On a crisp, fall evening in Charleston, West Virginia, a sense of anticipation permeated the air as Tool graced the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on November 4th, marking their return to the mountain state after over two decades. The venue was buzzing with excitement, as fans eagerly lined up, wrapping around the coliseum, in eager anticipation of what was destined to be an unforgettable night.
Kicking off the evening was Steel Beans, a one-man band hailing from Everett, Washington, with Jeremy DeBardi as the mastermind. To call his performance eccentric would be an understatement. Armed with an electric guitar, drums, and a vocal prowess that belied his one-man show status, Steel Beans delivered a captivating prelude to the night’s main event. It wasn’t just about the music; Steel Beans dispensed humor and entertainment, leaving the audience both impressed and warmed up for what was to follow.
Steel Beans:
Jeremy DeBardi’ – Singer, Guitarist, Drummer
As the lights dimmed, a hushed silence fell upon the audience, only to be shattered by the subtle heartbeat of Tool’s “Third Eye Intro.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the four-piece band took the stage and launched into their set with the mesmerizing “Fear Inoculum.”
Throughout the evening, Tool seamlessly navigated a setlist that spanned their extensive discography, with “Pneuma” from their latest release standing out as a captivating highlight. The song’s dynamic shifts took the audience on a rollercoaster ride, and Danny Carey’s drumming was nothing short of mesmerizing. In an unexpected twist, the band welcomed comedian John Early to the stage for a performance of “Intolerance.” Maynard James Keenan playfully bantered with Early, questioning his capabilities, but Early delivered a professional rendition of the song, much to the crowd’s delight.
With over 30 years of experience, each member of Tool proved their prowess as well-oiled performing machines. Maynard’s vocal range was simply out of this world, hitting every note flawlessly. Adam Jones’ guitar melodies were a true work of art, and Justin Chancellor’s haunting bass lines, along with Danny Carey’s intricate drumming, formed the rhythmic heartbeat of the band.
The encore began with a haze-inducing drum solo by Danny Carey during “Chocolate Trip Drip.” As the members of the band gathered at the front of the stage to perform “Culling Voices,” the release of glittering confetti from the rafters added yet another magical layer to the evening, stirring the souls of the audience. The night concluded with the fan-favorite “Stinkfist,” accompanied by the lifting of the strictly enforced no-phone policy, allowing the crowd to fully embrace the moment.
Tool’s live performance is nothing short of a paradigm for what a concert experience should be. It transcends the boundaries of a typical concert, immersing the audience in a hypnotic, transcendent journey that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. West Virginia fans waited for over two decades for Tool’s return, and on November 4th, their patience was rewarded with an unforgettable night of music and pure artistry.
Tool:
Maynard James Keenan – Vocals
Adam Jones – Guitar
Justin Chancellor – Bass
Danny Carey – Drummer
Setlist:
Third Eye Intro
1. Fear Inoculum
2. Jambi
3. The Pot
4. Rosetta Stoned (With Lost Keys Blame Hoffman intro)
5. Pneuma
6. Descending
7. Intolerance (with John Early)
8. The Grudge
Encore
9. Chocolate Chip Trip
10. Culling Voices
11. Invincible
(-) Ions
12. Stinkfist
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I have nearly two decades of experience as a concert photographer. Outside of my work behind the camera, I’m a dedicated live music enthusiast, striving to attend as many concerts as possible. My true passion lies in capturing the raw emotion and energy that musicians bring to the stage. Whether it’s a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse, an intimate acoustic set, or an epic festival, I’m always ready to seize the opportunity to document the magic of live music.
