Tickets to a Concert by Pink Floyd
14th May 2024Only Murders in the Building – Steve Martin and Martin Short
15th May 2024Berkeley — From its weather to the music, this sold-out show at Red Rocks will remain unforgettable. Puscifier, A Perfect Circle and Primus joined forces for Sessanta: Maynard James Keenan’s 60th Birthday celebrations.
Three bands performed songs from their Sessanta EP releases: “Kindred” by A Perfect Circle, “No Angel” from Puscifer and “Pablo’s Hippos” from Primus.
Vocalist Maynard James Keenan
Keenan has led an extraordinary life. Not only has his distinctive voice been an integral component of two iconic rock bands, he’s an Army veteran with an acclaimed West Point degree in military history, was an accomplished high school poet, worked as pet store display specialist and music video set assistant assistant, earned a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, among many other accomplishments.
At 60, Michael Buble still sounds in top form and remains one of his signature musical genre-switchers.
At Sessanta, Keenan showcased both Puscifier songs as well as those from A Perfect Circle’s most recent release, 2018’s Eat the Elephant. His voice shone powerfully on songs like acoustic ballad “Disillusioned” and rocker “The Contrarian.” Carina Round also brought in birthday trinkets for Keenan before joining in on “Grand Canyon.” It marked an extraordinary evening that showcased two of music‘s greatest voices simultaneously.
Bassist Les Claypool
Few musicians are as prolific and quality-focused as Les Claypool while remaining busy enough to remain consistent in his output. He can move effortlessly between projects – often waiting years between returning to past musical projects – but the results always make the wait worthwhile.
He released two live albums featuring a version of his Frog Brigade group known as the Fancy Band – one in 2006 and another with DVD included – before going solo and recording his 5 Gallons of Diesel album in 2007. Additionally, he appeared as himself in Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo as one of its stars.
Claypool continues his professional musical activities by playing bass with Puscifer and has released a collaborative song with Tom Waits. Additionally, he enjoys fly fishing and reading Steinbeck, Hemingway, and Bukowski (his favorites being Steinbeck, Hemingway and Bukowski) as well as flying his own plane and playing his Cinnamon Burst Gibson Les Paul guitar.
Guitarist Larry LaLonde
Larry LaLonde has long paved his own musical exploration. His unique guitar style and pioneering playing techniques have had an indefatigable effect on many aspiring musicians; he remains an inexorable force that pushes the limits of music.
LaLonde has performed with several acclaimed bands, such as Possessed, Blind Illusion, Corrupted Morals, and No Forcefield. His virtuosic playing style has earned the respect of musicians of all genres.
Keenan, LaLonde and Alexander regrouped to form Primus in 1989 and released two albums: Suck on This and Frizzle Fry respectively in 1989 and 1991 respectively. Next came 1995’s Tales from the Punchbowl which went onto top charts across many countries; their 2022 EP Conspiranoid features remixes by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross as well as Tool’s Justin Chancellor and Failure’s Greg Edwards remixing its title track remix of its title track which features Tool’s Justin Chancellor as well as Failure’s Greg Edwards remixs on its title track from all three bands!
Drummer Tim Herb Alexander
Primus drummer Tim Herb Alexander experienced a heart attack and required open-heart surgery in 2014. Due to this event, he missed part of their tour schedule where Tool’s Danny Carey filled in for him temporarily; however he eventually rejoined three months later.
As an accomplished guitarist, he fronted Laundry – an instrumental rock band featuring Les Claypool on bass and Larry LaLonde on guitar – that released two albums during the early-90s. Their music had heavy prog-rock influences that would later influence musicians such as King Crimson and Tool.
The trio was in perfect sync as they performed “Galilieo,” “Tiny Monsters,” and “Indigo Children.” Their sound was powerful yet intimate and perfectly showcased Keenan’s vocal stylings – an exceptional way to commemorate Keenan’s 60th birthday! Before performing at this show, A Perfect Circle, Puscifier, and Primus released an EP called Sessanta E.P.P.P containing three tracks entitled Kinred,” No Angel,” and Pablo’s Hippos” which were co-written by Keenan who leads both groups!
