May 15th, 2025 – If there’s one thing we’ve come to expect from Maynard James Keenan, it’s that he never does anything halfway. From the cerebral chaos of Tool to the melodic experiments of A Perfect Circle, and the satirical brilliance of Puscifer, Keenan has always operated outside the boundaries of conventional music. Now, in 2025, he’s doing it again — this time with the Sessanta Tour, a 60th birthday celebration that’s as unorthodox as the man himself.
Photos + Article by Keith Baker ( @avgjoe_photo )
The tour brings together A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus on a single rotating stage in a way that defies the typical concert format. Instead of consecutive setlists, the three bands share the stage in a fluid, collaborative performance that blurs the lines between each act. Musicians come and go, songs are reimagined live, and the transitions are seamless. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a living, breathing piece of performance art.
What Makes Sessanta Different
Fans who have followed Keenan through previous tours know the drill: tightly crafted sets, clear separations between bands, and a heavy focus on the individual identities of each project. But Sessanta rips up that blueprint.
Here are a few key things that make this tour stand out:
- Band Members Swapping Roles: It’s not uncommon to see Tim Alexander (Primus) sitting in with Puscifer or Billy Howerdel jumping in on a Primus track. The musicians rotate like gears in a machine built for improvisation.
- Genre-Crossing Medleys: Songs don’t start and end — they morph. A Perfect Circle’s “The Outsider” might bleed into a Puscifer number like “Horizons,” only to suddenly pivot into Primus’ “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver,” with Maynard and Les Claypool trading off vocals.
- Staging and Visuals: True to Keenan’s artistic sensibilities, the visuals are just as layered as the music. Think synchronized video projections, bizarre characters, and costume changes that make the whole show feel more like avant-garde theater than a typical rock concert.
- It’s a Celebration, Not Just a Tour: At its core, Sessanta isn’t just about the music — it’s about community. It’s a thank-you to the fans and a toast to the longevity of artists who continue to evolve. You don’t just attend a Sessanta show; you participate in a birthday ritual that feels both deeply personal and wildly absurd.
Happy Birthday, Maynard
As Maynard James Keenan turns 60, Sessanta feels like the perfect encapsulation of his legacy — subversive, brilliant, and unwilling to conform. He’s still pushing boundaries, still making us think, and still delivering performances that demand your full attention.
Happy Birthday, Maynard.
Thank you for decades of unforgettable music, thought-provoking art, and a refusal to play it safe. Here’s to the next chapter — whatever strange and beautiful form it may take.
