Les Claypool on his Metallica audition ( BB Video)

Boing Boing Video archives: www.boingboing.net/boing-boing...
Known for gathering an eclectic mix of talented musicians from around the world, Les Claypool has fronted a number of projects including the Frog Brigade, Colonel Claypool's bucket of Bernie Brains, Sausage, and, of course, Primus. In today's episode, we learn about his audition for Metallica.

[@PizzzaBoy]

Imagine les claypool Slapping bass behind the guitar solo on "One"

[@KilnerKlan]

+Austyn weezy Fieldy slaps nothing like Claypool. Claypool is a whole other level.

[@ibarra88]

+Austyn weezy You just can't compare Les Claypool to Fieldy, Claypool is an alien playing bass

[@Mindrex327]

+Kevin Buckley You have to remember kids, James and Lars were in charge of Metallica at the time, so Les Claypool would have been controlled just like Jason was and "..and Justice for All" would have sounded the same. I am glad he did not join MetallicA, because I love Primus too!

[@PizzzaBoy]

RexallMetal Primus sucks!

[@peaner083]

+Mindrex that is exactly right

[@Ares14]

Really though... Les Claypool is way too good.

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

+Ares14 I agree. He was destined to be his own thing. But very cool to be asked by Metallica. Not many get that chance. I play bass and that would be a dream job.

[@chsims7032]

+Hello - I'm willing to bet that had Cliff not died, ...And Justice For All would never see the light of day. Their direction towards the post-black album era and becoming mainstream icons would've happened much sooner.

[@chsims7032]

and if that were the case, I don't think Cliff would've been around a whole lot longer. Hos style and personality really stood out compared to the rest of the band.

[@jasonclark9963]

the devil cried I doubt it. In the 80s. Megadeth wasn't near as great as Metallica was.

[@setforglobaldoom]

the devil cried cliff wouldn't have left. Metallica with cliff Was insanely great, and he knew that. + it was really his band in those days. He was the leader of that band.

[@mattmoves5920]

I can't really imagine what could have happen in Metallica's song writing with Les Claypool in the band. There would be maybe songs like: Enter Mr.Krinkle, John the unforgiven fisherman, ..And justice for Tommy the cat, Don't tread on Winona's big brown beaver, Until Jerry the race car driver sleeps...

[@sidhantsood5373]

Les isn't suited for Metallica.

[@buddyguy2669]

+Mr. No Metallica isn't good. Period.

[@sidhantsood5373]

Buddy Guy it isn't good now.

[@zildjian1995]

master of Lee Van Clef

[@jetydosa1]

Enter Sandman's Big brown beaver

[@dr.awkward9075]

Jerry was a racecar driver He drove on every track One time he auditioned for Metallica, But they never did call him back Go!

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Wow you copy-pasted some lyrics from a song let's give you a hundred thousand likes

[@kitsune630]

@@TheBigMclargehuge those arent the Official lyrics for Jerry Was A Racecar Driver ya numbnuts

[@vladskiobi]

Hehehe, dog will hunt.

[@onionoid]

@@TheBigMclargehuge aint the original lyrics, this guy is creative you numb digger

[@Petesworkshop2225]

Awesome, fuck those morons

[@BubbaZen10]

No Les, i think James actually meant it, and knew.

[@dxyzstudios2144]

BubbaZen10 I love les, but if they had cliff burton in their band, there is no way les claypool was too good for Metallica.

[@grandwazoo1696]

@@dxyzstudios2144 Seriously? You think Burton was a better player than Les? Come on man.

[@dxyzstudios2144]

@@grandwazoo1696 No, not necessarily, I meant that because cliff was so good himself, Metallica's excuse that les was "too good" was bs

[@KCgrunge]

nah hes a fuckin weirdo and primus makes shitty weirdo music

[@matthewcollins8602]

Les Claypool is a great bassist but he was never going to be able to play the Metallica style because he wasn't good enough to do that. So Les Claypool just played his style which made him a legend. Les Claypool became a legend by being himself and he wasn't going to be able to do that in Metallica. Everybody won on this because everyone just did their own thing by being themselves.

[@bastalasalut]

les claypool will never play in a band in which you cant hear the bass at all.

[@rawwbnoles4787]

Oh!! Someone call Jason Newsted! Shots fired! Shots fired!!

[@davidlella8411]

Hahaha , Fkn A 🤘😎 °): 🎼🎵♩

[@MarkLeonTanner]

Ouch

[@selcotsimeht]

burtons bass set the fucking tone in some of their best tracks. do you have any idea what youre talking about? you do actually need to make an effort with your brain to interface with the music. i bet youre a big fan of black album because of the "poppin bass!!!"

[@TIGERGUTS]

@raddocnate Cunt is a term of endearment. I know its a joke but still, Cliff is king

[@bloodsweatandbeers4684]

I think this is one of the times when the expression 'Les is more' is applicable.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Get out.

[@klydemarmasett9403]

In some alternate reality, we have Metallica with Les Claypool on bass and Megadeth with Dime and Vinnie on guitar and drums. What a world that would be.

[@dataternater78]

A bad one because that means we wouldn’t have Pantera and Primus

[@markheelis]

And in an alternate alternate reality, we have Metallica with Hulk Hogan on bass (Hogan claims Metallica asked him to join!)

[@klydemarmasett9403]

@dataternater78 I mean, we'd have Primus up to '03. So at the Point of their success as a mainstream band. So I figure with Metallica only coming down from the frozen glaciers of Antarctica once every 6 years or so to cut an album would've given Les plenty of time to keep all his other projects alive, including Primus. And just Imagine CFH on the Rust In Peace album. What Megadeth could do with those riffs and drums. We'd have a way different outcome than what we got from both bands. Bet it still would've been amazing tho.

[@klydemarmasett9403]

@@markheelis the multiverse is wild. Lol

[@arkix7212]

In another universe we probally still have cliff and they never went on the bus

[@wilkieshane]

you guys wanna jam on some Isley Brothers tunes?

[@TyGuuuuy]

Imagine them jamming " between the sheets"

[@granolabombz7560]

@@TyGuuuuy Check out "Climbing Up the ladder" by the Isleys..ballads were only a part of their sound

[@jamesbrasfield2944]

To this day, if I’m jamming with my band, I’ll start off each rehearsal by saying “You guys wanna jam on some Isley Brothers tunes?” We play jazz fusion xD

[@jfo3000]

James even said "You got your own thing." That's part of what makes Les good, being a unique artist.

[@DoomKid]

James was super respectful about it. Simply different styles!

[@gabfish16]

Yuup ! @@DoomKid

[@thejkyle]

Yeah, I can’t imagine Lars and Les getting along.

[@Lord4mbitious]

True dat sarcasm, but Lars is anyone's friend so...

[@klaykid117]

Would have broken up like the Beetles. Lars and James like the metal genre in the Metallica style. Les is an artist who wants to experiment it would have torn them apart instead both bands are going strong 30+ years later.

[@casuallabour665]

a blessing in disguise

[@SimonFerocius]

Lars is a more easy going guy than James....

[@christophcarle]

And Les could play his drum parts while watching on a couch and watching a comedy show - way better.

[@cugamer8862]

After this I think we need to start a fund for a concert where Les and Metallica will do nothing but play Isley Brothers covers.

[@tailsprowerfan2729]

lol

[@MrBeauChat]

PLEASE!!! make it happen lol

[@sabe11a39]

It'd be no stranger than Lulu

[@DaleTatum]

Imagine if Les was in Metallica and wrote My Name is Mud. That would be fucking weird

[@sadbuttrue319]

***** MY-AH NAME IS MUUUUUUUUDYEAHYEAH-OH!

[@Frey_2026]

***** My name is MUUUUUUUDAAAAAAAAAH

[@JarodJesus]

big Exactly!

[@franki1990]

My name is MUUUURICAAAA!, more like.

[@SuperSparrow45]

Shaggy Tatum My Name is Mud is already fucking weird.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

"and I weeped...weeped like a little girl" >.

[@SoreEyeMusic]

wept*

[@SoreEyeMusic]

Mr. Claypool

[@mainsmain]

He was joking

[@nuyorican91st]

Passive aggressive

[@tailsprowerfan2729]

thats just les Claypool being les claypool

[@1oolabob]

Les Claypool is a really cool guy in addition to being a great, unique bassist. Joining Metallica would have made Les a lot more money, but it would have been a step backward for him as a musician. He wouldn't get to play bass the way he likes to with Metallica. What's going on in this video is a couple of rock musicians being smart, reasonable, and down-to-earth. Young musicians should pay attention here.

[@lewisb85]

People think of him because of primus but he was playing in another bay area thrash band Blind Illusion at the time.

[@scotty3034]

They don't put bass in the mix anyway.....so win for Les...

[@ErnestLemmingway]

shut up meg

[@scotty3034]

Mr.steal yourgirl Cliff Burton was the greatest bass player of all time in Metallica until 1986.

[@BassForever44]

Just like 99% of metal bands, lol. Still, I love metal

[@Zleek]

Average Kynt - Cliff had more musical knowledge than f*cking anyone, that compared with the distortion and fast licks, yeah i'd say he was pretty f*cking great.

[@ryanswain5518]

You mean they didnt put jason in the mix

[@TheBoone57]

Metallica made the right decision, he would have left soon anyway. There is not room in any band for that much talent.

[@TheBoone57]

Pedro DuhHusky You are probably correct in your thinking, But never the less (no pun) then we would not have Primus, so original, so funk.

[@SuperSparrow45]

Pedro DuhHusky Very true. It's not a matter of talent, but Les, Ler and Herb fit extremely well. They're all freaks, extremely talented freaks.

[@TheBoone57]

SuperSparrow45 Could you imagine the band swirling their hair around while Claypool is high stepping in half circles around the stage with his head cocked off to one side? Hilarious image. Lovem both dearly but too much talent for one act in my opinion.

[@MrNostalgiaX]

I agree. Les Claypool for Metallica would have been like Marty Friedman with Megadeth. He would have done just fine, but after several years along the road, he would have been fed up with their style and quit on the grounds that he didn't like that direction of music anyway. He's one of the best bassists I've ever seen though. Incredibly flawless on them bass solos I tell ya, just not for Metallica.

[@tGhIeNrGmEiRte]

dude go look up Praxis. Most talent in 1 band ever by fucking far.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Don't be so self deprecating Les. James was absolutely correct. You ARE too good for Metallica. WAY too good.

[@derekwalker3924]

It was just Les, being nice. He and Kirk were high school chums? Interesting.

[@enaidealukal9203]

@@derekwalker3924 yep that's one reason why we love him, how many players of his caliber are this humble? He's seriously one of the top bass players of ALL TIME, and he still talks like this. Love Les. And Primus sucks!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

menckencynic When Cliff died, Metallica died as far as I’m concerned. What’s your point? Besides, James himself has said on more than one occasion that Les was too good. Who are you to question James Hetfield?

[@klutch14u]

Definitely too good for that style of music.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

It's called funk. Funk typically consists of a complex groove with rhythm instruments playing interlocking grooves that create a "hypnotic" and "danceable" feel. Funk uses the same richly colored extended chords found in bebop jazz, such as minor chords with added sevenths and elevenths, or dominant seventh chords with altered ninths and thirteenths. Metallica wasn't looking for a bass player. They were looking for an octave pedal.

[@Lultschful]

Which is a shame. How quickly they forgot how Cliff was essential to their uniqueness. It all went downhill after he passed away.

[@dragon___]

I both respect Metallica and Les, but really, their different genres that just don't mix. and i think Les was kinda trolling when he auditioned. haha

[@bodypolitic4877]

Yeah, it never really works out when someone is into a whole different style of music but tries to change themselve's to get into a band that plays something they weren't naturally attracted to. On a much much lower and shitty level when I was in high school I was in a metal band our bassist had graudated and went out of state for college, and there was this guy I used to smoke with who really wanted to audition to fill the spot (We were not big by any means, but decent enough to book gigs locally and play at an occasional music festival) I think he wanted in because he thought it would get him laid. Anyway he was really into funk, like when ever smoking up over at his place he would always jam some crazy funk and I played along with him, more just fucking around. I told him that really wasn't our thing, but he kept insisting and he did have talent. He ended up getting the spot basically just by being the only bassist that was able to learn our songs in a short period, but even after our first show with him it was just mad tension. He never got hyped or into it, and kept wanting to have space for a funk solo which really doesnt work in greasy as southern metal. Long story short he split after only our second show, at a music festival up in Ashville, ended up causing all types of shit and got in a fight with our drummer.

[@yeeaahBUDDY]

^^^falls asleep mid-comment

[@thisiswarhuhwow6120]

Les Claypool used to play thrash metal in a band called Blind Illusion.

[@final58fant58]

Like Lou Reed and Metallica? 🤦🏼‍♂️😩

[@zach7808]

@@final58fant58 I just threw up a little bit.

[@badmeetsevi12345]

What was it like auditioning for METALLICA?! "It was loud" Classic hahahaha

[@HugoStiglitz88]

Les thinks James was being nice but I don't think he was. I think James was telling the truth because it's true, Les is way "too good" for metallica. Not that they're bad or anything but Les is too good for any metal band really. Not just Metallica. Les just has a completely different style of his own. Les would be restricted in Metallica. He wouldn't be able to do what he's best at doing and he's too good to do anything les (pun intended)

[@andreaemma74]

*BA DUM TISH*

[@StoneageVultures]

yep spot on. Metallica are one of my favourite bands of all time... but Les would have been wasted behind the talent metallica already had.

[@runeshark22]

"too good for any metal band" yet les also had some experience in some metal bands before primus, plus have you heard some of the more intense metal basslines? metallica aside even (though ride the lightning and anesthesia would have been epic), iron maiden, megadeth, motorhead, dio, even slayer to an extent. Some crazy stuff there. Plus imagine les's talent and power metal, or in something thrashy.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

runeshark22 No Les would be restricted in a metal band. That's just not what he's into and any time you have a musician play music they're not fully into, they don't live up to their potential Believe me I know because I've tried it.

[@klummppohare1061]

doesn't work for everyone Marty Friedman left Megadeth because he was "Too Good" "Being Restricted" where is he playing this weekend? Does he have a VHI Icons coming on about him? But in Les's case YES it was best Claypool Buckethead and Worrell is about my favorite band!!!

[@JohnBrown-pq9tj]

I just like that everyone's diplomatic about it. If there is any bad blood (and there genuinely doesn't appear to be) no one's airing it. That's what makes me happy about this. Just some musicians who didn't click but respect each other.

[@Eclecktro]

Exactly, that's all there's to it, a lack of juice can be a wholesome thing

[@purdysanchez]

Today I learned that Metallica replaced Cliff Burton. I was always under the impression that they continued making music just without any bass guitar on the tracks.

[@MrJaymzhet]

Of course they did. The new bass player joined for their Black Album record.

[@Metal_Horror]

Ulrich's drumming was so good that a bass player would've just distracted from his kick drum. Imagine not being able to fully hear Ulrich's very advanced kick drum attack. Real innovative stuff.

[@noBearAdventures]

Jason quit the BAND!!

[@noBearAdventures]

@@Metal_Horror it’s from Some Kind of Monster. Any real fan would’ve know that

[@trppstar]

@@Metal_Horroradvanced kick drum attack? What does this mean? Was it a special drum?

[@OffhandDelivery]

Imagine all the strange and wonderful Primus albums and Claypool solo projects we would have missed out on if Les was sucked into the Metallica whirlpool???.... Thank god he didn't "make the cut".

[@cwatson4271]

exactly

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

+OffhandDelivery Yeah, but I think it was obvious and history worked itself out like evolution. I am grateful he declined as I love Primus plus. I have every album.

[@mikeyseney6570]

I think they said he was too good lmao

[@makanekmalek]

Michaels Covers I think you watched this video.

[@KCgrunge]

nah his shitty music is trash nobody needs that weirdo music, he wouldve done the world a favor if he just went to metallica played the music james told him to do and wouldve just shut the fuck up primus is trash

[@nohabloemojislosiento4930]

It's funny that Les "isn't a big metal guy" when he and Larry wrote some of the heaviest, nastiest sounding songs of the 90s. Just, you know, with a goofy southern twang on it.

[@ren212f4]

Damn straight. I remember headbanging to Primus quite a bit in those days.

[@octavioandradejr.3386]

Les is amazing but he plays another kind of music is like Flea playing with Megadeth or something like that

[@jonnycatland1987]

Flea used to be in FEAR, which is a hardcore punk band.

[@sampeake4235]

Flea played fight fire with fire with Metallica

[@indobassgear2087]

How about marcus miller with periphery ? Thats sound as awkward as les with Metallica

[@jonnie2bad]

flea is way fucking overrated mediocre talent riding others coat tails his whole career.

[@MonkyMonk729]

@@jonnie2bad Aw, you poor thing. You don't understand stuff at all. That's a bummer, man.

[@the_pathologist]

0:26 "I wasn't a big metal guy." Well, despite that fact, Les (and Larry, for that matter) did a fantastic job on Blind Illusion's 1988 album The Sane Asylum. Anyone wanting to hear Claypool (and Lalonde on 3 tracks) playing progressive thrash metal, direct your attention there.

[@dj-wi5uu]

i think the only reason Les didn't get the gig was his personality. nothing wrong with it, just didn't mesh with the other guys personality's. there's bass players and there's Les Claypool. the guys in a league of his own.

[@rebeccathemeh3092]

I couldn't see them gelling either. I have been to Metallica concerts, I have been to Primus. Les is too good for them.

[@dj-wi5uu]

beckoning cat Les went to high school with Kirk, just guessing but i think Kirk may have recommend him to try out, As a player he could have easily done the job, he's just a little to wacky for a hard core thrash/metal band, more along the line's of Weird AL.

[@Goabnb94]

I get the feeling he would've gotten bored with his parts and the music and would've tried to bring his own ideas in. And they wouldn't gel with Metallica's style. Hence the "you got your own thing" comment.

[@lewisb85]

@@Goabnb94 he was in blind illusion who back then were more technical than metallica (more like annihilator and watchtower if those bands were from the bay area). I don't think he would have stayed because metallica would be primitive by comparison.

[@Kameratyp]

"He was too good" I'm pretty sure James is being honest. If they had to replace Kirk and Buckethead would have showed up, he would have had the same reaction probably.

[@angel-q]

@Stream of Consciousness Les and Buckethead actually did do a bunch of collabs over the years. Also nice name.

[@joacopaolantonio]

But they did that when they picked Kirk after kicking Dave out

[@Lastyearsjacket]

menckencynic assuming James was being sincere, I think “too good” is taken too literally. I think what he meant is that he was too good for what they were looking for. Les is on an island artistically, nobody really does it like him. Taking his artistic freedom away and having him play Metallica songs is a complete waste. Cliff was amazing, truly something special, but he’s no Claypool. Claypool is amazing, truly something special, but he’s no Burton. It’s apples and oranges really.

[@goodcitizen3780]

@@Lastyearsjacket finally! A reasonable guy who wrote a reasonable post. Well done sir

[@Sebdes23]

@@Lastyearsjacket that’s exactly how I understood it. I like my Metallica and I like my Primus. And I am happy they don’t mix.

[@dacechasinghawk3910]

Les is a weirdo but he is also a bass guitar God.

[@alexcorona]

Is he wired or are we just bland?

[@jonvia]

Im always a fan of a musician that can be really entertaining in interviews. Les is one of those.

[@frankrohr41]

His cover of “The Thing That Should Not Be” is exceptional

[@wizardmix]

Les Claypool is the Jim Henson of music and every day he does another side-project is a happy day for me indeed. I once bought a Nintendo Wii because I wanted to play the video game he wrote the music for. It's the only video game I ever played to fruition simply because I wanted to experience the music.

[@antshumster]

I’m just trying to imagine what “…And Justice for All” would have sounded like with Les playing bass 😂

[@TheMark21-sz6uw]

The same, they would have muted him like Jason lol.

[@andresrivera6084]

Lamento decir que Metallica es un grupo más, Les Claypool es único!!!

[@Blandrew]

Thank God he wasn't accepted into Metallica. I don't hate them or anything but I'd rather listen to Primus any day of the week over them.

[@rebeccathemeh3092]

PRIMUS SUCKS

[@brandoncargile847]

beckoning cat Primus Sucks!!! See you on the road Heady Cat

[@PoeticJustice05]

Brandon Cargile Primus sucks balls!! . . . Too far?

[@gammapigg]

Amen BigEaredGamer

[@skipmichaels6184]

Blandrew I am 100% with you on that one!

[@sid.8801]

for as phenomenal as les is at bass, hes seems like a humble dude.

[@guyman9655]

Les seriously has such a unique sound, no doubt he'd be more famous it he joined Metallica since it's a bit more mainstream than primus, but his own bass and just overall funk would be constrained by Metallica, although they might have let some of Les' groove bleed into their music.

[@sicfrynut]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpqbf6WZpN18r80&ab_channel=AlejandroHuaman seems James was correct in his assessment.

[@guyman9655]

@@sicfrynut indeed

[@kurtminault8564]

Let's all just appreciate the fact that had Les joined Metallica, the world would've missed out on Primus' work

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

Les may not be "as big" as Metallica, HOWEVER, he's still a main staple in the music business TO THIS DAY!!! Not many musicians can come about in the late 80s, early 90s, and still be a well known star to this day. He's still jamming Primus, he's still jamming with Sean Lennon and Billy Strings. Primus just did a sold out show with South Park, Ween, and even Rush at Red Rocks, that's gained huge popularity. Les is a legend in the game, and he's still rocking to this day!!

[@DanShowandTell]

to be fair primus sucks

[@Dulcimerist]

I saw a video of Les playing the opening to "Master of Puppets" and it was absolutely sick! Les is one of my all-time favorite bassists!

[@mightymartianca]

That's because Les plays bass like... um... every instrument known to human kind.

[@GMan-cv9ig]

Where’s the link??

[@Dulcimerist]

@@GMan-cv9ig It's from Woodstock '94. Search up Primus Master of Puppets and you will find it. I will do a second reply with the link, but it will probably get deleted.

[@EdPlays1997]

I would pay to see the version of Metallica with Les Claypool on bass.

[@mr.stealyourgirl4910]

fuck yeah dude

[@Zodiak213]

There's a version of Les jamming Master Of Puppets on bass here.

[@MacroEverythingAroundMe]

Jack The-Ripper - Yeah I still have that live cd (I think it's called Burning Up). All of a sudden, in between songs, they just start playing Master Of Puppets for a minute or so & the crowd goes crazy as hell. Good shit!

[@alienlife7754]

He would have been watered down because the rest of the band could never keep up with him!

[@radiopinkzeppelin2]

I keep picturing Les doing his stomp playing slap bass while Metallica just gapes incredulous

[@mikeylikesit100]

Les is better off. Primus may not be as big or a rich as Metallica, but at least Les still has his artistic integrity.

[@stonertheespeon2975]

Honestly, If Les Claypool became a part of Metallica. We may have never seen that creative genius which is Primus. Not to mention that Les is too good for Metallica. I have nothing against Metallica at all and they happen to be one of the bands that got me into the metal genre at a very young age. But Les is much better off on his own. He's allowed to put his artistic integrity into his music and create something absolutely beautiful.

[@Retrorevelations]

You're so right dude. Metallica has never done exactly what they wanted to do at any given time in their music career. Total lack of integrity.

[@1jw298]

When you are younger you can say that but as you get older and have families to take care of you have to realize the music business is just that, a business. Food/clothing and shelter are your primary objective. So you may have to sacrifice a little “integrity “ to appeal to the masses.

[@MmadA-lg6ix]

@@tlibito yeah, because ever since the Black Album was released they haven't moved beyond that? Er, yes they have.

[@randymarsh5088]

Everybody needs a little god damn ‘tegrity

[@home1261]

Respect metallica one of my favourite bands but this bloke is too good for metallica.

[@aeson93]

Hell, Robert Trujillo is too good for Metallica. That dude's talents are going to waste in that band.

[@jwhiteout]

I saw Primus in 1990… right at Frizzle Fry and people were already talking about how he'd auditioned for Metallica. People cannot get enough of that story.

[@cuddzilla]

Thank the Metal Gods things worked out like they did! The world needed Primus!

[@scowell]

He would have completely stolen the show... and they knew it.

[@AFXAcid37]

+scowell There is no way any bassist, even the best bassist in the world, would steal Metallica's thunder. Metallica is a guitar band.

[@overdrive6687]

+AFXAcid37 Yeah, Metallica might be a 'guitar band', but Les Claypool is Les Claypool, dude! He is able to steal any show, and Metallica knew it.

[@RalAngelov]

+AFXAcid37 don't underrate like that bro. I seriously believe that James wasn't joking - Les is bigger than whole metallica putted together... When you talk about world famous musicians... there is no place to compare their playing style - it's not relevant and not even good to look at. It's all about imagination... being creative... that is what makes you good musician. After Cliff... there is nothing creative in Metallica. Les... I don't think that any normal person will compare him with any member of Metallica.

[@AFXAcid37]

RPAngelov Angelov Metallica is a guitar band, period. Yeah, bass has its moments, but it's still a guitar band. And saying 'after Cliff there is nothing creative in Metallica' is one of the dumbest things I've read in a while. Implying that the rest of the band isn't creative. Without James there would be no Metallica

[@RickordProductions]

+RPAngelov Angelov It's not about musicianship in the music business. It's about song writing. Musicianship is just a small plus but at the end of the day most general audiences can care less how highly skilled a musician is at their instrument. Artists gain their success in this business through their attitude, looks and presentation. They only need enough of their musical abilities to convey what they're speaking to their audience. Kirk Hammett is one of the most talented guitar players in the world but he only does what's important for Metallica's music and people really don't get to see his full abilities. A lot of musicians are in the same boat but it doesn't bother them. Mick Mars from Motley Crue is a perfect example of that scenario.

[@justincorgan6197]

Les looks like 90s weird AL here !!! LOL

[@andrewpappas9311]

Yeah kinda, now that I see it

[@th3unmaker]

In the most recent footage on this video, I think he looks like rob zombie

[@JCarlos.556]

Les, you're the man! I'm happy you stayed with Primus. YOU ARE Primus bro. See you July 5th 2018 in L.A.

[@bobhotchkiss2438]

This seems off to me. My favorite Metalica song is the live cover they did of "Tuesday's Gone". Les played bass on that cover, and it was absolutely awesome!

[@offaxisdude]

THAT DRUMMER WOULD DRIVE YOU CRAZY....HE CANNOT KEEP A BEAT !

[@OmegaBassArg]

Actually if Cliff went on a solo music career maybe he would achieve more. He was into Jaco and Jazzy stuff, who knows

[@rawwbnoles4787]

I'm genuinely interested in what you mean by achieve more? Even when Cliff died Metallica was one of the biggest metal bands of all time. Short of becoming the King of England, I can't think of what more there is to achieve.

[@rawwbnoles4787]

Okay! I see your point.

[@SAEmusic7]

IMO, if you are a bassist then you must be at least *aware* of Jaco! The man was a walking clinic - Fingerstyle fretless players owe EVERYTHING to him even if they don’t know it! What’s funny is that I’m not the biggest fan of his compositions or his solo studio albums. The Mitchell/Metheny stuff and his “birthday concerts” are my personal favorites! Cliff was/is the “Jaco of O.G. Metal” as well. Again. My opinions. ✌️

[@Karl_Squell]

Funny you should say that.. Jaco's trusty bass was stolen in 1986. Twenty years later it turned up in a pawnshop and a wealthy Jaco fan stepped in to buy it back for his family--that fan was Rob Trujillo! He also produced a documentary on him, "Jaco" (2014).

[@gdionwood]

I wouldn't have wept Les! You are the best ever on a bass guitar! & let's face it you wouldn't been able to express your amazing humour with them!!

[@NostroDispater]

No video exists of his audition. If it does, it's worth a million!

[@RageAgainstRustyCage]

So PRIMUS covered "Thing That Should Not Be", and it sounds awesome!!!

[@RageAgainstRustyCage]

Here, hit this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2S6pZysrMapb6s

[@Donjonneau]

@@RageAgainstRustyCage Sadly, the link is not working at year 2021... Hmm... ... ...

[@dvvalant]

Les playing with Metallica would be like having Secretariat pull a plow.

[@TheRayvolution]

Dave Valant 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@Grandizer8989]

Dave Valant well said

[@keithhinchcliffe4377]

Best comment here. great analogy. cheers.

[@enaidealukal9203]

perfect analogy, nail meet hammer

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Best thing that ever happened to Les for all of us !! : D

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@Michael James Way to simple for Claypool, his Bass playing in Primus and his solo career is Far better and more rewarding ! Les is one of the Greatest Bassist off All Time with the late Chris Squire (Yes) & John Wetton when in (King Crimson, UK), Geddy Lee (Rush) ...

[@georgidavis8444]

I feel blessed & very happy that these two did not get the audition, & that awesome because We would Never of gotten the FULL beautiful & distinction of diversity that they both bring to us today... I'm a Big Huge Les fan...

[@gst013]

The alternate reality where Les Claypool is the bass player in Metallica is just too beautifully hilarious for this world 😅

[@Goabnb94]

You want another alternative reality? Metallica had a plan up their sleeves to poach David Ellefson from Megadeth. Now imagine how Dave Mustaine would feel about that? And another? James, Kirk and Cliff were planning to replace Lars at the end of that European tour, even if they couldn't keep the Metallica name, and had planned to poach Dave Lombardo from Slayer. Nothing came from it after Cliff died.

[@jeffharrison1277]

Les is unique.I love what he and Sean Lennon are doing.Great music.Some of the best I've ever heard.

[@benpyro666]

Loving the Re-Animator shirt!!

[@TheMinderasor]

I remember woodstock 94, Les Claypool played Master of puppets in the Primus setlist with the bass doing James' parts.

[@kdante6639]

“Nobody laughed at my joke” 😂 Love you les

[@reignofrock]

The thing is he is DAMN good. I bet James was sincere in saying that. That being said, completely different playstyle so makes sense nevertheless.

[@Zero1380X]

Interesting thing is they remained in touch with Claypool, they even did a cover of Tuesday's Gone with him, Pepper Keenan, Jerry Cantrell, Sean Kinney, Jim Martin, John Popper and Gary Rossington

[@Spicyfresnochili]

I wish so badly there was a video of that audition

[@intuitiveape3861]

"Well kirks an old high school buddy of mine" how is that nearly every famous musician went to the same school

[@thebarrochannel]

Trujillo is the thrash version of Claypool. They found the perfect guy.

[@matthewortiz666]

damn right Mr.Claypool I couldn't have said it better your like a angel :D

[@calmwaterstudio1]

Les , I just started listening to your music and I'm so into it. I hope you were kidding about not working as an artist , just carpenter? I'm 56 years old and blown away with your work . I've been composing music for 35 years . I hope I get a chance to meet you someday. Peace

[@MrNgakakguling2]

james is being nice, les is being nicer..

[@demisemedia]

Claypool is a GREAT bass player!!!

[@exet]

GREATEST

[@johnjohnson3709]

I’ve had a crush on Les for years even after he’s gotten older. All I have to do is watch him pound and pop his bass and I’m in love again.

[@rachiesayd9423]

No prob Les! You are very well off just where you are!!! Wouldn't want you any other way!!!

[@grandmasterd4645]

I couldn't imagine Flea playing for Metallica either.. not a question of skill. Just style

[@ottomatic7997]

Thank god Les was never in Metallica....We wouldnt have Primus. And that would make me sad.

[@MonkyMonk729]

But how would you know to be sad if Primus never existed in the first place?

[@papithads6073]

Love this man

[@erilaz7449]

Love the Shroom Music in the background.

[@nehpetsamenied9068]

Lars would be way too intimidated by les' skill, and les would never let lars turn him down when they mixed recordings

[@blackturkdog]

Lars and James wouldn't allow it. It wouldn't fit. Kirk wouldn't mind but with Metallica, you gotta know what you're getting in that situation dealing with 2 Alphas.

[@grimmsby3011]

@@blackturkdog "Alphas" what an extremely cringe way of saying overbearing control freaks

[@peterepiscopo]

Moral of the story: Don't fret, your misfortune may well be a blessing in disguise.

[@ioannist.5568]

This guy's really humble and funny. Nice block. I would like go fishing with him

[@Groovetube714]

Les Em All!

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

a figment of my imagination: "we present to you the new rhythm section LARS AND LES !!! now we're going into the studio and record 'And Justice for All' "

[@GoDamnWeird]

Years after the release, fans are still happy they can't hear the drums buried in the bass parts. I like your alternate dimension.

[@robertbobbypelletreaujr2173]

...and beaver for all. The git er a razor tour. Tickets on sale now.

[@d.n.5259]

I couldn't picture Robert Trujillo in Metallica when he 1st joined, but he adjusted to Metallica's sound. And Trujillo is a bad ass bassist, just like Claypool, who can "Funk It Up" like no ones business (Infectious Grooves Pun). Claypool and Trujillo are both the reasons I started playing bass!

[@LukeVidler]

Awesome!

[@NatiPerPerdereNPP]

If I imagine ...And Justice for All with Les, I cringe. And no, not because AJFA has "no bass" in it. I like both bands but they don't fit together and yeah, James said it best. A split EP would be cool though.

[@cerberus1166]

Nati Per Perdere ajfa has plenty of bass. You need louder bigger speakers. It sounds like a delicious tunnel of revurburation.

[@guitarsANDcars39]

Les is a bassist. He would've adapted to their style perfectly and might've taken Metallica to a different place. We will never know.

[@cgcAWESOME84DANK]

It’s okay Les, you have a band with a dude who used to play guitar in Possessed so you’re still good haha

[@herosfall.]

I used to sell cars 🚗 back in the day and just happened to be a bass player aNd a big fan of primus , so I happen to have a sailing the 7 seas of 🧀 sticker on my car and happy to say that some of the older salesman and management staff were introduced to primus at that time 😀. Even though they didn't get it ...they knew that I was a bass Player for a local alternative band and from that day on they commented on my primus sticker and a limp biscuit sticker aswell the funny thing is they got a kick outta the names and knew these bands from a sticker on my car back in the late 90s.

[@xandalf64]

love that "re-animator" t-shirt!!!

[@TheOne-fu1nh]

Imagine Les playing on his crazy tempo, Lars jamming with him would get a stroke plus cardiac arrest at age 24.

[@TheOne-fu1nh]

@Michael James personaĺly i never regarded Cliff as a bass god. Great dude, great music composer but surely not on Claypool level not even when they were same age.

[@TheOne-fu1nh]

@Michael James and i really dont think Les was cut for metallica, he would totally kill Cliff music lol

[@marksnexus]

Les Claylool is on a whole different level. So glad he didn’t get accepted in Metallica

[@sethputnamsghost6538]

Love his Dr Herbert West shirt.🤘

[@danti9906]

O que seria o metálica hoje se o Less tivesse entrado? Mais um mistério para o universo.

[@metalmurcielago]

Lol Isley bros. He's a cool guy

[@Yes-gz9qs]

Don't think it's a matter of being too good, it's being too different in style and character. There are many bands that Les wouldn't fit in. I could picture him in the Red Hot Chili Peppers tho.

[@georgewithrow5668]

I like metallica but Les you are by far and a way to good for that you are one of the best bassist in the world keep up the good work

[@jamesdelaney3797]

That story never gets old

[@slewy123]

Les is above them musically