Tool Frontman Maynard James Keenan Reveals Musical Influencers

While Tool has been affecting and growing its fan base with its unique style that consists of an innovative interpretation of heavy metal, Maynard James Keenan has revealed his influencers, during one of his latest conversations. The talented frontman also talked about his career, discussing whether he saw it leaning towards the heavy metal scene or not.

Formed in 1990, the current lineup of Tool consists of Maynard James Keenan as its lead singer, Adam Jones as its guitarist, Danny Carey as its drummer, and Justin Chancellor as its bassist. During its huge career, Tool has gathered massive regard all around the world, as it also crowned its success by winning 4 Grammy Awards, as well.

And one of the most prominent members of Tool, Maynard James Keenan has talked about his career journey, discussing it from the very first moment as he was caught by music, somehow. We all know most of the musicians have always their own inspirations or idols as the first latter that leans through their career. So does Maynard James Keenan, too.

But on the other side, the talented singer also reflected that he didn’t have much chance to explore new music because he was living in a small town while he was young. So, he had to listen to mainstream music most of the time, like AC/DC or KISS, as he also added that he was influenced by a jazz musician named Ahmad Jamal, too. But still, all those conditions didn’t let him think about whether he would lean to the metal scene or not.

And here is what Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan said during discussing all of those:

“I had such a diverse input musically and artistically as a kid. A lot of pop stuff of course living in a small town where you don’t get a lot of the newest cutting-edge things. But, I was influenced, as I mentioned, by Ahmad Jamal, the jazz player who’s been an incredible player since his balls dropped. The guy’s been shredding. He’s an amazing, incredible artist who’s been a huge influence on not only my father but me.

Juxtaposed with Joni Mitchell, juxtaposed with Black Sabbath, and then, of course, all the other stuff comes in as you’re growing, getting older. Like ‘Oh, AC/DC and now you’re into AC/DC, and they’re into KISS, and now you’re into it.

Whatever’s coming along, but the foundation was set with the more complex things first. So, you get into the bowl of nachos, but there is definitely some sustenance that happened before that set the bones properly.”

And today, here he is, thanks to those who inspired him and touched his musical career-shaping him to be one of the most successful artists all around the world with his unique music. Besides his amazing career with Tool, Maynard James Keenan also contributes to the other bands with his regarded musical abilities, which are A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.

Before we finish, we also want to remind you that the famous and regarded band Tool will also be hitting the road for its European tour, soon enough. You can check out the dates along with further details of their upcoming tour here, while you will also be finding out which song is the best introduction song for Tool as Maynard James Keenan reflected his thoughts.