TOOL ELECTRIFIES VANCOUVER FANS

July 9, 2010

The first band to take the stage in the newly minted Rogers Arena didn't disappoint the Vancouver crowd that packed into the sold out show Friday night.

While the recent name change torpedoed any clever 'Tools in the Garage' lines, Tool did justice as the first band to hold concert at the Vancouver venue under it's new handle. And they set the bar high.

Long lines twisted outside around the building, a decent crowd forming on the floor for the opener Rajas, who released their debut album last month. By the time the lights dropped for the main attraction the stadium was bursting at the seams.

Coloured lights started dancing, the backdrop screen swirled with psychedelic patterns, mimicking the the opening beats of "Third Eye" as flashing strobe lights blinded the crowd and invited them to embark on a Tool trip.

Bringing their experimental sound, long and complex songs coupled with captivating visual images, one of the world’s most popular hard rock bands played against the background of their visual art and music videos known to cause controversy in mainstream channels.

By the time they got to “Stinkfest” they were already 20-minutes deep into their 11-song set. The music video played behind them as flashing green spotlights showcased the members, intensely focused on their craft, seemingly unaware of the thousands of devotees that hung on every note.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1990 the rock band, consisting of Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones, is slightly reclusive even in their live shows.

Preferring to interact with the fans through mutual appreciation of their individual brand of metal, Keenan spent a lot of his time at the microphone, stationed beside the drum kit, facing away from the crowd.

A mainstay in the alternative metal scene, recognized for their progressive, art rock, Tool worked in music from across the past two decades, notable highlights included "Intolerance" and "Schism".

The diverse and ever-evolving musical style of the group was on display. Singles "Vicarious", "Forty-six & 2" and "Ænema" also worked themselves into the hour and 40 minute show.

Judging from the pulsating cheers and rhythmic moshing, the crowd at Rogers Arena got everything they came looking for.