Tool’s Maynard James Keenan Discusses ‘Random’ Billy Strings Sit-In

One of the most exciting and unusual collaborations of the year came earlier this month when guitarist Billy Strings joined Tool for “Jambi” at the progressive-metal act’s concert in Salt Lake City. Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan talked about Billy Strings‘ guest spot during an recent interview.

Maynard James Keenan spoke with host Chuck Armstrong for an episode of Loudwire Nights that premiered on Monday, October 23. Armstrong noted he was a big fan of Billy Strings and pointed out how the guitarist called the opportunity to perform with Tool “an incredible honor” on his social media. The host then mentioned Keenan said something similar on his Instagram about Strings and compared watching Billy play to seeing “Earl Scruggs perform.”

Armstrong went on to ask Keenan how the collaboration came together as Tool rarely invites special guests to share the stage. “I think it’s very random. Usually, you see some friends are in towns that are musicians,” Maynard said and explained it was Tool drummer Danny Carey that set up the sit-in. “I asked Danny, how the fuck did this come about?” Keenan continued. “He said, ‘yeah we played with him … he played near us at Bonnaroo and then he was playing in Utah the night before’ and Danny just reached out. I said, ‘So you haven’t met this guy before?’ He said, ‘No.’ Okay. And go.”

“The end result was pretty cool,” the host stated. “Yeah, it was great,” Maynard replied. Chuck Armstrong brought up the possibility of more special guests joining Tool in the future. “It’s totally random, so it wouldn’t be anything we would plan. So, you never know,” the vocalist responded.

Keenan also discussed the next Tool album. While bassist Justin Chancellor mentioned in an interview the band may head into the studio after their spring tour to record the follow-up to 2019’s Fear Inoculum, the frontman wasn’t as quick to share his enthusiasm. “I never mention anything until we actually have it in our hands because every time I say it out loud, it runs farther away, like Groundhog Day,” Maynard said. “To get people wound up and excited about something that doesn’t exist, I think it’s irresponsible.”

Other topics hit upon were , Keenan’s wine journey and the Sessanta tour. Head to Loudwire to listen to the complete interview.

Check out photos and videos of Billy Strings’ Tool guest spot below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyTzv36PjBS/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyZUoxWJPrv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyWL2pKL_PA/?hl=en

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Source: JamBase.com