Last week I went to my second Puscifer concert. (I went to my first one about four years ago – there is a bit of backstory here). Maybe you have never heard of this band, and it may not be your style of music. None of that really matters in relationship to the lessons from this article, but hopefully the context and examples from a rock concert just may make this more interesting . . .
There are very few forms of music that I can’t appreciate, but if you were to ask me my favorite genre, it would be country; something quite far from most all of the music of Puscifer. So why have I now gone to two shows from this band?
Because the mastermind, creative muse and lead singer is a childhood friend of mine. Maynard James Keenan is the force behind Puscifer (and is the lead singer of the Grammy winning, multi-Platinum selling metal band Tool). Maynard sent me a note a few days before the show and asked if I would be in town and if I wanted to go to the show.
The answer of course, was yes.
The cherry-on-top was that my wife Lori and I got to spend about 45 minutes with him before the show. We reminisced, talked about the Puscifer project, what he tries to accomplish with the shows and the music and much more. We had a great time before the show even began . . .
As I watched the show and reflected on the experience afterwards, the word that kept coming to my mind (other than “loud” as we were in the fifth row) was perspective. Perspective is incredibly valuable to us as a leader and achiever, and I believe I gleaned some lessons about perspective from the show. I hope you find my lessons helpful too.
Perspective comes from seeing something new. If you attend a Puscifer concert, I am confident it won’t be quite like anything you’ve experienced before – and purposefully so. Not only is the experience different but each tour is quite different from the last. Yes, there is music, but this is a full experience – with video, comedy, and so much more (and this year, wrestling in the ring on the stage). When you have the chance to do and see new things, it changes your perspective.
Perspective comes from seeing things through other eyes. Because Lori and I got to talk with Maynard before the show, I learned even more about the project, the tour and how and why he has created what he created. At one point he said, “most people go to a concert, expect to see a warm up band they don’t care about before they get to what they came for. Doing that would be so boring!” I don’t want to give too much away, and while there is no opening act, there is 2.5 hours of entertainment. A Puscifer concert is more than just music – that is clear and I’ve already mentioned that. Understanding more of the why behind it, provides an even different context and deeper perspective, and allowed me to enjoy the show in different ways. Take the time to look at experiences through the eyes and minds of other people whenever you can.
Perspective comes when you are willing to be surprised. Trust me – much of the audience knew the words to every song. I have been to many concerts where that could be said of me, but that wasn’t the case here. By not knowing it all, I was able to be surprised and delighted as different things happened and some of the songs unfolded. When we already “know” what is going to happen, we will never see anything new or different – and our perspective won’t grow. When we are willing to let things happen and be more spontaneous, magic can happen.
Perspective comes when you are willing to be vulnerable. Let’s face it; Lori and I aren’t in the core demographic of the Puscifer crowd. I’m sure we were among the oldest in the audience, and generally speaking, were dressed differently than most everyone. We were (as we were four years ago) a bit self-conscious and self-aware as we made our way to our seats. But noticing that and not letting that vulnerability keep us away, allowed us to experience and enjoy the total experience. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you provide a richness of experience that brings you new learning and fresh perspective.
Why Does Perspective Matter?
When our perspective expands, we have a wider view of the world, understand what others see and therefore can make new connections to the world and to those around us. A broader and wider perspective allows us to be more successful in almost everything we do.
If you have a chance to go see Puscifer, I recommend it. But you can take the lessons I shared above and apply them to almost any situation in your life. Do that and your perspective will broaden and your success will grow.
That’s so great that you were able to glean all that just from a Puscifer show.
Through Tool, Maynard helped me discover the same truth by introducing me to this Timothy Leary quote: “To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable open-mindedness, chaotic, confused vulnerability to inform yourself.”
It’s since become a primary philosophy of mine. Thank you for sharing your experience!
a great show indeed! FYI, there’s plenty of us old dudes around …
I saw this article on Puscifer’s page, I am not writing you because you are Mayards friend, i am writing you cause your words were refreshing and enlightening, I thank you,Keep up the good work and I will gladly read
Hi Kevin,
I have been following your e-mails for some time now and really enjoy your “perspective” and how you tie life experiences into leadership lessons.
Thank you,
Diana
I agree 100% with all that you stated, Maynard is a genius and Thee most amazing and talented man ever. Take a compliment Maynard you deserve it Lol. I got one Love Tool and APC but Puscifer changed my life forever. Seeing them for the first time in Chicago at the Riv no less awesome venue it’s an in your face body mind and sole kinda experience one that will leave you speechless feeling. On to Round 2 Wow just Wow Milwaukee VIP Puscifer killed it the Harmony between Carina and Maynard leaves you in Awe. Grand Rapids Was priceless my Son’s first Puscifer show he got a drum stick from Jeff plus got it signed by Carina most memorable show. Next to Rockford VIP Ringside wholly shit Ballz was that Awesome from trying the wine to all the interesting information about Maynard and the Vinyards, To shaking Paul Barkers hand, Paul Barker from Ministry what a nice guy. Last show was in Indianapolis we had Pit tickets up close and personal once again Most Epic show ever can’t wait for the next time. Until then I will continue to hold all those memories dear to my heart for it was an EXPERIENCE of a life time.
Well written my friend. Well written indeed. I am looking forward to the day where I can experience the talents of MJK. Always been a huge fan. Unfortunately, life has called each time any of his shows have been near me. One day, it will happen and my emotions will flood. Looking forward to MY perspective. Keep writing. I enjoyed this!
Very good article. I’m a fan of anything Maynard does, that I know of, & I’ve been to every concert Puscifer has done here in the Twin Cities. You might’ve heard, the last show here had a 7th inning stretch of sorts, with the fire alarm clearing the arena for about 45 minutes, but the show went on afterwards, to which I’m very happy about, as I think many artists would’ve ended the night there.
Thank you for taking the time to write this. Having been to a lot of concerts, Puscifer was unlike anything I had ever experienced. In fact I ended up going to a second show just 3 days after the first show because it was such a mind altering experience. I have been to Jerome and the Puscifer store there and also fit into the “knows all of the lyrics” crowd but nothing could possibly have prepared me for the complete immersive experience that the was the live show.
Thank you,often times I keep my guard up and dont allow myself to be vulnerable. I try to see things threw new perspectives but never made the connection with vulnerability.
Only heard Puscifer once before,but went to show and it was great. Although every time I see leadership skill manuals for sale I think con artist or someone that want to squeeze the workers for more productivity so the “leader ” can take the credit and $. Just saying my perspective . My perspective on relationships with nature and people was expanded .
I had a very similar thought about the program. I actually wanted to say some constructive criticism, but I feel it wouldn’t be welcome. My perspective is of a young person who has a lot of knowledge of older comedy. I see Lenny Bruce, Andy Kaufman, George Carlin etc. In the show. I also saw a lot of anger and sadness. I was unable to connect emotionally to the show this time. I too, same them first and only in 2012, and again this April. I was reminded of clowns and marionettes. The show seemed to be pure ego. It seemed to be made by someone who needs capital, and they’re arm is sorta twisted into making more art. I found “the Remedy” to be a sort of slap in the face to fans. A lot of the music has felt like a slap in the face, or really a money shot in the face. Its lost a lot of the originality it once had. Yes it is different, but my perspective has changed as I mature.