Maynard James Keenan is mourning the death of his father, Mike Keenan.
The Tool singer shared a touching tribute to his dad on Instagram over the weekend, including several photos and the following eulogy, disclosing that his father passed away “peacefully”:
“My Father, Mike Keenan, also my Wrestling coach and HS Teacher, passed early yesterday. He went peacefully in his room. And for those of you who knew him, that sounds quite boring. He lived an interesting life. He was Recently described as “Wild and Ungovernable.” Just one example: Over a year ago he was hit by the train in Scottville on his way home from a pow wow. Survived, but refused to go to the hospital for fear they would keep him from going competitive skiing in Helsinki in 7 days. With broken ribs. Totaled the truck. MY truck, btw. Hit by the train that only comes through Scottville once a month. This was my father. And he will be missed. Be Ungovernable. Be Wild. We will miss you, Mike.”
In the photos that Maynard shared, it’s striking just how similar Maynard and Mike look, with the son a spitting image of his father.
Maynard’s parents, Judith and Michael, separated in 1968 when Maynard was four years old. His father moved to Scottville, Michigan, and after Maynard’s mother suffered severe medial issue in 1976, a young Maynard made the choice to move in with his dad. The singer later credited this decision with allowing him to explore music.
Our condolences go out to the Keenan family during this difficult time. You can see Maynard’s social media tribute to his late father below.