Tool‘s Maynard James Keenan has shared a statement in support of his ex-West Point Academy classmate General Randy George, who was recently asked to reitre.
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The four-star general was recently forced to take immediate retirement by US Defence Secretary Pete Hesgeth, which comes amid US President Donald Trump‘s war with Iran. It’s been reported that the move was tied to “Hegseth’s long-running grievances with the Army and battles over personnel,” among other issues, as per the New York Times.
Keenan and George were classmates at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, in the early 1980s, and Keenan has now shared a lengthy message of support for his friend.
The musician took to Instagram yesterday (April 5) to share images of himself and George at the distinguished military academy. “A few thoughts on my old friend, General Randy George,” he wrote, before explaining that after high school, the “reality of tuition” caused him to re-evaluate his dream of becoming an artist and find another route.
“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,” he continued.
“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,” he wrote.
However, when the time came to make a decision, Keenan said he declined an appointment, which many of his peers saw as a “huge mistake”.
“But a handful were very supportive,” he added. “They knew me well enough to respect that decision. One of those supportive classmates was my Cross Country teammate, Randy George.”
Keenan noted that George went on to a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of four-star general and U.S. Army Chief of Staff. “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,” Keenan said. “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.”
In other news, Keenan recently spoke about his other band, Puscifer’s, new album ‘Normal Isn’t’ . On the long-awaited follow-up to 2020’s ‘Existential Reckoning’, he said: “With any music that we’re doing, there’s an element of trying to challenge yourself and break your own mould.
“I think it helps as an artist to, instead of just settling into a process, find a way to throw yourself back to the beginning and start over.”
Meanwhile, Tool are reportedly in talks for a Sphere residency next year, which could coincide with a new record.