Tool electrified fans with an unexpected performance during a concert featuring Maynard James Keenan’s bands A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus. The surprise show was part of the celebrations for Keenan’s 60th birthday, held during his ‘Sessanta Tour’.
The event took place at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on the evening of April 20. Towards the end of the night, Keenan introduced Tool members Danny Carey, Adam Jones, and Justin Chancellor. In a light-hearted moment, he referenced Carey’s preference for elaborate drum kits, remarking, “Danny’s up there, like, ‘You call this a fuckin’ drum set! Where’s the rest of it?’” This was just before Tool, joined by Primus’ Les Claypool, delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Ænema’.
Typically, the concert maintained a strict no-filming policy until the final song, typically Puscifer’s ‘Grand Canyon’. However, for this special occasion, Keenan permitted the audience to record Tool’s exceptional performance.
The evening was also notable for reunions and farewells. Original A Perfect Circle members Paz Lenchantin and Troy Van Leeuwen returned for a nostalgic performance of ‘Judith’. Meanwhile, the show marked the last appearance with A Perfect Circle for drummer John Freese before he set off on tour with the Foo Fighters. It had been confirmed the previous month that Freese would reunite with A Perfect Circle for the tour, his first time playing with the band in 13 years.
This tour marks A Perfect Circle’s first series of performances since their 2018 tour across the US and Europe, which supported their fourth studio album ‘Eat The Elephant’.
The ‘Sessanta Tour’ will proceed with several more dates, concluding at the Flushing Hills Stadium in New York on May 4. Tickets for the remaining shows are still available.
In addition, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus have recently collaborated on the release of a joint EP titled ‘Sessanta E.P.P.P’, further cementing their collective musical journey.
