I found a somewhat interesting article/interview with Maynard and Eric Glomski about their wine making on the Phoenix New Times website. A pretty interesting read if you like this side of Maynard’s work, though don’t be expecting anything Tool-related.
2 thoughts on “Can Maynard James Keenan Put Arizona Wine on the Map?”
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Keenan turns grouchy when he talks about the music industry, and the expectations people put on him as a songwriter, as if his lyrics can heal them — let alone himself. “If these songs are so cathartic, then shouldn’t I should be fat and happy now? If it doesn’t help me and I don’t move on, how is that gonna help you?”
Try telling that to Tool fans. They can’t get enough of Keenan’s cryptic, tortured lyrics, which they discuss and dissect ad nauseum on message boards.
He sighs. “There’s an endless downward spiral that comes with being a rock star, and I’m not good at the dog-and-pony show.”
Well quit Tool then? If you’re not growing from it and no longer a feel a reason to be a part of Tool then quit. I certainly dont want to buy another half ass boring album like 10,000 days. It seems like he stays in Tool just to fund another Puscifer remix or another restraunt.
I got the same impressions from Maynard over time after seeing as much of him as I can in videos and stuff. How he has responded to fame and all that is really interesting to me and I see him as a very real person in defiance of all the junk being famous brings. I really am happy for him that he seems to have found his calling in making wine. Its such a unique and interesting practice and it seems to fit his unique character. I feel like I completely respect him, not even like a fan anymore, but as a real human being. I do envy his awesome art and other things he has done, but I know he’s had his share of pain through life. He is a human not a celebrity. Fame is an illusion that can kill your soul just like anything else that is able to easily take a strong hold.
On the other hand he does seem to use all his success for gaining money, but who wouldnt do that? Especially to fund other things you care about more. He has played the game well and came out on top in many ways.
About your comment about 10,000 Days being a “half ass boring album”: Thats your opinion but dude seriously the album holds so much, especially if you were able to really get into Lateralus and what it was all about. I agree that some tracks seems to be just thrown in there like that Lipan conjuring and some other tracks seem like they were put together with less focus, like Intension and Rosetta stoned, but how can you deny the amazingness of songs like Vicarious, Jambi, The Pot, and Right in Two? I think those songs touch on some very deep emotions.
Wish I could hang out with him sometimes, but that would never be a natural situation, I suppose.