TOOL Singer Addresses 'Difficult Interview' Reputation

According to The Pulse Of Radio, TOOL singer Maynard James Keenan has addressed his reputation for being a very difficult interview in the latest installment of his bi-weekly online column for the Phoenix New Times. Keenan, who doesn't give a lot of interviews to begin with, has also been known to shut down during question-and-answer sessions depending on the journalist or situation. He explained in his column that it all comes down to the way the journalist presents the questions, saying, "The awesome writers strike up a conversation and my publicist has to cut us off 'cuz we're having too much fun. We call these people journalists. The lazy ones have a list of questions to which they've already anticipated the answers, so they don't bother listening to my responses. We call these people never again."

Keenan added, "There seems to be an epidemic raging out there. A whole lot of people are calling themselves professionals who really have no business doing so . . . Their skill is squeaking and moaning in order to get their way. Which is fine with me. It makes for easier targets."

The vocalist also brought up the fact that he was interviewed for his upcoming "semi-autobiography" by his co-writer on the project, who told him how "forthcoming" he was during their interview.

Keenan continued, "She said it stood in direct contrast to some — but not all — of my tight-lipped discourse she'd found online. Her guess was that the journalists in question lacked enthusiasm. Her understatement was correct. This is not the case with all journalists I've encountered, but unfortunately, it's the norm."

Keenan has told The Pulse Of Radio in the past that he's not fond of the idea of musicians being treated like celebrities. "There's this kind of idol situation that's been set up," he said. "I think it's out of proportion with what's real. It's hyped up by damaged musicians who need some kind of acknowledgement and need to fill that empty hole for attention, for recognition. I would like to see it get to the point where it's just people enjoying music for music's sake."

Keenan's other band, PUSCIFER, will release a new EP called "Donkey Punch The Night" in February, while TOOL is expected to issue its first album since 2006 sometime next year as well. Details on that, however, remain unclear.