So I saw "Tool" in Camden Sunday Night and....

acoustic guy

I was not impressed at all....
Kinda bored actually. I love concerts and have seen many many bands but they only played for an hour and forty minutes exactly. And their was zero energy.
Anyone have an opinion on this?
My sister and friend love them and said I am nuts

MayDay10

I heard it is a show best seen indoors.

PureandEasy

It was indoors, I didn't go, can't stand them, but I heard they only played 9 songs

I'm not into those long drawn out songs - 9 songs in an hour and 40 minutes, snore city

Mamasan23

I've seen both Tool and A Perfect Circle...I definitely preferred A Perfect Circle. Maynard was much more interactive with the crowd and it was just more enjoyable. I'm glad I got to see Tool, but it definitely doesn't go down as one of the most memorable shows I've seen.

rtdbaker

I have seen them 3 times over a 12 year span, most recently last year, and you get what you expect to get. Not a lot of bands are playing over a hour and a half, and tool in my experience doesnt take breaks to talk. It would be great if they released some new stuff but I have always enjoyed the sound of my youth. I'm guessing if you are not a fan of them to begin with then you wouldn't see the energy or the background of how songs matter to different people. I imagine if I went to a concert of a band I was impartial to (RHCP, foo fighters) I would feel the same way. Hopefully your next experience will be a better one.

AtlantaJammer

I will be seeing them for the FIRST time next Wednesday. Hopefully May Day is right, as It will be an arena show. BUT, 1 hr and 40 mins isnt short... On average PJ only plays 2hrs. After seeing TONS of footage on YouTube, they seem to be pretty FUCKING AWESOME! I wouldnt call you nuts though. Some people think Im nuts cause I think The Beattles are garbage....

hedonist

AtlantaJammer wrote:

Some people think Im nuts cause I think The Beattles are garbage....

Sacre bleu!

I've seen Tool three times, and the last two were among the best I've ever experienced. Doesn't matter to me if Maynard's at the back and virtually unseen; in fact, I dig seeing just his silhouette writhe and contort.

Maybe they were just having an off night?

PureandEasy

hedonist wrote:

AtlantaJammer wrote:

Some people think Im nuts cause I think The Beattles are garbage....

Sacre bleu!

I've seen Tool three times, and the last two were among the best I've ever experienced. Doesn't matter to me if Maynard's at the back and virtually unseen; in fact, I dig seeing just his silhouette writhe and contort.

Maybe they were just having an off night?

HEDO!!!! WELCOME BACK WOMAN, SO NICE TO SEE YOU. I always of think of you when I think of Tool.

RKCNDY

I've seen Tool twice and APC 3 times.

Tool the first time= yawn...artistic re-mixes of a few songs. I think one was 45 minutes long....or maybe they just didn't take a break between 2 songs. :? there were 2 aerialists...they were naked

2nd time: it was exciting, the energy was great.

APC: The first 2 times were great, lots of energy they played hard, Maynard really pumped the crowd up. The 3rd time-last year, he was stoic...the only time he talked was to say: "we're gonna play 3 more songs and then we're gonna leave". The show ended at 10:30...on the dot.

I get that bands get tired on tour, that they can't be pumped every night. But I don't think that I'd pay to see either of them again. I'm glad we didn't waste money on tickets for the most recent show. Pretty flashing lights don't do anything for me (if you're just gonna stand there). Guess you gotta be on acid or 'shrooms to get the 'full effect'.

hedonist

PureandEasy wrote:

hedonist wrote:

AtlantaJammer wrote:

Some people think Im nuts cause I think The Beattles are garbage....

Sacre bleu!

I've seen Tool three times, and the last two were among the best I've ever experienced. Doesn't matter to me if Maynard's at the back and virtually unseen; in fact, I dig seeing just his silhouette writhe and contort.

Maybe they were just having an off night?

HEDO!!!! WELCOME BACK WOMAN, SO NICE TO SEE YOU. I always of think of you when I think of Tool.

Thank you, P&E - great to see you too!

stargirl69

I have only seen Tool once on the 10000 Days tour.

They were amazing,I loved the dramatic energy that was created,I liked that Maynard stayed at the back and all the crowd could see was his silhouette and movements.

The sound was amazing and the lighting and effects where stunning to watch,it all made for a claustrophobic feeling but in such a good way.

I couldn't have faulted that gig

DewieCox

Seen them 4x...1x for each of the first couple legs of the last 2 albums' touring. Never been less than blown away....First show in 01 was absolutely epic though, at an outdoor show. I was just getting into them and they absolutely crushed it.

Cradles Broken Glass

I used to be a Tool fan. However, Maynard gets on my nerves. I have heard their live shows suck, even from die hard Tool fans. I think the lead singer is more concerned about being a drama queen than preforming for the fans. One of the things that turned me off was when he was doing the whole "preform behind a sheet" thing. Why would anyone spend money to see that? Just stay at home and listen to the cd. In my opinion, that is not "artsy," it is pretentious. If being the center of attention is not for you, than maybe you should seek a career outside of the entertainment industry. Sorry, that is just my opinion. They get on my nerves....

DewieCox

Cradles Broken Glass wrote:

I used to be a Tool fan. However, Maynard gets on my nerves. I have heard their live shows suck, even from die hard Tool fans. I think the lead singer is more concerned about being a drama queen than preforming for the fans. One of the things that turned me off was when he was doing the whole "preform behind a sheet" thing. Why would anyone spend money to see that? Just stay at home and listen to the cd. In my opinion, that is not "artsy," it is pretentious. If being the center of attention is not for you, than maybe you should seek a career outside of the entertainment industry. Sorry, that is just my opinion. They get on my nerves....

I can see how Maynard could get on sombody's nerves in interviews, but I don't see how he's ever really been a drama queen.

Maynard has never performed behind a sheet with Tool. He was probably standing in front of a smaller projection screen. I think him being set back more with the band is definitely a part of their art and image of music and puts the musical performance first, and he hasn't always done it. I honestly think that's the opposite of pretentious. He's standing in the back to show he's part of the band instead of the stereotypical front man. I would think most PJ fans could appreciate the level of anonymity that a band as big as Tool has been able to achieve.

hedonist

Well, perhaps a *bit* dramatic in during his days of bras and heels :P

For me, the beauty of music is not the show itself, but hearing it...listening to it, right there, one amongst many. I don't need Maynard (or Ed, or Trent, or...) to put on a show for me. Though I will say some of the imagery is visually orgasmic.

jethrojam420

3rd time seeing them saturday. all shows were generally the same. a greatest hits cd on ice. at 7 bucks per song. this was probably the last time i see them. which sucks, because i love tool, and i love live shows.

i like to use this line from almost famous' jason lee. "You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn't getting off, and I make him get off."

Maynard has never gotten me off at his shows. he is too righteous for it i guess

Attaway77

Saw them twice live, it was cool but nothing to amazing, usually helps to be more enhanced from what grows from mother natures ground (IMO) when going. I dig Tool but really could care less anymore about seeing them live but I always look forward to an album coming out... Would rather just throw on my headphones and listen and create my own visual....

musicismylife78

ive never seen them live, but i get the feeling the lateralus tour in 2001 was something mindblowing. that album is just so unbelieveable, i can imagine the shows, especially the ones immediately following 9/11 would have been pretty damn epic.

10.000 days wasnt as univerally acclaimed as aenima and lateralus, and they are basically still touring behind 10,000. and they play a setlist heavily tilted towards that album. maybe thats the reason. they arent playing enough stuff from the masterpieces

musicismylife78

i think their live shows, as i said, i havent seen them live, just going off what i know, their live shows have got to be like their albums. Not everyone loves something like Lateralus with its long songs, odd time signitures, bizaare sounds and mystical and spiritual lyrics.

i think its pretty obvious a tool live show would also play off that. the use of visuals in the back, the lead singer "hiding", i think its clear this isnt the type of band thats going to be up front and center stage, putting on some epic fireworks show.

Just like their actual music and albums, i think the band seems to be about experiencing a higher energy, spirituality, connecting with others, questioning your beliefs, opening your third eye. and any band who delves into that stuff and makes it the focal point of their music isnt going to have a normal or orthodox look, stage show, music video etc...

Ive always viewed Tool as being a band that wants to impart these mystical and spiritual ideas to the listener, and then have the listener create art. Its almost a basic fundamental idea, they want the songs, the guitar, the drums, the lyrics to trigger something in the listener, to explore more, to spiral out, and to create art, ones own art, after listening to an album or attending a show.

in that respect, i view tool as unique.

Cradles Broken Glass

DewieCox wrote:

Cradles Broken Glass wrote:

I used to be a Tool fan. However, Maynard gets on my nerves. I have heard their live shows suck, even from die hard Tool fans. I think the lead singer is more concerned about being a drama queen than preforming for the fans. One of the things that turned me off was when he was doing the whole "preform behind a sheet" thing. Why would anyone spend money to see that? Just stay at home and listen to the cd. In my opinion, that is not "artsy," it is pretentious. If being the center of attention is not for you, than maybe you should seek a career outside of the entertainment industry. Sorry, that is just my opinion. They get on my nerves....

I can see how Maynard could get on sombody's nerves in interviews, but I don't see how he's ever really been a drama queen.

Maynard has never performed behind a sheet with Tool. He was probably standing in front of a smaller projection screen. I think him being set back more with the band is definitely a part of their art and image of music and puts the musical performance first, and he hasn't always done it. I honestly think that's the opposite of pretentious. He's standing in the back to show he's part of the band instead of the stereotypical front man. I would think most PJ fans could appreciate the level of anonymity that a band as big as Tool has been able to achieve.

We can agree to disagree. PJ is more my speed. I think that Ed is one of the best front men ever. In my opinion, he always gives due to the rest of the band. The entire band puts on an amazing show. It may not have been a sheet, but the idea is still the same to me. I think that he is trying to be so "low key" to the point that it is flashy. I guess I am picky. I do not like flash (think 80s bands), but I do not like bands that go to the other extreme. I think PJ is a great medium. They do an awesome job give a quality performance and I am always a happy girl when I can see Eddie. One a side note: You mentioned interviews, another band that made me dislike them due to an interview was System of a Down. If you ever have time, look for an interview that they did for Fuse one time. I cannot remember the name of the show, but Julia was the host. It was bad to say the least.

musicismylife78

agree with what was stated above that PJ and tool share alot of common ground. I know the music may not be everyones cup of tea, as its not typical alternative rock music, but their stance on their art, their music videos and the press are all very similar to PJ and Ed's stance on things. Theyve never been a band thats into doing interviews or doing the Jesus Christ Pose or any of that stuff. I think the tool and PJ share the same philosophy of what art should mean, and the world, and the industry and all that. The only space i see them maybe in disagreement is PJ seem more about engagement in political issues and activism. And while tool no doubt are into people becoming politically active and aware, tool seems more about spiritual issues, becoming who you are, finding your purpose and all that stuff. Thats why i think their stage show is so typical of them. A band thats not into doing press, doesnt show their faces on their albums or music videos, and is extremely protective of their image and art, isnt going to have a "normal" live show. there just not.

Cradles Broken Glass

jethrojam420 wrote:

3rd time seeing them saturday. all shows were generally the same. a greatest hits cd on ice. at 7 bucks per song. this was probably the last time i see them. which sucks, because i love tool, and i love live shows.

i like to use this line from almost famous' jason lee. "You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn't getting off, and I make him get off."

Maynard has never gotten me off at his shows. he is too righteous for it i guess

Perfect choice for a quote. Also, righteous is the perfect word to describe the way I see him too. Everyone is saying that the 'theatrics" is an equalizer for the band. However, I liken it more to the kid that doesn't want to be noticed at school. What do they do? Wear a long black trench coat in August. When you are trying so hard to not be something, that is the exact thing you often are.

red mos

I'm not a Huge fan, (like a few songs), but went to see what all the fuss was about. I have had friends in High school rave about TOOL live. I was dissapointed. They are great musicians, Yes, but Just did not care for the way they do their show. 8 songs in an hour, and Maynard just stands behind the drummer on a platform or off to the side prancing around. I wish they had put Aenima in the set cause that is one of my fave tool songs, but that tour they ommitted it. I was not really all that impressed with the show. I get that TOOL is art, and want to be percieved as an act, as a whole on stage; rather than the focus being on indivisual members, but it just wasn't my thing. I would like to APC though.

pjl44

Have seen them 20 or so times since '97 and twice on this current tour. I found the show as awesome as ever. Different strokes, I guess.

PatrickBateman

Saw them last night for the second time (last time was in 06)and got what I expected... absorbing great music with a great theater experience that flows with the music. Comparing their set to Pearl Jam is like comparing apples and bowling balls....


by the way no offense to any one who is a fan of that opening band, but I would have fallen asleep if it wasn't so loud. And I think they only played three songs

Of The Aggie

I've seen them 3 times and I admit that the first time I was a bit disappointed. This was on the first go round of the 10,000 Days shows. There were too many musical interludes that sucked up a lot of time and I had trouble hearing Maynard for most of the show. But they did play Wings For Marie/10,000 Days and it was amazing. The only time I got to see those songs live.

I think the shows got better as they went along. I enjoyed the 2nd show more than the first and I think the 3rd show in 2010 was the best of the three. Yes the setlist changed very little over that time and that's why I skipped this mini tour. I'm probably not going to see them again until they have some new material. 10,000 Days is my least favorite of their albums and they really aren't playing much from their early albums. I wish I could have seen them on the Lateralus tour. I'm sure that was their peak.

LukinFan

They're not for everyone. I've seen them twice - a few months apart, but on the same tour and my only complaint was that they played pretty much the same setlist. Both shows were killer though and if I have the chance, I'll see them again

PearlJamaholic

I saw Tool back in 01? I think, and it pretty much ended my fandom of them. I gauge bands by how good they are live and Tool disappointed. So they dropped out of favor with me. It was like watching a band record an album with a light show going. They sounded great, but the band was boring. Take away the screens and lights and you got one boring band.

Jeff Murray

I was at the Camden show and I got what I expected... a great show. My only complaint was that I was too far left of the stage and the sound was not as good that far over. This is not a band I would want to be front row for, but I would like to be dead center near the sound board!

As someone else said... different strokes for different folks...

josevolution

Saw then once i can't even remember the yr great show ..

W.M.Eh

I was lucky enough to have my cherry popped back in 96' in the Warehouse (Koolhaus) in Toronto for the Aenima tour. It was and still is in my top 5 shows of all time.

While I understand the complex arrangements these guys use to create each album it is dissappointing to have such a great band have such a limited catalog of music. Being into Pearl Jam and Tool is interesting as you see how much one band can give back to their fans (PJ) and then you have Tool at the complete opposite end of that spectrum.

If your fans have been asking for a live DVD/ CD for more than a decade, do you not think that by now you would give them what they want? It's not selling out to give your true fans what they want just because you don't want others to get to see it as well. That type of thinking (Maynard singing at the back) is what turns me off of Tool.