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TOOL Live Performance of Bill Hicks Riff Featuring Maynard James Keenan

Venue: Heaven @ The Masquerade Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States Date: February 7, 1994

In the live recording from February 7, 1994, at Heaven @ The Masquerade in Atlanta, Tool was riding high on the success of their breakthrough album, 'Undertow,' released just a year earlier. This album had solidified their presence in the alternative metal scene, featuring powerful singles like 'Sober' and 'Prison Sex.' By this point in their career, the band was beginning to gain critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, bolstered by their unique sound and complex lyrical themes. An interesting tidbit is that during this performance, lead singer Maynard James Keenan spoke about the late comedian Bill Hicks, blending humor and commentary—something that became a signature aspect of their live shows. The live setting captured the raw energy of the band and the connection they fostered with their audience, further setting the stage for their evolution in later albums.

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