Happy 51st Birthday, Maynard James Keenan!

Maynard James Keenan turns 51 today. James Kennan, as he was originally known, was born in Ohio in 1964. I seem to recall him describing it as a rather stifling and close-minded place to grow up. He eventually moved in with his father in Michigan, where he graduated high school in 1982. After high school, Keenan joined the Army. It was during his days in the military he adopted the name “Maynard”. In the 80’s, he completed his term of enlistment in the Army, studied art in college, relocated to Los Angeles and worked in pet stores. In Los Angeles, a guy Keenan met named Adam Jones said they should start a band. The rest, as they say, is history. In addition to his musical endeavors – which include Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer – Kennan is in to wine-making. He owns Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars, based near Sedona, Arizona.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Tool in concert 4 times. Their show at the US Cellular Center in October 2001 is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. After nearly a decade, Tool is finally starting to piece together a new album.

Tool’s Discography:
• Opiate (1992) - EP
• Undertow (1993)
• Ænima (1996)
• Lateralus (2001)
• 10,000 Days (2006)

A Perfect Circle Discography:
• Mer de Noms (2000)
• Thirteenth Step (2003)
• Emotive (2004)