‘90s rock supergroup surprises fans with new single before 2026 tour: ‘Absolutely chuffed’
The band founded by Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel has more than 30 dates scheduled this year.
Mason Reed 
Fans who follow Maynard James Keenan for his work with Tool have plenty of reason to celebrate as A Perfect Circle returns to the spotlight. Founded in 1999 by Keenan and guitarist Billy Howerdel of Ashes Divide, the group is shaking off the rust with a brand-new single and a massive 2026 tour.
A New Era Begins
The band surprised listeners on May 27 with the drop of “Starless.” It marks the first standalone single from the act in eight years, serving as a follow-up to the 2018 album “Eat the Elephant,” which spawned tracks like “Disillusioned,” “TalkTalk,” and “So Long and Thanks for All the Fish.”
Prior to this release, the band dipped their toes back into the studio for 2024′s “Kindred,” a cut featured on the Sessanta E.P.P.P., a three-track project celebrating Keenan’s 60th birthday alongside Puscifer and Primus.
Behind the Music
“Starless” was crafted by Keenan and Howerdel earlier this year at Lankershim Ranch Studio in Studio City, California, with longtime drummer Josh Freese contributing to the recording. Howerdel noted that while some songs take years to refine, this track came together with a natural, quick precision.
Keenan expressed excitement about the release, telling Blabbermouth that he is “absolutely chuffed” to bring the song to life on stage, noting that the band’s music tends to grow and take on an expanded personality once performed live.
Touring and Beyond
With a schedule boasting more than 30 dates, fans can expect to hear the new material throughout the band’s overseas trek. The tour kicks off June 3 in London, with stops scheduled throughout Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Hungary, France, and Switzerland before wrapping up July 10.
Following a mid-year break, the second leg commences in November, hitting Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. A single U.S. date is currently on the calendar for December 19 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The current lineup features Keenan, Howerdel, and Freese, rounded out by guitarist James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins and bassist Matt McJunkins of The Beta Machine and Eagles of Death Metal.
While there is no official word on a full-length follow-up to “Eat the Elephant,” the arrival of “Starless” has been met with enthusiasm. As noted by Stereogum, the new single captures the band's signature sound—proggy, heavy, and melodious—ensuring fans of the legacy act have plenty to look forward to this year.
