TOOL drummer Danny Carey has confirmed that the band is actively working on new material — and they may already be eyeing one of the most ambitious stages in the world to debut it.
In a new interview with Spiral Out, Carey revealed that he and his bandmates are piecing together songs for the follow-up to 2019’s Fear Inoculum.
“[We’re] working on a lot of new TOOL songs right now,” he said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), before adding that “the goal” is to release the next TOOL LP in 2027.
Given TOOL’s reputation for immersive, visually striking live shows, the conversation naturally shifted toward the possibility of taking that cinematic approach to the next level. And for Carey, one venue stands out above the rest: Sphere in Las Vegas.
After the interviewer noted that TOOL is “a very cinematic band,” particularly when it comes to the group’s live performances, Carey agreed.
“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 idea sounds like a natural fit, Carey was quick to point out that mounting a residency at the technologically advanced venue is no small feat.
“The preparation” to bring a massive Sphere residency from blueprint to opening night “is pretty intense,” he explained. “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.”
As for whether he’s experienced the Sphere from the audience perspective, Carey said he has toured the facility — but hasn’t yet seen a full show there.
“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].”
TOOL isn’t the only metal heavyweight reportedly considering a run at the futuristic venue. Last month, reports surfaced that METALLICA may also be closing in on a Sphere residency of their own.
According to The Sun’s “Bizarre” column, METALLICA are said to be “90 percent” done negotiating a deal that would bring them to the venue in 2027, following the conclusion of their “M72” world tour in July 2026. A source described the potential residency as one of the hottest topics on the Strip, claiming the band had already met with venue executives and technical teams to map out a possible production.
Drummer Lars Ulrich previously addressed the speculation during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, expressing clear enthusiasm for the idea while stopping short of confirming anything concrete.
He also recalled attending U2’s opening night at the Sphere, calling the experience a turning point for live music and admitting he would “f**king love to do it” if the opportunity became reality.
Guitarist Kirk Hammett has similarly praised the venue’s cutting-edge production capabilities, pointing to it as an example of how modern technology is reshaping the concert experience.
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