A Perfect Circle @ O2 Brixton Academy, London - 04/06/26

A Perfect Circle - a masterclass in atmosphere, performance and emotional storytelling.

History is repeating itself tonight. 8 years ago, on 13^th and 14^th June 2018, A Perfect Circle played two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy in Brixton. And now, in 2026, they are playing two sold-out shows on the 3^rd and 4^th of June at the exact same venue.

Today is the 4^th of June and the support acts for tonight's performance are Jehnny Beth and Reclus.É – unfortunately, there are tube strikes in London today which has meant that getting to the venue on time to photograph and review the support acts was not possible. From the stage door, I can hear the crowd cheering and judging by the applause, I am positive that they have enjoyed the performance of both the support acts.

The time is now 9.20pm and whilst I can see that there are still people queuing to enter the venue, I am ushered inside via the stage door by the O2 Academy security personnel. The general admission area is packed tighter than a sardine tin – great memories of 2018 come flooding past. A Perfect Circle employs a highly distinct, moody and theatrical stage setup which is both clinical and purposeful at the same time. The stage design leans into a clean, minimalist and often cold industrial and mechanical look; it is almost as if David Fincher requested this design so that guitarist Billy Howerdel along with bassist Matt McJunkins have free reign of the main floor of the stage.  Meanwhile, touring rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Greg Edwards, along with returning legendary drummer Josh Freese, are on elevated platforms positioned at the back of the stage. Sandwiched between the two of them on a solo central platform, remaining heavily shrouded in darkness, heavy smoke and backlighting, is frontman and vocalist, Maynard James Keenan.

From the moment the lights dim and the opening notes ring out, the atmosphere inside the venue shifts dramatically. There is a huge digital screen at the back of the stage, displaying the band’s iconic logo and Keenan is now quite aptly silhouetted against this screen.  The audience respond with immediate enthusiasm, creating a palpable sense of anticipation that only intensifies as the band kicks off the evening’s proceedings with ‘The Package’. Rather than relying on flashy theatrics, A Perfect Circle focus on mood, precision and musical depth, allowing their songs to command attention through sheer artistry. 

Watching Keenan is akin to watching a shaman, reciting powerful verses, swaying back and forth in rhythmic fervour, enticing the audience to join in on this musical journey – this musical journey where the audience are reminded that the show is going to be entirely phone-free, urging them to be “present” and “in the moment” with the band.  “Keep it in your pocket, you can get your phones out for the last two songs” shouts Keenan, which is welcomed by a massive applause from the audience. What follows next is a triple serving of songs from their last album, Eat The Elephant, in exactly the same order as that on the album: ‘Disillusioned’, ‘The Contrarian’ and ‘The Doomed’.

Visually, the production complements the music perfectly. Songs like ‘Weak and Powerless’ and ‘Rose’ depict the thoughtful lighting design, atmospheric projections and carefully timed visual elements enhance the emotional impact of the performance without distracting from it. The show feels intentionally crafted, with each song flowing naturally into the next to create a cohesive artistic experience rather than a simple collection of individual performances. The entire venue is then bathed in blue lighting for ‘Blue’; a sea of fans, bathed in blue, hands raised in the air, chanting along to the chorus – a truly magnificent sight. We are then treated to ‘Gravity’ and ‘Orestes’, both of which have not been on live setlists since 2018. ‘TalkTalk’, ‘3 Libras (All Main Courses Mix)’ and ‘The Outsider’ are some of the repeated songs from last night's performance.

Instrumentally, the band is flawless. Billy Howerdel's guitar work provides the foundation for the night's sonic landscape, balancing heavy riffs with atmospheric textures that provide each song a cinematic quality. The rhythm section delivers a tight, muscular performance while the layered arrangements translate exceptionally well in a live setting. Every member contributes to a sound that feels expansive without ever becoming overwhelming. Frontman Maynard James Keenan is characteristically enigmatic, often positioned in the shadows, delivering a vocal performance that is both powerful and nuanced. His voice retains the emotional weight and dynamic range that have become hallmarks of the band's sound. Whether navigating the haunting vulnerability of quieter passages or unleashing soaring choruses, Keenan demonstrates remarkable control and presence throughout the evening. 

The band then disappear for an intermission, during which we are treated to a stunning visual on the huge digital screen. Against a black background, a white outlined humanoid figure, who appears to be engulfed in flames and dripping fuel, is depicted sat down reading a newspaper, occasionally taking sips of some kind of hot beverage from a cup on a nearby table and pointing to a timer at the far side of the screen for every minute remaining of a ten-minute timer. The audience eagerly join in on the countdown to the last ten seconds of the timer and once the band are back on stage, they kick off with ‘Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums’.  After ‘The Noose’, Keenan addresses the audience, stating how awesome they have been tonight and mentions that he will be back in London in November this year with Puscifer and also announces that the audience can now get their phones out and film the last two songs of the night.

‘Starless’ is a single that the band released on 27^th May and gets a live debut tonight in London, the huge display screen is now fully lit in an emulsion of bright red, yellow and orange, with individual spotlights on all the members except Keenan and, gauging from the response, the audience love this new track. Time for the final song of the night, the one we all know and have been waiting for – yes, the band close the night with fan favourite ‘Judith’ – this song was the debut single from the band’s debut album Mer De Noms released in 2000 and also happens to be Josh’s favourite song from the album, a full circle moment for him tonight, perhaps.  Watching Keenan, Billy and Josh on stage at the same time and their energy whilst performing ‘Judith’, one is reminded of the frantic, high-energy performance music video directed by David Fincher – Billy does not appear to have aged a single day, he is as energetic now as he was in 2000.

The closing songs, one from 2026 and one from 2000, serve as a fitting conclusion to an evening defined by exceptional musicianship, emotional depth and artistic integrity. A Perfect Circle deliver a performance that is equal parts immersive rock spectacle and emotional catharsis, reminding everyone in attendance why the band remains one of the most distinctive and compelling acts in alternative music.  Overall, the concert is a masterclass in atmosphere, performance and emotional storytelling. A Perfect Circle prove that great live music is not simply about volume or spectacle – it is about connection, craftsmanship and the ability to transform a room full of strangers into a shared experience. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it is an unforgettable night that reaffirms the band's status as one of alternative rock's most compelling live acts.