Maynard James Keenan, the renowned frontman, engages in a multitude of activities beyond his celebrated music career, making him a multifaceted artist. Recent discussions reveal his candid responses to critics who insist he should “stick to writing songs.” It’s fascinating how music artists often attract unsolicited opinions regarding their pursuits beyond the stage, whether it involves voicing opinions on global issues or indulging in personal hobbies.

For Keenan, whose talents span across three prominent rock bands, his passions include wine-making, jiu-jitsu, and co-owning an innovative record store that doubles as a vibrant live music venue as well as a coffee and ramen shop. This unique establishment, previously known as Puscifer the Store, recently relocated to Cottonwood, Arizona, and has been rebranded as Queen B. Vinyl Café, further solidifying its eclectic charm and community engagement.

During a recent episode of Bert Kreischer’s Bertcast podcast, Keenan and Kreischer delved into the phenomenon of online opinions, particularly how social media enables instant critiques from the public. The conversation took an interesting turn when Keenan recounted a moment while roasting coffee and assisting his wife in the store when he encountered a disparaging comment online: “Stick to fucking writing songs, bro.”

Keenan, who frequently shares updates about his coffee shop on various social media platforms, chose not to disclose where the critical comment originated. However, his intended response to such negativity is what truly resonated during the discussion, showcasing his commitment to his diverse interests.

“Here’s the thing buddy — I have written, recorded, released, and performed more songs than you ever fucking will. In fact, from this day forward, I will continue to write, record, release, and perform more songs than you ever fucking will, ever,” Keenan passionately expressed, emphasizing his dedication to his craft while dismissing detractors.

READ MORE: Maynard James Keenan Names Three ’90s Bands He Thought Would Be Huge (But Weren’t)

“But you can’t say that, because then you’re engaging and you’re getting sucked into the hole,” he explained. “Just the idea of going out of your way to comment negatively… I just can’t fathom how he types with his knuckles!” His humorous take on the situation highlights the absurdity he sees in online negativity.

As the conversation progressed, Keenan unveiled his exciting plans to delve into two new industries — gin and chocolate. He stated, “We’re working on a gin project; we have an entire profile, a patented recipe, a distiller, and even packaging and a name. We’re just not ready to reveal it yet.” This venture into craft gin showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to explore diverse creative outlets.

Keenan further elaborated on his foray into chocolate, which was inspired by Todd Fox’s suggestion to explore cocoa beans, given the popular pairing of wine and chocolate. This new venture reflects his continuous pursuit of unique experiences and flavors, reinforcing his reputation as a creative force.

Watch the full conversation below.

Maynard James Keenan’s Bold Rebuttal to Critics of His Artistic Ventures