Concert Review: Tool
What an interesting sight it was at the Saddledome on October 27th, the unofficial Friday night of Halloween 2023, with progressive metal legends Tool taking the stage. The evening promised a unique and electrifying experience, and Tool delivered in spades.
Fans were dressed in everything from new Tool shirts, vintage Tool shirts, and costumes. The demographic of fans is so diverse, and incredibly unique. It was a spectacle to sit and people watch as us photographers waited to photograph the opener.
The night kicked off with a captivating performance by Steel Beans, a multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly sang, drummed, and played the guitar simultaneously. Their incredible talent left the audience in awe, making some of us (myself included) feel humbled by our own lack of musical prowess.
Steel Beans
Steel Beans
The crowd was warm and receptive, but after Mr. Beans, the Saddledome began to fill up even more - the anticipation for Tool was palpable in the air. Security was diligent about preventing any form of photography, not just during the show - no photos or videos of any kind, including a selfie, were to be taken. There was semi-frequent, pre-recorded announcements from the band over the PA reminding fans that photos and videos were strictly prohibited, in order for the band to give the best possible performance.
Tool hadn't graced Calgary with their presence since 2017, and the release of their acclaimed 2019 album, Fear Inoculum, had fans eagerly awaiting new material. When the house lights dimmed, the seated floor instantly rose to their feet, ready for the spectacle about to unfold.
The band members made a dramatic entrance one by one, as the “Third Eye Intro” played from tape. Drummer Danny Carey lead the way, taking a seat behind his epic drum kit. Bass guitarist Justin Chancellor and guitarist Adam Jones followed after. Finally, the enigmatic lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, sporting a striking blonde mohawk, emerged and took his place at the back of the stage—a departure from the typical front-and-center lead vocalist position.
Maynard James Keenan of Tool
Danny Carey of Tool
The show commenced with the title track, "Fear Inoculum," and was accompanied by stunning visuals that enhanced the music's intricate and immersive atmosphere. It didn’t matter where you sat or stood, you could feel the heavy chugs of the bass and guitar in your chest. After the epic opener, Maynard addressed the crowd to get them even more excited. "Come on, Calgary… or else we'll start calling you Edmonton," he professed with a sense of characteristic humour.
Adam Jones of Tool
The setlist primarily featured songs from Fear Inoculum, including "Chocolate Chip Trip," "Culling Voices," "Descending," "Invincible," and "Pneuma." However, the band of course paid homage to their previous work, with electrifying renditions of "Jambi," "Rosetta Stoned," and "The Pot" from the 10,000 Days album. Fans were treated to other classic songs, like the title track of Ænema and "The Grudge" from Lateralus.
The rest of the show was nothing short of exceptional, a testament to why Tool has such a broad and dedicated following. Their intricate musicianship, captivating visuals, and Maynard's enigmatic stage presence all contributed to a mesmerizing performance. The band's ability to effortlessly transition between the new and the classic was a reminder of their enduring legacy in the progressive metal genre.
Justin Chancellor of Tool
Maynard James Keenan of Tool
In the end, Tool's performance at the Saddledome on this Halloween weekend was nothing short of a sonic and visual feast, reaffirming their status as legends in the world of progressive metal. It was a night that both die-hard fans and newcomers to their music will not soon forget.
(And revisit some old ones too!)
Check out more photos from the show below!
