A Perfect Circle's 'Mer de Noms' at 20: See Billy Howerdel Look Back

[@goofygothalien618]

One of the best albums ever crafted.

[@LuisVelazquezLV3]

yeah legit, got me through high school and college

[@MetalHeadAZ]

Agree

[@PCamron90]

Hey stranger 😄

[@CountrysideIC3]

Thirteenth step is my favourite from apc

[@boofert.washington2499]

Opinions are crazy.

[@Awprod2000]

Won't be much of a look back for me, because I still listen to them every day.

[@DragonCrestPC]

Same here

[@mertmunson1417]

Do you remember first time hearing it? Judith? The hollow? First cruise to do nothing but jam to it? Curious, cause I listen to them the same way. As much today as back then. And I can remember a few high points in my life during this album. Like to see if someone else has some as well? Its cool if you don't want to share, but grateful if you do. Word!

[@nickkinney2950]

Maynard's the genius who surrounds himself with other geniuses. The music they make stands the test of time and captures more emotion than just rage and fame. Too much music is about money and fame and too much music is just about rage and therefore is not relatable to the majority of the public, rage more so than fame but only to a certain degree, one can't live on a wave of rage very long, while Maynard mixes in everything else, a mature attitude, all other music is about money fame and women most people can't relate except for wannabes and groupees. In that way, the music they produce is truly a gift of humility to the masses, whether the masses choose to discover it for themselves or look over it and seek just to be recognized at any cost and live a life chasing the carrot on a stick. They are part of the working class of the country and will be cherished as such, holding a special meaningful position in people's lives that few will seek to understand. So who's laughing now? We will be. Maynard is one of us and he made it, and sent us all back the message from beyond. He didn't change from the way he started, he kept every bit of what got him off the ground in the first place, I feel a lot of wise decisions were made in his life in order to maintain the level of ethics he brings to his music, for those decisions he will forever be loved. Rant over.

[@немоёнезнаю]

Same

[@немоёнезнаю]

@@mertmunson1417 1.magdalena (live)... 2. Brena(live) It waz 2000year)))

[@crawdadds]

Billy is just your ordinary, average every day Rock God who is content with completing his civic duty of releasing everlasting musical gems to the World... No Big Deal

[@VatnikSlayer2799]

Great interview. Billy is a humble genius. Mer de Nom is a melodic masterpiece.

[@melance]

Billy is just so awesome to hear in interviews. He's so nice, calm, and seem genuinely appreciative that people are interested in him and his work.

[@hillarybeck4699]

I got to meet him once! I got star struck but you could tell he would have talked for a while to a random fan

[@imogensharma]

100% they made a record that has aged immaculately. I love it just as much now as I did when I was 14.

[@Megdracula]

Same. That’s the age I discovered them and Tool.

[@ferghalmolloy8450]

Orestes - so happy to hear Billy has a special place for that tune. My favourite. Always return to it and become 15 again. Magic.

[@tonywhite5557]

Ha! 15! Try 40. My son, then 15 introduced me. A true turning point.

[@absentiabenertia5204]

Had to listen right when I hear the song name God it's amazing

[@melissarey2973]

It was the first album I bought with my own money. Musically and lyrically it still pokes the feels 20 years later.

[@WanderingRobotStudio]

I listen to Mer De Noms every day.

[@superkatarsis]

I didnt get or hear what he said about the title? Merde = shit?

[@oliverhantu910]

@@superkatarsis oui, that is the translation of merde. I think it was Merde Gnome. "Sh*t Gnome."

[@MrRobguynn]

I listen very very frequently myself.

[@brandensoutdoorb-channel8084]

@@superkatarsis sea of names in latin

[@samaramorgan713]

the acoustic sessions are on a different world of amazing 😊

[@ambers1102]

Props to this interviewer! She's professional and down to earth and I enjoyed all her questions. And Billy is such a strange, cool dude. He seems like some kind of celestial being who isn't 100% sure how humans usually act.

[@idleave]

Amber S and the nose ring to boot!

[@matthewneufer1758]

Are you staying he looks like an ailen ? Some people..

[@whateverppl1229]

like... an alien? I am hu-mon

[@celestemi4341]

🚀👽🎸

[@cultofdis]

I think it would have been better if the interviewer was someone with more a personal connection to the album, but she did a fine job. But maybe I am just jealous and wish it was me conducting the interview, lolz

[@cunningfolktattoo6143]

I am 45 years old now,still listen to this every day ,I have created some amazing paintings over the years because of this band❤️my youngins grew up on this!

[@madnessbydesignVria]

20 years later, it doesn't hold up, it kicks the walls in and leaves you shellshocked. It's a brilliant collection of music brought into being by a brilliant collection of musicians... :)

[@JoelBulsara]

This deserves more acknowledgement, Billy is an underground god.

[@angelofwar9223]

Perfectly said

[@ANGELSVEN]

One of my all time fav albums ever...up there with Zeppelin. Love The Hollow, Judith, Magdalena, Brena... When I listen to this album, I am taken out of the world for a little while.

[@rhwIII84]

One of the best. I’ll never get tired of listening to that album.

[@debutts7723]

One of the all-time great rock albums. Still love it.

[@Brandon84J]

Billy should feel good about it. That album changed my life, and for the better. I fell in love, and still am in love with it

[@1330percy]

Among the most humble, honest and talented musicians in the industry today. I thank fate for whatever are the circumstances that bought one of the most underrated guitarists and one of the best, most complex vocalists/lyricists together to spawn this absolute monster of an alt-rock band. APC for life 🔥 Loved his Ashes Divide too. Surprises me how only a handful of people have heard of it.

[@michaelshannon9169]

Still one of the best albums I've ever listened to. Nothing like it, so eclectic, dark but still very tender. Damn where does the time go.

[@gabryvk]

If this album came out now......It would leave 99% of the music that's comin out in the dust. That's how good this record is.

[@davazz9586]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrRobguynn]

My favorite album of all time. Literally the sound of my soul.

[@mitchweezy9171]

Love the view and honesty of this interview thank you for sharing. I have been a fan since late 90s and definitely can hear the thought and care put into your music.

[@mrpetrock8624]

Mer de Nom was the sound track at a time struggling with addiction despite having a loving family I lived a BS selfish double life so in time this masterpiece became my anti depression fix and don't mind saying shed a tear or two cause o the guilt. then one day a life changing opportunity presented itself the criteria was simple continue down the road your on Or turn your back on it for good I chose the latter. and to this day i thank god how I am blessed So Mer de Nom reminds me of that time and if a life changing opportunity presented itself Take it. "

[@revolutionday1]

I couldn't wait to get my hands on a hard copy of this CD when it first came-out.....

[@john-a5472]

20 years later, its still masterpiece

[@rodroller6634]

Got to see Perfect Circle live opening for NIN. Just before the love of my life left me in tatters. Mer de Noms became the soundtrack of my recovery. Thank you Billy, Maynard, Paz, Troy & Josh. Saved me from me.

[@saltpeter7429]

My first "heart break" or whatever the heck you call it, coincided with the release of this album. I was 20. I was basically left behind. That's ok now, lol. It didnt quite feel like it would ever heal, then. I can put this cd on today and still feel a lot of things. Like the sense of smell being the strongest trigger of nostalgia. RIGHT BACK TO A CERTAIN TIME. That is an amazing artistic achievement, great band and creation.

[@i94yeh2p]

I was just getting into Tool when this album came out. I bought it on whim walking around in Best Buy and it turned out to be one of the best albums I ever bought. If I remember correctly I bought Lateralus first which I enjoyed but thought was kind of spacey for my tastes but when I heard Maynard's vocals on it and found out it was the same guy singing I appreciated it much more. Then I bought Anema, Undertow, Opiate and been loving it all every since. :)

[@MrKarmapolice97]

Me too I started with A Perfect Circle when Mer de Noms came out, Then I started buying Tool albums and I was hooked!

[@jedisith3864]

When this album came out I was 14 and needed them to be my lifeboat to get me through. Saved me from the Nickle Creed and Blink Biscuit drawl. Pointed me to The Pumpkins and Grunge and Shoegazer. Thank you Billy Howardel, your band did so much for me

[@keithreeder]

"Pointed me to The Pumpkins and Grunge and Shoegazer. " Christ. you missed the point there...

[@jedisith3864]

@@keithreeder how? What point? Expand on this purpose or objective that was given so I can evaluate for myself. This record made me look deeper for music that moved me and I found what I wanted released 12 yrs earlier and I can confirm that Mer De Noms was the catalyst. So again, what point have I missed?

[@jedisith3864]

@@keithreeder nothing? Just an unfounded opinion? Most cowardly attacks on peoples subjective enjoyment have no substance and it seems this is the case. Feel free to articulate whatever distorted ideal you seem to have insight into, or shy away with your tail tucked but realise that art is often created to intrigue an audience and music being a persons stepping stone into more and varied music is so common a happening you sound daft to even question this experience.

[@ghendar]

@@jedisith3864 Just ignore him, Jedi. Another faceless stranger on the internet throwing out useless opinions. If APC led you to other great music, that's what matters. :)

[@kiwis.4228]

Jedi Sith You are very articulate in the way you talk, I like it.

[@celestialscripture]

I remember the first time I heard Judith. As a Tool fan, I was in great anticipation to hear this music, and it came on the radio one day when I was driving my car. I had to pull off the road and park the car. It was so good. Couldn't believe what I was hearing. Then a few weeks later, on the day of its release, a buddy of mine who turned me on to Tool, and by extension Maynard, came over with the CD, we dropped acid and listened to it in its entirety. By the time the glorious chorus for a song I came to know as "Thomas" hit, I looked over to my friend and said "Thank you." What a magnificent creation from start to finish. Billy hit the nail on the head when he said it wasn't the best sounding record, but it sounded right for what it was. That signature sound was evident from the beginning, a hallmark of great musicianship. They really nailed it with that record.

[@keithreeder]

"we dropped acid" Right up to that point you WEREN'T coming across as a self-obsessed wanker...

[@jedisith3864]

@@keithreeder go eat your ego you sycophant

[@jw725]

Loved Judith right away. The rest of the album took me a while to figure out, but all of a sudden it clicked and it’s an absolute masterpiece! Listen to it all the time.

[@HaXaW5150]

Billy, to me anyway is the heart and soul of APC. It's in his eyes.

[@JennySujey]

This is going to be great to listen to!! Billy is my favorite guitarist next to Adam

[@jessewalters9107]

I do miss the days walking into a record store on Fridays after I cashed my paper check at the bank ... I grew up on J.Cash records my grandma would play... the Metallica tape my dads coke head friend gave me... the neighbor Shawn the summer we jammed GNR and OZZY and MEGADETH ... the pothead that lived in his moms house that was a huge Kiss Fan ... The kid who had the KoRn shirt I had to know what it was so I bought the CD ... Thanks to the kid on the Football Bus on the way home from a game let me use his Discman and got to hear Sober for the first time ... My cousin the big Faith No More Fan ... I was so opened minded and just loved all kinds of music ... this Album is in my regular rotation ... it never gets old

[@killroyorestes4362]

20 years ago a friend didn’t understand APC so he handed me a cd. There will never be an equal . Beautiful.

[@hamsandwichson]

Me and my friends listened to this album nonstop. I was lucky enough to see APC a handful of times with their original lineup in smaller venues. Great memories. ❤️

[@andrewrojas5614]

Met him a couple of months ago. Spent a week learning from him.. amazing guy.. amazing talent.. down to earth...

[@kiwis.4228]

That’s a dream right there. How did you run into him?

[@andrewrojas5614]

@@kiwis.4228 he got a Guitar camp open to everybody in Newport Beach. I got in and from Jan 1st to the 5th I was jamming with him.. Nuno Betancourt.. John 5.. amd a bunch of great guitarists.. amazing experience.. will do it again anytime...

[@RenegadeSith]

Awesome interview! Billy created a masterpiece!

[@ALibraPro]

I obviously love this band.

[@nickkinney2950]

Apc was one of the coolest concerts I've ever been to.

[@luiscypher1307]

One of the greatest albums ever recorded imo so many emotive moments of my life aligned with its release.

[@Salvadorsalais]

Listening to this album as an adult, and realizing the multiple meanings behind the lyrics, makes this album so much better than it was....and it was one of my favorites back then so.

[@Desto13]

One of the soundtracks of my life! Listen ti it daily. 🖤

[@candyfuentes6969]

Enjoying this interview so much🤘🏻🤘🏻😍🔥

[@TheBlooming144]

This album saved me as a teenager. Still love it.

[@darknessbeginsaslightends1319]

The first day of having the cd i was decoding the symbols.

[@Jack-ot1zq]

Spoiler, they are lyrics

[@davidvied2507]

Tara Rawson you’re right, kinda... it’s a full alphabet created for the band to use, all based off zodiac/runes etc... but within the first album it’s all the lyrics.. def very cool stuff

[@absentiabenertia5204]

Besides Judith (just felt like it didn't belong in the same cd) set. One of the best

[@MissJen-78]

I love this album with all my ❤️ Thank you, Billy

[@ruiplas]

Oh My God...... it’s already 20 years....geee, how time flies

[@josephredlinger6156]

Breña never leaves my head.

[@wishb0ne]

What an immaculate, timeless album. Great interview, this lady did a fantastic job.

[@Manodragon]

Can someone ask about Paz? Were any songs written with her in mind?

[@Caalabuuu]

she had a lot of badass parts and riffs, i've seen a recent interview of her with some other and she didn't really talk about perrfect circle in there either. Mainly just her role in pixies and sort of her background with music.

[@maurovacca7054]

@@Caalabuuu paz left them because she was feel like " having two legs but walk only with the left one". Also Billy molded her so she could play with the pick. most of the bass line were created by Billy. Not an happy girls at all.

[@angelofwar9223]

That’s actually a really good question I wonder that to I don’t think the lyrics were written specifically to her but eventually some of them became about her ❤️

[@jonathanb6911]

Thank you, Billy

[@carterheekin1974]

This album is extremely important to me.

[@WT_Neptune]

I've been hoping for something like this. His production is dope, I wanna know how this sound is achieved.

[@tonywhite5557]

Great understanding and background. Enlightening. Thank you both very much.

[@veronicar9619]

Thank you for sharing this

[@gc1319]

Bring it on Billy , APC.

[@charlene3572]

I still listen to it on a daily

[@laynevlogz4922]

Man I feel old now. Saw them live in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia supporting this album back when it was released..

[@stevecaldwell8568]

I saw them at Red Rocks in 2011 and that show was hands down the best show I have ever been to. If anyone gets a chance to see them do it!! and especially if they come back to Red Rocks!

[@BENEATH_THE_SEWERS]

Thats why i love my original mer de noms t-shirt (new). Cause one of the best albums ever.

[@wouazzalus]

A Perfect album period !!

[@angelofwar9223]

A perfect circle is the greatest band of all time and you cannot change my mind ⭕️ 💯

[@reginasamilpa44]

Tool is mine! Both great bands!!

[@TheAmbientMage]

This album came out when I was 14. I've been listening to it since then and I still listen to it regularly. It means more to me now than ever and I'm always discovering new things with it. 10/10 will keep listening for another 20 years.

[@360.Tapestry]

tracks from this album stay in regular rotation on my playlist

[@dianaengland1907]

Top three albums for me.

[@itsme-notyou]

We called it Tool Lite back in the day, but it was very much its own wonderful thing. I remember seeing their show on the first tour, waiting after the show by the tour bus, standing dumbfounded when we saw MJK walk out. Troy was really friendly. I also remember they did a live chat on the Prodigy network, which was a competitor to AOL. I asked a question about The Hollow that Billy answered, which I thought was so cool. I bought one of their t shirts, and on the Tool newsgroup people were talking about how if you imagined the logo as 3d, angled, in shadows, you could see how it represented a perfect circle. So young, great memories. Except high school. High school sucked.

[@sumeetj3628]

I fuckin love this album, very close to me ❤️

[@jeffreypeters5578]

Apc logo was my first tat,THIS ALBUM CHANGED SOUL SOME DEPRESSING SOME UPLIFTING BUT THE PURE BEAUTY OF THIS ALBUM MUSICALLY AND VOCALLY ARE TOP NOTCH

[@mertmunson1417]

It was my first one too!!!! Surrounds my sternum!!! Constant reminder how art can change your world for the better!

[@SageValentine]

Please help me appreciate the album even more. I was 15 when it came out. I still love it and hearing the song performed live is a heavenly experience.

[@TheEternalElir]

Mer de Noms is a perfect album. Their magnum opus.

[@rationalgaze5229]

Best a perfect circle album period

[@mikerusso703]

Nah 13th steps

[@nickborrrego]

She is awesome for this kind of interview 🙌

[@MrBLawson85]

one of the best albums ever

[@cultofdis]

Mer De Noms is a record that not only holds up but actually becomes even more powerful and personal as I grow and mature. Songs that were less interesting to me when I was younger have become my favorites as an adult, and of course I still love the songs I loved back then as well. Thirteenth Step is incredible as well but this first album is bottled lightning.

[@jojolewis831]

I found this cd on the beach middle of night. best drive up coast ever!

[@mikerusso703]

Great interview!! Great questions!!

[@BYTHEWAY9-x9g]

such a nice guy

[@10kCrows]

APC is my fav band 💖

[@Brandon84J]

The Hollow is my favorite song, Ever.... EVER

[@wammons007]

what a great interview both sides were great. billy "you are the shit brother"

[@GottaLookInwardToSeeOutward]

love maynard but billy to me is the heart of apc

[@rubenl4368]

Record absolutely aged well.

[@jeromefaria]

Thank you so much for this, Revolver! 🖤

[@laojoshd]

Great interview!

[@Quarker]

I was listening to Judith at a time while I was questioning my religious beliefs, crazy times. Billy's super talented, I love the atmospheric quality he brings to APC. I also think Breña is the best track off Mer De Noms, I'm totally willing to fight people on this.

[@keithreeder]

"while I was questioning my religious beliefs" Did it help you finally realise that they're weak-minded bullshit?

[@DSz13X]

Hard agree on "Breña".

[@vitoguido3258]

@@keithreeder Weak minded. Lol!

[@dash4786]

Bro! Brena is amazing! Literally re-listened to the album and usually skipped that song for years. Now it's my favorite on the album.

[@thehllw]

This album is goat 💜

[@senisyurga8056]

I remember reading once Billy saying that "3 Libras" was his finest moment of guitar playing. Which still hits me today. As a listener I would add Maynard's finest moment of singing as well.

[@chrisperez2496]

Masterpiece

[@brandensoutdoorb-channel8084]

Still an awesome album. I was just out of high school.

[@360.Tapestry]

20 years ago, this guy aged 20 days

[@ow9323]

Loved you guys in London the other year

[@daleblack4737]

definitely a lot of passion written into that album. the latest album is pretty cool too.

[@denverrandy7143]

Mer de Nome is on my Weekly playlist.👍

[@chuquiii]

Dark, Sofisticated, Melodic, Disonant, Heavy, Fascination Street, Anacronic, Witchery, Sexy. A perfect Circle

[@EicherCorp]

I can’t wait!

[@losgkingslayer6188]

Brena is my jam the whole album is a masterpiece

[@davidsaarelajr.5986]

I saw a Perfect Circle at Kent State University 20 years ago. They blew my mind back then. Where did the time go?

[@f.sense888]

I LUV U MAN💜🌹

[@davidwile1277]

Unreal guitar work on that album...the hollow and rose sound so original...thirteenth step is more creative mer de noms is hard to describe

[@bungalowfeuhler1541]

You bastards... you had to tell me it’s been 20 years.