots.com/album/550560283oEePaC
my battery died for some reason so i took 2 more with phone, but then stopped, i plan on having a full battery (and a backup) for tomorrow from the Orch...

[dmoney11]

Fucking incredible. Completely sober and straight for the show btw. Best show I've ever seen, by far. I thought the sound was great, I loved the venue, and Danny is the greatest drummer ever (next to Bonzo)
Later

[marshmeli]

forgot to mention, i do agree that his vocals where a bit low, esp when he was just speaking to the crowd... the songs where perfect though...

[Metal Militia]

Great show...I'm too tired to type more.

[mike009]

my first ever tool concert.....was fucking blown away. It was incredible. I've been a huge fan for the past 3 years, so finally getting to see them was pretty amazing and to be honest emotional. Yes, i couldnt hear Maynard that good when he spoke to the audience, but i was singing aloud so loud to all the lyrics to every song, i found it hard to notice the vocals were low there. im so happy....best part of the show for me was the performance of lateralus. INCREDIBLE. fucking loved it...peace guys

[toolism]

ok so the venue sucked unless you were lucky enuff to be in the front row like miss holly :) but even still it was fuckin awesooooooooooome!!!! I love those boys so damn much, what an awesome show...highlight for me was jambi and lateralus...omg it was all good...i hope im not hungover for tomorrow nights show! cant wait!!!!

[Imagine1980]

Such a sick show, Lateralus was the highlight for me. The night flew by way too quick... Maybe I'll write more tomorrow

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention how ridiculous security was. In the front row of the gallery some girl got kicked out for smokin' pot. Two guards rushed over once the smoke rose and escorted her out, I felt bad because it was right at the beginning of the show. A security guard also told me that "If he sees a flash from a camera than he is walking off the stage." Although security was tight the guy next to me did have a video camera, I think he just used it to record the sound because he sure as hell wasn't visually recording the show.

[electribe1]

Amazing show tonight...maynard was MUCH more enthused than at the philly show...adam had a few flubs...but a KILLER SHOW...love this venue...very different.

these guys truly are the kings of kings

[sahn44]

Ok, so obviously we're all going to enjoy a Tool show immensely or else you wouldn't be here reading these reviews. And, I think, as a fanbase, we're probably a little more astute/discerning than most. So, while I had an awesome experience tonight (Grand Tier, 5th row, left side) and this was actualy my first Tool show (i'm not a newbie, honest. Been hardcore since early/mid-90s), it could have been better. Straight up, I couldn't hear Maynard, and that's shame. I talked with a bunch of other fans and we all we're saying the same thing. I mean, some people's sole job in life is to make this shit sound perfcet and they couldn't do that. Of all bands, I thought they would have nailed the sound in this small theater. But they didn't vocally... Otherwise, I would have hoped for more spontaneity (an Opiate song?). I suppose they've been adored for so long (a decade) that their enthusiasm cannot quite match the fans at this point. I guess I could only be completely satisfied if i was transported back to 1993 or something for a show. So this was a review and that was my criticisms. But, still, these guys are ridiculous. Danny, amazing. None of these guys want the spotlight except for Danny, apparently. It's weird to see the drummer so obviously highlighted but no one is complaining. He's amazing to watch and it's awesome to be able to see him at work in such detail (down to the clear bass drum covers so you can see his feet at work). The place would have erupted if Maynard stepped out front (into that circle place in the center of the stage which no one set foot in). Mmmm, so good, but so much potential as well. Can't wait till the next one...

[evileagle]

Great show...To the left of me and down a couple rows was this group of people that had in it...A Mom and Dad and a couple kids as well as this dude who looked like Meat Loaf. The parents were older but the Mom was rockin out...and next to her was her 18yr old ? daughter who girated to every song like it was a strip club audition. Kinda funny watching her hump the air to songs about the end of the world.

[tspope99]

I was 6th row in the Orchestra... Short dude with the red hat that rocked out (I've been a fan since '96). As much as I enjoyed the show, I was somewhat disappointed with the sound and clarity on the vocals. Not only was it somewhat difficult hearing Maynard as the band whaled away, I had a problem making out some of his comments and jokes when the music was minimal... (aside the one about the "rusty trombone"). It was still an amazing show however and I am thankful to have been a part of it. Oh, and a few people were smoking the ganj around us and I didn't see any of them get heckled. It was unfortunate what happened to that girl.

[EmbraceTdOxOmL]

this was my fifth tool show and the first one sober (just drinkin). fuking great day, great show. me and my bro's hit up this bar called the irish pup convienently located around the corner from the venue to get a beer before the show. before you know it , the entire place was taken over by tool fans. one person yells TOOL! and everyone goes nuts.

on the way to my seat i hit it off with this security guard chick. i was trying to get the crowd pumped up from the side of the stage up on the top somewhere (gallery?). she let me run back and fourth on the balcony and scream my brains out to get the crowd pumped more... i didnt get much response besides some hot chicks laughing at me. if you were seated anywhere on the upper most level you couldnt have missed me.... yeah, i was THAT asshole.

after the show we met this dude who was realy into it. this guy had a lot of interesting and positive things to say. at the end of our conversation he gave us a fattie o' heddie. we smoked it on the way back to penn and it really put me in a cool place.

its 4:30 and i need to get some rest for my trip to meet up with Mr. Grey at the COSM for a 10$ personal tour with like 20 other people. the its back to the city center for another one!

-BenjaminJamiahJammin

[Aggroculture]

Er...what?

OK, I thought the show had a couple of great MOMENTS, Jambi in particular, but let's not get carried away here, it was a very very average Tool show, even pretty poor, I'd say.

I like the venue, but the security were fucking morons, obviously completely unaccustomed to a rock crowd, and constantly pestering/annoying/threatening people taking photos with their cellphones, even without flash.

The performance was pretty much meh, they're obviously completely out of practice and they weren't really feeling it at all tonight, maybe Maynard's 'cold' is to blame, whatever.

Opening with Rosetta Stoned was a mistake, because the song recquires more intensity than they were able to give an opening track. Vocals were pretty much inaudible on that song, at least from where I was sitting, quite high up, but with a good view.

Schism was awful IMHO, and for most of the time they just seemed like they were going through the motions. That pause where they just sat there and lapped up the adoration of the crowd was pretty pathetic, and after that they never recouped the energy they'd just started to muster up. Mistake, again.

When they were playing Aenema I fully expected them to play for at least another half hour, but no, the show was suddenly over.

And no The Pot
No Prison Sex
No The Grudge
No Eulogy
No 10000 Days
No Pushit
No Jimmy
No 4Degrees
No The Patient
No Opiate
No Parabola

I had a good enough time I guess, but this is my fifth Tool show, and it's the least good I've seen them yet. Like I said, several GREAT moments, Jambi, and Right In Two, but as a whole...hmm.

Apologies for being negative, but that's just how I felt a lot during and after the show.

Roll on tomorrow, I hope it's better.

[Hindu]

hey guys...

i was the dude in the track pants and headband that was all messed up on a buncha stuff!!

in any case..

1. vicarious was amazing
2. could hardly hear maynard!
3. too many people just sitting down!
4. pretty much same stuff from the previous shows!
5. the screens were so tripped out and beautiful!
6. Rupert Murdoch in Aenima!!
7. Ya, they pretty much make Lateralus the highlight!!
8. Cant wait, going tomorrow!!!
9. The interlude of schism was freakin hard as fuck!!!!!!

[budinct]

Dear TOOL,



thank you.

[Fadilles]

Er...what?

OK, I thought the show had a couple of great MOMENTS, Jambi in particular, but let's not get carried away here, it was a very very average Tool show, even pretty poor, I'd say.

I like the venue, but the security were fucking morons, obviously completely unaccustomed to a rock crowd, and constantly pestering/annoying/threatening people taking photos with their cellphones, even without flash.

The performance was pretty much meh, they're obviously completely out of practice and they weren't really feeling it at all tonight, maybe Maynard's 'cold' is to blame, whatever.

Opening with Rosetta Stoned was a mistake, because the song recquires more intensity than they were able to give an opening track. Vocals were pretty much inaudible on that song, at least from where I was sitting, quite high up, but with a good view.

Schism was awful IMHO, and for most of the time they just seemed like they were going through the motions. That pause where they just sat there and lapped up the adoration of the crowd was pretty pathetic, and after that they never recouped the energy they'd just started to muster up. Mistake, again.

When they were playing Aenema I fully expected them to play for at least another half hour, but no, the show was suddenly over.

And no The Pot
No Prison Sex
No The Grudge
No Eulogy
No 10000 Days
No Pushit
No Jimmy
No 4Degrees
No The Patient
No Opiate
No Parabola

I had a good enough time I guess, but this is my fifth Tool show, and it's the least good I've seen them yet. Like I said, several GREAT moments, Jambi, and Right In Two, but as a whole...hmm.

Apologies for being negative, but that's just how I felt a lot during and after the show.

Roll on tomorrow, I hope it's better.


^^^ have to agree , except about the security.. i didnt see any problem w/ them... But in all honesty guys, 10 songs?? 10 songs???? Like everyone said, there were some sweet moments.. Lateralus especially, but it was way too short a setlist. I know it's only a 'warmup' tour but they also played like 12 - 14 songs at the 4 warmup shows in '01. And only 2 Lateralus tracks, and 1 of em was Schism which the crowd i thought was just too bored w/... anyway... sorry for the negativity, just wanted to bring a splash of reality to this euphoria

[vicarious462]

This is the first time I have ever written on this site......I was at the show last night 5/19........As in all things with me...it takes a while for things to sink in. The show was incredible!!! I have seen at least 10....i would have to say when I seen them in Miami, it may have been better as I was one of the very very few people ever to see "ticks and leeches" live which was incredible.....I also saw them in a 5000 seat hockey arena in Fitchburg Ma. when they first came out and I only knew Sober and Prison sex....but this was like they were playing in your living room....As for this show, I always read that the vocals suck......the only time i would agree with that statement is on Rosetta Stoned which is their first song in crazy small venues...I think that's why the vocals on that particular song suck....but, do you think tool has idiots running their show???? They fix it right up and the vocals are perfect --the rest of the night........Also, i hear a lot of people wanting to play their old stuff like Prison sex or crawl away........I would do anything to hear these songs, but to me....tool has gone way past that and i think from knowing this band pretty good, that they would tell you that would be like taking a first grade test...it is too easy for them.....I think they are always trying to "pushit" to a new level which is why we like them. Also, this whole little tour is about practicing and playing their new songs....I hope they switch it up a little tonight 5/20 and play "The Pot" or "10,000 days". I would rather hear them , then "Right in two." Also, i was with an incredible girl i met and a guy who went to Philly....he said Philly sucked as Maynard was sick and this show was 10,000 times better. I loved the concert, i happen to love all the songs in it--except maybe "Rosetta stoned"...can't wait to go tonight---orchestra level---which is the only way to see these guys at this show.....i was in the first rows of the mezzanine and could hardly see Adam and Justin....but, i disagree with one of the last writers.....noone sat down one time in the mezzanine......

[Tooletarian]

Well, I am finally recovered from the events of the past two days. My journey to get to this show was a story onto itself. The short version is my daughter who was in the hospital for the past two days came home and was alright and I had to deal with half of the roads into the city being jammed up because of an electrical fire on the Grand Central. I pulled into the parking garage across the street at 9:27 after leaving my house at 8 pm.

Alrighty now, picture this if you will. I had seats in the rear gallery, so the audio apparently stayed in the lower level of the theatre. The only thing that carried up to the gallery really clear was the drums and bass. Rosetta Stoned sounded terrible up where I was. Maynard's distortion vocals were barely audible. The bass was OVERPOWERING everything else in that song.

However, I think the folks on the mixing board did make some adjustments because the rest of the set sounded much better, even in the nose bleeds. The only thing was I could not catch anything that Maynard said during the breaks between songs.

The highlights for me were the drum break in Right in Two and Lateralis. That song is like a religious experience. Aenema is my favorite song, but it actually dwarfed by the awesomeness of Lateralis.

This was my third Tool show. Definitely the shortest, but probably the best. The MSG show on the Lateralus tool was fantastic, but this show may have been better because I got to see the band relatively close up, even from the gallery.

I did not realize how good Justin was on bass, until this show. Carey was his spectacular self and Adam was fantastic. Oh yeah, Maynard wasn't bad either.

Spiral Out.

[millermt]

This show completely kicked the Philly show's ass. Maynard was obviously feeling much better. That made a world of difference. After careful consideration, I can say its the best show I've been to -- even topping Radio City in 2002. The smaller venue and the way everyone is basically sitting on top of each other just made for a incredibly intense experience.

[wuphat]

This crowd was only half the size of the Philly crowd, but sounded twice as loud. Much more energy and response. Maynard was DEFINITELY feeling better, I could tell immediately once Rosetta started. I tought maybe that meant we'd get The Patient and The Post instead of Right in Two, but no such luck. Oh well, maybe tonight?

My seat was the very last row of the Mezz, far right corner. I stood on the arms of the chair the whole time. I don't know what people who are complaining about the sound were hearing, but everything was crystal where I was. Bass and guitar levels were preety even, the drums kicked my ass and I heard every word Maynard said with no problems. I've got a suggestion next time for people...use earplugs. They drown out all the bullshit and you hear everything perfectly. A benifit to them is that you don't hear all the people around you scream/sining off-key.

[soreal]

15th TOOL show 2nd on this tour, saw them in seattle.

out of all the shows ive seen this was probably the best. mayjor highlights were jambi, schism, right in two, sober, and vicarious.

the intro to sober was the best ive seen. after 14 shows before tonight i have seen sober everytime and honestly its not my favorite live anymore until last night. it was fucking off the hook. danny was going nuts on the intro and totaly blew me away.

the vicarious intro was mind blowing as well, watching justin pick up his beer bottle and use it on his bass.

watching just chug a whole beer right before lateralus was really cool to.

the sped up schism bridge is probably what ill be dreaming about for months. that is the coolest change up they have done to any of there songs i think. i fucking loved that part.

right in two was 100 times better than i was expecting, that song live is such a masterpiece. i hope they play it again tonight.

maynard and adam both had a couple missed notes but i didnt care at all, this show was fucking incredible

to top the night off i got to meet Adam, Justin, and danny. i got a picture with Justin and his autograph and then i also got danny's autograph, all i could do was say thank you to adam when i saw him, i was blown away.

one of the best crowds ever i thought, thanks new york for showing a man from WA state such a good time, also thanks to the man and his girlfriend that passed over a blunt to me and my girl.

see you tonight!!!!!

[judas96]

The Sound SUCKED SUCKED SUCKED. Maynard was pretty much INAUDIBLE for the entire show. The only things I heard clearly all night were the guitar and the snare drum. EVERYTHING else was drowned out by the indisctinct rumbling bass and low register sounds. F*CKING AWFUL. Here's an idea: Let's take four of the best muscians around, playing the best music ever recorded AND MAKE THEM SOUND LIKE SH*T. Worst sounding concert I have ever attended, and I've seen HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of shows. What an unbelievable waste. Total bummer.

Put your inner elbow across your mouth and blow. That farting noise is how the bass guitar and bass drums sounded ALL NIGHT LONG, louder than anything else. It got marginally better at the last two songs "Vicarious" and "AEnima", but that's THE WHOLE F+CKING SHOW.

TOOL is an incredible band. WISH I GOT TO HEAR THEM.

By the way, Maynard, this whole "make the singer dissappear in the dark" thing is bullsh*t. Get off your stupid little platform, step forward into the lights, and GIVE A PERFORMANCE. Isn't your music worthy of an "in-your-face" delivery (and a decent sound mix)? Don't worry about overshadowing the other guys or the music in general. You could be RUNNING AROUND ON FIRE, and we'd still have plenty of other things to watch/hear besides you. GIVE IT UP, MAN.

Completely disappointed. Great band, great set list, great screen visuals, in a fairy-tale small venue.

Ruined by the soundman. Here you've been on this small house roadshow for three weeks, with MANY sources of this same sound complaint, and this professional-level group STILL can't get it right. Disgraceful.

[Tooletarian]

I agree the sound was miserable at the start but it did get better. Realize this venue may never have featured a rock or metal band and the acoustics of the place may have factored in more than anything else. I've heard bad sounding shows also and this was not the worst.

[shaka]

5/19 nyc waking up from last nights show.the sound of the band was great, vocals where way to low. sometimes you couldn,t even hear whole choures. all in all was a good show,but i,ve seen tool 6 times in my life and this was by far the worst show.the sound man fucked the vocals up way to low.pissed me off, and that was a bullshit encore, they shoulded have played the last 2 songs like they did every other night of the tour and then gave us a real encore, for christ sakes this is NYC.and the crowd even with the sound problems where rockin.i really wish they didn,t have the sound problem with the vocals cause the band sounded so f,in tight

[undertoes]

It was my first tool show and it was fuckin awesome. I had Orch Row K seats.

I had heard someone say that this was gonna be like "Seeing Tool in Church". haha,yea, kinda, cause the venue was so small. The vocals were low a bit, but thats about my only complain.That and some dude that was high/drunk dude sitting behind me who sorta fell on about the middle of the show. wonder what the hell he was tryin do. The crowd was awesome in general tho. So loud.

Highlight must have been Vicarious. That song is so great live.

I gotta try to get one more tix for today!

[durden2281]

Great Show, Vocals were a little to low and then came out of nowhere on Lateralus to the level they should of been the whole time. I think its hilarious the amount of people who were faked out on Stinkfist extended part considering they have been doing it live that way for about 5 years.

[lork]

FUCK. My first Tool show and it was fucking amazing. Danny's sound filled the place! I was obliterated, somewhat unfortunately, and I'm short so I couldn't see shit, but I was definitely non stop flipping out! I couldn't always hear Maynard, I didn't care...I just felt so lucky to be there and hear them be master's of their art live!
Waited five years patiently. Fucking night of my life.
and again,

Thanks, Tool.

[90hoursleep]

I dont understand all the negativity about the sound...but from ORCH row J, on justin's side, the sound was PERFECT. The only problem were the vocals during Rosetta Stoned but it seemed like it was fixed quickly. But wow, what an awesome venue to see a band like Tool. The old lady ushers I dont think understood what they were about to witness that night, with the crowd and the sound, but all in all it was fantastic. One thing though- the show went so fast! This was my 3rd Tool show and the others seemed to clock in at a reasonable time but this show flew. Highlights were definitley Lateralus, where it seemed like everyone in the crowd reached some new level of conciousness during (esp at the end), Right in Two, Jambi, Schism, hell all of it. It seemed as though Sober, Stinkfist, Schism had this added groove to them that was missing from previous live performances, definitley the best Ive ever heard those songs live. Definitley not a disappointment (not reading the setlist beforehand is the way to go), and I cant wait for tonight.

btw, to the chick in row H wearing the ICP shirt that kept dancing in the ailes and was constantly being yelled at by security to stand at your seat, you rock.

[sudnshok]

Couple of comments first:

The band was really tight, Danny fuckin rules, crowd was awesome. I think they should have played Right In Two as the encore, instead on Aenema, as that was the highlight for me last night.

I agree with everyone else about the vocals being way too low, especially for Rosetta Stoned. The vocals got a little better throughout the show, but still remained to low in the mix. Kinda ruined the first two songs for me and there is really no excuse for it. That's what a sound check is for.

Oh, and anyone trying to get a camera in tonight, make sure you hide it good in your crotch because there is less security to get in the White House. I've never gone through security like that in my life.

Now a couple of questions:

I can understand a band not allowing audio and video recording (although I completely disagree with it), but what is the big fucking deal about taking pictures? Give me a break with that stupid policy.

Why have they not performed Wings for Marie on this warm-up tour yet?

[jonpow]

Sound definitely got better as the show progressed. Awesome Lateralus, fine aenima, decent stinkfist, very nice right in two (although would have rather here 10,000 days) The venue was decent for lack of echo, great drum sounds and Maynard sounded great the second half of show. Almost caught the drum top Danny threw up to the Mezz. Gotta admit the sound was better overall than hearing them in the Garden.

[soulslot]

two words define what was a fine evening for me: RUSTY TROMBONE

GOOD SHOW, READY FOR part 2

[halosix]

HOLY SHIT! That was SIMPLY AMAZING! I thought the Radio City Show '02 was amazing with an All-Access pass. This was far better! Probably because it was last night. Hopefully tomorrow will be equally as good. Had Orchestra Row H infront of Danny! Tomorrow Rear Mez.

My friend Jean got tickets at the box office at 7pm before the show! So if you want to see saturdays show just go. You might get lucky too! I think i kinda deserved to get lucky after waiting 8 hours on line, in the rain, to buy tickets for saturdays show.

The bass was in my throat! Awesome! Danny was fucking amazing! His drum sound swallowed this small venue! LOUDER for saturdays show! PLEASE! The acoustics in the place was great! The whole set was amazing! But Lateralus, Stinkfist, Right in Two and Anema was the shit! Schism on speed and Solo on Jambi with the voice vox was mad cool! See ya all tonight!

....dumbfounded dipshits! LEARN TO SWIM!

[Bigtimefromday1]

Quick question....i think that the "low vocals" were caused by speaker orientation...it seems that some poeple didnt hear low vocals...(they were probably in the orch or middle)... i was in the "gallery" and the vocals were low....
If people from all areas of the venue heard low vocals then its something else...
My question is...

Where did you sit? Did you have poor vocal quality?

I will start

I sat in the gallery...yes very low vocals

[waking believing running]

Quick question....i think that the "low vocals" were caused by speaker orientation...it seems that some poeple didnt hear low vocals...(they were probably in the orch or middle)... i was in the "gallery" and the vocals were low....
If people from all areas of the venue heard low vocals then its something else...
My question is...

Where did you sit? Did you have poor vocal quality?

I will start

I sat in the gallery...yes very low vocals

where i was (mid mezz, to the left of the stage) the vocals were going in and out -- for a few minutes they would be really loud, then they would get low and i could barely hear them. when it was loud it sounded great, i could hear maynard perfectly. the other times though sucked --- i hope that is something they can fix (the sound people) for tonight...

[kamyar]

lateralus was my highlight of the night.

as small as the venu was.. i didnt' like how it was layed out and how you couldn't really see much in the mezzanine when people stood in front of you.

radio city music hall was a better venue.

as to the show itself. it was alright. i'd go again if i had the chance but my top tool shows are probably still the Hammerstein balroom and rcmh.

[fanjk]

HOLY SHIT! That was SIMPLY AMAZING! I thought the Radio City Show '02 was amazing with an All-Access pass. This was far better! Hopefully tomorrow will be even better. Had Orchestra Row H infront of Danny! Tomorrow Rear Mez. The bass was in my throat! Awesome! My friend Jean got tickets at the box office at 7pm before the show! So if you want to see saturdays show just go. You might get lucky too! I think i kinda deserved to get lucky after waiting 8 hours on line, in the rain, to buy tickets for saturdays show.

All of you with these petty complaints are the same people maynard writes about! "...dumbfounded dipshits" Take heed and " LEARN TO SWIM"

Hey Joel, great post - spot on. This was my second show, first time at MSG 3 weeks after 9/11. I thought this show was a shade under that one for 2 reasons -1 because obviously less songs and 2 being the boys are still getting the kinks out while stilll being the best Prog-Rock band on the planet.<p>
Maynard sang fine and was great with the crowd, his two stepping was amusing. He is just plain fun to watch. And to those of you who have been griping about Adam being sloppy i,e. Talkbox on Jambi - He fucking nailed it last night. Danny is simply awesome and Justin is a beast on the Bass, the sounds he pulls out of it are incredible. Cant wait for the Fall.....

[halosix]

btw, to the chick in row H wearing the ICP shirt that kept dancing in the ailes and was constantly being yelled at by security to stand at your seat, you rock.[/QUOTE]

i was in her row to the right. she was dancing through out the whole show! she totally rocked. the 2 guys infront of us were singing to each other....hahahaha fucking great fans.

the grandmother usher,orch right, was also rocking by the door during stinkfist...hahahaha didnt know she was a Tool fan. She was a convert after hearing Lost Keys. Rock on grand ma....

[Roy33]

I think whether you enjoyed the show or not depends on where you sat. I had Grand Tier seats, and it was really great. Even then, though, sometimes the vocals would get totally lost. I know that the fast-talking lyrics of Rosetta are not that audible to begin with, but here AND at Philly, it wasn't even discernable.

Maynard's mic also seemed really, really sensitive. Like if he moved an inch the sound would totally change. A few times, like while playing the keyboard in Schism, he moved his face two inches, which resulted in almost complete silence.

Still though, these were brief moments and the sound was really good where I sat. I saw that the wall of speakers directly above the stage pointed slightly downward. My friend confirmed my suspicion, as he had seats in the rear gallery, that the sound was just terrible up there, but did improve a bit during the show. Top it off with the fact that he paid the same amount for tickets as I did, and I felt really bad for him.

All in all, I get the feeling that for the upcoming arena tour, they realy want to give a huge visual performance. The fact that they charged $66.66 for any ticket, any where in the house, in any city, topped with expensive clothing (though that's always a given at most shows for most bands), I think they may be just stockpiling money and may go crazy with their arena tour. I can only hope.

[AMPHETA MAN]

JUDAS THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING THE MORONS WITH ICP SHIRTS WHO CLAIM THE SOUND WAS ANYTHING BUT MUDDY HORSESHIT. Anyone else find it irritating that Maynard has suddenly become a goddamn rodeo clown? I for one feel insulted when one of my hero’s takes a shit on my face by acting like the show I stalked on ebay for weeks for ridiculus money is a fucking joke. I guess Scott Weiland fell off the wagon…Call the DiLeo brothers!!!

Seriously this was my 11th show and the 1st I’ve ever felt like an asshole for throwing away as much money as is necessary to attend both shows. I sincerely hope the duche bag behind the board is returned to his day job and never has the opportunity to single handedly ruin so many people’s night.

[soreal]

the grand tier seats are the fucking shit. i was 4 row grand tier and that seat was great. im not that lucky tonight, sitting in rear mezz, but i dont care.

plus i had to buy tickets for last night and tonight from scalpers on ebay. i spent 1,100 for me and my girl to go to both nights plus airfair from WA state. but the pics on my camera of me and justin are worth triple that to me.

come to the irish pub around the corner from the venue before the show and have a beer.

[T00LFOOL]

I was once again dissapointed... this is the eighth time I have been fortunate enough to see Tool, and I was hoping that in a small, intimate setting that this show would surpass their performance at Roseland for Aenimae way back when. Sadly, I think that a number of factors made it sub-par, even compared to the MSG showslast tour that were hit-and-miss. First and foremost -- GET THE HOUSE MIX RIGHT. I don't know if the engineer at the console went deaf or what, but the sound in the Mezzanine was pure MUD. Way too much bass rolling around whereas Maynard's vocals were barely a whisper for a good 3/4 of the show (first time I could actually understand him was partway into Lateralus. The sound engineer must have woken up from a nap or something), and half of Danny's electronics were barely audible. The only thing that seemed dialed in about right was Adam. I dont think its asking much to be able to hear what these great musicians are playing. The sound was so bad in the Mezz that i would fire the FOH audio guys on the spot if I had my druthers. I've heard better sound at a monster truck rally.

Second (and a warning for people going to the second show), Security is very tight. We are talking "everything out of your pockets and arms up for a full frisk" kind of security. There was a NYC detective out in front of the venue. My brother and I stepped into line, not realizing it was a checkpoint. As we watched, security found a glass bowl on some poor fan, and the person was marched outside the venue. Well, my brother smartly decided that he wanted no part in that silliness, and he ditched his stash in the doorway, just a few steps away from the frisking. So if anyone came across a sweet green groundscore in a platic pillbox at the venue doors, he hopes you enjoyed the gift and avoided the fuzz.

Also, it seemed that if you whipped out your phone in the mezz, security would be right on top of you threatening ejection. Strangely, Security did nothing to keep people from choking the aisles in the Mezzanine. Not once did they ask the people leaning against the railings for their tickets - which meant my reasonably good seat was blocked by two people who decided they would rather stand in the aisle and hose my view than chill in their own seats.

Highlights were a few. Maynard seemed to be enjoying himself, which is a bonus. They played most of my favorite new stuff. The suprise break in Stinkfist where everyone shouting the lyrics suddenly realizes the band changed shit on them and they aren't singing over power chords anymore. Seeing Danny close enough to watch his hands in action. And a pretty good setlist (of course, it could ALWAYS be better).

Lets hope they get some real sound mixers in there for tonights show.

[AngryChair]

Last night was my first Tool gig. Was planning on going to the MSG gig back in 10/01, but with the Battery tunnel still closed, and the towers still burning, I opted not to head into the city. I didn't know I'd have to wait 5 years, otherwise I might have made more of an effort that day.
As for the City Center show on Friday, depending on your seats and who was in front of you it was hard to see parts of the stage. I had decent seats on the mez and could barely see Justin who was pretty much in front of me. The audio on Maynard was horrid when he was talking between songs. Could barely understand what he was saying. But overall it was a great show. I was a little disappointed it was over after just an hour and 40 minutes. I was really expecting them to play at least 2 more. Eulogy would have been cool.
Maynard did fuck up the lyrics at the end of Stinkfist. He repeated This may hurt a little but it's something you'll get used to, in the last verse after elbow deep. He also fucked up a little on Aenema. The Fuck L Ron Hubbard line came in the 2nd verse instead of the first, but I wasn't sure what he said in the first, so it might have been intentional.

[FKassad]

Middle Mezz Left side (B 25 if you want to look at the chart)

Nope, couldnt hear maynard.

[FKassad]

I'm sorry, but you regarding the show as poor is a complete insult to the band, and hopefully an insult to the rest of the tool fans that loved the show. Why don't you stop being so damn critical and appreciate what they've accomplished for the past decade and a half. Obviously they haven't been around for five years and all you have to say when they do come back is why they didn't play this song or that song. I suggest you give them the respect they deserve or find a new band to criticize.

Commenting on how the vocals were low or the sound wasnt that great is not an insult to the band. Its a comment on the venue. 99% of the people at the concert last night were most likely die hard fans, or they wouldnt have gotten tickets so Im pretty sure we all appreciate their music.

[busta'ribs]

Was shut out in Philly, but lucked out and scored a great seat in the orch for this show. Waited almost 24 hrs. to post so I had a little time to absorb. My overall impression was about a 7/8 out of 10 for a Tool show (been to a few). The best thing about the show was also the worst thing about the show. Such a small and intimate venue provided unparallel visuals, but from an audio standpoint, I think they simply overpowered the room.

My seat was in the (orch) back corner under the balcony and I was stuck in a total bass trap for most of the night. Rosetta was largely distorted throughout, but some tech adjustments cleared things up a little at least. Lateralus was obviously the highlight of the show, anyone who didn't feel the energy climax during that song somehow missed the point.

But such a small room gave a unique perspective to the bands charisma. They just seem to compliment each other so well, which may be the key to their mastering of the music. Maynard's ability to somehow capture and hold your attention while purposely staying in the shadow was really apparent tonight in this small venue.

Thanks so much to my new best friend Fred for providing the ticket. I wish I was there tonight, and I can't wait till they get back here in the summer or fall.

[lastrose]

I didn't have a ticket until two hours before the show. I heard they had released a few tickets at the box office and went down and bought an orchestra ticket. sweet. It was wierd going to this show because I had no plans of doing so until 7 pm, so i had no time to build anticipation.

starting off with rosetta stoned, the bass was the loudest i had ever heard. this was the first time ever that i wished i had earplugs. the extended part of stinkfist was incredible. when schism came on i pulled out my bag of mdma and dumped a huge pile in my palm, which i then snorted. i accidently took waaaay too much (it was dark and i couldn't see what i was doing) and it felt like i got hit in the face by a brick. my nose was dripping, mouth watering, and tears were coming out of my eyes. i had to sit down for a moment, but hearing the new fast part of schism blew my mind. i recovered just in time for right in two, which was orgasmic. danny's tabla solo was one of the most incredible things i have ever witnessed, in life. the intro to sober was really kickass, definitely the best performance of that song i have ever seen them do.

a great show. not the best i have seen them do, but still incredible and i left with that unique uplifting feeling that is only possible from a tool show.

[bobbobbob]

Overall, I thought the show was sublime. However, there were a few issues that were along the way like Maynard walking off and Adam looking offstage to see what happened, and it seemed the Adam messed up during Right In Two, plus Maynard's voice faded in and out during songs, probably due to the really loud bass(i was in RMez). Danny Carey was simply awsome to watch and it was an amazing pleasure to meet him before the show (I went down 56th instead of 55th street where the back enterance was and he was just standing outside the hotel. I wished him a great show and we had a 5-10 minute convo about their tour so far and the making of 10,000 Days. He was an awsome guy.)

I wish I had enough money to go to tonight's show too.

But god bless ebay, the money was worth every penny.

PS-Toolfool is right, when they changed Stinkfist and everyone kept singing for 2-3 more lines, it was simply hilarious. And about the security, it didnt keep the guys in front of me from getting their stuff in.

PSS- I think Jambi and Lateralus were my favorites from the night

[tired]

I am late with this, wish it could have been first to get good responses.

Here it is. I have read alot of reviews, and have heard that many people were unhappy with the sound during all of the small shows so far. What I have been reading is that its all about how lucky you are with seats, acusticly speaking.

MINE SUCKED.

Spen a lot of bread for these and I don't really regret it, but will never do it again.

Huge TOOL fan since the beginning - 4th show. HATE IT. Got nothing to do with the band though, as one person said, its just not the right places for TOOL unless you were Orchestra. I always said I'd pay anything to see them in a small venue, now I will say I will never do it again. ALL BASS. What MAynard, WHAT? Couldn't hear him at all, and if you are a TOOL Fan, the lyrics/Maynard is a must.

Very disappointing, but again, I guess it was the place and not them.

Also, I would like to thank the Gorrila and her boyfriend for standing in my way, in fact, FUCK all of you who left your shitty seats to stand in front of everyone in the isle seperating rear mez and front mez, fuck all of you hard where its warmer.

As for the band, I think:
Maynard is getting better with age, but I believe is getting tired of it all.
Adam is had enough, just seems like the rest of the band might be talking him into continuing.
Justin is as hungry and mean as ever.
...... and Danny, is from a different planet, it's just not humanly possible.

Best show for me ever was da garden (front row) - can't wait for it again, maybe the ulcer I got trying to get tickets for this will have healed.

As for the playlist, I dont know man, no pot, no patience, no 10,000 days, no push it, man, just one would have worked all the pain away.

As for the fans - you guys are all the best people in the world, except the fuckers standing in front of me - suk it.

[looneystyx]

The Fuck L Ron Hubbard line came in the 2nd verse instead of the first, but I wasn't sure what he said in the first, so it might have been intentional.

I believe he said Fuck Rupert Murdock and fuck all his clones. I feel like he's switched those two verses a number of times in a past, too.

PS-Toolfool is right, when they changed Stinkfist and everyone kept singing for 2-3 more lines, it was simply hilarious. And about the security, it didnt keep the guys in front of me from getting their stuff in.


Consider me fooled. I had heard a boot from earlier on in the tour where they didn't do the extended version so I thought they'd stopped doing it. I guess they switch it up ?

Really incredible show in a nice, intimate venue. Vocals were definitely a little too low where I was (at the back of the orchestra) but the rest of the sound seemed fine the whole show. Almost 4 years since my last show and if I had begun to forget what an amazing live band they are, last night definitely made me remember. For the most part an excellent crowd (I was wondering why more people didn't get to their seats earlier, but I guess it was the beer thing).

As far as the setlist goes, I was certainly hoping for some older songs they don't play as often, but didn't have any expectations. Hopefully, they'll have multiple legs in the US again and change the setlist a little each time (and don't skip NY on a leg again!!). I was pretty pleased with the variety of songs over the year and a half they toured for Lateralus, and I expect they'll do something similar this time around. So don't fret, they're not going to only play Sober, Stinkfist and 46&2 forever.

Wish I could have made it tonight, too!

[looneystyx]

By the way, Maynard, this whole "make the singer dissappear in the dark" thing is bullsh*t. Get off your stupid little platform, step forward into the lights, and GIVE A PERFORMANCE. Isn't your music worthy of an "in-your-face" delivery (and a decent sound mix)? Don't worry about overshadowing the other guys or the music in general. You could be RUNNING AROUND ON FIRE, and we'd still have plenty of other things to watch/hear besides you. GIVE IT UP, MAN.

I don't really get this argument. What exactly do you want from a vocalist to "give a performance" other than....SING ? Is he supposed to do a little dance for you, too ? Actually, he DID do that a bit, in his own ridiculous manner (which IMO, while kind of funny in the beginning, started to seem rather lame...but what the hell, I wasn't watching him most of the time anyway). Maybe the days of dressing in drag are over...now he's a cowboy!

Also, he's already much more illuminated than he was in '01-'02, or maybe it just seemed that way because he was further up on a smaller stage ? Can't be sure.

You don't get a performance out of Adam or Justin either, should they jump around more ? Maybe that COULD pump up the crowd more if it was needed, but that's not exactly why they're there. Hell, the spotlight's on Danny and all he does is play the drums like a fucking maniac.

My theory is this - the band and their music are just two parts to a larger production that make up a Tool show. The lights and visuals on the screen are a HUGE part as well. They pick and choose what they want you to focus on. You're already inundated with the sound of the music but what should you look at ? It seems that they want you to focus on the screens and Danny, so they keep Maynard, Adam and Justin pretty much in the dark. That's their choice.

[GeorgeinNY]

Saw the show from 2nd row front gallery center.

Not mentioned yet: First few lines after Maynard started singing Rosetta, he motioned to the sound board(which was located in the rear of orchestra, couldnt tell that until the second night) with his thumb to bring it up a bit.

Maynard is sporting the Travis Bickle/Taxi Driver look sun glasses so I couldnt see his eyes, but did you notice when Adam flubbed that lead/solo line in 46 & 2, Maynard looked over to him? What was that look on his face, disgust with another fucking mistake night after night? maybe, not saying it was, but maybe...

Someone made a good point- maybe Adam doesnt want to be there, he sure as hell doesnt LOOK like he wants to be there...

That being said this one had some nice variations like the ending to Rosetta, the intro to Sober, great version of Lateralus, etc. I thought a really good second half of the show. Maynard did storm off abruptly at the end, Danny was wearing a red LA Clippers jersey...

[hbynoe]

Tool- 19-05-06

The day dawns and get up all excited I leave my home after printing out the receipt from toolarmy that I got stating that I won tickets. I get to the venue about 6:30, and I meet some really cool people mainly electribe1 from PA and dloozer from LI. I hear they released tickets so I went to get one for a guy who I have been talking to for about three weeks, initially he wanted tickets from me but I didn’t have extra but I got one for him called him up and waited for him to come. Meanwhile I am waiting for the list to come down so I can get my tickets at about 7 I pick them up, they were right on top with my name, I hand the guy my passport he looks and it and smiles and gives me my ticket. Initially I thought I had to pay for them I didn’t at all. Made me smile, an even bigger smile appeared when I looked and it is fucking Orchestra A 105 and 106. Holy fucking shit right…so I am smiling my ass off so super happy that I am going to see my favorite band for years so close and so intimately. They start letting people in and the guy who I was talking to shows up and comes to me and says “you look like a holly” I told him, “ I am a holly” so we introduced ourselves and I just told him that I would like for him to be in front row with me. He quickly said fuck yes.
I go into the venue about 9 pm and I just sit on the stairs waiting for the doors to open. Meanwhile a TN’er came up to me, Rob Halford and asked me if I was hbynoe from TN. I said yes, we were supposed to do a trade but it went awry I told him to have a great show and as soon as the doors open I went in. Okay I don’t know how it appeared to most of the people but I love the space, red curtains that made me watery eyed high ceilings totally fucking beautiful. We wait but they came on late at 10. And I proceed to freak out, you know when you think you love a band or an artist and you see them do something so amazing that it totally makes you fall in love even more? That is what happened. You guys know the set list. Everything was amazing except for the mix. I had problems hearing RS. But after that it cleared but greatly. Highlights for me were, lateralus, fast version of schism ( didn’t know that was possible), hurray to Adam, he has always been my fave in the band and he just made me love his craft even more, stinkfist the extended version, brilliant and Aenema to just end it off in style Totally fucking mind-blowing work, Justin was manic on the bass, one crafty soulful transcending mofo. Maynard was great feeling better so that made the energy totally cool, I don’t know how they do it when they are ill must suck really hard. And well Danny the 8 armed man, he is truly the king of the band, what a drum set, what an impeccable sense of timing the guy was unbelievable watching him, I almost couldn’t believe that the band is this good.
They ended around 11 40 or so, waved and I swear when they walked off stage I have never witnessed such glory, the band is truly special. What they give to us is special. I cant write breakdowns of the songs, cause it is just a wave of emotion I feel, most of the time I cannot address this emotion in any clear manner. But I can truly say I will never forget this night.


read my review for the 20th will post soon

[Corganschild]

Awesome, so I made it into both nights! I want to thank Looneystyx for telling us that they released more tickets, because when you said that I left the internet cafe but never thought by the time I got to City Center there would be more tickets.. well there were, and good seats, too! And Saturday the same thing! I was like 11th row to the right on Friday and 14th row on Saturday. Saturday's show I enjoyed more though. I liked how they changed the whole setlist around too. Wow, the loudest show I've ever been to I think though. But now I think I'm a bigger Tool fan! They're just something special about them, they're not just another heavy metal act (but I'm sure you all know that). I never thought I'd get to see them both days!

[tired]

Someone made a good point- maybe Adam doesnt want to be there, he sure as hell doesnt LOOK like he wants to be there...



Yeah that was me. I say it for three reasons:
1. Everyone seems to be complaining about his mess ups during the shows - this to me shows a lack of dedication.

2. I really hate to say this because it may release the forum demons who come and remove your opinion soul by tagging you with the "doesn't understand art" crap - but I will say it: Same old sound from him. Recycled licks, and I just can't help but think that artistic ability can on only take a musician so far - he's run out of tricks, thus the talkbox.

3. Whether or not it is his primary job or not, he has always had so much more going on besides playing guitar - again, I have to bring up dedication.

I have to compare him to the others who play instruments, and lets look at the truth here:

Danny = Monster
Justin = Monster

I just don't feel Adam is anywhere near these two, and art is not an excuse.

Glad you agreed though.

[troublefunk]

Yeah that was me. I say it for three reasons:
1. Everyone seems to be complaining about his mess ups during the shows - this to me shows a lack of dedication.

2. I really hate to say this because it may release the forum demons who come and remove your opinion soul by tagging you with the "doesn't understand art" crap - but I will say it: Same old sound from him. Recycled licks, and I just can't help but think that artistic ability can on only take a musician so far - he's run out of tricks, thus the talkbox.

3. Whether or not it is his primary job or not, he has always had so much more going on besides playing guitar - again, I have to bring up dedication.

I have to compare him to the others who play instruments, and lets look at the truth here:

Danny = Monster
Justin = Monster

I just don't feel Adam is anywhere near these two, and art is not an excuse.

Glad you agreed though.

I agree that Adam doesn't seem to be at the level of the other two at the live shows, but his writing is at least as good. He's written some of the most amazing guitar parts ever, and we don't even really know how the process works.

As for how he looks onstage, he's always just stood there and played- zero stage presence, which is probably a big reason why the band decided early on not to emphasize themselves.

I don't want to jump you about the art thing, but I do hear a lot of self referencing on the album, which is good thing to me. Adam may not be a "monster," but I can think of a few cases where the similar riffs make a connection between the new stuff and the older stuff that adds to bands overall impact on my brain. Its possible he's just out of tricks, but I don't think so. Tool always says their music is anything you want it to be, and I want it to be that goddamn it!

Also, Justin could be screwing up live and we'd only know it if it was really bad. Bass at that volume isn't nearly as clear as guitar. And Danny, as we all know, isn't human.

[GeorgeinNY]

Troublefunk: thinking about it a little more, I agree with you 100%, who cares about flashy solos etc. when you can write guitar parts like he has done for the past 15 or so years. Also as to his demeanor on stage, maybe thats just his way of being who the heck knows maybe he has stagefright or maybe he has ice in veins, whatever we say here is just speculation.
cheers...

edit: NY Times review of the first night, there's also a picture from the concert

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/22/arts/music/22tool.html

another edit:I forgot to add this before but mods please dont delete- I was lucky enough to sit next to this really cool dude about my age who brought his girlfriend along(I guess she wasnt too much into it?) and we got to talk about seeing Tool at MSG in 2001. We also talked about how you had to spend a lot of money on your tickets. Anyway if youre reading this it was cool talking to you and hope your gf didnt get hearing damage haha, cheers!

[hbynoe]

Troublefunk: thinking about it a little more, I agree with you 100%, who cares about flashy solos etc. when you can write guitar parts like he has done for the past 15 or so years. Also as to his demeanor on stage, maybe thats just his way of being who the heck knows maybe he has stagefright or maybe he has ice in veins, whatever we say here is just speculation.
cheers...

edit: NY Times review of the first night, there's also a picture from the concert

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/22/arts/music/22tool.html
thanks for posting the link
the photographer had great equiptment on him. i was on the floor and saw him going until the start
very cool....as for adam...his demeanor is incredible..he engages me

[tired]

I would agree about the flash solos. I don't really care about them either. And I also agree (maybe I should have been more clear) that Adam DOES kick ass. I am a huge TOOL fan obviously and love the flavor he adds. BUT - I guess what I am trying to say is that Adam, to me, seems to be more an artist than a musician (I don't know if that makes sense). But Adam seems like maybe if he had a choice he'd rather just concentrate on things other than music at this point in his life. I don't want to keep going with this because I really do love the band and what he does in it, I was just making observations thats all. In my life/profession, it's hard to find people I can discuss such things with. Anyway, agreed, Adam is not a monster, and also agreed that maybe there is some stage fright there, and agreed that he does kick ass, I am simply saying, maybe he is done.

[allusion7.0]

I realize that it has been a while since the concert actually happened, but i had to let the experience saturate. It was definitely the best concert I have ever been to. First Time seeing them live and it was nice that the guy one seat over bought me a couple of drinks. Would the experience have been better if Maynard had gotten from his platform and moved around? I really don't think so. I kind of went into a trance around the time of Jambi that lasted till the very end. Great concert. I will be seeing Tool and maybe some of you multiple times this fall.