Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicAfter contracting COVID-19 in February, Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan issued a very strong message to those who claim the pandemic is a hoax.
In a recent interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the “Pneuma” singer expressed his profound distaste of conspiracy theorists who believe the virus isn’t real.
In fact, Keenan, 56, has found himself wrapped up in a conspiracy theory, with truthers claiming that he was paid to claim he contracted the virus.
When asked about that, the Tool frontman noted that those people — in a much less delicate way — should take a hike.
“I still have the cough,” Keenan noted when opening up about the virus’ residual effects, saying his coughing fits can last up to 10 minutes at a time. “So I have lung damage from it still.”
The rocker says that, although he recovered from the illness months ago, his lingering symptoms are more besides just coughing.
Keenan, who practices Muay Thai, says that his lung capacity is still greatly diminished so it has made practicing and training very difficult. Because of that, he added that he isn’t as motivated as before.
Beyond the lungs, he says COVID-19 somehow affected his hands and wrists, which has made them painful to move without medication.
“My hands never hurt this badly,” Keenan explained to Rogan regarding when he first began exhibiting symptoms, saying he had to go on a form of chemotherapy — methotrexate — to comfortably use his appendages.
“Maybe I didn’t almost die [but]I have friends who almost died,” added Keenan. “It was ugly.”
By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
