Unexpected crossovers and fan revelations can lead to surprising reactions from artists. One such instance occurred in 2019, capturing headlines and stirring conversations among fans across genres. The incident in question? None other than pop icon Justin Bieber expressing his admiration for Tool, and the band’s frontman, Maynard James Keenan, responding in a way that only he could.

Back in 2019, Bieber surprised many by sharing lyrics from Tool’s song ‘The Pot’ on his Instagram. This move showed a lesser-known side of the singer’s musical interests, which seem to have evolved over the years. After sharing the lyrics of the song, he wrote the following to his followers in a separate post:

“If you know what the song is to the lyrics I posted, write them down on my last post. Don’t look it up. Please, I’m curious if any of you know it.”

Keenan’s Reaction To Bieber’s Fandom

While some fans might not have recognized the reference, others likely discovered Tool through this interaction. Interestingly, during Tool’s guitar clinics last year, guitarist Adam Jones humorously remarked that he was listening to Bieber for inspiration for the band’s next album. This comment took on a new layer of irony, given Bieber’s display of fandom.

The news of Bieber’s Tool fandom eventually reached Keenan. In a tweet shared by Consequence, saying that Justin is a Tool fan, Keenan responded succinctly, writing:

“Bummer.”
Hailey Bieber’s Defense

Later, Justin’s wife, Hailey Bieber, defended the singer and wrote the following on social media in her response to Keenan:

“He [Justin Bieber] expressed he was a fan of your music. Grew up listening to your music. You must be unhappy with yourself that you want to make people feel small who express their admiration for you. Very childish and hurtful thing to do. I hope u find security within yourself. Sad place to be.”

This wasn’t Bieber’s first foray into the genre; back in 2016, he was often seen in Metallica and Iron Maiden shirts, lipsyncing to Ozzy Osbourne, and associating with Anthrax’s Frankie Bello. His metal phase also included a brief friendship with Marilyn Manson, later marred by a dispute over a $195 shirt with Manson’s design, released by Bieber without apparent permission.

You can see the tweet below.

It’s official: Justin Bieber is a Tool fan. https://t.co/RDTE8Ij1aA #JustinBieber pic.twitter.com/L5xlwKQoas

— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) July 11, 2019