Absolutely incredible show! This was my second Tool show, and I had the time of my fucking life. Security was pretty tight, a little too tight. I was the most pissed when a security guard was flashing his light and yelling at someone in an upper level to put out their cigarette during Jambi. He kept trying to "deal" with the guy from our lower level. I was thinking, "Dude, if you're going deal with this guy, you're going to have to get your lazy ass up there. Tool just took the stage. Show a little respect and shut the fuck up." He left to get the guy finally; it was a minor inconvenience.

The last show I went to was Dallas in September of 2006. Only my girlfriend and I went then because a couple of folks bailed on us at the last minute, but it was still a wonderful time. This time we got four friends to tag along, and it really made the experience that much more phenomenal. It was also their first show. Three of them were long time Tool fans and one, as he has said, "Is just now getting into them, but they're growing on him really fast." After the concert he said, "Well, if I wasn't a Tool fan before, I sure as hell am now. And you can quote me on that." So... I did. :)

Firstly, I'd like to say that our seats were great. Section 104 like five rows back was a fantastic view for the show. I mean we were only about 30 feet from the stage, and we were all like, "These seats are actually fucking awesome!" Great view of Danny. We could see the drums almost from his perspective. It was as if our section was designed to watch Danny tear the drums to pieces. And I just love the energy from Justin, he's like a wild animal when he really gets into those bass lines. Great place to see the show.

"Jambi"--- I think this is a great opener personally. I like the fact that it doesn't "creep" in like a lot of their beginning songs. It's just dead silent, then a white light shines on Adam, and he's shredding to Jambi. It's such a fun song, and Maynard's bullriding techniques are always fun to watch.

"Stinkfist"--- So if Jambi wasn't enough of an intro for you, how about this classic? It's cool to have seen both the extended and Aenima versions. I love them both equally. Let me tell you guys, if you aren't getting to see any of the floor show this tour you are really missing out on a key component that makes this tour so incredible. The part where Adam is playing the guitar real loud and Danny does that tribal beat is awesome. There's this complex pattern of squares that go round and round the stage, then stop for Danny's drum part. Perfect timing.

"46 & 2"--- They always nail this song, and I love how Danny and Justin play with each other on this song (not in a gay way, they are just sharing themselves, and expressing their feelings together.) Hmmmm... Anyway, wonderful song. One of my friends I brought with me is a pretty good drummer. I could tell that he was just so happy to see Danny in his element last night.

"Right in Two"--- The drummer that was with us, my girlfriend, and I were all dying to see this song live. I think of Yoplait's slogan "It is so good." I remember the expression Randall (the drummer) had on his face when he was looking at the rolls at the end. It was just a smug ass grin. He was just kinda rubbing his chin and shaking his head in agreement with everything Danny did. A couple of times he almost laughed and shook his head in disbeleif when the drums got really insane.

"Lost Keys-Rosetta Stoned"--- This is the song that I think just slapped all my friends in the face with amazingness. The song that everybody kinda shakes their head to when it's over like "Yeah, I get it." As in you're thinking, these guys are blowing my mind and performing flawlessly. At the end of Rosetta Stoned my friend who's "the new Tool fan" turned to me and said, "Holy fucking God." and smiled.

"Wings for Marie-10,000 Days"--- Here come the lasers! Wonderful song. So emotional for me to watch though, I must say. It has to be quite the soul-sucking perfomance for Maynard to sing, but he does it, probably even against his will. Still, the ensemble is very crucial for the show, and I think it's incredibly brave to share emotions like the ones expressed in this song. From Right in Two til Lateralus... I don't know, it just feels so organic, so right. I don't give a flying rat's ass what people say about the setlists, props to Tool for coming up with an ingenius setlist for 10,000 Days. Also, that crazy-all-over-the-place lead that Adam plays for 10,000 Days is JUST like the album. You wouldn't think it because of the aforementioned all-over-the-place-edness, but he nails it. Really a wonderful guitarist, and it stinks how underated he is. Moving on.

"Lateralus"--- Definitely my favorite song. The lasers really kick up at this point. The extended part is such a great idea. It's so awesome for them to give Danny like three or four minutes to really show off his skills. God... if you haven't seen it live, I'm just not going to attempt to put it into words.

"Vicarious"--- The lasers are great in this song. Really a song that shines brightest live, and it wakes people up and let's them know that Tool is going to rock them out for the rest of the show.

"Aenima"--- You know what? This is a PERFECT closer. It just leaves you feeling so numb, your jaw hanging on the floor. The strobe light effect is out of this world. All of a sudden it's bright as day in the arena, and Justin is literally stomping the end of this song into the ground. Unforgetable.

The guys stayed on stage awhile and really soaked it up. It was great, and Justin, Adam and Danny made a point to wave at our section on their left side. Justin started the trend. It was great. I hope they felt our energy because we were totally pumped the whole show, and it was really cool of them to make sure we knew we got noticed, even though we were at the side-most section of the arena. I could have applauded them until my arms fell off.




Thank you so much Adam, Justin, Maynard, and Danny for providing such a positive experience. People get so caught up in the drab corporate world we've all become wrapped up in that they look forward to events like this so their life makes at least a little sense. What I mean to say is simply this; last night's show was one of the most positive experiences I've ever had, as I'm sure it was for many of you. What a great high it is to be with your friends mutually enjoying such a wonderful emotional experience! Yes, to some, it's just a show. A pretty good rock concert and nothing else. But for many of us, it's just a complete transcendental time. Everything comes into focus. You think "Here I am with my friends watching my favorite band, all of them enjoying their first Tool show. They're all smiling and dancing. In fact, I don't know if I've ever seen them happier. I'll never forget this as long as I live. This... THIS feeling is the kind of thing that makes life worth living for."

Maybe a little bit overboard for some of you guys, but this is the reason I think Tool plays their hearts out at all their shows. I'm guessing they're trying to arouse those feelings inside of you. Hell, if the quote before you enter the opinion forum isn't an indication, I don't know what is.

Justin, YOU ROCK!!! Of course people like to go on and on about Danny, but I feel like Justin deserves credit where it's certainly due. Adam and Justin get the shit end of the stick when it comes to musical appreciation. I view all of them as equals, all specialising in different areas. They are all a crucial part of something a little higher than themselves: TOOL.

Looking forward to continually riding this spiral!