Maynard James Keenan on the Separation of Church and State
Maynard James Keenan, the provocative lead singer of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, has always been known for his candidness. Recently, in an interview with the Arizona Republic, he addressed the crucial topic of separating church and state, a theme particularly resonant in today’s socio-political climate.
Insights on Religion and Governance
During the interview, Keenan was asked about the implications of religious fundamentalism, which naturally segued into a discussion about the significance of maintaining a clear boundary between religious beliefs and government functions. Unfazed by the complexity of the subject, he articulated his views with clarity.
Separation of Church and State
Keenan stated, “I absolutely believe in the separation of church and state, because when it comes to state, it’s like… It’s a mechanism. It’s a car, it’s an engine, it’s mechanics. There’s no faith involved. You can have your faith, but it shouldn’t affect how your car runs.” This metaphor underscores his belief that governance should operate independently of personal beliefs.
Elaborating on this, Keenan emphasized, “That’s why separating church and state is important to me, ’cause the government should not be an emotional being. It should be a mechanism. It’s machinery. No faith involved.” His perspective challenges the intertwining of emotional and spiritual elements with governmental processes.
Keenan’s Musical Aspirations: A Call for CD Revival
In addition to his thoughts on governance, Keenan also shared his passion for music formats. A long-time resident of Arizona, he and his wife, Jennifer, opened The Queen B Vinyl Cafe in Cottonwood, which combines a coffee shop, wine bar, barber shop, and record store. However, he expressed a desire for the return of compact discs.
The Case for CDs
Keenan remarked, “I’m hoping that CDs make a comeback because I can’t play vinyl in my car.” He praised the compact disc format as “such a beautiful, rich format,” contrasting it with digital formats. “The MP3s, when you crank it in your car, it just doesn’t hold up. It starts to fall apart,” he noted, reflecting on the sonic quality that he values in music.
Puscifer’s Upcoming Tour Schedule
Puscifer is gearing up for a North American tour, with the first show kicking off on March 20 in Las Vegas. Below are the scheduled tour dates:
2026 Tour Dates
- March 20 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- March 21 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- March 24 – Austin, Texas @ Bass Concert Hall
- March 25 – Dallas, Texas @ Music Hall at Fair Park
- March 27 – Nashville, Tenn. @ The Pinnacle
- March 28 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Coca-Cola Roxy
- March 31 – Asheville, N.C. @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
- April 1 – Durham, N.C. @ DPAC – Durham Performing Arts Center
- April 3 – Bethlehem, Pa. @ Wind Creek Event Center
- April 4 – Boston, Mass. @ Boch Center – Wang Theatre
- April 7 – New York, N.Y. @ Terminal 5
- April 8 – Hershey, Pa. @ Hershey Theatre
- April 10 – Mashantucket, Ct. @ Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
- April 11 – Atlantic City, N.J. @ Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
- April 15 – Niagara Falls, Ontario @ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
- April 16 – Akron, Ohio @ Akron Civic Theatre
- April 18 – Detroit, Mich. @ Fox Theatre
- April 19 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ Taft Theatre
- April 21 – Louisville, Ky. @ The Louisville Palace
- April 23 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Murat Theatre
- April 25 – Chicago, Ill. @ The Chicago Theatre
- April 26 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ Landmark Credit Union Live
- April 28 – Madison, Wis. @ The Sylvee
- April 30 – St. Louis, Mo. @ The Factory
- May 1 – Kansas City, Mo. @ The Midland Theatre
- May 3 – Morrison, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- May 5 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Maverik Center
- May 8 – Portland, Ore. @ Theater of the Clouds
- May 9 – Seattle, Wash. @ WAMU Theater
- May 11 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Golden Gate Theatre
- May 13 – San Diego, Calif. @ San Diego Civic Theatre
- May 14 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Greek Theatre
Conclusion
Maynard James Keenan continues to provoke thought with his insights on important societal issues such as the separation of church and state while also advocating for a resurgence of classic music formats. As Puscifer embarks on their North American tour, fans can look forward to not only the music but also the engaging perspectives of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures.
FAQs
What is Maynard James Keenan’s stance on the separation of church and state?
Keenan believes strongly in the separation of church and state, arguing that government should operate as a mechanism devoid of emotional or faith-based influences.
What music formats does Maynard James Keenan prefer?
Keenan has expressed a preference for CDs over MP3s, citing the rich sound quality of compact discs, while also embracing vinyl for its aesthetic appeal.
When does Puscifer’s North American tour start?
Puscifer’s North American tour begins on March 20, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
