Full Breakdown
Tool Considers Residency at Las Vegas Sphere Amid Production Hurdles
5/11/2026, 10:17:37 PM
Core Proposal: Tool’s Potential Residency at the Sphere
Tool is in talks for a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. Guitarist Adam Jones said the band was originally asked to open the venue, but “Game of Thrones” filming prevented that. The group remains enthusiastic and continues discussions, though production logistics, budgeting and timing are described as complicated.
Sphere Overview and Prior Residencies
The Sphere, a 17,600-seat arena near the Venetian and Wynn, opened in September 2023 with a 16K wraparound LED screen, 4D visual effects and the Sphere Immersive Sound system. U2 inaugurated the venue with 40 sold-out shows; Metallica is running a 24-date residency through March 2027.
Timeline of Negotiations
- Sep 2023 – Sphere opens; U2 begins inaugural residency.
- Early 2026 – Adam Jones confirms the band was asked to open the venue.
- 2026 – Danny Carey notes talks about a residency after the next album, hinting at 2027.
- Oct 2026–Mar 2027 – Metallica’s 24-show run continues.
- May 17 2026 – Tool performs at Sonic Temple Festival; fall festival dates announced.
Production and Financial Considerations
Adapting Tool’s elaborate stage show to the Sphere’s 4D environment would require a large investment. Danny Carey called the effort “a very expensive endeavor” that would need “quite a few shows before you make any money,” underscoring the financial risk of a long-term residency.
Official Statements Summary
Jones said “Game of Thrones” filming stopped the band from opening the venue, after which U2 filled the slot. He added that Tool remains enthusiastic and continues talks, though budgeting and production details are complicated. Carey emphasized the band’s cinematic approach and interest in using the Sphere’s technology after a new album release.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were supposed to open that place. We were asked, and because of ‘Game of Thrones’ band politics, we just couldn’t make it work. And then they ended up using U2, which I think we probably would’ve gotten bumped anyway.” — Adam Jones, Guitarist, Tool
- “Yeah, we're very much into that,” — Danny Carey, Drummer, Tool
- “It's a very expensive endeavor, and it takes a while to get into the black. I think [you have to play] quite a few shows before you make any money.” — Danny Carey, Drummer, Tool
- “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].” — Danny Carey, Drummer, Tool
Outlook
Tool plans to release new material and hopes to finalize residency details with the Sphere thereafter. The venue’s ongoing Metallica engagement and the band’s upcoming festival appearances create a timeline that could accommodate a Tool run, potentially in 2027 if production and financial hurdles are cleared.
