The name: Sessanta. The premise: Celebrate Maynard James Keenan’s 60th trip around the sun. The scene: packed. Three bands. Three drum kits. A plethora of guitars and amps. Innumerable microphones and multiple synths. A two-tiered stage complete with velvet couches and stairlifts. Keenan knows how to party.
It was immediately clear this would be no ordinary concert. Keenan said so himself early on in the show, and with three bands trading songs (and at times members) along with the outlandish stage setup, the audience knew they were in for a spectacle.
With no opening act, the show began promptly at 8PM, beginning with a short video of Keenan in costume warning fans against using their phones or taking photos or videos during the show. A Perfect Circle took the first set of the night, opening up with “The Package,” followed by two other songs before ceding the stage to Primus. Primus, the only band on the lineup not helmed by Keenan, too played three songs, including “John the Fisherman” using the intro to Rush’s classic “YYZ” to introduce the track.
As Primus left the stage, Puscifer took the reins for their first set of the evening, closing out their three songs with “Indigo Children.”
Each band played three sets, followed by performances of new music from an EP created specifically for the tour (also titled Sessanta), and a grand finale composed of all three bands on stage at once, with the final setlist comprised of 29 different songs. Between the second and third acts, a 10 minute intermission allowed fans time to rush to the merch stands and concessions, while a video of Keenan in a hospital gown entertained those still in their seats.
Between sets, members of all three bands relaxed on couches positioned at either side of the stage, seemingly joining in with the music at any time they wished. Notable collaborations included Keenan joining Primus for a version of their classic track “Tommy the Cat,” with Keenan taking the role of the titular feline, and Les Claypool (wearing a pig mask) joining A Perfect Circle for “So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish.”
To cap off the show, all three bands re-emerged onto the stage for a combined rendition of Puscifer’s “Grand Canyon.” With two vocalists, three drummers, and a plethora of guitarists and bassists on the stage at once, and the crowd allowed the privilege of recording the final number, the venue was awash in awestruck fans.
Happy 60th Maynard. Thanks for letting us join the party.
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
