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A monster smash

Monster Mash Music Festival
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe, AZ
October 31 - November 1, 2015

Linkin Park

Puscifer

Review and photos by Mary Andrews

Lucky Man Productions did their best to rectify problems encountered one month ago after the controversial Summer Ends Festival in Tempe, Arizona. The Monster Mash Music Festival should have been named the Maynard James Keenan festival since he had a pervading presence throughout the two days. Keenan's super group, Tool, headlined the first day and Puscifer carried on Keenan's legacy the second day. This was Tool's only show for 2015.

Some of the changes after the Summer Ends fiasco last month were the field in front of the stage was split into two parts with a large isle in the center to give security and medical personnel access to the crowd. The second very noticeable change was the installation of several water buffalos strategically located on the festival grounds where free water was available for everyone. Bottled water was sold in the pit for those patrons in the front who could not readily leave their spots. Signs were also posted reminding patrons to drink more water! Let's face it folks, "you can lead a horse to water, but. . . "

The first night was totally sold out with an approximate 26,000 Tool fans in attendance. The lines to get in the park were long until 8:30 p.m. even though the gates opened at 11:00 a.m. Many were in costume, face paint, and masks. One could see a lot of zombies, clowns, or super hero characters as you made your way through the crowd. Fewer costumes were seen up front because these fans were in the park earlier in the day. Regardless, this had to be the biggest Halloween party ever!

Maynard James Keenan seems to be more focused on his wine business that he conducts in Jerome, Arizona than making music. He is touring with his band, Puscifer promoting a new album, Money Shot, released October 30, 2015. Tool may not be Keenan's primary focus right now, but the fans saw things differently on Halloween.

Tool's set started with a revived cover version of the Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter." This was the first time it was performed on stage since 1998. Keenan was dressed up as Robert Plant no less. This was somewhat wasted since he stood on the side of the stage in the dark. Maynard addressed the crowd after the song. "Arizona, I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. Which do you want to hear first? The good news, It's fucking Halloween. The bad news, we are not Led Zeppelin." The Tool fanatics were thrilled and it was worth the wait.

Primus was greeted with a resounding chant from the crowd "Primus sucks, Primus sucks! Primus' set was prior to Tool and they spared no punches in providing bass guitar like no other band in the land. The stage was set with a large mushroom on each side of the stage. The set consisted of a blending of tunes from across their career, many being fan favorites. Midway through the set Claypool donned the pig facemask and continued playing. No 'Oompa Loompas' tonight!

Sunday carried on the Halloween weekend and the Keenan marathon with Puscifer's set in the Arizona sun. This time the band was in full regalia that included leather facemasks. Unlike Tool, Keenan was upfront and the center of the band. Keenan was dressed as a pregnant Captain America or the beer gutted super hero. Carina Round, vocals, was the first to give up the mask as the sun got hotter. The fun set consisted of songs from the new album and some old favorites.