As you might know, Primus has been looking for a new drummer for a while now. Les Claypool’s recent post about the search included a video of a possible drummer, but fans didn’t take it well.
The rocker took to Instagram to share a video of the guitarist and singer Billy Strings playing the drums. Claypool wrote in the caption, “We may have found our guy.” Billy Sticks starts his video by saying “Okay, here’s my audition to play for Primus.” The singer then goes on to play the drums in a way that made it clear he was being sarcastic.
However, fans weren’t happy with it. “Billy Strings Sucks,” a user commented. “Guitarists when the drummer leaves the jam space for a smoke,” another wrote. One other user added: “He sucks so may be a good fit.”
On October 29, Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde announced that Tim Alexander had quit unexpectedly on October 17. He sent an email saying he was stepping down ‘effective immediately’ because he had lost his passion for playing with the band. Claypool and LaLonde said they were ‘completely shocked’ by the news.
In their statement, Primus said they were looking for ‘the Greatest Drummer on Earth’ and asked fans and musicians to send in audition videos.
For now, the members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade will play drums for Primus during the band’s New Year’s Eve shows at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, on December 30th and 31st. Tool’s Danny Carey will also perform with Primus at the ‘Tool Live in the Sand’ festival in the Dominican Republic in March.
