Source: Blabbermouth.net

According to The Pulse Of Radio, pricey VIP incentives are a common thing at concerts these days, and TOOL isn’t shying away from the concept on its just-announced 2016 North American run. The band is offering VIP packages for fan-club members on the trek that include one ticket to the concert, admission for one into a VIP event in the venue, a VIP merchandise pack, early access to tour merchandise for purchase, refreshments, a photo opportunity and a live question-and-answer session with guitarist Adam Jones.

The total cost for one package? $500. Fans are allowed to purchase up to two packages only, and the subject of the Q&A session is subject to change at each stop on the tour.

Jones told The Pulse Of Radio recently that the loyalty of TOOL‘s fans allows the band to record and tour on its own terms. “Other bands who are successful come to our shows or see, like, our thing and go, ‘I don’t get it, dude. I don’t get how you do this. You’re not really on radio, you’re not, you know, you don’t play the game,’ he said. “And it’s because our fans are very passionate and we take kind of a back door to it.”

TOOL will embark on its U.S. tour in January, with the first confirmed date on January 9 in San Diego and the last so far on January 26 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Just eight shows have been unveiled so far, although at least another eight are expected to be announced as well.

Direct support on the trek will come from PRIMUS, with Los Angeles act 3TEETH also on the bill.

TOOL hasn’t performed more than 20 shows in a single year since 2007.

Although the group has been working on new material, the band will not have a new record out in time for the tour.