Fireworks

A video of firework display in Groton-New London over the River Thames taken by me.

Better than imagination.

I was there with 20,000 people @ Tweeter center,which was packed to it's full extent.I had never seen so many people at the same time and place in my life.But, Anyways - TOOL came out on the stage after dark with the crowd cheering frantically.And, without any introduction or anything started playing 'Jambi'.The brilliant laser show and lightings came on which synched with the music flawlessly. My roomies were enthralled by that alone :)

And,Yes - they played 'Schism' with almost a minute long added section of drum solo just before "Cold Silence has a tendency to atrophy any sense of compassion" part.Danny carey is really a GOD on drums.Another song that I HAVE to mention is 'Lateralus'.Instead of the regular 9 minutes ,they added a 6 minute long drum session with another drummer(I don't know who he was -But, he was good) making the song as long as 15 minutes.Those 6 minutes(Maynard left the stage during this period) was like a "Jugalbandi" from Indian classical music,with both drummers filling in notes for each other.Sometimes playing together,sometimes following each other and sometimes clashing with each other.It was like a lightening had struck the whole crowd of people and they just watched in sheer awe.

At the End of the 2 hour show maynard broke his silence saying just these few lines:

" Hi - All you drunken bastards.Hope you had fun tonight.Drive safely and take care of the people driving beside you. We will see you again soon"

And that's it !

This band is so freaking awesome.No talks and chit chats.No publicity. No MTV.No Interviews.No appearance in their own music videos.No Cameras or Press allowed in their concerts.

And still just through "Word of mouth" -There is no place for you to keep your foot in one of the largest venues in US. The reason being MUSIC for them comes first.The difference between French fashion --and-- True passion.

No words can describe what I witnessed -You have to see it for yourself.

A Dream come true

Time: 3 Years Ago
Place: Room 145,Hostel 5,IIT Bombay

I am browsing through the infinite collections of Music on IITB LAN.
I come across this song called Schism by a band called TOOL.I never really appreciated Heavy Metal so to say(At that time - I was heavily into Grunge) and this band was put into that category.Now,I can appreciate the foolishness in putting TOOL into any genre.Anyways, Three thoughts struck me as I heard Schism,my first TOOL song.

1. The drummer is really talented and the band is not trying too hard to impress as is the case with most of the heavy metal bands.
2. Unusual arrangement of guitars and drums with chaotic beat and rhythm changes.
3. This song would sound better LIVE.
   

and from there the wish to see TOOL live emerged.3 years later
I can still listen to this song and it has the ability to surprise me.
It's almost as fresh as my first time listen ---This is the magic of TOOL.

It never gets old.

For two years the only question I have hated is:
"So,did you go to a rock concert yet ?"
I have always said that I am waiting for the right band to come along,
I am NOT gonna go to a freaking Godsmack concert and
finally - I am gonna get my TOOL !

Time: 12 July,2007
Place: Tweeter Center,Mansfield,Massachusetts

Here is Schism for you to listen :

I know the pieces fit cause I watched them fall away

Mildewed and smoldering - Fundamental differing,
Pure intention juxtaposed will set two lovers souls in motion
Disintegrating as it goes - Testing our communication
The light that fueled our fire then has burned a hole between us so
We cannot see to reach an end - Crippling our communication

I know the pieces fit cause I watched them tumble down
No fault, None to blame, It doesn't mean I don't desire to
Point the finger, Blame the other, Watch the temple topple over.
To bring the pieces back together - Rediscover communication.

The poetry that comes from the squaring off between,
And the circling is worth it.
Finding beauty in the dissonance.

There was a time that the pieces fit, but I watched them fall away.
Mildewed and smoldering, strangled by our coveting
I've done the math enough to know the dangers of a second guessing
Doomed to crumble unless we grow, and strengthen our communication

Cold silence has a tendency to atrophy any sense of compassion

-between supposed lovers
-between supposed brothers.

And I know the pieces fit.