Maynard James Keenan Says He’s Going to Write New Music for All Three of His Bands

When most people turn 60, maybe they have a little get together and celebrate with friends and family. When Maynard James Keenan turned 60 yesterday, it came out that he’s going to commit himself to writing a whole lot of new music like a man possessed.

During a recent interview with Revolver, Keenan said that even though he’s currently out on the road touring like crazy with Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, and Primus in celebration of his 60th birthday, the fun won’t end there. He’s also planning to get even more committed to his three bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.

“I’ve got three bands that need to write songs, so I’m going to be doing that. But I’m also expanding out in Arizona, opening up a fried chicken place in Cottonwood. When it comes to winemaking and growing our own grapes, we’re planting vineyards and strapping in for four or five years of waiting to see what’s going to happen there. That’s the one that takes the most planning and patience.

“But other than that, the path is kind of laid out for you. Like Les [Claypool] said, he’s a bass player. I’m a singer; I’ve got to write songs. That’s what I do. So the next year and a half to me is writing songs I’ve got to write.”

When it comes to Tool, he gave more of a roundabout response, as he is wont to do, but that still gives us a lot more information than he usually imparts on when anything new from that band could be coming. We at least know there’s something being worked on, even if we can expect delays.

“I never mention anything until we actually have it in our hands, because every time I say it out loud it runs further away like Groundhog Day… To get people wound up and excited about something that doesn’t exist, I think it’s irresponsible.”

There you have it folks. I guess we can stay tuned for music from all three bands soon. Though if we’re to go by how things have gone in the past, “soon” may still be up for interpretation.