Primus Launches Galactic Search for New Drummer When Tim “Herb” Alexander, the legendary percussionist and longtime heartbeat of Primus, announced his departure from the band in 2024, the news hit the music world hard. Alexander made his intentions crystal clear in an official statement published by Rolling Stone, sharing that he would be stepping back to prioritize his mental health and overall well-being—a move that resonated deeply in an era where self-care is finally coming to the forefront in the music industry. Primus Interstellar Drum Derby: A Cosmic Casting Call Rather than quietly slotting in a new drummer from their rolodex of famous friends, Primus’ remaining core duo—Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde—decided to crank the weirdness up to 11. They announced the Primus Interstellar Drum Derby, an open call that stretched across the musical universe in search of their next rhythmic architect. In true Primus fashion, the process was documented for all to see, unfolding as a YouTube series that brought fans along for every eccentric twist and turn of their intergalactic talent quest. Democratizing the Drum Throne John Hoffman, a drummer hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, was among the hopefuls who answered Primus’ cosmic call. Reflecting on the experience, Hoffman noted, “As many people as they’ve known, and as many drummers as they have access to, it would have been really easy for them to just sort of find a drummer, a very notable one that everybody would already kind of know about.” Instead, Primus threw the door wide open, inviting over 6,000 drummers from around the world to audition. For Hoffman, being given that shot was nothing short of extraordinary: “The fact that they went kind of public and gave people like myself a chance is pretty commendable.” A Rock ‘n’ Roll Reality Show For Hoffman, a self-professed lifelong Primus fan, the audition process was surreal—like stepping into a rock ‘n’ roll reality competition. The Derby wasn’t just about killer chops; it was a gauntlet of creative and technical challenges. Finalists were flown out to Third Encore Studios in North Hollywood, where they faced a battery of tasks designed to separate the merely good from the truly great. “I emerged out of that last group of nine, and then headed back to Primus headquarters in Sebastopol opposite one other drummer,” Hoffman recounted. Those last two days were crucial, as the finalists bonded with Les and Ler, then ran through a full Primus set as if they were headlining a show. The Birth of a New Lineup Hoffman ultimately clinched the coveted throne, sealing the deal with a performance that left a lasting impression. Primus wasted no time putting their new drummer to work. Their latest track, “Lord Fentanyl,” was recorded with Hoffman behind the kit—and, in true Primus fashion, the band nailed it in just three takes. This track not only marks the start of a new era for the band, but also showcases the electric chemistry of the new lineup. New Music and a Special Milestone With Hoffman now fully initiated, Primus launched their first U.S. headlining tour with their new drummer at the helm. Their upcoming 7-inch release is particularly special, as it’s the band’s first new studio recording in over three years. Jon Bleicher, Primus’ publicist, shared, “We announced it this week alongside the digital release of the B-side, a live version of ‘Duchess,’ recorded during one of John’s earliest shows with the band... That track holds special weight,” Bleicher added. “‘Duchess’ is the same song John played during his audition, which clinched it for Les. ‘He’s the only one that picked it, and he fucking killed it,’ Les said.” For Hoffman, the journey from fan to full-fledged member of Primus has been as strange and wonderful as the band’s legendary music—and fans are already vibing with the bold new era that’s only just begun.
Primus' Galactic Search for New Drummer
