Too(L) much video

So I went to see the end of the big Tool tour at PNC Arts Center. Where I saw Tool in '99 open for Ozzy. Which really slayed actually, the crowd was completely on board as much as they were for Ozzy. Super solid performance, lots of long abstract segues, just great.

This time around, they're sporting a stadium lightshow that completely overshadows the performers. Maynard sings the whole show unlit at the back of the stage, siloutted against a video wall. The stage is mainly dark, so the audience attention is dragged in to the screens and lights and lazers like moths to that stuff moths like. But why? The show rocks on it's own merits. No one needs to be sold on it, everyone there is already converted. Why not let the audience see you work out - it adds emotional impact. I'm guessing that the reason is the band is bored and the whistles and bells keep their interest up slogging through one of these tours.

But for me, too much video made the show pretty flat.