First Time Hearing Tools Ticks & Leeches (Reaction!!)

[@poloreacts27]

Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!

[@DarenMiller-qj7bu]

Dang bro this is only two weeks old? I thought you've been at this a while. Either way great song. Maynard is a damn beast.

[@lizlampron6081]

Hi Palo I think your too hard on yourself when you say your going on a rant. I totally enjoy your feedback and excitement to what your hearing. Keep up the great work!

[@Pigwig83]

Dude I love your vids. I’ve been a Tool fan since 99 and never tire of peoples first reactions to Tool songs. Tool army on a deep recruitment drive lately.

[@Anthony-ej9js]

Dude you fking rock✌️ SPIRAL OUT 🤟

[@teddy.d174]

POLO…your son is absolutely adorable, your affection for each other made me well up a bit, because my dad and I were extremely close and he’s no longer with us. I just found your channel a few days ago, I never liked reaction channels much but yours is incredibly entertaining and professional. I’ve heard you talk about your anxiety but it doesn’t show at all. You’re on point my man, keep it up.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

I actually love that quiet interlude in the middle because it just adds more impact when they drop the elbow on you in the second half.

[@Modwaev]

Exactly this!

[@chriswebb7822]

yep, gives you a few moments to gather yourself back up before the drop!

[@samhammond7199]

They also added it as another f-you to the record label, as it is basically dead air, which is no good for radio. Love it

[@mulish42]

100%

[@Levi_Amongst_the_Watchers]

You're a good Dad. It's an under appreciated title in life and a position that is far too often left unfilled or is filled but by those who represent it poorly.

[@BoThurston]

I was just telling a friend earlier that there's nothing else more beautiful than the love between a father and his son. It's awesome that you left such a profound statement here. Thanx

[@Themaddtapp3r]

The record execs thought the album wasn't harsh enough and wanted a hard song so they did this, but in the middle slow down to nothing...their middle finger to the label

[@LanceThompsonKssooner]

I always heard this as well, but recently, someone commented on another video claiming to know the band personally. Said he was a roadie at one time. He claimed it was about an internal conflict within the band. Who knows if it's true, but it's worth pondering.

[@mikelary88]

I always heard that it was a request by the record label to make a more ‘radio friendly’ track which resulted in this. 🖕

[@viking_nor]

That makes no sense. Harsh is not good for radio. Execs want their music on radio. Especially back then

[@LanceThompsonKssooner]

@vikingnor h I don't think you understood what he is saying. They wanted radio friendly...they got this instead🖕

[@uGotGot1618]

This may very well be completely made up, but it’s one of the tool myths I really like haha

[@TheJuliousness]

After Maynard blew out his voice recording "Ticks and Leeches", he said that he would never perform it live... they finally performed it live on a couple of occasions.

[@AK00777]

Ooohhh... your son! What a doll, loved seeing him and such a sweet kid. #TOOLARMY We love seeing new fans emerge and get swept away by Tool.

[@forgetaboutit1069]

Fun fact; Danny Carey laid down the whole drum track in his first and only take. He wanted to do this to challenge himself but the band was trying to distract him through the studio window. You can subtlety hear Danny at the end "Aw, you fuckin' bastard!" to his mates. Dude is a legend!

[@tool46296]

Dude, I never knew that! I went and listened to it after reading this. That’s hilarious!

[@ZootedUchiha]

What minute please?

[@forgetaboutit1069]

@@ZootedUchiha put on headphones, turn it up loud, and listen to very last 2 seconds. Danny can be heard through the mics picking up the drums

[@Linxyy]

he said it got to the point where they threw a full pie at him

[@hickeygrad]

In terms of the meaning, the backstory as I understand it is that the record label are the ticks and leeches (not the fans). The record label wanted a more “heavy metal” song and TOOL put out this behemoth but the lyrics are a middle finger to the record label, and the ponderous interlude was another middle finger and it was added so that the song would not get any air play on the radio. PS your kid is VERY cute!

[@stephenashleysparkman261]

The label and the Lawyers.

[@daviddidder3781]

Your starting to hit the really good songs!! This is their response to the record label wanting them to put something “heavy” in the album. As a metal fan, I think other subscribers are trying to get you to treat the vocals like another instrument. Just hear the notes, not the lyrics. It’s the ultimate paradox!! Pop music, you can understand what they’re saying, but they don’t have much to say!! With metal, you can’t catch what they’re saying, but they are usually saying A LOT!!!! 🤯🤯. “Hooker with a penis” is a song directed at fans!!

[@astroron]

+1 to the “Hooker with a penis” - song title is misleading, but it's a more straight forward (verse/chorus/verse) and shares more about the pressures from fans

[@Seventeen_Syllables]

Agree about Hooker with a Penis. Good point about hearing the notes rather than the lyrics especially with metal. A good example is The Hu Band, which is Mongolian; you probably won't understand their lyrics no matter how hard you try unless you speak Mongolian, but there is a message we can all receive.

[@prodigal71]

Hooker With A Penis is the song that made me a FAN & not just liking the band...it's still one of my favorites to blast

[@atelierbones]

This. In HWAP, Maynard set the tone for his relationship with fans. Although he cares and is grateful for the fans, his interaction with them is Aloof at best, (because of his anxiety) and Transactional (when fans expect something they aren't entitled to, like his time offstage). Regardless, he is usually defensive, but that's part of what makes him so awesome. He recognizes his talent and does his best to protect and maintain it.

[@crayb420]

They hold you in that pocket I.e (hooker with a penis, Rosetta stoned,ticks and leeches,) isn't so much about the vocals until he becomes the instrument

[@13lueBerryBluntz]

Disposition / Reflection / Triad. This song is actually directed to the record label who wanted Ticks & Leeches to be the "radio" song, but complained that all the songs on the album were too long. They added the long ambient section to make the song over 8 minutes as a "f*ck you" to the label.

[@eggstu]

Yes please do the Holy Trinity in one video

[@BrianKilner]

This used to be my least favorite song but after learning the meaning and listening to it more it became one of my favorites. Looks like people have hit on the meaning a bit. There was a four year legal battle with the label over this record. The record company wanted a more metal song they could use as a single. Their insistence of having that single is what gave birth to Ticks and Leeches. "Is this what you wanted?! Is this what you had in mind?!" The slow middle guaranteed the record company could never use it as a single and Maynard got to tell them to "suck him dry" and "I hope you choke on this" multiple times.

[@assmaster420]

Same here

[@VictoryGrappling]

Your son coming in was fantastic! "You gonna spend some time with me?" 🥰

[@eyemoeba]

little leech ;) joking. tender moment.

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

Those moments of real life, in real time are awesome! CHERISH these! Loved the reaction. Peace!

[@dfwtopdx]

That was adorable!

[@harperlewis1526]

The best! Sounds cliche but they grow up too fast. All 4 of my kids (ages 21-29) listen to Tool, 2 very avid fans.

[@clinthammond9119]

Thanks for not cutting out your son coming in. Shows just how down to earth you are as a person. I work from home and my middle child busts in on my virtual meetings all the time and all my co-works get to say hi and talk to him. Fun moments.

[@4stoever]

Hell yeah, the son comes first, Dad. Much love on that move. And btw, pause as much as you want, we've heard these songs hundreds of times

[@assmaster420]

Hundreds this year, last year, and thousands of times before that

[@vincentsabourin3496]

At this point it you might as well react to every song :). Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann) + Rosetta Stoned is absolutely a journey and a masterpiece. I would highly recommend having the lyrics available for your reaction video.

[@DoomMuffens]

Its time!

[@Rob_613]

2nd!!!!

[@billybennett1710]

3rd!

[@nonymouz9334]

Absolutely. That and Third Eye or even Merkaba.

[@davidmccullough7402]

YES TO THIS!

[@NorthFloridaPhotoAndVideo]

Your son has one of the coolest dad's out there!

[@atrus3823]

I have two sons and was almost in tears at the end. I'm gonna go give them some love right now!

[@voidwraithprime8521]

This song was a middle finger to record execs that wanted a radio-friendly single. Nothing says "radio friendly" like a long track with a spacey multi-minute interlude in the middle...

[@earthbone8562]

Seeing your son at the end is cute. Cool you left him in the video.

[@Craigpyrog]

Love the interpretation. Also loved the gatecrash. Reminds me of my own kid right now. Cherish the moments!

[@catherinereynolds9644]

My heart just grew a thousand times larger. ☮️💜 (Love you Daddy) and this is a banger tune!

[@donrodztx]

Patiently waiting for you to listen to RIGHT IN TWO.

[@smileygladhands]

And Rosetta Stoned

[@donrodztx]

@@smileygladhands I don't think he's ready for that one yet. Lol

[@rastomasstanford7708]

Right. Me too.

[@SSPspaz]

Tool fans in particular are the type of people who really *think* about the music and develop a deep connection to it. I’d also say that most of us are more intentional listeners of music as opposed to more casual listeners. When an artists music has impacted your life, there’s a certain joy that comes with seeing someone else truly experience it for the first time.

[@soapboxstereo4494]

As a father of two I’ve got mad respect after that ending. The world of Tool is a wholesome one. 🤟🏻

[@sarahappleby1800]

These are perfect running songs. I always jog to stuff like this. Go hard, take a walk on the slower parts and come right back again. Always had me pumped

[@uliseidenstuecker]

Being woken up by Tool must be the best start in the day. Greets from Germany. Love your reactions. "Spiral Out... Keep going..."

[@hank35682]

My attention span for music increased when I discovered Tool it would be a sin for me to ever skip part of their songs 😂 I understand what you’re saying but I love the drawn out parts of their music, they aren’t a 3 minute radio band, they create an atmosphere with their music to pull you in and throw you off, my favorite songs ever made are all between 10-24 minutes long

[@jrod112278]

I like to think of the quiet interlude as the calm before the storm, allowing you to catch your breath before the ending hits (not to mention it makes a non radio friendly song 😉}. Great reaction.

[@xToTaLBoReDoMx]

More like eye of the storm lol

[@Stupha_Kinpendous]

Every time I see you doing a new Tool song, I like the video first thing, and then I go down and like most of the first posts, and then I grab a drink and watch it.

[@MitchellBliss]

Your son's cameo at the end... total value add! Love it!

[@StephanieSoftich]

SUCH A GOOD PA PA LOVE IT SO ADORABLE

[@MargalitaBallard]

This song is PURE ANGER. The interlude for me isn't that moment when you stop to process what you heard, etc... before getting your voice back to say eff u to whoever you're fighting with. ZOMG your son is adorable!!

[@timhendricks8913]

I am glad you did this one. This song got me to quit a job I hated for years.

[@poloreacts27]

Respect

[@corey6393]

Nice. I have some upcoming plans in that same vein. I'll be thinking of you when it happens.

[@Ender7j]

Thanks for cutting it short when your boy showed up. He won’t know how much he appreciates it till he’s got his own kids. We just saw a good dad at work.

[@BrainWasherAttendent]

Middle section is a good example of Justin playing crazy sounds on his bass

[@raeje]

aww. that was such a cute ending!

[@tonyheupel]

Great reaction video! Keep up the TOOL and anything Maynard does (Puscifer, A Perfect Circle) and we'll be here. The BEST part of this video? Your son, how much he loves you, and how much you love him and clearly made him the priority when he asked to spend time with you. Keep THAT stuff up!

[@shaunacohen7630]

Your son is adorable! Great reaction. Thanks much.

[@inatcacenco3006]

Awe, what a cutie young man!! Thanks for this reaction, love this song

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

"First off, Banger, right off the bat." 💯% !

[@adamcharles478]

I’m almost always listening to TOOL at the gym - and I’m almost always finishing my cardio to this song. It works phenomenal on stationary bikes and such because that middle interlude gives you an opportunity to catch your breath before you just go all out for the final two minutes.

[@Boxmaker85]

I bought 'Lateralus' in '01 and was blown away when I heard it. I have loved every Tool song and concert I've ever experienced through the years, more with each listen. Though, track 05-09 ('Ticks and Leeches' track 08) holds a special place for me as one of the greatest passages of music I will probably hear in my life time.

[@geoffharkins9336]

Little dude loves his dad. I have a son that age and that little heart felt interruption was perfect.

[@duanem.5738]

This song was definitely to their record label at the time. The label said Lateralus was too soft and they wanted a harder song in there so this is what they got!

[@borikuarokero4309]

Yea and actually they were right. This masterpiece wouldn't have existed without the label being assholes

[@garthc5994]

Holy hell! Danny kills on this song.

[@RvBDopp]

If you haven't heard "Hooker With a Penis" it has the same sort of vibes as this song and is one of their angrier songs. Great stuff.

[@DavidMiller-dt8mx]

Your surprise guest was adorable. :)

[@MitigateOurRuin]

As you develop your love for Tool, the boring parts, become not so boring lol.

[@marvinhacker1902]

Awesome vid...I have seen every Tool reaction...but, man, embrace your son like you did at the end of this...great stuff, man...that dude needed dad at that moment... You closed it out: props, man...seriously

[@wherewithalmoto]

Best way to end the video! Good dad, family first ❤

[@criticalbo]

Your son coming in was the best! Little dude needed his dad. Good on you sir.

[@highznbrg]

Glad the algorithm gave me this one! New fan for your channel. I was blown away the first time i heard Ticks and Leeches

[@RosettaStoned462]

Your interaction with your son is so beautiful ❤️ he's adorable

[@chadengert7786]

I feel you on that. Tool songs are more like classical music in their composition, they seem to write in movements. The more I experience it, the more I notice that there are usually 3 distinct themes within each one, each building upon what has come before. Just my thoughts, I could be wrong. It's just what I hear.

[@fredmartinez6483]

Polo, love your reactions with Tool, but when your son just woke up came in said good morning daddy and hugged you in his sweet little voice, my heart melted Polo

[@ShannonConstance]

Oh my heart. The sweetest and cutest reaction ending ever!

[@trashman4356]

Awww kiddo. Best part of all your videos. Great job dad ❤❤

[@ollyhudson9931]

Nah, it’s the ‘heavier’ song they had to do to appease the record company. The band have said as much. They had the quiet interlude to extend the song beyond the appropriate radio play-length as an extra middle finger. Don’t know why the company ‘needed’ heavier songs on the album that starts with The Grudge…….🤪🎶🤘

[@drhyshek]

Very sweet. Thanks for letting us see that❤

[@MatthewParker21]

You're clearly a good Dad by taking care of your boy over and above the content.. Appreciate you!

[@ayeewtasko2601]

That beautiful interlude between two walls of sound absolutely makes the song amazing. I would never ever skip it!

[@ryanmustain6545]

I cannot stress enough how you MUST listen to the album Lateralus in its totality straight through! Just go do it right now! Haha

[@sean_b_drummer]

Dominant time signature: 7/8. 👍🏽🔥 If I want hear the song, I'll go listen to it. I'm here to see what you think of the song. So pause as much as you need, Dad. 😍

[@franb.3100]

I love good reaction videos, and the pauses to hear your thoughts are what make these so wonderful (we already know the song...lol). Your son is too stinking adorable, please give him a huge hug from all of us. ❤💯

[@adampadilla74]

Great reaction! the moment with you and your son was the cherry on top.

[@mattosborne2935]

The interlude is the eye of a storm. Maynard is showing us that his rage comes from a calm, centered place.

[@claybadger]

Awesome Polo, your son is a star! 🤩

[@Jesse-f4e6s]

He loves his pop! That's awesome

[@swanqueen]

👍🏻 thumbs up for the papa/ son hugs at the end

[@JadedFish]

The moment at the end with your son was great! Good dad! :)

[@dshay2012]

THATS RIGHT POLO!!! FAMILY FIRST!!! THATS MUH BOY!!! So proud of you for that... Family first. The video can wait, you can edit...whatever. Never want to miss those moments when your kids want you to share your precious time. It's goes so fast...sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone. If that was a test, Polo my friend, you passed. 😉👍

[@84Ccate]

Long time watcher, love your content... After seeing your son come in and you immediately stopping to take care of him, I subscribed.

[@AM-ko4pi]

I really like your interpretation. It makes a lot of sense. I think the other popular interpretation is the record company asked them where was the harder songs on this album, so that middle interlude would still apply as an FU to them too. Great observation.

[@davidwitt5585]

At this point, I'm wondering if/when we will come across the first TooL track that you're like "eh....it was aight...." or "it wasn't for me". They are my favorite band and I don't know that I can really point to a single song that is objectively bad or anything....given that they aren't vapid songs or anything and generally have bigger than surface level lyrics/meanings....but I have to imagine every single song isn't for every single person. Enjoying the hell out of seeing your first experiences with my favorite band though. Always a pleasure to see someone else take something away from the experience as well. :)

[@therombaro]

“You claimed all this time that you would die for me. Why then are you so surprised when you hear your own Eulogy? He had a lot to say. He had a lot of NOTHING to say. Get off your f*cking cross, we need that space to nail the fool martyr.” -Eulogy

[@chrisbrey9783]

You’re the man! A true fan

[@bryanb1103]

man I love this song..

[@aweejobby788]

this is a big fuck you to their record execs,who asked for a more mainstream song.getting into the bones of tool now polo,keep it up!🌀

[@rockstardeath8558]

Watching you experience the music allows us to re-experience it for the first time again in a way That's why we watch Maybe one day, that's why you'll watch too

[@ThisisStephennn]

The ending of this video brought me to tears. Oh I love you so much more. Your son is amazing

[@swingsloth]

I've said it elsewhere and I'll say it again. Because we as long-term tool fans never get a second chance to hear the songs for the first time we chase these reaction videos to share your first time. Thanks Terry for requesting Ticks and Leaches. Legit one of my favourite songs. Hoping we can get to Jambi soon too.

[@faegoyle777]

Jambi is one of my all-time favorites.

[@brianh3000]

I love the story behind this one. The interlude is their FU to record company.

[@thelieinbelieve6594]

Can't wait for you to react to Third Eye. Beautiful, orchestrated chaos. 🤘♥️

[@77Samuel75]

There are typically two schools of thought concerning this song. One being it is about the fans, and the other that it's about the music industry. I think it is about the world as a whole. We have all had a hand in creating this world we live in, hope this is what you wanted.

[@johnseward2934]

Maynard's voice was forever changed after recording this track. And never forgot Tool are ferociously intentional with their music, so the middle section has several purposes. Sonic, thematic, composition, narrative, etc.

[@prophecygg5826]

This entire album is an absolute masterpiece. The layers and thought and effort they put into this album is mind blowing and soul jarring. Even the album artwork was incredible. After you finish reacting to all the songs it is one of those you owe to yourself to just listen start to finish and enjoy the ride. Also, much like TooL, Keep doing the reactions your way. It's why we are here. Much love to you and your family.

[@jaysonkelly4830]

I already liked your reactions, but your adorable kiddo at the end put this one over the top. I’m a father of 3 and that warmed my heart.

[@tacotacotacobajablast6821]

this song is actually about the simbiotic relationship we have with carbohyrates. we meed them but it can also affect us negativly. the tick is the negative and leech is the positive.the lyrics are in the perspective of the bread. the time signature starts as the recomended servings from the food pyramid at the time and then breaks down to a smaller number trying to find that balance. the lyrics "i hope you choke" are the breads last wishes, pushing back on us finding a more healthy relationship with carbs and therefore our self.

[@galvanizedgravitas]

Hell yeah brother! Dad power!

[@nateprusia9158]

I've always loved this one. Have heard it's about the label, not the fans. But like all Tool music it's great because we can all interpret it our own way, relate it to something or someone in our life. A boss, an ex, a family member, a "friend", I think we've all had Ticks & Leeches in our life, if you haven't then it's you.

[@Ma4t2t0_]

Justin is doing the bass riff in the start then Adam swells and begins his part love this song old school tool sound with there psychedelic twist in the slow part

[@randomsasquatchwithwifi4090]

Omg...how utterly adorable!

[@stephenroby8498]

This is Maynard talking to the label who was screwing the band. They had to fight for the rights to their music. They were making a statement saying f you. The fans love Tool, and finally they won their case. All the songs during this period were long melodic pissed off.

[@Nolan013]

Great reaction Polo, I have loved this track from the moment it dropped ion 2001. If I remember correctly though, this was not written about fans. I believe it was written in response to all the lawsuits and lawyers the band had to deal with post-Ænima that subsequently delayed the making of Lateralus for years. Funnily enough it was that very delay that spawned A Perfect Circle.

[@The_Macho_King]

Brilliant interpretation of the song polo!! This is very high musical art IMO

[@davidkorzeniewski4026]

very patiently waiting for your "Right in Two" reaction, lyrically its a must read/hear/embrace

[@MostlyCloudy]

LOL it was the executives of the record company that demanded "harder" songs like in their back catalogue. They were getting more progressive in this album and the songs were longer, and this song wasn't meant to be on the album. They finally made their last album for them in 2019. Soo their next album will be independent!! Soo exciting.

[@davids11131113]

Tools ‘next album’ ..... yea in 2038

[@MostlyCloudy]

@@davids11131113 I'm really hoping that they go ahead and release an instrumentals album if nothing else. According to Danny they're sitting on shitloads of new songs.

[@John_in_SoDak]

Man! Your son reminds me exactly of my son! I can tell you're such a good dad :-) Excellent reaction. Thanks for all you do man.

[@shaneC69]

They say that Tool equals the mind, A perfect circle equals the heart and Puscifer the libido.

[@anthonymargheret5369]

It will be nice when you have reacted to all their songs….you can then enjoy them like the rest of the army…that is pick an album and let it play. Love you vids and going to find a song you haven’t reacted to and send a donation soon bro!

[@gardenagnostic4138]

i'll throw in a suggestion for some slightly more obscure ones i havent seen recommended in comments anywhere yet! "H.", "Eulogy", "Jambi", "Prison Sex", and "Opiate" and/or "Opiate²" (the one with the little 2 at the end is a very recent remake of the original Opiate song from 30 years ago i think it was) If you want something even more weird by them, "Rosetta Stoned" is definitely an interesting experience as well but you'll definitely need to read the lyrics as you go!

[@assmaster420]

All Tool songs are my favorite but if I give an instant answer.,.EULOGY is….has to….yes yes.