Tool @ the Verizon Center

October 05th 2006 Posted to General, Concerts, Audio, Video, Review

Tool came to DC on Sept. 30 in support of their new album 10,000 Days. It’s been several days since the show. I’m still not sure what hit me. It’s just so impossible to describe the beauty and depth that comes from their music. And so I spent a great deal of time trying to think of how I could even begin to due this show justice but I’ve come to conclude that it’s simply not possible. The show was amazing, incredible, immaculate and mind altering but you’ll simply have to go yourself if you ever want to fully understand. I was really hoping to provide some pictures and video clips of my own but unfortunately they weren’t allowed. I did sneak my camera in anyhow but ironically my memory card died and the few little things I did have were lost. So I’ve scoured YouTube to find some things to help give you an idea of what it was like.

This clip (** broken link - see edit below) was actually filmed at the Hard Rock in Vegas but the setup was very similar at the show we went to. One of the key things to look for are the crazy video screens going on in the background. They were about 5-6ft tall which when the show started I was kind of disappointed with. But then if you watch later in the video you see they had some more lights and things to fill the higher part of the stage.

Here’s another quick clip from a different perspective so you can see some of the floor lighting they were doing on the actual stage. (filmed at the Staples Center in LA)

The last thing that was pretty sweet was sort of a laser light show going on during some shows which can be seen in this clip. (actually filmed at the show we went to in DC)

As for the actual set list we got to see, here it is:

  1. Stinkfist
  2. The Pot
  3. 46 & 2
  4. Jambi
  5. Schism
  6. Rosetta Stoned
  7. Wings for Marie (pt. 1)
  8. 10,000 Days (pt. 2)

Encore:

  1. Lateralus
  2. Vicarious
  3. Aenema

Obviously I’d have loved to hear more. The lack of anything from Opiate or Undertow was slightly disappointing but it didn’t detract too much from the show. And I’d have really liked to have heard them play H or Push It. But there really isn’t much to complain about with this set list. They played all my favorites off the new album and hit many of their greatest older tracks.

*** Edit: The link to the Hard Rock show seems to have disappeared but I found this clip which is actually from the DC show and gets some pretty good close up shots to see the screens and lights as a whole.

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Massive Attack @ the 9:30

October 03rd 2006 Posted to General, Concerts, Photos, Review

This past Friday we hit up the Massive Attack show at the 9:30 Club. The current tour is in support of their new album “Collected”. The best-of album features 13 of of their most notable tracks along with one brand new song, “Live with me”. While I’d much rather have seen a true new album this will suffice for the time being as I’ve heard they have one in the works for early 2007, and after all, this did get them out of the UK and into DC for a visit.

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They used a pretty wicked lighting setup for the show. It was essentially a wall of light behind them that flashed with all sorts of patterns and colors.

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The concert itself mostly reflected the mood of “Collected”. They managed to squeeze in most of their signature tracks. I don’t think “Karmacoma” made it into the rotation but I guess you can’t have it all. The highlight track of the evening for me personally was definitely “Angel”.

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The show as a whole was definitely a great experience. Unfortunately for those of you reading this, there are only a few remaining dates on the tour. But if you live in Boston or New York you’re in for a treat. For everyone else make sure to keep a watch out for their upcoming album and the next tour that I’m sure will follow.

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Weekend update

September 29th 2006 Posted to General, Concerts, News

Last night I went out to Firehouse Cue again to catch Pure Light Seed. The weather was totally lame which resulted in some logistics problems and a slightly shorter than normal set but they rocked out just the same. I tracked down someone who was taking some photos of their show so hopefully she sends those to me. I also got a chance to sit down and chat with the whole band and hope to have an interview posted from them in the near future.

Tonight is a big night. One of my favorite electronic/trip-hop acts is in town. The one, the only, the very legendary Massive Attack is playing at the the 9:30 Club this evening. I’m very excited. The 9:30 Club is the perfect venue for artists like this. Super quaint and intimate and an absolutely beautiful sound system. Expect a full review of the show and possibly some pictures sometime this weekend.

Then to keep the party rolling on through Saturday night, Tool, one of the greatest rock bands still gracing the face of the planet will be playing the Verizon Center. I’ve had the privilege of listening to five or so bootlegs from this tour so far and their set lists have typically consisted of mostly the big hits from their former albums along with the highlight tracks from their newest release, 10,000 Days. One thing I’m particularly interested to see is whether or not they play Wings For Marie/10,000 Days. They went a very long ways through the tour without having introduced the song in a live format. Just recently (as of early September) I finally caught a bootleg of a show where they played it. The tracks are absolutely epic and display more emotion and depth in the course of its eleven or so minute length than most bands do throughout the history of their existence. I’m praying they include these in the show Saturday. But of course I’ll let you know on Sunday so check back for details!

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