The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Brandon Turner South Florida — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:23:56 GMT

Refreshing in deed, best experience of my life!!

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Donnie, Pittsburgh, TA. — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 03:51:21 GMT

TOOL sends messages of hope not apocalyptic ends. Maynard sings like an angel. TA.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Bou, Fort Worth, TX — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 05:56:26 GMT

Man I'd love to see Tool at Bonnaroo.

Concerning the message Tool sends, see you all in Arizona Bay!

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

JP, Liberty Lake, Wash. — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 06:05:42 GMT

Not sure how your comments ended up on this site but you don't understand Tool. This band is true musicians that create an art in their songs on their own terms. You can interpret want you want; but these are not evil songs. They are songs that the band had an emotional attachment too but with the everyday listener they have the opportunity to make their own conclusions about the song. There is a lot of punk rock bands that sing about nothing; but Tool is different. If you can't figure that out than you're the one that is lost and are not willing to open your mind to the music........

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Matt, Hamilton, Ontario — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:50:41 GMT

I suggest you buy all their albums study them for at least a year before you start making comments like that.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Eso, Eastsound, Wa — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 09:30:12 GMT

Anyone takeing this little commentary as a serious assesment of the band Tool, is selling themselves short. This person doesn't have a clue what Tool is about, think for yourself! Peace

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Chief Clancy Wiggum — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:37:53 GMT

Does this guy know anything about the band at all? Sorry Mr. Writer-guy if these guys aren't Creed, Nickelback, or Maroon 5.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Jerry Lewis — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 13:47:43 GMT

Hey, you forgot the message they send that says you're a total idiot. Congratulations on getting to see the one of the greatest bands of all time on your company's dime and not even being intelligent enough to understand it.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

BK, TN — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:54:56 GMT

I was there and the show was great. Tool's sound was as good as ever. They played Wings for Marie, which is a tribute to Maynard's mother's life and her entrance to heaven. How can this be described as "evil"?

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

mike b boston — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:07:46 GMT

yeah shut up. stop reading their fake bios on their website and listen to the music.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Maynard, La mesa, AZ — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:42:39 GMT

The refreshingly gay sounds of The Long Winters...

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Andy Kilpatrick — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:51:56 GMT

Dude, you have no idea what you're talking about. Are you sure you got the right band?

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Grant, omaha, nebraska — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:18:28 GMT

I get what he is saying i'm a long time tool fan and i get what you are saying but he enjoyed it. And it gave the event a little extra something and everyone there could still appreciate what they were doing even though it wasn't like the rest of the bands there. And yes i am a "true" fan ta army and the whole nine. I was glad that he said what he said it wasn't realy his thing but he enjoyed it. I know we as tool fans are very loyal and very protective and while there songs aren't "evil" i think he still got it. Just wanted to stick up for the poor guy...

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

grant, omaha, nebraska — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:21:18 GMT

ps. and he is right they want us to "question everything" and look at everything not to take it as a grain of salt and examine it for our selves just look at some of the april fools day jokes yeah maynard found god and quite the band any tool fan would know that wasn't true.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

John Roderick, Bonnaroo — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:23:42 GMT

I clearly don't understand Tool, no offense to anybody. I liked the show a lot, and I tried to say so. But there's no denying that, to a first timer, the fact that they play freaky disection footage throughout their concert and play extremely distorted, off-time music might not lead one to assume that they have a message of "hope". Thanks for writing.

Oh, also, my band is totally gay. No denying.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Darren, Redlands, CA — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:53:20 GMT

John Roderick...You need to stick to writing what you know about. You are way, way off. BAD...BAD...Journalism, if you dare to call it that. GEEZZZZ...

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

TA — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:09:44 GMT

TOOL IS THE GREATEST BAND EVER

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Eso, eastsount, wa — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:45:03 GMT

Tool has intentionally sheraded people with a thin exterior that will deter people who choose not to listen carefully and think critically, I don't mean that as an insult, just I can understand that someone unfamiliar with the band could quickly get the wrong impression. John, if you liked them, then take some time to delve a little deeper into their message, there's no evil, the imagry is a metaphor, for the fact that you can't take everything on face value, see??? Anyhow, if this situation inspires you to think a little more about anything, then Tool has done their job, you enjoyed the show, now " try and read between the lines,.. "

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Kim Moore — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:49:30 GMT

John..I owe you an apology. I kinda trashed you at the end section of the commentary for not knowing Maynard's name and referring to him as "the singer". I was just jealous cause I was stuck at work all weekend. I sounded like a total music snob and I hate music snobs. Also, I see people trashing you for the message you received out of the show. It's my opinion that what meaning you derive out of ones' music is completely your own, there is no right or wrong way to get someone else's music. Regardless of the artists intentions or message that is being portrayed. Tool is very thought provoking, just take a look at any of the artwork in their Cd's and it's full of hidden meanings and double entendres which is then also conveyed in their music. That's why we love them so much. They are unmatched when it comes to alot of other bands that just put out music for the sake of money and commercialism instead of having any artistic integrity.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Paul D'Amour — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:42:35 GMT

I'm a huge Tool fan and have traveled the country to see them at various places (Red Rocks, Philly, Dallas, Houston, etc...). I'm a member of TA and all that. What I've always found interesting is the self-proclaimed, eyes wide open, OGT tear a person's opinion of Tool to shreds and end their "beat down" by chanting their favorite Leary/Maynard-ism "think for yourself, question authority". A bit oxymoronic when you think about it. "Your opinion sucks...think for yourself".

Glad they played a good show, wish they would have been at Coachella instead.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Marcos Vargas, Melbourne, Florida — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:30:28 GMT

Hello Mr. Roderick, as a music lover of all types I have to agree with you on some of your points of view. As far as a little shocking for someone that has never heard the group “TOOL” before, I can attest to that. One of the reasons I went to the “TOOL” concert in Orlando, FL was to support my girlfriend and to be there for her since she is a loyal “TOOL” fan. For me, this was a great experience since it gave me an opportunity to hear the band live, and their talent as musicians is untouchable. I have never experienced a lead singer of any band singing from the back of the stage and facing away from the crowd and the crowd enjoying the music so much. The light show was incredible and the videos were of high technology. I guess you can call me a fan now and that’s why we also went to the concert at Sunrise in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I liked the opening song “Jambi” and I think the group has greatly talented musicians that are very spiritual-like and that is sometimes hard for some people to absorb. But for those who have an open mind and are willing to listen to the music, not just watch videos or hear it, a “TOOL” concert is definitely a great experience, as it was for me. Thank you!

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Jenna Murfreesboro TN — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:35:18 GMT

hands down the best SHOW i saw!!! my face is is still melted to the ground

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

June, Bonnaroo — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:51:37 GMT

Dear John: Your CMJ blog was the best Bonnaroo 2006 recap of them all. Aren't you glad it didn't have a comment feature?

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Amendi, Birmingham, AL — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:16:54 GMT

TOOL at Bonnaroo was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The images are not scary, nor evil, nor melancholy if you know anything about this band. Let their music suck you in.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Mike Cracchiolo, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:26:51 GMT

Well, whatever else TOOL may be, they've certainly amassed a ton of fans who think "open-minded" somehow equals automatically agreeing with them.

The really funny thing is that this was an overwhelmingly positive review. Not everybody has to appreciate music in the same way.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Thom Yorke, chicago, IL — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:32:52 GMT

mr. Roderick,

firstly, great report!

Secondly, don't listen to these idiotic tool fans who think they have the magic decoder ring to all tool songs. From sombody who knows every lyric, and every riff, who has a tool tattoo on his right shoulder, who was at the show, and experienced EXACTLY what you described... right on! You hit the nail on the head. What a delightfuly evil sound! What emotion. They melted my face off that's for sure! They make you look at the horrific imagery, and listen to the disturbing lyrics. They throw you into the ocean of chaos and teach you to swim. They make you face your fears head on.

oh and some of us did freak out quite nicely, but you know, as they say...

THIS IS NECESSARY!

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

terry howard — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:52:12 GMT

everyone needs to read this review again while listening to HOOKER WITH A PENIS.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Mike, Philadelphia, PA — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:24:38 GMT

..."he said 'you are the chosen One, the One who will deliver the message. A message of hope for those who choose to hear it and a warning for those who do not.'"

you didn't listen.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Lindz, Lincoln, Nebraska — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:21:20 GMT

The Tool show at Bonnaroo was the greatest show I have ever seen and probably will ever see. Nothing else needs to be said.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Patrick Becerra, Milford, Michigan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:22:25 GMT

If Tool has a message of "hope" and the Long Winters are "gay", do the two combined bring hope for gay people?

I'm awesome.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Pete, Denver, CO — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:47:42 GMT

hilar Patrick. Wow everyone, it was a positive review. Theres not one music critic who could go to Bonnaroo and know everything about every band. Tools sound is generally dark in case you were wondering, hence the evil adjective. He didnt mean it to apply to every lyric ever written by tool. Greatest overall rock review Ive ever read, check out the police one, so funny. Some great anecdotes and youll always piss someone off writing this; just wish people didnt resort to juvenile attacks on your band and your work. But alas, they feel attacked as though they are in the band making the music, so they feel the need to get defensive. Keep up the good work.

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Mitch, Hamilton, Ontario — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:41:49 GMT

TOOL IS THE SH*T!!!!!!!!!!
Maynard sings with himself at the back of the stage because the songs represent an emotional journey! TOOL IS GOD!!
They have the best drummer (Carey), guitarist (Jones), bassist (Chancellor), and of course singer (Maynard) in the world.
period

The refreshingly evil sounds of Tool

Paul Schulz — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:21:03 GMT

I cannot believe how many of these debates are going on, its music listen to it, critique it, enjoy it, but for the love of all things good stop worshipping it. I'm a huge fan of the music but damn, some of the fans are getting a little annoying.