Maynard James Keenan recently discussed the vocal challenges and stage limitations that prevent certain Puscifer songs from being performed with Tool. He shared his insights in an interview with Rick Beato.
The Tool and Puscifer frontman specifically addressed the technical difficulties of performing “Pendulum,” a song that pushes his vocal range to its limits.
“A song like that [‘Pendulum’], you do it and then you go, ‘Sh*t, can I play this live?’ Because it is a pretty low vocal register. So, we did it,” Keenan said. “We filmed it at The Exchange downtown, but I literally had to be in the back corner away from cymbals, amps, everything, because I had to be able to hear the vocal live. So, I think that was the most nerve-wracking part of that song — performing that live — is making sure that it I could hear myself.”
Keenan explained how the different band setups create distinct performance environments that affect his vocal capabilities.
“That’s it. As far as being able to play live, that’s the bottom of the range… And I could do that with this band. I couldn’t do that with Tool. Because all the ambient noise on stage with Danny’s [Carey] drums and Adam’s [Jones] 16 guitar amps and the bass and everything, I wouldn’t be able to do a song like this with Tool. Because it’s just too loud on stage. Because I can get up behind these instruments for Puscifer. And the drums are way over there… I can get away from them,” he continued.
The technical challenges Keenan describes reflect the broader differences between his various musical projects and their distinct performance requirements.
“Pendulum” appears on Puscifer’s 2013 album Conditions of My Parole, which earned recognition for its artistic merit. The PRP reported that the album received a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package, highlighting the visual and conceptual elements that define Puscifer’s multimedia approach.
Tool’s stage setup creates an intense sonic environment that makes low-register vocals particularly challenging. The band’s configuration features Danny Carey’s expansive drum kit and Adam Jones’s multiple high-volume guitar rigs. This generates significant ambient noise that would make songs like “Pendulum” nearly impossible to perform without vocal isolation.
Puscifer continues to evolve as what Need A Ticket described as “a constantly evolving multimedia art project” rather than a conventional band. This artistic flexibility allows Keenan to explore different vocal territories and stage arrangements that wouldn’t be feasible with Tool’s heavier, more amplified setup.
The project has upcoming performances scheduled, including a show on May 15, 2026, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans can experience the unique staging that enables Keenan to perform his most vocally demanding material at this venue.
The comments highlight the practical considerations that influence which songs can be performed across Keenan’s different musical projects. They demonstrate how technical limitations can shape artistic expression in live performance settings.
