For years Tool soloist Maynard James Keenan He adopted a variety of flamboyant looks during his live performances, from blue-painted trunks to prosthetic enhancements, from riot attire to punk-inspired mohawks.

close friend and primus bassist/vocalist Les Claypool He similarly made a name for himself with elaborate masks and theatrical costumes, such as the pig mask in the “Mr. Krinkle” video and many other headgear he wore over time.

While these outfits may seem like they’re just part of the show, the reality behind them is more personal. During a recent joint interview Kyle Meredith…, keenan And clay pool He explained that the costumes and masks were initially born out of a need to address his insecurities about performing in front of a crowd.

clay pool he reflected on his early career and said this (via: PRP), “For me, my whole singing career started with me doing nothing but playing characters for many years. Because I was so distrustful of my vocals, I was taking on all these characters; I was just pretending to be one.” Mel Blanc“For lack of a better explanation.”

He said he became comfortable with his own voice in the early 2000s, especially after working with music. Sean Lennon. However, he still thinks that stepping into a character gives him an advantage during performances. “I still enjoy stepping into the characters. It makes things easier for me. And I think it makes for a better performance. And I’ve always been interested in a lot of country music and a lot of folk music, kind of a fairytale, you know, ‘‘John Henry’ or ‘Amos Moses’. These songs made me listen a little more. So I wrote these songs with these characters and then they became the characters because I didn’t know…”

clay pool He also added that seeing audiences interact with the costumes (like the recent trend of fans dressing up as bananas) inspired him to bring more energy to the stage: “Masks have become such a staple over the years that it’s just like anything else, whether it’s anything else.” That’s the great thing about being able to go to the show. sessanta or primus shows or Frog Brigade It seems to me that I have Halloween a few days a year. Whether I’m wearing something or I see people in the audience. You know, there were a lot of bananas in the audience lately. I love it. You know? There are a lot of bananas wandering around the audience. And I think this is the best. “This makes me happy and inspires me to go one step further on stage.”

keenanShe also shared what her experiences with wigs, make-up and costumes were like – especially those featured in her work Puscifer project – allowed itself to be filled with self-doubt. “It’s a different sound, but it’s also – you know, just like Carrion he said – it initially comes from insecurity in being able to express yourself and having something to hide behind a little bit while you’re trying to figure out who you are on that stage. So, you know, then it becomes something that you do, because eventually you find… As musicians or artists, we’re trying to figure things out, but we’re also there to entertain. “So I think it’s helpful to wear the costume to remind myself that I’m there to have fun, not just to solve some weird daddy issues.”

But when it comes to performing Tool, keenan‘s presence on stage contrasts with his flamboyant appearance. Rather than taking center stage, he often stays at the back and is perched on a riser. He clarified the choice by pointing out technical reasons: ” PusciferI’m always ahead. And a lot of it is just logistics for audio, like having all these amplifiers. Dannyoctopus drums and you know, justintremendous bass. It’s nearly impossible to stay ahead of the mix in the front of the house. So being near the drums and behind the guitar amps actually helps separate the sound from a technical standpoint. And, you know, it’s such a big show that I just… We’re just talking about an extra six or eight feet, so I’m not sure what the big deal is.”

both keenan And clay pool We will be hitting the road again next year for another leg of the Sessanta tour. A Perfect Circle, primusAnd Puscifer performing together. While there’s no word yet on whether they’ll record another collaborative EP, fans are undoubtedly eager to see what new characters and looks they’ll reveal next. Tickets available here.

4/24 Palm Springs, CA Acrisure Arena
4/25 Las Vegas, NV PH Live at Planet Hollywood
4/27 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
4/29 San Antonio, Texas Freeman Coliseum
5/1 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
5/2 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
5/4 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
5/6 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Seminole Live at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
5/8 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
5/10 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
5/11 Virginia Beach, VA Home Loans Amphitheater at Veterans United Virginia Beach
5/14 Manchester, NH SNHU Arena
5/15 TD Pavilion at Mann Center in Philadelphia, PA
5/17 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Center for the Arts
5/18 Fairfax, VA EagleBank Arena
5/20 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Event Center
5/22 Toronto, Budweiser Stage
5/24 Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Music Center
5/25 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
5/28 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
5/29St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
5/31 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater
6/1 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
6/3 Omaha, Northeast Baxter Arena
6/6 Portland, OR RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
6/7 Auburn (Seattle), WA White River Amphitheater