Maynard James Keenan‘s decades spent fronting alternative metal outfits like Tool and A Perfect Circle, and his more theatrically inclined alt-rock project Puscifer, have made him a household name in many metal and rock circles. While Keenan now stands as an enigmatic icon of the field — and a successful entrepreneur by his own right — his early life path was headed in a much different direction.
Diehard fans are no doubt aware that Keenan‘s early years found him channeling his efforts into the military, even managing to excel to a stint at a preparatory school for the prestigious United States military academy West Point in the early 1980s. As it turns out, one of Keenan‘s classmates during that time was Randy George, a career military man who went on to obtain the rank of four-star general. As Keenan‘s passion for the arts won out over a potential military career and led him to other pastures, George was one of the few classmates to offer support for that change of heart — a kindness Keenan hasn’t forgotten.
Up until this past week, George had been serving as the chief of staff of the United States Army — that is until April 02nd, when Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asked George to vacate his post and retire. That change in employment status of his old friend prompted Keenan to reflect on their friendship in a newly shared social media post, which he made yesterday, April 04th.
In it Keenan reflects on their shared past and hopes to catch up and return the encouragement and support George showed him decades ago.
“As long as I can remember I wanted to be an artist in some way. Visual, musical, performing. Wasn’t certain what. Just that the Arts was where I was supposed to be. However, after H.S. graduation, the reality of tuition set in. My family were living on a teachers salary. Not much left over after bills. Grants and student loans weren’t going to cover it.
So I joined the Army to take advantage of the Army College Fund. And as it turns out, I excelled in the military. Not what I was expecting. I was awarded Distinguished Graduate from both basic and advanced training. Then after many many rounds of testing I was chosen to attend U.S.M.A.P.S. and to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point.
As you can imagine most of my classmate at West Point Prep were there with a singular mission. To be a West Point graduate and serve in our military. Focus, drive, a plan, and zero compromise. I, on the other hand, was one of the few with doubts and inner conflict.
So when my heart spoke louder than the outside influencers and I declined my appointment to West Point, most of those around me saw it as a huge mistake. But a handful were very supportive. They knew me well enough to respect that decision. One of those supportive classmates was my Cross Country teammate, Randy George.
If you’ve been wading through the flood of news lately, you may recognize that name. Randy went on to be a Four Star General and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army. He was approaching his 40th year of service. I can’t even imagine how disappointed and upset he must feel for having been “asked” to retire early. So I’m just here to return that favor of support. We’re here for you, Randy. Might be time for a beer or three. See you soon.”
