Sessanta 2.0: A Perfect Circle, Primus & Puscifer Hit Budweiser Stage in Toronto [Photos]

Back in 2024, Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan crafted a U.S. limited tour called “Sessanta” to celebrate his 60th birthday.  Sessanta is the Italian word for “60.” The run was so unique and well-received that Keenan rolled out Sessanta 2.0 for a larger tour in 2025.

The concept was simple: take three bands, have all three drum kits set up at once, and have each band take turns playing a few tunes for three “acts” over the course of the night. A Perfect Circle, Primus, and Puscifer, who are solid headliners in their own right, take the stage each night and seamlessly move through the giant 31-song setlist. The rear of the stage was raised and showcased all the drum kits, with staircases down each side. Couches were perched at the ends of the riser for the artists not currently playing to relax and enjoy the show.  Their proximity to the stage made the changeover to the next band a less than 30-second affair. Save for a short intermission halfway through, the music didn’t stop for nearly two and a half hours.

The three bands’ sounds, vibes, and fan bases complemented each other well. While the age-old concept of having an upcoming opening band and one headliner might not be going anywhere, this multi-band co-headlining, sharing the stage experience, might take hold as well.

The night played like a greatest hits collection. With the bands working a track each from the 2024 Sessanta E.P.P.P. album into the evening.

Opening the night, A Perfect Circle delivered a powerful set that captivated the audience. The band began with “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums” from their EP eMOTIVe, featuring Keenan’s commanding presence at the front of the stage, a departure from his usual position in the shadows at the back of the stage.  The set continued with “Disillusioned” from Eat The Elephant and “Blue” from Thirteenth Step. Drummer Josh Freese, back with the band after his recent exit from the Foo Fighters, showcased his exceptional skill, along with bassist Matt McJunkins providing the dynamic backbone that APC is known for. Guitarists Billy Howerdel and James Iha, bookended on the stage, unleashed their enormous signature sonic wall.

Primus injected a dose of eccentricity into the evening with their distinctive sound and theatrical flair. The lean trio packed a generous punch. Les Claypool’s virtuosic bass playing and Larry LaLonde’s quirky guitar riffs have been a staple in the alternative scene for decades. And after a very public search for a new drummer recently, John “Hoffer” Hoffman joined Primus in spring 2025 for his first tour. Previously a YouTube/social media drumming sensation, he now calls some of the biggest stages home. His rock-solid drumming and stage presence are a perfect fit for the chaotic and frantic Primus style. The band performed classics like “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver,” “Too Many Puppies,” and “My Name Is Mud,” each delivered with their signature humour and energy.

Puscifer’s set was a blend of avant-garde visuals and experimental rock. The performance featured surreal video interludes and playful moments, as Keenan and Carina Round traded haunting vocals, bringing the band’s eclectic catalogue to life. “Man Overboard” and “No Angel” were standouts. The band’s setlist included tracks from all their studio albums.

Highlights for the show included Round and Keenan doing their vocals on the brand new Primus/Puscifer collab track called “Little Lord Fentanyl.” A whimsically dark little synth and bass-driven ditty released as a single in 2025. Primus’ “Pablo’s Hippos” featured Keenan as well. Hoffman sat in with Puscifer for a couple of tracks, “The Humbling River” and “Polar Bear.”

Round sat in on a couple of APC’s tunes, “The Contrarian” and “The Doomed.” Round and Keenan’s vocals melt together deliciously.

Primus, being a solid rhythm-based band, would be a waste if all three drummers weren’t used at least once on a show like this. “Southbound Pachyderm” was the perfect piece for the job. Keenan offered his prowess on the cowbell, as well.

Over the course of the evening, each band had three sets each. And for the final bow, all three bands took the stage to crush Puscifer’s “Grand Canyon.” This writer’s concert career spans decades. And this concert concept ranks near the top for its immersive show experience and interesting artist collaborations on stage.

Sessanta (A Perfect Circle, Primus, & Puscifer) @ Budweiser Stage (Toronto, ON) on May 22, 2025

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