TOOL frontman MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN has made it crystal clear that retirement is absolutely not on his agenda! Despite undergoing a second hip replacement operation earlier this year, the 62-year-old progressive metal legend remains determined to continue performing, revealing that by Christmas he expects to have visited 18 countries and played 28 concerts across three different bands.
Some musicians might consider slowing down after more than three decades at the forefront of progressive and alternative metal.
Not Maynard James Keenan!
The unmistakable voice behind TOOL, A PERFECT CIRCLE and PUSCIFER has revealed that he has absolutely no intention of walking away from music, even after experiencing a painful hip injury that required major surgery in August 2026.
Speaking in a new interview with Metal Hammer, Keenan discussed his ongoing recovery, the physical demands of touring and why the idea of retirement simply does not appeal to him.
And in typical Maynard fashion, his response was as direct as it was uncompromising.
“Retirement is not a fucking option.”
The comments come after a particularly challenging few months for the musician, who suffered a sudden hip problem while touring Europe with A PERFECT CIRCLE.
Despite struggling to walk normally, Keenan completed the remaining performances before undergoing surgery.
And remarkably, he was back on stage with TOOL less than a month later.
🏥 Maynard James Keenan Undergoes Second Hip Replacement
The health problems began on 3 July 2026, while Keenan was in Luxembourg during A PERFECT CIRCLE’s European tour.
The singer explained that he had been following his usual routine, which involved walking several miles and visiting local coffee shops.
However, one morning he woke up and discovered that something was seriously wrong with his left hip.
The sudden problem left him struggling to walk.
Attempts to manage the pain through ice, heat and other measures proved unsuccessful.
With several concerts still scheduled, Keenan found himself facing a difficult situation.
Rather than immediately abandoning the tour, he continued performing while dealing with considerable discomfort.
He eventually began using a walking stick to help him move around.
After completing the shows, the singer contacted his medical team in the United States to investigate the problem.
He initially considered several possible explanations for the injury, including a torn labrum or a sprain.
Further medical assessment ultimately led to another hip replacement operation.
On 26 August 2026, Keenan underwent surgery in Los Angeles.
It marked his second hip replacement, following an earlier procedure in June 2015.
💀 “Retirement Is Not A F***ing Option!”
During his latest interview, Keenan was asked whether his recent health difficulties had made him consider retiring from music.
His response left very little room for interpretation.
The vocalist explained that he shares the attitude of THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue performing for as long as possible.
For Keenan, live music remains an essential part of his identity.
Although surgery and recovery present significant challenges, he regards those difficulties as problems to be addressed rather than reasons to end his career.
The singer’s determination is also influenced by his extraordinary touring schedule.
With three internationally successful bands requiring his attention, Keenan has an enormous amount of travelling and performing planned before the end of the year.
He revealed:
“By Christmas I’ll have been in 18 different countries with three different bands, having played 28 shows.”
That is an impressive workload for any touring musician, let alone someone recovering from major orthopaedic surgery.
And Keenan has made it clear that he intends to fulfil those commitments whenever he is medically able to do so.
🎸 Why Cancelling Concerts Was Never His Preferred Option
One of the most interesting aspects of Keenan’s comments concerns his attitude towards the fans who purchase tickets.
When he first revealed his surgery in August, the singer explained that he was particularly conscious of the financial commitments made by concertgoers.
Many fans travel long distances to attend performances.
Some book flights, hotels and transport months in advance.
Others arrange time away from work or organise trips around a particular festival or concert.
Keenan recognised that cancelling performances could leave those people facing significant financial losses.
That consideration helped motivate him to arrange his treatment as quickly as possible.
He explained that he had a limited window in which surgery could take place while still allowing sufficient time for recovery before his next performances.
His medical team were able to schedule the operation for 26 August, just days before the deadline he had identified.
Although his commitment to fans is understandable, recovery from hip replacement surgery varies between individuals, and returning to demanding physical activities requires appropriate medical guidance.
For Keenan, however, the goal was clear: recover sufficiently to continue the musical career he loves.
🔥 Back On Stage With TOOL Just 25 Days After Surgery!
Perhaps the most remarkable part of this story is how quickly Keenan returned to performing.
Just 25 days after undergoing hip replacement surgery, the singer was back on stage with TOOL at Riot Fest in Chicago on 19 September 2026.
The performance marked a significant milestone in his recovery.
Although he was still using a walking stick, Keenan was determined to take part in the band’s festival appearance.
The concert itself was affected by adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the band’s performance beginning and ending earlier than originally planned.
Nevertheless, the appearance demonstrated Keenan’s determination to resume his touring commitments.
For fans who had been concerned about his health following the August operation, seeing him return to the stage was welcome news.
However, his rapid return should not be viewed as a typical recovery timetable for hip replacement surgery.
The appropriate pace of rehabilitation depends on individual medical circumstances.
🎤 Three Bands, Three Different Musical Worlds
One of the reasons Keenan maintains such an extraordinary schedule is his involvement with three very different musical projects.
Although he is best known as the enigmatic frontman of TOOL, his work with A PERFECT CIRCLE and PUSCIFER has allowed him to explore different creative directions.
Each project has developed its own distinctive musical identity and loyal international fanbase.
🤘 TOOL – Progressive Metal At Its Most Ambitious
Formed in Los Angeles in 1990, TOOL have become one of the most influential bands in progressive metal.
The group’s current lineup features:
- Maynard James Keenan – Lead vocals
- Adam Jones – Guitar
- Justin Chancellor – Bass guitar
- Danny Carey – Drums
Their music combines complex rhythmic structures, atmospheric arrangements, philosophical themes and enormous instrumental power.
Albums including Undertow, Ænima, Lateralus, 10,000 Days and Fear Inoculum have helped establish the band’s extraordinary reputation.
Songs such as Sober, Schism, Forty Six & 2, The Pot, Stinkfist and Pneuma remain favourites among progressive metal audiences.
TOOL are also famous for their elaborate live productions, which incorporate dramatic lighting, immersive visuals and complex stage arrangements.
Despite the band’s relatively limited studio discography, their influence on modern heavy music is enormous.
🔥 A PERFECT CIRCLE – Atmospheric Alternative Rock
Formed in 1999 by Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Billy Howerdel, A PERFECT CIRCLE offer a different musical experience.
Their sound places greater emphasis on atmospheric arrangements, emotional songwriting and alternative rock influences.
Albums such as Mer De Noms, Thirteenth Step, eMOTIVe and Eat The Elephant have established the group as an important creative outlet for Keenan.
Songs including Judith, 3 Libras, The Outsider, Weak And Powerless and The Noose have become essential parts of the band’s catalogue.
The project has also allowed Keenan to explore more melodic vocal performances while retaining the darker atmosphere associated with his songwriting.
It was during A PERFECT CIRCLE’s 2026 European tour that his latest hip problems began.
🎭 PUSCIFER – Experimental Rock Without Boundaries
PUSCIFER represents perhaps the most unconventional side of Keenan’s musical personality.
Combining electronic music, alternative rock, industrial influences and experimental songwriting, the project frequently moves beyond traditional genre boundaries.
The band also incorporates humour, elaborate characters and theatrical storytelling into its performances.
Keenan works closely with musicians including Carina Round and Mat Mitchell, developing songs that combine electronic textures with atmospheric vocals and unusual arrangements.
PUSCIFER’s catalogue includes albums such as V Is For Vagina, Conditions Of My Parole, Money Shot, Existential Reckoning and Normal Isn’t, released in February 2026.
The latest album has provided the foundation for the band’s extensive international touring plans.
And with performances scheduled across Europe, the UK, Ireland and other international destinations, PUSCIFER will remain an important part of Keenan’s schedule for the remainder of the year.
🇬🇧 PUSCIFER Announce UK And Ireland Concerts For November 2026
There is particularly exciting news for British and Irish fans.
PUSCIFER are preparing to return to Europe later this month, with a series of concerts supporting their latest album, Normal Isn’t.
The tour begins in Stockholm on 25 October before visiting several European countries.
Four performances are scheduled across the UK and Ireland.
📅 PUSCIFER – UK & Ireland Tour Dates 2026
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 7 November | London | British Airways ARC |
| Sunday 8 November | Manchester | Manchester Academy |
| Monday 9 November | Glasgow | O2 Academy |
| Thursday 12 November | Dublin | The Helix |
The performances will offer fans an opportunity to experience PUSCIFER’s distinctive combination of experimental music and theatrical presentation.
American comedian and musician Dave Hill has been announced as support for the European headline dates.
For fans in Manchester, Glasgow, London and Dublin, the upcoming concerts represent another opportunity to catch one of Keenan’s most creative projects.
And given his recent surgery, there will undoubtedly be considerable interest in how the singer approaches the performances.
🌎 A PERFECT CIRCLE And PUSCIFER Join Forces For International Tour
Keenan’s schedule becomes even more demanding towards the end of November.
Beginning on 25 November 2026, PUSCIFER will join A PERFECT CIRCLE for an extensive international touring run.
The concerts will see Keenan performing separate sets with both groups on the same evening.
That means audiences will be able to experience two entirely different musical projects during a single concert.
The tour will visit Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Japan before concluding in Hawaii.
📅 A PERFECT CIRCLE With PUSCIFER – Confirmed Dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 25 November | Mexico City, Mexico | Estadio Fray Nano |
| 28 November | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Microestadio Argentinos Juniors |
| 29 November | Santiago, Chile | Hipódromo de Chile |
| 4 December | Adelaide, Australia | The Drive |
| 6 December | Melbourne, Australia | Rod Laver Arena |
| 8 December | Brisbane, Australia | Riverstage |
| 10 December | Sydney, Australia | Carriageworks |
| 11 December | Sydney, Australia | TikTok Entertainment Centre |
| 13 December | Auckland, New Zealand | Spark Arena |
| 15 December | Tokyo, Japan | Zepp DiverCity |
| 17 December | Osaka, Japan | Zepp Bayside |
| 19 December | Honolulu, Hawaii | Neal S. Blaisdell Arena |
The schedule highlights the enormous international demand for Keenan’s music.
It also explains why he was so determined to arrange treatment for his hip before the autumn touring commitments began.
With multiple performances across different continents, the singer faces a demanding period of travel and live music.
💿 Could TOOL Finally Release A New Album In 2027?
While Keenan focuses on touring and recovery, TOOL fans have another reason to get excited.
The band are continuing work on a new studio album, which could potentially arrive in 2027.
Drummer Danny Carey previously revealed that the musicians have been developing new material.
A 2027 release has been discussed as a target, although the group have not formally announced an album title or confirmed release date.
The record would follow 2019’s Fear Inoculum, which arrived 13 years after 10,000 Days.
TOOL have become notorious for the lengthy gaps between their studio releases, largely because of their intricate songwriting and meticulous approach to recording.
Their compositions frequently involve unusual time signatures, evolving arrangements and extensive instrumental development.
That attention to detail has helped create some of progressive metal’s most ambitious recordings.
Although fans will undoubtedly be hoping for new material sooner rather than later, the band have yet to confirm when the next album will be completed.
For now, the prospect of another TOOL record remains an exciting possibility.
🎬 TOOL At The Las Vegas Sphere?
Another intriguing possibility involves TOOL performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
The extraordinary venue has attracted considerable attention for its immersive visual technology and advanced audio capabilities.
Artists including U2 and METALLICA have already demonstrated how its enormous wraparound display can transform live performances.
Danny Carey has expressed interest in bringing TOOL’s music to the venue.
Given the band’s longstanding reputation for elaborate visual productions, the Sphere could provide a particularly interesting environment for their performances.
TOOL’s live shows frequently incorporate surreal imagery, animated sequences and complex lighting designs.
The opportunity to present those visuals across the Sphere’s massive screens would open up extraordinary creative possibilities.
However, no TOOL Sphere residency or concert dates have been officially announced.
For now, it remains something the band are interested in exploring rather than a confirmed project.
🖤 Age Is Not Stopping Rock’s Biggest Legends
Keenan’s comments also reflect a wider trend among established rock musicians who continue performing well beyond the age at which previous generations might have considered retirement.
THE ROLLING STONES remain one of the most prominent examples.
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger have continued recording and performing into their eighties.
Other veteran musicians have similarly demonstrated that a lengthy career does not automatically require retirement from music.
However, each artist faces different physical demands and health considerations.
For Keenan, the challenge is particularly unusual because he is balancing three different bands with contrasting musical styles.
Performing with TOOL requires a different vocal approach from A PERFECT CIRCLE, while PUSCIFER incorporates its own theatrical and musical demands.
Maintaining that workload while recovering from surgery is a considerable undertaking.
His determination is evident, but the ability to continue touring will ultimately depend on his health and recovery.
🔥 More Than Three Decades Of Musical Innovation
Since emerging with TOOL during the early 1990s, Maynard James Keenan has established himself as one of alternative metal’s most distinctive and influential vocalists.
His approach to music has frequently challenged conventional expectations.
Rather than concentrating on straightforward commercial songwriting, Keenan has explored philosophical ideas, emotional conflict, spirituality, psychological themes and unconventional musical structures.
His vocal performances range from intimate melodic passages to intense, aggressive delivery.
His work with TOOL helped introduce progressive musical arrangements to a wider alternative metal audience.
A PERFECT CIRCLE demonstrated his ability to combine atmospheric songwriting with powerful emotional performances.
And PUSCIFER allowed him to explore experimental music, humour and theatrical presentation without the expectations associated with his other bands.
Beyond music, Keenan has also developed interests in winemaking and hospitality, adding further dimensions to an already busy professional life.
It is clear that creativity remains central to his identity.
And judging by his latest comments, he has no intention of abandoning it.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN Isn’t Finished Yet!
Maynard James Keenan’s determination to continue performing after undergoing a second hip replacement is a powerful reminder of just how much music means to the musicians who create it.
At 62 years old, the TOOL frontman has already achieved an extraordinary amount.
He has helped redefine progressive metal.
He has created influential recordings with three internationally recognised bands.
And he has developed a musical identity that remains unlike almost anyone else in modern rock.
Yet despite those achievements, retirement is apparently the last thing on his mind.
His recent health problems have clearly presented significant challenges, particularly given the demands of his international touring schedule.
But rather than viewing surgery as the end of his performing career, Keenan has approached recovery as another obstacle to work through.
His consideration for fans who have already invested money in concert tickets, travel and accommodation is also noteworthy.
Of course, recovering safely from major surgery must remain the priority.
No concert is worth jeopardising someone’s long-term health.
Nevertheless, the fact that Keenan has already returned to the stage and is preparing for another extensive international run is encouraging news for fans.
With PUSCIFER returning to the UK and Ireland in November, A PERFECT CIRCLE preparing for further international performances and TOOL continuing work on new material, there is plenty happening across all three projects.
And if Keenan gets his way, there will be much more music to come.
Three bands. Eighteen countries. Twenty-eight concerts. Two hip replacements.
And absolutely no plans to retire!
MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN is keeping the music alive – one show at a time! 🤘🔥🎸
Stay tuned to The Riff Report Blog for more TOOL, A PERFECT CIRCLE and PUSCIFER news, upcoming tour announcements and everything happening across the world of rock and heavy metal.
