Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan shared insights about his early musical journey and Tool’s formation on his personal website, maynardjameskeenan.com.
Keenan’s statement detailed his progression from mid-1980s musical ventures to Tool’s formation. He revealed how local music scene criticism sparked the band’s creation.
“Circa 1985-1987. My first foray into the world of a Performing Musician. Started as the bass player in TEX & the Anti Nazi Squad aka The TexANS. I was the opposite of good,” Keenan recalled.
Keenan then described his next musical project and equipment investments.
“So I started Children A.D. as singer/songwriter. Already had the Hohner bass (Junior Varsity Steinberger) a Peavy amp and cabinet, and a RAT distortion pedal. Bought a Tascam 4-Track, Korg SuperDrums, and a BOSS delay pedal. The results of which were also not good,” he continued.
His early attempts produced modest releases. However, his satisfaction with these projects remained mixed.
“Tex-A.N.S. and Children A.D. released 2 cassettes each. Quite a few lessons learned, but mixed feelings about all of it. So I hung it up and decided to put the idea of being in a band behind me. Until late 1990-early 1991,” he explained.
An unexpected challenge became the catalyst for Tool’s formation.
“Tool started on a dare. While hanging out at some Hollywood Alternative rock shows during the year 1990, a stranger grew weary of having to listen to my cynical criticism of the many many mediocre local bands. He said, ‘If you think you can do better, why don’t you try?’ So I did,” Keenan revealed.
This candid account illuminates the origins of one of alternative metal’s most influential bands.
Historical recordings present a more nuanced view of Keenan’s artistic development, despite his modest self-assessment.
Metal Injection documented TexA.N.S.’s significant recordings from late 1986. The band recorded tracks like ‘Tweeked & In God We Trust’ and ‘Who Leads You’ with Keenan on bass and vocals.
Former keyboardist Mike Meengs preserved these early recordings. Kerrang noted how these recordings offer fans unique insights into Keenan’s pre-Tool musical evolution.
The historical recordings have found renewed interest in recent years. Loudwire reported that former band members released these rare 1986 live tracks online. Fans can now trace Keenan’s artistic journey toward Tool’s creation.
These preserved recordings document Keenan’s remarkable transformation. They chart his path from a self-described inexperienced musician to the frontman of an innovative alternative metal band.
