Arab Man Reacts to TOOL - Sober [LIVE at Reading Festival]

Habibati! Thank you SO much for stopping by and checking out this new reaction video. Today's was pretty disturbing, I gotta say. Joe loaded up the song 'Sober' by Tool and wait til you see my reaction!
If you guys have any requests or suggestions for what you'd like me to react to next, let me know in the comments!
You can support us on Patreon: / arabmanreacts
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[@deed5811]

Maynard acts out the lyrics. In Sober, he's a tortured addict.

[@hawks7775]

I always though he was representing Alcohol, as if Alcohol was Human

[@DukeYome2]

@@hawks7775 That's exactly how I think the lyrics are great. At some point you don't know if it's the alcoholic or his addiction which is talking...

[@robert2382]

@@hawks7775 I never thought of it that way but I like it.

[@helenespaulding9372]

This is called “performance art”. .........he is acting out the emotions and meaning of the lyrics.......FANTASTIC BAND

[@crazypaultheabomination712]

No.... It's extremely complicated.... His story is not his own.... He has said this...it's not him... A frontman is not just a singer... To front means to be the voice of another's experience.... He does sing for himself... But to know when that happens is known to the one whom he fronts for.... The tool collective is or was seemingly vast.. it's a specific persona..m his.. mine..m yours.. now.. then.. soon oar whenever... It is and he is not... I am the great I was is now as he and they as they say sing and sound as I do think and say... STARGATE PSY WARFARE... THIS BAND IS A CLASSIFIED PROJECT... NO MEMBER DESIRES TO UNVEIL THE TRUTH OR THE EXPERIENCER BESIDES THE TRUE EXPERIENCER....AND HE.. THE ONE WHOM HAS BEEN VOICED HATH BEEN DENIED HIS OWN PATHAGE

[@OlettaLiano]

Thinking back, 1993 was a pretty blurry year. 🤣

[@dubsfehr9574]

For me too... : p

[@guitar_noodle]

He’s embodying the song from an addicts perspective. Maynard is really artistic when it comes to his crafts. He is a really interesting person. You should see his interview on Joe Rogans podcast on YT. You should react to Tool’s Schism or 46 & 2 next. Their music is complex with multiple time signature changes and thought provoking lyrics.

[@ArabManReacts]

He was on Rogan! So cool, I’ll check it out, gotta say that is one incredible performance, he made me believe.

[@sevenduster27]

Arab Man Reacts Yes Rogan and him are actually very good friends and they talk often. He’s been on his podcast several times. He’s also very much into Jujitsu and has his own winery that he’s very serious about. He’s such diverse, unique and very man.

[@mclark347]

Sober is definitely a well known Tool song, but the type of sound most people think of when they think of Tool is their 2001 album Lateralus.

[@BellaLu26]

Lol that makes me feel old cuz this Is the song that comes to mind when I hear Tool

[@helenespaulding9372]

I would call this prog metal. Tool is one of the best bands ever......I’m 73 and just discovered them last year......I’m a Zep girl. Seriously..,,,,react to Pneuma.......the drm cam video will blow your mind. Other great songs...,Schism....The Pot, Lateralus...so many. They do a cover of the Zep song No Quarter that is excellent.......and that’s saying allot coming from a Zep fan. In doing Tool, I would say either do live or do studio with lyrics as their lyrics are deep. Do NOT do official videos as they totally distract from the music itself.

[@ArabManReacts]

On it! Thank Helene! ❤️❤️

[@davidtingley9978]

I'd disagree about their official videos, at least the ones from Undertow (this song and Prison Sex), which were created in large part by Tool guitarist Adam Jones'.

[@RandallMorris222]

He's OK. He's an artist embodying the song. A master.

[@IceKoldKilla]

He would do this during the early years. If you wanna see up closer, check out their 1992 performance in a tiny club with barely anyone there. Whole show. You would think they were performing for an arena! Just search Tool live 1992.

[@douglascampbell9809]

You said it he is the music. He's portraying who the song is written about. As far as is publicly known in 2020 he has had no instances of drug or alcohol abuse. He does however have stage fright (even back then) and is incredibly sensitive to bright lights now. He wears dark sunglasses and has the lighting tech keep him in the shadows. The bright lights give him vertigo and intense headachs.

[@ArabManReacts]

He’s a fantastic performer, if you don’t know he’s doing that, you legit believe he’s tripping out. Stage fright never really goes away, but that vertigo and lights thing has got to be life changing. I hope it gets better not worse.

[@douglascampbell9809]

@@ArabManReacts The newer the live performance videos get the more you can see what he has to do to be on stage. Image searches of him on stage and the majority of them he is wearing dark glasses. I also noted a lot of the lighting his bands use is red or blue which may help with his light sensitivity as well.

[@paulyotwn]

Doug it isn’t stage freight. Too many people keep saying that. What you said about the lights is correct but he moved to the back because of sound. He has said it many times. Any dude that wears a bra and g string on stage isn’t stage freight. He does comedy as well.

[@1stsharkb8]

A man of many talents. He has a vineyard and makes great wine!

[@CB-nd9ki]

he hits the same note in every key, it's amazing how high he takes that A note, with ZERO distortion in his voice. He is in the moment more than ever in this performance.

[@jenanielson]

Definitely art..Maynard is an amazing performer. Even with his struggle with stage fright, and bright lights. Hes fine.. He is the music and lyric's.

[@JoeBlow_4]

I'm so glad people clued you in on Maynard. He's not an addict or alcoholic but he can play one on stage ;) You need to watch Danny's drum cam video on the song Pneuma from the new album. The time signatures are mind boggling.

[@aaronfalzerano9432]

He's metaphorically interpreting the person this song is about. Its a friend of the band that thinks they cant make significant art while sober. To address his friend's mentality about not being able to create while sober, the lead singer sabotages his own singing posture to make it as difficult as possible for himself to sing. He's still able to achieve the same results, and the struggle elevates the art to a different level.

[@sevenduster27]

WOW!!! This was such an unbelievable reaction!! Gave me chills when you said “the eyes”. You get it, thank you for this! Please more TOOL🔥👽👽👽👽🔥

[@litawells8803]

Tool Army Here, TOOL (THE GRUDGE) nuff said

[@ArabManReacts]

Hi! Will check it out 🤘🏻

[@clsenical]

One of the best bands ever. Saw them live in 2001. Amazing.

[@Jean-Boner]

This... This is the reaction we all look for when it comes to someone's first experience with this song/performance. Really great reaction man. It's never too late to get into them. Welcome to the Tool Army my friend. Spiral out.

[@thisistheyear99]

That's Maynard being Maynard lol. More Tool bud! Cheers!

[@ArabManReacts]

You got it! Cheers 🍻

[@theawakener4360]

He is playing the part of the character in the song bro....he is a genius

[@tklakers]

I enjoyed your reaction to Maynard’s extremely passionate and personal performance of their song Sober. Your reaction reminds me of my own reaction when I first saw this video.

[@alexjany1969]

You’re in for a ride! Looking forward to reliving Tool with you.

[@ArabManReacts]

Awesome!

[@InannaLosna]

I would LOVE to see you react to another Canadian band: The Tea Party. If you don't already know them, I wish you fall for them as much as I did (and still do every time I see them live). Jeff Martin's voice is often compared to Jim Morrison's and he plays about 37 different instruments; the guy is a God! So, you could react to many songs, but here are a few suggestions: "Sister Awake", "Save Me", "Turn The Lamp Down Low", "A Certain Slant Of Light", "Transmission" or "Psychopomp"... just to name a few... The Tea Party is an awesome canadian band!!!

[@deadohiosky1701]

So glad to see you getting into my all-time favorite band! You can keep me busy with nothing but Tool and Nightwish reactions. :) Tool's earlier stuff was more raw, angry, and yes, sometimes disturbing, while still being the amazing musicians and songwriters they are. They've matured and progressed over the years into a more contemplative version of themselves, where their philosophy and musicality is unmatched IMO. They are truly unique. I think you'll actually like the later albums more. I recommend Invincible from their newest album Fear Inoculum and Right In Two from the album 10,000 Days.

[@hamadalmansourr]

OHHHH YEAHHH!!! Tool is my all-time favorite band man, you should react to them more!!

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

April 27 1964; Maynard - vocals November 1971; Justin - bass January 15 1965; Adam - guitar May 10 1961; Danny - drums

[@nighthawkin__]

he acts out the personalities of the song characters. Much like Mike Patton used to..This was back when he actually performed at the front of the stage. Now he performs as a shadow in the back left corner of the stage. If you watch the official clip for the song.. the stop start animated character also has a bent spine and is spooky AF

[@sparky65416]

Great reaction. Maynard really gets emotionally invested in each and every song.; great performer.

[@Skybolt211]

Nice reaction! I've seen this performance many times and it is still so powerful with how he performs it... AMR, another really interesting Tool thing I'd love to see you react to is the Danny Carey Drum-cam version of Pneuma, by Tool... amazing video. -Subscriber #10

[@ArabManReacts]

Will check it out #10! ❤️❤️🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

He's a REALLY good actor. Greetings from New Zealand (which sounds remarkably similar to your sign-off gesture)

[@anaabendroth3460]

Performance art, and damned good at that

[@VeryVery1]

One of my favorite bad. 🥰

[@vitamenecavit]

I LOVE that you care so much. Thank you. Also: I guess you'll have to see Danny Careys Drumcam for Pneuma (Tool) now, right? It's pretty recent and you can see the developement of the band, musically

[@americanhwyflower]

Ok... is that shawarma on your thumbnail? If so, thats AWESOME! It was Tool that got my attention, but the shawarma got me to click! 😂😂

[@jeffreyhume2315]

Method actor on vocals. Legend. My sons middle name is James because my wife was gonna leave me if I made it maynard

[@wendideleoncampbell4174]

My favorites pneuma and this song 🎧 awesome 👏

[@ARunningTarget]

Not seeing it in your comments on a quick scroll. But Maynard's performance and this song was written about a friend of his who could only create while under the influence. So his performance on that stage was to show an embodiment of addiction. He wasn't on anything when he did this performance. Since you asked after the first verse. Maynard, has stage freight. This performance was incredible hard for him to do. Yet he killed it. And whoever he stared at the whole song had a one of a kind experience. Maynard is one of my all time favorite vocalist.

[@robertholte2716]

Fantastic reaction!!! Glad his performance took you in so well!!! I'd love to see you do some reactions to some old classics like Pink Floyd or Led Zepplin.

[@johnthornton5386]

TOOL is one of those bands that you Ethier hate them or really love them, I'm been a fan since 1993

[@frankpuncekar5051]

He’s performing the emotional lyrics, Tool is a remarkable band, picture Pink Floyd and how great the music, lyrics, and performances are-Tool just takes it to a completely different level both bands are top of they’re game/genre. Suggest 46 & 2(lyric video) , Aeinema, Schism,if you do want to explore more but prepare for a spiraling of emotions and thoughts! They are a cerebral band good luck because the journey is so wonderful but also so unsettling of thoughts, beliefs & emotions!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@antdujar]

More tool. Trust, you’ll dig the rabbit hole that you’ll enter. You’ll enjoy their cover of Led Zeppelin “no quarter” . Their entire discography is amazing.

[@realturkey619]

I see tool I click

[@gabrielbarron4702]

He is letting the song flow through his he is great at it....

[@ceriedwards991]

Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were the 2 bands who were Temple of the Dog

[@safgirl5836]

Yeah! Arab Man & Kamel ❤

[@ArabManReacts]

❤️❤️

[@medievallass7088]

I love it when a deep feeler watches what another deep feeler creates

[@ashleydixon4613]

1993...the year I graduated high school/started college.

[@Lukos0036]

My mother when she was a child went with a friend to a detox center that their mother worked at. This was back in the 60s. They had heroin addicts in there, some of which they saw close up. Most in their teens, some younger. All of the people she saw had this posture Maynard is hunched into. Knock kneed, wobbly, bent and emaciated. One of them a girl their age who gave birth to a stillborn baby she would not let go of, covered in blood and screaming like a banshee at anyone that got close to her. So Maynard here has probably been face to face with addiction of that kind. It's horrifying what it does to people.

[@brandieregan142]

The band needed a singer amd heard h screaming at his girl fightin and heard his voice amd the rest was history

[@davidputterman2719]

Maynard was totally in character during this song (not drunk or high). He always picked out one person in the crowd and stared them directly in the eyes and sang to them. The guy is/was a musical genius. He now owns a winery.

[@BITCHINBOOTS]

TOOL... F%&$ YES.!!! MORE TOOL PLEASE!!!!

[@throesofrejection4012]

Whatever he was trying to do in this performance, lol it got your attention and it intrigues you .....I guess that's what it's all about

[@Tdub0911]

You missed it bro. I lived in Seattle so was into Grunge but these were the guys. Favorite ever. Maynard is the man.

[@hawks7775]

More tool Please!

[@scottwerner1635]

Greatest band ever.

[@renevw5812]

A real drunk would not be able what how he is singing en standing, stage acting :) , he is embodying the song ...Sober :)

[@theawakener4360]

Do Tool-The Grudge .....With Tool it's a journey.You just need to put a good pair of headphones on and let the music take you bro.Only do the music and have the lyrics pulled up.He is a lyrical genius and the band members are masters at their craft for sure.Stay away from the official music videos because it takes away from the musical experience. Their drummer Danny Carey is the best drummer on the planet right now.You might wanna check out Danny Carey play Pneuma live drum cam.I will be prescribed if you keep going down that Tool rabbit hole and the Tool Army will gravitate to your page for sure!Enjoy brother!Best band ever and there will never be another Tool so enjoy while they are still alive

[@fatsuperfly]

Maynard the singer does no drugs, a drink but not a drunk. He is just a good writer and observationist

[@thomashachey5193]

Just powerful.

[@MissValkery]

The whole undertow album was good. Maynard always felt his music. I am sure his posture was his feelings about who he was singing about (Which was himself I am sure) . He was and still is a hell of an entertainer.

[@metalmellie4371]

You need to react to their song The Pot. It's very different but very good. I'd do the studio version if I were you and get the one that shows the album cover. It's art from a guy that's inspired by real trips someone had while doing the drug DMT. Apparently when you do this drug it begins with a lot of fractals then faces and characters emerge but the art is trippy! Very good song. Maynard (the lead singer) has such an awesome voice!

[@jaybusik239]

It's Maynard James, he's a genuis, listen to their lyrics, no band will ever be TOOL!

[@50NewEyes]

Subbed for more Tool please...

[@scottm5316]

More reviews! Do popular monster, you'll love that song/video...

[@timtinsley9887]

I want to be sober. I wish I could start this over.

[@imakiwi5924]

I’ve seen him live and that’s just how he preforms

[@scottballinger40]

The Drummer in tool ( Danny Carrey) drumming is influenced quite a bit by middle eastern music. Listen to Parabol/ Parabola ( they're 2 separate track but are meant to be heard together as if one) Jambi or lateraulas. Dont cheat yourself of the experience. I bet money you will find in a month that you are through n through tool fan.

[@Ghost-dj9kn]

Performance Art

[@Wulfshade]

Check out "Myrath - Believer"

[@nikkikat1325]

Its Maynard! That’s how he rolls

[@srkvj2038]

u should definetly react to Pneuma by tool...the drum cam version of it...

[@terryyeo1852]

thank god Maynard is Maynard! Long live TOOL!

[@rbailey225]

Watch the video.......It's just as disturbing. Very powerful.

[@sbrinkerhoff8069]

There's a shadow just behind me SATAN!!!

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

May I suggest something to you of a completely different kind you quite sure haven‘t heard till now? I am talking about „Lord of the Lost“ from Hamburg / Germany. Their singer Chris Harms is changing between beautiful clear, dark singing and grunts&growls. They are great musicians and released beside their regular albums three acoustic „Swan Songs“ longplayer with a classic ensemble. My suggestion to get into their music is, apart from „Loreley“ their most popular video, „Under the sun“: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWrXaYmfiKalbZI Dark rock meets glam metal meets gothic meets synths meets clear vocals meets growls and screams. I just love this band and the boys themselves. They are so cool, crazy, kind and friendly. I did shoot them several times as concert photographer including backstage documentaries. No other band I shot got so many photos awarded as they are such an incredible live band.

[@williamklett6660]

The official videos, art puppets, are eerie and disturbing as well. Sober (official) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKTTqXR9Zpd2psU

[@toodrunktotastethischicken]

Mr Arab Man... a really interesting performance is Tool's Live "Third Eye" (Salival Video). If he's got the white makeup....it's the right video. Have Lyrics handy, my friend.

[@4corander]

He is trying to appeal to an emotional state; wanting sobriety is a powerful state to be in. he wants to portray that through his mannerisms.

[@RAD-82ndABN]

It’s called performance art, he’s acting out the emotions of addiction and trying to stay sober and sane at the same time while he’s singing. It makes the music more powerful in its meaning...

[@faithstewart7153]

He's actually totally sober.. doesn't drink or do drugs. He's a stage actor and great performer!

[@a.3032]

Do more Tool! Lateralus, 10 000 days and Fear Inoculum

[@Naranuru]

Whoever voted for this song should have chosen "right in two"... It's a better Song for you to start with I think... Spiral Out and may the Force be with you 🤘😝🔥

[@tattooedmama1499]

Maynard has terrible stage fright and unfortunately has to use a substance to help him with that(read in an article about him) He is a hell of a performer...I love Tool!!

[@SnoDog2112]

He was 29 when this video was made.

[@mcm4point2o]

gota react to "Bonobo - KERALA" music video its super trippy and the music is next level

[@brandieregan142]

Bro jujistu changed his life

[@ryanburnside]

CANNOT recommend their newest album enough. Especially if you appreciate these early years. It’s really worth a late night listen

[@kevinreeves8186]

He had terrible stage fright early in their career so acting out a character probably helped him get thru performance

[@ceriedwards991]

Theatrics to emphasize the effect of the song. It has personal meaning for him. Also he had an intense stage fear or fear of singing/performing for crowds.

[@l.a.native6921]

Would be nice to see you react to more Tool(audio only though, their videos/lyrics tend to be distracting). My only other suggestion would be to start from their old stuff and work your way forward. They really don't have any bad songs so have at it, yakhui(=my brother, ya'ani(=meaning)) ;) lol

[@omega1231]

Is Maynard okay? well.. okay is a relative term, he's not high as others have pointed out and his generally fine, but he certainly has some very spicy ideas about the human condition and tends to read a lot, which tends to make people just slightly off, in a good way.

[@bryanparker2925]

Can’t go wrong with TOOL. Check out “46 and 2” or “ Lateralus”

[@stephenthomas8654]

Tool -Stinkfist. Great next song for you. Ty.

[@davidtingley9978]

Maynard was 29 here.

[@maddmaxxx37]

He gets "possessed by the music"

[@rachel.en3101]

More Tool and react to some Rage Against the Machine 🖤

[@nikkihayes5411]

Have you ever heard Judith by A Perfect Circle?🏍️🧔💨

[@robertdoerr5999]

The song is about suicide. And this will hopefully prove it. If you imagine what's in his head. He is looking into a mirror in his reflection he sees the voices in his head. Telling him to join them to eat the pills to take the plunge and hit that main line.

[@dannyneve8501]

Song is about alcoholism and living through it.

[@jefftipper9590]

He had very bad performance anxiety. Pretty sure earlier on he would often prefer to be in the dark behind the band performing. I think that’s why he is seen here picking a spot to stare at into the crowd.