People talk about going to see a band in concert, but in reality they aren't seeing much. They're mostly listening.
Unless the concert is Tool, which is what the 9,000 music fans who packed Tucson Convention Center last Thursday found out as the alternative metal band put on an incredible show that rocked both the ears and eyes.
Unlike most shows, fans in the back were treated to the best seats in the house, as those in front undoubtedly struggled to take in all the sights.
The stage was flanked by large video screens that projected images which were at times beautiful, and at other times haunting. Several large tapestries provided a backdrop for the show, one of which was a glowing orange tunnel of eyeballs peering into the crowd.
Vocalist Maynard James Keenan, covered head-to-toe in green body paint and wearing nothing but green briefs and black-light sensitive markings outlining his muscle structure, danced furiously as the band tore through much of their most recent release "Lateralus" and a few classic Tool tunes.
The front man's haunting voice was in flawless form as he whispered his way through the epic "Disposition-Reflection-Triad" trilogy and exploded into furious yelling during "The Grudge."
The band mostly focused its setlist on songs from "Lateralus" and "Undertow," while completely ignoring "Opiate" and several of the radio hits from "Aenima." The setlist offered a welcome change-up for fans who saw Tool's Phoenix concert in October, which was dominated by songs from "Aenima."
High points of the Tucson set included the angry, anti-Los Angeles ranting of "Aenima" and the ferocious finale of "Lateralus," which closed the show.
Reach Matt Simpson at azdude182@aol.com.
