TOOL are and have been at a level of popularity where they could definitely do a full stadium tour, but apparently they're not interested. In fact, they've even considered the idea of doing a run where they only play smaller clubs for a band of their size.
In a new interview with Metal Hammer, guitarist Adam Jones talked about his band's "no phones" policy at their shows, the setlist for their new tour, their healthy relationship as a band and more. At one point, Jones was asked if there's a certain type of venue that TOOL are itching to play, and if they'd rather play smaller, more intimate spaces instead of arenas.
"We've been offered stadiums and we've turned them down, because we think that at that size there are only a certain amount of people that can actually enjoy that show. It's not about you anymore," Jones said. "Seeing The Rolling Stones and you're all the way back in the stadium and you're basically watching a jumbotron, you know? I'm not into it, we'd rather do two nights in a smaller place than one night in a huge place.
"As far as what type of room, it's just cool whatever they throw us. Sometimes we do play some smaller places. A few nights ago, in Oslo we played this rectangular room, usually you'd be at the far end of the rectangle, but we were in the middle of the rectangle, it was very strange, but really cool.
"There is something to be said for playing a club, that intimacy, and we've talked about doing that Rolling Stones thing where they did a club tour and had a higher ticket price, and that seems like something that could be good. Right now, though, we have this epic show, it's designed so that the worst nosebleed seat is great. We definitely directed focus to someone that is sitting far away, it's almost the best seats just because of the visuals and how we have designed the whole thing. Like I said, we have this three-dimensional thing...it's going to be a good show! [Laughs]."
Seeing TOOL in a massive room with their elaborate stage setup and special lighting is awesome, but seeing them play in a more compact space would be an equally thrilling experience. Maybe one day?
