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Band Timeline

1999

Formation of A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Initially, Howerdel, who was a former guitar technician for prominent bands, collaborated with Keenan after they became friends. The original lineup included Paz Lenchantin on bass and violin, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums. However, Alexander was soon replaced by Josh Freese. This formation marked the start of a supergroup that combined members from various established bands.
2000

Release of Debut Album 'Mer de Noms'

In May 2000, A Perfect Circle released their debut album, 'Mer de Noms'. The album was a commercial success, selling 188,000 copies in its first week and quickly achieving gold and then platinum certification. The release established the band’s signature style and garnered widespread acclaim. Following the album's release, the band embarked on multiple headlining tours across the globe, increasing their fan base significantly. The lineup around this time was solidified with Keenan and Howerdel as the core members.
2003

Release of Second Album 'Thirteenth Step' and Lineup Changes

In September 2003, A Perfect Circle released their second studio album, 'Thirteenth Step'. The album debuted with strong sales of 231,000 copies in its first week and was certified gold within six weeks and platinum by 2006. Prior to the album's release, bassist Paz Lenchantin and guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen left the band and were replaced by Jeordie White and Danny Lohner, respectively. Lohner was soon replaced by James Iha from The Smashing Pumpkins. The band toured extensively across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia to promote the album, cementing their status in the rock scene.
2004

Release of Third Album 'Emotive' and Continued Touring

In November 2004, the band released their third album, 'Emotive', which featured radically re-worked cover songs. The album sold 142,000 copies in its first week and was certified gold within five weeks. Shortly after, they released a DVD-CD set called 'Amotion', which included music videos and remixes. The band continued to tour internationally throughout 2004, including stops in Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. Following this period of high activity, the band entered a hiatus as Keenan returned to focus on Tool and other projects, while Howerdel pursued his solo career as Ashes Divide.
2010

Reunion and Sporadic Activity

A Perfect Circle reformed in 2010 after a hiatus of several years. During this period, the band was active sporadically, playing live shows intermittently between 2010 and 2013. This comeback did not include new studio material initially, but the band maintained a presence in the live music scene. In 2013, they released a greatest hits compilation titled 'Three Sixty' and a live album box set named 'A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo'. After these releases, the band again fell into inactivity.
2017-2018

Return with Fourth Album 'Eat the Elephant'

In 2017, A Perfect Circle reformed to record their fourth studio album, 'Eat the Elephant', which was released in 2018. This album marked the first new material from the band in over a decade and showcased a mature evolution of their sound. The release was followed by an extensive tour throughout 2018 to support the album, reconnecting with their fan base and reestablishing their relevance in the contemporary rock landscape.
2024

Brief Tour and One-off Song 'Kindred'

After a period of inactivity following their 2018 tour, A Perfect Circle returned briefly in 2024 to perform a short tour. During this time, they also released a newly recorded one-off song titled 'Kindred'. This activity signaled the band’s continued ability to reunite and create music despite their irregular schedule and members' commitments to other projects.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Matt McJunkins

2010

Bass guitar

Billy Howerdel

1999

Background vocals

Guitar

Maynard James Keenan

1999

Lead vocals

James Iha

2003

Keyboard

Guitar

Jeff Friedl

2011

Drums (drum set)

Matt McJunkins

2010

Background vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Tim Alexander

1999
1999

Percussion

Jeordie White

2003
2004

Bass guitar

Josh Freese

1999
2011

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Troy Van Leeuwen

1999
2002

Guitar

Paz Lenchantin

1999
2004

Background vocals

Strings

Bass guitar

Tim Alexander

1999
1999

Drums (drum set)

Danny Lohner

2003
2004

Guitar

Story of A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in 1999, a collaboration between guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan. Their prolific early 2000s period yielded three studio albums: the debut Mer de Noms (2000), followed by Thirteenth Step (2003), and the innovative covers album Emotive (2004). However, the band`s activity has always been punctuated by extended hiatuses. Following Emotive, Keenan focused on Tool and his Puscifer project, while Howerdel released a solo album under the name Ashes Divide.

Though the band reunited for sporadic live performances between 2010 and 2013, culminating in the release of Three Sixty (greatest hits) and A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo (live album box set), another significant break followed. A revival in 2017 led to the recording and release of their fourth studio album, Eat the Elephant (2018), followed by a supporting tour. The band remained largely inactive until a brief 2024 tour and the release of the single "Kindred."

The ever-shifting lineup, a consequence of Keenans other commitments, has seen a revolving door of musicians. While Keenan and Howerdel remain the only constant members, the initial lineup featured Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums (the latter appearing on only a single track before being replaced by Josh Freese). Danny Lohner and Jeordie White also contributed significantly during the bands early years. This fluid membership, alternating between periods of creative output and extended silence, has become a defining characteristic of A Perfect Circle’s unique history.

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