Maynard James Keenan recently criticized alpha male culture and manscaping trends. He shared his thoughts on how Puscifer’s new song “ManTastic” was inspired by these observations in an interview with Kerrang.
The Tool frontman explained how watching UFC and its sponsors led to the creation of the track. He specifically targeted what he sees as contradictions in modern masculinity.
“I was watching UFC and they’re sponsored by all these weird f*cking things, and one was manscaping. Then I had to listen to a bunch of f*cking alpha male douchebags talk about how they’re alpha maley, right? And it’s like, ‘Don’t you f*cking wax your balls? Like, you’re manscaping and carving up your fucking pubes,'” Keenan said.
He continued to elaborate on the contradictions he observed in this behavior.
“I want to watch you explain the f*cking alpha maleism of waxing. I don’t know. I think it’s just this weird tribalism, in a way, this, ‘(Puts on macho voice) What kind of creatine are you drinking?’ It’s a weird caricature of ourselves,” he continued.
Keenan’s fascination with UFC extends far beyond casual viewing. This makes his critique of the sport’s culture particularly pointed. Loudwire reported that the musician is such a dedicated fan that he sometimes brings an iPad onstage during concerts to watch fights featuring fighters like Thug Rose or Nate Diaz while still performing.
This unusual habit was even called out by UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Rogan confirmed that Keenan actually does watch fights during his live performances. The practice demonstrates just how deeply embedded UFC culture is in Keenan’s daily life. It makes his observations about the sport’s sponsors and associated masculinity trends all the more authentic.
Keenan’s connection to the UFC world goes beyond just watching from afar. He has appeared live at UFC events, including UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona, in 2021. This further cements his status as a genuine fan of the sport rather than a casual observer making surface-level critiques.
The musician’s willingness to call out what he sees as contradictory behavior in modern masculinity reflects his broader artistic approach of challenging societal norms. His commentary on the manscaping industry and alpha male culture provides insight into how contemporary advertising and social trends influence his songwriting process.
The comments provide insight into the inspiration behind Puscifer’s latest material and Keenan’s perspective on contemporary masculine culture. This perspective is rooted in his genuine engagement with the very community he’s critiquing.
