Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan has shared a message of support for his longtime friend and former classmate, General Randy George. The four-star general and former Army chief of staff was abruptly asked to step down and take immediate retirement this past week at the behest of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to CBS News. The New York Times reported that his ouster was tied to “Hegseth’s long-running grievances with the Army and battles over personnel,” among other issues.
Keenan and George were classmates at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, in the early 1980s. In his tribute, Keenan recounted that while he “excelled in the military,” his true passion was always the arts. “When my heart spoke louder than the outside influencers and I declined my appointment to West Point, most of those around me saw it as a huge mistake,” Keenan wrote. “But a handful were very supportive. They knew me well enough to respect that decision. One of those supportive classmates was my cross-country teammate, Randy George.”
“I can’t even imagine how disappointed and upset he must feel for having been ‘asked’ to retire early,” Keenan continued. “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.”
