Maynard’s 60th Birthday Celebration is Back for Round Two With an Incredible One-of-a-Kind Show – Photos and Review of the “Sessanta 2.0” : Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL

After an incredible run of sold-out shows last year, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus have once again joined forces for Sessanta 2.0, the extraordinary concert event celebrating Maynard James Keenan’s 60th (now 61st) birthday to visit some towns that missed out on the fun last time around. South Florida’s show was held at the legendary Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino—the striking guitar-shaped venue that dominates the Hollywood, Florida skyline— and the concert was more than just a regular, run-of-the-mill performance; it was a once in a lifetime musical odyssey, blending three the iconic bands into one seamless, unforgettable experience.

Unlike traditional tours where bands take turns playing full sets and have breaks in-between, Sessanta defies expectations with an innovative rotating show structure. The three acts—A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus—alternate, performing in waves, each playing three or four songs at a time before passing the baton to the next. This creates a dynamic, ever-shifting soundscape where genres blurred, and each band’s musicians frequently cross over to support one another. The result is a living, breathing collaboration, with artists from different worlds feeding off each other’s energy, and the crowd (a mix of die-hard fans from each group) roared with approval as the musical boundaries dissolved before their eyes. Each act brought their signature sound to the table, yet the transitions felt organic, as if the three groups were always meant to share a stage.

A Perfect Circle kicked off the festivities, and as Billy Howerdel’s haunting intro to “The Package“ filled the venue, fans rushed from the merch booth lines to their seats so they didn’t miss a minute. Between Billy’s atmospheric yet melodic guitar work, Maynard’s emotionally charged vocals and the rhythm section’s tight groove (featuring drummer extraordinaire Josh Freese back in the fold), A Perfect Circle brought a soaring intensity to the night and it was clear that the band was in top form. Breaking into “Dissillusioned“ and “Blue“, the band showcased their ability to build tension and release it in explosive crescendos. Keenan’s voice, as powerful as ever, soared over the intricate arrangements, proving that decades into his career, he remains one of rock’s most compelling vocalists.

Les Claypool and Primus took the stage next with their trademark eccentricity and funk-metal madness, delivering a dose of slap-bass wizardry and off-kilter rhythms. Starting off with fan favorite “Here Come The Bastards” along with deep cuts  “Groundhogs Day“ and “Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread“, the band’s signature weirdness had the entire crowd bouncing along to the wicked bass-lines. Claypool’s playful stage banter and virtuosic bass work was a welcome juxtaposition to APC’s melancholic guitars, and Primus’ new drummer John Hoffman showcased his chops as he exhibited to the crowd why he stood out above the rest during the band’s auditions. Primus set a fun change in tone for the evening—unpredictable, fun, and utterly original, and one which was continued by Puscifer as they took over after three songs.

When Maynard James Keenan returned to the stage and took the helm with Puscifer, the atmosphere shifted back into moody yet fun cinematic-styled undertones. Dressed in his signature eclectic style, Keenan led the band through hypnotic tracks like “Man Overboard“ and “Tiny Monsters“. The band’s electronic-infused laid-back art-rock provided a complementary contrast to Primus’ more frenetic energy. Puscifer’s set was a reminder of Keenan’s ability to reinvent himself and avoid being known as just “the singer from Tool“, blending his trademark dark humor with profound lyricism.

As Primus came back onto the stage, Maynard and fellow Puscifer vocalist Carina Round stayed behind, helping them sing their brand new collaboration “Little Lord Fentanyl“. The rest of the night continued on in a similar fashion, with each band playing 3-4 songs and then sitting on the back riser and watching the next band play, with no interruptions or set-changes save for one 10 minute intermission two-thirds of the way into the show.

The pinnacle of the evening came during the grand finale of the show, when all three bands converged onstage for a monumental rendition of Puscifer’s “Grand Canyon“. The song, already a sweeping, atmospheric piece, took on new life with Claypool’s bass grooves, Howerdel’s textured guitar layers, and Keenan’s commanding presence. The sight of these musicians, each a legend in their own right, sharing the stage—was nothing short of magical. As the final notes of “Grand Canyon“ echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted in an applause-laden standing ovation, fully aware that they had witnessed something rare and transcendent, a one-of-a-kind musical experience that they will talk about for years to come.