Tool’s Live In The Sand Festival: A Promised Experience Gone Awry
Fan Discontent and the Unique Set Controversy
Recent performances by the progressive metal band Tool at their Live In The Sand festival have left many fans feeling betrayed. The band initially promised concert-goers “two unique sets,” a thrilling prospect for those who attended. However, the reality fell short of expectations, as the second set featured a significant number of repeats from the first night, leading to audible discontent in the audience, including booing and even an instance of an attendee expressing their frustration with a rude gesture.
Legal Action Looms
The situation has escalated, with lawyer and festival attendee Stasio French Rusek contemplating a class action lawsuit against the band. Rusek confirmed the seriousness of the matter in a conversation with Metal Hammer, expressing that the lawsuit will target the festival’s promoters for misleading advertising. “These were my 27th and 28th Tool shows. There was a palpable sense of betrayal in the air as the second night began, and it lingered throughout the weekend,” he remarked.
The Advertisement Discrepancy
Rusek pointed out that attendees were led to believe they would experience two entirely distinct sets, with no song repeats. This promise was a crucial factor for many fans, including Rusek himself, when deciding to spend thousands of dollars to attend the festival. He stated, “While the comments on these posts argue about what ‘unique’ means, the reality is that the opportunity to see Tool play two unique sets, ie no repeats, was the determining factor for most attendees to pull the trigger on spending thousands of dollars to attend.”
Setlist Breakdown
March 7 Setlist
- “Stinkfist”
- “Fear Inoculum”
- “Rosetta Stoned”
- “Pneuma”
- “Jambi”
- “Schism”
- “The Grudge”
- “The Flood”
- “Invincible”
- “Vicarious” (first performance since 2020)
March 8 Setlist
- “Fear Inoculum”
- “Ænema”
- “Rosetta Stoned”
- “Pneuma”
- “Jambi”
- “Descending”
- “Chocolate Chip Trip”
- “Intolerance”
- “Swamp Song”
Upcoming Tour Plans
Despite the controversy surrounding the festival, Tool has plans for upcoming performances in South America. Fans can catch them at the following locations:
- 3/12 Monterrey, MX – Explanada del Estadio Mobil Super
- 3/15 Mexico City, MX – Explanada del Estadio Azteca
- 3/18 Guadalajara, MX – Calle 2
- 3/22 Buenos Aires, AR – Lollapalooza Argentina
- 3/23 Santiago, CL – Lollapalooza Chile
- 3/28 Bogota, CO – Estéreo Picnic
- 3/30 São Paulo, BR – Lollapalooza Brasil
Conclusion
The discontent among Tool fans at the Live In The Sand festival highlights the importance of clear communication and fulfillment of promises in the live music industry. As the potential lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact the band’s reputation and relationship with their dedicated fan base. Fans will be watching closely as Tool continues their tour in South America and beyond.
FAQs
What was promised at the Live In The Sand festival?
Attendees were promised “two unique sets” from Tool, with no song repeats between the performances.
What sparked the controversy during the performances?
The second set featured several songs that had already been played during the first night, leading to disappointment and frustration among fans.
What actions are being taken against Tool?
Lawyer Stasio French Rusek is considering filing a class action lawsuit against the promoters of the festival, citing misleading advertising.
Where is Tool touring next?
Tool has scheduled performances in several South American cities, including Monterrey, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, among others.
