Tool Frontman Say: "They Reek Of Desperation!'

Maynard James Keenan with Joe Rogan podcast about "staying relevant" and accused some artists of "reeking" of desperation in a bid to do so. What do you think about everything he said in this conversation? Was he too harsh? Is it easier for him compared to other artists who are just starting off or struggling? Do tell.
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[@dickstryker]

Tool "the prog band" were EXTREMELY relevant circa 1997-ish. It's hard to describe how mind blowing, popular and influential their album ÆNIMA was when it came out. Everybody loved it. Rockers, rappers, punks, even preppies. All came together for Tool (& Beastie Boys) ironically.

[@satevo462]

People forget that Tool is right there beside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine, and many many more as the biggest bands of the 90's. They carved out their own niche in era that was filled with great music, but still managed to stand out as their own thing and unique.

[@CamoDrako]

And giving due credit to why those other bands are inactive, Tool are still relevant and touring as well as they ever have

[@hinjurock70]

I don't think that anyone who grew up with and was into 90's alternative rock/metal forgets that. They were always on of the top bands in that scene.

[@eqx7168]

100% correct friend

[@Hbizz813]

Schism ❤

[@aaronbickford8725]

Well said! Honestly, at times, I have forgotten that they came up at the time of those other bands…the main thing separating them (other than their stand apart sound) was that Tool hailed from Los Angeles. RATM were too, but I guess I never considered them part of the Seattle thing either. I saw Tool at a fairly small club in 93 and, to this day, it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. A lot of great music was around in those days and frankly, I miss it! But then, I am very grateful we have their records to remind us…

[@Datimdavis2900]

I am 61. I have seen tool about 2 dozen times since 1996 and it is the ultimate live experience.

[@graymain]

As a 65 year old British guy i was introduced to tool about 10 years ago by my son, in my eyes they have made music like no other , i love their music. ( and yours of course Justin).

[@wood4life]

I want to hear someone do Tool’s Undertow album as Country songs. If Maynard was a hillbilly from Gatlinburg, Tennessee and you replaced the guitarist electric guitar for an acoustic with some back up pedal steel, Undertow would have been a hit Country/Southern Rock album. Think about it next time you listen to that album.

[@ltlt1219]

That'd be one HEAVY Country/Southern Rock album!🤠🤘

[@FredHampshire]

I think I reached the pinnacle of music with Pink Floyd, but yeah, like you I discovered Tool a few years ago and saw them live earlier this year. Now the 2 bands that blow my mind are Pink Floyd & Tool. Unreal band

[@wood4life]

@@FredHampshire I got to see Tool and King Crimson when they were on tour in 2001. Tool was on tour for the Lateralus album.

[@FredHampshire]

@@wood4life wow incredible mate. What song was the highlight of tool's set?

[@DurvalLacerda]

I love Justin's sense of humor so much. I could listen to him talking about anything.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Why are you in Switzerland? Too good for England? Freedom fries! Jesus loves USA. Motley Crue is the GOAT! Not greatest, just a freaking goat.

[@NinStardust]

We DO listen to him talking about anything! And quite often about nothing as well! 😂🥰😂

[@mimilini1]

Agreed! ❤

[@GIBKEL]

They did earn that privilege over decades in a completely different paradigm, although I was onto something completely different at the time. It was the last head scratching moment of my record store clerking days as it came out of nowhere; my favorite kind of thing. That’s a good thing but you must follow your muse and you meet the music where you are. Im glad they are out there in the world.

[@badjellyco.]

I was having a 4/20 when I realised this would be the 69th like on the comment. Thank you

[@sirotahaggen]

Considering they knocked Taylor Swift from the top spot in the billboards with their last release, yea I'd say that's quite relevant

[@derfgerps4016]

That only happened because they finally put all their music on streaming. It by no means was because of Fi.

[@sirotahaggen]

@@derfgerps4016 Possibly but not definitely. While the spotify announcement did give a certain boost, looking back at Tool's past #1 billboard entries Lateralus did bump Missy Elliot and Destiny's Child to 2 and 3 suggesting that they can take on the flavors of the month and still come out on top against some of the pop world's biggest acts

[@Linguae_Music]

@@sirotahaggen Listening to Lateralus the first time, changed me permanently xD

[@deadprivacy]

Megan thee stallion and cardi b are also relevant. No accounting for taste.

[@sadboi7537]

Whatever the outcome was, Fear Inoculum FUCKING CRUSHES. It might be Tool’s best album ever.

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

Plastic surgery messes much more with communication than one might think. I love people like you that are open and show a lot of their feelings with their facial expressions. It's comforting and it's rare, everyone is wearing masks these days, especially bc of worklife and I feel like one of the main reasons people love watching you is because you maintained candour in your body language.

[@HandmadeDarcy]

Yes! Facial expressions are so important to communication, I often wonder whether cosmetologists, or cosmetic surgeons even address that with their clients while they're poking and pulling and preying on their vulnerabilities.

[@firsteerr]

have you noticed that singers who had teeth like tombstones and who get them "fixed" never sound as good ???

[@snaaaake59]

This is one the strangest non-sequitur comments ive seen in a while

[@snaaaake59]

Oops nevermind I didnt wait long enough. Lol

[@jonathanjantz9863]

I love Tool and A Perfect Circle, respectively, but Puscifer makes some of the most interesting music I've ever heard. The vibe and vocal textures are outstanding

[@bridgetyoung190]

Word.

[@surlybear7907]

Ween.

[@JesseJayAllen]

They're crazy live. Cheap tickets too, compared to Tool

[@drewbocop]

I despise Puscifer, so there's that.

[@stephenhensley5631]

My country boner, it won't go down !

[@Plumeria6460]

I think men often look better as they age. You are a beautiful man, don’t change anything. I watched Taylor’s tribute concert and thought how great the musicians looked. But I’m 65, so… my tastes run to the more mature face with all the character lines. It’s the energy that keeps people relevant for me. 💙✌️

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

Well, I hope this applies to woman as well. He really gave me hope when it comes to aging. He looks better than ever - obviously because he's in a good state of mind. I often think if there where no mirrors and cameras and we could only see ourselves through the eyes of others we'd have a much healthier society.

[@Plumeria6460]

@@user-bj2lu9qt3o beautiful thought. I think women are held to a different standard for sure. Im not a fan of fillers. I think my friends who have gone down that road look so unnatural. I think your spirit is what keeps you looking young!

[@RollieFingers59]

Was never a big Tool fan. A few years ago I had headphones on one night and played the song “Invincible”. It blew me away. The lyrics, playing, composition and the manner in which it was recorded and mixed is astounding.

[@FredHampshire]

Yeah man!

[@theevildice83]

Invincible is an amazing song

[@FredHampshire]

@@theevildice83 prob top 3 songs of all time for me. Invincible, shine on you crazy diamond and not sure what's 3rd

[@powerboon2k]

Its probably the worst Tool album.

[@FredHampshire]

@@powerboon2k opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one

[@carlosportillo2781]

I am a Tool fan and their concerts ARE a religious experience. Incredible band.

[@edwincasimir28]

Tool sucks, and yes, I am a Tool fan.

[@jescollo]

@@edwincasimir28 how fun

[@ayewhaddupdoe]

I'm not a fan of Tool, and rather don't like them, but I get exactly what you mean. I've seen Between the Buried and Me like 5-6 times and I have similar experiences to what you feel when you see Tool. I'd never say "Tool sucks" or anything like that. People just can't fathom the idea that good music isn't necessarily for them.

[@giovanny72]

100% Agreed

[@machinegunhippy]

They are depressed in every song 🎵 yay !!!

[@christina8418]

Mr. Hawkins you are incredibly relevant and entertaining. There are plenty of artists you’ve mentioned who otherwise would be uninteresting to me, including Tool. But your analytical breakdowns gave me a complete new set of ears to listen to things I never liked before.

[@travisSimon365]

I never knew how much I needed a Tool album where Maynard 'goes on about Wizards and what not' until just now. Come on, Maynard, make it so!

[@winstonlab]

Listen to Simultaneous by Puscifer 😆

[@MultiUnreal]

@@winstonlab “We will never know world peace until three people can look each other straight in the eye”

[@MrArchie800]

Saw the thumbnail of your vid and thought the picture was Karl Pilkington! So imagine my disappointment when I realised it was just Keenan. but then imagine my delight when you spoke about aging quickly, as Karl once put it ‘They age overnight…… like a pear’. Wise words indeed. Cheers!

[@hwareing]

My son has been listening to Tool (whether he liked it or not ) since he was born ... fast forward 18 years and Danny is his hero, he's learned to play Schism on the drums and in May this year we went to the O2 in London for his 18th birthday to see Tool ... he sat there mesmerized throughout the show and at the end of Invincible turned to me and just said "extraordinary" .. Tool (like Rush I would argue) is passed down across generations and there's nobody else like them.

[@ltlt1219]

Dang man, that's awesome. I wanted to take my kids, even tho they're 10yrs apart, so what, right! I couldn't make that a reality. I've seen Tool 4 times, last one in 2006 or 2007, & just wanted them to experience it for themselves. Maybe next tour .. or parallel universe ..? Peace.

[@84nk5y]

I kind of agree - it's much easier to say "stay true to your art, kids" when you have millions behind you and your art is better than everyone else's. Still a nice sentiment though.

[@aeromedical6750]

Uhh, you’re missing the point of his comment. Staying true to their art is what allowed Tool to build a fanbase of millions. They’ve never been a band that got massive airplay. They built their fanbase primarily through word of mouth. They didn’t got the route of writing songs geared towards the top 40. It took me years to appreciate the art of their music. I never really listened to them until I hit my 50’s. Then I started asking myself “how did I miss these guys for so long?”

[@essentialmix1606]

Tool was the Pink Floyd of the 90s... Then they just became arguably the best Prog Rock band ever, and really anyone with even a tiny amount music appreciation could find something in the brilliance they create. And as Justin said, seeing them live is a religious experience. The last live band I saw before the lockdowns started was Tool at Rod Laver Arena. It was the 4th time I'd seen them and without wanting to sound like a total doe eyed fanboi I couldn't believe that they could just keep getting better with age. Mesmerizing, inspirational, emotionally uplifting, cerebral... religious indeed. Love Tool and love your work Justin. You are fast becoming my favorite KZbinr.

[@corkcrown1828]

Talking of prog. Don't think you've ever discussed Pink Floyd. Any chance of that happening? (I'm trying to guess if you like them or not!)

[@SharkVsTree]

Not sure I'd go with Tool as the "Pink Floyd of the 90s." They're certainly an amazing band worthy of all the praise they get, but a listen to Radiohead's OK Computer might change a few minds with regard to that particular analogy.

[@eldirtyfaygo5395]

Sigh.... Tool fan, being a Tool fan smh.

[@hangingon]

Last show I saw before lockdown was TooL @ the Forum. It was my wife's first TooL show and now she gets it. I use to tour with Phish so she never understand why I would like TooL. It's all about the groove when their playing live & everything comes together. It's truly an experience I suggest to everyone who likes amazing live bands.

[@dh1380]

I thought Pink Floyd were the Pink Floyd of the 90s. Especially in March 1994 when they released The Division Bell by the band Pink Floyd. Personally I never got Tool. They were certainly a huge influence for some of my favourite bands *cough*Oceansize*cough* but honestly I have always found them to be a bit meh. I appreciate their contribution, but that's about it for me, apart from Vicarious occasionally ear-worming me for no apparent reason. When I think about it though, I would imagine they are considerably more impressive live than on recording. The recordings are very cleanly produced which might explain some of the lack of appeal for me.

[@tracywilliamson4275]

Thank you, Justin, for acknowledging Maynard Keenan as a great singer, writer, and performer. I've only been up your behind about Tool. In the USA, everyone is wearing Tool t shirts and hoodies and such. Every time I wear my Fear Inoculum sweatshirt, I get at least one compliment. They're huge!

[@tracywilliamson4275]

I've only been up your behind since forever is what I meant to say. Love you Justin.

[@ENGABU1]

I'm 55 and I only look 54!!!

[@Andyzappa]

Tell you what me mon, I’ve only just started listening to the Darkness because of this (I’m mainly a Zappa & Steely Dan kinda chap)… but what with this channel and your quick wit and ready repartee I HAVE JUST GIVEN MYSELF A ONE WAY TICKET TO HELL AND BACK! X

[@ryancoke777]

I like how Maynard goes off with Puscifer and APC to experiment with other types of music rather than taking Tool in a completely different direction.

[@mimilini1]

Aging is an honor! It’s a privilege! Personally, I love my aging face! I can’t imagine snipping and stretching my skin as if it was play-dough. It makes me sad that others do. Our faces and bodies aren’t meant to look alike or just one way. Enjoy your face and body! Enjoy your life! ❤

[@michaeltveten8458]

TOOL, invented a new sound and a new formula in the world of music….A world that was saturated with acts that were striving to do the exact same thing…..Incredible.

[@lsimmo78]

They aren't that original. Just listen to King Crimson and Led Zeppelin. Even Tool have admitted they aren't that original.

[@michaeltveten8458]

@@lsimmo78 Everyone owes “something” to those that came before them. Hence, the word “influence”. But you can’t tell me that any act before TOOL incorporated the same time-signatures, rhythmically, and simultaneously sang about the “chakra”, the way that TOOL does….They’re unique. Just admit it. If not to me, at least to yourself….

[@MultiZaphod]

"Tool have constantly expressed the massive impact that progressive rock pioneers King Crimson have had on their music; on a 2001 tour with them, Keenan joked: "Now you know who we ripped off. Just don't tell anyone, especially the members of King Crimson."

[@michaeltveten8458]

@@amremorse TOOL, is unique unto themselves….No one in the annals of music history has ever sounded like TOOL. Maynard is being self-deprecating. TOOL is the Pink Floyd of this generation..

[@latentsea]

“Tool is unique unto themselves” “Tool is the Pink Floyd of this generation” “Tool’s real name is ‘Loot’ but they trolled everyone” “Poison wouldn’t be the same without C.C. on the ax” “Tool made time-lapse time laspier” “Quotes are fun” Hastag Tool.

[@JonStefonek]

Just to recap: Maynard James Keenan talking about not wanting to sacrifice artistic integrity for promotional purposes while talking to Joe Rogan, who goes on to complement Miley Cyrus’ talent in the most condescending, misogynistic way possible.

[@TonyDelkFan]

I listened to this when the podcast debuted and he seemed too proud about not being relevant and about his comments on how pop artists have no place listening to tool. Great video

[@Demention94]

I got that too..

[@noname-ng6sj]

To be fair, not being relevant, but selling out seats all over the world is fucking incredible. No one who makes interesting music has ever done that. Closest I can think of is ex-pink floyd members (who i'm not a fan to) and one of them literally complained about not being big enough, playing a 3k cap venue. Not a Tool fan btw, but I think that's fucking amazing.

[@damotheman4196]

@@noname-ng6sj No doubt there man. Plus sphere of influence has to be brought into the "relevancy" conversation too..

[@ragebait988]

I always found it hard to believe all that sound was going from a three piece. Took me a couple of listens to get into fear inoculum, now it’s their best IMO.

[@kevinkibble8342]

I can tell you're on your way down the Tool rabbit hole, Justin.

[@kevinkibble8342]

@Lindsay H Keep going

[@TheElectricBuddha]

I am 40 years old, and grew up with Tool's first EP, Opiate, in the 90s. I saw them as a teen in 97 and once again, as a grown married man with my wife, in 2019. They have provided more clarity and insight throughout my life than any religion or philosophy could have. Tool is sacred to their fans because it was a friend that guided us through some difficult times in our lives. They've always been pure about their art, and that authenticity gives them credibility with fans.

[@MrHypermoto]

"If you do a commercial, you're off the artistic rollcall.....FOREVER." - Bill Hicks

[@ashleyjackson4481]

I would love to hear your break down and analogy . Of Tools new album . It’s got cool new guitar / bass riffs . Insanely good drumming . And of course Maynards choice of words . And how he fitting them into the musical puzzle . Are genius as ever !!

[@andreaslandgren1681]

The drums are so damn good

[@therainman7777]

No doubt their drums are amazing, but his lyrics are pretty corny imo. Not really anything “profound” or “deep” in there, even by Maynard’s own admission.

[@andreaslandgren1681]

@@therainman7777 its true. Its humor and anger. Pretty primal.

[@NRG2]

They have their own genre honestly. Its not prog. Its not metal. Its just TOOL

[@freeheeler00]

I have recently converted an old Dead Head farmer buddy into a Tool fan. Both times I have put Fear Inoculum on when we're working together he just gets quiet and goes into a trance. 25 minutes will go by without him saying a thing.

[@parcans]

As you rightly mentioned, it's easy for MJK to say these things while supported by a massive fanbase from both Tool and A Perfect Circle (and well-deserved, I may add). I do wonder if he would think the same way if his only success was the level of his Puscifer project.

[@angiescorner9549]

Puscifer is amazin

[@parcans]

@@angiescorner9549 I agree. Their ideas and execution are awesome. But they're not creating their music to have a wide appeal. If it was his only project, I expect he would make a decent living touring theater-sized venues. And in order for him to stay relevant, we may even be watching "Maynard James Keenan Rides Again" on KZbin every day.

[@rohanbhatt1146]

"I love this conversation because... It's just two people without a clear objective" made me spill my drink, love you JH keep it up

[@izzybella_9955]

Don't touch your lovely face! Also you look better each year 🧚‍♂️

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

Totally agreed.

[@Andy-nl8uq]

When they're discussing branching out, I think they're hitting the point that Maynard is the vocalist for three successful bands now. Tool, A perfect circle (which he started with an ex tool guitar tech), and puscifer. All very different with Maynard the common link. Puscifer are now one of my favourite bands, amazing vocal harmonies, check out one of their recent live performances if you have a chance 👍

[@71771PAULTHEWALLOFSOUND]

Apparently Tool had a huge spike of new fans because of the Osbournes show because Ozzys son Jack loves them and often spoke about them and played their music in the show.

[@Ritsoz]

That's literally how I found Tool around the 2000's. Jack Osbourne had so many Tool stickers on his door that I decided to check it out. Glad I did :)

[@EVSniderWriter]

They were a platinum selling band before Osbornes. You’re 100% wrong on that account

[@71771PAULTHEWALLOFSOUND]

@@EVSniderWriter I didn't say the Osbournes made them famous, I said MORE people got to know them just threw the show. Learn to read a sentence and understand it, it wasn't rocket science what i wrote.

[@EVSniderWriter]

@@71771PAULTHEWALLOFSOUND the problem with this assessment is that Lateralus came out a year before the Osborne’s tv show. Lateralus was what put them into huge band terms. The artist Alex Grey who did the art for their last three albums along with their stage set up is one very big reason of Tools popularity. Now saying Tool getting a headlining spot for Ozzfest during their Aenima tour did bring in many new fans but Jack Osborne no. Not at all.

[@EVSniderWriter]

@@71771PAULTHEWALLOFSOUND your timeline is all messed up as Lateralus literally took them from 3,000 to 20,000 seat well before the tv show.

[@astraliguana9485]

Thanks for the video Justin, I appreciate your insight into the subject. As a aside, I think you might enjoy listening to Maynard's other projects, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. I think it's interesting how different they are from Tool.

[@jessemcdonald5124]

Tool fan for life. Keep up the brilliant work Justin.

[@erikdavis8286]

neil young was the biggest rock star in 1971 with Harvest and chose not to go down the route of giving up artistic integrity. He made his way back in different ways with detours. Same could be said about radiohead and creep with their next three albums being more and more 'out there'. The artists lead, their fanbase will follow.

[@ChrisPuckett]

Loved Tool before Undertow. Force of nature. Saw them live in the early 90s. Amazing how well they have maintained their vibe.

[@Schaz42]

No Aenima? 🙀 After that album I think they’re sound pretty much stayed the same, not sure if it’s with Paul leaving, but Aenima was to me there most ground breaking. The last three albums sound like a triple album to me that was released over a 20 year period.

[@ChrisPuckett]

@@Schaz42 stopped listening to music after 1994, and then started again in 2003

[@patrickcrowther9195]

I think AC/DC have had a great attitude over the years. They started out as a bar band playing tough rock n’ roll to tough audiences in Australia and slowly built an audience. Their music pretty much remained the same throughout their career, with periods of a bit more spit and polish here and there. They never went through their disco phase or released singles as ‘AC/DC featuring Stormzy’. There have been periods in which their name was mud, and there have been periods in which they were as cool as a polar bear holding an ice lolly in a freezer. They just carried on doing what they do. This contrasts with U2 who over the last 20 years have seemed desperate to keep up with whoever is the hip, young sound of today. Using AutoTune and all manner of contemporary production techniques to try to fit in on the radio. It’s admirable in a way that they didn’t want to rest on their laurels, but it all seemed a long way from the directness and passion of their early records.

[@glengamble526]

Btw the CC on your intro actually reads ‘YES TIM HAWKINS RIDES AGAIN’ 😂

[@boobsweat4206]

Mr. Hawkins, thank you so much for this channel. ❤️ truly. Not only do I just adore your opinions and demeanor but, I have found so many bands and musicians that I may have missed. I'm not sure how I would have been exposed to Black Midi, King Gizzard, Lewis Capaldi and so much more. Thank you so much for the exposure for these wonderful bands and musicians! It's only because of you that I found them. You are a beautiful human and good for you for promoting and protecting good music!

[@rael2099]

It's amazing how Tool became the mammoth that is now. At first they were outcasts, playing with grunge bands when their style was more metal oriented, lambasted by critics, all that. Their videos cemented that legend, the videos where the perfect vehicle to convey Tool's ethics. Their debut, Undertow had already those ingredients although they could've fade into obscurity if they were a normal band, ignored by the media and neglected by their record companies, but the word of mouth factor that propelled Tool's rise to fame is probably the most singular in rock history. Tell me of an artist that achieved this massive measure of popularity that Tool has the same way. I think you'll find none, but I will say King Crimson, a band Tool loves.

[@oommdtube]

Man I love you , don’t get me started again about the new Billy idol, but your kind toward tick tok , I just like you dude!

[@Cookie-hg4xb]

I think Tool are an acquired taste , I have to say their music videos are pretty unique.

[@TheDamageinc81]

Well that's due to their guitarist being a sculptor.

[@alanagottalottasay997]

Never been a huge fan but was dragged to see them in 03….and everything my friends wouldn’t shut up about their live show wasn’t just true….it’s impossible to put into words how utterly impressive every last detail of their performance was….IE their sound wasn’t loud at all but it was very wide and penetrating…..

[@Demention94]

You said alotta there Alana

[@alanagottalottasay997]

@Soul of a robot aahhh yes but likely she's referring to the way the bass notes would seemingly emanate from ones collar bones....more so than base biological functions....or other potential "bones"....lol

[@SW-fn7cl]

You're creating a lot of thirst Alana 🤣 but yeah the sound at their shows is truly unique and all encompassing.

[@alanagottalottasay997]

@@SW-fn7cl Not all drinks are what they appear lol....pedestrian innuendos aside....I can't think of better, or more unexpected words to describe the sound of a live show.....in a basketball arena no less...

[@amandabrittenden]

Tool was the first big band I saw live besides local gigs, 21 years ago 😬 I was 15. It's still easily the best concert I've attended in my life and there have been many. They had The Melvins play before them. Looking back now, I feel like I was pretty spoiled having that as a first concert experience. They're amazing

[@damionduffy3625]

Hey Justin thanks for introducing me to the lemon twigs there amazing, it's great to hear a band that can truly recreate that 60s and 70s sound flawlessly and quite scarily, I've been playing them non stop thanks brother ✌🏻❤️🤘🏻

[@NinStardust]

🤦🏻‍♀️ I saved a playlist of their music to listen to after Justin’s video then completely forgot about it! Thanks for the reminder 🥰 Are there any songs in particular you’d recommend? I really want see if I can hear the Supertramp influence in their music as that’s what piqued my interest 😅🥰

[@philipjennings3490]

@@NinStardust These Words, Small Victories, The One, Live in Favour of Tomorrow, Tailor Made are a few of my favourites - that last one is very Stonesesque. They cover so many different styles in their music it's hard to think of a song that's representative! Edit: this is a great live performance too, from a few years ago - they're just wee lads here kzbin.info/www/bejne/goLcgoaGe9WLgZI

[@NinStardust]

@@philipjennings3490 thank you for that! 🙏🏻 What a performance! I can see I’ve got some catching up to do with the Lemon Twigs. Aside from the bassist having 0 charisma, that was effing awesome! The vocal harmonies on the first song 🤌 and “Queen of my soul”… was the singer/guitarist actually high-kicking the symbol IN TIME!?! Honestly, I can’t even… Incredible talent! Well, that’s me hooked. 😅 Almost annoyed at Justin for introducing me to all this amazing music, I just can’t keep up! 😫😅😂

[@jamiesmith8313]

It's the highlight of my life when Tool come to New Zealand, seen them multiple times my favorite band

[@GregorBarclay]

Every video’s title: “Wow I am surprised by how much this band truly sucks.” Every video’s content: “This band is nice. I like them and have always liked them.”

[@moonbeanification]

Good day to you, the one and only Justin Hawkins! We love you sir! 😘

[@tomisawol]

"Grace's Amazing Machines!!!" 🤣

[@alelirivarola1197]

My ten yo kid loves Tool, he has their songs on his playlist

[@Superanima7]

The amazing part is they were #1 on the charts when their latest album came out and for some time as well. After 13 years in between records and being an older band from the 90’s they are still relevant. Taylor swift was mad at them supposedly lol

[@lacriless]

It was Taylor Swift's fans that were mad because they had never heard of them even though their last 3 albums have gone to number 1 in thr U.S.

[@jeremymullins1294]

and selling out arenas in Europe with having done ZERO promotion in 13 years. Purely on reputation. Pretty amazing!

[@TonyDelkFan]

I highly doubt Taylor was mad. She is an artist who shares the studio with a lot of the same producers and engineers our favorites in the rock realm work with. The days of her being low hanging fruit to name drop as a pop piñata are kind of done. I agree with the other statement saying perhaps her fans were. But joining a fight as such is childish and any person worth their salt should be above that if they have an intellect even close to that of an avocado. Cheers

[@christopherweise438]

@@TonyDelkFan - Even though i'm an alternative rocker i agree with you that Taylor has established herself as a legit artist. She's open to anything and everything, and has serious vocal chops across many genres.

[@lornakarimjee]

Hmmm I wondered whether the plastic surgery comment was aimed at anyone in particular, Madonna perhaps? I do think this tends effect many more female artists due to unrelenting beauty standards imposed on women/girls. Seems much more acceptable for men to age in society than women, although I do appreciate men in the public eye probably do face greater scrutiny, still...

[@Joolzxox]

As a 54 year old vegan I apparently have one pre-shitshow year left 😅 thanks for dropping that bombshell

[@markydw2499]

I am a big Devin Townsend fan and one of the cool things about him is that whatever he feels compelled to do as an artist is where he goes. Most of his fanbase seem to either like this or be ok with it. It's an interesting dynamic.

[@deddy2339]

When Genesis tried to be relevant, they became the world's biggest adult contemporary band.

[@NyeGuy-yv2dv]

Very true.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Stayed relevant, tho

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Sort of. Duke and Abacab were more relevant for non prog fans, but retained the spirit of earlier work. Even on their later stuff, they always included prog tracks. People blame Collins but it was Banks and Rutherford (they admitted this) who wanted to write hit songs and make a lot of money. To their credit, they succeeded where many others fail at writing hits and making real money, which is a testament to their talent.

[@ShineOnBenevolentSun]

And here is another opportunity to talk about King Gizzard: the least 'desperate to stay relevant' and 'affected by the music industry' band creating music today. They self-publish and even made one album license-free (creative commons), and by their massive output which is all self-recorded and engineered, it's clear there's no self-censorship.

[@giovanny72]

They’re ok, definitely a devoted and fantastical fan base similar to tool fans. But king giz fans seem to have more confIdence in their worshiping statements of the band. Personally I have respect for them but do not think they’re the second coming like some fans think. Been listening to them a bit more recently and came to the conclusion that they’re definitely good, but my tastes lean more towards those long haired Japanese hippies, kikagaku moyo

[@boatsandbeards303]

55 is a great age. You can grow a big white beard and people say that makes you look 70 and you truly dont give a fuck. It just makes you look wise - if you have wide forehead. I kind of liked the fireplace. Intimate setting and kept the pictures straight

[@JaxTellerRC]

Madona is the prime example of this reeking.

[@periurban]

I am the very epitome of someone who "retained their integrity", by refusing to have anything to do with the music industry. I distribute all my stuff through bandcamp (nice to see The Darkness there too) and retain 100% of my rights to over 70 albums of songs, instrumentals and weirdness. Of course, no-one has a clue who I am, and I sell a handful as opposed to a bucket full, but hey, at least my soul is still mine!

[@therainman7777]

But if no one knows who you are, did you really “retain your integrity” or did you just not get any offers? This reminds me of the Chris Rock joke that it’s really easy for fat, ugly guys to stay faithful to their wives, since no one wants to sleep with them.

[@periurban]

@@therainman7777 Back in the day my band was offered a deal, but it was so punitive we agreed we'd be better off doing things ourselves. Perhaps more pertinent is that subsequent to that experience I never sought any interactions with the industry, and yes there were more offers. The real heroes in this story are the ones who make music to a very high standard WITHOUT selling their souls. I was lucky, as I arrived in music just at the time when it was becoming possible for musicians and producers to make great sounding music at home. I was financially secure from my day job, so I never saw the need to prostrate myself before the Gods of commerce. 75 glorious albums later (with a top ten place in the KZbin music charts at one time, millions of views, more interactions than I could handle) I have a catalogue of amazing music that would never have existed if I'd signed that contract back in the day. Just because no-one knows who I am, doesn't mean I'm not worth knowing! Peace.

[@therainman7777]

@@periurban Wow, ok well that’s all awesome to hear then. Sorry if my initial comment came off as dickish, I was mainly just joking/giving you a hard time, but I know the tone often doesn’t come through in an online comment. Can you point me to any of your music so I can check it out? Thanks!

[@ltlt1219]

That's beautiful! Hats off to you! This reminds me very much of one of my brothers, whom is an accomplished guitarist, musician, producer and more. As his younger sister, I was an avid supporter of his.. he began playing guitar @14 & was playing in bands by 16 or 17, would win in the 'battle of the bands' comp. during HS twice, I think & so on. It was fun & inspiring to watch him play. I was 'too chicken' & still am (aka bad anxiety) to pursue my love for music, as well. But my bro, he's been involved in many bands, since the early eighties. He formed a band in 1990, I believe, &they were given the opportunity to sign a contract w BMI, but declined for basically the same reasons. Pretty sure there were other record labels offering similar, controllung & unfulfilling contracts. They played up & down Florida, Valdosta, too & I've seen them open for all kinds of bands in & around Orlando, like The Afghan Wigs, Type O Negative, Biohazard & a bunch more. As well, they were given a spot on the side stage @Lollapalooza (in 92, I think). That was a Blast! I'm sorry for my ramble-y, rusty comment & memories, respectively. They already had a good following & weren't out seeking fame. Sure it'd be icing on the cake. But it wasn't going to happen w a contract they weren't happy w. I just know I'm super proud of everything he's done in music, along w his bandmates, for staying true to themselves, &the rest of the guys & gals he's played & collaborated w 'back in the day'. It was a lot of fun! Hey man, what's your name or the moniker you use for your music so I can check it out, along w The Darkness! Many blessings to you & yours. Edit: To add that my then best friends when I was in HS were also in the same position during that time, late eighties & on, for a long time. They promoted themselves thru touring up & down the east coast of the us.🤘✌

[@periurban]

@@ltlt1219 There's a link on my KZbin page, but on bandcamp just look for periurban.

[@CupofCloud]

I remember differently, they were super relevant,i remember everyone waiting for that next album

[@sallyschildcare]

The first record deal TooL signed was pretty crap but it gave them full artistic control and they've never looked back. They've never been told what to do and if the art is strong enough you will succeed.

[@muchanadziko6378]

Would you please do a video about the band Morphine? They're freaking amazing and I wonder what you think of them or thought of them (when they we're still playing)

[@bawsack69]

Check out Billy Strings. Touring UK next month.

[@joepike6460]

Hi Justin, quick question for the next comments day - I wondered if you could help me identify the tuning for a song. It’s on KZbin, As It Is - the handwritten letter acoustic version. I’m really struggling and can’t find a tab, I think you’re the man for the job.

[@JohnSpo]

I don't know if you could say they were never relevant. They were a huge Mtv band in the late 90's/early 00's when Mtv was still somewhat relevant for music.

[@elponchex]

Funnily enough, as great as tool are, they were very influential on mainstream acts such as limp bizkit (pretty much all of their his include a bridge that sounds like it came straight out of Aenima) and a lot of whiney alternative rock that is huge in the US, like Breaking Benjamin.

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

I never really gelled with pop music. I tried the simpsons album and mc hammer at age 12, then heard ACDCs Razor's Edge, then Metallica's black album and nevermind by nirvana and loved it. Recorded Sober on a cruddy VHS tape in 93, had no idea who this Tool guy was. Then bought Ænima in 97 and realised it was the same band a couple years later. I guess I always found the themes in pop music too simple. They didn't fit with my difficulties as the different kid. The unpopular one, bad at sport. Daunted by the idea of driving a car etc. But yeah Tool opened me up to layered metaphor, poeticism etc. Made me realise why I liked Hendrix, Floyd, Zep as a kid.

[@dryker7085]

Trying to fit into trends isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some would argue that it did wonders for David Bowie. But, then again, he's David Fucking Bowie! That said, if you're going to try to follow trends instead of making the music you'd prefer, I'd say to avoid coming off as desperate would be to find parts of the trend you like and emphasize those so as to contribute to the trend as a whole instead of merely churning out more of what's come before.

[@taylorwilson6655]

Anyone from TOOL can say whatever they like, i can't think of another band in any genre who are held in such high esteem in their instrument playing skills, Maybe rush (who funnily enough, are good friends with the members of tool) & Flea, Chad and John in RHCP

[@andrewschapper8586]

Great video again, Justin! I’m loving your channel. I don’t know what it’s like being Maynard, but I know what it’s like to be a shitkicker muso scrapping for shows, beers, loose change, clicks, likes and basically any other form of currency (real or perceived) in order to try and leech a living from an art form that I am, well, average at best at. I reckon use whatever tool is at your disposal and do whatever the hell you want on it. There’s no right way to do it and I actually love seeing the human side of artists, as we are privy to on your fine channel. Clearly Tik tok isn’t the right place for my verbose commentary, so I’ll shut up now. Love your work mate

[@likepaintedkites]

Queen was my first love (fan club), age 14, because I thought Roger was the image of Orpheus in a painting by Jean Delville, 1893! I got more into painting and art because of Queen, which led to artschool bands…no one knows what their audience brings to the equation.

[@sproutbliss]

💗

[@Spiderland1]

Hi Justin, many thanks for the great constant content, it's awesome! I have a question if I may. As you are residing in Switzerland and away from your band cohorts, country wise, do you find it difficult to write with your fellow Darknessers? I am asking because I am In a similar circumstance with band members being in different countries and its been difficult to keep the energy and impetus at times. Can I ask also how you found yourself living in Switzerland? (I escaped pre Brexit to Germany meself!) and its the best thing I ever did! Cheers

[@dEadERest]

your intimacy familiarity jocularity all play together to create an informative and free-flowing time, thank you so much

[@lewisb85]

Thing I don't like about it is that it's "identity through consumerism" by that I mean you're identifying yourself through a product (the band's music) that you purchase. I do enjoy Tool's and A perfect circle's music but it's a product at the end of the day, Maynard isn't above being a salesman for said product he proved that with the £45 physical releases of the last Tool and a perfect circle records. I think what he's cracked which a lot of other musicians struggle to do is marketing. He mentioned Michael Stipe as an influence on his career before and I don't think it's just musical Stipe got involved in many other projects where his name is out there but it wasn't blatant advertising for his band, Maynard has done the same thing.

[@eleanorclaire]

Hey Justin - one for comments day! I’m curious to know the story behind those two self portraits you always position in the background of the frame? Love the channel!

[@Scp716creativecommons]

Justin you were pretty in youth, in a "bishy" way, like axl. Axl has his voice still, but few would recognize him. You've a distinguished quality gained by the years, belied by a youthful look of eye, and they blanket up nicely with your gregarious nature, and musical skill. Don't get surgery, at least not to look like you did when you were young. Maybe to loom like a cinematic villain, if you decided to go "gorrilaz meets guar", but let the wisdom lines be, they work on you

[@BarbaraAntoinetteVeronica]

Dolly Parton is an amazing songwriter. Besides Jolene when I first heard I Will Always Love You so many years ago I cried from it's simple beauty & truth. Tool staying true to themselves is the right path. BAV

[@andthensome512]

Justin, you should do a reaction/critique of a song off of Stryper's new album. Yes, Christian hard rock band Stryper has a new album called, The Final Battle. The whole album is really good, but in particular, there's a power ballad called, Near that's pretty great. This album is better than anything they ever put out in their heyday, and is miles ahead of anything their contemporaries have produced since the 80s. Definitely worth giving a listen.

[@latentsea]

I always gotta mention Zebra when someone speaks of Stryper.

[@mamab4720]

I wasn't a huge Tool fan but when Maynard J.K. helped form A Perfect Circle I was obsessed. I love him as an artist. I attended a Nashville concert during A Perfect Circle's first tour and now I love Puscifer, and my Gen Z daughter does as well. We need to keep exposing our children to good music but also keep in mind that all music is art.

[@gbmoves7902]

Remember it's not how you feel but how you look, and you look marvelous!!

[@tammymcnerney2539]

What a coincidence! My son just met Maynard last night at his show with his new band!

[@VolvoImpala]

I thought "Fear Inoculum" was the first and only Top 40 hit that's over 10 minutes AND a big part of what got it there was Spotify plays? Am I right on that? Fact check! Yeah, that's some success in my eyes.

[@nuke97]

I agree Maynard is a bit oblivious to Tool's presence on TikTok. However his point on staying relevant on TikTok is a tough call. Because isn't all social media platforms ultimately a means to market and promote ones own work? Also Maynard is of the era of when TV was king as was MTV. So he by default speaks from a privileged platform of success.

[@chief_mourner]

nowadays being savvy on social media is almost crucial to artist exposure. of course this isnt always the case but there is an argument to be made there.

[@jeffpierce71]

Justin, Maynard and Joe in a 3 way conversation on the JRE about the music biz would be very entertaining.

[@Elayaass]

Tool's popularity, in retrospective, almost seem like a coincidence. Like they never did too many interviews, they even stopped doing them all together in their later years, they never recorded a proper live album or DVD, they never had a "radio" song. It's kind of amazing

[@hinjurock70]

Sober was played all the time on rock radio and MTV during the 90's.

[@Elayaass]

@@hinjurock70 yeah but that's what I'm saying, you don't get that legend status just because you had one or two song playing on the indie section of MTV. Dude ask any tool fan, they worship the band

[@stevenoverlord]

They are one the most played bands on the radio of all time and are consistently played on every rock station nationwide to this day what are you saying lol #toolfans #gatekeeping

[@hinjurock70]

@@Elayaass Sober was played in regular daytime rotation on MTV in 1993.

[@Elayaass]

@@stevenoverlord there must be regional differences then, cause over here, if you're not a prog rock fan, then you haven't heard of em. They literally never played on the radio until the last album. Note that there's like 2 rock radio stations here and has never been as big of a media as, say, tv. And I'm talking about that, they have like global level popularity when they barely appear outside the us and some parts of Europe. Like, as far as I know, they've neve toured in Latin America past Mexico.

[@dmcarp2807]

Enjoyed your addition to the discussion of JR and MK.

[@StephenRahrig]

“Maynard Keenan” sounds so funny lol. Like Phil Hoffman

[@ditavee]

The desperation doesn’t just lead to cosmetic procedures (which is a different topic entirely really about pressure and mental health) but also the dumbing down of music in order to retain or revive popularity. Even The Smashing Pumpkins, my favourite band, are absolutely guilty of this. I would never had thought even 10 years ago they would essentially put out a pop album, but they sure did (CYR, and it was awful). I do love pop, it seemed it was the last unaffected genre, but I can’t think of more than two new pop artists that I would listen to more than one song of today. I’ve noticed increasingly over the last 5-6 years that I often never give a new song or artist a second listen. It’s become so dumbed down and dull in terms of beat, lyric and quality even I, someone who counts Kylie, SEB and Wham! as some of my favourite artists can’t listen to it. And it’s not just music it’s everything, I think TikTok is making people more dumb under the guise of spreading knowledge. It’s sound bites from self proclaimed professionals who have no understanding of their impact (or worse, do, and do it anyway). It’s shortening our attention span, making us more gullible, and making us dumb. It feeds in our insecurities and fears and creates new ones. It’s really sad. We’ve forgotten it’s ok to be different and that it’s OK to have fun, even if the world’s burning. That in fact by being truly happy we can make a big difference. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[@swmtothemoon6660]

Very needed words in this day and age. Americans have been mind controlled by cell phones (especially) and we have become so stupid. We blindly believe everything on the internet. Especially conspiracy theories and it is resulting in violence on an unprecedented level within the past 60 years or so. We are so easily manipulated and mentally ill that it worries me that our country hasn't done more to manage mental health

[@SW-fn7cl]

The most painful thing is Billy thinks this music is better than what he made before and gets pissed off if anyone says otherwise. Still gave us Gish/Siamese Dream though

[@common-girl]

true, it's an over stimulated society now... it's very damaging

[@ditavee]

@@swmtothemoon6660 It’s really anyone with access to social media, not just Americans and not just with cellphone (though they made it easier). Though yeah some parts of society are definitely being dragged in very easily. To be fair my niece (definitely not American) genuinely believed at one point the world had been attacked by UFOs and covid was being used to cover it up - she had video evidence - it was a rubber ducky superimposed over a thunder storm with laser effects, she could not be convinced otherwise 🤷‍♀️ 😂

[@ditavee]

@@SW-fn7cl yup, and if you don’t love everything he outputs you’re banned and not a fan, it’s sad. I actually love everything up to and including Adore, and much of the rest up to Cyr, and ATUM live is ok (studio is blah) but because I don’t love Cyr I am not allowed to be a fan, despite loving 90 % of BC’s work (including Zwan and his solo stuff).

[@mirapiccolo6601]

You don't need plastic surgery...you are beautiful and your videos are always interesting...greetings from Italy

[@godvillain]

Hi Justin, thank you for your musical thoughts & tales! I agree with a lot of what Keenan says about the industry, most of the time. I'm an artist in my country. It means I'm only known by a small audience, even the successful musicians out here are aware of my presence in music. But I'm not "successful", I'm not in the mainstream, and get constantly ignored by the industry. No gigs, no open doors for me. Why? Because I stick to the art, and guess what? I'm happier doing my art with integrity (I'm solid as a rock & I still roll). Sure, I had to learn to deal with constant rejection, we all do, but once I realized that my gift will always be intact and will always have an impact on someone, once I found that perfect spot in my mind, none of that affected me anymore. And I don't feel the need to go on an ephemeral App to try to be revelant. When a successful artist "starts to reek of desperation", doing things just to stay relevant, It's probably because they know there's a lack of value/substance in their art. If you do exactly what you want & love to do, your soul will be successful, and that is priceless. If your goal in life is to be relevant, you're really missing the point. But I already had a taste of what fame can do to us, and I can also see why those artists get to that point. Probably, just Probably, their label and the industry itself exert that pressure on them. You know what I'm talking about. Keep on riding! Cheers

[@ChrisAlvarezAlvarezImaging]

I still swear I hear a little Heart "Crazy On You" there at the end of the Jussstin Hawkins Rides Again...again signature intro. Love all your videos!

[@bigballz4u]

It's certainly not a cut and dry subject, because you can see some bands that are wildly successful and they stick to one formula for their whole careers, like AC/DC for instance. However, some bands found their success by experimenting. One prominent example of bands (arguably) blatantly chasing mainstream success was when the grunge movement happened. Many well known bands had a noticeably grungy, stripped down sound at the time. I wouldn't call it 'reeking of desperation,' because their core sound remained intact. Most of these bands are still successful to this day. I guess it's up to each individual musician to decide whether mimicking trends means sacrificing artistic integrity.

[@BarbaraAntoinetteVeronica]

Dear The Darkness, I can't wait to hear what you gentlemen have created for the new album. I'm so looking forward to it. BAV

[@zoesolanki961]

You are the most eccentric down to earth person I've ever come across. Love it!

[@paulya1269]

Yep 55 is the magic number. I’m almost 58 and bad things have accelerated in the last couple of years!😂

[@foolbart]

Hey Justin. Great channel. Have you ever listened well to 'Pushit' by Tool? Would love to hear your analysis and interpretation of that song.