Tool’s Maynard James Keenan says they “made a mistake” by not embracing streaming platforms sooner

nme.com:

Maynard James Keenan of Tool has said that the band “made a mistake” in their decision to keep their music off streaming platforms for so long.The band famously first made their back catalogue available on online platforms in 2019, having only previously allowed fans to access their music via physical formats.Following their music’s long-awaited digital release, the group’s third record – 2001’s ‘Lateralus’ – immediately topped the albums chart on Apple Music’s iTunes, seeing off competition from Billie Eilish and the soundtracks to Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Lion King, and The Greatest Showman.Now, looking back, frontman Keenan has said he regrets not making the move sooner, admitting he had wanted to 20 years prior but waited until his bandmates “caved”.Speaking on the Allison Hagendorf Show, Keenan said: “I feel like we missed the boat.

Like it started with downloads, you know, 24 years ago, and then by the time we actually came out, downloads are done. We missed 20 years of reaching two generations of people to understand what it is that we do, in a format that, you know… I don’t like listening to the mp3 version.

I listen to CDs and vinyl.”He continued: “But that’s the gateway to get them into the vinyl and the CDs. And I feel like we made a mistake not being on those mediums for 20 years.

Me every year, saying, ‘We should do this.’”Though their music was well-received once it was uploaded, Keenan went on to say he feels the band missed an opportunity to reach new generations in the meantime. “Well, fans that knew about it.