A Perfect Circle consists of Billy Howerdel (guitar, vocals), James Iha (guitar), Jeordie White (bass), Josh Freese (drums), Maynard James (vocals).
A Perfect Circle is an alternative rock band, formed by guitarist Billy Howerdel. Howerdel had worked as a guitar tech for bands such as Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fishbone, Guns N' Roses and Tool. During the recording of Tool's Ænima album, he played demos of his music to Tool's singer, Maynard James Keenan, who, although Howerdel originally wanted a female singer, offered himself as vocalist should Howerdel form a band.
Joined by The Vandals drummer Josh Freese, ex- Failure guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, and bassist/violinist Paz Lenchantin (later of Zwan), the band rehearsed the music that Howerdel had begun and finished their debut album Mer de Noms (French "Sea of Names"). At this time Tool was tied up in negotiations with their record label, allowing Keenan much time to complete the work. While the band's first single, "Judith", brought some comparisons to Tool, the album is quite different.
Between Lenchantin leaving the band for Billy Corgan's new band Zwan and van Leeuwen becoming the new tour guitarist of Queens of the Stone Age, the band was in need of a new bassist and guitarist for their live performances. These positions were taken over by ex- Marilyn Manson bassist Jeordie White (formerly known as Twiggy Ramirez) and ex- Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha.