I should preface this with: "I am not a hardcore Tool fan."  I am a casual fan who wanted to see the band in concert... I have all of their cd's save for the EP and the live disc... so, here we go:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Before the show..."]<img title="Pre-show" src="http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_001.jpg" alt="Before the show..." width="640" height="480" />[/caption]

This was my first Tool show and hopefully, it is not an idication of how they all are.  At least, when it comes to Maynard.  The atmosphere was right and the lighting/video/laser show was pretty nice (though, I'd argue Roger Waters last tour was better...).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Nice laser show"]<img title="Lasers" src="http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_002.jpg" alt="Nice laser show" width="640" height="480" />[/caption]

The band was tight and from my vantage point (in secion 216), I could see Danny clearly and he is the fastest drummer I have ever seen live... Do I like him better than say, Mike Portnoy, no, but I have much more respect for him now than I did before.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Sweet light and video show"]<img title="Lights!" src="http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_003.jpg" alt="Sweet light and video show" width="640" height="480" />[/caption]

<strong>Here is the setlist:</strong>
Jambi
Stinkfist
46 &amp; 2
Schism
Lost Keys *new audio*
Rosetta Stoned
Flood
Aenema
Lateralus
Vicarious

I am a big fan of the "heavier" Tool material like what is on Undertow and even 10,000 Days... so, Flood was a treat. Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned is my favorites on 10,000 Days, so sweet... I really did enjoy the setlist.  (I understand from reading the <a href="http://toolnavy.com/showthread.php?t=114075" target="_blank">Tool Navy</a> site that the setlist hasn't changed much for a while... so, for people who continually see them, it might get old.   For me, it was fine...)

Maynard, however, didn't really seem to be in the show, but at the show.  The vocals were too muffled into the music (not his fualt) but he sat behind some speakers behind his riser (which was right next to the drum riser) during just about all instramental parts and then at the end of the show, left before the last song was done.  He didn't come back and left the remaining three members to wave to the fans... Maybe he was pissed or not feeling well, but he is a PROFESSIONAL, he should have at least came out for one bow and then leave.  Throw the crowd a bone, please.

The accoustics at the venue, Gwinnett Arena, may be at fault for the muffled vocals.  The instraments were loud and clear most of the time.  This was only my second time at Gwinnett Arean (The original Gigantour was the first...)... and I don't remember the accoustics of that show.

So, in the end... yes, I am glad that I got to see Tool live but came away a bit disappointed in the accoustics, Maynard's non-pressence, and relatively high ticket price... I don't have any complaints about the crowd or the setlist (maybe because I was in a section of nice people...).

Tune in tomorrow for my review of the Progressive Nation 2009 show... (HINT: It is going to be a glowing review.)