Primus
2026

The Primus Experience: What to Expect in 2026

A Primus show is unlike anything else in rock music. Les Claypool—ranked among Rolling Stone’s greatest bassists of all time—commands the stage with slap-bass virtuosity, bizarre storytelling, and the kind of theatrical absurdity that has defined the band since 1984. Add guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde’s dissonant, Robert Fripp-influenced playing and new drummer John Hoffman’s explosive grooves, and you have a sonic assault that defies categorization.

The Claypool Gold format amplifies this experience by weaving in the extended improvisation of Frog Brigade and the cosmic psychedelia of the Claypool Lennon Delirium. Expect the unexpected: full Pink Floyd covers, unrehearsed jams, guest appearances, and setlists that change dramatically every night.

The Primus Catalog: Songs You’ll Hear

• “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” – The 1991 breakthrough with its legendary tapping bassline (featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater)
• “Tommy the Cat” – Tom Waits provides the voice; Claypool provides the impossibly complex bass
• “My Name Is Mud” – Dark, heavy, and unforgettable from Pork Soda
• “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” – The absurdist MTV hit from Tales from the Punchbowl
• “John the Fisherman” – Early fan favorite that put Primus on the map
• “Too Many Puppies” – Anti-war statement from the debut era
• “South Park Theme” – Yes, that’s Primus—they’ve performed it since 1997
• “Mr. Krinkle” – Upright bass showcase with legendary surrealist video
• “DMV” – The bureaucratic nightmare set to music
• “Lacquer Head” – From the star-studded Antipop album
• “Little Lord Fentanyl” – The 2025 collaboration with Maynard James Keenan

Primus Through the Years: Complete Studio Albums

• Suck on This (1989) – Self-released live debut recorded at the Berkeley Square
• Frizzle Fry (1990) – Studio debut featuring “John the Fisherman” and “Too Many Puppies”
• Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991) – Major label breakthrough; platinum certified; Claypool’s personal favorite
• Pork Soda (1993) – Debuted #7 on Billboard 200; platinum certified; darker themes
• Tales from the Punchbowl (1995) – Gold certified; “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” era
• Brown Album (1997) – Self-titled release with heavier production
• Antipop (1999) – Guest appearances from Tom Morello, James Hetfield, Tom Waits, and more
• Green Naugahyde (2011) – Return after 12-year studio hiatus
• Primus & the Chocolate Factory (2014) – Full reimagining of Willy Wonka’s songs
• The Desaturating Seven (2017) – Concept album based on The Rainbow Goblins
• Conspiranoid EP (2022) – 11-minute title track; most recent release before 2025 single

Meet the Primus 2026 Lineup

Les Claypool (Bass, Vocals)

Born September 29, 1963, Leslie Edward Claypool founded Primus in 1984 and has led the band through every era. His unique technique combines tapping, slapping, strumming, and whammy bar manipulation on fretted, fretless, and custom instruments. Beyond Primus, he’s formed Oysterhead (with Trey Anastasio and Stewart Copeland), Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains, Duo de Twang, and runs Claypool Cellars winery in Sonoma County.

Larry “Ler” LaLonde (Guitar)

Before joining Primus in 1989, LaLonde played in death metal pioneers Possessed and studied under guitar legend Joe Satriani. His dissonant, minimalist approach—influenced by Robert Fripp of King Crimson—provides the perfect foil to Claypool’s bass-forward arrangements.

John Hoffman (Drums)

The newest member, John Hoffman hails from Shreveport, Louisiana where he played with local bands Dirtfoot and Stiff Necked Fools. He won the “Interstellar Drum Derby” over 6,100 worldwide applicants, impressing Claypool with his versatility and energy. “Come see why this amazing fellow was able to rise above to become the latest, and possibly the greatest, drummer to sit on the Primus drum throne,” Claypool said.

How to Buy Primus 2026 Tickets

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Quick Answers: Primus & Claypool Gold

What does “Primus Sucks” mean? It’s the band’s beloved catchphrase, started when Claypool would modestly reply “Nah, we suck” to compliments. Fans adopted it as a chant and term of endearment. The band sells “Primus Sucks” merchandise and Claypool considers it “the greatest thing.”

What is The Claypool Lennon Delirium? A psychedelic rock project pairing Les Claypool with Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. They’ve released two albums and a new 2026 single, “WAP (What a Predicament).”

Who plays drums for Primus now? John Hoffman from Shreveport, Louisiana joined after winning the “Interstellar Drum Derby” audition over 6,100 applicants, replacing Tim “Herb” Alexander.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Primus 2026 tour called?

The official tour name is Claypool Gold. It's a unique summer tour bringing together three of Les Claypool's bands—Primus, Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium—for a full-evening experience where all three bands share the stage with fluid setlists and nightly surprises.

When does the Primus 2026 tour start and end?

The Claypool Gold tour begins May 20, 2026 at Reno Events Center in Nevada and concludes July 4, 2026 at Blue Note Summer Sessions in Napa, California with a special Independence Day celebration.

How many shows are on the Primus 2026 tour?

The Claypool Gold tour includes over 25 dates across North America, visiting cities from coast to coast including Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, San Diego, and Los Angeles area.

Who is Primus's new drummer in 2026?

John Hoffman from Shreveport, Louisiana is Primus's new drummer. He won the band's global "Interstellar Drum Derby" audition, beating over 6,100 applicants worldwide. He replaced Tim "Herb" Alexander, who left the band in October 2024.

What happened to Tim Alexander?

Tim "Herb" Alexander announced his departure from Primus on October 17, 2024, stating he had "lost his passion for playing." He was the drummer on most of Primus's classic albums including Sailing the Seas of Cheese and Pork Soda.

What is Primus's latest song?

"Little Lord Fentanyl" (released May 2025) is Primus's newest single and their first studio recording with drummer John Hoffman. It features guest vocals from Maynard James Keenan of Tool. The Claypool Lennon Delirium also released "WAP (What a Predicament)" in early 2026.

Will all three bands play every night on the Claypool Gold tour?

Yes, Primus, Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium will all share the stage every night in a fluid format with different setlists and surprises at each show.

How long is a Claypool Gold concert?

With three bands sharing the stage in a "mind-melting" format, expect a substantial evening of music lasting approximately 3+ hours as the bands cycle through material and collaborate throughout the night.

What classics will Primus play on tour?

Expect signature songs like "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver," "Tommy the Cat," "My Name Is Mud," "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver," "John the Fisherman," and the South Park theme, alongside newer material and songs from Frog Brigade and Claypool Lennon Delirium.

Who is Sean Lennon?

Sean Ono Lennon is a musician and producer, and the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He partners with Les Claypool in The Claypool Lennon Delirium. He won a Grammy Award in 2025 for his design of the John Lennon Mind Games boxed reissue and co-produced a short film that won an Academy Award in 2024.

Does Primus really do the South Park theme?

Yes! Primus has performed the South Park theme song since the show's debut in 1997. Les Claypool also appears in the animated opening credits. The band performed at the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2022.

What genre is Primus?

Primus famously defies categorization. They've been called funk metal, alternative metal, experimental rock, prog rock, and Les Claypool himself once described their sound as "psychedelic polka." They're the only band with their own dedicated genre tag in music software.

Are Primus 2026 tickets available now?

Yes, Primus 2026 tickets for the Claypool Gold tour are on sale now through our verified marketplace. Browse the tour dates listed above to find tickets for your preferred show.

What if a Primus show gets canceled?

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