Maynard James Keenan has decided not to sing some Tool songs anymore. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts, saying, “The words are just dumb. There are old Tool songs I don’t like playing because I feel like I failed them. They’re popular, but I was trying to make a joke, and it was a dumb joke. I should’ve just moved on. The lyrics don’t hold up under scrutiny.” He specifically mentioned the 1996 track “Stinkfist,” noting that some verses clash with the music created by his bandmates.
Keenan has been Tool’s vocalist since the beginning. The band hasn’t released a new album since “Fear Inoculum” came out in 2019. However, bassist Justin Chancellor hinted at new material in 2024, mentioning that singles might be released before a full album. He said, “It definitely comes on our own terms. The only pressure comes when we announce we’re working on something new. Then we have to predict when it’ll come out, and you feel like you let people down if it takes too long.”
Tool is set to hit the road in late 2025, with shows planned across the US and Canada. The tour will wrap up with two nights in Toronto at the end of November. Fans can expect setlists that include rare tracks and a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Hand of Doom.”
In the meantime, Keenan’s other project, Puscifer, is set to release a new album titled “Normal Isn’t” on February 6. Stay tuned for more updates on both Tool and Puscifer!
