Billy Howerdel (born May 18, 1970) is the founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer for the band A Perfect Circle. He was born in New Jersey. Before forming A Perfect Circle, Howerdel worked as a guitar tech for Faith No More, Fishbone, David Bowie, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N' Roses, and numerous other bands. Howerdel functioned as a roadie and Pro Tools technician for Tool during the tour and recording of Ænima, working with Maynard James Keenan, whom he met in 1992.