Maynard James Keenan Talks Puscifer, Stage Fright, And More

The rock legend discusses his upcoming Puscifer tour, his 61st birthday plans, and the creative process behind the band's new album.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in high-contrast studio lighting to convey the experimental and gritty nature of Maynard James Keenan's music.The shattered textures and dramatic lighting of Maynard James Keenan's Puscifer performance evoke the raw energy and boundary-pushing spirit of the legendary rock icon.Ravenna Today

Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of the band Puscifer, discusses his upcoming tour, his 61st birthday plans, and the creative process behind the band's new album 'Normal Isn't'. Keenan talks about how he's looking forward to reconnecting with people from his childhood in the Ravenna, Akron area, and how the new Puscifer album explores diverse sounds and genres while pushing creative boundaries.

Why it matters

Maynard James Keenan is a legendary figure in the rock music world, known for his work with bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. This interview provides insight into Keenan's creative process, his approach to live performance, and his personal life as he celebrates his 61st birthday, offering fans a unique glimpse into the mind of this influential artist.

The details

In the interview, Keenan describes the new Puscifer album 'Normal Isn't' as an eclectic and boundary-pushing work that defies genre conventions. He explains how he and his collaborator Mat Mitchell are focused on honoring the individual instruments and sounds rather than trying to appeal to commercial algorithms. Keenan also discusses his ongoing struggle with stage fright, describing the live performance experience as 'terrifying' but also an adrenaline rush that requires intense focus to avoid mistakes.

  • Maynard James Keenan will celebrate his 61st birthday on April 17, 2026.
  • Puscifer will perform at the historic Fox Theater in Detroit on April 18, 2026, one day after Keenan's birthday.

The players

Maynard James Keenan

The frontman of the band Puscifer, known for his influential work with other rock groups like Tool and A Perfect Circle.

Mat Mitchell

Keenan's collaborator on the Puscifer album 'Normal Isn't', known for his focus on honoring individual instruments and sounds.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you don't, really. You have to just listen. There's a lot of stuff out there nowadays.We just did an interview with Rick Beato, and one of the things we were talking about off-camera was just how, the last couple decades, everything's just kind of been homogenized, and the way people are writing, they're like using algorithms to appeal to, I don't know, shoppers, I guess.”

— Maynard James Keenan, Frontman, Puscifer

“If that's how you think, and that's how you write, then it's not stock for you. It's just, it's just kind of how you, it's, that's what you do. I get it. It's just not what we do. None of my projects are that. That's, it's just the kind of people that we, we gravitate towards that just don't think rhythmically in the box. We always think outside the box.”

— Maynard James Keenan, Frontman, Puscifer

“It's really, every night, every night is terrifying. You don't know how it's going to go. Um, yeah, it's a, it's a challenge, but that's what live music is, right? That's why you're going to see it. We're literally alive right now. We might not be alive tomorrow. So that's why I would encourage you to come to the show, because you don't know what you're getting tomorrow. Live music. We're alive today. Come see us today while we're alive.”

— Maynard James Keenan, Frontman, Puscifer

What’s next

Fans can see Maynard James Keenan and Puscifer perform live at the Fox Theater in Detroit on April 18, 2026, one day after Keenan's 61st birthday.

The takeaway

Maynard James Keenan's creative approach with Puscifer continues to push the boundaries of rock music, blending diverse genres and sounds while maintaining a deeply personal connection with his audience through his honest and vulnerable stage presence.