Tool’s Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: Reflections from Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones
On August 26, Tool’s frontman Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Adam Jones appeared on Loudwire Nights to discuss their recent performance at Back to the Beginning in Birmingham, England, on July 5. The conversation took a poignant turn as they shared their reactions to the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing.
Devastation and Reflection
Jones expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “It was very devastating,” while speaking with host Chuck Armstrong. The duo reflected on the emotional weight of the moment, acknowledging the significance of being part of Ozzy’s farewell.
Keenan added, “At the same time, it was kind of this gut feeling of harmony, that we had been a part of sending him off.” The profound impact of Ozzy’s legacy was evident as both musicians reminisced about how his music shaped their lives.
Memories of Ozzy and Black Sabbath
Jones recounted his youthful days of hearing Black Sabbath while skateboarding, emphasizing how surreal it was to later perform at Ozzfest and connect with the Osbourne family. “They’ve been nothing but cool and supportive of our band,” he noted, highlighting the personal connection they have with Ozzy’s legacy.
Nerves Before Back to the Beginning
Despite his extensive experience, Keenan admitted to feeling nerves before their performance at Back to the Beginning. “Fuck no,” he replied when asked if he felt calmer this time around compared to his Rock Hall experience. “It’s slightly out of my range, so I’m just gripping nuts to make sure I hit the notes.” Jones echoed his sentiments, revealing he needed some centering from bassist Justin Chancellor before hitting the stage.
Jones shared, “I really got anxiety, but almost in a good way… But it was great. I’ll never forget it. It’s a total core memory and an honor.” The emotional weight of the performance was palpable for both musicians.
Covering “Hand of Doom”
When discussing their Black Sabbath cover at the event, Keenan revealed a long-held desire to perform “Hand of Doom.” “It took Ozzy almost dying for me to get these guys to do it,” he remarked. Jones confirmed that the idea had been on the table for years, stemming from a riff he had played that sounded reminiscent of Black Sabbath.
Interestingly, when they chose to cover a song, “Hand of Doom” was available, leading to a serendipitous moment for the band. “Just weird how things work sometimes,” Jones said.
Looking Ahead: New Music from Tool
While much of the conversation focused on their tribute to Ozzy, Keenan and Jones also touched on the future of Tool’s music. When asked about new material, Keenan said, “Writing, I guess. You guys are busy, Adam?” Jones confirmed their intention to create another record, stating, “We want to get another record out and play, do what we do.”
He added that the writing process is always evolving, with the band continuously jamming and sharing ideas. Jones hinted at the possibility of incorporating his riffs into future Tool songs, emphasizing their collaborative spirit.
Keenan acknowledged that the recent events might influence the urgency of their songwriting, saying, “You know, life is short. You just got to fucking do it now. There is no waiting.” This sentiment reflects a renewed determination to create and share music without delay.
Conclusion
The conversation between Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones on Loudwire Nights offers a heartfelt insight into the emotional landscape of Tool as they navigate the loss of a musical icon while honoring his legacy through their art. Their reflections reveal not only their admiration for Ozzy Osbourne but also an eagerness to contribute to the musical landscape that he helped shape.
FAQs
1. What did Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones discuss on Loudwire Nights?
They talked about their performance at Back to the Beginning, their feelings regarding Ozzy Osbourne’s death, and their plans for new music.
2. How did Ozzy Osbourne influence Tool?
Ozzy’s music, particularly with Black Sabbath, significantly impacted both Keenan and Jones during their formative years, shaping their musical identities.
3. What song did Tool cover at Back to the Beginning?
Tool covered Black Sabbath’s “Hand of Doom” during their performance at the event.
4. Are Tool planning to release new music soon?
Yes, both Keenan and Jones indicated that they are in the writing process and aim to release new music in the near future.
5. How did the loss of Ozzy Osbourne affect Tool’s perspective on their music?
Keenan expressed that the loss of Osbourne has made them feel a sense of urgency to create and share their music without delay, emphasizing that “life is short.”
