Loading...
Ryan A.'s Collection

Tool   07/29/1997

Sandstone Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS
Source Unknown Hi-8 > 1st gen vhs > dvd
Media DVD   1 disc
Notes And this would be the runner up (to 8.15.97) for the favorite Lolla performance. A close 2nd.
I was at this show, and it still remains the most incredible Tool show I've been to over the years. So glad to have it captured on film. It's difficult to write about a musical experience that moves you on many levels. Words sound either sappy or inadequate. A great live musical experience depends on many factors. Your state of mind, the people (or person) you're with, your position in the venue, the fans around you, and the band's performance to name a few. That night, all of those came together.

The clouds parted (after an atrocious Snoop Dog set), the sky seemed to open up, out rolled Danny's Enochian magic board, lights down, and soon after - out strolled MJK, fully dressed as a woman (with fake breasts, bra, wig, white make-up and tights) on the shoulders of a huge, flexing bodybuilder ("Killer Kirk Wilson") singing Hooker with a Penis.

That's the kind of night it was.

Abstract visuals pulsated on the gigantic, wrap-around screens in the background, as every song was performed magically. The climactic yell on Crawl Away had never, and will never sound as powerful as it did that night. It comes through nicely on the recording. Nightfall came, and the band eased into Pushit. The music and "I must persuade you another way" poured over me. An apex. At most every show in the '90s, one song brought me to tears. Tonight it was Sober. Crowd singing in unison and MJ bellowing.

This is probably my most watched Tool video, not only because I was there, but because it is a hell of a concert: another Lollapalooza gem.
Video quality notes:
Picture: A lot of bodies, heads, and hands in the way at first (particularly some girl who insists on climbing on her friend's shoulders to block the shot). However, this clears up after a few songs, and the filmer does a very nice job in a tough crowd situation of dodging bodies (and security) and getting some very good wide-pan shots of the stage, as well as some decent close-ups as well.
Sound: Very solid with very little gen hiss.
Tech Notes dvd-0
Trades Allowed Yes
Ratings Sound: B+
Lists All Video (dvd & vcd) · Tool
Owned by Ryan A. · Last Updated May 23, 2023