Les Claypool performs at Rush's Hall of Fame ceremony

Les Claypool speaks about his appreciation of Rush and performs his own unique version of The Spirit of Radio at Rush's induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on March 28, 2010.
One of my favorite musicians honoring my other favorite musicians.

[@drmanny1957]

Now what I REALLY want to hear is Rush's cover version of "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" !!!

[@AMERICANCRPNTR]

drmanny1957 uh yes please

[@ihateliberals8696]

I saw Primus open for RUSH....what would be really cool...Is Geddy and Alex tour with Primus....Primus do Rush.....Rush does primus....That would be Stellar

[@TheBriggs13]

more like here come the bastards could you imagine rush doing jerry was a race car driver it would have to be with less and combonation of jerry was a race car driver then rush kicks in with where on the road to bankock

[@johnnyringo7081]

you win

[@JaDem148]

They should have hired Geddy for the, "Wheee....heee...heee...heeee!" part of the track from the beginning. Awsome suggestion!

[@matthewholmes7572]

To all the people trash talking the cellist: 1. You must be unfamiliar with Primus 2. This song is difficult to play on guitar, which would make it even more difficult on a cello. The fact he nailed it as well as he did while wearing a mask is legendary. Yo Yo Ma could hardly have done better. Side note: it is a strange sound, but Primus is a strange band and I'm sure that Rush loved it. If it's good enough for the guys who wrote the music then what do you accomplish by talking shit? They wouldn't have asked them to do it in the first place if they didn't want to hear it.

[@IWDeadHead]

Who is the Cellist? Ive been searching hard on the internet but i cant find the answer

[@IWDeadHead]

@ma tem i believe so too

[@TimYocraft]

As a cellist for 18 years can confirm, playing this high up needs you to anchor your thumb as a quasi capo, then play below it. The action is so high on cellos that the first time I tried to learn this properly I split my thumbnail. That, the lack of frets, and the fifths-tuning on classical string instruments makes playing two-note chords a massive chore, let alone anything more. Cellist killed it

[@DENNISMFMENNIS]

I'm reading this oral history of Primus and Geddy Lee loved what they did with this. They're good friends.

[@leastmilk6298]

It only sucks because the whoever mixed the sound sucks

[@jschwind435]

What's everyone bitching about? It sounds like Primus covering a Rush song. Sheesh.

[@saulamonrogers4703]

Its not Primus, its the Fungi Ensemble.

[@saulamonrogers4703]

John Michael Hey im just saying, just because its Les Claypool doesn't mean that its Primus.

[@luismg2130]

saulamon rogers Granted, but it's hard to keep record of all of Claypool's crazy band names :P

[@saulamonrogers4703]

Luis M G That is very true

[@diegoibarrabasurto9424]

Actually primus played a version of spirit of tha radio in 1998 and its here in KZbin

[@mististreasures]

What blows my mind is the very few comments on the chello player.That guy was incredible to play that on that instrument.

[@michaelmiller7909]

Worst part of the arrangement.

[@olaskogsbryn8057]

Cello and I thought his tone was horrible

[@bentimmons3363]

Tone was definitely strange but I would've thought pulling that part off, on a cello, to be impossible.

[@dvened]

did not expect the solo to be that good, and the tone during the solo was MUCH better than during the rest of the song

[@nigel900]

True... And I'm sure he could play all of Led Zeppelin, but I wouldn't go to see it....

[@thorinpeterson9093]

Everyone saying this is a bad performance/cover/whatever; I think you're just not accustomed to hearing Les sing in a major key, or...any key, for that matter. Embrace the strangeness.

[@BootsORiley]

have been listening to Claypool for over 20 years. i've heard every key note possible. this was just not a good cover. the Fancy Band wasn't a good choice for covering Rush. Had it been Primus covering YYZ, they would've nailed it for sure.

[@SixStringSteveDelivers]

To me, the cello sounds off.

[@BootsORiley]

Six String Steve I also thought that one of them is out of tune or playing a half step flat.

[@highspeedsuicide]

Thorin Peterson “the words of the prophet are written on the studio wall” I though he was fucking making fun of Rush there it was so funny. Then he ended it with the same voice and kinda saved it I guess but he HAD to have been making fun lmao

[@coolnamebro]

Strangeness I have no problem with. This was just awkward and bad.

[@dkyelak]

First time I saw Les serious and even sound a little choked up while talking about his heroes. He just did a straight up cover and was great.

[@thebored14]

this is the weirdest cover ive ever heard, i approve

[@carpediemarts705]

Oh, there's weirder covers out there. We hear the radio versions way too often.

[@duffzilla1292]

Well, that’s Les Claypool for you

[@donuttingtornado7628]

Weird and awesome

[@thatguyoi]

This is genius Every part of it The visuals The replaced conventional instruments The sound It’s bloody amazing Les has always been a genius

[@Conorsseur]

I try to ignore the cesspool known as the KZbin comments section, but I felt compelled to throw my two cents in here. The RRHOF induction ceremony isn't just about how many albums you sold or how long you've been touring. Part of it is showing the influence you've had on all of music in general. Rush was a huge influence for Les Claypool and when they invited him to perform at this event, it wasn't to see how accurately he could recreate the studio recording of Spirit of Radio. Any musicians could do that and it would prove nothing about the impact RUSH had on anything. This was a brilliantly-done, creative interpretation of an amazing piece of music. A fitting tribute to Rush's sanctity.

[@mhlevy]

This wasn't the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was the Canadian Song Writers Hall of Fame. Just sayin...

[@jefffraley7094]

Well put Well said. Getty must hear Les's bass and be amazed

[@carpediemarts705]

And the guy who was both playing bass and the Mic was obviously choking back tears on both his speech and performance. Yes, the impact a band lays on music is deeper than we often can repeat.

[@retrovi4128]

Huh? The HOF is a joke.

[@williamduffy1227]

I agree Conor. 👍✌🖖

[@xdrozzyx]

I love this. Les will always do his own thing. He's the Willy Wonka of music and that's why he and Primus are great. They don't need to fit any genre. Just let them do their thing and create. Its funky and fun, and to have a brilliant bassist is a bonus.

[@roxymarie3765]

I closed my eyes and listened,,,,,and Big Bird was singing a Rush Song.....

[@nunyastieger3541]

hahaha

[@chasependleton1161]

Oh my god. I will never look at les claypool the same again

[@BenB2112]

+roxy marie You've described exactly what it sounds like. Fucking hilarious!

[@sharinganchidori100]

+roxy marie I'm pretty Les Claypool would have a good laugh over this comment.

[@decmccallion]

+roxy marie Ah hahaha, Thank you Roxy Marie, that's the hardest I've laughed today, for real!!;-)

[@Gitfiddle]

This is definately the most original Rush cover I've ever heard. Crazy.

[@IggyMontpellierPro]

At the end of the day, Les is a friend of Rush. And we aren't, so... fuck us.

[@javila6341]

John Palomino Les Claypol it's just too much..he is the last artist to take himself serious on this planet..and yes they are Good friends

[@enriqueortiz5036]

no, fuck primus

[@Poonard]

This was really damn good. I'm a big fan of both Rush and Les Claypool. To imagine anyone hating on this is beyond me. Grow up. This was fantastic!

[@williamduffy1227]

Yeah, Reading these comments dissing this is strange. When it started I was thinking it was a little odd too, then I switched my brain to Primus mode, realizing they aren't Just 'covering' the song, they're playing a new version of it, so I chilled my mind, enjoyed Les's incredible bass playing, the drummers amazing proficiency and the Cellist's and Xylophonist's additional strangeness that added to the brilliant originality of it.

[@Mozart1220]

They trash it as if Claypool and Lee are not VERY close friends.

[@forreal918]

Rush is my favorite with no close second. Les Claypool's 'steampunk' version is just a testament to how good this song really is. I think Rush was flattered by hearing another interpretation. After all, Rush did several versions of this song in their little trailer called 'A History of Rush'.

[@williamduffy1227]

Gefilter !😄😄

[@rossthesparky4848]

wow, Les was nervous

[@schelcidbiel]

Ross Diaz I would be too, I mean he’s performing for his hero

[@volodymyrvsahdneek5065]

Fun version. I am glad Claypool is always experimenting with music.... keeps it original and interesting.

[@therunescapeguyeleven]

I actually like his singing in a way. He tells a story unlike many other singers.

[@raydeen2k]

Man, props to the cellist! That was a surprisingly good rendition of Alex's guitar parts, and that didn't look easy at all! Hell, playing it on a guitar is hard enough, but a cello??!!

[@jackkitchen737]

"I'm glad they're on this planet."

[@mikemercer5808]

Me too.

[@JBmusicart]

As apposed to another planet

[@MattyJesus]

This is so awesome, you can tell that everyone playing is a fan. Nervous and trying their best I can't imagine being there and how they felt.

[@UnderwhelmingPlywood]

This is basically Spirit of the Radio if Primus wrote it.

[@menoskiller]

Read the description and then feel bad for taking the time to comment, but not to read.

[@hugobromme1428]

menoskiller Uhm... he didn't even say anything bad about it.

[@LarsUlrichIsMe]

menoskiller can you like for one second not be a fuckwitt ?

[@menoskiller]

I'll try my best for you.

[@jquinlan]

#PrimusSucks

[@insight36]

The Willy Wonka of prog-rock? Fucked up and different but somehow still great...

[@rickoursler2583]

Les pulled off an incredible cover of this. Like the great musician he is he made the song his own and not a copy. Brilliant. Seems the audience likes it too

[@DolphinPilot]

The audio mix on this sucks is why I think some people don't like this. Les sounds alot better than this usually, but since he's so bass heavy, his performances get screwed up by people alot of the time.

[@glowinghamster4]

They performed this song live on tour a year or two back and it sounded incredible, this mix definitely not so much.

[@OffhandDelivery]

yea there was something wrong with the vocals, they were way too out front or something. They just sounded like they were sitting beside the mix. I this made Les a bit nervous at first. as it would anyone.

[@hamburgerhelperofficial]

If you thought the audio mix was bad on this then just wait until you hear the shitshow when Primus performed on David Letterman

[@DirtRoadGroceryStore]

@@hamburgerhelperofficial Everyone sounded bad on Letterman. I swear they did it on purpose.

[@fcukjones6709]

Yeah, this mix is fucking awful. One of the worst I've ever heard in a "professional" video. It sounds like it was recorded with one microphone at the back of the room.

[@Anthraxicus]

I saw Primus for the 1st time when they opened for Rush in 92, and it was awesome! I'm glad Les and the Boys are tight since both bands play for and are loved by different sections of the world of Geek. :)

[@Jadamhodges]

I was there!!!

[@jamesni4498]

The David Lynch version of Spirit of the Radio

[@MerkinMuffly]

It should have been Rush rejecting the hall of fame, not the other way around for years.

[@LarsUlrichIsMe]

they cant induct every band in the same year. it just took a while for these guys to be inducted. kiss and nirvana were only inducted this year. i love rush way more than them two though.

[@Andyjpro]

Bubbarmy12 Kiss isn't about music, it's about a show. They were the first to really bump up stage production as far as popular music goes. (Could make an argument of Peter Gabriel's costumes but that isn't exactly pyrotechnics).

[@Defenseman61913]

LarsUlrichIsMe lol, don't defend those fucks. LL Cool J and Madonna were in bedfore Rush. Fuck the RRHOF, it's a joke.

[@thraxxis6043]

Andy Prokopyk I disagree, Alice Cooper not only produced an outrageous stage show, but the music is timeless shit! >;)

[@mikemustang3791]

James Vogel I agree, he would have gone away if it weren't for Schools out! useless. Yes...still not in.

[@le_th_]

Rush fan since '80...Primus fan since '93 It's so lovely to know that the at least some of your favorite bands have truly decent human beings in them, because that's not often the case.

[@roycemcgarry1992]

5:28 onward is INCREDIBLE - you can really see and feel how into it Les and the whole band are.

[@TickleFingers]

Man, the engineer blew this all to shit didn't he. I can hear this sounding good, but the mix is just so off..... Les' mic sounded thin and hollow from the get go. Shame, because Primus kicks ass!

[@danielb1918]

+Adrizz5447 It's like he recorded it directly to his ipod. I saw him jam into this song with this band and it sounded great.

[@chrisconnors869]

+Adrizz5447 No Primus sucks lol

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

+chris connors Yes, but no.

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

+Adrizz5447 Yeah, the whole thing was not so well conveyed. Lost chance, but at least we in the know how skilled they all are. Sucks to view it, though. Huh?

[@Ricin42]

+chris connors this is probably the most confusing inside joke

[@Drumzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Hey les claypool, we're glad you're on this planet too, man.

[@renouncedequation3923]

Holy shit, the guys he has playing with him are incredible.

[@martintremblay5459]

Talented musicians, paying tribute to talented musicians, nothing wrong here !! So Nice !!

[@unoduetrequatro]

les claypool sounds like your alabama uncle singing ashamed in front all your family this song. but with an amazing bass playing.

[@Fig_8]

Loool man you are right hahaha

[@valentinom.4292]

Bama Bat 84 Alabama is full of inbreds

[@badmeetsevi12345]

Lmao this is the problem with music. You people so quickly get your nuts tangled when something sounds different or expirements with other aspects of music. ITS NOT RUSH ITS LES CLAYPOOL Broaden your horizons guys!!! Sheeeesh

[@dustycomputer1806]

I fucking love les but it sounds really out of tune

[@quickdrawmcgraw3567]

Pokemon Computer Because he sucks ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@fadedessence9506]

Joseph Dredd i seee what u did there..

[@Chasstful]

Pokemon Computer The problem, he's playing a shitty song.

[@RSanchez111]

It doesn't even sound like Les Claypool though... The audio quality with this recording sucks...

[@MrJeezus]

Thank you Les for giving Rush fans nightmares.

[@RigoesAmorrigotovar]

+MrJeezus I like les mask the best...oh wait...

[@barroncsh]

fuck rush I don't even get why les cares they must be paying him or something

[@Desolation6669]

barron CASH the reason why he did this is because rush inspired his musical style and bass playing. Without rush, les claypool would not be able to show off his bass slapping. This alone makes sense as to why he did this.

[@NUKE-W.E.F.]

Cello player is unconscious and over the top, outta this world, extremely talented... oh hell, insanely talented (I mean I got short of breath just watching him play) awesome!

[@sixfoursoul1]

I cant believe that out of all there comments nobody even mentions that bad ass fucker on the cello ! this guy is a monster !

[@benjamindady4366]

+sixfoursoul1 but sloppy for a professional concert cellist haha, but I could do nowhere near as damn a good job

[@drcocknballs333]

+sixfoursoul1 His name is Sam Bass

[@teedub127]

Fandamntastic! I saw Primus open for Rush in the early 90's, best show I've seen in 50+ years (and I've seen a lot of bands over the years).

[@brendanaggs]

Just BRILLIANT! I love the unique touch from Primus to this legendary song.

[@renouncedequation3923]

Amazing... Les, you're a genius.

[@mustardtitsthemurdermaster]

1:15 further proof that les is an alien

[@CoverMyMouth]

This mix is so unbelievably bad that it is not only a disservice to Rush, but a disservice to Les Claypool, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, live music, cellists everywhere, music in general, rock music, and many other things that I don't feel like typing out. There is no way in HELL that this sounded that bad live. Whoever mixed this recording should be fired, but only after being publicly humiliated for recording a mix that actually makes the band sound 10x worse than they are even capable of playing. Actually, the engineer should be sued and/or tried in the court of law because this is so bad that it should be a felony and the artists should consider this as libel. God be with you, crappy engineer man. I hope you leave a finer legacy for your family than this. And God be with you if any of these musicians ever hear this, because they will sue you into an oblivion for making them sound like people that only picked up their instruments yesterday. Shame on your sorry, sorry, sorry self.

[@ULYSSES-31]

Get over it. It's not a life or death matter.

[@CoverMyMouth]

Kiss my butt.

[@harveyvid]

C'mon, leave poor Les alone. The guy has kept himself off food stamps by butchering perfectly good musical notes. as long as I can change channels, live & let live.

[@Shoey77100]

it's not Les, some sound engineer needs to be keel-hauled

[@jmanbgg]

im glad you dont blame the musicians for it sounding bad.

[@gdionwood]

I've been a big fan of Primus and Les from the moment I discovered them years ago! Hearing that Rush were his teenage heroes as they were mine, makes me love him even more!

[@superfishially]

I graduated high school with Les - his teenage comments were 100% accurate! We were all huge Rush fanatics back then - at least the cool kids, anyway!

[@sketchesforyou8020]

@@superfishially Wow, really?

[@marcmullenix8548]

Les was perfect to play and honor Rush! Love hearing someone do their own cover of a song.

[@maxbressan]

A lot of weird comments here. Les Claypool does not do your generic style of music. He will never sound good doing this type of stuff. But i feel as he is one of the best bass players on planet earth he was in the right place during this.Yea it sounds weird but it's not if you look at the big picture.

[@trollsboggle8160]

I agree. Les doesn't play Rush music that much. Their singing styles are totally different he will never cover rush well if he sings. Of course his bass playing on the other hand would, and does. They cover the intro to YYZ before some songs at live performances.

[@69oldcat]

I expect no less from Less Claypool. :) I'm pretty sure Rush appreciated this rendition.

[@DreamfactoryZero]

Both Rush and Primus are both completely different bands in general. You Can't compare them to one another or any other radio friendly band. It's like trying to get Salvidor Dali and Picasso to do each others work and have the whole world like it.

[@trollsboggle8160]

DreamfactoryZero exactly

[@Curly_Toes]

What style of music would you consider generic? Because I don't believe generic music exists, but if it does, rush is far from it.

[@dale8809]

I love this version of a great rush song. Les is the only musician that could pull this of and he did it well. Got into primus when the opened for rush on the rtb tour. Saw it twice....then went and bought all primus CDs.

[@craigmanning7393]

Saw Primus when they opened for RUSH on the counterparts tour in the early nineties. They were awesome. Glad I got to see them. Went to the show with my friend Scott Snell. RIP Scott, you were a good and funny dude.

[@v33punk]

Sorry for your loss.

[@1311wevell]

I got backstage passes from the drummer at the time (2012) Jay Lane. The show was one of the best I have seem and I have been to over 100 shows.

[@craigmanning7393]

Johnny Flores Thank you. Scott was a very funny dude. Could have been a professional comedian. I miss him a bunch. Sorry he did not make it longer........I has a sad.

[@n0iseboy]

I caught the tour at UNO arena in New Orleans. Kashmir blew me away...it was epic and I'll never forget it. I have many fond memories with friends at primus shows. Some of us live on, and some are kept with us in our greatest memories.

[@marvinscott28]

THANK YOU GEDDY, NEIL,ALEX "WHEN I LEAVE I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M HOPING TO FIND AND WHEN I LEAVE I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M LEAVING BEHIND"

[@imyourgodmachine]

Les claypool and geddy lee! Thats some serious bass greatness there!

[@lukesmith7398]

Let's just agree...les can sing to suit his own genre. His talent for the bass is beyond question and also to assemble masters of their craft to match his talent is also beyond doubt. This certainly made this a more than fitting tribute to geddy, Alex and Neil (rip). The performance was amazing and spine tingling. Thanks les and band

[@robertdurst9089]

I love that Les Claypool can't sing to save his life but he's made his career off of being an astonishing musician haha

[@BassfortheCure]

I have never seen Les try so hard to sing well. I get the feeling that even if you were to ask him today this night was the biggest night in his career.

[@wesleyrucker195]

here in 2020 gettin' blown away. Thanks Les and thanks Rush!

[@JojoRingo12345]

Damn, am I the only one who actually liked it?

[@sirusyes5833]

Yes LOL

[@Curly_Toes]

You liked it?

[@metallicafan3124]

I did too

[@rogerrock12games]

JojoRingo12345 i liked it.

[@steved479]

JojoRingo12345 This is epically awesome. People just done understand the awesome that is happening here (lead guitar being replaced by cello) and Les shredding on bass.

[@oilkills]

LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!! Patton (vocals) Buckethead Claypool Minnemann Greatest band since Zeppelin and Rush!!! I hear them play in my dreams... (sigh)

[@MikeHobsonSOHC]

A rendition of the classic without the expected precision, but an absolutely perfect tribute from one of our greatest artists.

[@billman2112]

I never knew Primus was such a fan of Rush. I always knew Primus was a great band, now I'm 100% sold. Love RUSH.

[@RockOn78]

One of the best shows of my life was seeing Primus open for Rush in the 90s. Now I’m blessed to see them play A Farewell to Kings in its entirety. This was a dope cover, very Primusfied of course, and does not disappoint. And beyond the amazing cellist, wasn’t Brain slaying the drums in this?

[@PureEffinMagic]

I haven't seen every single Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute performance, but I am quite sure that this is the greatest one of all time. It's the perfect blend of homage to the original composition while being true to the sensibility of the performer, and if this doesn't reward one's belief in the freedom of music, I don't know what would.

[@jroulx7852]

This was a unique rendition that only Les could perform. I liked it very much :)

[@MCS1993]

Thank you Les, loved the Cover!!!!

[@roblee1366]

Im am fairly certain if Les Claypool wanted to nail this song into the perfect cover floor, he would have done just that. He is a super fan and built a working career with a band based on the same model Rush used, and made it his own. This was what Les decided. The reggae owns GL!

[@SeriesDT]

I remember I listened to this when I first heard of Primus, and I thought this was one of the worst covers I had ever heard. 2 years later and I have Pork Soda, Sailing the Seas of Cheese, and Frizzle Fry all on vinyl and consider Primus one of my favorite bands. Coming back and watching this, its a Primus cover of a Rush song. Its Les Claypool being Les Claypool. Its not bad as long as you look at it from the right angle.

[@johnmcgarry9519]

Glass floor in a toilet room

[@tonydilliott2255]

You need stuff like this to keep reminding people how great RUSH is.

[@eviljester1169]

As a bass lover this just .. I can't express how happy this makes me.

[@bryanbogardus2897]

To the band and to clay and to rush, thank you for your amazing creations!!! Two of my favorite bands!

[@brianthomas2182]

I have only one thing to say to Les: I love ya But they can't all be zingers...

[@nikolaimikhail7774]

Yep

[@BeauTheHippo]

Yeah Love Claypool and love Rush and this was a work of art :D

[@tobiastheclark]

it's about time primus got inducted

[@mikemercer5808]

That was just badass! Les is MORE!

[@thewilberforce]

You just saw a rush sing played with a Xylophone, a Cello, a Herb and a Claypool. Amazing.

[@chippchipp1]

They can't all be zingers

[@nicolasacevedo9442]

chippchipp1 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alexreinhardt28]

My thoughts exactly 😂😂😂

[@BootsORiley]

what you did there. i see it. and i award you an A+

[@friedpickles342]

Lol

[@kbellanger4140]

Omg this made me burst out laughing

[@rdownin9919]

Les was steam punk before there was steam punk.

[@ForrestGump1212]

u sir are fucking gay as fucking fuck

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@ForrestGump1212 you embody everything that I admire about Chicago and it's fine citizens.

[@LordToasterOven]

I feel like Thomas Dolby has a strong dash of steampunk in the 80's so idk...

[@markadl6783]

@@ForrestGump1212 OOOOOOO!!!! You "SIR" are a... ........(wait for it).............................................WWWWWWWANKER!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

@@ForrestGump1212 cubs fan hey ? ...drink beer ...vores conservative ....thinks rush rock ...and hasnt a clue what the lyrics are about

[@johnglynhughes4239]

A technical marvel, an artistic statement, you're either going to love it or hate it.

[@kozmo820]

one of the best bassists tributes another.... I love it.

[@LyleMyers]

The only thing that could have made this better would have been to have Yoko Ono singing back up vocals.

[@robdela3632]

lmao no really it could have

[@chippiekos3014]

Lyle Myers, Thank you for that comment!!! Just made me spew my drink everywhere. Couldn't have said it better myself. And whoever was mixing this needs to stop doing whatever drugs they were doing before this horrible mix!! FYI, love both Rush & Les/Primus!! Not to mention, a little Sausage.

[@davevannevele2147]

Primus Sucks!!! Then you get locked in... You see life for what it is.. set around the fire when the power goes out, and just listen to the strings, and the dynamic of a voice... you'll wish you had Primus.....In the end.

[@nicolasacevedo9442]

Lyle Myers 😂😂😂😂

[@ryanaten3431]

I just saw the opening night of Primus’s A Tribute to King’s tour in Boise, where Primus is covering A Farewell to King’s album in its entirety. They absolutely nailed the music side of it. In my opinion, Les honored the vocal side of the album by not trying to sing like Geddy. If he had, it wouldn’t have sounded right and he would have done himself and Geddy a disservice. Les sang like Les, and the rendition still sounded great. Primus is great and Rush is/was great!

[@rogercook1177able]

Seeing them tomorrow in Spokane, excited!

[@jpcolindesign517]

Les Claypool is a monster great musician. I think this was exactly what Rush appreciated the most. The cover was campy and fun. Peace out.

[@TheGreatAlan75]

Les Claypool is the greatest bass player of all time.

[@thimble288]

sounds like every Rush fan ever trying to sing this song

[@thegranddilligaf]

It's not great is it?

[@thimble288]

Not really, no. His speech was lovely though.

[@TheRPGguy94]

Eric Leippe Les has a really quirky way of singing thats...well, different. It fits his own musical endeavors but maybe not so much a Rush song.

[@Auron710]

im a huge primus fan, through my teens since i 1st heard tommy the cat and that bass and voice. Also a rush fan, and this was just not good..... sounded like a high school talent show band or something which is unfortunately

[@gingerw4590]

Les is known for his bass playing and not his singing. Just like Jimi Hendrix is by no means known for his singing ability. When you are that good, you have no choice but to sing as well otherwise you don't get noticed and you are just someone in the background. Jimi never wanted to sing. Thankfully he did or we may never heard anything of his. It would have been a shame for him to have just been someone in the background outshined by a singer who just has looks. Which has happened so often.

[@MsAsmodious]

The cellist is a badass.

[@barrywolf7463]

To me…..just killer and Thank you Les! You kill it as always.

[@willdyer3371]

To heck with Les. The cello sounding like alec is worth the watch. This cover is amazing!

[@dylanswint1795]

I'll admit the vocals were a little sketchy, but anyone who can listen to 5:30 and still say this was a 'bad' performance, is a tightwad.

[@mr7wi]

+Cyborg Rabbit THIS!

[@GibsonGuy0707]

+Cyborg Rabbit Well he was never really known for his vocal skills. haha

[@ZenZill]

+Cyborg Rabbit Primus intentionally doesn't play in tune, it's like they're bored of playing things in the traditional sense, and just play from a straight gut emotion. It's gimmicky sometimes, but when you get a moment of bliss like 5:30, you know where they're coming from, they went from stooges to magicians.

[@tahoma6889]

+Cyborg Rabbit Hurts to suck. You gotta be good at the instrument, before things work out. This fella will never be a bassist, ever. Serious. He knows nothing about the the thing. HE sucks, horribly. Always has. He just makes badass sounds with it. Knows nothing of discipline. Ask him to play a real song write, and look, FAIL.

[@tahoma6889]

+ZenZill Primus is a disgrace to all musicians, ask any of them. Its noise. This dude just insulted one of the greatest bands ever.

[@kcountrycorvettes]

There sure are a lot of “sound engineers” leaving comments.

[@kretduy6959]

this guys rocc so naturally, i love their version of this song

[@yogsenforfoth5948]

I saw this group play a show in Little Rock, AR in 2010 and they came back for an encore and did this song. It was so cool!

[@europaseas5129]

one likes to believe in the freedom of music....

[@PaulHilburger]

RIP Neal

[@bethn.2594]

It's Neil.

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

The greatest there ever was. Except for maybe Danny Carey.

[@Hipnosis65]

This is seriously cool, incredibly unique... and unusually weird. I love it!

[@shalomagutierrez5293]

loved his speech.

[@orbasm5]

Les Claypool is the best bass player that has ever lived on planet Earth. Ever. Say what you will about his vocals, but that motherfucker rocks it SO hard on bass.

[@dasteelerfan1]

yes he is

[@flacidhouse350]

James Jamerson. Educate yourself on the world of bass players.

[@JG-ux7of]

Same could be said about Geddy Lee

[@aaronspeary2803]

I like Primus, I like Rush. This cover doesn't bring to light the ability Les Claypool has. It's not bad, it's a cover and played as tribute to a band that was an inspiration to the career of Les Claypool. No ones' asking anyone to buy a CD of Rush covers by Les Claypool.... It's a cover song meant as a tribute, don't look deeper then that. Understand this, and find a closet or other secluded area to go fuck off in. Directed at all Primus/Les Claypool haters who just don't get it.

[@grantgembra8941]

+Aaron Speary dude everything has to be ranked tho this has to be compared to every other musical piece ever played

[@MagaMoberSkaterRE]

+Grant Gembra I dont know where you're getting at but you are completely wrong, music is subjective, remember??!?!?!?!??!

[@ziggymorris8760]

Hard to believe it has been nearly 30 years of listening to these guys, since I was 17 in the late, late 80’s.

[@Paintplayer1]

Touching to see one of my heroes playing music by his heroes

[@jesseknorr9815]

the largest reason its a "bad" cover is because its a live performance being recorded... those almost never capture all the sound frequencies needed to truly appreciate whats happening here.

[@daveh9335]

Cello player killed it

[@jmangi6221]

Incredibly beautiful!

[@krisjb1]

That bridge out, into the main riff, prior to the reggae section, wow! that rocked. Good job Les and band, great!

[@organs]

Hearing Les sing Geddy is like Tom Morello playing Steve Howe.