I wanted bass and I got the bass. Tool played two nights at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT on November 10th and 11th, and the progressive metal band packed the arena with fans of all ages waiting to hear its timeless music.
Tool had one opening performer, a one-man band who goes by the name of “Steel Beans.” This was certainly a first for me, seeing one man playing guitar, piano, and drums while singing songs over 5 minutes long so effortlessly. If that didn’t impress you enough, imagine this man playing full-on guitar solos, while also playing John Bohnam-style drum fills. During this entire performance, I spent my time trying to figure out how this is humanly possible. Besides the man blowing my mind on stage, there were sound-sensing lights matching each beat of his drums, and a large screen behind him with his band logo. This did NOT prepare me for what was to come when Tool came out on stage.
After watching the stage transform into a two-level setup, the arena turns dark and the huge screen behind the band provides a massive projection of all of the band’s iconic “mascots.”
The platform that held the drumset and singer also had screens on the walls facing the audience, providing a completely immersive experience. The first song being 10 minutes long is the perfect way to completely grasp the audience and introduce them to the experience that is a Tool concert. With heart-rattling bass exploding through the bodies within the arena we were ready for one hell of a performance.
I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the drumset used onstage. It bears an incredible likeness to Neil Peart of Rush’s famous 360-degree drum set. With different drum pads and electronically controlled sounds, the drummer definitely doesn’t need to do any cardio during this tour. I also immediately spotted the flying V guitar being used, and if there is a flying V guitar I’m already enjoying myself.
One thing that surprised me was that the singer stayed on the platform used for the second level. On the main level, only the bassist and guitarist were placed. During their first song, I was truly in awe of the drummer’s ability to isolate each double bass fill so clearly. The bassist followed the drummer perfectly and it was truly amazing to watch. If you have never listened to Tool before, to be able to cover their songs successfully the drummer and bassist probably need to have telepathic abilities to communicate. The singer’s vocals were so crisp and clear, it sounded like I was listening to the recording.
After seeing multiple shows at Mohegan Sun and other places around Connecticut, I have realized that the artists find it hilarious that these huge venues exist in such a small state. Especially with Mohegan Sun being in the middle of nowhere, it caused the band to laugh immediately after saying “HELLO CONNECTICUT!”
The band also enforced a no-phones rule during their opening speech before they continued with their music. They wished for their audience to be completely immersed in their performance because it truly is a spectacle to behold. I believe the singer’s exact words were “Put your f****** phones away, we will let you take them out during the last song.” I think this is a brilliant move on their behalf. Yes, we all love taking pictures and videos of our favorite artists, however, there is nothing like seeing them live right in front of you and being fully present.
During the rest of their set, I was truly taken aback by the stage presence, lighting use, and general sound and performance.
I mean this wholeheartedly. Tool has the coolest lasers I have ever seen used in any concert I have ever been to. My jaw dropped to the floor when I saw these lights. I am a sucker for the production of a concert, and lighting especially. The lasers combined with the fog spread around the arena made it look like the audience was underwater, at some points the lights almost looked like they were made of glass and the way they moved up and down made it feel like the entire arena was moving with them. With different colors, textures, and the massive screen behind the band, it truly felt like I wasn’t where I first sat; I felt like I was transported to a different planet.
Another cool lighting design I noticed was there were several occasions in which the lights got so bright you could see everyone clearly in the arena. I have never seen this done before and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was most excited about the bass during this show, and I was not disappointed. The song “Pneuma” has one of the coolest bass lines I have ever heard, and the bassist made a point to demonstrate his talent in creating such a masterpiece on an instrument with only four strings. His stage presence was insanely entertaining to witness and you could see through his actions, and the rest of the bands, that each of them truly loves what they do.
The crowd at this concert was incredibly unique. I never thought I would see people holding up heart hands at a metal show. There is something very comforting about watching a guy air guitar like his life depended on it while his girlfriend air drums beside him. It felt like a little community of metalheads, but metalheads with a soft side.
This was truly a night to remember, I saw many things I never thought I would see, and I met fascinating people of all ages, backgrounds, and generations, but what they all had in common was their pure excitement and joy to see one of their favorite bands.
