Table 'performance_schema.session_variables' doesn't exist

Solution 1:

I was able to log on to the mysql server after running the command @robregonm suggested:

mysql_upgrade -u root -p --force

A MySQL server restart is required.

Solution 2:

The mysql_upgrade worked for me as well:

# mysql_upgrade -u root -p --force
# systemctl restart mysqld

Regards, MSz.

Solution 3:

mysql -u app -p
mysql> set @@global.show_compatibility_56=ON;

as per http://bugs.mysql.com/bug.php?id=78159 worked for me.