2006/06/14 - Hammersmith, UK - Apollo

[swaps]

SETLIST --

Stinkfist
The Pot
Forty Six & 2
Jambi
Schism
Right In Two
Rosetta Stoned
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænema




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

[Saltank]

What an amazing Show. Being in the standing area, I had the setlist pushed and shoved out of me, but I know they started with Stinkfist (extended) and concluded with ÆNIMA.

Maynard had some sort of speech where he spoke really fast about "a new song" and mentioned "Ten thousand days" and I believe quite a few people got excited that they'll play Wings, but to no avail :(

I progressed closer and closer to the centre and it was my first time to see the band this close, I can't wait until they return "In November".

Props go out to the couple from Chicago, I hope you enjoyed yourselves and sorry I couldn't pass the water early on :(

Next time they go, I really hope ALL areas are seated, this gives for such a better viewing/listening experience, a lot of people just want to see the musicianship (of course I understand a lot of others don't).

[Rav]

Really great show, highlights were Maynard's comments, aside from the music obviously.

'Any Irish people here? ....Perfect.'

I waited round the side for a short while, hoping to see the band, didn't meet any of them but I did see Maynard leave in a car with two rather hot young ladies. Lucky bastard.

[Saltank]

He also said "Ukranians??" and some people cheered..

[Teaboy]

I agree that seated would be better. Especially for the more ambient tracks. I would enjoy it much more if it were seated.

And did you notice how loads of people were waiting around for an encore, even though the fat Ricky Gervais lookalike security guard kept asking people to leave?

[theonecynic]

'Any Belgians? .... Perfect.'

Also present were Schism, 46 & 2 (I think), Sober, Lateralis, I think in that order, but with others in between too, just can't remember which they were!

[Teaboy]

It started off:

Stinkfist
The Pot
Forty Six & 2

I don't remember what came next.

[jambi46n2]

The setlist (I think!) was:

Stinkfist (extended)
The Pot
Forty Six & 2
Jambi
Right In Two (with brief Intension intro)
Schism (extended)
Rosetta Stoned
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Aenema

Not sure about the order of Right In Two and Schism - the rest I think is correct. Prove me wrong, kids, prove me wrong ...

But wow, what a show! I was in the pit for the first time at a Tool concert. Saw them previously in Sydney and Brixton. I'd been following the concert reviews so far so I knew what to expect. This setlist was the one I was hoping for. Right In Two was one of the highlights - Danny's solo in it was incredible. I was looking forward to The Pot and was not disappointed. Also loved Stinkfist (the visuals for that song really got the show off to a great start), Schism and of course Lateralus. I broke out in goose pimples during the spiral out outro. Awesome stuff.

I'm a huge fan of Jambi but somehow it didnt meet my expectations live. It wasnt bad - but - I dunno, it just didnt grab me the way I expected for some reason. Rosetta Stoned on the other hand was better than I thought it would be live. Oh btw, a girl collapsed during Rosetta Stoned nearby where I was - heat exhaustion I think - and had to be carried out - hope she is ok.

I'm jumping on a plane next week to go and live in Tucson so I am already looking forward to catching them in the "fall" tour. I'll get to see Arizona Bay in the flesh ;)

Til then, I have the great memories of this show to keep me satisfied. Can't wait for Wings and 10000 days to be played live! That will be hella special.

(Oh, Maynard farewelled the crowd by calling them silly english types - nice touch).

[Aemima]

Stinkfist
The Pot
46 & 2
Jambi
Schism
Right In Two
Rosetta Stoned
Merkaba > Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Aenema

Schism to Rosetta may be in the wrong order.

But my god, what an amazing amazing show, I had the best view I could ever have wanted most of the time and everything sounded fantastic 95% of the time, 'Nard was a little quiet in some parts.

I'll add some more later, i'm still in awe really

[theonecynic]

lol I thought he said dykes!

[Lil' 'shroom]

My seventh Tool concert, first in the Northern Hemisphere. Witnessed in purity & clarity. My husband & I both stink of sweat & smoke, so I'll try to keep this short.

Our ears have been assaulted by TOOL!

Set List as best as I can remember:
Stinkfist (heheh- my husband had just been saying he'd love to hear it, & they opened with it!)
The Pot
46 & 2 (So wished Tom & Shane were with me to share that)
Jambi
Schism
Sober (Got me craving Opiate for old times sake, but alas, no such luck!)
Rosetta Stoned
Right in Two
Lateralus
Vicarious
Aenima

I was most satisfied, Hammersmith Apollo is ingenious with it's stalls floor rising towards the back. We got there at 7pm I think, I really wanted to get up front so I could see everything, being 5 foot 2". The clever British people were seated on the floor, so I thought 'Well done! We don't have to stand for an hour & a half waiting.' It didn't last, someone stood up at the front- probably to go off & get a drink, then suddenly it was all rush to stand up & squish. We remained sitting until 8:30pm I think, everyone was standing around us by then.

Yeah, pretty packed, but not so much that I couldn't breathe. It wasn't too hot where we were either. Thanks for all the advice not to take bags & that in.

So the curtain went up & I went into hypo mode to Stinkfist- charge!!! I remembered why my heart is so at peace at rock concerts, nothing like having a sound vibrate & shiver tingly all through your body, synergising with your heart & quivering your mind to the tips of your smile. I love it LOUD!!!

Maynard was shirtless & took off his cowboy hat to reveal a mohawk. I thought he looked like a Rooster & kind of danced like one- well, maybe a Rooster trying to be Maynard.

Danny, total legend- I was hypnotised by his percussion power. His whirling of drumsticks should have been a blur to my eyes but I could see it all clearly. True admiration for his skill in pulverising.

Adam fully amazed me with his riffs, it's so awesome to see this music being created right there in front of me. Heheh, for a moment there I thought he had become a Grip Reaper with his maniacal grin & looming look through his shroud of dark hair. & Justin, just felt like home to me- how I miss my long-haired westy boys & rock music! That smile that kept gleaming through his hair as he grooved along...

The vibe was definitely, these fullas LOVE their music & have complete faith in it, as do we all. I so love going to a real live concert where it's not just the band doing exactly what is on the CD. True musicians taking us on a journey.

Ahhh, there was a part towards the end where I had my eyes closed & it felt like the music was humming & buzzing right inside my head- like suddenly I had accessed that place in space where the physical becomes completely penetrated by the spirit & returns to the infinite nothingness while we drop the I & become absorbed by the all.

So we shall see them again in November? I thought they were to play Aotearoa by then?

Thank you guys so much. I didn't think I would get to see them- we missed out on tickets, but thanks to Simon we got some in the end. Woohoo!

Blessings, Peace, Love, Unity & Mischief~
Lil' 'shroom

[Catch33]

a better show than last night (not to say that there was anything wrong with last night :P) i enjoyed this wednesday night show more.. same 'intro' music as last night (in the 2 hours ish it took them to come on) a couple of lemon jelly tracks, some cypress hill and the second movment from catch 33 by meshuggah. frickin wicked.

hope everyone enjoyed tonight.

[jambi46n2]

Merkaba > Sober


Good call on Merkaba - I think that's right. I didnt know what it was at the time but I knew I knew it.

[abhadreshwara]

yeah i think it was ideal for them to play a Meshuggah track or 2 before the band came on....to fill in the gap! I was amazed to see a lack of Meshuggah fans...when they played In Death Is Life/Death i just wanted to get a pit going!

The set list was brilliant...woulda been cool to have got some photographs....but oh well! They'll be back in November so it's all good!

[donkeydoo]

omfg. My Tool virginity wasn't broken gently, it was fucking thrusted by an immense giant phallus in musical form. I wasn't too sure, but I can now confirm Danny is actually a deity.

[turok2step]

yeah i think it was ideal for them to play a Meshuggah track or 2 before the band came on....to fill in the gap! I was amazed to see a lack of Meshuggah fans...when they played In Death Is Life/Death i just wanted to get a pit going!

The set list was brilliant...woulda been cool to have got some photographs....but oh well! They'll be back in November so it's all good!

Agreed. I really wish Meshuggah opened for them since they cancelled thier UK tour last fall.

[Lukus]

I was keepin track of the sets for 13th and 14th and I have this one as:

Stinkfist (extended)
The Pot
Forty-Six and 2
Jambi
Schism
Right In Two (Intension intro)
Rosetta Stoned
Sober (Merkaba intro)
Lateralus
Vicarious
Aenema


All in all a good show, bit disappointed at the crowd for not knowing some songs like Sober, but it's all good :)

(Think I preferred the 13th tho ;))

[Teaboy]

When Meshuggah was played people all around me were saying "what is this shit?" while I was headbanging to it.


<3 Meshuggah

[abhadreshwara]

Agreed. I really wish Meshuggah opened for them since they cancelled thier UK tour last fall.


yeah man, that shit pissed me right off! but i was speaking to a Strapping Young :Lad fan at the recent Fear Factory gig and he said that apperently Meshuggah played at the astoria at some point during the fall with SYL!

I believe the mesh boys are working on a new album...so my guess is we'll be seeing them on tour with Tool during November!

[Xethmir]

Well I'm surprised that nobody has yet noted that the band came to the front of the stage at one point and sat on the ledge. They sat for a couple of minutes, milking the crowd, and then got back up to play a few more songs. I think they were probably tired from such an intense set.

I have a feeling that this was a special gig for TooL - they mixed things up a fair amount and mixed a couple of intros with other tracks. It sounded like this crowd was perfectly in tune with the band at some points, like the "praying for tidal waves" bit which got a sea of hands waving in the air.

Danny did a number of drum solos - one was very tribal and I found my self having an immense attack of energy. In addition, some of the more intense drum sections on hte albums were made even heavier/longer for the gig. Absolutely incredible.

On the bad side - I thnk two early tracks were slightly over-bassed and heard a couple of bits that sounded accidentally a beat or two late. All in all that probably added to the feeling of hearing them live instead of listening to a recording. :)

Overall:Best gig to date. Truly memorable, and far more intoxicating then seeing them at Download.

P.S. - Hi to the guys we met and sat down with at the beginning (good to see some Cocteau Twins fans!).

[OftheI]

Tonight's show was unbelievable. It worked better for me than the night before, perhaps due to an idea of what to expect and look for, perhaps because they played the pot or maybe because I was 2nd row centre balcony with enough room to tear these fucking seats apart. The performance was flawless (ok, with exception of a little initial 'pot' fuck-up which was admirably corrected), the mixing was very good, although the guitar was too loud at times - especially during merkaba and sober - but all that doesn't matter as much as the fact that they took us somewhere else tonight, to the peak of what live music can deliver. I for the first time clearly felt just how inspiring and actually life-altering such an experience can be.

The new songs, the pot, jambi, rosetta, right in two and vicarious were out of this world and I think I enjoyed them more than anything else, especially the build-up of right in two and the heavy parts in vicarious. But of course I was also blown away by Lateralus, 46 & 2, Stinkfist, Aenema and Schism.

They are just so heavy, brutal, violent - yet subtle, awe-inspiring and TIGHT as hell. Shit man, the 14th of June was a lucky day.

[neel1234]

another great gig played by tool. the set order was tweeked from tuesday's show, which was also awsome, and very loud lol, but overall tonights show was brilliant and i thought just that bit better than tuesday's. can't wait till november!!!

[neel1234]

oh yeah - just to add did anyone see the very old (i think blind) lady rocker standing dead front centre both nights? i guess age affects nothing, much respect to her.

[rufas]

^ Yes i did.

MMM much better than first night me thinks. Lateralus was slick, Maynard seemed more loose, and, "The Pot" sounded awsome.

To the italian couple who were leaning on the middle bar things in front of me
Your both ugly and god looks down on you.

[10K]

Did anyone else happen to notice the camera at the back? And after the show, whilst standing at the back near the mixing desk, we spotted the sound guy taking a CD out and craftily putting it away...

[rufas]

Did anyone else happen to notice the camera at the back? And after the show, whilst standing at the back near the mixing desk, we spotted the sound guy taking a CD out and craftily putting it away...

no way

[Spidery]

For me tonight's show was better than last night's show. For a start the vocals were much clearer and it wasn't so damn hot! I was about 3 or 4 rows away from the front of the stage, on the left hand side which was a much better position than last night (circle standing). There was a screw up on "The Pot" - did anyone else notice Danny burst out laughing when it happened? Quite a few Maynardisms:

"Do we have any Irish in the audience"? "Do we have any Belgians in the audience"? "Any Ukrainians"? (barely any crowd response) ... then a bit later on just before Rosetta Stoned: "Do we have any controlled substances in the audience"? (crowd roars YESS) - I thought it was funny. There was also a cool Rosetta Stoned - esque segue where Maynard did the RS blabbering with "new album" and "10,000 Days" audible - it was very cool.

Overall it was a very good performance but yet I still don't think it was as good as Brixton 2002 - I preferred the more mysterious and serious atmosphere of that gig as compared to the informal style of this gig. The setlist last time was better and much less predictable. Also the visuals were a little played out - some of the stuff reminded me of the visuals on Windows Media Player and the rest was mostly recycled "Lateralus" era stuff or taken from Tool videos. I hope when they come back in November they 1)Play Brixton Academy, 2) Mix up and extend the setlist a bit and 3) Do something really cool and creative with the stageshow.

Also thanks to the guy who caught Danny's drumstick and let me hold it on the train on the way home!

*Did anyone else get a weird automated telephone call this morning telling them not to bring bags and cameras to the event because the band had specifically requested it? NEVER had that happen before - the lengths Tool (Maynard) go to ...

[he kept her hid away]

A truly amazing show. Look forward to the return leg of the tour in November.
"silly english dykes" pure class. "how many people have illegal substances?" me, but due to a no smoking policy in the seats i can't enjoy them.. I thought it was a real nice touch that they just sat on the stage for the encore..nice cowboy moves and nice revolver belt buckle! Stinkfist, ænmia, right in two, jambi, sober, sitting down and rocking out is the new staying in!

incidentally, I went with a buch of friends and 3 hadn't heard any Tool and they thought it was amazing.

[dekard49]

An improvement over tuesday... the sound was crisp, the set was tight, and the band seemed to be having a cracking time. What an intense experience, Danny shone brightest imo, theres no way hes a human being, lol.

Hi to the guy who clocked the loot shirt and tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I was from Toolnavy :D

[holotrope]

Another awesome show, perhaps even better the second time around because my head wasn't spinning at the sheer awe like the first night, so I really got to take it in. Plus, The Pot is a rocking live track, it was pure energy. Best of all, sounds like tool are coming on another European tour late this year! Hooray!!!

Maynard was funny- "Are there any controlled substances in the house tonight?" before Rossetta Stoned

What I have been most impressed by (both nights) is how much of tool's sound is recorded, straight fom their set-up, with so little post-production on the actual sound of the instruments. The sound of everything was so powerful, but it was still just like having a tool CD inserted directly into my head and played by my brain. Lateralus may have melted my brain, cos it was just so intense.

Conclusion: I am lucky to be living during a time that TOOL are touring my country of residence. If you should be so lucky, then take the opportunity.

[toolrockman]

hello to everyone I'm new to this sight. Last night I went to the Tool gig at the Hammy O. This venue was the first place I ever attended a gig at xmas 1973 when I was just 12 years old. Having been a regular gig goer ever since then you can sometimes lose the excitement factor of going. The last time I was blown away by a gig was Tool Brixton 2002. Personally for me last night was the best gig I've ever been too wow what a performance!!!. My wife and I were unfortunately towards the back up in the circle. However the power of the music the sound quality and the visuals certainly filled the entire place. favourites of the night in no particular order Stinkfist The Pot Jambi Right In Two. Damn all of them.
Anyway hope ihave rambled on to much for a newbie rol on November Peace to all.

[onethirtyeight]

17th time I have seen them, and arguably the best yet. Certainly better than Donnington and the previous night combined.

What else can I say?

[Xethmir]

The video camera looked like it was a professional get up, positioned unworryingly dead-center on a big tripod. I think we can look forward to seeing ourselves on a DVD soon. :)

The automated phone was awesome - then I rang up and asked and they said it was the VENUE's request, not the band's after last night they had to stay so late to get bags out.

[Jimmeny]

Yeah, probably what they mean by that is that it was the Apollo that asked Ticketmaster to ring people up, but it was still Tool request to put all bags in the cloakroom.

[Archaeologist]

He def. said dykes. My friend and I were at the front holding hands and mostly in MJK's line of vision. We both got quite emotional at one point too. I might be wrong but I didn't see any other reason for such a random comment!

[turok2step]

He def. said dykes. My friend and I were at the front holding hands and mostly in MJK's line of vision. We both got quite emotional at one point too. I might be wrong but I didn't see any other reason for such a random comment!

He said "silly english types." Its a Monty Python joke. Maynard's the last person on Earth I would expect to be a homophobe.

[sinister exaggerator]

just got back to newcastle now, it was a assault on my senses but worth it for they were amazing, hoping that they do make a live dvd of this show becasue it will probably be the best out of this tour. Outstanding! but now i must go to bed for the first time since wednesday morning at 7:00am

[dekard49]

Rosetta stoned makes a lot more sense live.

A megaphone AND a mic? Greedy, MAynard, greedy, lol ;)

Oh, newsflash for latecomers: Danny Carey is not a human being.

That is all.

[he-wolf]

unbelievable gig. unfortunately i couldnt use my camera tho because i was within arms length of the security guards.. anyone take any decent pictures/vids?

[twitch1979]

What is better than the second time you saw Tool ? Seeing them for the 36th time !

Well done guys, the gig was the best of the 3 UK club dates. Didn’t go to download after the last time I went to Donnigton and saw Tool it was probably one of the worst shows they have ever done.

I felt the set list flowed a lot better last night, lots of energy from the band and the crowd.

Maynards comment of “see you in November “ are encouraging as it looks like we will have a tour on our hands.

Spiral Out and see you at a Tool gig soon.

Jamie

[MacFoley]

great gig, amazing, danny carey is a god.

the only complaint i have is the brain dead fools who had seating tickets, arriving mid song, and blocking my view and other peoples, getting up mid song to go to the bar, toilet whatever, i mean i would be certainly pissed off if i were performing and people were in and out, in and out, turning up late. some even turning up when tool were into their 3rd song!

apart from that rant, they really blew my mind!

awesome!

[Aemima]

That was the only problem I had last night tbh, the group of people to the right of me stood up the whole time, and I had this dude infront of me who kept leaning forward and blocking my perfect view of the entire stage.

IMO, if you have front row seats you should be considerate of those behind you.

[Chai_nese]

One single phrase comes to mind:

MULTIPLE FUCKING MUSICAL ORGASMS.




They were immense. I loved every minute of it. Especially the part in Aenema where he sang
'I'm praying for rain.... I'm praying for tidal waves. I wanna see the ground give way. I wanna watch it all go down... Mom, please flush it all away....'
etc etc... didn't dare turn away from the stage and look behind me so not sure what those guys where doing but EVERYONE in standing had their hands in the air, singing their guts out. It was fantastic.

And I can't believe they opened with Stinkfist!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about explosive screams!!

Jesus.




November... anyone?

[koobcam]

Tool Concert Review 14/06/06

0700 - Woke up after a better sleep than was expected. Stinkfist going through my head already and I hadn't even had a shower.

0800 - Pack my bags for the trip down to jolly London town. Also, read the setlist from last night and even though it's not any different, I don't care. They could play 'The Pot' tonight but even if they didn't it will be amazing.

0945 - Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. Start writing this on my little iBook. Remembered I last saw Tool on 25/05/02 and think about the fact that almost exactly four years later, I have squeezed in a Masters of Physics degree. Remembered how TooL affected my life in it's infancy (so to speak) and now as I grow older, they are still an ever pressing entity.

Their music, for me, will be timeless. Some music (mainly pop) will become out of date and sound very strange when played in a few years. TooL however, have produced music that will stand the test of time.

Listening to 'Heat' soundtrack so that I don't get sick of tool. Whatever.

1600 - Started Queuing after we got to the hotel and dumped our stuff.

2045 - Alrighty then... picture this if you will...

Stinkfist (ext)
The Pot (Pause)
46&2
Jambi
Schism (fast)
Right in Two
Sober
Rosetta Stoned
Lateralus (ext)
Vicarious
Ænema

Stinkfist on speed and amazing. The Pot with humorous pause after first two lines which no one expected! Extended lateralus.

Best gig I have ever seen, ever. Even if I am now deaf forever, I wouldn't care. Amazing. Worth all the money I ended up paying for today! even though our shower is retarded and makes the weirdest sounds i have ever heard i am going to be hyper till the next tour in november.

If you were the dude crowd surfing that I threw over the barrier...

Fuck you. Haha. I threw you miles. That's for kicking me in the head.

I was the tall guy in the black tshirt right at the front in the middle. I also lifted out that girl who fainted. Nice big muscles. Haha. (me that is).

Great crowd apart from the surfers. No need for it you dicks. Anyway, spiral out... see you all in November.... perfect.

[TJP]

Im totally fucking speechless! that was the best gig i ever seen.... it was so raw, loud and damn sexy

[iampete]

What an amazing Show. Being in the standing area, I had the setlist pushed and shoved out of me, but I know they started with Stinkfist (extended) and concluded with ÆNIMA.

Maynard had some sort of speech where he spoke really fast about "a new song" and mentioned "Ten thousand days" and I believe quite a few people got excited that they'll play Wings, but to no avail :(

I progressed closer and closer to the centre and it was my first time to see the band this close, I can't wait until they return "In November".

Props go out to the couple from Chicago, I hope you enjoyed yourselves and sorry I couldn't pass the water early on :(

Next time they go, I really hope ALL areas are seated, this gives for such a better viewing/listening experience, a lot of people just want to see the musicianship (of course I understand a lot of others don't).

that wasnt a tall blonde girl and a shorter brown haired guy was it?

anyone get a look at maynard's belt???????? i want it.

[Catch33]

Did anyone else happen to notice the camera at the back? And after the show, whilst standing at the back near the mixing desk, we spotted the sound guy taking a CD out and craftily putting it away...


yeh i did, it was a single camera pointed at the stage back with the sound guys - my guess is its for the bad to view the show etc - not for release of any kind, for review only kinda thing

[assailing eyes]

i've written a myspace blog on both nights, if anyone feels like reading it. theres a couple of short video clips my friend took with her phone too.
http://www.myspace.com/37558489

[koobcam]

awesome

[he-wolf]

They were immense. I loved every minute of it. Especially the part in Aenema where he sang
'I'm praying for rain.... I'm praying for tidal waves. I wanna see the ground give way. I wanna watch it all go down... Mom, please flush it all away....'
etc etc... didn't dare turn away from the stage and look behind me so not sure what those guys where doing but EVERYONE in standing had their hands in the air, singing their guts out. It was fantastic.

And I can't believe they opened with Stinkfist!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about explosive screams!!

hell yeah, that was immense. i was one of those people.

one of the best gigs of my life.

[koobcam]

*was the best gig of my life*

[Pablo]

If Jamie (above) is the same young Aussie chap I think he is (who asked me for directions to a curry house in Glasgow) - then "hi"... : )

For me, the 2nd London gig was deffo as good as / maybe a tad better than the first - I went from the balcony (Tuesday) to downstairs, 2nd row slightly to the left of Adam (last night) - great view for the whole set...

Clearer sound, but still not Lateralus tour perfect, and the addition of The Pot without losing any 'proper' tracks was great. Band performance again fantastic.

Oddly I really noticed Maynard's "vocal assistance" last night - he frequently used footpedals to double track his voice or add echo - most noticeably on Sober and Lateralus but it was deffo used throughout. Although he can obviously do whatever the fuck he wants, I really don't see the point as his voice is fucking amazing anyway...whatever...

Setlist moaners on here getting boring now, it is what it is...they're not a fucking jukebox. Wait till Wembley Arena in November (which is what we're bound to get) where they'll probably play for longer, mix it up a little more and have a support band, yet the aircraft hangar venue will provide serious (lack of) atmosphere and acoustic problems. As much as I'd also like to see Third Eye played live again, it's pretty unlikely (but feel free to prove me wrong guys).

Some 'facts' for you... Maynard's mohican is stick on - a friend of a friend interviewed him for Xfm Scotland at the weekend and he was totally clean shaven on top. I saw him walking down Sauchiehall St. at about 12.30 lunctime on Saturday (with a male companion) but he had a cap on (and a Merkin Vineyard t-shirt - cheapskate!). Didn't want to hassle him on a busy Saturday afternoon... apparently he was also out at Glasgow's barfly club on the Saturday night...?

Re: Adam's lack of on-stage movement he never really has - I believe in part to being attacked by a real bison whilst tending to a mechanical bison, whilst making the Kevin Costner movie "Dances With Wolves". I'm sure many people here know this sort of background on him (in movie special effects) , but for any newcomers who may not...

Off to bed now, peace...

[ojk_killed_jfk]

This was my 4th Tool show and most probably the best, i think it will take a while to sink in. I don't want to repeat anything already said here so i will just keep it short.

How fucking loud was it in there??? My ears are still ringing 24 hours later!!! That was the loudest thing i have ever heard!!! Danny's gong smashes were immense.

Maynard seemed to be really pulling the moves!!! Some really freaky dances and poses and some rather funny comments by him.

Unfortunately Maynard's "Hope to see you in November" comments were no good to me cos i'm going to Australia then so lets hope they get down under around that time aswell!!!

I also thought the atmosphere between the crowd was excellent. Everyone seemed really happy to be there and connected by the collective cause.

Excellent venue, awesome performance, thank you tool.....

[koobcam]

agreed.... also, my ears are still ringing now!

I saw the footpedals too, but Maynard was on form. They all were. It was so loud and so awesome.

[myxm]

Hmm maybe I was at a different gig? I couldn't get into it at all, and neither could about 30 people around and about where I was standing who seemed to find the experience equally uninspiring.

The first point is, it was far, far too loud. I thought it sounded like an Amstrad 2 watt micro system, on full, pressed up against your ear drum. Most of the time it was just a distorted thrashing sound until Maynard started wailing, then you heard only sharp pains in your inner ear. Various guys in front of me had their ears cupped throughout while headbanging, so it was clearly too loud for the hardcore as well! When the crowd was screaming to Aenima it was literally like being staple-gunned in the ear. Overall the excessive volume seemed fucking contrived, and certainly not big, nor clever.

Once I'd got over the fact I'd probably never be able to hear anything quieter than a car alarm ever again, I found myself being pretty bored by the whole performance. Clearly, as you probably guessed, I'm a Tool virgin, but what a massive, massive disappointment for a band I've loved since the release of Aenima. Maynard thrusting his gonads like a pre-convicted Glitter wearing a completely wanky cowboy hat whilst trying to be amusing with some barely audible Irish and Ukranian quips. Certainly not the image I had in my head of somebody who was, previous to this gig, almost a deity in my eyes. Screaming "Fret for your hairdo" having clearly spent about 6 hours 40 minutes (I assume that's why they were late, thanks for letting 3000 people wait in the searing heat with no support act) carefully crafting his on-stage persona left a foul taste in the mouth.

Yes, I know I'm going to get mown down for this by legions of tool fans, but still, I thought rather than being a true, raw live performance, it was simply a carbon copy of the album versions only with the tracks stretched to an average of about 15 minutes. Songs just seemed to drag, with the same thrashing sound repeated over an additional 6-7 minutes, not seeming to add any real value to the set. And instead of a curtains-down encore so people could piss off and wet their whistles, we get them drinking in front of the crowd attempting to "work us up into a frenzy", which certainly struck me as being rather irresponsable considering girls (and possibly boys) were fainting in the crowd from heat exhaustion (as happened immediately behind me), but hey, that's so ROCK 'N' ROLL.

Overall I'm deeply disappointed with the whole night, and wished I didn't bother and kept Tool as a sort of live enigma, instead I'm forced to face the fact that they're 1/10th of the band I thought they were. Oh well, I hope some of you had a decent time!

Plus I couldn't get an Indian at 4:30pm so had to have a fucking KFC instead, basically it was the day from hell.

[Arctangent]

The video camera looked like it was a professional get up, positioned unworryingly dead-center on a big tripod. I think we can look forward to seeing ourselves on a DVD soon. :)

don't bank on it. we have only been waiting 4 years for the lateralus tour dvd to be released.

[wittig]

What a day!

Couldn't concentrate all day, the anticipation was tangible.
Driving through the pissing rain with 10,000 days blaring (I wouldn't usually listen to the band I was goin to see before the show, but I had to do something to stay sane this time) I could already feel the atmosphere building.

Before the start my heart was pounding,already attempting to get into sync with the rhythms to follow.

A completely fulfilling musical and physical experience, hearing Sober live was a big highlight for me. At times I just wanted to close my eyes and get lost, but I didn't want to miss the visuals and the sublime performance of the band.

The crowd towards the back of standing where I was, has to be the best crowd I have ever been in. Everyone totally involved in the music,one consciousness, fluid and dynamic and benevolent, quiet and contemplative when required (and demanded by the music) and more animated and emotional with the feeling of the song climaxes. To have been involved in this I am truly grateful.

[dekard49]

Hmm maybe I was at a different gig? I couldn't get into it at all, and neither could about 30 people around and about where I was standing who seemed to find the experience equally uninspiring.

The first point is, it was far, far too loud. I thought it sounded like an Amstrad 2 watt micro system, on full, pressed up against your ear drum. Most of the time it was just a distorted thrashing sound until Maynard started wailing, then you heard only sharp pains in your inner ear. Various guys in front of me had their ears cupped throughout while headbanging, so it was clearly too loud for the hardcore as well! When the crowd was screaming to Aenima it was literally like being staple-gunned in the ear. Overall the excessive volume seemed fucking contrived, and certainly not big, nor clever.

Once I'd got over the fact I'd probably never be able to hear anything quieter than a car alarm ever again, I found myself being pretty bored by the whole performance. Clearly, as you probably guessed, I'm a Tool virgin, but what a massive, massive disappointment for a band I've loved since the release of Aenima. Maynard thrusting his gonads like a pre-convicted Glitter wearing a completely wanky cowboy hat whilst trying to be amusing with some barely audible Irish and Ukranian quips. Certainly not the image I had in my head of somebody who was, previous to this gig, almost a deity in my eyes. Screaming "Fret for your hairdo" having clearly spent about 6 hours 40 minutes (I assume that's why they were late, thanks for letting 3000 people wait in the searing heat with no support act) carefully crafting his on-stage persona left a foul taste in the mouth.

Yes, I know I'm going to get mown down for this by legions of tool fans, but still, I thought rather than being a true, raw live performance, it was simply a carbon copy of the album versions only with the tracks stretched to an average of about 15 minutes. Songs just seemed to drag, with the same thrashing sound repeated over an additional 6-7 minutes, not seeming to add any real value to the set. And instead of a curtains-down encore so people could piss off and wet their whistles, we get them drinking in front of the crowd attempting to "work us up into a frenzy", which certainly struck me as being rather irresponsable considering girls (and possibly boys) were fainting in the crowd from heat exhaustion (as happened immediately behind me), but hey, that's so ROCK 'N' ROLL.

Overall I'm deeply disappointed with the whole night, and wished I didn't bother and kept Tool as a sort of live enigma, instead I'm forced to face the fact that they're 1/10th of the band I thought they were. Oh well, I hope some of you had a decent time!

Plus I couldn't get an Indian at 4:30pm so had to have a fucking KFC instead, basically it was the day from hell.


Its a pity you didnt enjoy it, I had a sort of similar experience when I saw them in 2001 for the first time - I think we build such huge expectations from the CD's and Tool's reputation, we forget a live set is just a live set no matter who is playing.

I think, like their studio sound, a greater appreciation comes to their live sound with time - make sure you check em out again in the future!

Wow, the volume seems to be a real issue - I got the screeching in my ears and pain in my head from the first song, so I moved back a bit, and must have found a spot where the acoustics were favourable, because the rest of the set sounded amazing.

If anyone is still hearing ringing after a few days, please go and see your doctor - not even Tool are worth damaging your hearing for!

[dekard49]

One single phrase comes to mind:

MULTIPLE FUCKING MUSICAL ORGASMS.




They were immense. I loved every minute of it. Especially the part in Aenema where he sang
'I'm praying for rain.... I'm praying for tidal waves. I wanna see the ground give way. I wanna watch it all go down... Mom, please flush it all away....'
etc etc... didn't dare turn away from the stage and look behind me so not sure what those guys where doing but EVERYONE in standing had their hands in the air, singing their guts out. It was fantastic.

And I can't believe they opened with Stinkfist!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about explosive screams!!

Jesus.




November... anyone?


Was it just me, or did anyone else hear a few mistakes with the vocals? I swear there was a couple of time when Maynard sang the first word of a different verse, and then quickly switched back to the right line on realising his mistake.

He def switched around the "fuck all you gangstas, and fuck your short memories" line with the one before!

I'll be back in Nov! Not sure what venue I want them to play, I'm going off the Apollo now. I guess Hammersmith would be good again.

I'd like to see a more interactive stageshow next time, more like what they were doing with APC. I've seen APC in the Apollo as well, and I think APC did a better set than the tues night, but where nowhere near the weds night.

[dekard49]

Oddly I really noticed Maynard's "vocal assistance" last night - he frequently used footpedals to double track his voice or add echo - most noticeably on Sober and Lateralus but it was deffo used throughout. Although he can obviously do whatever the fuck he wants, I really don't see the point as his voice is fucking amazing anyway...whatever...


If they were filming it, as some people have speculated, it would make sense for him to try and put on as professional sounding, thorough vocal as he could, I guess.


I saw him walking down Sauchiehall St. at about 12.30 lunctime on Saturday (with a male companion) but he had a cap on (and a Merkin Vineyard t-shirt - cheapskate!). Didn't want to hassle him on a busy Saturday afternoon... apparently he was also out at Glasgow's barfly club on the Saturday night...?


Lol, you can just imagine the sort of hissy fits he would throw being stopped on the street. I've always tried to be objective about rock star personas, and what you read on the net, but I now know a number of people who have actually met Maynard, and they all agree he is a bit odd (and thats being generous).

I dont know any women who have met him though, apparently hes a lot more friendly to them...



Re: Adam's lack of on-stage movement he never really has - I believe in part to being attacked by a real bison whilst tending to a mechanical bison, whilst making the Kevin Costner movie "Dances With Wolves". I'm sure many people here know this sort of background on him (in movie special effects) , but for any newcomers who may not...


Go on...?

[fdsajklabc]

First time I've seen Tool, and I thought it was spectacular. Everything was perfect, Maynard was everything I expected and more. Loudness wasn't an issue to me, but my ears are a piece of shit from seeing other bands live, anyway.

Glad to hear it was the best gig of many in some people's eyes, as seeing Tool this time as my first makes me feel lucky. Can't wait to hang up the GIGANTIC poster (it looked smaller on the night).

[Pancthulhu]

Great gig! I got there around 7.15 and didn't have to queue to get in. Managed to get right to the front, next to the speakers on the right hand side.

The hightlights:

Maynard's comical dancing during Rosetta "Are there any controlled substances in the audience tonight?" Stoned.

The atmosphere - everyone around me was really euphoric (especially during Lateralus and Aenema). No goffeek arm folding.

The incredibly cool visuals

Being told by a guy when I walked in that 'Stalls Standing' did not actually mean I'd have to stand behind the seating area, and I actually had a normal standing ticket (silly me)

"See you in November"

The bad points:

Security waving their torches in your face every 5 minutes, making me feel like a criminal for taking the bag carrying the t-shirt I bought into the venue (I'd already left my backpack in the cloakroom and didn't want to have to queue again)

The queue for the cloakroom afterwards which stretched all the way around the corner

The girl next to me who repeatedly elbowed me in the side with her bizarre dancing...until I elbowed her back and tried to look innocent when she glared at me

[koobcam]

It was an amazing gig. Wear earplugs or at least bring them if you're going to be a pussy about noise! I saw prodigy last year at that was louder. I was right at the front and I don't care or know about anyone else, but I thought that the music was BETTER than on the CDs. It was perfect and so, so powerful. I liked it loud. As for KFC, fair play. I just got some water. I think I lost about 3 litres in sweat.

[merkabalus]

I have to say compared to the Tuesday night I was a bit disappointed with the second night.

I thought the crowd was a lot less atmospheric (but that could have been where I was standing (left hand side on one of the barrier things about 50yds back from the stage). There wasn't the same electricity in the air before the band started and the venue seemed to take a lot longer to fill up, despite the fact the Hammersmith line had been fucked the day before. I also had a bunch of people in front of me who were talking during practically all the songs - quiet and loud parts, and a couple of girls who obviously had no idea who Tool were and looked extremely bored/confused during anything pre-10,000 Days. That groups also included a blonde female behemoth who spent about 45% of the gig checking to see what time it was on her phone. This was really not what I was expecting from Tool fans.

I'd say the sound mix was a lot clearer than on the first night - Maynard's vocals were a lot higher in the mix and they'd eliminated the bass feedback issues of the night before.

It was great to hear 'The Pot' live and I think the performances of 'Sober' and 'AEnima' just topped the performances of the night before for intensity.

Overall it was a tighter and better sounding show (less of a fall out after the gong hit in 'Lateralus' and other timing mess ups) but it lacked a lot of the energy and intensity from the first night. Whether that was the crowd, the band or me I don't know but the first night was a more fulfilling experience for me.

I was just a bit surprised at how static and informal the band were on stage. the gig on the 13th was my first Tool concert, but I'd seen APC on the 'Our First Step' tour and was absolutely blown away by how angry/aggressive and into it they seemed. I found it hard to reconcile the MJK I'd seen stamping his foot on the stage and screaming vocals in such anger with the surfer/round-em-up dancing guy I saw on stage last night. Adam was also very rooted to the spot which made him seem a bit disinterested.

I know it's a warm up tour etc. but for my £32 I was hoping they'd change the setlists a little more between the two nights - especially when Maynard mentioned people coming a second night. I really wanted to hear 'Pushit'. 'Prison Sex', 'Parabol/Parabola' or maybe even 'Wings'. The set did flow a lot better tonight with 'Rosetta' in the middle as it didn't really work as an opener on the first night.

I think part of the problem is that the show was very sterile and not as tight as I was expecting. I've got fairly high expectations to compare it with having seen APC and NIN - both of who had a great lights/stage show and sound production, but also went absolutely apeshit without missing a beat.

I feel really disappointed in myself that it wasn't the amazing experience I was hoping for.

BTW The sound was great for me with Etymotics earplugs :)

[Bleakest Harvest]

The greatest night of my life by far, absolutely amazing. my first time seeing tool...perfect set, perfect sound, perfect performance...my god.

[duncang]

Finger deep within the borderline.
Show me that you love me and that we belong together.
Relax, turn around and take my hand.

[Rushlord]

http://laut.de/lauthals/reviews/t/tool/20060608/index.htm For people who understand german this is an interesting review of the dusseldorf gig, but it can be easily transfered to the gig at hammersmith I think. Said but true.

[cultus_ross]

The girl next to me who repeatedly elbowed me in the side with her bizarre dancing...until I elbowed her back and tried to look innocent when she glared at me

You must've been near me; was it a black haired girl and a blonde haired girl dancing? Because if so they fucking nearly ruined the gig for me as they shoved right in front of me when everyone stood up despite arriving at the venue at 8:00 while I arrived outside at 5:00, then acted like slags for the next hour (one of them constantly rammed her arse into my 'genitals') - eventually I spat on her back without her noticing for blocking my view ^_^.

I can't understand people who are saying the sound was too loud - have you never been to gigs before >_>; I was right at the very front and sound was perfectly fine, best I've heard at any gig (bar My Dying Bride)! Great balance - not too loud and not too quiet. Perfect show, if a tad short.

[ojk_killed_jfk]

I must say that my post initialy mentioned the volume issue that is now going the guns on here and my point was not that the loudness was a problem. I was merely stating that it was incredibly fucking loud and that really helped it to rock. Anyway, healthy debate is always encouraged.........................

[misanthrope_13]

Nicely said. Cannot wait until November, hopefully we'll get to hear the grudge, and wings/10,000 days. That would be beautiful!! I'd imagine it to be at the Wembley Arena?

Would have to say Wednesday was the better of the night performance wise, but was better on the Tuesday (sitting) as I didn't have all these annoying fucks pushing me left, right and center. Hmm, shall tell me to pick up seating for the future....

Right in two would be the closest I could put to a 'religious experience' it was amazing! Did anyone feel there heart nearly explode once Danny smacked the gong at the end of Lateralus? Fuck me!

[Jimmeny]

koobcam, I know what you're saying, but at the same time, many of travelled a long way to see the show, which on it's own cost us £32. While it's cool that it's about the music, (and it always should be), £32 for an hour and a half of standing around is taking liberties slightly. With the Lateralus tour, the videos and such were very extravegant, and there was an overall experience going on. But in this gig, to be fair, Adam did look abit disinterested, and the displays were very minimal, and they only played for an hour and a half, with no support band. It's not about getting over yourself, it's about getting over the money it cost you.

[gsj3]

Great show!

My review:
http://gregoryjackson.blogspot.com/2006/06/tool-concert-london.html

[koobcam]

I'm well over the money it cost me. It was an amazing show. I didn't want a support band. I am there for tool. Not a fan of support bands. Poor fuckers have a hard time unless they're either really good or a well known band.

I thought adam looked how he always does. Visuals were good in my opinion. I didn't see lateralus tour in a small venue, so I can't compare. I saw it at Ozzfest. Still rocked though.

[he-wolf]

i wouldnt say it was cheap, but it was still definitely worth the money. money spent on experiences is always better than money spent on things, imo. the £30 ticket could maybe be replaced by 2 nights out instead of one. but the gig was incredible, and you'll never forget it for the rest of your life (at least for me).

[jonesmark]

My ticket cost me 70 quid on eBay (long story) - worth every penny however, superb gig.
I enjoyed it much more than the Lateralus gigs, and they were genius.

[Bex]

apparently in the times/guardian some critic rinsed the gig like only a critic can. anyone read it? (not that a critic's review is any more relevant than anyone else's)


http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14936-2227164,00.html


here you go, from The Times... it's actually pretty positive :)

nice descriptions, but I'm not sure if it's from the 13th or the 14th... doesn't matter either way I suppose!!

[Chai_nese]

Was it just me, or did anyone else hear a few mistakes with the vocals? I swear there was a couple of time when Maynard sang the first word of a different verse, and then quickly switched back to the right line on realising his mistake.

He def switched around the "fuck all you gangstas, and fuck your short memories" line with the one before!

I'll be back in Nov! Not sure what venue I want them to play, I'm going off the Apollo now. I guess Hammersmith would be good again.

I'd like to see a more interactive stageshow next time, more like what they were doing with APC. I've seen APC in the Apollo as well, and I think APC did a better set than the tues night, but where nowhere near the weds night.


yeah there were a few minor vocal mistakes and some tiny timing glitches... i'd say they can be forgiven for it but who the hell am i to judge? They still did amazingly well. I couldnt really be bothered to linger too much on any of the 'mistakes'.

Nice one! I really wish I'd seen APC live during their last tour. I have a very very unnatural desire to hear a few of their tracks live. And oh God... seriously wish Tool played Hooker With A Penis. Such a simple track but I love it so much!!!!!!!!!