I've watched numerous videos on this song and nobody comments about the fact that it takes huge balls to wear 1800,s underwear and perform in front of thousands of people
He is my age and went to college in my city after he left the army. He dressed like a girl A lot and it was like ugly girl style but he was definitely noticeable. His voice is so powerful but his message is even more so. Always.
He is the physical manifestation of his lyrics.....Maynard is one of a kind, TooL is a once or twice in a lifetime type band......ALWAYS pay attention to his lyrics
It's difficult to nail down any one song that propelled this band into the mainstream because no matter which song any given person hears, at any given time, they are instantly compelled to dig in. The videos were strange and cryptic and the members of the band were fond of stop motion, animated claymation. The characters were creepy AF and so, the videos garnered a great deal of attention on the MTV rotation. This song was probably the first song that made it into rotation. BUT the song that broke me in pieces touched me psychologically and personally solidified me as a super fan was '46 & 2' . I've still never been as intellectually stimulated by a piece of art. A close second was 'Eulogy'. Born into a pious and STRICT religious household this song broke me free of the religious dogma that psychologically bound me from earliest indoctrination. Both songs will ROCK YOUR WORLD VIEWS !!!
Whenever you're ready for Tool at their peak, check out track 10, 11, and 12 from their Lateralus album. The three songs are meant to be listened to back to back without interruption, basically acting as one long song. The songs are called Disposition, Reflection, and Triad. People call those songs the holy trinity lol. It's a fuckin journey. Welcome to the Tool rabbit hole!
He wrote the song with a previous band. He completely embodies an addict. The trembling, the scratching, the hunched hopelessness. The perfect depiction of addiction.
There's nothing better than to see them live. It's an experience more than a concert. It like crawls inside you & takes you places you didn't know you wanted to go but once you start it pulls you in. I've been to many concerts in my life but there's nothing like seeing them live. I have been to almost everyone since they started.
I suffer from multiple addictions and the strange thing is I know I'm good when I'm listening to this song on a regular basis. Lately I have not. But hopefully this gets me on track. Great reaction.
Agreed dude, Tool centre me like nothing else. Been struggling with a few things lately, and it's taken these reactions to make me realise I've dropped music from my routine. I should know that's a sign I'm slipping. Off I go back into the tool catalogue
3 years sober myself, when the addiction says "I want what I want, I want who I want. " about sums it up. Every time hat demon voice in my head sneaks up, I turn that line around and scream it back. Good luck!
I recommend listening to Hubermans podcasts on rewriting your brain to overcome addiction. He explains why it’s so difficult. It’s all related to Dopamine artificial spikes and the body trying to regulate your levels. Opiates are almost impossible without help or at least extreme knowledge and discipline. Good luck my friend! It will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done but most rewarding if you can make it. Live day to day and stay in moment. Once you reach a month you’ll have rewire your brain. Instead of the “Drug” being the Only thing that makes you happy, you’ll find happiness in a cup of coffee again or sunset or hike. Music certainly helps because it releases some dopamine, and Tool is the best musicians around. Maybe if all time.
I think it's cause the song just captures everything. They show the perspective of an addict, the addiction along with its emotional and physical consequences. I sob nearly every time I watch this video. Stay strong man, whatever you have to do, don't let this take you, you belong here 🙏
As I've said in another one of your Tool reaction videos, I do agree with you about reacting to just the audio of Tool's songs. However, Tool has always been masterful with how they blend the visual with the sonic. Experiencing their live performances are one thing, viewing their album art is another thing, and seeing their official music videos (often animations) is another thing altogether. It's good to see and hear it all. It's not just the music. It's altogether a visceral experience.
The performance is splendid. When they first released he song on video, it was vocals over one of the most disturbing claymation pieces I have ever seen. Who would have thought that live could be more intense?
Some interesting fun facts: 1) Sober is actually a C. A. D. song -- which Maynard also fronted -- that was totally reworked for TOOL 2) Sober & Prison Sex are both what put TOOL on the map. Prison Sex is about the cycle of sexual abuse. 3) Maynard fronts two other bands: Puscifer and A Perfect Circle and is a very serious hands on wine grower (Caduceus Cellars/ Merkin Vineyards) and also a Italian restaurant owner in Rome, AZ. 4) Guitarist, Adam Jones, was a special affects artist in Hollywood and worked on such films as Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park. Adam also uses his filmic skills to make TOOL's official videos. 5) The song Lateralus is very heavily routed in the Fibonacci Sequence (1+1=2... 1+2=3...2+3=5... 3+5=8... 5+8=13... etc. etc. etc. Here is a short documentary on this song: ruclips.net/video/uOHkeH2VaE0/видео.html
I don't think most people know what C.A.D. is. It's Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty, I believe? Just to make it easier for people to find out about them.
@@nozee77 Thank you for that. I already knew early on that my comment was destined to be a little too verbose, so I decided to trim some fat where I could. Lol
Crowd was basically stunned. This performance was their coming out party. This performance put them on the map. West coast people were starting to catch on to tool at this time, this was hello world moment.
This is actually my first time seeing this video of them performing Sober live. A couple things I should probably point out… 1) Maynard being out front like this is actually quite rare. As he considers himself to be just one of the instruments, he often sings from the back near Danny, sometimes only backlit and barely able to be seen by the audience. 2) In case you’re wondering about Maynard’s weird movements, mullet/mohawk and wearing a freaking romper haha, Maynard is really eccentric and will often dress in costume on stage. One show, he may be dressed like a clown, the next, he might be dressed as a woman, the next he may come out in just his underwear. You never know what you get from him. Almost as if he sees his performances as a theatrical thing. 3) While they’re certainly not a straight edge band or anything, Tool (Maynard included) have avoided any kind of serious issues with addiction throughout their history together, which is rare among the west coast bands they came up with in the early 90s. To my knowledge, Maynard has never seriously struggled with his own sobriety, but given the topic of this song and others like H., he clearly struggled with the fact that a ton of their musician friends were deep in addiction.
Oh this live is my favorite tool video and really good approach getting to know them. Maynard is excellent vocalist and the band is spectacular. He definitely treats himself as an instrument and part of the music and portray so much emotions while performing. On the lyrics I love how the "why cant we not be sober" was written cause it can be read two ways. "why cant we be sober" "why do we have to be sober"
I've heard the song was about a close friend who was musician and felt he needed to be intoxicated to be creative but the substances would wreck him if he started doing them again. So even when he's sober he's feeling his only a shadow of himself.
There's a Kansas City live show from 2022 that, after listening to several from tour, in my opinion is the best. It's multi cam, pieced together but complete. Maynard is in his typical behind the band silhouette but he knows how to keep you interested. The visual effects and lighting are superior. I'm a 61 yo retired nurse admin who has loved Tool from the start but had to become an empty nester and retire before I could really submerse myself. Now is a good time for you because you get to experience 10,000 days and Fear Innoculum. I was taught classical piano, theory and composing as a child and this is as close to genius as I've ever heard outside of the great composers. Also notable, audio of them sound like a million notes but when you watch them live their individual performances are so minimalist appearing (except Danny). It shocked me at first. The fact that Maynard writes his part and lyrics separately and after the others is mesmerizing. Glad to see you "get it". Enjoy your reactions so far. What things about their music impress you the most? We can recommend songs but some find their way to you at just the right time. Right In Two is one I fall asleep to but it's def not a lullaby 😅
I have been listening to the songs Parabol and Parabola since I was about 13 years old. I was tripping on mushrooms and those songs helped me come to terms with my depression and realize that life is a blessing. I recommend checking out Tool's album 10,000 Days and the tracks "Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)" and the song immediately after that track which is "Rosetta Stoned". The first track is a man in a psych ward and a doctor asking him if he's ok, and the song Rosetta Stoned is where the man in the psych ward explains what he saw. It's really trippy. The main songs of the album 10,000 days and 10,000 Days, Wings Part 2, are about how Maynard respects his mother and her devotion to her religion despite the fact that she was disabled for 10,000 days and how he respects her for sticking to her beliefs. In Maynard's other band, A Perfect Circle, he wrote a song called "Judith" which is his mom's name and in that song he insulted her for her religious beliefs.
This is one of these performances you really should not go through life without watching.. It's just that important. Or. not important. But its really just something you feel better having seen.
Sober…a dual perspective from the addict and the addiction, even with a cry out to god “mother Mary”. He bears the weight of the addiction on his back while the guitar screams out the agony.
This was actually the song that set it off for me in 93. I had just graduated high school in 92. The 90's were fricken awesome! I knew where I was and what I was doin. Been in love since. They had a different sound then all the other grunge that was goin around and I liked it. I liked it a lot, and I've been a hard core fan ever since. I would love for you to react to more Tool. This is why you got my sub my friend. But no pressure. lol
Also, if you want to understand the "spiral out" comments, check out the song "Lateralus" off the album of the same name. Do some research on that song, lots going on beyond simply music.
It is telling why Tool is different to other bands you can see the feeling and connection to the music. Maynard inhales and exhales the emotion with the support of a symphony of texture and power.
🌈💚🍀 Hi NF the 1st 👋🤭 I went to University in Scotland, in 1994. My friend sang Tool’s praises endlessly 🥱 But that’s my first time hearing TOOL 🎼 🎵 🎶 Way more melodic than I was thinking they would sound 🧠🎼🎶🎵 Thank you Nick 🪄✨💫 I feel I’ve caught up on the missed lectures 🎶 🤣😂
I see it two ways, first is the horrors of addiction, perfectly describes how it feels, but I think it could also have a double meaning about if you have a close relationship with an addict on any level-they will suffer as well because of the nightmare that is you. You bring them down w you😔
They put themselves out like the other big bands of the time when music was great haha They were friends with Pearl Jam, RHCP, Alice in Chains, RATM, Chris Cornell, Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins... Maynard has sung songs with Deftones and Zach de la Rocha with them in a festival, Frusciante and Maynard even participated together in a Bowie song, that I strongly recommend if you like Frusciante's solos... You chose the right one to see them performing live, he is a legend and I have never seen somebody channeling out the power of the lyrics the way he does, it is indeed as exorcising and/ or healing whatever he's singing about. An awe to see them live. And yes, take your own path and choose the songs that you are really drawn to. They will always have a message for you for sure. Enjoy the ride. Spiral in, keep going!
I still remember where I was and who I was with the first time I heard this song. My best friend borrowed his older sisters copy of Undertow on vinyl, and it was like I was hearing a new kind of music. I was hooked from the first chord and they have enriched my life since that day in Coeur d'Alene Idaho sitting on the floor in Andy's living room. Bands who force you to learn new ideas and concepts to understand what you're hearing, are special and rare. I am always surprised and happy that they have become as well known as they are now, I always thought they were ahead of the mainstream, but I think the world we live in now has finally caught up to them and people are understanding what some of have known for decades.
At this point go at your own pace/ choose your own path. The only other live video worth reaction is the Pneuma Live Drum cam, but I would still listen to the song first before that video, as it is only a close up of the Magician, Danny Carey.
Lost keys/rosetta stoned When you review these songs it’s crucial that you don’t listen to them individually but on a music streaming platform like Spotify in succession with no pause in between
You've never heard Tool?! Holy shit, wow. If you're just starting out on your Tool journey, there are SO many good ones! (Another band I keep seeing people react to that somehow the younger generation has missed is Rage Against The Machine? Their music is STILL so relevant these days! I don't see any Rage on your channel. Worth a listen!! Also, only one NIN song? Mannnnnnn, you are missing out. Every album is different and beautiful. Just because you've heard one song doesn't mean you know what the next will bring.) I saw Perfect Circle open for NIN in concert once. NIN puts on a GORGEOUS live show! Stunning visuals every time!
Did anyone mention this yet ? ~ Song came out in 93 not 83 ... I did a double take ! ha I'm loving your insight from experience with your profession with reactions ... ~ Doug in Austin ...
So glad I was recommended your channel, due to all the Tool reactions I watch I'm sure. But first and foremost, welcome to the Tool Army! I really enjoy your reactions and I can see you truly connecting with the songs lyrically, in musicality and enjoying the journey that every Tool song takes you on, (closing your eyes at times is natural and a good thing with Tool songs.) Tool has been my favorite band since the beginning and it's always great to see new fans coming onboard every day. Great job thus far and if I could make a small suggestion on a couple of things. First one being that I'd love to hear a couple minutes more of your interpretations of the lyrics and how you felt after reacting to each song. Secondly, some future recommendations I would send your way would be Forty Six and 2, Vicarious, Lateralus and Schism. Lastly, just a heads up, before listening to these songs by Tool in this order; Jimmy, Judith by his other band A Perfect Circle, Wings For Marie and 10,000 Days, research how and why these songs are about his mother Judith and they will make a lot more sense as you hear each one and show you the transformation Maynard went through over the years and his stance on everything around her condition. Can't wait to see your next Tool reaction and hope we have many more to come and more often!
Nick, this is definitely the penultimate performance of this song so you chose well. It is chilling seeing Maynard’s performance and the creepy movement and being hunched over like he is actually withdrawing on stage. Great reaction. It’s hard not to be blown away
After this album Undertow Paul left the band (the bassist) and was replaced with Justin Chancellor, after he joined the band is really when everything truly comes together for them. The way they craft music is also on a whole different level as well. It starts with either Adam, Danny, or Justin writing a riff by themselves then the three of them each play off of each other to create the instrumentals. After the song is done Maynard will write the lyrics to the instrumentals, which is why his vocals go along with the melodies so perfectly. He talks about the process in great lengths on Joe Rogans podcast. Should check it out one of these days
Love tool, always have, but at the end the during the collage of videos I saw another video that I love. I consider Mazzy Star kind of a one hit wonder, but that live version is a super cool mellow performance from when that song was at it's pea and you can see a lot of other people reacting as this gentle thing just sways and sings :)
Im pretty sure that concert was a large rock show with many artists performing, something like ozzfest. so the crowd is huge but i dont know how big their following was at that time. I will tell you the pit is a lot larger at their shows now :)
Reading Festival is a long running annual 3 day music festival in England that started as a jazz festival in 1958. A lot of heavy hitters have headlined it over the years.
Although I don't know if Maynard himself was addict or not this not about him this is about a friend of the band who was a drug addict and could only express himself artistically when he was on drugs. From what I gather from watching other people video and just the comments Maynard used to do this where he would mimic what the song was about so here he is acting like a drug addict, and all that which make it even more powerful to me. Now the other reason I wanted you to listen if you watch how he bent over and stuff I have seen many vocals coach say that he shouldn't be able to sing like how he is being bent over like that.
Just found your channel today and am really loving your content. I’ve been a tool fan for years, and I can’t tell you how enjoyable it is to watch someone fall in love with this band in real time. Can’t wait to see what’s next! P.S. my first tool obsession was Lateralus. Excited to see you spiral out 😵💫
Great stuff Nick, good idea to watch this live version early in the journey. Probably should do the studio version of Sober as well. Who would think Maynard in a pink onezee from the early days would turn out to be the lyrical master that he is for the bands Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer.
This band honestly doesn't have a bad track. Do yourself a favor and just start at the beginning of their first EP and continue on until you get to their last track of their last LP. Who puts out an ALBUM that has SEGUES, INTERLUDES, BACKWARD MESSAGES, HIDDEN TRACKS, and incredible ALBUM ART? TOOL DOES. 🤞✌
Lateralus is a must. I know you're reacting, but some Tool is better to just listen to w/o thinking. This is that song, as always embrace whatever may come. Keep going, Spiral out
I prefer studio versions but as far as live videos this is a good one. For more roots the live recording of "Jerk-off" from the Opiate EP is also a good one.
thank for the video - there is so so much talent to absorb and enjoy. Tool is such a fantastic band. If you were looking for something different - very different you could try "Heilung | LIFA - In Maidjan LIVE" Heilung means Healing by the way.
My brain just flipping out when anyone mentions being born in the 90s... but you're not a baby, wait, no... the maths checks out... I'll put that call in to the retirement home right away xD Damn. lol.
Here I am, getting ready for your reaction and then you had to go make me feel old cuz I graduated from high school the year you were born! Now, just let me try to reconfigure myself for this reaction. Lol
@@nickforell1 no my man. Thank YOU. Recommendation: Prison Sex. The song is allegorical. However, there is wide speculation that Maynard was molested by his step dad when he was young.
Nick if you wanna go a little Harder then tool dont get me wrong Tool is bad a$$ but check out Cradle Of Filth - Temptation, I know you will Love it xoxoxoxoxox
Loving your your reactions. 👊 We love watching people going down the rabbit hole. My only advise would be, besides Danny Carey doing Pneuma (which you will get to in a little while) listen to the audio versions. Some videos are confusing and take away from the music as you are trying to work out wtf is going on in the video! If you are looking for a little break from tool but want to see another artist seemingly possessed by the music, kasey Chambers live version of ‘Lose yourself’ is a must. If you don’t believe me how good it is, check out the thumbnails of some other reactors. It’s a masterpiece. 🌀 out
As far as his history and what people in the public know, Maynard has never been an alcoholic or addict. He obviously has struggled with substance abuse but who hasn’t in some way. The most shocking part of that revelation is his ability to channel the feeling of a true addict/alcoholic without having hit a bottom due to substances.
Congrats on 40K! Suggestion: Evanescence "Bring Me to Life" performed by Rocknmob. 450+ musicians live in Moscow. Even if you don't react to it, it's 5 mins of pure joy I want to share with anyone and everyone!
This is a great live song, I was at this show it was an amazing festival classic 90s. Just try to ignore paul d'amour looking like one of the backstreet boys, he leaves shortly after this and Justin chancelor takes the bass role, and tool just get better.
@@LeeMulreay and aenima... other things are fine but their last album is horrible trash lateralus and 10k days have good songs but they fell off aenima was their peak
@@mflambert Ænima is an amazing album for sure, and although Paul collaborated/wrote some of the material he didnt record anything on that album was all Justin on bass. Fear Innoculum as trash, you cant be a fan its a masterpiece. I do note that tools became less alternative/metal and more progressive as time went on but i like that its like i grew up and became wiser as well in that 30 year period. Again these are all just opinions and everyone is different and will feel differently. Nice chat.
Maynard ROCKING the PINK ONESIE! LOL. ✌️
Right??
I've watched numerous videos on this song and nobody comments about the fact that it takes huge balls to wear 1800,s underwear and perform in front of thousands of people
my man Maynard is on another plane he doesn't give 2 shits :D
He is my age and went to college in my city after he left the army. He dressed like a girl A lot and it was like ugly girl style but he was definitely noticeable. His voice is so powerful but his message is even more so. Always.
No other Band could take 10 years to put out another album and still have an awesome following and to keep growing
He is the physical manifestation of his lyrics.....Maynard is one of a kind, TooL is a once or twice in a lifetime type band......ALWAYS pay attention to his lyrics
It's difficult to nail down any one song that propelled this band into the mainstream because no matter which song any given person hears, at any given time, they are instantly compelled to dig in. The videos were strange and cryptic and the members of the band were fond of stop motion, animated claymation. The characters were creepy AF and so, the videos garnered a great deal of attention on the MTV rotation. This song was probably the first song that made it into rotation. BUT the song that broke me in pieces touched me psychologically and personally solidified me as a super fan was '46 & 2' . I've still never been as intellectually stimulated by a piece of art. A close second was 'Eulogy'. Born into a pious and STRICT religious household this song broke me free of the religious dogma that psychologically bound me from earliest indoctrination. Both songs will ROCK YOUR WORLD VIEWS !!!
This festival was in 1993 and still one of my favorite performances
Whenever you're ready for Tool at their peak, check out track 10, 11, and 12 from their Lateralus album. The three songs are meant to be listened to back to back without interruption, basically acting as one long song. The songs are called Disposition, Reflection, and Triad. People call those songs the holy trinity lol. It's a fuckin journey. Welcome to the Tool rabbit hole!
He wrote the song with a previous band. He completely embodies an addict. The trembling, the scratching, the hunched hopelessness. The perfect depiction of addiction.
There's nothing better than to see them live. It's an experience more than a concert. It like crawls inside you & takes you places you didn't know you wanted to go but once you start it pulls you in. I've been to many concerts in my life but there's nothing like seeing them live. I have been to almost everyone since they started.
Need to do that
Just got tickets for their show in Tacoma in Oct…this will be my 4th!
Agreed! I've seen them 10 times, just took my son in 2018 b4 the coof. They are the best live band experience you can ever be a part of!
I suffer from multiple addictions and the strange thing is I know I'm good when I'm listening to this song on a regular basis. Lately I have not. But hopefully this gets me on track. Great reaction.
Hang in there, dude. You can do this!
Agreed dude, Tool centre me like nothing else. Been struggling with a few things lately, and it's taken these reactions to make me realise I've dropped music from my routine. I should know that's a sign I'm slipping. Off I go back into the tool catalogue
3 years sober myself, when the addiction says "I want what I want, I want who I want. " about sums it up. Every time hat demon voice in my head sneaks up, I turn that line around and scream it back. Good luck!
I recommend listening to Hubermans podcasts on rewriting your brain to overcome addiction. He explains why it’s so difficult. It’s all related to Dopamine artificial spikes and the body trying to regulate your levels. Opiates are almost impossible without help or at least extreme knowledge and discipline. Good luck my friend! It will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done but most rewarding if you can make it. Live day to day and stay in moment. Once you reach a month you’ll have rewire your brain. Instead of the “Drug” being the Only thing that makes you happy, you’ll find happiness in a cup of coffee again or sunset or hike. Music certainly helps because it releases some dopamine, and Tool is the best musicians around. Maybe if all time.
I think it's cause the song just captures everything. They show the perspective of an addict, the addiction along with its emotional and physical consequences. I sob nearly every time I watch this video. Stay strong man, whatever you have to do, don't let this take you, you belong here 🙏
As I've said in another one of your Tool reaction videos, I do agree with you about reacting to just the audio of Tool's songs. However, Tool has always been masterful with how they blend the visual with the sonic. Experiencing their live performances are one thing, viewing their album art is another thing, and seeing their official music videos (often animations) is another thing altogether. It's good to see and hear it all. It's not just the music. It's altogether a visceral experience.
TOOL is an experience, a rock orchestra with really deep lyrics, AMAZING!!!
The performance is splendid. When they first released he song on video, it was vocals over one of the most disturbing claymation pieces I have ever seen. Who would have thought that live could be more intense?
Tool - Parabola .. its my favorite song, and I don't think I'm alone there.
Love youre reactions..Tool fans become your fans because we love to see people explore Tool the way we did when we discovered them.
Some interesting fun facts:
1) Sober is actually a C. A. D. song -- which Maynard also fronted -- that was totally reworked for TOOL
2) Sober & Prison Sex are both what put TOOL on the map. Prison Sex is about the cycle of sexual abuse.
3) Maynard fronts two other bands: Puscifer and A Perfect Circle and is a very serious hands on wine grower (Caduceus Cellars/ Merkin Vineyards) and also a Italian restaurant owner in Rome, AZ.
4) Guitarist, Adam Jones, was a special affects artist in Hollywood and worked on such films as Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park. Adam also uses his filmic skills to make TOOL's official videos.
5) The song Lateralus is very heavily routed in the Fibonacci Sequence (1+1=2... 1+2=3...2+3=5... 3+5=8... 5+8=13... etc. etc. etc. Here is a short documentary on this song: ruclips.net/video/uOHkeH2VaE0/видео.html
I don't think most people know what C.A.D. is.
It's Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty, I believe?
Just to make it easier for people to find out about them.
Nick, this is what I was talking about on Lateralus. #5 of what OP said
@@nozee77 Thank you for that. I already knew early on that my comment was destined to be a little too verbose, so I decided to trim some fat where I could. Lol
Wow I had no idea Adam did this kind of work too (movies), what an artist.
Crowd was basically stunned. This performance was their coming out party. This performance put them on the map. West coast people were starting to catch on to tool at this time, this was hello world moment.
Gives me chills every time.
every. time.
This is actually my first time seeing this video of them performing Sober live. A couple things I should probably point out…
1) Maynard being out front like this is actually quite rare. As he considers himself to be just one of the instruments, he often sings from the back near Danny, sometimes only backlit and barely able to be seen by the audience.
2) In case you’re wondering about Maynard’s weird movements, mullet/mohawk and wearing a freaking romper haha, Maynard is really eccentric and will often dress in costume on stage. One show, he may be dressed like a clown, the next, he might be dressed as a woman, the next he may come out in just his underwear. You never know what you get from him. Almost as if he sees his performances as a theatrical thing.
3) While they’re certainly not a straight edge band or anything, Tool (Maynard included) have avoided any kind of serious issues with addiction throughout their history together, which is rare among the west coast bands they came up with in the early 90s. To my knowledge, Maynard has never seriously struggled with his own sobriety, but given the topic of this song and others like H., he clearly struggled with the fact that a ton of their musician friends were deep in addiction.
Oh this live is my favorite tool video and really good approach getting to know them. Maynard is excellent vocalist and the band is spectacular. He definitely treats himself as an instrument and part of the music and portray so much emotions while performing.
On the lyrics I love how the "why cant we not be sober" was written cause it can be read two ways.
"why cant we be sober" "why do we have to be sober"
I've heard the song was about a close friend who was musician and felt he needed to be intoxicated to be creative but the substances would wreck him if he started doing them again.
So even when he's sober he's feeling his only a shadow of himself.
Cold and Ugly.....Bottom....Aenima.....Lateralus....Right in Two....Descending.
A great song from each album
jerk off, opiate, 46 and 2
Good choice for next Tool reaction
Thanks Taylor, I owe this one to you
There's a Kansas City live show from 2022 that, after listening to several from tour, in my opinion is the best. It's multi cam, pieced together but complete. Maynard is in his typical behind the band silhouette but he knows how to keep you interested. The visual effects and lighting are superior. I'm a 61 yo retired nurse admin who has loved Tool from the start but had to become an empty nester and retire before I could really submerse myself. Now is a good time for you because you get to experience 10,000 days and Fear Innoculum. I was taught classical piano, theory and composing as a child and this is as close to genius as I've ever heard outside of the great composers. Also notable, audio of them sound like a million notes but when you watch them live their individual performances are so minimalist appearing (except Danny). It shocked me at first. The fact that Maynard writes his part and lyrics separately and after the others is mesmerizing. Glad to see you "get it". Enjoy your reactions so far. What things about their music impress you the most? We can recommend songs but some find their way to you at just the right time. Right In Two is one I fall asleep to but it's def not a lullaby 😅
I use tool to sleep when I can't. Reflection and the second half of pushing in particular and I'm just lights out. It does something to my brain 😂
Legendary live
Yeah pretty damn epic!
YES. You get it. Love these reactions.
😊 thank you
I have been listening to the songs Parabol and Parabola since I was about 13 years old. I was tripping on mushrooms and those songs helped me come to terms with my depression and realize that life is a blessing. I recommend checking out Tool's album 10,000 Days and the tracks "Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)" and the song immediately after that track which is "Rosetta Stoned". The first track is a man in a psych ward and a doctor asking him if he's ok, and the song Rosetta Stoned is where the man in the psych ward explains what he saw. It's really trippy. The main songs of the album 10,000 days and 10,000 Days, Wings Part 2, are about how Maynard respects his mother and her devotion to her religion despite the fact that she was disabled for 10,000 days and how he respects her for sticking to her beliefs. In Maynard's other band, A Perfect Circle, he wrote a song called "Judith" which is his mom's name and in that song he insulted her for her religious beliefs.
This is one of these performances you really should not go through life without watching..
It's just that important. Or. not important. But its really just something you feel better having seen.
Sober…a dual perspective from the addict and the addiction, even with a cry out to god “mother Mary”. He bears the weight of the addiction on his back while the guitar screams out the agony.
This was actually the song that set it off for me in 93. I had just graduated high school in 92. The 90's were fricken awesome!
I knew where I was and what I was doin. Been in love since.
They had a different sound then all the other grunge that was goin around and I liked it. I liked it a lot, and I've been a hard core fan ever since.
I would love for you to react to more Tool. This is why you got my sub my friend.
But no pressure. lol
Also, if you want to understand the "spiral out" comments, check out the song "Lateralus" off the album of the same name. Do some research on that song, lots going on beyond simply music.
Tool has been my favorite band since the 90's. Their music will change you. Maynard's other band Perfect Circle is equally amazing.
I love watching a Tool fan be born.. welcome to the family
Thank you Brandi!
It is telling why Tool is different to other bands you can see the feeling and connection to the music. Maynard inhales and exhales the emotion with the support of a symphony of texture and power.
Well said indeed.
🌈💚🍀
Hi NF the 1st 👋🤭 I went to University in Scotland, in 1994. My friend sang Tool’s praises endlessly 🥱 But that’s my first time hearing TOOL 🎼 🎵 🎶 Way more melodic than I was thinking they would sound 🧠🎼🎶🎵 Thank you Nick 🪄✨💫 I feel I’ve caught up on the missed lectures 🎶 🤣😂
Haha thank you! Check out more of their stuff! Super incredible
@@nickforell1 Will do 🫡 I should have listened all those years ago though 🤦🏻♀️ Time flies and all that ⏰ 🪽🪽🪽
You can see the Tool sinking in just by the expression on bros face as track progresses
I see it two ways, first is the horrors of addiction, perfectly describes how it feels, but I think it could also have a double meaning about if you have a close relationship with an addict on any level-they will suffer as well because of the nightmare that is you. You bring them down w you😔
Legendary is right. Great reaction vid. Spiral out, keep going 🌀🌀🌀👁🤘🏼
Thank you! Will do!
This is definitely the best one to react to. His performance is excellent.
They put themselves out like the other big bands of the time when music was great haha They were friends with Pearl Jam, RHCP, Alice in Chains, RATM, Chris Cornell, Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins... Maynard has sung songs with Deftones and Zach de la Rocha with them in a festival, Frusciante and Maynard even participated together in a Bowie song, that I strongly recommend if you like Frusciante's solos...
You chose the right one to see them performing live, he is a legend and I have never seen somebody channeling out the power of the lyrics the way he does, it is indeed as exorcising and/ or healing whatever he's singing about. An awe to see them live.
And yes, take your own path and choose the songs that you are really drawn to. They will always have a message for you for sure. Enjoy the ride. Spiral in, keep going!
Off to listen to this AWESOME Band !! Thank you WHO IS THAT GUY RESPECT xxxxx
Tool is 🔥
I still remember where I was and who I was with the first time I heard this song. My best friend borrowed his older sisters copy of Undertow on vinyl, and it was like I was hearing a new kind of music. I was hooked from the first chord and they have enriched my life since that day in Coeur d'Alene Idaho sitting on the floor in Andy's living room. Bands who force you to learn new ideas and concepts to understand what you're hearing, are special and rare. I am always surprised and happy that they have become as well known as they are now, I always thought they were ahead of the mainstream, but I think the world we live in now has finally caught up to them and people are understanding what some of have known for decades.
I'm not a huge Tool fan but I LOVE THIS SONG and performance ... so intense ..
What a message !
This and “Walk” by Pantera are my go-to “get pumped up” songs ❤
Walk is one of those songs that every time I hear it, I suddenly feel like I could “walk” through concrete walls and the walls would apologize 😂
@@ninja_tony “ARE YOU TALKING TO ME???? “ 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
At this point go at your own pace/ choose your own path. The only other live video worth reaction is the Pneuma Live Drum cam, but I would still listen to the song first before that video, as it is only a close up of the Magician, Danny Carey.
Lost keys/rosetta stoned
When you review these songs it’s crucial that you don’t listen to them individually but on a music streaming platform like Spotify in succession with no pause in between
You've never heard Tool?! Holy shit, wow. If you're just starting out on your Tool journey, there are SO many good ones! (Another band I keep seeing people react to that somehow the younger generation has missed is Rage Against The Machine? Their music is STILL so relevant these days! I don't see any Rage on your channel. Worth a listen!! Also, only one NIN song? Mannnnnnn, you are missing out. Every album is different and beautiful. Just because you've heard one song doesn't mean you know what the next will bring.) I saw Perfect Circle open for NIN in concert once. NIN puts on a GORGEOUS live show! Stunning visuals every time!
Did anyone mention this yet ?
~ Song came out in 93 not 83 ...
I did a double take ! ha
I'm loving your insight from experience with your profession with reactions ...
~ Doug in Austin ...
Maynard is one of the few people that can get by wearing a onesie!
So glad I was recommended your channel, due to all the Tool reactions I watch I'm sure. But first and foremost, welcome to the Tool Army! I really enjoy your reactions and I can see you truly connecting with the songs lyrically, in musicality and enjoying the journey that every Tool song takes you on, (closing your eyes at times is natural and a good thing with Tool songs.) Tool has been my favorite band since the beginning and it's always great to see new fans coming onboard every day. Great job thus far and if I could make a small suggestion on a couple of things.
First one being that I'd love to hear a couple minutes more of your interpretations of the lyrics and how you felt after reacting to each song. Secondly, some future recommendations I would send your way would be Forty Six and 2, Vicarious, Lateralus and Schism. Lastly, just a heads up, before listening to these songs by Tool in this order; Jimmy, Judith by his other band A Perfect Circle, Wings For Marie and 10,000 Days, research how and why these songs are about his mother Judith and they will make a lot more sense as you hear each one and show you the transformation Maynard went through over the years and his stance on everything around her condition. Can't wait to see your next Tool reaction and hope we have many more to come and more often!
Opiate was their amazing first album kind of underground classic
Nick, this is definitely the penultimate performance of this song so you chose well. It is chilling seeing Maynard’s performance and the creepy movement and being hunched over like he is actually withdrawing on stage. Great reaction. It’s hard not to be blown away
Yeah, Taylor lead me in the right direction for this one!
100% This is the best recorded performance of this song. There are even older versions but he's so locked in here it's just something special.
Penultimate means second-last :D
After this album Undertow Paul left the band (the bassist) and was replaced with Justin Chancellor, after he joined the band is really when everything truly comes together for them. The way they craft music is also on a whole different level as well. It starts with either Adam, Danny, or Justin writing a riff by themselves then the three of them each play off of each other to create the instrumentals. After the song is done Maynard will write the lyrics to the instrumentals, which is why his vocals go along with the melodies so perfectly. He talks about the process in great lengths on Joe Rogans podcast. Should check it out one of these days
Great reaction brother! Excited for more!
Can't wait! Thank you my man! Really appreciate it
I want your take on stinkfist. Dissect the lyrics. It's a great song.
Thanks Tyler, I’ll check it out
Great song. Get ready for those lyrics!
Love tool, always have, but at the end the during the collage of videos I saw another video that I love. I consider Mazzy Star kind of a one hit wonder, but that live version is a super cool mellow performance from when that song was at it's pea and you can see a lot of other people reacting as this gentle thing just sways and sings :)
Im pretty sure that concert was a large rock show with many artists performing, something like ozzfest. so the crowd is huge but i dont know how big their following was at that time. I will tell you the pit is a lot larger at their shows now :)
Reading Festival is a long running annual 3 day music festival in England that started as a jazz festival in 1958. A lot of heavy hitters have headlined it over the years.
Although I don't know if Maynard himself was addict or not this not about him this is about a friend of the band who was a drug addict and could only express himself artistically when he was on drugs. From what I gather from watching other people video and just the comments Maynard used to do this where he would mimic what the song was about so here he is acting like a drug addict, and all that which make it even more powerful to me. Now the other reason I wanted you to listen if you watch how he bent over and stuff I have seen many vocals coach say that he shouldn't be able to sing like how he is being bent over like that.
Loved the passion to my fave band in the world....how to embody your art ...still makes me weep.....subbed for more Tool ...spiral out..
Awesome! Thank you!
Plus, Maynard is a 3rd or higher degree Black Belt in Judo...
Just found your channel today and am really loving your content. I’ve been a tool fan for years, and I can’t tell you how enjoyable it is to watch someone fall in love with this band in real time. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
P.S. my first tool obsession was Lateralus. Excited to see you spiral out 😵💫
I love me some young weird wild wonderful Maynard 🫶🏽
🔧TOOL 4 LIFE 🎶🔥🌀😉 keep going 🎶🌀🎶🌀🎶🌀🎶🌀🎶🤘🏽
He’s so awesome!
Great stuff Nick, good idea to watch this live version early in the journey. Probably should do the studio version of Sober as well. Who would think Maynard in a pink onezee from the early days would turn out to be the lyrical master that he is for the bands Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer.
I’ve been loving your reactions to TOOL! I can’t wait to see your reaction to the song lateralus.
Coming soon!
You will love it all it seems. Also when you get to the end check out puscifer and a perfect circle to scratch the itch.
Would love to see a reaction to danny Carey drum cam footage. Theres one that's almost 50 minutes long. Pure bliss
The moment you realized that Adam Jones is indeed the baddest MF on the planet!!
Awesome reaction. Spiral Out👁
This band honestly doesn't have a bad track. Do yourself a favor and just start at the beginning of their first EP and continue on until you get to their last track of their last LP.
Who puts out an ALBUM that has SEGUES, INTERLUDES, BACKWARD MESSAGES, HIDDEN TRACKS, and incredible ALBUM ART? TOOL DOES. 🤞✌
Crazy path it seems
I agree listening to them live is experience seen them 5 times.
90s music rock
This live version is better than the album version for reaction, because you need to see Maynard!
Maynard is like a renaissance man
Lateralus is a must. I know you're reacting, but some Tool is better to just listen to w/o thinking. This is that song, as always embrace whatever may come.
Keep going,
Spiral out
I prefer studio versions but as far as live videos this is a good one. For more roots the live recording of "Jerk-off" from the Opiate EP is also a good one.
Awesome song my favorite
thank for the video - there is so so much talent to absorb and enjoy. Tool is such a fantastic band. If you were looking for something different - very different you could try "Heilung | LIFA - In Maidjan LIVE" Heilung means Healing by the way.
Oh thank you for that info about heilung!
My brain just flipping out when anyone mentions being born in the 90s... but you're not a baby, wait, no... the maths checks out... I'll put that call in to the retirement home right away xD Damn. lol.
Haha, hey I'll have to check into retirement soon!
Here I am, getting ready for your reaction and then you had to go make me feel old cuz I graduated from high school the year you were born! Now, just let me try to reconfigure myself for this reaction. Lol
Age is just a number! An 80 year old person has climbed Everest
That’s his mullhawk.
I seen them at rock fest in kc they didn't play this one but they rocked out was a good time to hear them cock out
He does have stage frit
This was pre covid
Saw them in Pittsburgh 2001 ❤
Bet that was insane Holly
I just came across your page. I love it!! Reactions are real and zpot on to my emotions. You got a new subscription from me for sure. 💗💗💗
I appreciate that Cherry! Glad you’re here
Amazing!!!
bothers me when people think he's asking why he can't be sober. double negatives matter people! lol
Strongly recommend you do studio versions (no videos) before doing live versions
You are really perfect!!!!!!!
Thanks man! Good choice. If you’re a fan of Tool, this version is mandatory. My advice is to stay with Undertow for now
Okay sounds good thanks so much
@@nickforell1 no my man. Thank YOU. Recommendation: Prison Sex. The song is allegorical. However, there is wide speculation that Maynard was molested by his step dad when he was young.
Nick if you wanna go a little Harder then tool dont get me wrong Tool is bad a$$ but check out Cradle Of Filth - Temptation, I know you will Love it xoxoxoxoxox
Checkout "Pushit" do the studio album version 1st but then do the Salival album version.
Sounds good!
❤
Loving your your reactions. 👊
We love watching people going down the rabbit hole.
My only advise would be, besides Danny Carey doing Pneuma (which you will get to in a little while) listen to the audio versions. Some videos are confusing and take away from the music as you are trying to work out wtf is going on in the video!
If you are looking for a little break from tool but want to see another artist seemingly possessed by the music, kasey Chambers live version of ‘Lose yourself’ is a must. If you don’t believe me how good it is, check out the thumbnails of some other reactors. It’s a masterpiece.
🌀 out
Sounds good thanks for the guidance
You smell something bad, bro? You got the stinkface while you were watching. Lol
As far as his history and what people in the public know, Maynard has never been an alcoholic or addict. He obviously has struggled with substance abuse but who hasn’t in some way. The most shocking part of that revelation is his ability to channel the feeling of a true addict/alcoholic without having hit a bottom due to substances.
Thanks for the insight into his past. Definitely a beacon for many id imagine
@@nickforell1 myself included
Learn the decades
Congrats on 40K!
Suggestion: Evanescence "Bring Me to Life" performed by Rocknmob.
450+ musicians live in Moscow. Even if you don't react to it, it's 5 mins of pure joy I want to share with anyone and everyone!
Thanks man! Appreciate the support and I’ll definitely get that out for you :)
This is a great live song, I was at this show it was an amazing festival classic 90s. Just try to ignore paul d'amour looking like one of the backstreet boys, he leaves shortly after this and Justin chancelor takes the bass role, and tool just get better.
Puke
Tool with Paul was better
@@mflambert So you think opiate and undertow are the crowning achievement of tool?? I personally disagree with that, but its just my opinion.
@@LeeMulreay and aenima... other things are fine but their last album is horrible trash
lateralus and 10k days have good songs but they fell off
aenima was their peak
@@mflambert Ænima is an amazing album for sure, and although Paul collaborated/wrote some of the material he didnt record anything on that album was all Justin on bass. Fear Innoculum as trash, you cant be a fan its a masterpiece. I do note that tools became less alternative/metal and more progressive as time went on but i like that its like i grew up and became wiser as well in that 30 year period. Again these are all just opinions and everyone is different and will feel differently. Nice chat.
Oh yeah... and went to West point....
Really? Wow!
Ok when's the next one !!! LOL