A Different Perspective...

As I made my way back into the Northern VA, DC area, I had big plans of attending a multitude of shows.  However, I quickly came to find money was going to be an issue.  The first show on the list was one of the shows I was definitely more interested in checking out, Tool.  However, I soon found out that this would be more difficult then I had originally thought since main ticket sales had been sold out, and second hand websites had tickets starting at no less the $120.  The show seemed out of reach.  However, a friend of mines mother pulled through at the last minute in giving me an opportunity to hear the music, but not actually see the band.  I ended up working in George Masons Patriot Center selling concessions at ridiculous prices.  Although I did not get the full appreciation of what many have told me is the greatest light show around, I did however manage to hear some of my favorite Tool songs.  The main set had some of my favorites including Schicsm, however after the first set I was left hanging since I had been hoping to hear them play Lateralus all night.  This changed quickly however when they started their encore with an electrifying opening of Lateralus, quite possibly one of the loudest songs I have ever heard live.  The show as a whole however was a bit of a let down.  Although I was unable to drink, the venue ran out of beer at around 9 o'clock, just before Tool made their first appearance on stage, they were clearly unprepared.  Also, I figured a band like Tool could manage to play well into the evening, but the last song ended no later then 1120.  I know I shouldn't be greedy and ask for longer then a 2.5 hr show, but with a set break, and after some people had paid over a hundred dollars a ticket, I figured they could have done more for their fans.  Looking back, I am glad I did not pay for a ticket.  I got to listen to a show I was pretty interested in checking out, and was able to pick up a poster for the new apartment, all in all, not a loss however I feel it could have been a much better evening.