{"id":1688417,"date":"2026-01-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1688417"},"modified":"2026-01-31T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:00:00","slug":"that-time-tools-adam-jones-saved-a-russian-circles-show-during-their-2007-uk-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1688417","title":{"rendered":"That Time TOOL’s ADAM JONES Saved A RUSSIAN CIRCLES Show During Their 2007 UK Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mike Sullivan<\/strong>, guitarist for Chicago instrumental post-metal outfit Russian Circles<\/strong>, has shared a heartfelt story about Tool<\/strong> guitarist Adam Jones<\/strong>, recalling how Jones<\/strong> personally stepped in to help save what could have been a disastrous live set early in the band’s career.<\/p>\n

In a post shared on Instagram roughly a week ago, Sullivan<\/strong> reflected on Russian Circles<\/strong>‘ 2007 UK tour supporting Tool<\/strong>, which included a high-profile stop at London’s Brixton Academy. The show marked Sullivan<\/strong>‘s first time using rented amplifiers overseas and things did not go smoothly.<\/p>\n

According to Sullivan<\/strong>, he struggled to get any sound from the rented gear during soundcheck. Complicating matters further, the union-run venue prohibited noise after a certain cutoff time, leaving him able to tweak knobs and switches silently but without any way to confirm whether the amps were actually working.<\/p>\n

“I twisted some controls and switches but ultimately left the stage with zero confidence the amps were working at all,” Sullivan<\/strong> wrote, admitting he returned backstage feeling deflated and anxious about the performance.<\/p>\n

Moments later, there was a knock at the band’s green room door. “We answer the door to see Adam<\/strong> standing there,” Sullivan<\/strong> recalled. Jones<\/strong> politely introduced himself and asked about the amplifier issues. Upon hearing what had happened, Jones<\/strong> offered an immediate solution: he would have his guitar tech set up Tool<\/strong>‘s backup amp rig behind Sullivan<\/strong>‘s setup, just in case things went wrong onstage.<\/p>\n

Sullivan<\/strong> described the gesture as one of the most meaningful moments of his career. “This gesture was one of the most kind and thoughtful experiences of my life,” he said.<\/p>\n

As it turned out, Sullivan<\/strong>‘s last-minute adjustments to the rented amps had worked, and he was able to play the set using his own gear. Still, knowing Jones<\/strong>‘ amps were sitting behind him as a safety net made all the difference. “Taking the stage, knowing Adam<\/strong>‘s amps were there as a safety net, completely calmed my nerves,” Sullivan<\/strong> wrote.<\/p>\n

The experience left a lasting impression. Sullivan<\/strong> noted that he and his bandmates still use Jones<\/strong>‘ humility and generosity as a benchmark for how they aim to conduct themselves. “I already looked up to Adam<\/strong> as an artist and player, but to know he is equally kind as he is talented makes me value him even more,” he added.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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