There’s a relatively new interview with Maynard James Keenan called The Grapes of Wrath: In Tool Veritas undertaken by Katherine Turman from LA Weekly. It’s a pretty interesting chat with Maynard actually, touching quite a bit on the writing process behind Tool‘s latest album Fear Inoculum:
“Every song is from either my perspective or the perspective of an empath speaking for a friend or a group of people,†explains Keenan of Tool’s songs, specifically “Invincible.†“It only feels autobiographical because of your age and where you are right now. If those words speak to you, only you understand what that is because you’re there.â€
https://www.laweekly.com/the-grapes-of-wrath-making-wine-and-rock-music-with-tool/
It’s an interesting read, so add it to your list!
Oh this was a great read, lots of interesting details. Seems like he is becoming more willing to open up a bit, in his own slightly cryptic kinda way. Highlights for me:
The bit about how Danny doesn’t play to a click (which we knew) so he can subtly speed up and slow down in builds and breakdowns etc. But that they put a click down following those slight tempo shifts afterwards.
“Will it take us that long to do another one? I hope not.” – that’s intention, right there.
Also the response to ‘who is the most anal” lol
yeah good interview. what I love about the new songs is that he isn’t trying to be contemporary or trying and failing to repeat the past (like Metallica) the songs are about now and where he is at right now. he isn’t interested in gaining new fans and it speaks to existing fans who are probably 40-50 years old. Id like to think the butting of heads with Adam has ceased and really hope another album is a possibility.
Happy Tool Day! It’s what I always say when I’m going! I’ll be on the floor row 15 front center section tonight in Denver! Can’t wait!
FYI barnes and noble have the FI CD in stock and cheap ($80 AUD delivered for the aussies) or $40 something USD. Just in case you missed out.
Saw the Denver show last Tuesday, amazing as usual! My 15th time seeing them and the it was the best sound mix ever! Our friend has been in contact with Adam Jones for a while now and got us in back to their green room to have dinner after the show with the band and crew! Epic experience talking with Adam! Super chill guy!
That’s an amazing experience for you.
I just arrived back from seeing them both nights at Staples in LA – These shows were heavy! Amazing Production, Sound and of course Musicianship – With an awesome setlist. Intolerance nearly stole it on the first night and the new stuff is so cool to see.
On the first night I had a tap on the shoulder from a guy who also turned out to be from Melbourne, and was also there because of the Metallica cancellation. If you’re seeing them you have a lot to look forward to!
Did you fly to LA from Australia specifically to see the band?
Yes, they were a good excuse to go on a Crazy trip – First 3 Days at Bathurst as a team guest, then home 1 night before flying to Cabo for 4 nights then LA and Tool 3 Nights – Also saw Common who played at the hotel I stayed in.
That’s a mad trip! 🙂 Well done