Sessanta V2.0 Brings the (Birthday) Party to the X

The concept seemed almost too ambitious to pull off successfully: three distinctive bands weaving their performances together in celebration of one man’s milestone birthday.

Matt McJunkins parties like a rockstar. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

Yet Sunday night’s nearly three-hour Sessanta V2.0 performance at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center proved that with the right pieces on the chessboard, ambition coupled with genuine artistic collaboration can result in something unique and extraordinary.

Maynard James Keenan, in the shadows as he prefers. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

The word “Sessanta” translates to “60” in Italian. The tour, featuring the bands A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus, originally began in April 2024 as a tribute to Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan reaching the six-decade mark that month. But the groups had such a great time performing in this format that they rolled out V2.0 in 2025 to keep the encore going. This second leg of the tour once again kicked off in late April, and it wraps up on Saturday.

Sessanta 2.0 Tour. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

This is actually the third time Keenan and Friends have converged for a performance to mark one of his notable birthdays. In 2014, three bands came together for a two-night event called “Cinquanta,” which means 50, as you’ve likely guessed.

The Maynard James Keenan, birthday boy. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

In Minnesota’s capital city, the stage was set for a night to remember. And what a cool stage it was. Three drum kits commanded a massive riser at the back, while the floor accommodated an impressive array of instruments and equipment. Most memorably, two chairlifts (reminiscent of the one used by the crabby Mrs. Deagle in the movie Gremlins) flanked the drum setup, which were used to great comedic effect throughout the night.

Carina Round of Puscifer. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

This elaborate arrangement allowed for seamless transitions between bands, and created an uninterrupted musical flow that sustained energy for all 31 songs.

Rather than simply alternating sets, the bands created a flowing conversation, with musicians drifting on and off stage to contribute to each other’s material. This approach transformed what could have been a disjointed variety show into a cohesive creative production.

Three drummers played at times during the show. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

A Perfect Circle opened the party. The band’s first full-on tour in more than five years did not disappoint, though the real revelation was maybe Keenan himself. Anyone familiar with his Tool performances—in which he typically lurks in the back-of-stage shadows—tonight got to witness a remarkable transformation.

Maynard’s voice is wonderful at 60. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

After beginning “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums” in his customary cloak of darkness, Keenan gradually moved forward until he commanded center stage. He even engaged directly with the crowd a few times. In one memorable exchange, his Puscifer bandmate Carina Round (who donned an “I (heart) tpt” shirt) pushed a cart on stage that held a shimmery birthday hat, which Keenan ceremoniously asked a front-row audience member to wear.

There were lots of other unexpected, slapstick-y antics, too. During Puscifer’s “Bullet Train to Iowa,” several musicians played ping-pong on a wheeled-out table. Then Keenan and Round didn’t miss a note while battling each other in Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. Later, the two engaged in a faux jousting match using microphone stands.

Non-performing band members were often on the sidelines, singing along and air-drumming with genuine enthusiasm. While Primus performed “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver,” Keenan and Puscifer drummer Gunnar Olsen waved checkered flags. These fun moments showcased the collaborative spirit that permeated the entire evening.

Primus seemed to be a huge draw for this audience. Les Claypool‘s slappy bass work and the band’s signature blend of funk, metal, and surrealism earned booming applause after each jam-filled song. It proved they’re still one of alternative rock’s most enduring and influential acts.

Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

The show was broken into three acts, and there was a 10-minute intermission about halfway through. During this interlude and before each act began, large screens displayed pre-recorded videos of Keenan, made up to look older and more decrepit, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a hospital gown. This character told dad jokes to an off-screen nurse (presumably) and often fell into snoring slumber. It was ridiculous and fun.

The night’s phone-free policy, now standard for Keenan’s performances, proved particularly effective for Sessanta’s format. It seemed that without digital distractions, the audience remained fully engaged with the spectacle that unfolded before them. More artists should adopt this rule.

There were countless highlights I’ll remember even without video or photographic proof. A Perfect Circle’s “Judith” brought the crowd to a near explosion. Puscifer exceeded expectations with its atmospheric contributions, with “Polar Bear” standing out in my mind. And Primus met its already elevated reputation.

Also memorable were the moments Keenan proved he’s spry beyond his years. Despite humorously using the chairlift (under a spotlight, no less), the 61-year-old several times crouched into a long-held deep squat beside Round while the two swayed along with Puscifer’s melodies. And a couple of times he emphasized a drum beat with a perfectly timed snap kick.

Before the show’s final song, the rocker let fans know they could take out their cell phones if they wished.

“As always, you guys are amazing,” Keenan said. “Remember, life is short, create something with every breath you draw. Make it count. Thank you very much.”

All three bands then broke into a collaboration of Puscifer’s “Grand Canyon,” which produced a wall of sound that won’t soon be forgotten.

Enveloped in applause, the musicians gathered at center stage and fired off confetti guns, high-fived each other, tossed items into the audience, and waved their thanks.

Confetti guns! Carina Round and Les Claypool. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

Overall, the Sessanta tour succeeds because Keenan is a master at surprises. This celebration showcased the talent and sense of humor his fans know and love. But it also revealed that he is willing to not just be heard, but also seen.

Round and Keenan thank the crowd. Photo by Wendy Nielsen

It felt less like a concert and more like being invited to an elaborate birthday party where the entertainment happened to be world-class. It’s a reminder that when artists prioritize joy over image and collaboration over ego, the results can be truly transformative.

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