Tool's New Zealand Tour: A Musical Odyssey
The legendary progressive rock band Tool captivated audiences at Auckland's Spark Arena with a mesmerizing two-hour performance, showcasing their diverse back catalogue. Singer Maynard James Keenan, addressing the sold-out crowd, humorously acknowledged the impact of the ongoing Covid pandemic. Drummer Danny Carey and guitarist Adam Jones then took center stage, delivering a mesmerizing 10-minute rendition of the title track from their 2019 album, Fear Inoculum. This set the tone for an enthralling yet introspective show.
Carey's intricate drum kit setup, a centerpiece of the performance, showcased his exceptional talent, providing a solid foundation for Jones and bassist Justin Chancellor's dynamic interplay. Carey's unique fashion choice, a reptilian-inspired outfit, added an element of surprise to the evening. Keenan, positioned at the back of the stage, surprisingly utilized a songbook, possibly due to the rarity of some tracks, dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The show featured rare gems like a mournful 'Disposition' and a twisting 'H' from the iconic Lateralus (2001), as well as 'Crawl Away' from their debut Undertow (1993). The latter's inclusion ignited a frenzy, showcasing the band's ability to blend muscular guitars with Carey's controlled drumming. 'Intolerance' from Undertow also transported the audience back to the 1990s, a decade that continues to resonate with fans.
Highlights included a sonorous 10-minute rendition of 'Rosetta Stoned' from 10,000 Days (2006), where Jones' guitar soared above the rhythmic foundation. A powerful 'Pneuma' from Fear Inoculum elicited the largest cheer, with Jones and Chancellor taking central stage as Carey's 12-minute drumming masterpiece commenced with tabla sounds. The band's cover of Black Sabbath's 'Hand of Doom' during the encore, with a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, added a touch of nostalgia.
Despite the rare gems, some popular omissions, such as 'Stinkfist' and 'Forty Six & 2', left some fans yearning for more. The support act, Headsend, though puzzling, showcased the band's versatility. The show concluded with a 15-minute version of 'Invincible' from Fear Inoculum, a track that seemed to defy its impending end. As the band navigates the post-Covid era, fans eagerly anticipate new material and a potential album, hoping to witness Tool's continued evolution on future tours.
