Saw Tool in the 90's. Was waiting for the show to start. As the stage crew set up the stage, one of them brought out a duffel bag and laid it onstage. About 10 minutes later, the lights went out, the crowd went nuts and the band started playing a slow intro, offstage. They came out one by one but Maynard didn't come out for a while. After about 20 minutes of being placed onstage, Maynard pops out of the duffel bag and the show kicked off. It was the best shit I've ever seen!
My understanding is that he does stuff like this because of the photographers who are usually allowed on the first couple songs so he is out of stage, hidden, in shadow, with his back to the crowd or smth. They also have bans on using mobile to shoot in the concert for the crowd.
And sober is one of Danny's easier songs.. 46 and 2, Eulogy, The Pot, Aenima, Schism... his syncopation and the ability to drive a back beat is nothing short of amazing.
this is exactly the last thing I ever did with a dear friend. first song he ever heard from tool was the pot and he wouldnt let us speak until it was finished.
Ash D-H he’s a metal band frontman for SEVERAL bands who now owns a vineyard and is a winemaker. I think he knows he’s pretentious and it’s not something he’s hiding from anyone lol
if you guys like the pneuma live, i highly suggest you check his his version of triad live. it’s pretty under-looked and in my opinion it’s one of his best pieces of work. just filthy from start to finish
If you have ever known a person battling addiction, this song captures the regret, self-loathing, the cries for help, defiance, isolation, physical and mental illness, and the inescapable physical and psychological need for the drug(s). This performance is amazing and heartbreaking.
It is virtually impossible to break a substance addiction without assistance. Alone you cannot make it. I have helped one person break away and he is now keeping to a rigorous body building regime twice daily. he now looks like the man he was supposed to be after almost 2 decades of addiction. BTW there is ONE addiction that cannot be broken by 98% of addicts even with all the assistance possible. And worse of all it is totally legal. And no it is not tobacco or alcohol. Once captured it is game over.
Maynard's "character" reference in this performance was (and as the song lyrics depict), reflects entirely on self reflection (no pun). His posture and visual possession, lazy pyjama outfit and transfixed bedroom state infers that he is standing in front of his mirror questioning life and what does he have to do to make it real for him even if he is caught up in his own wild world (again, not Maynard but his character). The interpretation does not reflect drug use solely but more so a mental self abuse that one could relate to a wide variety of reasons. Anywhere from drugs and alcohol, love lost, mistrust from (or toward) people cared for and even to poor record deal choices but all basically show the opportunity to question what isn't working out. Why can't I just do it my way and whatever works for me (hence the double negatives throughout the song). Not only does the main line in the chorus inflict a harsh double negative (why CAN'T we NOT be sober?), but then the opposing lines become positive versus negative, all within 4 lines and 2 of them are repetitive. Battle the demons within. GENIUS. This song works on so many levels and took Adam (and Maynard) about 5 years to write. It reflected on people met and decisions made along the way to get TOOL to where they are. For me it was drugs and alcohol but I was lucky enough to first find this song in 1993. It helped me control my self deprecation and self abuse and to grow my confidence again. And ,YES, this performance speaks volumes in any way you choose to interpret it.
"It's clear he's trying to inhabit a character..." Pretty much exactly what Maynard has said about performing live. He's an actor trying to get in that same space he was in when he wrote the song to make it as genuine as possible.
It's also the typical way anyone with anxiety tries to exist in a situation that causes them the most anxiety. We all put on a mask, become a character, while we can safely stay in a safe area of our own psyche.
One thing you missed was the crowd reaction. At the beginning everyone is jumping and moshing and by the end the entire crowd is frozen, transfixed on Maynard. Powerful enough performance to mesmerize an entire outdoor festival of people on 1998 drugs!
@nynetynyne Better is subjective. Back then I could smoke a joint and be stoned and happy. These days I take a hit and I'm zoned out in the corner like I took mushrooms. I'd pay a premium for good old brown mexican brick weed.
@@SunTzuMedia I used to think it was garbage. In retrospect tho, it was cheaper than even legal weed is now and it made me feel good. I can't even smoke pot today, its too goddamn potent it turns me into a paranoid weirdo.
Yep, there are two people in us. The sober one, and the addicted one. You have too know which one is in control. The lyrics are a mix of perspective, from the sober to the addicted. Here is the first lyric, coming from sober: "There's a shadow just behind me Shrouding every step I take Making every promise empty Pointing every finger at me Waiting like a stalking butler." That is sober acknowledging the existence of the addict, and some of the addict's attacks against sober. More importantly, is the addict has the patience to stalk the sober, until sober has a weak point that can be exploited. Now, here is a shortened version of the first chorus, from perspective of sober: Why can't we not be sober? I just want to start this over Why can't we drink forever? I just want to start this over This is sober's reflection of regret for having an addiction. Too late. the addict lives in you. The next lyrics are the addict's reply, which reveals the addict's motives, which is to destroy sober, and it reveals the addict's techniques: I am just a worthless liar I am just an imbecile I will only complicate you Trust in me and fall as well I will find a center in you I will chew it up and leave I will work to elevate you Just enough to bring you down Speaking from real life experience, the addict has patience to wait to chew you up. It took seven months of sober me before the addict me, nearly destroyed my life. I got lucky. I listened to this song for years, before I started recovery and got professional help. The song spoke to me, because I wanted to get off the alcohol roller-coaster ride, just like maynard said, "I want to sleep forever. . . Can't we start this over?" I got professional help, which made me understand the sober and addict person, that lives inside me. Their advice is echoed by this song. One thing that confused me, was this. No way Maynard could have written this song, without being an addict. Turns out, he wrote this about a colleague/friend. That tells me another thing about Maynard, If he cares, he will seek the truth. Good luck, folks!
Fun fact: before committing to Tool, guitarist Adam Jones was a very successful special FX artist. Very successful. He worked at Stan Winston studios, doing FX for films such as Jurassic Park, Batman Returns, Terminator 2, Edward Scissorhands and a few others. He approached the late Stan Winston explaining he thought that the band was going to take off and he wanted to approach it full time. Stan replied, go do it, you will always have a job here if you need it. And that was that.
So very true. Adam also had the privilege of knowing and being able to use resources from his prior abilities to make very huge contributions to the concept and production of several of their earlier video clips.
Holy shit. Just read this and thought damn you've been a fan for a really long time.... flash forward 3 seconds when I realize I'm 42 and bought my first tool album when I was 20! Getting old sux.
@@derektaylor2845 Yep, 34 now. God, I still remember me and my friends losing our shit in anticipation of Lateralus coming out. Seems like a fucking eternity ago now.
50, when they released Opiate I was 21, 30 years passed in a flashlight. To me Aenima and Fear Inoculum are the best, I mean all of them are incredible but obviously our personal taste always affect what we choose.
Maynard has so much soul . I played his song Eulogy at my favourite cousin's funeral he took his own life because he could not stay sober . The lone bagpipe player hired to play, actually played along with it freestyle it was moving and chilling.
This is quite literally the only person who does reactions that manage to have me sit through the whole thing. Informative, relaxing, and Ken's presence is strangely soothing and entrancing all at the same time. I quite enjoy this! A suggestion I would give which I would love to hear your reaction to would be "A Perfect Circle - Orestes - Stone and Echo Live at Red Rocks ", which is by Maynard's other band. The vocals there always give me chills, and almost always bring a tear to my eye. All the best, Ken!
I’ve watched plenty critiques/reactions of this video and as a singer myself, I’d like to tell you thank you for even knowing the notes that he’s hitting. It seems like most of the reactions I’ve seen never even mention that this guy walks around on B Flats. These are opera notes in a ‘rock song’. This is Maria from West Side Story (if you’re a Tony who’s got the range for that version of Maria). Thanks again.
If you want to grow your audience, go down the Tool rabbit hole. Thankfully, it will be highly enjoyable as I cannot think of better musicians than them. Their production value on everything they touch is magnificent.
“ The drummer is a total beast”.... understatement of the century! This is early 1990s Danny Carey. He is so much more developed now. When I was 18, I could play this song with one hand… Now in my 40s when I listen to Danny play I just chuck my sticks over my head and say “ I have no idea what the hell he is doing!”
Definitely. It’s like the only tool song I was able to learn as an inexperienced teenage drummer. And honestly... it was the hardest song I had learned up until that point
Tee In terms of an “absolute” skill level, I’d say this is a good place to dabble with intermediate-level song for the drums. The intro drum fill is quite tricky but it’s a great song to practice hand and foot independence. I personally learned schism before sober but this one is probably the better one to master first
@Josh derp Cool story. Name a better drummer. I've heard drummers with arguably better chops, but none are able to sound even 10% as musical. If you can point me towards one I'd appreciate it
Funny, i just watched your Black video & how you reacted to Eddy's zoned vocal performance. I instantly thought wow, you have to see Maynards performance of Sober at that massive festival way back. Minutes later, this pops up! Hitting play....
@@thebadger5391 that maybe what it means to him. But as an addict struggling with opioid addiction, pain pills, for the past 20 years the song makes perfect sense. I've always loved the song but it really hit me wheneverI was in the throes of my addiction a few years ago, couldn't get anything Because I had no money, ( I will not prostitute or steal ) and I watched the video and the lyrics and the actions of the little clay figure in the video made sense to what I was going through. When he first says I am just a worthless liar I am just an imbecile and so on and so forth To me that First time he says that is the drug/devil talkin to you whispering in your ear. Telling you what it is but luring you in. You know it's not a good thing but to mask whatever pain your going through is better than that pain But the second time around when he says it you have become that person. The worthless liar the imbecile that will complicate you trust in me, the liar the imbecile, the one that would do almost anything for that drug, to not be sick, trust me and you will fall as well. It's a terrible lifestyle. and here I am 20 years later prescribed subutex and I'm sitting here sick as a dog with a cold and my manager wanting me to go get a covid-19 test just so I could be another statistic, it's just a cold. and I'm trying to come off Subutex. I haven't taken anything all day but I'm probably about to take a quarter of one. Having a cold and withdrawing is not fun. Although I'm not one-hundred-percent in withdrawals yet I know it's coming. And I'm about to feel that way again. But it's gotta be done so when my addict husband gets out if jail in oct I'm not going to be the one to influence him back Into that life of drugs and crime. The beauty about music is it can mean so many things to so many ppl. What this meant to me in '95 doesn't mean the same thing to me now. It's ever changing.
Maynard is amazing, I haven’t seen Tool but saw Perfect Circle in 2000, he’s just memorizing on stage and his voice just captivates you when you hear it
The song Sober, Maynard is portraying his character he created, danny Carey is killing it. The whole album, Undertow is just a work of art. Worth a listen.
More Tool reactions please. You have a unique style for analysis and I enjoy it very much. Keep it up. This plus the Danny Carey cam reaction is what has made me subscribe. Thanks for the tips and the unique insight. I'm excited to watch more.
I sing in a Tool tribute band here in Ireland this is of my favourite songs to perform.... I'm no Maynard but I give it my all... 15 years in the band and people keep coming back so we must be OK....
Saw them at Rock am Ring in Germany last year. Third time I've seen them live, third time I was overwhelmed by their performance. I've seen hundreds and hundreds of concerts from many, many bands and performers, but there's nothing as intense as Tool.
@@jmrebel306 I’ve heard this but I just can’t see it. I know he’s not a fan of having lights flash in his eyes and things like that so he stays in the back a lot. He may have said he has stage fright in an interview though I’m not sure. If he didn’t say it though I don’t buy it.
1:54 They were the opening act that day. The cloth behind them is hiding all the work going on to set up the next band. Openers don't usually get a whole lot of stage to work with-it's the headliner that gets all of it.
I have been a tool fan, and I am a follower. And it brings me so much energy. and love. when someone feels. , that magic, that craft, that is TOOL. you made my eyes water. ,, cool beans....
Maynard's life is basically a masterclass. He's often acting a character. I'm not sure if I've ever seen him not act some type of character. I haven't seen Tool live, but I have seen A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. In A Perfect Circle, he sang in a corner, half shrouded in darkness for a lot of the set. He was amazing, but it was a really interesting choice. In Puscifer, he was the charismatic frontman. It was such an interesting transformation.
It's a shame Maynard started hiding in the shadows at the back of the stage later in their career, he's such a unique performer with a unique stage presence.
I absolutely love your breakdown of one of my favorite bands ever. I love the approach you take and the care to do it right but also give your opinions when you see fit. I also want to say that this drummer is considered one of the greatest drummers of all time (top 5 for those that want to argue).
The song is about alcohol addiction and Maynard is embodying the character in his huddled stance, his twitching and his stares. That he can belt out a song hunched over like that is testament to his talent.
For one that's been to multiple Tool concerts, it's one thing that's guaranteed. "The Singer" is unpredictable. You never know what Maynard is going to do. Once, he performed the whole concert, HIDING, either back stage or off to the side. He's a different guy and yet, the concerts were ALL awesome.
Maynard wrote this as a tribute to a friend that fell to addiction and felt that he (the friend) could not write or perform new material without being under the influence. He is a master at the mystique of performance. Tool is an incredibly talented group of musicians and strive for perfect timing. I have been to several performances over the last twenty five plus years... Still speechless after every performance. If you ever have the cause to attend, you must endeavour! You will not be let down. Also, if you can see A Perfect Circle, you will be mesmerized as well. By the way, I enjoy your responses and would like to hear your performances! Cheers!
Please understand, that Maynard is, not only the singer in two bands. He is an actor, wine maker, does martial arts, has a greenhouse in which he grows his own vegetables, is an author, and is involved in a myriad of different activities. The man must never sleep, however, the point that I was trying to make is that his acting truly comes through in stage.
and a fair few accompaniments, anywhere from RATM, Green Jelly and Henry Rollins to Celine Dion and Tori Amos. Deftones, Flaming Lips, 30 Seconds To Mars (Jared Leto), Alice In Chains and a remix of David Bowie's "Bring Me The Disco King" with Danny Lohner (NIN) and Josh Freese (APC) for the movie "Underworld". The list could go on.....
@@manwithnoname3024 TOOL, APC, Green Jelly and Puscifer (That's 4!!) He also did a stint with a band called Tapeworm and he had a backyard band in the early days called Children Of The Anachronistic Dynasty
Ken, In this piece we watch Maynard onstage in his onesie!! Yet he nails it!!!!! My youngest daughter has seen this band. Made her Dad proud...... A good girl young lady!!!!! Thanks Ken.
I feel like this is a review from the more dapper and refined man, thoroughly enjoying the raw, primal rage of what it Tool and thinking * aw yes, that is indeed bad ass*
This was when TOOL was relatively unknown. That is why the stage is just the musicians and their instruments. No pyrotechnics or lights. Nowadays they headline the festivals
@@MattJH Do you just assume that getting a hit music video on MTV came with a giant million dollar game show check delivered by limo, and a lineup of semi trucks full of pyro & lazers? Shit isn't changing in the span of 6-12 months - the tour for your NEXT album is what benefits from the SALES of the last album(well, back before the internet decimated the archaic music industry anyway). If you're just a 'one hit wonder' with a single popular music video to your name, there isn't a damn thing changing if that music video doesn't directly translate into album sales.
@@MattJH They were the first band on stage that day. I know because I was there. Then it was Stone temple pilots "Hello, we're Pearl Jam" said Scott Weiland as they came out. Maynard came out to sing with Rage later in the evening. Rage were headlining. Good times.
He is performing a character...it is fully a performance art piece for him.😉👍 You should check out the official videos that were released for many of their songs that were made with stop-motion animation.
The difference between Metal and most other musical art is the direct connection with the fans. When metal bands look out at a crowed we see our friends. We're all there to hear the music and be part of the performance, regardless on what side of the stage we're on.
TOOL is pure life, Every time I watch this I feel nurtured, complete, satisfied, at ease and ready for anything life has to offer. At first I thought the coaches reactions were in order to add more comments but after watching the whole video he’s super genuine and loved watching how big his eyes got as the performance went on
You should listen to Maynard perform "The Hollow" with his other band Perfect Circle. The live version from the performance at Red Rocks is amazing. Maynard has to be one of the most underrated singer/performer of all time. I love watching people who have never listen to Tool and or Maynard's side projects for the first time. Tool has been putting out some of the best music since the 90's.
Probably one of the first reactors I've seen get that it's a performance, a character he's climbed into. Maynard's a fantastic performer and funny as hell. If you want a good feel for Tool's sense of humor, look up "Tool Funny Moments".
I enjoy your attention and devotion to aesthetics. I’m a former architectural designer and a current director in marketing working for a big construction company. I am around logarithmic-thinking construction engineers all day and I find it refreshing to find people that find the beauty outside the realm of facts and science and squarely in the real of ethic and harmony.
Very insightful reaction. Just wondering if your planning on doing anymore tool as there is some incredible vocal performances both studio and live. Salival a live album features no quarter. Tool cover led zepplin. I can see from your videos that your into covers so im wondering how you would rate this masterclass and in my humble opinion the greatest cover ever of any song. Class video, first time watcher.
Well done Ken! Nice, I didn't know Tool and now I do. I sing at a jamsession sometimes, which is great in itself. I would like to see more of these video's
"focused on the music rather than the spectacle" This is 100% a tool concert. The band members want to fade into the background and let the music guide you to an experience. You *need* to do Lateralus. The math and meanings behind the song (both in musical composition and lyric rhythm) are incredible. It will blow your mind.
Nice watch, you are aware ,appreciative. Tool is special and their fans even more so. Watch their Drummer Danny Carey on the live version of Pneuma. It's keyed and filmed on him playing. He is considered one of the best ever , even as he approaches his 60s
Saw Tool in the 90's. Was waiting for the show to start. As the stage crew set up the stage, one of them brought out a duffel bag and laid it onstage. About 10 minutes later, the lights went out, the crowd went nuts and the band started playing a slow intro, offstage. They came out one by one but Maynard didn't come out for a while. After about 20 minutes of being placed onstage, Maynard pops out of the duffel bag and the show kicked off. It was the best shit I've ever seen!
My understanding is that he does stuff like this because of the photographers who are usually allowed on the first couple songs so he is out of stage, hidden, in shadow, with his back to the crowd or smth. They also have bans on using mobile to shoot in the concert for the crowd.
hahaha that's awesome
Could never sneak any pictures of the performance until Maynard was off stage and the rest of the group continued to play.
I... wat! Please say there's a recording or pics of this happening!?
Hahaha. He's got a great sense of humor.
"Can I just say that drummer is a total beast" ....why yes...yes you can.
but he isnt a beast, he is an octopus...
Seelenwinter 666 Just call him a Kraken. Best of both worlds
And sober is one of Danny's easier songs.. 46 and 2, Eulogy, The Pot, Aenima, Schism... his syncopation and the ability to drive a back beat is nothing short of amazing.
He's better than John Bonham
Gary W-l-o-t There’s a few drummers I prefer over Bonham
My favorite thing on earth is seeing someone else become a Tool fan.
Jon Stockstill agreed. It makes my day to watch in real time 🥰🥰🥰
just said the exact same thing to my friend
ME! been a month and holy shit
Well put. I get really drunk and love these reactions. I feel a lil justified and simultaneously jealous they experience something for the first time.
this is exactly the last thing I ever did with a dear friend. first song he ever heard from tool was the pot and he wouldnt let us speak until it was finished.
Maynard always performs like he's leaving a piece of his soul on the stage.
Maynard performs like hes a pretentious tw*t.
@@ashd-h4911 then Maynard is utterly the most beautifully incredible tw*t that I have ever seen!
@Josh derp Meh to your Meh
Ash D-H he’s a metal band frontman for SEVERAL bands who now owns a vineyard and is a winemaker. I think he knows he’s pretentious and it’s not something he’s hiding from anyone lol
@@ashd-h4911 tell us where maynard touched you. You sound so salty. Lol
“The sounds he is making are supported” I will personally support any sound Tool makes
same
Yes sir
I once told my husband that MJK could fart into a microphone and I’d stand in line to buy the album.
Lol
Dany Carrey’s drum cam for pneuma is crazy
A performance not to be missed.
A must see! I can't wait until they release the intire show!
if you guys like the pneuma live, i highly suggest you check his his version of triad live. it’s pretty under-looked and in my opinion it’s one of his best pieces of work. just filthy from start to finish
Which one?😁
@@Ogt92 They won't. Only reason we got Pneuma was because it was part of his Vic Firth sponsorship contract.
If you have ever known a person battling addiction, this song captures the regret, self-loathing, the cries for help, defiance, isolation, physical and mental illness, and the inescapable physical and psychological need for the drug(s). This performance is amazing and heartbreaking.
That is exactly what I learn from this performance. Maynard was trying to tell me don'+ do addictions for you may end up what I look like in here.
Same for a person battling addiction. Song is about outside looking in but captures it all like...shivers...
You must know because you said it perfectly.. wow
It is virtually impossible to break a substance addiction without assistance. Alone you cannot make it. I have helped one person break away and he is now keeping to a rigorous body building regime twice daily. he now looks like the man he was supposed to be after almost 2 decades of addiction. BTW there is ONE addiction that cannot be broken by 98% of addicts even with all the assistance possible. And worse of all it is totally legal. And no it is not tobacco or alcohol. Once captured it is game over.
Maynard's "character" reference in this performance was (and as the song lyrics depict), reflects entirely on self reflection (no pun). His posture and visual possession, lazy pyjama outfit and transfixed bedroom state infers that he is standing in front of his mirror questioning life and what does he have to do to make it real for him even if he is caught up in his own wild world (again, not Maynard but his character). The interpretation does not reflect drug use solely but more so a mental self abuse that one could relate to a wide variety of reasons. Anywhere from drugs and alcohol, love lost, mistrust from (or toward) people cared for and even to poor record deal choices but all basically show the opportunity to question what isn't working out. Why can't I just do it my way and whatever works for me (hence the double negatives throughout the song). Not only does the main line in the chorus inflict a harsh double negative (why CAN'T we NOT be sober?), but then the opposing lines become positive versus negative, all within 4 lines and 2 of them are repetitive. Battle the demons within. GENIUS. This song works on so many levels and took Adam (and Maynard) about 5 years to write. It reflected on people met and decisions made along the way to get TOOL to where they are.
For me it was drugs and alcohol but I was lucky enough to first find this song in 1993. It helped me control my self deprecation and self abuse and to grow my confidence again.
And ,YES, this performance speaks volumes in any way you choose to interpret it.
"It's clear he's trying to inhabit a character..."
Pretty much exactly what Maynard has said about performing live. He's an actor trying to get in that same space he was in when he wrote the song to make it as genuine as possible.
Nah, he was just high af off shrooms and concentrating so he doesn't accidentally sing the words for Maynard's Dick.
He said doing some of the earlier songs is hard for this reason - having to get back into that space isn’t always pleasant.
It's also the typical way anyone with anxiety tries to exist in a situation that causes them the most anxiety.
We all put on a mask, become a character, while we can safely stay in a safe area of our own psyche.
Different character with each of the three bands
That paints a dark picture for when he wrote this
Each band member is a master of their craft. Collectively they create masterpieces!
They're very calculated but organic at the same time
Stolen comment from pneuma drum cam vid 😑 😑 😑
One thing you missed was the crowd reaction. At the beginning everyone is jumping and moshing and by the end the entire crowd is frozen, transfixed on Maynard. Powerful enough performance to mesmerize an entire outdoor festival of people on 1998 drugs!
It was actually 1993...ffs
@@andrewthompson9390 He may have meant that there were 1998 different drugs being consumed at the concert
@nynetynyne Better is subjective. Back then I could smoke a joint and be stoned and happy. These days I take a hit and I'm zoned out in the corner like I took mushrooms. I'd pay a premium for good old brown mexican brick weed.
@@TheWarmotor lol why? That shit was garbage 😂
@@SunTzuMedia I used to think it was garbage. In retrospect tho, it was cheaper than even legal weed is now and it made me feel good. I can't even smoke pot today, its too goddamn potent it turns me into a paranoid weirdo.
As a recovering alcoholic and addict this song hits so damn hard it bring tears to my eyes. Thanks
I hear you.
Yep, there are two people in us. The sober one, and the addicted one. You have too know which one is in control. The lyrics are a mix of perspective, from the sober to the addicted.
Here is the first lyric, coming from sober:
"There's a shadow just behind me
Shrouding every step I take
Making every promise empty
Pointing every finger at me
Waiting like a stalking butler."
That is sober acknowledging the existence of the addict, and some of the addict's attacks against sober. More importantly, is the addict has the patience to stalk the sober, until sober has a weak point that can be exploited.
Now, here is a shortened version of the first chorus, from perspective of sober:
Why can't we not be sober?
I just want to start this over
Why can't we drink forever?
I just want to start this over
This is sober's reflection of regret for having an addiction. Too late. the addict lives in you.
The next lyrics are the addict's reply, which reveals the addict's motives, which is to destroy sober, and it reveals the addict's techniques:
I am just a worthless liar
I am just an imbecile
I will only complicate you
Trust in me and fall as well
I will find a center in you
I will chew it up and leave
I will work to elevate you
Just enough to bring you down
Speaking from real life experience, the addict has patience to wait to chew you up. It took seven months of sober me before the addict me, nearly destroyed my life. I got lucky.
I listened to this song for years, before I started recovery and got professional help. The song spoke to me, because I wanted to get off the alcohol roller-coaster ride, just like maynard said, "I want to sleep forever. . . Can't we start this over?" I got professional help, which made me understand the sober and addict person, that lives inside me. Their advice is echoed by this song.
One thing that confused me, was this. No way Maynard could have written this song, without being an addict. Turns out, he wrote this about a colleague/friend. That tells me another thing about Maynard, If he cares, he will seek the truth.
Good luck, folks!
This one hits really hard.
@plano thanks for that explanation as soon as you said all that I instantly got it!
@@UtilemUnus Is everything good for you? I hope it is.
Fun fact: before committing to Tool, guitarist Adam Jones was a very successful special FX artist. Very successful. He worked at Stan Winston studios, doing FX for films such as Jurassic Park, Batman Returns, Terminator 2, Edward Scissorhands and a few others. He approached the late Stan Winston explaining he thought that the band was going to take off and he wanted to approach it full time. Stan replied, go do it, you will always have a job here if you need it. And that was that.
So very true. Adam also had the privilege of knowing and being able to use resources from his prior abilities to make very huge contributions to the concept and production of several of their earlier video clips.
As someone who's followed Tool for 21 years, can I say that I truly love how legendary this performance has become?
Thank you. Same.
Holy shit. Just read this and thought damn you've been a fan for a really long time.... flash forward 3 seconds when I realize I'm 42 and bought my first tool album when I was 20! Getting old sux.
@@derektaylor2845 Yep, 34 now. God, I still remember me and my friends losing our shit in anticipation of Lateralus coming out. Seems like a fucking eternity ago now.
50, when they released Opiate I was 21, 30 years passed in a flashlight. To me Aenima and Fear Inoculum are the best, I mean all of them are incredible but obviously our personal taste always affect what we choose.
@@derektaylor2845Brother, I’m 65. Sublime brilliance.
You cant fool me with that dye job...I know it's you Conan O'Brien
@Rada 008 The illegitimate love child of Conan and Neil Patrick Harris
This wins the internet today.
R/RareInsult?
R/RareInsult?
HAHA,
Fun fact about Maynard is that he has massive stage fright.
Depends on the time. In the beginning he had none of that. It developed later and now he´s mostly over it
Which is why in a lot of concerts, he's in darkness behind the other members
@@hsdgfasdg5646 depends on the band, its also a lot of show now a days
@@hsdgfasdg5646 He's said that he does this with Tool to draw the audience's attention away from him and back towards the music.
@@hsdgfasdg5646 That's because he never wanted to be famous at all , he believes that his voice is what matters not his face or body.
That was an epic performance.. everything about it.. the wardrobe.. his stance.. so powerful
One of the greatest things about Tool is they sound exactly the same live as in a studio.
Maynard sounds significantly different in this video. Likely not a good day for him.
@@MrDanielWP thats not true ! !
@@rentingasteroids Are you 5 yrs old?
Someone get this man the Vic Virth drum cam of Pneuma, STAT. He needs to see one of the best drummers currently living in action!
Here it is
ua-cam.com/video/FssULNGSZIA/v-deo.html
Your comment and your musical tastes are exemplary.
The only drummer that was better was The Professor. RIP.
Someone got it to him, and he loved it. It’s great seeing someone discover Tool for the first time. He is definitely a big fan now.
I'm always in awe of his perfect tone while holding himself so tense.
Maynard has so much soul . I played his song Eulogy at my favourite cousin's funeral he took his own life because he could not stay sober . The lone bagpipe player hired to play, actually played along with it freestyle it was moving and chilling.
This is quite literally the only person who does reactions that manage to have me sit through the whole thing. Informative, relaxing, and Ken's presence is strangely soothing and entrancing all at the same time. I quite enjoy this!
A suggestion I would give which I would love to hear your reaction to would be "A Perfect Circle - Orestes - Stone and Echo Live at Red Rocks
", which is by Maynard's other band. The vocals there always give me chills, and almost always bring a tear to my eye.
All the best, Ken!
I’ve watched plenty critiques/reactions of this video and as a singer myself, I’d like to tell you thank you for even knowing the notes that he’s hitting. It seems like most of the reactions I’ve seen never even mention that this guy walks around on B Flats. These are opera notes in a ‘rock song’. This is Maria from West Side Story (if you’re a Tony who’s got the range for that version of Maria). Thanks again.
If you want to grow your audience, go down the Tool rabbit hole. Thankfully, it will be highly enjoyable as I cannot think of better musicians than them. Their production value on everything they touch is magnificent.
@Miguel Ludert your comment gave my whole body goosebumps.
Big yes on this, you will have an amazing journey reacting to their incredible catalogue of truly unique music. Some of the best ever made.
Word
Tool is the Labyrinth you find at the bottom of the Rabbit Hole.
I’ve watched this video probably 100+ times and i get chills every time
“ The drummer is a total beast”.... understatement of the century! This is early 1990s Danny Carey. He is so much more developed now. When I was 18, I could play this song with one hand… Now in my 40s when I listen to Danny play I just chuck my sticks over my head and say “ I have no idea what the hell he is doing!”
Yeah, he had an interesting development since Undertow..
Yeah ... that drummer is regarded as one of, if not the most, technically impressive drummers in history.
Danny Carey is one of the best rock drummers ever. This is one of the simpler Tool songs.
this is practically a beginner Tool song!
Definitely. It’s like the only tool song I was able to learn as an inexperienced teenage drummer. And honestly... it was the hardest song I had learned up until that point
Tee
In terms of an “absolute” skill level, I’d say this is a good place to dabble with intermediate-level song for the drums. The intro drum fill is quite tricky but it’s a great song to practice hand and foot independence.
I personally learned schism before sober but this one is probably the better one to master first
@Josh derp Cool story. Name a better drummer. I've heard drummers with arguably better chops, but none are able to sound even 10% as musical. If you can point me towards one I'd appreciate it
Not just rock
Funny, i just watched your Black video & how you reacted to Eddy's zoned vocal performance. I instantly thought wow, you have to see Maynards performance of Sober at that massive festival way back. Minutes later, this pops up! Hitting play....
Wow. First time hearing Tool. What an enormous voice. Very, very intense.
Very.....
Welcome to the party, pal!
Maynard really captures the twisted behavior and feelings of the person afflicted with addiction
Problem is he has said the sing is not about addiction, it's about the struggle with his mother.
TheBadger art is whatever it means to the consumer, the artist can have a plan but it matters not.
@@thebadger5391 that maybe what it means to him. But as an addict struggling with opioid addiction, pain pills, for the past 20 years the song makes perfect sense.
I've always loved the song but it really hit me wheneverI was in the throes of my addiction a few years ago, couldn't get anything Because I had no money, ( I will not prostitute or steal ) and I watched the video and the lyrics and the actions of the little clay figure in the video made sense to what I was going through.
When he first says I am just a worthless liar I am just an imbecile and so on and so forth
To me that First time he says that is the drug/devil talkin to you whispering in your ear. Telling you what it is but luring you in. You know it's not a good thing but to mask whatever pain your going through is better than that pain
But the second time around when he says it you have become that person. The worthless liar the imbecile that will complicate you trust in me, the liar the imbecile, the one that would do almost anything for that drug, to not be sick, trust me and you will fall as well.
It's a terrible lifestyle.
and here I am 20 years later prescribed subutex and I'm sitting here sick as a dog with a cold and my manager wanting me to go get a covid-19 test just so I could be another statistic, it's just a cold. and I'm trying to come off Subutex. I haven't taken anything all day but I'm probably about to take a quarter of one. Having a cold and withdrawing is not fun. Although I'm not one-hundred-percent in withdrawals yet I know it's coming. And I'm about to feel that way again. But it's gotta be done so when my addict husband gets out if jail in oct I'm not going to be the one to influence him back Into that life of drugs and crime.
The beauty about music is it can mean so many things to so many ppl. What this meant to me in '95 doesn't mean the same thing to me now. It's ever changing.
Maynard is amazing, I haven’t seen Tool but saw Perfect Circle in 2000, he’s just memorizing on stage and his voice just captivates you when you hear it
God I miss the days of those thousand yard stares from Maynard. His performances were so captivating.
It's chaos and purpose, emotion and logic all at once. I have found myself moved to tears by this band more then once.
Your explanation at around the 9:40 mark is underrated and appreciated.
Maynard is a genius at performing. His voice is so unbelievably awesome
He has such a deep tone in a scrunched over position. He knows what he is doing. He’s got all the character. TOOL just moves me. 💎
"crafted, not rehearsed" was a great, spot on observation. 👍
The song Sober, Maynard is portraying his character he created, danny Carey is killing it. The whole album, Undertow is just a work of art. Worth a listen.
More Tool reactions please. You have a unique style for analysis and I enjoy it very much. Keep it up. This plus the Danny Carey cam reaction is what has made me subscribe. Thanks for the tips and the unique insight. I'm excited to watch more.
You have so many wonderful Tool songs ahead of you.
I sing in a Tool tribute band here in Ireland this is of my favourite songs to perform.... I'm no Maynard but I give it my all... 15 years in the band and people keep coming back so we must be OK....
One of the songs I never get tired of hearing. Pumps me up ever time.
“He’s sending all that energy into the crowd”. Love it, everytime I see this performance I get goosebumps.
"Ive watched this video more than a few times", already a tool fan 🤟
Danny Carey, greatest drummer alive. Saw them in portland earlier this year, incredible performance.
Was at That Show also. Descending was unreal
Saw them at Rock am Ring in Germany last year. Third time I've seen them live, third time I was overwhelmed by their performance. I've seen hundreds and hundreds of concerts from many, many bands and performers, but there's nothing as intense as Tool.
@@timonselzer3117 lucky! Yeah they put everything they can into every show.
So much power behind his voice
Not only is Maynard not intimidated by the crowd, Maynard is not intimidated by a random person rushing him on stage.
*flashbacks to pushit choke-hold*
My favourite part is how he just sits on him and screams the song in his face
lol...
Doesn’t he have awful stage fright?
@@jmrebel306 I’ve heard this but I just can’t see it. I know he’s not a fan of having lights flash in his eyes and things like that so he stays in the back a lot. He may have said he has stage fright in an interview though I’m not sure. If he didn’t say it though I don’t buy it.
I still don't understand how people can watch this performance without crying.
The intensity is unmatched by any performance
It honestly makes me cringe a bit lol
I will admit I got a misty and had no idea why. Maynard is a fucking wizard.
I cannot my friend.
This band was a perfect storm, never to be realized again. The whole band, musically, is insanely good.
1:54 They were the opening act that day. The cloth behind them is hiding all the work going on to set up the next band. Openers don't usually get a whole lot of stage to work with-it's the headliner that gets all of it.
danny carey is pound for pound the greatest drummer in rock and metal
Hell yeah my man 🤘
No f'n doubt. Witnessing his Majesty live is something to behold 🙌🙌🙌🔥🔥🔥
He is on his own level
Portnoy is next, but behind
Him and Neil Peart
I'd put him, Niel Peart, and John Bonham in the same tier.
I have been a tool fan, and I am a follower. And it brings me so much energy. and love. when someone feels. , that magic, that craft, that is TOOL. you made my eyes water. ,, cool beans....
Maynard's life is basically a masterclass. He's often acting a character. I'm not sure if I've ever seen him not act some type of character.
I haven't seen Tool live, but I have seen A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.
In A Perfect Circle, he sang in a corner, half shrouded in darkness for a lot of the set. He was amazing, but it was a really interesting choice.
In Puscifer, he was the charismatic frontman. It was such an interesting transformation.
This was always my favorite song by Tool. Never heard them live before....super impressed!
It's a shame Maynard started hiding in the shadows at the back of the stage later in their career, he's such a unique performer with a unique stage presence.
He has said he moved to the back to emphasize the music and not just him.
I always get shivers watching this live tool performance. MJK is just a beast.
I absolutely love your breakdown of one of my favorite bands ever. I love the approach you take and the care to do it right but also give your opinions when you see fit. I also want to say that this drummer is considered one of the greatest drummers of all time (top 5 for those that want to argue).
Probably my Favorite Tool song EVER!!!!!
The song is about alcohol addiction and Maynard is embodying the character in his huddled stance, his twitching and his stares. That he can belt out a song hunched over like that is testament to his talent.
That facial expression of yours is pure bliss to watch 🖤
For one that's been to multiple Tool concerts, it's one thing that's guaranteed. "The Singer" is unpredictable. You never know what Maynard is going to do. Once, he performed the whole concert, HIDING, either back stage or off to the side. He's a different guy and yet, the concerts were ALL awesome.
Maynard wrote this as a tribute to a friend that fell to addiction and felt that he (the friend) could not write or perform new material without being under the influence. He is a master at the mystique of performance. Tool is an incredibly talented group of musicians and strive for perfect timing. I have been to several performances over the last twenty five plus years... Still speechless after every performance. If you ever have the cause to attend, you must endeavour! You will not be let down. Also, if you can see A Perfect Circle, you will be mesmerized as well. By the way, I enjoy your responses and would like to hear your performances! Cheers!
Please understand, that Maynard is, not only the singer in two bands. He is an actor, wine maker, does martial arts, has a greenhouse in which he grows his own vegetables, is an author, and is involved in a myriad of different activities. The man must never sleep, however, the point that I was trying to make is that his acting truly comes through in stage.
3 bands.
and a fair few accompaniments, anywhere from RATM, Green Jelly and Henry Rollins to Celine Dion and Tori Amos. Deftones, Flaming Lips, 30 Seconds To Mars (Jared Leto), Alice In Chains and a remix of David Bowie's "Bring Me The Disco King" with Danny Lohner (NIN) and Josh Freese (APC) for the movie "Underworld". The list could go on.....
@@manwithnoname3024 TOOL, APC, Green Jelly and Puscifer (That's 4!!) He also did a stint with a band called Tapeworm and he had a backyard band in the early days called Children Of The Anachronistic Dynasty
Maynards vocals and sincere lyrics grab you by the soul and refuses to let go. And you don’t want them to let go.
I like tool reactions the most
Ken,
In this piece we watch Maynard onstage in his onesie!! Yet he nails it!!!!! My youngest daughter has seen this band. Made her Dad proud...... A good girl young lady!!!!! Thanks Ken.
I feel like this is a review from the more dapper and refined man, thoroughly enjoying the raw, primal rage of what it Tool and thinking * aw yes, that is indeed bad ass*
Absolutely the most amazing articulated review of my favorite band. Looking through your channel, I see you have many many things to teach. Thank you.
"I have viewed this video once before.. Well... More than once before "
I feel you... I feel you... 😂✌
Id love to see Tool perform again - their live performance is an experience
This was when TOOL was relatively unknown. That is why the stage is just the musicians and their instruments. No pyrotechnics or lights. Nowadays they headline the festivals
@@MattJH
And that was why they got a early slot on this tour. So I stand on my relatively unknown story.
There’s no pyro or lights because it’s a daytime performance
@@MattJH Do you just assume that getting a hit music video on MTV came with a giant million dollar game show check delivered by limo, and a lineup of semi trucks full of pyro & lazers? Shit isn't changing in the span of 6-12 months - the tour for your NEXT album is what benefits from the SALES of the last album(well, back before the internet decimated the archaic music industry anyway). If you're just a 'one hit wonder' with a single popular music video to your name, there isn't a damn thing changing if that music video doesn't directly translate into album sales.
@@MattJH They were the first band on stage that day. I know because I was there. Then it was Stone temple pilots "Hello, we're Pearl Jam" said Scott Weiland as they came out. Maynard came out to sing with Rage later in the evening. Rage were headlining. Good times.
That little foot forward he takes at 8:49 (In this video - last chorus) has always been a cool little moment.
I'm a simple man, I see Tool, I click. Love to see someone love what I love!
This songs means a lot to me ✌️
He is performing a character...it is fully a performance art piece for him.😉👍
You should check out the official videos that were released for many of their songs that were made with stop-motion animation.
Tool has been a FAVORITE band for many year and only continue to greet better!!!
" This stage is more for music than spectacle" Ken says. Maynard, "hold my wine and watch this"
The difference between Metal and most other musical art is the direct connection with the fans. When metal bands look out at a crowed we see our friends. We're all there to hear the music and be part of the performance, regardless on what side of the stage we're on.
yes maynard is staring through the crowd, through their souls actually...
TOOL is pure life, Every time I watch this I feel nurtured, complete, satisfied, at ease and ready for anything life has to offer. At first I thought the coaches reactions were in order to add more comments but after watching the whole video he’s super genuine and loved watching how big his eyes got as the performance went on
Little do you know...Maynard had a crippling fear of performing in front of people, so you're absolutely right with the focusing on a single thing!
Danny truly is undeniable to anyone with an ear for music.
You should listen to Maynard perform "The Hollow" with his other band Perfect Circle. The live version from the performance at Red Rocks is amazing. Maynard has to be one of the most underrated singer/performer of all time. I love watching people who have never listen to Tool and or Maynard's side projects for the first time. Tool has been putting out some of the best music since the 90's.
You Nailed it...Sir...Right on point.....Best REACTION vid I've ever seen..
Probably one of the first reactors I've seen get that it's a performance, a character he's climbed into. Maynard's a fantastic performer and funny as hell. If you want a good feel for Tool's sense of humor, look up "Tool Funny Moments".
Not many get that he made the on stage persona way before this.
@@zpe1200 Yeah, COAD was quite the trip. Glam Maynard still breaks my mind, lol.
Saw them performed live once in South Florida, a very unique experience to see this rock band Tool... Amazing to watch them live !!
Imagine being the fan that Maynard is staring at this entire song
Ken, you a fresh Canadian start to my American day every morning. Thank you, sir!
Maynard is GOAT
I enjoy your attention and devotion to aesthetics. I’m a former architectural designer and a current director in marketing working for a big construction company. I am around logarithmic-thinking construction engineers all day and I find it refreshing to find people that find the beauty outside the realm of facts and science and squarely in the real of ethic and harmony.
Very insightful reaction. Just wondering if your planning on doing anymore tool as there is some incredible vocal performances both studio and live.
Salival a live album features no quarter. Tool cover led zepplin. I can see from your videos that your into covers so im wondering how you would rate this masterclass and in my humble opinion the greatest cover ever of any song. Class video, first time watcher.
Well done Ken! Nice, I didn't know Tool and now I do. I sing at a jamsession sometimes, which is great in itself. I would like to see more of these video's
1993!
Reading Festival. Aye. My first Reading festival (15yrs old) . (And I'm from Reading.)
@@pea6 It was my first Reading festival too, I had just turned 16. Happy days!
Making sure someone corrected him, 93 hair. Good on you sir
I was one year old 😂
Yep 1993 and i was there and still got the memories 🤘😁
I saw Tool only once, last year on a festival in my country, was the best concert I've ever seen!!
"focused on the music rather than the spectacle"
This is 100% a tool concert. The band members want to fade into the background and let the music guide you to an experience.
You *need* to do Lateralus. The math and meanings behind the song (both in musical composition and lyric rhythm) are incredible. It will blow your mind.
Loved them since the 90's and finally saw them at Fiddlers Green in Colorado ah it was like listen to a CD! Perfection!
Jinjer - Perennial ( Live at Wacken Open Air 2019 ) Please !
It's an amazing performance .
Thanks !
I thoroughly enjoyed your review/reaction. You have a great face and voice for doing this. Keep it up!
Nice watch, you are aware ,appreciative. Tool is special and their fans even more so. Watch their Drummer Danny Carey on the live version of Pneuma. It's keyed and filmed on him playing. He is considered one of the best ever , even as he approaches his 60s
ua-cam.com/video/FssULNGSZIA/v-deo.html
And this is why I've been a fan of Tool since 1990 . And all my kids, and grandkids! They are amazing!