Music tool revisits old work during comeback in New Zealand
Progressive rock unit Tool made a triumphant return to New Zealand with an electrifying two-hour showcase that had fans at Spark Arena in Auckland on their feet from start to finish. Lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan kicked off the evening with a heartfelt apology for performing in New Zealand at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 – a gesture that resonated with the sold-out crowd.
Danny Carey’s masterful drumming skills took center stage throughout the performance, setting a solid foundation for Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor to build upon. Keenan, sporting a mohawk and industrial suit, surprised fans by occasionally using a songbook during the show, possibly due to the band revisiting tracks from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In a nostalgic nod to their back catalogue, Tool treated fans to rare renditions of tracks like ‘Disposition,’ ‘H,’ and ‘Crawl Away’ alongside fan favorites like ‘Intolerance,’ which elicited a thunderous response from the audience. The band also delivered an emotive performance of ‘Pneuma’ from their 2019 album ‘Fear Inoculum,’ showcasing their musical prowess and captivating the crowd.
One of the standout moments of the evening came during a captivating 10-minute rendition of ‘Rosetta Stoned’ from their 2006 album ‘10,000 Days,’ where Jones’s soaring guitar melodies intertwined seamlessly with Chancellor’s basslines. The band closed out the show with an epic 15-minute version of ‘Invincible,’ leaving fans wanting more despite the show coming to an end.
While the setlist featured some rare gems, a few notable omissions like ‘Stinkfist’ and ‘Forty Six & 2’ left some fans craving additional hits. The choice of Australian support act Headsend also raised some questions given the ample local talent that could have complemented Tool’s sound more seamlessly.
Looking ahead, fans hope that Tool’s return to New Zealand marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band, potentially heralding the release of a long-awaited new album. As they navigate the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, fans are eager to see the band continue to evolve and create new music that will captivate audiences across the globe.
In closing, Tool’s performance in New Zealand was a testament to their enduring legacy and musical brilliance, showcasing why they remain one of the most influential bands in the progressive rock genre. As they bid farewell to New Zealand, fans can only hope for a swift return and the promise of new music on the horizon.