A Perfect Circle, Primus And Puscifer Celebrate Maynard James Keenan’s 60th Birthday With The Epic Sessanta Tour At Hard Rock Atlantic City
The Sessanta Tour, featuring A Perfect Circle, Primus, and Puscifer, emerged as a profound testament to the enduring impact of Maynard James Keenan and his musical journey. Celebrating Keenan’s 60th birthday, the tour has served as a vibrant mosaic of creativity, weaving together the distinct sounds and philosophies of each participating band. As news of the tour rippled through the music world, it sparked anticipation and nostalgia among fans, igniting conversations about the collective influence these three iconic groups have had on the landscape of alternative rock and metal.
Across cities and venues, the Sessanta Tour has left an indelible mark on audiences, transcending mere entertainment to become a reflection of artistic evolution and collaboration. A Perfect Circle’s haunting melodies, Primus’ eccentric virtuosity, and Puscifer’s avant-garde experimentation converged to create a kaleidoscope of sonic experiences, captivating listeners and reminding them of the boundless possibilities within the realm of rock music. Through their performances, these bands not only celebrated Keenan’s milestone but also reaffirmed the enduring relevance of their collective legacy, inspiring a new generation of musicians and fans to explore the depths of creative expression. Tonight at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, fans will experience this once in a performance and go on a musical journey like no other.
A Perfect Circle would kickstart tonight’s festivities and was nothing short of mesmerizing, captivating the audience from the moment they took the stage. Opening with “The Package,” the haunting melodies and ethereal vocals of Maynard James Keenan swept through the venue, enveloping listeners in a cocoon of introspection and emotion. As the band seamlessly transitioned into “Disillusion,” the atmosphere intensified, with Billy Howerdel’s intricate guitar work weaving intricate tapestries of sound. Keenan’s vocals soared to new heights, his voice carrying a raw, visceral power that resonated with every member of the audience. The performance reached its crescendo with “The Contrarian,” a sonic onslaught of intensity and passion that left an indelible mark on all who bore witness. A Perfect Circle’s performance was a testament to their ability to evoke profound emotion and introspection through their music, solidifying their status as one of rock’s most innovative and captivating acts.
Primus would hit the stage under the silhouette of darkness, to take the fans on an electrifying journey through the eclectic and eccentric realms of their musical universe. Kicking off with the frenetic energy of “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers,” Les Claypool’s thunderous bass lines reverberated through the venue, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As the band segued seamlessly into the groovy rhythms of “Too Many Puppies,” Larry LaLonde’s guitar work added layers of complexity to the sonic tapestry, while Tim Alexander’s drumming provided a steady pulse that drove the song forward with relentless momentum. The audience erupted into cheers as Primus launched into the militaristic march of “Sgt. Baker,” Claypool’s vocals evoking images of chaos and carnage amidst the cacophony of sound. Closing out their set with the infectious energy of “Here Comes the Bastards,” Primus delivered a performance that was equal parts irreverent and virtuosic, leaving the audience exhilarated and hungry for more. And they wouldn’t have to wait long.
Next, it would be Puscifer’s turn. They wasted no time captivating exploration of atmospheric soundscapes and innovative musical textures. Beginning with the haunting melodies of “Galileo,” Maynard James Keenan’s ethereal vocals transported the audience to distant galaxies, where cosmic echoes danced amidst pulsating beats. As the band delved deeper into their set, “Horizons” enveloped the venue in a dreamlike haze, with electronic pulses intertwining with Keenan’s mesmerizing vocals to create an otherworldly experience. Transitioning seamlessly into “Indigo Child,” Puscifer continued to push the boundaries of sonic experimentation, layering intricate rhythms and hypnotic melodies to create a sonic tapestry that defied categorization. With their inventive stage setup and mesmerizing visuals, Puscifer’s performance was a testament to their ability to captivate and enthrall audiences with their unique blend of artistry and innovation. This would be just a taste of their brilliance on stage, with plenty left to dazzle the crowd.
As Primus took the stage amidst a wave of anticipation for round two, the opening notes of “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver” reverberated through the venue, instantly electrifying the atmosphere. Les Claypool’s distinctive basslines throbbed with an irresistible groove, setting the tone for the band’s signature blend of funk-infused rock. Larry LaLonde’s guitar work added a layer of complexity to the composition, while Tim Alexander’s thunderous drumming propelled the rhythm forward with unrelenting force.
Transitioning seamlessly into “My Name Is Mud,” Claypool’s gritty vocals brought the song’s narrative to life, his delivery filled with equal parts swagger and menace. LaLonde’s razor-sharp riffs sliced through the air with precision, complementing Claypool’s basslines in a display of musical synchronicity. The crowd erupted into cheers as Primus delved into the irreverent storytelling of “Tommy the Cat,” Claypool’s vocals morphing into a feline growl as he embodied the titular character. LaLonde’s guitar solo soared with virtuosic flair, while Alexander’s drums provided a steady backbone for the band’s sonic escapades.
As Puscifer returned to the stage, anticipation rippled through the audience like a palpable wave. Opening with the hypnotic rhythms of “Flippant,” the band immediately captured the attention of the crowd, drawing them into a sonic dreamscape with Maynard James Keenan’s haunting vocals leading the way. Transitioning seamlessly into the sultry melodies of “Momma Sed,” Puscifer enveloped the venue in a seductive haze, blending electronic beats with soulful vocals to create an atmosphere of sensual intrigue. The energy surged as they launched into “Bullet Train to Iowa,” the pulsating rhythms driving the song forward with relentless momentum, while the haunting echoes of “The Underwhelming” provided a hauntingly beautiful conclusion to the set. With each performance, Puscifer reaffirmed their status as masters of sonic experimentation, pushing the boundaries of genre and creativity to captivate and enthrall audiences with their mesmerizing artistry.
As A Perfect Circle returned for their second round of performance, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, knowing they were about to embark on yet another spellbinding journey through their discography. Opening with the haunting strains of “The Hollow,” Maynard James Keenan’s emotive vocals soared through the venue, commanding attention with their raw intensity. Transitioning seamlessly into “So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish,” the band unleashed a wave of sonic complexity, blending intricate melodies with powerful rhythms that reverberated deep within the soul. As the set progressed, the haunting ballad “Judith” served as the grand finale, Keenan’s impassioned delivery resonating with palpable emotion as he navigated the song’s haunting narrative. Each performance was a testament to A Perfect Circle’s ability to evoke profound introspection and emotion, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness to their mesmerizing artistry.
As Primus unleashed the opening chords of “Southbound Pachyderm” at the Sessanta Tour, the venue erupted into a frenzy of anticipation. Les Claypool’s thunderous bass lines set the stage for a mesmerizing performance, accompanied by Larry LaLonde’s intricate guitar work. However, the highlight of the night came when Tim Alexander, Gunnar Olsen, and Josh Freese took center stage for an explosive drum battle. Their synchronized rhythms reverberated through the venue, each drummer showcasing their virtuosic skills with precision and flair. As the crescendo built to a crescendo, Maynard James Keenan, ever the witty frontman, quipped, “and they call that, a drum beatoff,” eliciting laughter from the crowd. The drum battle reached its climax as the three drummers engaged in a frenetic display of percussion prowess, their thunderous beats shaking the venue to its core. It was a moment of sheer musical brilliance that left the audience in awe of Primus’s unmatched musicianship and stage presence.
For one last go around, each band delivered a final performance that left the audience breathless with awe. A Perfect Circle took the stage one last time, enchanting the crowd with the haunting beauty of “Kindred.” Maynard James Keenan’s emotive vocals soared over the audience, weaving a tapestry of emotion and introspection that lingered in the air long after the final notes faded away. Puscifer followed with the ethereal “No Angel,” transporting listeners to otherworldly realms with their blend of electronic beats and atmospheric melodies. Maynard James Keenan’s captivating stage presence and soul-stirring vocals held the audience in rapt attention, creating a moment of profound connection and emotion. Finally, Primus closed out the night with the irreverent energy of “Pablo’s Hippos,” unleashing a whirlwind of funk-infused rock that had the crowd dancing and cheering with unbridled enthusiasm. Les Claypool’s virtuosic bass lines and the band’s infectious energy brought the individual performances of the evening to a triumphant close.