Maynard James Keenan Declares Tool as ‘Grandpa Music’
In a recent episode of Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast, Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of the iconic band Tool, humorously reflected on how perceptions of his band have evolved over the years. He shared an anecdote that highlights this shift, particularly in how younger generations view Tool in comparison to his other musical project, Puscifer.
The Generational Shift in Music Preferences
During the podcast, Keenan recounted an experience with an old friend and their children, revealing that those in the 16 to 30 age range were avid fans of Puscifer. In contrast, Tool was seen as the music of “weird uncles,” akin to the way some might view Steely Dan. “All the kids from ages… 16 to 30, whatever, [were] huge Puscifer fans,” Keenan noted. He added, “And they view Tool as like, when your uncle was into Steely Dan. You know, it’s this other thing that’s like, my weird uncle is into that.”
A Humorous Acceptance
Surprisingly, Keenan was not disheartened by this perspective. He found it amusing, admitting, “I just thought it was funny like that,” and acknowledged the reality of how music tastes shift over generations. “I understand the procession because whatever you’re into as that adolescent kid, whatever your older siblings or uncle or grandfather was into, that’s silly. That’s grandpa music,” he remarked.
The Longevity of Tool
With a career spanning over three decades, Keenan explained that Tool’s evolution into what some might consider “grandpa music” is a natural progression. Tool’s first EP was released in 1991, followed by the debut album, *Undertow*, in 1993. This timeline means that a fan who was 30 when Tool started would now be approaching retirement age. “We’re officially the Rush of fans that are like, ‘I don’t want to listen to Rush,’” he quipped, illustrating the generational divide.
Keenan’s Personal Reflections on Aging
In a separate interview with Loudwire, Keenan humorously referred to himself as a “grandpa” in regards to his struggles with modern recording technology. Reflecting on his time during the COVID-19 pandemic, he recounted, “Sitting on my hands during COVID, I basically begged (Puscifer bandmate) Mat (Mitchell) to be patient with me, like trying to show grandpa how to fucking screenshot a fucking image.” His journey into programs like Pro Tools and Logic was a learning curve that required assistance to help him adapt.
Conclusion
Maynard James Keenan’s candid reflections about Tool’s status in the music world provide a humorous yet poignant insight into how generational differences shape music appreciation. While some may view Tool as “grandpa music,” the band remains a significant influence across multiple generations. Keenan’s ability to laugh at this shift speaks to both his humility and the enduring legacy of Tool in the rock genre.
FAQs
1. Why does Maynard James Keenan refer to Tool as ‘grandpa music’?
Keenan describes Tool as ‘grandpa music’ because younger generations view the band as music from their relatives, similar to how some might see classic bands like Steely Dan.
2. What is Puscifer, and how does it relate to Tool?
Puscifer is another musical project led by Maynard James Keenan. He noted that younger fans are more enthusiastic about Puscifer while viewing Tool as a relic of the past.
3. How long has Tool been active in the music industry?
Tool has been active since 1990, with their first EP released in 1991 and their debut album, *Undertow*, in 1993.
4. What did Keenan learn during the pandemic regarding music recording?
During the pandemic, Keenan struggled with modern recording software and needed assistance to understand how to effectively record and share his musical ideas.
