2002.10.20 - East Lansing, MI, USA @ The Breslin Center (Michigan State University Campus)

Source: Mini Disc -- Core Sound Binaurals > Sony MZ-R700
Transfer: MD-M > Tascam MD 301 MK-II > UXL24/96 > Goldwave
Taping Position: Center Bowl
Taper: Galen
Gen: collectiveunconscious.org Master Recording

Notes 2024:
Thinking back ~23 years (wow) to this recording… I am still surprised no other sources materialized. I recall that there was at least one other taper but maybe that was hogwash. This particular performance was quite a cool experience for me as I literally walked to the show after class (Michigan State University) after meeting up with some friends. It was unique to see Tool in such a setting at a venue I had seen Rod Stewart, Tori Amos and John Mayer at; yes, Tool put on the best performance out of those artists. Until 2025, this recording had never been released as it just sat as Mini Discs for a couple decades. Spent some time EQ’ing this to give this source a proper introduction to the world of Tool collectors. I hope this will fill in a hole for you and/or a collector. Enjoy.

Notes 2002:
My initial opinion of this show was sort of a jerk-off & just a Sunday night show to Tool. Nothing was expanded, perception-wise nor setlist-wise...the only thing which was expanded was Tool's wallets. It was nice to hear Commando, last time of this tour.. Oh well, what can you do? Maybe since I graduated from MSU, I was expecting a little more - effort -  on part of the band. Retrospectively, at least Tool came to campus & did a good job performing. A shame too because it was at my University where I got my degrees at & where I went to grad school... I guess, I just expect a little more from Tool. So maybe it is my expectations that cloud the overall enjoyment of the show. However, I think that I was just giving it too much thought - Tool did do a rocking show this night. I've had about 4 different people email me & tell me how much of a dick I am due to my opinion of the show. So, I could totally be off about the vibe...check it out & you tell me. Proper levels & full sound. The Core Sound Binaurals are very good at both FOS recordings and also decent-positions center mezzanine. It should be noted that the Breslin Center is not really made to host a concert. Most notable are two:  the place is a big gym & Dick Cheney, VP, received an honorary degree as a commencement speaker in 2002 - when Sarah & I graduated w/undergrad degrees. Although this was not my ideal taping location, the recording is more of a -live- sound than that of a FOS recording. All in all, came out pretty good I think.

Notes - Unique to this performance:
*Timothy Leary speech 'Think For Yourself' during the intro to Parabol
*Last performance of Commando in 2002.

Maynardism:
"East Lansing. East Lansing? Sounds way more like Kalamazoo... Goodnight. Oh, ok. Thought you were tired & wanted to go home.”

Setlist

Tuva
Sober
Commando
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
(Suspicious Minds + White Lines)
46 & 2
Schism
Parabol
 (Dr. Timothy Leary 'Think For Yourself' speech)
Parabola
Ænema
Intermission
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus
Post-Show
 (walking to car, offered LSD by an old friend from High School (said no thanks), discussion of the show, tried to break up a fight)