Few bands have cultivated as much mystery and control over their own image as Tool . Therefore, the decision to allow a live stream of their performance at Lollapalooza Argentina 2025 surprised even their most loyal fans. For the first time in their history, the group, which has always rejected the traditional logic of the industry, opened a carefully measured loophole for a global audience to witness, in real time, the power of their live performance.
As expected, nothing in the broadcast was accidental. Tool personally directed the visual coverage of the show, imposing a deliberately distant aesthetic: wide shots, expansive views of the stage and audience, no close-ups of the musicians, no attempt to capture intimate expressions or gestures. The result was an experience that kept the band's enigmatic aura intact, even in the face of unprecedented exposure.
Even during streaming, Tool continues to decide on its aesthetic.
The choice gains even more weight when considering the band's history. For decades, Tool banned the use of cell phones at their shows, discouraged recordings, and stayed off digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music for quite some time. All in the name of a more immersive, complete, and ritualistic musical experience. For many, attending a Tool concert required physical presence and total commitment. And, for that very reason, seeing this barrier lifted, at least partially, made the moment even more symbolic.
The broadcast was, above all, a calculated gesture, not a surrender. The raw, detached aesthetic of the framing reinforced that, even while allowing themselves visibility, Tool continues to decide the terms of how this happens. And perhaps therein lies the true meaning of the event: more than just broadcasting a show, it was a reaffirmation that the band can evolve without abandoning its principles.
The full show is now available online. And although the images don't capture the musicians' essence, the sound—dense, hypnotic, precise—carries all the power that has made Tool one of the most respected bands of their generation. It remains to be seen whether this episode will be remembered as a one-off exception or as the first step in a new phase. In any case, Tool continues to surprise—and to forge its own path in its own way.
Text by Rafael Andrade
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