Primus frontman Les Claypool recently discussed the band’s revitalization following drummer Tim Alexander’s departure. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Consequence.
Claypool reflected on the band’s history with lineup changes and their approach to finding Alexander’s replacement.
“Well, I mean, Primus is a pretty acquired taste, as are the musicians who play in the band,” Claypool said. “You know, this is the third time that Tim Alexander left the band over the years, and we’ve always had somebody in the wings.”
He explained how this departure differed from previous ones in terms of their recruitment process.
“We were always like, ‘Oh, well, we’re going to get this guy then. Nope, we’re going to get that guy,’ whereas this time we just didn’t have that,” he continued. “So, we just opened the floodgates. And it was amazing.”
Claypool also shared his enthusiasm about working with new drummer John Hoffman.
“John’s amazing. He’s it’s really been a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It’s been… whatever metaphor you want to use. It’s really blown some life into this old barnacle-ridden ship. So, yeah, he’s great. He’s really, really fun to play with. He’s got an amazing feel, very tasteful, super nice guy. It’s exciting.”
The comments came during promotion for Primus’ “Onward & Upward” tour with Ty Segall.
The extensive search process that led to Hoffman’s selection demonstrates the band’s commitment to finding the right fit for their unique sound. AXS TV reported that the band received over 6,000 digital tryouts from drummers worldwide after opening their recruitment process to the public. This unprecedented response highlighted both the global appeal of Primus and the challenge of replacing a longtime member like Alexander.
Hoffman hails from Shreveport, Louisiana. He stood out among thousands of applicants through his distinctive style and strong online presence, particularly on YouTube. Live for Live Music noted that his selection marked a significant new chapter for Primus as they prepared for their 2025 tour. The tour includes a high-profile performance at Tool’s “Live In The Sand” event in March.
The new drummer has expressed both respect for Primus’s legacy and eagerness to contribute his own energy to the band’s evolving sound. Relix revealed that Hoffman acknowledged the challenge of honoring the many drummers who have contributed to Primus’s history while bringing his own style to performances. He emphasized his approach of carefully listening and adapting to Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde’s cues during shows.
The “Onward & Upward” tour represents Primus’s first major headlining run with Hoffman behind the kit. It serves as both a test and celebration of the band’s new lineup. NoTreble indicated that the tour will showcase how Hoffman’s addition has reinvigorated the band’s live performances. It offers fans their first opportunity to experience this new era of Primus in concert.
