1/19/07, 6:11 pm EST

Assignment Two Finalist: Chrys Buckley - 10 Questions for Tool’s Maynard James Keenan

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Note: This is not an official Rolling Stone article. What follows is a submission to the “I’m From Rolling Stone” writing competition.

by Chrys Buckley
Age: 25

1. Tool’s lyrics are intelligent, in-depth and impressive, including references to Carl Jung, obscure spiritual teachers, ancient Egypt, astrology. What’s your process for writing such layered lyrics?

2. How important is the order of the songs on your albums?

3. According to other interviews and commentary, one of the themes in your most recent release, “10,000 Days” is your mother. How did her paralysis help shape your views, especially about religious hypocrisy?

4. On “Lateralus” the spiritual becomes more present in your lyrics than on previous albums. This continues on “10,000 Days,” especially in the song “Right in Two.” How does your spiritual evolution inform your lyrics?

5. I read somewhere that your home is set up according to sacred geometry. What does that mean for your interior design?

6. On some “rock groupie” website, fans said that backstage you kicked girls out for not knowing who the Vice President is. What is Tool’s backstage really like and are there intelligence entrance exams?

7. So much in your lyrics, especially on “Aenima” is about personal discovery, embracing the shadow self. What gives you the courage to explore the dark places?

8. It’s rumored that “Aenima” was recorded at Rennes-le-Chateau, a castle rich in occult mystery that allegedly inspired “The Da Vinci Code.” What are your feelings on the occult and Grail mysteries?

9. Another rumor is that Tool has visited Roswell and Area 51. In your new song “Rosetta Stoned” it seems you’re describing a drug-induced encounter with divine aliens who’ve chosen you as a messenger. What are your real thoughts and beliefs about extraterrestrial life?

10. Are you the Chosen One?