This stunning century-old amphitheater can seat roughly 8,500 and provides spectacular views from all sides of the stage. Additionally, with three of Keenan’s bands performing simultaneously – making for a unique format reminiscent of an impromptu house party featuring living room sofas on drum risers and ping pong tables!
Keenan has long been one of the key figures behind multiplatinum rock band Tool and currently co-owns Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars Winery with Merkin Vineyards owner Merkin Vinyards; Puscifier Primus drummer Jeff Keenan co-owns both properties as well as being behind the Queen B Sparkling Mead line of wines he established himself. Additionally he trains under legendary MMA fighter Rickson Gracie for Jiu Jitsu.
Maynard James Keenan celebrated his 60th birthday last night, inviting several musician friends from Phoenix. It was truly remarkable.
Les Claypool served as host for the evening, driving the music with frenetic bass lines while keeping audiences laughing with eye-roll-inducing grandad jokes and intentionally eye-roll-inducing grandad jokes. His trio performed songs from A Perfect Circle and Puscifier as well as Sessanta, an EP which was only available for sale at certain concerts.
Carina Round, a British singer-songwriter who has won over audiences, critics, and artistic communities with her distinctive voice and brutally honest songwriting has won widespread acclaim from fans, critics, and artistic communities alike. Her music ranges from howling siren to performer of haunting confessionals tales disbanding genre and label confines.
Round first established her career as an independent artist, self-releasing two albums titled First Blood Mystery and The Disconnection before Interscope Records released Slow Motion Addict as her third. This second record took Round’s eccentric yet engaging sound into more dynamic territories while simultaneously garnering worldwide exposure.
Round’s smooth singing and production style was perfectly in tune with Puscifier Primus’ theatrical gothic sets that were as eccentric as their venue. Complete with stairlifts for elderly performers, lounging areas with horse head masks, ping pong tables, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em matches between Maynard and Carina during “Remedy”, these stages felt like grunge-fueled discos!
Les Claypool is the founder and frontman for Puscifier Primus and his eclectic musical style has left an indelible mark on rock music. Influences from funk, jazz, classical music and improvisational live performances helped shape his unique bass playing and distinctive lyrical style – his live performances are famous for their energy and humor!
In 2002, Claypool formed Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains (stylized C2B3) alongside guitarist Buckethead and Parliament-Funkadelic/Talking Heads keyboardist Bernie Worrell along with former drummer Bryan Mantia as an experimental performance ensemble that challenged audiences by not prepping material or rehearsing beforehand; their concerts even provided food to munch on during performance!
Claypool has made his mark as a solo artist as well. In addition to working with A Perfect Circle and Puscifier, he has recorded multiple solo albums as well as touring nationally with side project band Sausage and performing with both Frog Brigade and Claypool Lennon Delirium. Furthermore, he enjoys fishing; an activity which he shares through South of the Pumphouse which features dark comedic elements involving fishing, drugs, and murder!
Larry LaLonde first gained recognition after founding death metal band Seven Churches, then later playing in Corrupted Morals and experimental thrash metal outfit Blind Illusion before joining Primus (funk metal group) in 1989. LaLonde quickly gained notoriety for his unique guitar playing style that blended various genres together – many have described him as an artistic genius!
Keenan announced during his concert that it was his 60th birthday, to which his audience applauded. Additionally, he announced the release of an EP featuring songs by Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Primus entitled Sessanta E.P.P.P.
The concert was an audiovisual spectacle featuring innovative lighting and camera effects. It also featured live performances of several songs from Existential Reckoning, recorded at Arcosanti in Arizona. Band members include Maynard James Keenan on vocals, Mat Mitchell on guitar, Carina Round on vocals, Greg Edwards on bass and Gunnar Olsen on drums.