Sessanta, a celebration for storied vocalist Maynard James Keenan’s 60th birthday made it’s way to Tennessee on April 10th. Inside the confines of an old quarry, First Bank Amphitheater provided a beautiful backdrop of rocks and lights for the performing acts. Bringing along two of Keenan’s acts, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, as well as friends Primus.
The unique setup allowed for all equipment on stage at the same time, with a riser in the back for 3 separate drum kits, making for a nearly continuous 3 hour evening of live music. Each act would perform a few songs, sometimes joined by members of the other bands before swapping out to the next act.
Opening the evening with A Perfect Circle, Keenan took a moment in the show opener ‘The Package’ to grab a cupcake while whispering the lyrics “This is mine” as he shows it off to the crowd. While Keenan’s actual birthday is still upcoming, Primus drummer Tim Alexander’s birthday was on this evening. Primus bassist Les Claypool announced Alexander as one of the greatest drummers and snugglers he’s ever known.
The evening would have plenty of quirky and funny moments, as to be expected for a Keenan led show. Including videos about being turned into spam if caught using your phone during the show, as well as brief intermission video with Keenan in a hospital bed attempting to crack jokes. A Perfect Circles’ drummer Josh Freese took the stage for their second set in a full ghillie suit, which he would perform the next few songs in. Pre-show Freese was staked out attempting to scare unsuspecting band and crew members walking into the venue in the suit.
During Primus’ first set of music, Claypool took a moment to introduce his friend Billy Strings. Strings would then take over vocals and lead guitar duties on the track ‘Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver’ to the crowds excitement. Primus would continue on playing some of their more well known tracks, including a version of ‘Tommy the Cat’ with Keenan on lead vocals.
In contrast to the darker lit stage for Primus and A Perfect Circle, Puscifer lit up the stage and the crowd. Keenan along with vocalist Carina Round worked the front edge of the stage as well as up and down the steps leading to the drum riser along the back. The more colorful lighting was the most visually pleasing sets of the evening.
The last set of the evening featured each acts newest songs, part of the Sessanta EPPP. Keenan would again join Primus for the newer tune ‘Pablo’s Hippos’ to end the main set of the night. This lead to all 3 bands quite literally filling up the stage for the closing track of the night, Puscifer’s ‘Grand Canyon’. A beautiful way to end the evening of celebration and friendships.
