Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan has opened up about the band’s long-standing decision to keep their music off streaming platforms, admitting it was a “mistake.” Despite their massive success following their catalog’s 2019 digital release, Keenan expressed regret for the lost opportunity to reach new generations of listeners sooner.
Key Takeaways from Keenan’s Interview:
- Missed Generations: Tool famously withheld their music from streaming for 20 years, finally making their back catalog available in 2019. Keenan revealed that he had pushed for the move earlier but waited until his bandmates “caved.” He believes the band missed out on reaching younger audiences during that time.
- Impact of Digital Release: After going digital, Tool’s 2001 album Lateralus topped Apple Music’s iTunes chart, overtaking artists like Billie Eilish and movie soundtracks from The Lion King and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
- Corey Taylor’s Thoughts: Slipknot’s Corey Taylor commented on Tool’s delayed streaming debut, suggesting the band likely secured a favorable deal with their label to ensure proper compensation, especially ahead of the release of their album Fear Inoculum.
Reflecting on the delayed shift, Keenan admitted, “We missed 20 years of reaching two generations of people… It’s not on your phone, and that’s the gateway.” Though Tool’s music was embraced once it became available, Keenan acknowledged that younger listeners weren’t exposed to their work sooner.
Source: NME
