A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American alternative rock supergroup formed in 1999 in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan.[1] The band rose to prominence with their debut album Mer de Noms in 2000, which achieved platinum certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States.[2][3] Follow-up albums Thirteenth Step (2003) and eMOTIVE (2004) continued their exploration of introspective and experimental rock, addressing themes of addiction and societal critique, before the group entered an extended hiatus.[4] Reforming in the late 2010s, they released Eat the Elephant in 2018 and resumed live performances in 2024 to mark their 25th anniversary, with additional North American and European tour dates announced for 2025 and 2026 as part of the Sessanta tour alongside Puscifer and Primus.[5][6] Known for its supergroup lineup featuring musicians from Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, and other acts, A Perfect Circle distinguishes itself from Keenan's primary project Tool through its more accessible sound and collaborative songwriting led by Howerdel.[4]History
Formation and Mer de Noms (1999–2000)
A Perfect Circle was formed in 1999 by guitarist and producer Billy Howerdel and vocalist Maynard James Keenan during a hiatus from Keenan's primary band, Tool.[5] Howerdel, who had served as Tool's guitar technician and recording engineer since the early 1990s, had been composing original material for approximately seven years prior, drawing from influences in alternative rock and incorporating layered guitar arrangements and atmospheric production.[5] He presented demos to Keenan, who provided lyrics and vocals, leading to the project's solidification as a band rather than a solo endeavor for Howerdel.[7] The initial lineup consisted of Keenan on lead vocals, Howerdel on guitar and backing vocals, Josh Freese on drums, Paz Lenchantin on bass and violin, and Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar; Primus drummer Tim Alexander contributed to one track, "The Hollow," but did not join for live performances.[8] Following interest from record labels after private demos, the band signed with Virgin Records in late 1999.[5] Mer de Noms, the band's debut album, was recorded primarily in 1999 and early 2000 at locations including Keenan's home studio in a Los Angeles suburb, emphasizing live instrumentation such as guitars, bass, and drums with minimal overdubs.[5] Howerdel handled production, mixing, and much of the instrumentation alongside the core members. Released on May 23, 2000, the album features 11 tracks with lyrical themes drawn from personal relationships in Keenan's life, including dedications to individuals like his mother in the song "Judith."[9] It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 188,000 copies in its first week, marking the highest-charting debut for a rock band at that time.[7] The record achieved platinum certification from the RIAA by April 2002 after surpassing one million units sold in the United States.[8]Thirteenth Step (2001–2003)
Following the release and promotional touring for Mer de Noms, A Perfect Circle commenced work on their second studio album in 2001, amid ongoing live performances that included over 40 concerts that year across North America.[10] The band, consisting of vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist and producer Billy Howerdel, bassist Jeordie White, drummer Josh Freese, and multi-instrumentalist Danny Lohner, shifted focus to songwriting and recording, with Howerdel handling production duties as on the debut.[11] Sessions primarily took place at Howerdel's home studio in Los Angeles, incorporating layered guitar textures and atmospheric elements that built on the debut's alternative rock foundation.[11] The album, titled Thirteenth Step, centers on themes of addiction, self-destruction, and recovery, drawing from the structure of 12-step rehabilitation programs, with the title alluding to the ongoing maintenance of sobriety beyond the formal steps.[12] Tracks like "Weak and Powerless" and "The Noose" depict cycles of dependency and the struggle for clarity, informed by personal and observed experiences within the band's circle, though Keenan has emphasized metaphorical as well as literal interpretations.[13] Released on September 16, 2003, via Virgin Records, it marked a progression in the band's sound with more intricate arrangements and vocal dynamics.[14] Thirteenth Step achieved strong commercial performance, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 231,000 copies in its first week.[15] The RIAA certified it gold shortly after, reflecting sustained sales amid the post-grunge and nu-metal landscape.[16] Promotion included the lead single "Weak and Powerless," which topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, alongside extensive touring in late 2003 featuring over 80 shows, often co-headlining with acts like The Deftones.[17] This period solidified the band's momentum before lineup changes and a shift to covers for the follow-up eMOTIVe.Emotive (2003–2004)
Following the commercial success of Thirteenth Step, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 in September 2003, A Perfect Circle shifted focus to a third album emphasizing reinterpretations of politically charged songs amid the U.S. invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and ensuing public debates over the war.[18] Guitarist and producer Billy Howerdel selected tracks from the 1960s through 1980s, including anti-war anthems like John Lennon's "Imagine" and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", to critique contemporary militarism and government policies, incorporating two original compositions: "Passive" and "Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums".[19] The recording sessions, handled primarily by Howerdel with executive production oversight from vocalist Maynard James Keenan, prioritized atmospheric arrangements over direct replication, resulting in a 48-minute album blending rock, electronic, and orchestral elements.[20] eMOTIVe was released on November 2, 2004, via Virgin Records, deliberately timed to coincide with the U.S. presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry.[21] It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 142,000 copies in its first week, matching Thirteenth Step's chart performance but without the prior album's original material driving sustained momentum.[18] Unlike previous releases, the band conducted no promotional tour, citing exhaustion from prior commitments and a desire to avoid overexposure; Keenan's commitments to Tool and other projects further limited activity.[22] Critical reception praised the album's bold covers for revitalizing dated protest songs in a modern context, with some reviewers noting Howerdel's production enhanced their relevance to post-9/11 geopolitics.[23] However, detractors argued the political framing felt contrived amid the band's rock origins, and sales tapered after the initial surge, reflecting divided fan responses to the shift from introspective originals to overt activism. The release marked the end of the band's early-2000s output, leading to an indefinite hiatus announced shortly thereafter, during which members pursued solo endeavors like Howerdel's Ashes Divide project.[24]Hiatus and side projects (2005–2010)
Following the release of eMOTIVE on November 2, 2004, A Perfect Circle ceased activities and entered an indefinite hiatus in 2005, with members shifting focus to other endeavors.[25] Vocalist Maynard James Keenan prioritized Tool, co-writing and performing on their fourth studio album 10,000 Days, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 upon its release on May 2, 2006, selling over 564,000 copies in its first week.[26] Concurrently, Keenan advanced his experimental multimedia project Puscifer—initially conceived as a creative outlet—and issued its debut full-length album, V Is for Vagina, on October 30, 2007, featuring contributions from various collaborators including former A Perfect Circle touring members.[27] Guitarist and primary songwriter Billy Howerdel initiated his solo outlet Ashes Divide during this period, enlisting drummer Josh Freese among session musicians for the project's self-titled debut Keep Telling Myself It's Alright, released on April 8, 2008, via Island Records.[28] The album, recorded at Howerdel's Perfect Circle Studios, emphasized atmospheric alternative rock with electronic elements and peaked at number 119 on the Billboard 200. Freese, who had drummed on A Perfect Circle's first three albums, also joined Nine Inch Nails as a touring member from late 2005 through 2008, supporting their With Teeth album and related tours.[29] Bassist Jeordie White similarly aligned with Nine Inch Nails, contributing to production on With Teeth—released May 3, 2005—and participating in their live performances during 2005–2006 and select 2007 dates.[30] The hiatus allowed core members to explore divergent artistic paths without new A Perfect Circle output until 2010, reflecting individual creative priorities amid Keenan's commitments to Tool and winemaking ventures.[31] Howerdel toured briefly in support of Ashes Divide through 2008–2009, while Freese and White maintained session and touring work across punk, industrial, and rock acts, underscoring the band's loose supergroup structure.[32]Reformation, touring, and reissues (2011–2016)
In 2011, A Perfect Circle extended their post-hiatus activities with a North American summer tour, marking their first extensive run of shows since 2004. The itinerary began on May 22 at Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio, and included stops such as June 29 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon; June 30 at Showare Center in Kent, Washington; and July 12 at Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts.[33] [34] [35] Performances drew from their catalog of albums Mer de Noms, Thirteenth Step, and eMOTIVE, supplemented by covers including tracks like "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin and "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?" by Nick Lowe.[36] The band resumed touring in 2013 with international dates, including February appearances at Soundwave Festival sites in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, and April shows in South America such as Lollapalooza Chile and performances in Santiago and Buenos Aires.[37] [38] Additional U.S. engagements featured a live recording at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, later released as part of the Stone and Echo compilation.[39] Setlists emphasized fan favorites like "The Hollow," "Judith," and "Passive," alongside the debut live performance of new material.[40] On November 19, 2013, A Perfect Circle issued Three Sixty, a double-disc greatest hits compilation spanning their career, which included previously released singles, covers from eMOTIVE, live recordings, and one new original song, "By and Down."[41] The release served as a retrospective without full album reissues or remasters during this period, aligning with the band's sporadic activity before a longer hiatus.[42] No further tours or major outputs occurred through 2016, as the group focused on members' side projects.[43]Eat the Elephant (2017–2018)
In 2017, A Perfect Circle reformed after over a decade of limited activity, releasing the single "The Doomed" on October 17 as the first preview of new material from their anticipated fourth studio album.[44] [45] The track accompanied the band's resumption of live performances, including dates starting October 21 at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California.[45] Core members Maynard James Keenan (vocals) and Billy Howerdel (guitar, bass, keyboards, production) led the effort, joined by guitarist James Iha (formerly of the Smashing Pumpkins), bassist Matt McJunkins, and drummer Jeff Friedl (of Puscifer) for recording sessions focused on a more ambient and introspective sound.[46] [47] The full album, titled Eat the Elephant and produced by Dave Sardy, was announced on February 5, 2018, alongside the single "TalkTalk."[48] It arrived on April 20, 2018, via BMG, ending a 14-year gap since 2004's eMOTIVe and featuring 10 tracks emphasizing layered instrumentation, orchestral elements, and themes of disillusionment and resilience.[48] [49] Eat the Elephant debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 64,000 equivalent units in its first week and securing the band's fourth consecutive top-five entry on the chart, while topping the Top Rock Albums tally.[50] [51] Reviews highlighted its polished, depressive atmosphere and sonic maturity, with outlets like MetalSucks commending its accessibility and emotional weight, though some noted occasional lyrical clumsiness amid the production's restraint.[52] [47] The release spurred a world tour, including U.S. legs in spring and fall 2018—such as October dates at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Austin City Limits—and European shows in June (e.g., Northside Festival in Denmark) and December, often featuring sets blending new tracks with classics from prior albums.[53] [54] [55]Recent activities (2019–present)
Following the release of Eat the Elephant in 2018, A Perfect Circle extended touring into late 2019, including a performance at the Masonic Temple in Detroit on November 9.[56] The band then entered a period of inactivity from 2020 to 2023, during which members focused on other projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[57] In March 2024, the band released "Kindred," their first new original song since 2018, as part of a collaborative EP with Puscifer and Primus titled Sessanta.[58] The track, which explores themes of family and loss through a father's explanation of a pet's death to his child, was made available on streaming platforms on March 29.[59] Throughout 2025, A Perfect Circle participated in the "Sessanta V2.0" tour, a collaborative trek with Puscifer and Primus that commenced on April 24 in Palm Springs, California, and continued through multiple North American dates into June.[60] The band also issued two 25th-anniversary vinyl repressings of their debut album Mer de Noms, with editions released on September 25 and October 10.[61] Guitarist Billy Howerdel confirmed in May 2025 that work had begun on material for a fifth studio album, though no release date was announced as of October.[57] The band's official website lists festival appearances scheduled for 2026, including Rock im Park on June 6 in Nürnberg, Germany, and Rock am Ring on June 7 in Nürburg, Germany.[62]Musical style and influences
Musical style
A Perfect Circle's music is characterized by a fusion of alternative metal and art rock, featuring intricate guitar-driven compositions with melodic structures and atmospheric production.[63][64] The band's sound emphasizes layered guitar arrangements, often employing minor scales such as Aeolian and Phrygian modes, palm-muted riffs, and dynamic shifts between heavy distortion and cleaner tones to create tension and release.[65][66] Central to their style is Maynard James Keenan's baritone vocals, which deliver emotive, soaring melodies over Billy Howerdel's riff-based foundations, blending accessibility with progressive elements like unconventional time signatures and textural depth.[67] Rhythm sections, typically featuring driving bass lines and precise drumming, support expansive song forms that prioritize emotional intensity over virtuosic speed.[66] Production techniques highlight soundscapes through multi-tracked guitars and ambient effects, utilizing amps like Mesa/Boogie Rectifiers for a raw yet polished tone, with an emphasis on phase coherence to maintain clarity in dense mixes.[11][68] This approach results in a brooding, introspective aesthetic distinct from more aggressive metal contemporaries, evolving from the darker timbres of their 2000 debut Mer de Noms to the anthemic swells in 2003's Thirteenth Step and subtler electronic integrations in 2018's Eat the Elephant.[69]Influences
Guitarist and primary composer Billy Howerdel drew heavily from post-punk and new wave artists in shaping A Perfect Circle's atmospheric sound, citing The Cure's "La Ment" as a formative track that inspired him to create music evoking a profound flow state during his teenage years.[70] He has also highlighted influences from Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Joke, and Depeche Mode, which informed the band's shift toward melodic, riff-light textures in his solo work and earlier APC albums, emphasizing electronic and restrained elements over traditional blues-based guitar playing.[71] [72] Howerdel's experience as a guitar technician for industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails and Skinny Puppy further infused the band's production with layered, intense sonic palettes, as seen in tracks like "Eraser" inspiring his approach to live dynamics and studio experimentation.[70] Vocalist Maynard James Keenan contributed progressive and eclectic elements rooted in his early exposures to Pink Floyd's Animals, which emphasized conceptual depth and instrumental patience, alongside Black Sabbath's self-titled debut for its heavy, ominous tone.[73] Keenan's appreciation for Joni Mitchell's Blue underscored songwriting autonomy and emotional restraint, influencing his lyrical delivery in APC's more accessible, alternative-oriented structures compared to Tool's complexity.[73] Shared touchstones like Pink Floyd, via Howerdel's admiration for David Gilmour's expressive phrasing, bridged their visions, fostering APC's blend of prog-rock expansiveness with alt-rock melody on albums like Mer de Noms.[74]Lyrical themes and controversies
Themes of addiction and recovery
The band's second studio album, Thirteenth Step (released September 16, 2003), centers on the progression through addiction and the challenges of recovery, structured as a conceptual narrative mirroring the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with an additional "thirteenth step" symbolizing potential relapse or incomplete healing.[12][75] Lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan drew lyrical content from observed experiences of addiction's toll rather than personal substance use, emphasizing its destructive cycles, denial, and emotional fragility without autobiographical directness.[5] Tracks like "Weak and Powerless" depict the seductive pull of heroin addiction through imagery of futile resistance and chemical surrender, such as "jam another dragon down the hole," highlighting powerlessness as a core recovery admission.[76] "The Noose" addresses post-recovery self-righteousness and isolation, portraying the recovered individual as metaphorically hanging themselves through judgmental detachment from others.[77] "Gravity" evokes the inexorable draw of intoxication, likening it to physical and psychological surrender where the addict yields to overwhelming urges.[78] The album's overarching motif avoids glorification, instead presenting addiction from enablers' and addicts' viewpoints to underscore intervention's necessity and recovery's introspection, as in "The Package," which critiques clever rationalizations enabling dependency.[12] Later works like Eat the Elephant (2018) revisit addictive immediacy through dopamine-driven obedience but frame it more broadly as societal compulsion rather than personal recovery.[79] Keenan's approach consistently prioritizes unflinching realism over sentimentality, informed by witnessed human costs rather than advocacy for any program.[5]Critiques of religion and spirituality
A Perfect Circle's lyrics, primarily penned by vocalist Maynard James Keenan, often interrogate the shortcomings of organized religion, particularly its inability to resolve personal suffering or societal ills despite professed divine promises. The band's 2000 debut album Mer de Noms features "Judith," a track inspired by Keenan's mother, Judith Marie Keenan, who endured a cerebral aneurysm in 1976 that resulted in partial paralysis and required her to use a wheelchair for over three decades until her death in 2003.[80] [81] Despite her devout Christian faith, church associates suggested her condition stemmed from insufficient belief, prompting Keenan's lyrical rebuke of religious dogma's false assurances.[82] In "Judith," Keenan directly confronts the perceived betrayal by a benevolent deity, with lines such as "Fuck your God / Your God came into my room and waited there / Hopelessly / I froze to the bones" encapsulating rage at unanswered prayers and the hypocrisy of faith that demands obedience without reciprocity.[80] The song posits religion as a forsaken construct, as evidenced by the chorus: "How your dogma has forsaken you," reflecting Keenan's view that institutional Christianity prioritizes control over genuine compassion or empirical efficacy.[82] This critique aligns with Keenan's personal rejection of monotheistic rigidity, shaped by his mother's unhealed devotion, though he has articulated openness to individualized mysticism over doctrinal adherence.[83] Subsequent works extend this scrutiny to collective faith's passivity. On 2018's Eat the Elephant, "The Doomed" lambasts eschatological resignation, portraying believers as complicit in apocalypse through inaction: "Praying won't do it / Hating won't do it / Screaming won't do it / Cognizing won't do it."[84] Keenan urges emulation of Jesus's active ministry over ritualistic invocation, critiquing modern religious inertia amid crises like environmental degradation and violence.[85] Similarly, tracks like "Thomas" from Mer de Noms evoke doubt akin to the biblical apostle, questioning resurrection claims and spiritual authority through imagery of hollow miracles.[86] These elements underscore a recurring theme: religion's empirical failures foster skepticism, yet Keenan's output avoids wholesale atheism, favoring pragmatic spirituality unbound by institutional dogma.[83]Political and social commentary
A Perfect Circle's lyrics often critique political manipulation, societal hypocrisy, and institutional failures, with vocalist Maynard James Keenan drawing from personal disillusionment and broader cultural observations. The band's 2004 album eMOTIVe, released on November 2 to coincide with the U.S. presidential election, emphasized anti-war sentiments and government overreach through covers and originals; Keenan contributed to politically themed compilations blaming President George W. Bush for escalating conflicts and domestic policies.[87][88] Tracks like "Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drum" depict leaders lulling citizens into compliance amid violence, reflecting concerns over propaganda and authoritarian control post-9/11.[89] Earlier works, such as "Pet" from Thirteenth Step (2003), portray blind nationalism as a tool for subjugation, with imagery of counting casualties to maintain order evoking critiques of fear-driven patriotism.[90] "Passive," also from that album, targets societal apathy toward authority, urging confrontation over resignation.[91] The 2018 album Eat the Elephant marked a return to overt political engagement amid the Trump presidency, with Keenan noting the record's intent to address "elephants in the room" like division and denial, though emphasizing self-reflection over partisan attacks.[92][93] "The Doomed" indicts religious conservatives for contradicting biblical meekness by opposing gun control, inverting the Sermon on the Mount to demand action on violence.[85] "Disillusioned" responds to electoral disillusionment, framing politics as a cycle of false hopes. Keenan has contextualized such themes by arguing ignorance, rather than specific leaders like Trump, fuels societal ills, while cautioning against simplistic enmity.[94][95] Socially, songs like "Hourglass" from Eat the Elephant evoke systemic collapse and moral erosion, portraying time as indifferent to human folly.[96] The band's output consistently prioritizes individual agency over collective blame, aligning with Keenan's broader philosophy of confronting uncomfortable truths without endorsing ideological extremes.Notable controversies
In June 2018, an anonymous Twitter user operating under the handle @IWas17HeWas36 publicly accused Maynard James Keenan, vocalist of A Perfect Circle, of sexually assaulting her in 2000 when she was 17 years old and he was 36; the alleged incident occurred after a Nine Inch Nails concert in Las Vegas, for which A Perfect Circle had served as the opening act.[97][98] The accuser described being invited backstage by Keenan before the assault, providing specific details including the venue and date.[99] Keenan issued a public denial on June 27, 2018, via Twitter, labeling the claim a "despicable false claim" and asserting no recollection of the encounter while emphasizing his commitment to consent and respect.[98][97] The allegation garnered media coverage amid the #MeToo movement but remained unsubstantiated, with no criminal charges filed and the accuser's identity undisclosed; some observers, including music journalists, questioned its veracity due to the anonymity and lack of corroborating evidence.[99][97] Keenan maintained that the story was fabricated, and the Twitter account continued posting reminders of the accusation in connection with A Perfect Circle's subsequent tours, though it did not lead to further legal or professional repercussions for the band.[98] During the 2017–2018 Eat the Elephant tour, A Perfect Circle enforced a strict no-photography policy, with venue signage warning of ejection for cellphone use, sparking fan backlash over perceived overreach and confrontations with security.[100] Keenan addressed the controversy on Instagram in November 2017, explaining the rule aimed to preserve the live experience and deter disruptive behavior, while urging fans to prioritize immersion over documentation.[100] The policy, extended to locked pouches at some shows, drew mixed reactions, with critics arguing it alienated attendees in an era of social media sharing, though supporters praised it for enhancing focus on the performance.[101]Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Mer de Noms (2000), the band's debut album, garnered strong praise from critics for its blend of atmospheric alternative rock and intricate melodies, setting it apart from Maynard James Keenan's Tool catalog. AllMusic's Ned Raggett highlighted its arrival as fulfilling an unanticipated demand in the genre, with polished tracks like "Judith" and "3 Libras" earning commendation for emotional depth and production quality.[102] Stereogum retrospection affirmed it as one of the 2000s' strongest debuts, citing its concise 11-song structure under 45 minutes amid era-specific album bloat.[7] The follow-up Thirteenth Step (2003), structured as a concept album tracing addiction and recovery, sustained positive reception, often deemed an advancement in sonic refinement. Drowned in Sound reviewers noted crisper sound, tighter band interplay, and elevated bass prominence compared to the debut, enhancing thematic immersion through tracks like "Weak and Powerless."[103] Pitchfork later referenced it as solidifying the band's credibility beyond supergroup novelty.[104] eMOTIVE (2004), a collection of politically charged cover songs emphasizing anti-war themes, provoked more polarized responses, with acclaim for reinterpretations tempered by critiques of derivativeness. The Guardian acknowledged its provocative election-day timing and reworkings of tracks from John Lennon and Marvin Gaye, yet observed reliance on familiar material.[105] antiMusic deemed it a letdown relative to prior groundbreaking efforts, faulting limited innovation despite Keenan's vocal prowess.[106] Sputnikmusic rated it middling at 3/5, suggesting potential for fresh takes was unevenly realized.[107] After a 14-year gap, Eat the Elephant (2018) elicited divided verdicts, lauded for introspective maturity but faulted for diminished aggression and pivot to subdued piano-driven arrangements. Pitchfork characterized the shift as toward "gloomy adult-alternative," diverging from earlier riff-heavy intensity while retaining thematic critique.[104] Drowned in Sound welcomed the return as broadly beneficial for hard rock, though noting evolutionary changes in style.[108] Overall, the album's sales success contrasted with critical ambivalence on its restraint versus prior dynamism.[51]Commercial performance
Mer de Noms (2000), the band's debut studio album, debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 188,000 copies in its first week and marking the highest-charting debut for a rock band's first album at the time.[109][110] The album achieved platinum certification from the RIAA on October 31, 2000, for shipments exceeding 1 million units in the United States.[110] Thirteenth Step (2003), the follow-up album, entered the Billboard 200 at number 2, with first-week sales of 231,000 copies and remaining on the chart for 78 weeks.[15] It received gold certification from the RIAA, denoting 500,000 units shipped.[16] eMOTIVe (2004) also peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 142,000 copies in its debut week, though the band entered a hiatus without touring in support.[111] The album was certified gold by the RIAA.[112] Eat the Elephant (2018), the band's first studio album in 14 years, debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, accumulating 68,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 63,000 in pure sales.[113] It topped the Billboard Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums, and Independent Albums charts.[114] Collectively, A Perfect Circle's studio albums have sold over 2.8 million copies worldwide, with the first three releases accounting for approximately 4 million units combined in earlier estimates.[115]Legacy and cultural impact
A Perfect Circle's legacy endures through its role as an influential force in alternative and progressive rock, characterized by a blend of melodic accessibility and atmospheric depth that distinguishes it from Keenan's heavier work with Tool. The band's experimental approach to songwriting and production, evident across albums spanning two decades, has contributed to discussions on genre evolution, with critics noting its extension of progressive rock elements into broader alternative audiences.[116][117] The group's cultural impact manifests in its thematic explorations, including critiques of technology and spirituality, as seen in music videos like "Disillusioned" (2018), which depicts smartphone obsession as a form of modern enslavement, prompting reflections on digital dependency. Lyrical content challenging religious and political norms has resonated with fans seeking introspective rock amid shifting cultural landscapes.[118][119] Sustained popularity is evidenced by the band's 14-year hiatus before releasing Eat the Elephant in 2018, followed by 25th-anniversary reissues of Mer de Noms in September 2025, underscoring a loyal fanbase and commercial viability that affirm its lasting place in rock history. High-profile live performances, including at festivals like Hellfest in 2018, continue to draw crowds, reinforcing the band's influence on live rock experiences.[5][120]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of A Perfect Circle, as of 2025, consists of vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist and co-founder Billy Howerdel, guitarist James Iha, bassist Matt McJunkins, and drummer Jeff Friedl.[121][122] Keenan and Howerdel formed the band in 1999, with Howerdel handling primary songwriting and production duties alongside Keenan's lyrics and vocals.[5] Iha, formerly of The Smashing Pumpkins, joined in 2003 for the band's live performances supporting the album Thirteenth Step.[123] McJunkins and Friedl, both multi-instrumentalists who have collaborated with Keenan in projects like Puscifer, became mainstays starting with tours in the 2010s and contributed to the 2018 album Eat the Elephant.[124][125] This configuration has supported recent activities, including the Sessanta tour dates announced for 2025 and ongoing work toward a new album.[126][127]Former members
Paz Lenchantin served as the band's original bassist and violinist from its formation in 1999 until 2001, contributing to the debut album Mer de Noms (2000) before departing amid reported personal and creative differences.[128][129] Troy Van Leeuwen performed as rhythm guitarist during the same initial period (1999–2001), also appearing on Mer de Noms and early live performances, prior to joining Queens of the Stone Age.[123] Tim Alexander briefly handled drums in 1999, recording parts for the track "The Hollow" and performing at one live show before being replaced by Josh Freese for subsequent touring and recordings.[123] Danny Lohner joined as a multi-instrumentalist (primarily bass and guitar) for the Thirteenth Step era (2003–2004), contributing to the album and tour support, but exited after reported substance abuse issues.[122] Jeordie White (also known as Twiggy Ramirez) played bass from 2003 to 2005, featuring on Thirteenth Step (2003) and eMOTIVE (2004), and departed following the band's initial hiatus.[129][130]Timeline
- 1999: A Perfect Circle formed in Los Angeles, California, when guitarist Billy Howerdel collaborated with Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan on songs Howerdel had composed over several years.[121][131]
- May 23, 2000: The band released its debut album, Mer de Noms, through Virgin Records, featuring contributions from bassist Paz Lenchantin, guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, and drummer Josh Freese.[132]
- 2000–2001: A Perfect Circle toured extensively in support of Mer de Noms, including headlining slots and festival appearances across North America and Europe.[133]
- September 16, 2003: The second studio album, Thirteenth Step, was released, addressing themes of addiction and recovery, with Jeordie White replacing Van Leeuwen on bass.[134][135][136]
- 2003–2004: The band conducted a world tour for Thirteenth Step, performing at major festivals and arenas, before shifting focus to new material.[133]
- November 2, 2004: eMOTIVe, a collection of cover songs with political undertones timed to the U.S. presidential election, was released via Virgin Records.[21][137]
- 2005–2009: Following eMOTIVe, A Perfect Circle entered an extended hiatus, with Keenan focusing on Tool and Puscifer, and Howerdel pursuing Ashes Divide.[138]
- September 2010: The band announced its return from hiatus with a fall tour across U.S. cities, performing full albums from its catalog over multi-night stands.[138][139]
- 2011: A Perfect Circle completed a U.S. tour, marking its first full run of shows in years.[140]
- 2013: The band played select international dates, including Lollapalooza festivals in South America.[140]
- 2017–2018: After sporadic activity, A Perfect Circle announced new music; singles like "The Doomed" and "Disillusioned" preceded the April 20, 2018, release of Eat the Elephant via BMG.[141][142][143]
- 2018–2019: The band toured globally in support of Eat the Elephant, including arena shows and festival appearances.[133]
- 2024: A Perfect Circle released the single "Kindred" and announced the Sessanta tour with Primus and Puscifer, commencing in April 2025 across North America.[144]
- 2025: Ongoing tour commitments include European festivals such as Nova Rock and Rock am Ring in June.[62][145]