Fans of the progressive metal giant Tool have two massive reasons to celebrate. Not only is the band actively working on their highly anticipated follow-up to 2019’s Fear Inoculum, but they are also in active discussions to bring their visually stunning live show to the most technologically advanced venue in the world: the Las Vegas Sphere.
During a recent interview with the “Spiral Out” podcast, drummer Danny Carey provided exciting updates on the band’s future roadmap, confirming that fresh material is well underway.
“[We’re] working on a lot of new Tool songs right now,” he revealed (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), noting that “the goal” is to have the next album ready for a 2027 release.
When the conversation shifted to Tool‘s reputation as a highly cinematic and visually immersive live act, Carey agreed that the band’s aesthetic makes them an ideal candidate for a residency at the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Sphere.
“Yeah, we’re very much into that,” he said. “We’re hoping when we release the new record, maybe do a stint at the Sphere [in Las Vegas] ’cause I think we’re the perfect band for that. We’ve been talking to those guys.”
While the prospect is thrilling, Carey was realistic about the massive financial and logistical hurdles involved in setting up a residency at the $2.3 billion venue. He noted that “the preparation” required to execute such a massive production “is pretty intense.”
“It’s a very expensive endeavor, and it takes a while to get into the black. I think [you have to play] a few shows before you make any money.”
Though he hasn’t yet witnessed a full concert at the venue, a recent walkthrough left a lasting impression on the drummer.
“Yeah. Well, I just took a tour of it. I haven’t actually seen a full-on show, but they took [us around the venue] to show it off. It’s incredible, man. I almost got vertigo [just looking around it].”
Since its grand opening in September 2023, the 17,600-capacity Las Vegas Sphere has revolutionized live music. Nestled near the Venetian Resort, the venue boasts a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen that envelops the audience, paired with the cutting-edge Sphere Immersive Sound system powered by HOLOPLOT.
If the deal goes through, Tool would join an elite roster of legendary rock acts that have hosted residencies at the venue. U2 famously inaugurated the Sphere, utilizing the 160,000-square-foot screens to play to over 700,000 fans across 40 sold-out nights. Other legacy acts like Phish, Dead & Company, and The Eagles have also successfully leveraged the building’s next-generation technology to create entirely unique concert experiences.
