Amazing show - I could definitely see how the live show has evolved since I saw them at Coachella (where they basically kicked off the tour for 10,000 days). There are now 7 independent video screens, plus three moving platforms of lights, as well as high-intensity lasers. Throughout the show, Tool synchronizes the lasers, lights, and videos with the music in some intense and engaging ways.
A "net" of lasers, from near the end of the show
Here is the setlist:
- Jambi
- Stinkfist
- 46&2
- Schism
- Rosetta Stoned
- Flood ~10 minute break
- Wings For Marie
- 10,000 Days
- Lateralus
- Holiday in Cambodia - Cover with Jello Biafra
- Vicarious
The three moving light platforms, doing their thing
Most laid-back Tool crowd that I've experienced in awhile. And also the most stoned. "But there's no connection, and you'd be a fool and a communist to make one", to quote Bill Hicks.
The biggest surprise of the night was that Jello Biafra joined the band on stage for one song - he did basically all of the singing. Unfortunately, it was really hard to hear him. I think they adjusted his mic during the song - it was a bit easier to hear him at the end than at the beginning, but I didn't make out much of what he sang.
Jello Biafra, on stage with Tool
The other cool thing was when Tim Alexander (Primus) and Sebastian (from Trans Am) joined Tool on stage for an extended drumming bridge during Lateralus. This is similar to the extended bridge that they did with Tom Morello at the Bonnaroo show. It was basically Danny, Tim, and Sebastian going back and forth on the drums - while the rest of the band watched. Before they started, Maynard said "Let the drum silliness begin". And as they finished, he walked around stage holding two signs - one reading "8", the other "9".
Only disappointments - didn't play "The Pot", or anything from "Undertow" other than "Flood".
Only the second time that I've heard "Flood" live. Totally amazing song - they really blew it out of the park, and surprisingly, most of the crowd knew the lyrics. Glad to hear at least one thing from "Undertow", even though I'm still wishing to hear "4 Degrees".
Adam, doing his thing
First time I saw Tool live where they didn't play "Sober". Thank God (zilla).
This was the first time that I heard "Wings For Marie" and "10,000 Days". Of course they are incredibly amazing live. The crowd didn't get as restless during Wings as they did when I saw tool play "Disposition" live earlier this decade.
Bringing the lights up at the end
All-in-all, incredibly tight, mind-blowing experience. They played for just under two hours - which is actually a pretty long show, by Tool standards. My guess is that Tool is going to be winding down on the touring (hints from Maynard otherwise), so this might be last time that I see them for like, 5 years. If so, it was a great way to go out.