Puscifer Transforms WAMU Theater Into an Immersive Live Experience

SEATTLE (May 9, 2026) — On a dry and gorgeous spring evening in Seattle, fans filtered steadily into the WAMU Theater on Saturday, while thousands of Seattle Sounders supporters packed neighboring Lumen Field just steps away. The overlap created a lively atmosphere throughout the stadium complex, though lines into the venue moved smoothly as concertgoers, most appearing comfortably over 30, prepared for an evening with Puscifer and opener Dave Hill.

Before entering, fans were met with unmistakable reminders of the evening’s rules. Signs posted on both sides of every glass entry and exit door read: “No Photos, No Video.” Minutes before showtime, a repeated announcement echoed through the theater instructing the crowd to keep phones in their pockets and refrain from taking photos or video during the performance. Audience members were then prompted to shout back, “We Understand,” a humorous but deliberate ritual that doubled as the show’s introduction.

For longtime followers of Maynard James Keenan’s projects, the policy came as no surprise. Through Puscifer, Tool and A Perfect Circle, Keenan has long enforced a no-phone approach designed to keep audiences immersed in the performance rather than distracted by glowing screens. While initially jarring in today’s hyper-documented concert culture, the result inside WAMU Theater was undeniable: a crowd fully engaged with the performance unfolding in front of them.

Hill opened the evening with an entertaining one-man performance blending stand-up comedy, music and audience interaction. The New York-based comedian and musician connected immediately with the Seattle crowd, drawing loud laughs throughout his set. Songs including “Dollar Tree” and “Dangerous Snakes Who Hate Bullshit” highlighted Hill’s absurdist humor and offbeat musical style, while his Seattle-specific crowd work landed especially well.

By the time Puscifer took the stage shortly after 9 p.m., the atmosphere had shifted dramatically. Fog, intense lighting and theatrical staging transformed the venue into something closer to performance art than a traditional rock concert. Keenan and vocalist Carina Round appeared as fully realized characters, complete with theatrical makeup and elaborate stage outfits that enhanced the show’s surreal tone.

The band’s current tour supports its February 2026 release, “Normal Isn’t,” and much of the nearly two-hour set focused on newer material while still leaving room for fan favorites. Songs including “The Algorithm,” “Bullet Train to Iowa” and “Grand Canyon” showcased the band’s ability to move seamlessly between electronic textures, heavy grooves and atmospheric soundscapes.

A mid-show “Bangers and Mashups” video segment added another layer of multimedia absurdity that fit naturally within Puscifer’s bizarre creative universe. Musically, the band remained exceptionally tight throughout the evening, with producer and guitarist Mat Mitchell anchoring the performance while Round’s vocals provided a haunting counterbalance to Keenan’s understated delivery.

What ultimately separated the evening from countless modern concerts was the audience’s presence. Without the obstruction of phones and recording screens, reactions felt immediate and communal. Fans laughed together, watched intently and engaged directly with the performance in real time.

For Seattle audiences willing to surrender their devices for a few hours, Puscifer delivered a theatrical, immersive and deeply engaging performance that rewarded full attention from start to finish.

Puscifer Gallery

Dave Hill Gallery