Danny & Maynard via New Zealand’s Rip It Up magazine:
- You probably get sick of questions about how the record’s going, but – I mean you’re in a studio making new material, then you’re preparing to tour with older stuff – how does all that sync up in your brain?
- We are really just in a rehearsal space at this point, we never really get into a proper studio until everything is completely written, then we book time and knock out the recording process as quickly as possible. So we’re still like in the writing mode. So we’re in the rehearsal space here, so we start our rehearsals playing through the old songs to get the cobwebs out of those: we have a gig coming up, then we start working on the new things. So that works out OK, that way.
- I read in a recent interview that you’re working on, I guess, the “Lateralus” of this album – your big song that’s going to define the whole record – how’s that coming?
- Um: really good. I mean we’re still – believe it or not! – still working on it [laughter] – it’s like an ever-evolving thing, it’s probably going to turn into a thing that’s like, uh, a big trilogy type of feel to it, sort of life, just like Disposition and Intension and Triad, like on the Lateralus record or something. It will probably be over a 20-minute piece when it’s all finished, so it will be a good part of the record. We’re dealing with it in sections, but it’s coming together really well, we’re having lots of fun working on it, that’s for sure.
http://ripitup.co.nz/contentitem/interview-tool-transcript/4213
So when the VIP packages went on sale...I decided "Screw it, that $500 would only be spent on booze anyway" and threw my money at the VIP package for Saturday. Went in with low expectations, prepared for a fairly lacklustre experience. Adam Jones' being practically renowned as the more quiet and reserved member of the band... I anticipated a somewhat awkward Q+A. Arrived at Rod Laver at 3:30pm Saturday to begin the "VIP experience". The arena staff explained to us that this was the first time Tool had ever done anything like this, that we were the first in the world to do it, and that it was all a bit of a new thing for everyone. Everyone, by their own admission, was essentially "winging it".
After a quite a few delays – the soundcheck began:
Stinkfist (ext.)
Pushit
Forty Six & 2
Hooker With A Penis
They were attempting a slighty extended bridge during Hooker, and flubbed it rather nicely. But finished off the song, and we were escorted out of the main floor. But wow. Nothing like seeing Tool performing when it's just you and ~30 other people watching. Amazingly unique experience. Off we went to a room within the arena somewhere. Here's where the bags of random crap was handed out. A poster, t-shirt, key-ring, stubby holder, VIP laminate, ...and I think a couple of other things that I've already forgotten and don't really care about. While we waited for Adam, I could still make out the sound of them playing on stage. They were repeatedly working through Hooker With A Penis, trying to nail the part they messed up. Finally the door opened and Adam walked through with a smile, waved to everyone. Thanked everyone for coming. Apologised for the long wait and for running behind schedule. It was the first night of the tour after all. He spoke about how much he liked this new VIP idea they were exploring, as it allowed a much more direct interaction with the fans. He seemed in a great mood, very friendly and open, and had a good sense of humour too. After a few minutes chatting, his guitar tech handed him a guitar. And he spoke about and demonstrated some of his techniques. He put on the studio track of Jambi, featuring only Danny, Justin, and Maynard's parts... And then proceeded to play through the entire song. By this point my head was just about exploding from the awesomeness of having Adam Jones play Tool standing no more than 2 feet in front me.
Afterward he fielded some questions. Someone asked how setlists are chosen, without hesitation...the response: "Maynard. Maynard chooses the set. It's whatever he thinks he can manage."
After about 45 minutes, I got an autograph, a photo with Adam...and off I went to enjoy the main concert.
I left supremely satisfied. No regrets on the $500 outlay. It goes without saying that for most people, that's simply too much money. And I completely understand / respect that. For me though, a thoroughly unique and unforgettable experience. Then the next morning at around 11:30am. As I'm sleeping. I get a phone call "As thanks for being a loyal fan and one of the first to join Tool's first ever VIP experience...As well as buying tickets for both shows... Tool would like to thank you and if you want to join today's VIP experience too I can put your name on the list?"
Wow. No way...
So off I went again.
Soundcheck day 2 (Maynard performed while holding a rooster on his hand...
"That was Maynard's cock", Adam later explained):
Stinkfist (ext.)
Vicarious
Opiate
Forty Six & 2
Hooker With A Penis
And back to the room again. Adam came in, immediately saw me... "Ah! Double feature!" and laughed. Another great day. He also confirmed that Maynard did indeed throw up during Saturday's show. "He was really pushing through", I think he said. I even got to play a bit on Adam's guitar. If I could actually play guitar that would probably be more impressive. But still. I "played it", which is awesome. And yeah. Then Sunday's show, which was fantastic. Pretty unforgettable weekend.
I figure people were curious how the VIP package went...so yeah. That was my experience. Feel like I just typed an essay. :-/
