In an interview with Rolling Stone last October, in addition to his already boastful music career, being the frontman for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifier, as well as his success as an accomplished winemaker, and all his other projects, Maynard James Keenan had discussed working with writer/editor Sarah Jensen on an authorized biography. Fans were in feverish speculation post interview, getting a glimpse of the cover online on a book site set off a frenzy of pre-orders for the book, and up until now fans have only been able to access the abridged version of the rocker’s story. However, it will all change because announced today was the official authorized release of Keenan’s A Perfect Union of Contrary Things.
Maynard is looking to share his early life with his fans, to when he was not the huge superstar he is today, in the interview he explained “There’s always that perception that whatever you’ve done that’s the largest media-friendly thing in your life, where the world came to know of you, there’s a perception that there was no life before, and that you were nothing before. There’s a lot of stuff that went on in my life that nobody really knows about. So I feel like this is the chance to show the patterns, tell a story.”
The book presents the fans with an in depth look into the outtakes, the disappointment, the triumph, and all the events that led him to explore surprising opportunities. Guiding readers through the twists and turns of his life, sometimes told in humorous anecdotes through Maynard’s own words, but also includes commentary from his friends, family members, mentors, and industry colleagues, all weaved into the narrative of the writer Sarah Jensen. The book also features a foreword by Alex Grey, an American visionary artist and longtime friend of Keenan.
Chronically rolling out Keenan’s journey, Jensen has known the artist for nearly three decades, giving her the most insight into the rock n’ roll musician’s crazy life. From spending his childhood in the Midwest to later heading to the army and continuing on to art school, from his time working at a pet shop in Boston to his arrival to the international spotlight, and then moving on to regional wine making. Jensen makes sure to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the dedicated and versatile artist, paying tribute to the place and people that shaped his life.
The book also features old photos from Maynard’s childhood and up until today. Presenting his story as a metaphor for the reader’s self evolution and encouragement to pursuing one’s own dream, holding on to your integrity while working tirelessly to fulfill your own creative potential, this seems to be an inspirational book for the ages, especially for any rock fan out there. The book will be released on November 8th via Backbeat Books.
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