Sessanta V2.0 Brings The Party To Opening Night at Ruoff Music Center
Featuring A Perfect Circle, Primus, & Puscifer

2025-05-26

Noblesville, IN. – “Now that’s how you f*cking do 61 years!” exclaimed frontman MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN at the end of the show for his birthday celebration tour named SESSANTA V2.0 – a continuation of his 60th birthday tour from last year that features Maynard’s two bands A PERFECT CIRCLE and PUSCIFER, along with PRIMUS. They had so much fun last year, they decided to do it again; this time bringing the party to RUOFF MUSIC CENTER to open the 2025 season with a BANG!

Departing from traditional concert structures, “SESSANTA V2.0” was a jaw-dropping, genre-bending spectacle! The show was an immersive journey into the mind of one of modern rock’s most enigmatic figures, blending haunting melodies, eccentric stage antics, and an undeniable aura of creativity. From the moment the first notes struck, it was clear that this wasn’t just another concert; it was a celebration of Maynard’s entire musical legacy. The only ones missing from the party was Maynard’s bandmates from TOOL.

A PERFECT CIRCLE featuring band members BILLY HOWERDEL (lead guitar), JOSH FREESE (drums), MATT MCJUNKINS (drums), and of course the “man of the hour” MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN kicked the night off with their signature atmospheric sound that left the crowd in awe. The band’s intricate, brooding music along with Maynard’s piercing vocals effortlessly cut through the dense, moody instrumentation the band is known for. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, with each song building in intensity, drawing the audience deeper into Maynard’s world. What stood out most, though, was how Maynard’s presence could transform a song from mere rock to an emotional experience – his voice, as cutting as ever, truly carried the weight of every lyric.

After a brief birthday acknowledgment, PUSCIFER’S CARINA ROUND rolled out a cart full of party favors and a birthday cake for Maynard. The crowd erupted into a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Maynard blew out the lone candle. With smiles all around, members of A PERFECT CIRCLE then made their way to the couches flanking the stage, settling in to enjoy the next act: the one and only PRIMUS!

PRIMUS featuring LES CLAYPOOL (bass/vocals), LARRY ‘LAR’ LALONDE (guitar) and JOHN HOFFMAN (drums) brought an entirely different energy to the night. Full of irreverent, funky fusion of rock and metal, Claypool, ever the virtuoso bassist, led the band with his quirky stage presence and eccentric solos, creating a playful contrast to the heavier tone of A PERFECT CIRCLE. The crowd, while already buzzing from the intensity of the previous act, couldn’t help but get swept up in the chaos and fun of PRIMUS’ set with their unique blend of humor and technical prowess.

Finally, PUSCIFER took the stage featuring CARINA ROUND (vocals/keyboards), MAT MITCHELL (guitar/programming/keyboards/synth), GREG EDWARDS (bass), GUNNAR OLSEN (drums) and MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN (vocals). If the night hadn’t already been a visual and audio feast, it certainly was now! PUSCIFER’S performance was the most theatrical of the evening, with intricate choreography between both Maynard and Carina and a mix of both lighthearted and deeply philosophical moments. As the self-proclaimed “multimedia art project”, PUSCIFER delivered an immersive experience blending electronic beats with rock influences with Maynard’s voice, now slightly more subdued and introspective, guiding the crowd through a reflective journey.

The visuals through out the night were stunning, with abstract projections that played off each band’s eclectic, almost surrealist energy. What truly made the performance unforgettable was the seamless integration of the music with the entire theatrical experience, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of Maynard’s artistry. Throughout the night, it was impossible to ignore the connection between all three bands. Though each project has its own unique sound, they all share the distinct mark of Maynard’s artistic vision – introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and a willingness to explore the boundaries of rock and performance. The audience felt like they were experiencing not just a concert, but a celebration of an artist’s incredible journey. It was a reminder of how MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN’S work spans genres, emotional landscapes and even mediums, making him one of the most distinctive and influential voices in modern music.

SESSANTA V2.0 was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a testament to the enduring impact of an artist whose work continues to challenge, captivate, and inspire. Fans left the venue with a deeper appreciation for Maynard’s unparalleled ability to transcend musical boundaries, and with the feeling that they had just witnessed something truly extraordinary!

SETLIST: NOBLESVILLE, IN.

ACT I:

A PERFECT CIRCLE: THE PACKAGE, DISILLUSIONED, BLUE

PRIMUS: HERE COME THE BASTARDS, GROUNDHOG’S DAY, DUCHESS and the PROVERBIAL MIND SPREAD

PUSCIFER: MAN OVERBOARD, TINY MONSTERS, INDIGO CHILDREN

ACT II:

PRIMUS: LITTLE LORD FENTANYL, WELCOME TO THIS WORLD, MY NAME IS MUD, JERRY WAS A RACE CAR DRIVER

PUSCIFER: FLIPPANT, NO ANGEL, BULLET TRAIN TO IOWA, THE ALGORITHM

A PERFECT CIRCLE: THE CONTRARIAN, THE DOOMED, WEAK AND POWERLESS, THE OUTSIDER

ACT III:

PUSCIFER: THE HUMBLING RIVER, POLAR BEAR, THE REMEDY

PRIMUS: PABLO’S HIPPOS, TOO MANY PUPPIES