Lollapalooza '09: Tool

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Tool was Tool - tight, precise, loud, and as amazing as ever. The stage setup was similar to past shows, with one key difference -- instead of multiple video displays behind the band, now there is just one continuous display that runs the entire length of the stage. It was pretty nifty at times to see the proto-fish go swimming by behind the band. Above the video display, were three glowy skulls:

Tool's stage setup

The setlist is nearly identical to the last time I saw Tool -- the only real treat was "ænima" (although I always like to hear "Flood"):

1. Jambi
2. Stinkfist
3. Forty Six & 2
4. Schism
5. Rosetta Stoned
6. Flood
7. ænima
8. Lateralus
9. Vicarious

I noticed some different guitar lines in Jambi and Stinkfist, but other than that, everything was pretty standard. I was hoping for something new -- a new song, new extended bridge, cover -- anything, but I was left disappointed.

On the other hand, the crowd was actually pretty well behaved this time out. In fact, at times it was more like "sing along with Tool" night. I'm not sure how many people were there to see Tool, but it was a lot -- and it seems like most people were fans of the later stuff, so it seems like even after all of these years, Tool is continuing to gain new fans. Of course, these new fans were utterly bored during "Flood", which was mildly annoying, but other than that, they surely didn't seem to disappointed with tonight's performance:

The band in action

Overall, I was pretty happy with tonight's performance. And in lieu of them playing anything old (say, off of "Undertow"), I think I'm really hungry for something new. So, I'm really hoping that this latest round of touring means that another album is imminent. But until then, I'll have to tide myself over with the fine photos that Sara took, and the music that I already have.

-Andy.