A Perfect Circle - Comerica Theater Phoenix, Arizona
A show with Maynard James Keenan opening with an entire 6 minute song performed behind a white curtain? Say it isn't so. Havoc for us photographers but fans seemed to love it.
“A few years ago, we got yelled at for speaking our mind,” A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan said from his rightful and familiar place near the back of a dimly lit stage. ‘Pay attention to your world.’ They didn’t listen.”
Keenan was referencing criticism the band’s 2004 album “Emotive,” a covers album of anti-war songs recorded during the George W. Bush administration’s occupancy in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This led to a rendition of John Lennon’s "Imagine" performed in a way that only APC could perform it.
Of course this had to be followed up with a "And now, here's a song about anal sex!" as the band played "Thinking Of You."
Maynard spoke of forgiveness and led the band into "Thomas." followed by "The Outsider," letting the crowd know that the song makes more sense if you realize that the narrator in it is an asshole.
All in all this was one of the better shows I have seen this year. Great sound and an outstanding light show, however I feel bad for the people who payed $180 to $500 a ticket to watch mostly silhouettes on stage. It really doesn't matter who you are, people pay to "see" you so at some point, be "seen" damnit! - Mikey Lee