Tool Eyes 2027 Album and Residency Talk at Las Vegas’ Sphere

Tool is gearing up for a 2027 album release and hints at a groundbreaking residency at the futuristic Sphere venue in Las Vegas.

If you’ve ever been captivated by Tool’s cinematic soundscapes and mind-bending live shows, then 2027 might just be your year. Drummer Danny Carey recently spilled some exciting news during a video interview on Spiral Out: the band is aiming to drop a new album in 2027, potentially accompanied by a residency at the dazzling Sphere arena in Las Vegas.

Tool’s Next Chapter: A New Album and a Sphere Residency

When reflecting on the band’s distinctive sound, Carey didn’t hesitate to call their music “cinematic.” It’s no surprise Tool’s artful blend of progressive metal and immersive atmospherics would fit perfectly with a venue like the Sphere, famed for its cutting-edge technology.

“We’re very much into that,” Carey said about the cinematic vibe. “We’re hoping when we release a new record [to] maybe do a stint at Sphere, because I think we’d be a perfect band for that. We’ve been talking to those guys.”

Tool's Maynard James Keenan (photo: Sean Reiter)

The 2019 album Fear Inoculum was a huge success — marking Tool’s third consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. That record set a high bar, so anticipation for the next one is palpable among fans eager for what the band will conjure next.

The Sphere: A High-Tech Playground for Tool’s Vision

The Sphere, which seats 17,600, isn’t your typical concert venue. It boasts jaw-dropping video screens with a massive 16K resolution—talk about immersive! Carey admitted the preparation for such an experience is intense.

“The preparation is definitely intense to get everything up to those resolution standards for the Sphere’s video screens,” he explained. “It’s a very expensive endeavor and it takes awhile to get into the black. I think it’s quite a few shows before you make any money, but it would be worth it.”

Carey recently toured the venue himself and confessed he “almost got vertigo” from the sheer scale and immersive environment. Imagine Tool’s elaborate stagecraft and complex visuals amplified by such a state-of-the-art space — it’s practically made for them.

What’s Next for Tool?

While details are sparse, Carey shared that the band is knee-deep in creating new material. “We’re working on a lot of new Tool songs right now,” he said, adding that the “goal” is to release them next year.

That would mark an eight-year gap since Fear Inoculum — a long but creatively rich wait for fans who’ve followed Tool’s evolution from the early 90s. The prospect of a residency at the Sphere means they’re not only thinking about the album but also how to revolutionize live shows in sync with next-gen technology.

The Sphere’s Star-Studded Lineup

Since opening in September 2023 with a monumental run by U2, the Sphere has quickly become a hotspot for legendary acts. It’s hosted Phish, Dead & Company, Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Backstreet Boys, and Zac Brown Band. No Doubt and Carin Leon are also lined up for later this year.

Rumors swirl that Metallica is in talks to take the stage there in 2027, though nothing is set in stone. Adding Tool to that roster would be a perfect fit, reflecting the venue’s commitment to epic performances married to cutting-edge audiovisual tech.

“We’re hoping when we release a new record [to] maybe do a stint at Sphere, because I think we’d be a perfect band for that. We’ve been talking to those guys.”
— Danny Carey, Tool drummer

Why a Sphere Residency Could Be a Game-Changer

Picture this: Tool’s complex rhythms, haunting vocals, and layered instrumentation enveloping you inside the Sphere’s wraparound 16K screens. It’s a level of immersion that could redefine what a live rock show means in the 21st century.

The financial and technical challenges are no joke—Carey mentioned it takes several shows just to break even, given the high production values required. But for a band like Tool, known for pushing boundaries, the payoff could be immense in artistic satisfaction and fan experience.

Wrapping It Up: A New Era for Tool and Live Music

The idea of a Tool residency at the Sphere is thrilling, blending old-school progressive metal mastery with next-level tech wizardry. With a new album in the works and a venue that promises an unforgettable sensory journey, 2027 could be a landmark year for Tool fans everywhere.

Are you ready to dive into the future of live music with Tool at the Sphere? What would you want to see in their residency show?

FAQ

• What is Tool planning for 2027?
  Tool is aiming to release a new album in 2027 and possibly support it with a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere.
• What makes the Sphere special for Tool?
  The Sphere features giant 16K resolution video screens and immersive technology, ideal for Tool’s cinematic and intricate music style.
• Has the band confirmed the residency?
  They have been in talks and expressed interest, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
• When was Tool’s last album released?
  Fear Inoculum came out in 2019 and hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
• What other artists have performed at the Sphere?
  U2, Phish, Dead & Company, Eagles, and Backstreet Boys are among the prominent names to have played there.

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