Words & Photos by Marco Denzer
Sunny spring weather gave way to an overcast sky over Queens, and the temperature dropped considerably from earlier in the day, but the drastic change didn’t deter fans from attending the Sessanta concert featuring Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle show last evening at Forest Hills Stadium. On the contrary, there was quite a bit of excitement as the crowd began arriving at the open-air venue to see all three bands performing together.
Maynard James Keenan walked on stage with A Perfect Circle and began their set with “The Package” off of their 2003 album “Thirteenth Step”. Following the first song, Maynard graciously greeted the audience and made his customary request for everyone to disconnect from their cell phones and put them away. He encouraged the audience to collectively connect with the music and be present in the moment, to enjoy the night’s musical journey.
Following the three-song opening set, Les Claypool and Primus followed with their bass driven set that included “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers”, “Too Many Puppies” and “Eleven”. The crowd was definitely in good spirit by now and the vibe throughout the venue was visibly festive. There were many people on their feet grooving to the beat and singing along with the bands.
Puscifer proceeded with their first set of the evening and introduced the delightful musical element that Carina Round adds to their music. Her vocal range coupled with the arrangements and harmonies she sings with Maynard, playing electronic instruments on various songs, and the theatrical dance-like movements both vocalists perform during their sets were extremely engaging and entertaining.
As the evening progressed, the multiple setlists, and the alternating order of the bands taking turns on stage generated a very dynamic musical ebb and flow of sorts. The energy fluctuated seamlessly between the diverse compositions and styles that characterize each band. In total, the musicians performed twenty-nine songs during a show that lasted approximately two and half hours (including a ten-minute intermission) and encompassed a broad range of their body of work to satisfy those in attendance.
Maynard and his fellow musicians concluded the concert with all three bands performing “Grand Canyon” together on stage. Sadly, the Sessanta Tour had come to its end at a few minutes passed ten PM. And obviously no 60th birthday celebration would be complete without a proper pinata bashing round at the end of the night, so that’s exactly how it ended!
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TheWaster.com | Queens
5.11.24
