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Tool stunned fans in Auckland with a set that dug deep into their catalog and pulled out songs the band hadn’t played live in decades. The performance blended newer material with rare classics. Fans and critics alike left buzzing about the unexpected choices and a Black Sabbath cover that closed a circle for the night.
Rare tracks resurface: longtime absences broken
Early in the show the band reached back into their 2001 era and surprised the crowd with “Disposition.” That track had been absent from live shows for years, making its appearance feel like a rediscovery.
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Soon after, Tool delivered “H.” — another piece that hadn’t been heard live since the same early‑2000s run. Both songs trace back to albums that defined the band’s rise.
The biggest gasp came when Tool played “Crawl Away” from their 1992 album. The song hadn’t been performed live in over a quarter century, making it a genuinely rare live moment.
Cover choice and context: Black Sabbath’s shadow
Midway through the set the band tackled Black Sabbath’s “Hand of Doom.” Tool has brought this cover out before, most notably at a tribute show honoring Ozzy Osbourne and Sabbath earlier this year.
The inclusion of the cover added a classic metal touch and connected the Auckland concert to other recent special appearances.
Night highlights and fan reactions
- Unexpected returns: Several songs from the 1990s and early 2000s reappeared after long absences.
- Set dynamics: The band mixed extended modern pieces with compact early tracks, keeping momentum varied.
- Audience response: Social media lit up with clips and praise for the rare performances.
Complete setlist from the Auckland performance
Below is the order Tool played in Auckland, with notes on which tracks were notable for their rarity.
- The Grudge
- Fear Inoculum
- Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann)
- Rosetta Stoned
- Disposition — not played live since 2002
- H. — first live appearance in over two decades
- Jambi
- Pneuma
- Crawl Away — absent from tours since 1998
- Vicarious
- Intolerance
- Chocolate Chip Trip
- Hand of Doom — Black Sabbath cover
- Invincible
How Tool crafts setlists: Maynard’s influence explained
Drummer Danny Carey has explained that frontman Maynard James Keenan largely shapes what the band plays live. Carey noted the practical side of the choice: newer material tends to feature prominently.
He emphasized that singing is a physical task, and the band watches what suits Maynard’s voice on a run of shows. Touring demands are different for a vocalist than for an instrumentalist.
Balancing stamina and nostalgia
Carey said he can still perform most of the drum parts he always has. But doing it night after night is a different challenge for a singer. That balance informs which older songs make the cut.
