Primus Drummer Reveals The Truth About His Shocking Departure

Primus recently announced they were shocked by the abrupt departure of their drummer Tim 'Herb' Alexander. The recently departed Primus drummer is now giving the full story behind his sudden exit.
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[@lallijohnslallijohns5124]

Primus drummer is also leaving As i lay dying i heard.

[@keithwoodcrest]

And joining puddle of mud

[@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001]

😂😂

[@JJChannelName]

I’m also here to announce that I’m leaving AILD as well

[@brianfleming9734]

😂

[@mattjones596]

😂😂😂

[@scottlaboch4534]

Wishing Herb the best on his life moving forward. His health has to be priority #1.

[@BidensTaint]

Yeah, I toured for years. It’s not the easiest thing after a while 😂

[@SolamenteVees]

How can you not respect Herb's wishes. He's clearly not being selfish or hiding the reasons why he left Primus. Respect.

[@FaithFallRepentGraceRepeat]

Not being selfish? Leaving your bandmates hanging, wondering what happened isn’t exactly giving respect.

[@TheCocoaDaddy]

Thanks for posting this update! Hearing his explanation, I have to wonder if the "Tribute to Kings" tour took a toll on him. I remember Neil Peart went through the same thing, with being in pain and eventually not being able to play at the level he wanted to play at (ca. 2015-ish). There will always be a special place for "Herb" in my heart. Primus SUCKS!!!!

[@richymoore]

Herb has given the world of music some of the greatest drumming ever performed and recorded, and along with his bandmates some of the weirdest, most unique rock n roll ever made. It’s sad to see him step down but he’s done a great shift.

[@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001]

Wish him the best, health, life, family. Thank you

[@peanutygoodness]

Herb, Les, and Ler deserve as much respect as individuals as they do as a band for all of the intense moments of explosive wtfery that always comes with any reaction to the music they have produced over the years. I moved to the Bay Area to be closer to their music and found a whole world of extended freaks and talented creative types that formed some lasting relationships and exposed me to music and art that I would have possibly never been a part of had I not been so enthralled when I first heard Frizzle Fry - I couldn’t understand what I was hearing. I immediately went and found a cassette of the LP at Tower Records and it did not leave my auto reverse deck unless it was being transferred from car to home.

[@ShannonAER]

Very proud of him and the rest of the guys will be ok. Stay positive! Everything is going well! Loud love to him and the band! And to u! Proud of u, ur doing great on Rockfeed! Love it!

[@ScarysReviews]

when he first left the band after Tales from the punchbowl, he felt there wasn't anymore creativity or he couldn't think of anything. Came back after Antipop (last with Brian the Brain ) and then there was the spot with Jay Lane, then Tim returned again, now gone. That's crazy. we can only thank him for the memories and many, many great beats

[@rubaidaallen2764]

This is so sad. It’s always hard to accept when a beloved member of one of your favorite bands departs. I saw Primus this past summer in Sessanta and it was so awesome. All the best ❤️❤️

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

My body hurts constantly! I’m a 58 yr old touring drummer for 33+ years and playing hard and fast has absolutely destroyed my body. My knees, sciatica, rotator cuffs, carpal tunnel, massive hearing loss, not to mention the hundreds or thousands of holidays, weddings, birthdays etc I missed.

[@justinkendell301]

Hell yeah brother

[@ronnieo.6647]

🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@marramamberta321]

But you did something you liked, and there're many people who wished they lived the experiences you had. 👍

[@Mikishots]

Not about you, pal.

[@thedude7726]

Shit man , I drummed in a band for 5 years and got burnt out. Haven't played in 10 years and I still have hip and knee pain from years of slamming pedals

[@thedogman2576]

Not only is he an amazing drummer with a unique style, i found his tone very refreshing in a world of "knock off" drummers.

[@Infernoblade1010]

That's wild, but best wishes to him and his family. I'm sure Primus will be fine.

[@MrDingus64]

All the best to Tim. One of the most unique players in rock; incredible musician 👏

[@selw0nk]

Bring back Brain who used to drum for Primus.

[@ironnads7975]

It's Brains choice...not Primus....and Brain doesn't want to anymore.

[@danielwitham1791]

He's a brilliant drummer, but not the best fit for tgeir grooves. As stated above, he also said he doesn't want to play for them. I think this whole ordeal shows just how much drumming takes a tole on the musicians body compared to other instruments in the rock band format. You really have to be fit and healthy to play a whole set of drums for a band like this. I honestly never thought Tim would be back after his late 90s and other breaks in the 00s and 2010s. My back is farked from drumming and I'm not even 40 yet. No way could i do what Tim had stepped up to do recently. There's so many great drummers out there that this could actually be the fuel that prinud needs to keep going with Ler and Les maturing, but still able to play their not as demanding parts as the drums in Primus (I'm not saying their parts aren't demanding or incredibly talented for the genre, but the energy and concentration necessary to play just isn't up there with what it takes to play drums for them). I wish them all the best ❤️🙏🏻

[@antondavidovic3996]

I think Gavin Harrison would be a perfect choice, but he's already in a band and has other projects going on so I doubt it, but I think his style would perfectly fit Les' bass

[@hippydippy]

Well Spoken... Bless his heart.

[@brutesquadbbq2268]

I’ve gotta wonder if what happened with Neil Peart didn’t play into this decision. Neil wanted to retire for so long and then after he finally did he only got a few years to live his life, much of which was spent fighting cancer. Not saying it would be a big part, but certainly A part. The Rush guys and Primus guys are close.

[@chrisnorman2879]

100% agree. I believe after seeing what happened to Neil and having 2 heart attacks made this a very easy decision. All the best and thank you for the gift of your music Tim!

[@bfranco1519]

I get you lose the desire and energy as you get old, but in an email? Really? Seems like an in person conversation at least… Go luck Tim.

[@MyBichSustained]

He has every right to handle it as he sees fit...especially if he feels like the other guys treated him like a stranger. ..that's what I get from that...or a employee.

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

Definitely wishing him the absolute best with his health.

[@watcherzero000]

I know of a guy named El Estepario Siberiano who I think could do the job and do it well.

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

I love that guy, Been a fan since he joined the band and will always love the guy.

[@trujitsu896]

And just like that, Herb is a legend. Absolutely makes sense and respectfully correct. Watched 4 primus shows, can’t blame him for needing his family and having different priorities than the “music scene”.

[@UrbanHillbillyVideos]

Wishing the best for Herb in his retirement. His unique style makes him hard to replace. Hopefully Les and Ler will find the right fit, and keep on keeping on!

[@AUXdrone]

Tim comprises the best of the Primus lineup. Just isn’t quite Primus without him. Ah well. Happy trails Herb, Herb the ginseng drummer.

[@guitfidle]

As someone who has had a lot of health issues the last few years, I totally get it. I’m currently on medical leave from work recovering from hip surgery.

[@tysonblake515]

I shattered my knee years ago and it was a long and difficult recovery, but did it. Whatever happened to you, hopefully your recovery goes well and quickly! Take care!

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

Tim earned a rest. Good luck on you, sir! I do hope you can do a show with Les and Ler, here and there, though. You ARE a BEAST!

[@beatmasterbossy]

We love Tim I love Primus, but I totally respect his wishes and I think we all want him to be happy and healthy and with his family. They can thumpa-thumpa on with another drummer.

[@bsb1975]

One of my top 5 drummers. Maybe top 3. But Tim's done this before. He might come back after some time home, or he might stay quit. Either way, thanks for all the great music. As for Primus, I would start jamming with some new drummers and see if anything hits. Hit up Jay Lane or Brian Mantia. Grab Buckethead. See if they want to have a little reunion tour. The Brian Mantia/Buckethead era was cool AF.

[@heartbeatsdrum]

Danny's such a beast to offer to step in. He's taken on Beat lately too for old Crimson. it's awesome to see as a huge fan.

[@vonbeaver99]

Live your life my dude!

[@markstern8699]

Best wishes, health and happiness!

[@mattsnacks]

LET’S GET JAY LANE BACK!

[@jayybone6227]

Yeah mon

[@waynedechant7896]

It's harvest time ,he might work for weed ! 😊

[@timothysisneros]

Happy trails, Herb. Thank you very much for all the great music and undeniable inspiration. Primus Sucks! Live long and prosper, brotha.

[@Bull22Delta]

We love your contributions, and that's all that matters. Have a great life!

[@adamweston4152]

He's made the right decision and people should respect his decision, we all deserve to be happy.

[@ironj100]

Thank you Tim.

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

He quit twice already, how could this have been a shock?

[@eddiem5997]

Thanks Herb, you will be missed. Cheers 🍻

[@rico8089]

El Estepario Siberiano is your guy. Could you imagine his drumming with Claypools bass!!! That would be incredible.

[@BATMAN7666]

Tim I'm sad to see you go. But wish you well on your new journey. I have sailed the sea of cheese with you. And enjoyed Green Naugahyde in later years. We will always have Riot Fest 2014. When you watched us enjoy Primus while recouping from Heart surgery.

[@leddygee1896]

There are a lot of bands from the past nowadays that just can't seem to say when. Not naming names. We all have our own lists of bands who should bow out gracefully...

[@alexandrehenri-bhargava2741]

Sessanta was the best show I’ve ever seen. Glad I got to see it with the OG lineup. Best wishes to Herb. He probably didn’t know how to announce it. But this is much better than hearing about a suicide from burnout

[@Chris_Sherwood]

He was guesting on APC's The Hollow on the tour as well (he was involved with the band back when they recorded that track). Very grateful I got to see the Sessanta tour... and I'm still wondering if Foo Fighters are still on hiatus will Freese be back on board for 2.0?

[@rox-13]

Spot on Brian :)

[@x8jason8x]

Primus will keep sailing, have no fear! lol You absolutely have to respect his decision, who couldn't respect that? Best to Herb in his next chapter!

[@nonya1588]

Tim is making the right choice. Husband, and father.....absolutely. He doesn't want to know how it is to chose music over that, and then finding out what it's like when they choose to not be his family anymore.

[@aaronlorinchack1942]

That is valid and respectable.

[@Major00Tom]

3:27 the point

[@2FRESH-4U]

What a cool career he’s had

[@babyjesuslovesme1219]

Was hoping he was joining rush

[@carystorm1863]

Wow always thought of Herb as the closest drummer you could get to peart.

[@machupikachu1085]

Did anyone else notice he thanked everyone BUT Les, Larry, and management? That sounds like one of his main reasons.

[@billyhughes9776]

Good luck to Herb. He seems to have things figured out.

[@beelzebob23]

Peace to you Herb!

[@Mr.KingsThings]

This is crazy news

[@brendanhoppe227]

I say just have them bring back brain or jay, both fire drummers. Im just glad i got to see them on the tribute to kings tour with the og lineup

[@JeffreyEpstein-f6y]

I don't care. He did his thing with the band and now he wants to just do what he wants to do. That's great.

[@un4givvn2]

Love is a damn good reason, and healing.

[@smith97320]

I think we all would love to retire at 60. Good on him for doing it.

[@basildog007]

I'm still in shock from the announcement.

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

Antipop and the video for LacquerHead in particular are so underrated. I've seen them play with Tool twice. Primus is the perfect band to tour with Tool for real. Hope Tim comes back again but it kinda sounds like he won't. Stoked that he is taking care, either way. Primus sucks and will always have a special place in my 2003-me psilocybin-loving heart. 👽❤️

[@johndoe-gp1fx]

Cheers herb 🌿

[@escargotomy]

Yeah, the guy is entitled to live his life. No question. No one really knows the band dynamics except the people in it. Miscommunication and partial communication is probably all part of it, so you get this abrupt departure unfortunately. But hey, that's show business. And he wouldn't be the first rock drummer that got his ass kicked by the constant pounding. Neil Peart, Mick Brown and plenty others. Maybe with some time off to recover and find a new balance with his body he'll want to make muisc with them again.

[@robzilla69]

Thanks Herb for all those years. Just don't stop making cider please!

[@Pedro-pu2sv]

No matter what, Primus will aways suck. (a little bit more without herb, but best wishes for him)

[@offgridmatt]

💚

[@echoman1975]

Good for Tim. Sucks for Primus fans though

[@stardogbillionaire]

Primus sucks so it’s all good!

[@bluetopguitar1104]

As you get older, you have to make these tough decisions. It's just part of life.

[@mikoyanfulcrum1]

Gotta respect it,....

[@xx7secondsxx]

Ya GOTTA LISTEN TO UR BODY!!!!! When it starts scream ming while ur young!!! That's WHOA!!! When ur past 35!.... It's a HEYYYYYY!!!!!!☣☢🚭🚫🚫⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ and you HAVE TO LISTEN!!!! Or, people are left to just talk about you When ur young! You never think theres a limit!!!! That THINKING is what cuts the run short if ur running like that till the end. ROCK ON for him!!!🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🍻🍻 HE CHOOSES when to call it!!✊🧠

[@mCblue79]

Best wishes Herb. Keep pounding that ginseng 🤘😔

[@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001]

60!? Gawd damn I'm getting old to

[@YouCanCallMeDon]

Life is short, and he gave it 36 years. That's enough. He can do other things with his life that will give him new enjoyment.

[@SLAWDOGUSBRAND]

😂1:36- "Primus Camp" i bet it's tough to sleep at night with all of that slappin' and poppin' going on outside of the drummers tent....😅😅

[@nojuanatall3281]

Makes me sad as a long time primus fan. But I enjoy all the bands. Hopefully this leads to more oysterhead or work with Sean Lennon. Last show with the frog brigade I saw was excellent.

[@andrewvela9839]

What's Jay Weinberg doing these days?

[@thomascreech1696]

Primus feat. Chris Turner 🙏

[@MyBichSustained]

All Hail to Herb....Relax and enjoy life bro!

[@rafaelgonzalez7230]

Being a drummer is tough enough said

[@vonclod123]

You got to take care of yourself!

[@electrodynamicwaves]

Larry is Les' number one. Herb is one of my favorite drummers. Spaghetti Western rhythm all the way.

[@ichisanjman]

Hire Mantia again.

[@ArthurDent33]

Grayson Kruetsman(sp) would kill it in Primus

[@TheMadatnascar]

Brian Mantia come on down

[@writheinthedeepfry3859]

I would imagine I would get tired of my job if I had to work away from home for months at a time.

[@forestyogin2218]

Good for you Tim. Touring is a blueprint for self-destruction.

[@meleecritical]

Let me join! I’ll play for ya! Not very good but I’ll try my best!

[@scottchantos2388]

Is Marco Minnemann available?

[@nathanwalsh3028]

Time to grab ol' Jayski!! (Jay lane)

[@SPY1964-LL]

I heard he is joining KISS, and he will paint his face like The Woodpecker. The next KISS tour is called Dr. Love Returns. He will not be asked to breathe fire.

[@LioFuzz]

Dominican Republic 🙌

[@thewickedwizard]

Can't wait for him to quit again in 3 years

[@FaithFallRepentGraceRepeat]

I don’t care what anybody says; he’s selfish, disrespectful & inconsiderate. The way he left (along with his history of leaving) says a lot about his character. His bandmates have bills to pay, family & friends to support, along with road crew. Doing things “your own way” while leaving your bandmates confused & scrambling to replace you is inexcusable.

[@stardogbillionaire]

So nice that a band member quits and it’s not due to drama. Primus Sucks.

[@BIGFESH]

3:20 is the reason yall are here. your welcome.

[@valleyproductions1]

Dude looks like Bill Murray

[@srbaran]

It'd be pretty neat if Danny Carey joined Primus.

[@markwrenn5965]

There's bee. a lotta Tim-related news today

[@MathiasManser]

Yeah after heart surgery etc and almost being 60 it makes perfect sense… Hope they will find a good replacement

[@anthonyf4439]

He got his barrel full and didn’t need to work anymore.

[@RegularJoes]

El Estepario for Primus