ArtistDirect News
A Perfect Circle Releases New Single "Starless" and Signals More Music Amid 2026 Tour
A Perfect Circle returned to the studio with the single “Starless,” released on 27 May 2026, and guitarist Billy Howerdel confirmed that additional material is underway. The track marks the band’s first new song in eight years and arrives just before the group’s European tour that began in June.
The single was recorded at Howerdel’s Lankershim Ranch Studio in California and features drummer Josh Freese, who has played with the band since 2024. “Starless” was first announced on Blabbermouth and later shared on the band’s social‑media channels. The release follows the 2024 single “Kindred,” which was the only new A Perfect Circle track issued since the 2018 album Eat the Elephant.
In an interview with Minneapolis radio station 93X, Howerdel said the band is “working toward something” beyond the single. He explained that touring has slowed progress, noting that the group is “deep into its European run.” Howerdel added that the band will need a few more days of downtime to focus on new material. The interview was reported by Blabbermouth and included Howerdel’s observation that the frontman’s work ethic keeps the band moving forward.
The 2026 European tour, which began in June, is the band’s first extensive tour in eight years. It includes dates across the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and other European countries. The tour’s schedule was confirmed by the band’s official website and is supported by the same lineup that performed on the 2024 tour: guitarist Billy Howerdel, vocalist Maynard James Keenan, bassist Matt McJunkins, drummer Josh Freese, and guitarist James Iha.
In addition to the European dates, A Perfect Circle will headline a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in December 2026. The Australian tour marks the band’s first headline run in the region since 2013. Scheduled venues include The Drive in Adelaide (4 Dec), Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (6 Dec), Riverstage in Brisbane (8 Dec), Carriageworks in Sydney (10 Dec), the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney (11 Dec, sold out), and Spark Arena in Auckland (13 Dec). Ticket sales are handled through the band’s official touring site.
The band’s current lineup has remained stable since 2017, with Howerdel and Keenan as the only constant members. The group’s history of intermittent activity is largely tied to Keenan’s commitments with Tool and Puscifer. Despite these challenges, the band has maintained a reputation for atmospheric rock and emotionally charged performances.
Industry observers note that the release of “Starless” and the announcement of additional material could signal a new creative cycle for A Perfect Circle. While no formal album announcement has been made, the timing of the single’s drop—just before the European tour—suggests that the band is preparing to expand its live repertoire. The band’s return to touring after a long hiatus also positions it to re‑engage with a global fan base.
As of now, A Perfect Circle continues to tour through 2026, with the Australian dates set for December. The band’s next steps remain unclear, but the confirmation of ongoing songwriting indicates that the group is not finished with its current creative output.
The single was recorded at Howerdel’s Lankershim Ranch Studio in California and features drummer Josh Freese, who has played with the band since 2024. “Starless” was first announced on Blabbermouth and later shared on the band’s social‑media channels. The release follows the 2024 single “Kindred,” which was the only new A Perfect Circle track issued since the 2018 album Eat the Elephant.
In an interview with Minneapolis radio station 93X, Howerdel said the band is “working toward something” beyond the single. He explained that touring has slowed progress, noting that the group is “deep into its European run.” Howerdel added that the band will need a few more days of downtime to focus on new material. The interview was reported by Blabbermouth and included Howerdel’s observation that the frontman’s work ethic keeps the band moving forward.
The 2026 European tour, which began in June, is the band’s first extensive tour in eight years. It includes dates across the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and other European countries. The tour’s schedule was confirmed by the band’s official website and is supported by the same lineup that performed on the 2024 tour: guitarist Billy Howerdel, vocalist Maynard James Keenan, bassist Matt McJunkins, drummer Josh Freese, and guitarist James Iha.
In addition to the European dates, A Perfect Circle will headline a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in December 2026. The Australian tour marks the band’s first headline run in the region since 2013. Scheduled venues include The Drive in Adelaide (4 Dec), Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (6 Dec), Riverstage in Brisbane (8 Dec), Carriageworks in Sydney (10 Dec), the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney (11 Dec, sold out), and Spark Arena in Auckland (13 Dec). Ticket sales are handled through the band’s official touring site.
The band’s current lineup has remained stable since 2017, with Howerdel and Keenan as the only constant members. The group’s history of intermittent activity is largely tied to Keenan’s commitments with Tool and Puscifer. Despite these challenges, the band has maintained a reputation for atmospheric rock and emotionally charged performances.
Industry observers note that the release of “Starless” and the announcement of additional material could signal a new creative cycle for A Perfect Circle. While no formal album announcement has been made, the timing of the single’s drop—just before the European tour—suggests that the band is preparing to expand its live repertoire. The band’s return to touring after a long hiatus also positions it to re‑engage with a global fan base.
As of now, A Perfect Circle continues to tour through 2026, with the Australian dates set for December. The band’s next steps remain unclear, but the confirmation of ongoing songwriting indicates that the group is not finished with its current creative output.