New Primus drummer John Hoffman now has a ‘John Hoffmann Day,’ and he is proud of it.
Frontman Les Claypool took to Instagram and shared a message he received from the band’s new drummer. Along with a selfie of the two together, he shared, “Morning brother! Things are so good. Just tripping out at this reaction,” Hoffman told Claypool.
“I can’t believe (1) how massively viral this is and (2) how incredibly positive and supportive the fan base is being about you choosing me,” the drummer continued. “I’m overwhelmed. Thousands of comments from complete strangers ‘yes, I was rooting for him all along,’ ‘Primus made the right choice,’ ‘I can’t wait to hear Primus with this guy on drums’ …so unbelievable, I’m just humbled and shocked….and I cannot friggin wait.”
Hoffmann also referred to his inclusion in the band as the ‘most incredible thing ever happened.’ “Les, I mean it, this is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me. The only day that compares to this is the day I married my amazing wife. And the ENTIRE city of Shreveport is losing its mind right now. It’s like I just won the damn Super Bowl.”
He also revealed, “Someone proposed to the city council that Feb 7th in Shreveport becomes ‘John Hoffman Day.’ This is amazing, and I’m just so unbelievably excited to be a part of this. You’re the man, Colonel Claypool.”
Maynard James Keenan commented, “Admit it. It was the towel,” referring to the drummer’s earlier post with the caption, “The Guide says a towel ‘is the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.'”
Primus announced their new drummer just two days ago on their social media accounts. “Hoffington!!! Welcome aboard!” Primus wrote in the caption of their Instagram post. Claypool also shared the same post on his own account.
Primus was searching for a new drummer after Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander left. They posted on social media in November, saying they wanted a ‘well-mannered’ drummer with original style and a desire to open new creative doors. They emphasized the importance of groove, pocket, and the ability to listen and contribute to the music.
After leaving Primus, Alexander said he lost his passion for the band, explaining that playing for so long had turned into a job, affecting his physical, mental, and family life.
In January, Claypool shared audition videos on Instagram. Fans noticed Rory Dolan and Thomas Pridgen, and some were surprised they weren’t chosen right away.
