Some nitpicky clarifications:
0) I witnessed the following scene: an idiot keeps taking photos --> the bouncer repeatedly orders him to cease the activity deemed illicit --> the idiot is persistent --> the bouncer charges at him --> camera: smashed into several pieces. maybe a bruise. Now, I sincerely wish some unpleasant things upon those gorilla-like frustrated individuals, because as frustrated people, they project their own frustration onto idiots. The term "gorilla" fits them perfectly. But above all, if (through a flyer at the entrance - which has its cost - plus a clear spoken warning IN ITALIAN) there is an explicit request not to use cameras with or without flash, why are there such ignorant people of that magnitude?? Not so much for them; I mean, they break a law (ah, they even write it on the tickets, right), it's their problem if they end up breaking a 300-euro camera and getting slapped... but for the assholes (me and many others) who are trying to enjoy a nice concert and every 30 seconds a 130 kg testosterone-fueled brute stands in front of you like a rugby post, flashlight pointed at you, preventing you from seeing the TOOOOOOL!!! Besides being a violation (even if just a little, okay) of the law, they ruin the concert for others, as well as for themselves... oh well..
1) It's true, Danny's speakers have different diameters (I think, but I wouldn't bet on it, 22 and 20). On the smaller one, there's a single pedal, while the other has a double mounted... essentially, it's like he has 3 speakers... not to mention the fact that he has I don't know how many (3?) electronic pedals. In any case, his setup is monstrous, and as a drummer, I wouldn't know where to put my hands.
2) The volume didn't seem that high to me. I brought earplugs, and they were definitely necessary for the Mastodon, but with the Tool, I had to take them out because I couldn't hear anything... while in Milan (June) I had to keep them in... and they even improved the sound.
3) I think Maynard is so paranoid that he can't - for reasons I don't fully grasp - show his face to the people; but in light of the complaints from fans who have been watching his butt for the entire first half of the tour, his analyst (I think a very good one) must have advised him to find another gimmick. That’s why he wears the mask.
4) I am infinitely grateful to the Tool for playing Wings Pt1&2 and for playing them back to back, which I think was the peak moment of involvement. Emotional climax of the concert. Voice too burdened by the fetish mask.
5) Impeccable stage design (I absolutely didn’t notice the problem with the screens). I think they are the only current group that still understands that doing a concert isn’t just about showing up on stage and playing for a while, with a lighting technician pulled from bumper cars. (I want to point out the complexity of the laser bounces on the mirrors positioned throughout the venue).
6) I thought I would regret (at least a little) having spent 40.25€... instead, I would do it again. The previous dates in Italy had nothing to do with what I saw in Rimini (though eighty thousand is quite a lot).
