Few bands create the same sense of anticipation and intrigue as Tool. With their complex compositions and philosophical lyrics, they've cultivated a dedicated fanbase over their lengthy career. On March 22, 2025, Tool shattered barriers during their first-ever performance in South America at Lollapalooza Argentina. Fans were thrilled not only to witness the band live but also to experience a unique event: for the first time, Tool allowed their concert to be broadcast online. This decision aligns with a broader shift in how major bands interact with their fans, offering glimpses into electrifying performances that were once limited to those lucky enough to get tickets.
Historically, Tool has maintained a stringent no-filming policy at their concerts, with security actively removing attendees attempting to record their performances. However, the March 22 event marked a significant exception. Broadcasting through Flow, a leading Argentinian cable television and internet platform, fans from around the globe could access the show, albeit limited to wide-angle shots that preserved the band's desired enigmatic aesthetic. Communicating through the airwaves rather than through the lens of fans' devices, the concert allowed Tool to dictate how their art was experienced.
Tool’s nine-song set included a mix of their most iconic tracks, featuring four numbers from their revered 2006 album, 10,000 Days. The setlist comprised:
Each song mesmerized the audience, reflecting the band's trademark blend of intricate instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics.
Fans attending the show expressed their elation over the innovative inclusion of a livestream, a significant move in an era where digital connection is integral to fan engagement. “It felt surreal to finally see Tool live after all these years of following them from afar. The livestream made it possible for fans who couldn’t travel to South America,” said one attendee. The atmosphere in the venue was electric, with crowds celebrating every note and lyric, embodying the emotional depth and musical complexity that Tool is known for.
While Tool's South American debut set an exciting tone, it followed a rough start during their first destination festival, Tool In The Sand, in the Dominican Republic earlier in March 2025. Expected to perform two unique headlining sets, the band came under fire for repeating songs across both nights of the festival, leaving many attendees feeling underserved.
Many fans felt misled by the expectation of entirely different setlists each night, leading to disappointment and allegations of a ‘cash grab’. The second night, which only featured nine songs and bore repetition from the night previous, prompted booing from the crowd and ignited discussions about potential class action lawsuits. The situation raised concerns about the transparency of promises made during promotional campaigns.
In light of the backlash, Tool has expressed their commitment to delivering a more curated and fan-focused experience in the future. Concerns raised by fans regarding setlists and expectations are now at the forefront of their discussions as the band prepares for subsequent performances and future festival appearances.
In addition to their vibrant live performances across South America, Tool is also giving fans a sneak peek into the future of their music. The band’s frontman, Maynard James Keenan, recently announced plans for a concentrated period of creative brainstorming to formulate ideas for their next album. "We’re spending three months in the studio organizing our thoughts and developing our ideas," Keenan revealed, hinting at an exciting evolution of their sound that fans will be seeing in upcoming releases.
The band’s tour schedule continues to intensify, with performances lined up for Lollapalooza festivals in Brazil and Chile following their Argentina date. Tool's unique musical offerings, paired with their elaborate live shows featuring immersive visuals and thought-provoking themes, continue to draw crowds and captivate audiences well beyond their home country of the United States.
Tool’s Lollapalooza Argentina performance marks a momentous occasion in the band's history, making their rich artistry accessible to new audiences. As fans eagerly await new music and further performances, the band’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of live music continues to keep them at the forefront of the rock genre. While facing criticisms from their recent festival experiences, Tool's willingness to adapt—illustrated by their decision to invest in livestreaming—reflects an industry increasingly focused on enhancing fan engagement. Moving forward, the potential shifts in their sound combined with their continued dedication to craft promise an exciting future for Tool and their legion of fans.
Tool has traditionally enforced a no-filming policy during their shows to preserve the live experience, making the recent livestream from Lollapalooza Argentina a notable exception.
Fans generally reacted positively to the livestream, noting it allowed those unable to attend in person to experience the concert, although the lack of close-up shots received some critique.
Tool performed a nine-song set, including tracks such as Stinkfist, The Pot, and Fear Inoculum, featuring several songs from their album 10,000 Days.
At the festival, Tool faced backlash for repeating songs across two performances, leading to discontent among fans who expected unique setlists for each night.
The band is currently in the early phases of developing ideas for their next album and has committed to a three-month period of creative work in the studio.
Yes, Tool is scheduled to perform at multiple festivals, including Lollapalooza events in Brazil and Chile following their Argentine debut, showcasing their ongoing commitment to touring.