Fortunately the lights dimmed and everyone turned to face the stage. One by one they came onto the stage; Maynard James Keenan, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey, and Adam Jones. The crowd stood and screamed, clapped, yelled, and shoved lighters and fists into the air.
They went straight into "Jambi." Maynard, who had come onto the stage with a cowboy hat, an orange pull over which he pulled off to reveal a t-shirt, and a large rodeo style belt buckle, waved his cowboy hat at the crowd before going into the song.
While they mostly played songs from 10,000 Days they also included songs from Aenima and Lateralus; "Forty six and 2," "Lateralus," and "Schism." It was great to be able to hear some of my favorite songs. While I had had my fingers crossed for "Jimmy" and "Sober," two songs that had made the play lists of previous tour dates, I was not disappointed in their song selection for last night.
The visuals were also amazing. The whole stage was white with four screens along the back with two more hanging to the side. The videos and images were projected onto the screens as well as the stage. The lighting was fantastic. I have never seen a better light show.
When the last song died the entire crowd was on their feet, lighters making the dark arena a constellation of stars, as they clapped and screamed. The band did a group hug and turned to bow to the crowd. The screaming and clapping continued, deafening when people began to stamp their feet and chant ‘Tool, Tool, Tool!’.
Walking out of the building people were screaming ‘Tool rocks! Tool is awesome!’. The streets were crowded, honking cars with people leaning out of them screaming back at the people on the streets.
Most things are never as good as your remember them. But this show was even better than the first one I saw all those years ago. Next time they come through, come hell or high water, I’ll make sure I have a ticket with my name on it.
Article comments
1 - jerry
I always manage to miss Tool when they come to Dallas. I can relate to what you said about the schoolmates and how they accept you after going to a show. That happened to me my junior year in high school and the band was Rage Against The Machine..
so yeah, good times.
2 - Katie McNeill
I've never seen Rage live. I would love to. I bet they put on an amazing show. If you get a chance you should go see Tool. I’m not sure when they will be in Texas next but they usually play a few shows there on a tour. Check out ToolBand.com.
3 - david smith
i'm seeing tool for the first time on june 2nd. reading your review just affirms that it will be a show to remember.
4 - Katie McNeill
You will have the BEST time!
5 - david smith
holy crap. the show was incredible. the opening band (melt banana) kind of sucked, but tool was amazing. they played for a little over 2 hours and played everything i wanted to hear. awesome.
6 - Miller
I see them tonight in Baltimore (in a couple hours!) -- two blocks from my place. I was hoping to find a complete playlist (hence ended up here). I saw them in Philly less than a year ago. My first T00L concert (the one in Philly) was practically a religious experience. I decided to give myself a mohaw tonight in honor of Maynard's days of old. 46 and 2... let the transformation being.
7 - Katie McNeill
lol. my husband had a mohaw for the show too! maynard had a mohaw as well... hope he still has it... :)
8 - Phil from Austin
Great read. Music really is something else, isn't it? It has the ability of penetrating any internal barriers, straight to the core, and brings us together so effortlessly.
I saw 3 shows in the last 2 years and I was completely blown away, just as I expected to be. Tool is a once-in-a-lifetime band that needs to be experienced.
9 - megan
THAT CONCERT WAS AMAZING. I was preggo at the time :( So was sitting down about half the time lol...But i definately plan on going to another concert if they come. That was one of the best days of my LIFE.
10 - Mike from Atlanta
Yeah I just saw them again Monday night, it was the 3rd or 4th time. They are totally awesome! Excellent sound and light show too. I wish they were coming back again, would totally see them again.
11 - Steven Ayres
I dont know but it seems like I am seeing Tool but the more mature version. Part of me misses Maynard coming out in blue pant.
12 - Sam Kay
I have seen Tool's concert before. The concer blew me away! Tool is coming to Saint Paul, Minneapolis Minnesota on June 23, 2012!