Tool drummer Danny Carey has revealed that the progressive metal band is actively planning a Las Vegas Sphere residency. He shared details about the ambitious project in a recent interview with Spiral Out.
Carey discussed the band’s current work on new material and their interest in the innovative venue during the conversation.
“[We’re] working on a lot of new Tool songs right now,” Carey 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.”
The drummer also addressed the financial realities of performing at the high-tech venue.
“It’s a very expensive endeavor, and it takes a while to get into the black,” he continued. “I think [you have to play] quite a few shows before you make any money.”
Carey shared his personal experience visiting the venue. He described the impressive scale of the facility.
“Well, I just took a tour of [the Sphere],” he said. “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].”
The revelation comes as Tool continues work on their follow-up to 2019’s “Fear Inoculum.”
Tool’s interest in the Sphere aligns with the venue’s reputation as a groundbreaking entertainment destination that has attracted major artists since its opening.
Wikipedia reported that the Sphere is a 366-foot-high and 516-foot-wide geodesic dome that represents the largest spherical building in the world. The venue features cutting-edge technology including a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen and over 167,000 speakers using beamforming and wave field synthesis for immersive audio experiences.
The venue’s impressive specifications support Carey’s assessment of Tool being “the perfect band” for the space. The Las Vegas Review-Journal noted that the Sphere has a seated capacity of 17,600 with a total standing room capacity of 20,000 people. This provides an intimate yet substantial setting for performances.
The financial considerations Carey mentioned reflect the venue’s significant investment requirements. Visit Las Vegas documented that the Sphere cost $2.3 billion to build. This makes it one of the most expensive entertainment venues ever constructed.
The venue has already established itself as a premier destination for residencies. Visit Las Vegas confirmed that the Sphere launched its live music residency program with U2 in September 2023. This set a precedent for major artists to utilize the venue’s unique immersive capabilities for extended runs.
