In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global music scene, U2 and Tool have announced a historic collaboration for a 2026 world tour titled “Art of the World.” The fusion of U2’s soaring anthems and Tool’s immersive, progressive sound promises a live experience unlike anything fans have ever witnessed. The two iconic bands are set to share the stage for a tour that will redefine the boundaries of rock, art, and performance.
The announcement came via a stunning visual teaser on both bands’ social media accounts, revealing that the tour will officially begin on May 16, 2026, in Dublin, Ireland — the hometown of U2. The image, captioned “When vision meets vibration, the world becomes art,” immediately went viral, amassing millions of reactions within hours. The collaboration, described by insiders as “a union of sound and spirit,” has been years in the making.
According to close sources, Bono and Maynard James Keenan have been in creative discussions since late 2023, exploring how their distinct artistic philosophies could merge into one powerful statement. Bono referred to the tour as “a bridge between light and shadow — two worlds meeting at the heart of sound.” Maynard echoed the sentiment, adding, “This isn’t just a concert. It’s an experiment in emotion, rhythm, and human connection.”
The “Art of the World” tour will cover over 20 cities across four continents, beginning in Europe before expanding to North America, South America, and Asia. After opening in Dublin, the tour will move to London, UK (May 20), Berlin, Germany (May 25), Paris, France (May 29), and Rome, Italy (June 2). Fans can expect large-scale visual installations, cutting-edge holographic projections, and synchronized lighting designed to blend both bands’ aesthetics — U2’s celestial glow and Tool’s haunting precision.
The North American leg begins on June 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, followed by stops in Chicago (June 18), Toronto (June 22), Los Angeles (June 27), and Seattle (July 1). Each performance is expected to feature alternating and collaborative sets, where the bands will merge select tracks — a live rendition of “With or Without You” bleeding into “Schism” has already been teased as a centerpiece of the show.
In July, the tour continues south to Mexico City (July 10) and São Paulo, Brazil (July 16), bringing together massive outdoor crowds for what promoters are calling “a spiritual pilgrimage of sound.” Tool’s elaborate visual artistry will intertwine with U2’s message of unity and transcendence, forming a narrative journey throughout each performance.
The Asian leg begins on August 5 in Tokyo, Japan, followed by Seoul, South Korea (August 9) and Singapore (August 13). The final shows will take place in Sydney, Australia (August 20) and Auckland, New Zealand (August 24), rounding out what many are already calling the most ambitious joint tour of the decade.
Behind the scenes, production designers from both camps are reportedly creating a massive circular stage inspired by the concept of “infinity art” — allowing both bands to perform simultaneously or merge seamlessly during crossover moments. Early sketches suggest 360-degree screens, dynamic LED backdrops, and live interactive visuals responding to the audience’s movement and sound.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, The Edge described the collaboration as “a chance to build something truly monumental — not just in size, but in meaning.” He revealed that both bands will debut two new collaborative songs, recorded during sessions in Los Angeles earlier this year, to be released as a special EP ahead of the tour’s start.
Tickets for the “Art of the World” tour will go on pre-sale February 28, 2026, with general sales opening March 3. VIP experiences will include an exclusive art exhibit featuring visuals inspired by both bands’ lyrics, along with signed memorabilia and immersive sound installations. As anticipation builds, one thing is certain — this is more than a tour. It’s a meeting of minds, a convergence of musical galaxies, and a once-in-a-lifetime journey where art truly becomes the world.
About the Author
