Maynard James Keenan (born April 17, 1964) is an American musician. He played in Tool since 1989 and A Perfect Circle since 1999).

Maynard was a KISS maniac when he was 12 in 1976. Like the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division and Robert Smith of the Cure, Maynard James Keenan (vocals) of Tool isn't afraid to unseal the hidden miseries of everyday existence. Born and raised in Ravenna, Ohio, Keenan joined the Army in 1982. Keenan attended the United States Military Academy from 1983 to 1984, but quit to pursue a career in art, enrolling at the Kendall College of Art and Design in Michigan.

In 1982 to 1986, he started college in September in the year he first joined the army.

In 1983 to 1987, Adam Jones started college in September in the year Keenan attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Keenan was a member of two bands, Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty and TexAns. Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty, also known as C.A.D., recorded one cassette, Fingernails.

In 1989, he formed Tool (his first band) with, Maynard James Keenan (singer), Adam Jones (lead guitar), Danny Carey (drums) and Paul d'Amour (bass, later replaced with Justin Chancellor).

While in L.A, Maynard's roommate was RATM guitarist Tom Morello.

In 1992, the release of Tool's debut album Opiate really didn't catch the eye of the world. It wouldn't be until next year, in 1993, that Undertow would be released. That album caught Maynard his big break. It also secured a spot at the early lollapalooza tours, which brought frontman Keenan into the spotlight of alternative rock stardom; Keenan's grim lyrics and cold, angst-laden vocals appealed to both goth rockers and heavy metal enthusiasts. A Kiss fan since his youth, Keenan covered "Calling Doctor Love" on the tribute album Kiss My Ass.

In 1995, Tool has returned and released second album, Ænima in 1996. Further widened the group's cult following.

In 2000, Keenan released Mer de Noms with his side project A Perfect Circle. The album was a critical and commercial success; it even reeled in Tool detractors with the relatively mellow track "3 Libras." Keenan followed Mer de Noms with Tool's third album Lateralus in 2001.

Discography

With Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty: With TexAns:
  • New Again (1987)

With Tool: With A Perfect Circle: