On May 29, 2025, the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, St. Louis, was transformed into a sonic cathedral for the Sessanta V2.0 tour, a celebration of Maynard James Keenan’s 61st birthday, featuring A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus. This unique concert experience, where all three bands shared the stage and swapped musicians, delivered a night of raw energy, masterful musicianship, and unforgettable collaboration.
The evening kicked off with a seamless rotation of performances, a format that kept the audience on edge with anticipation. Primus opened with their signature funk-metal grooves, Les Claypool’s virtuosic basslines cutting through the warm Missouri air. Their set, including tracks like “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver,” was a masterclass in live performance, elevating their quirky studio sound to a visceral, larger-than-life spectacle.
Puscifer followed, with Carina Round’s electrifying stage presence complementing Keenan’s commanding vocals. Despite a slightly shrill mix on their opener, the band quickly found their stride, delivering tracks like “The Underwhelming” with theatrical flair. A minor critique: “Tiny Monsters” felt flatter than its studio version, but the band’s energy and interplay with the other acts more than compensated.
A Perfect Circle, the night’s anchor, was nothing short of transcendent. Billy Howerdel’s precision guitar work intertwined with Keenan’s haunting baritone, creating a soundscape that was both delicate and crushing. Songs like “Weak and Powerless” and “The Outsider” from Thirteenth Step resonated with the crowd, while “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums” (performed as a collaborative piece with all three bands) sent chills through the venue. The setlist also included stirring covers from eMOTIVe, such as John Lennon’s “Imagine,” reimagined with a dark, atmospheric edge.
The true brilliance of Sessanta V2.0 lay in its collaborative spirit. The bands rotated every few songs, often joining each other mid-performance, creating a fluid, dynamic show that felt like a conversation between musical giants. A standout moment was “Indigo Children,” where Keenan’s vocals soared alongside Primus’ rhythmic chaos and Howerdel’s melodic finesse—a memory that will linger for years.
The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre proved an ideal venue, its open-air setup amplifying the intimacy of the performance while accommodating the sold-out crowd’s energy. The only minor hiccup was the occasional distraction from ushers patrolling for phone usage, a reminder of the bands’ strict no-filming policy. While understandable, it momentarily disrupted the immersive experience.
Fans raved about the choreography of three bands sharing the stage, a logistical feat that preserved each act’s distinct sound while weaving them into a cohesive whole. One attendee called it “a religious experience,” a sentiment echoed by many who felt privileged to witness Keenan’s vocal prowess and the collective mastery of James Iha, Matt McJunkins, Jeff Friedl, and Josh Freese alongside Primus and Puscifer’s lineups.
The night wasn’t without its quirks—Maynard playfully gifted a cupcake to a fan, and Les Claypool paused to chat with a sign language interpreter, adding a human touch to the spectacle. These moments, combined with the music’s intensity, made the concert feel both monumental and personal.
In a city known for its musical heritage, this Sessanta V2.0 performance stood out as a triumph of creativity and collaboration. For those who missed it, the tour’s remaining dates are a must-see. A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus didn’t just perform—they redefined what a rock concert could be.
