Ultimate guide to Tool's concerts at Footprint Center in Phoenix: Tickets, dates and more
The members of Tool have reportedly been working on the follow-up to "Fear Inoculum," a chart-topping triumph that hit the streets in August 2019 as their first release in 13 years.
Last October, bassist Justin Chancellor appeared on The Vinyl Guide podcast, where he said, "We've got many ideas cooking. We haven't recorded anything yet. But we're quite busy until — I guess until after the spring of next year touring.
"So once that's done, we're gonna get back in the studio and knuckle down and put some of it together. We've already had a few pretty decent sessions of writing. So we've got the ingredients in place. We've just gotta really bang it out and spend that time when we're not touring."
Since the release of "Fear Inoculum," Maynard James Keenan and his bandmates have won a Grammy (Best Metal Performance for “7empest”) and completed multiple sold-out tours of the U.S. and Europe while headlining Bonnaroo, Aftershock, Power Trip, Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life and the Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival.
Now, they're on their way to downtown Phoenix for two nights at Footprint Center.
They've done three metro concerts since releasing "Fear Inoculum," the first of which was hailed by azcentral.com as "a visually breathtaking night of dystopian art-rock spectacle."
Here's everything you need to know before you go, including where to park, the clear bag policy and what to expect from the concert.
Exclusive: How Maynard James Keenan of Tool became the biggest rock star in this tiny Arizona town
Where is the Tool concert in Phoenix?
Tool will play two nights at Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix.
Can I still buy tickets to the Tool concert in Phoenix?
Tickets are available for both performances at ticketmaster.com.
How much are Tool tickets in Phoenix?
Verified resale tickets for the Tool concert Friday, Feb. 9, at Footprint Center ranged from $90-$2,000 at ticketmaster.com as of Feb. 2.
Standard tickets starting at $50 were available for Saturday, Feb. 10.
What time should I arrive for Tool's Phoenix concert?
Doors open at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Who is playing with Tool in Phoenix?
Tool will be joined by Elder, whose progressive psychedelic rock should be a decent fit.
Can I bring water or food to Footprint Center?
No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought into Footprint Center, although one sealed plastic water bottle is allowed per guest for Suns, Mercury and Rattlers games. Sealed water bottles may be prohibited for select concerts.
Children's items such as baby bottles and formula will be allowed.
Is Footprint Center heated?
According to its website, Footprint Center "maintains certain temperatures during all events." These temperatures are determined event by event.
Footprint Center bag policy: Can you bring a purse or backpack?
Standard backpacks are not permitted inside Footprint Center.
Single-compartment drawstring bags, purses and diaper bags that have the appearance of a standard backpack and media backpacks are allowed as long as they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 by 14 by 6 inches.
Guests with bags larger than 4 inches by 6 inches are required to be screened through X-ray machines. Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes for quickest entry.
What is prohibited at Footprint Center for concerts?
The following items are not allowed inside Footprint Center for concerts:
Backpacks (with the exception of single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag-size requirements and media backpacks that have been screened at the media entrance. Purses and diaper bags are allowed provided that they meet the size requirements.
Bottles, cans and coolers.
Video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses.
Fireworks.
Illegal substances.
Laser pointers.
Outside food and beverages.
Whistles, horns or other noise makers.
Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size).
Computers and laptops.
Halloween-style may not to be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guest is in seats.
Selfie sticks.
Offensive clothing or masks.
Footprint Center reserves the right to amend the above list without notice.
Can I bring a sign to let Tool know how much I love them?
Banners and signs are allowed at Footprint Center; they must be constructed of flame-retardant material. Signs must be made of a soft material that can be folded (e.g. poster board or cloth). Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature, obscene or cause any disturbance to other fans.
Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests, Footprint Center advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Footprint Center reserves the right to remove any banner or sign. Signs should not be larger than 11 by 17 inches.
Tool setlist 2024
Tool setlists tend to mix it up more than your average touring act in 2024.
The following songs have been in heavy rotation in the shows they've done so far this year, based on setlists posted to setlist.fm: "Chocolate Chip Trip," "Descending," "Fear Inoculum," "Invincible," "Pneuma," "Rosetta Stoned," "The Grudge."
These songs have been in medium rotation: "Intolerance," "Flood," "Jambi," "Schism," "Stinkfist."
These songs have been in light rotation: "Culling Voices," "The Pot," "Forty Six & 2," "Sweat."
Footprint Center is a cashless venue
Cash is not accepted at Footprint Center. Use Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover during your visit.
You can convert cash onto a preloaded Mastercard by visiting one of the venue's reverse ATMs near the Ticket Office or Section 218.
Footprint Center smoking policy
Footprint Center is a smoke-free facility with no designated smoking area outside. Smoking of all kinds, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. Guests who fail to comply will be asked to stop. Those continuing to violate the policy will be ejected, so you do not want to take it to that limit.
Footprint Center reentry policy
Reentry is not available for any games, concerts or events at Footprint Center.
Footprint Center lost and found
Contact a Footprint Center staff member for assistance. Found items may be turned in to the Guest Services Office. Guests may also call the Footprint Center security department at 602-379-2055.
First aid at the Tool concert
In the event of an emergency, notify any Footprint Center representative or uniformed police officer to ensure that emergency personnel are notified.
Paramedics and EMTs are present during all events at Footprint Center. First aid is on the main concourse across from Section 116.
Footprint Center parking
Footprint Center has more than 700 parking spaces, including parking for guests with disabilities. Parking prices vary by event. Call the Footprint Center Parking Office at 602-379-2003 for specific information.
You can purchase parking at Footprint Center and nearby lots in advance at parkwhiz.com.
Footprint Center driving directions
Footprint Center is at 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.
If you're coming from north Phoenix/Scottsdale:
Take State Route 51 south to Interstate 10 East interchange. Exit I-10 at Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.
If you're coming from west/southwest Phoenix:
Take Interstate 10 East to Seventh Avenue exit. Turn right on Seventh Avenue to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint Center is on the corner of Jefferson Street and 1st Street.
If you're coming from east Phoenix:
Take Loop 202 west to I-10 west. Take I-10 west to Seventh Street exit. Turn left on Seventh Street to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.
If you're coming from northwest Phoenix/ Glendale:
Take Interstate 17 south to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint is on the corner of Jefferson Street and First Street.
If you're coming from the East Valley:
Take I-10 west to Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn left on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.
Valley Metro light rail to Footprint Center
In partnership with Valley Metro light rail, Footprint Center and the Phoenix Suns have established the Rail Ride Event program, which allows guests who purchase a ticket to an event at Footprint Center to ride Valley Metro light rail at no additional cost on the day of the event.
Valley Metro will recognize Footprint Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
Two important things to know:
You must have your event ticket on your person when riding light rail and must show your ticket to a fare inspector upon request. Failure to show a valid ticket can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.
Footprint Center event tickets are good for light rail only; they are not valid as bus fare.
Is park and ride available?
Here's a list of Valley Metro park and ride lots:
Phoenix: 19th and Dunlap avenues, 19th and Montebello avenues, 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road, Central Avenue and Camelback Road and 38th and Washington streets.
Tempe: Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard, McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, Loop 101 and Apache Boulevard.
Mesa: Sycamore and Main Street; Mesa Drive and Main Street; Gilbert Road and Main Street.
Where are Uber and Lyft at Footprint Center?
There are four recommended pickup/dropoff spots for ride shares: First and Jefferson streets (Footprint Center Plaza); Second Street (The Ryan); Third Street (Phoenix Convention Center) and Jefferson Street (Hotel Palomar/Arrogant Butcher).
Concert review: Tool unleashes dystopian art-rock spectacle in Glendale on 'Fear Inoculum' tour
Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tool's 2024 tour: Ultimate guide to both Phoenix concerts
