Simply two months on from the departure of longtime drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander, Primus are again within the saddle forward of impending auditions for a brand new percussionist.
The band’s first present since Alexander’s last look in August, the efficiency befell as a part of the band’s New Yr’s Eve celebration reveals on the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA, on Monday (Dec. 30). Opening with units from bassist and vocalist Les Claypool‘s different bands Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade, the primary occasion was a six-song efficiency from Primus with Bryan ‘Mind’ Mantia on drums.
Mantia had beforehand served because the drummer of Primus in 1989, earlier than being changed by Alexander, who would play with the band till 1996. Following Alexander’s preliminary departure, Mantia returned to the package till Primus’ cut up in 2000. Alexander would stay the band’s drummer for almost all of their profession following a 2003 reunion, save for one more absence between 2010 and 2013.
Primus introduced on Oct. 29 that Alexander had resigned instantly on Oct. 17 through e mail “efficient instantly”, citing a “lack of ardour for taking part in”—a motive that Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde admitted “got here as an entire shock.”
“On the heels of a beautiful spring & summer season of touring and a few fabulous plans forward, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly choose out,” Claypool and LaLonde stated.
“After a number of makes an attempt to speak with Herb, his solely response was one other e mail stating that he has ‘misplaced his ardour for taking part in.’ As disappointing as that’s, we respect his selection and it’s pressured us to make some robust selections.”
Within the wake of Alexander’s passing, Primus introduced they might be “taking submissions from all factors within the universe for the place of Primus drummer/percussionist”. They added: “Flashy chops are great, however groove, pocket, and the power to pay attention, react, and contribute to the musical dialog is a should.”
The band took to social media once more in late December to warn candidates of scammers who had begun contacting hopeful candidates forward of in-person auditions going down.
“It’s our responsibility right here within the Primus camp to not less than give a ‘heads up’ because it have been, to those that could also be duped by these unhappy people who’re clearly fighting their very own insecurities and shriveled genitalia,” the band wrote.
Presently, Primus are scheduled to be joined by Instrument‘s Danny Carey for pageant dates within the Dominican Republic in March, with a joint tour alongside Puscifer and A Good Circle set to launch in April.
