Maynard James Keenan doesn’t have the same vocal delivery as he did in his early years.
The singer joined an interview with Kerrang! and talked about the changes in his vocals:
“There were approaches to vocals when I was 28 that I can’t do now, so there’s no point in trying to replicate it – it’s just not going to work.”
Then, he referred to Scorpions’ Klaus Meine and said:
“Everybody’s voice is affected by ageing, with the exception of that dude from the Scorpions [75-year-old Klaus Meine]. Jesus Christ! That guy still hits the notes… it’s like, ‘F*ck you, man!’ Things change – so again, you have to pivot and come up with things that do work. Don’t bother putting your worst foot forward on a song you can’t do – you can adjust a song to make it work, or just write for where you are and age with it.”
Danny Carey Is Also Aware Of Keenan’s Struggles
Another Tool member, Danny Carey also reflected on how Keenan’s vocal abilities changed over the years in a chat with Rick Beato earlier this year. He shared how Tool picks their setlist based on Maynard:
“I mean we obviously… we’re playing a lot of the ‘Fear Inoculum’ stuff now. Whatever the current record is gonna take precedence, but when it comes to the older songs, it’s kind of what Maynard’s voice can handle. He’s no spring chicken either, man, and it’s a lot harder when your instrument is your body.”
Keenan previously admitted that some Tool songs are now too hard for him to sing due to age. He shared on Steve-O’s Wild Ride that he’s had to change his singing approach to avoid hurting himself and now writes music that fits his voice better.