The Surreal Origins of Primus | Les Claypool on Metallica Ties, Acid Trips, MTV Breakthrough

Primus is one of the most singular, weird and innovative bands in heavy music, which is why it's particularly incredible that they've reached the heights they have and continue to be one of the genre's most beloved acts. But how did they get there? Bassist-vocalist-mastermind Les Claypool walked us through the surreal origins of his funky metal group, touching on his high-school friendship with Metallica's Kirk Hammett, doing acid at Spring Break '92, Primus' unexpected breakout onto MTV and much more.
Order Revolver's Primus collector's bundle featuring the new Summer 2022 Issue and exclusive colored vinyl: bit.ly/3zZfuNt
Thumbnail photo by Jason Goodrich
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#primus #lesclaypool #metallica #kirkhammett #mtv #suckonthis #frizzlefry #toomanypuppies #sailingtheseasofcheese #sausage #johnthefisherman #origin #metal #funkmetal #progressiverock #experimental #jimihendrix #cream #blindillusion #exodus

[@Jacob22941]

damn, Kirk hammet did more for music than we thought!

[@emilyarante9593]

If you haven’t yet, you should definitely check out the Murder in Front Row documentary about the bay areas thrash scene. I feel like he finally got the credit and praise he deserves 😃

[@Jacob22941]

@@emilyarante9593 will do!

[@spiritlevelstudios]

lol

[@fredriksvard2603]

He developed the percussive downpicking on his own too, he didnt get it from het/dave. And formed exodus and wrote sandman/creeep etc obviously. He was more important in the bay area scene and that whole movement than people give him credit for.

[@f5tornadeau]

😂😂😂

[@Mydhside]

He played bass like he was invented the instrument, and he did it while singing. salute for this creative genius 👍

[@stratocat9]

I agree! I've never heard anyone play the bass the way he does! I mean, how does he come up with these amazing licks!?

[@telefunkenyou47]

@@stratocat9 fretless 6 string

[@negativeindustrial]

He still does

[@somestuffandwhatnot]

You totally saw that comment elsewhere and used it as yours hahaha

[@nvjohansson9741]

When he did a show with Buckethead, it was like when Lemieux and Gretzky on the same line for team Canada... It's not often that you see some of the GOATS play together.

[@RetroHabit82]

Nobody sounds like Primus That's the mark of a great band.

[@themadhi-hatter6849]

There are though some King Crimson songs that sound a lot like Primus but You're right though, they took it to another level.

[@McShag420]

Yeah, I agree, not sounding like Primus is certainly the mark of a great band.

[@SecretSpots]

@@McShag420 LMFAO!!!

[@TheBeavadelic]

@@McShag420 yeah, primus sucks

[@frodofraggins]

Nobody sounds like the Shaggs either ... ;)

[@tictocbang7443]

Used to see Primus in tiny bars around the Bay Area, before and after Tim joined. With an audience of 4 on a Tuesday night at Ashkenaz, and a drummer called Curveball, they played like it was a packed arena. It was obvious they were headed for the top.

[@disf5178]

Nightbreak

[@jasonandrews3756]

@@disf5178 Kennel Club & the I Beam

[@disf5178]

@@jasonandrews3756 !!!!!! I Beam was such a great place...super pro/premier sound.. but small enough to be up close & personal. I miss that SF.

[@jasonandrews3756]

@@disf5178 😃 I worked many shows there with different local bands in the late 80's & early 90's

[@MarvDawk]

EPIC!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

"I got pissed..ate acid...and it ended up being a pretty fun thing. I am glad we did it." Les is a great storyteller. I think I could listen to him talk about his shenanigans all day. Thanks for posting this.

[@traho811]

I wanna meet cypress hill, while on acid.

[@PamelaCardenas-f5k]

I am a 77 year old Granny and I love Primus ❤️ Leslie can't make a bad record...and his videos are outstanding !!😊❤

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

Awesome

[@robmojica7035]

Hats off to the grannies!!!

[@thomasgrant7285]

Love it!

[@clancywiggam]

"Herb" is still to this day, one of the best drummers I've ever heard. Fantastic.

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

And still incredibly strange. Les and Ler are weird, and yet they talk about how weird Herb is. They says a lot. Lol.

[@justtheworstever7316]

Cheers to Revolver - whoever edited this did a masterful job. If no one knew any better you'd think they hit the record button and said, "Hi Les! Tell us a few things." and he just talked for 10 minutes uninterrupted.

[@gabrielchattaway1663]

I feel like he'd be capable of that

[@christopherwaller3115]

Saw primus 2 weeks ago, changed my life forever.

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

Most fun live band I've ever seen

[@poindextertunes]

They have an incredible live sound. And, may I say, it works bcuz of Lalonde’s playing is complimentary to Les.

[@YourNeighborhoodsBest]

saw them on tuesday! posted some videos. They’re all effing excellent!

[@klarge24]

I seen them with my hippie esés Christmas 2018 in San Francisco at the Fillmore. ‘Twas an odd but good experience

[@tipsybass8948]

Les you are a legend!! In 1992, Primus opened up for Rush (one of my dad's fave bands) and he was like oh I want to take you to this concert. I had heard Rush in my dad's car, and then when he said oh some band named Primus is opening up for them...I was all in!! I was so geeked about it. I tried to tell him how awesome Primus was... and as soon as the baseline started (I think it was "my name is mud") he looked at me with eyes wide and screamed FUCK YEAH. It was an awesome show. Then I saw Peart's drum kit SPINNING in the air, not missing a beat, and I fell in love with Rush. Still one of my fave concerts of my teenaged years. I was 12. That concert was my dad's rebuttal to my mom taking my sister and me to MC Hammer, haha. It was the only war between my parents that was enjoyable... the war of who would take us to the best shows...1994 mom took us to Pink Floyd. That was another amazing experience, Camp Randall. OMG. In my 20s. my dad took me to see Dweezil Zappa does Zappa, and we went to the sound check, and I got to meet him. It was so cool that Zappa was there, albeit on video, playing with the band. So many in between, but those were the best experiences enjoying live music with my dad.

[@whome1299]

What a wonderful memory!

[@telefunkenyou47]

Your dad won when he took you to Zappa plays Zappa! It might have been a bit much for you at the time but that show will be significant as you get older. These Zappa albums will get you more familiar with Frank. “Joes Garage”, Sheik Yourbouti”, “Thing-fish”. And as far as guitar playing goes, “Frank Zappa Guitar” has some good guitar playing on it. Frank was/is our fearless leader and the brains of our whole operation. (Musicians vs the record industry) He will go down as the best musician of our time! AND he never gets any credit for his guitar playing but he’s obviously a very good player. When guys like Steve Vai, Adrian Belew, and even the late greats Jimi Hendrix & EVH look up to him, there is good reason. And it’s all there to discover for yourself because the main stream doesn’t acknowledge him as anything but a freak show. I’m sure I would get along with your Dad. He’s got great taste in music!

[@boazzaob]

I went to that show. Omni Atlanta GA

[@genkakuzaii]

Well that was a lovely read! Cheers!

[@mechanicalman1068]

Wow. Too cool. That’s half of rock bass Mt. Rushmore right there.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I remember reading about this "Primus" band in RIP magazine back in 1990, just some little blurb about them. While the exact wording escapes me, it was compelling enough for me to pick up Frizzle Fry in Nov or Dec of 1990. And it instantly blew and expanded my musical mind. I must have played that cassette every single day for months. They have tons of amazing music but Frizzle Fry to me is one of the most untouchable, best albums of all time.

[@noobsaibot9490]

Sailing the seas of cheese.

[@ThreeEyedGoop]

All of there albums are amazing

[@ManuelHernandez-ni3wp]

Use to hear this Band from my good friend Danny!?! Listening to the Sea of Cheese!?!?

[@noobsaibot9490]

Tuna salad sandwich and flavored doritos 🤘

[@timturk1899]

I don't know which album we heard first..? They were unknown, basically, like most of the great music of the time. The bands we liked pretty much all got the FU from MTV. Then many years later (5 years maybe? A long time when you're a teen!). We were in love with Primus, and especially Les! Once you heard him play you were blown away, and knew you'd never forget this incredible playing! Incredible playing and lots of humor, always. Les sure can tell a hell of a story with his vocal delivery, and great communicating skills among those listening, and especially the band. PRIMUS SUCK! FOREVER!!!

[@MattHayashi]

Growing up in Sonoma County, we we're blessed to see Primus before they were famous. Les is a good guy.

[@xcfan]

River theater

[@DanielIvan707]

He used to be my neighbor. All good guys.

[@gloraditch6915]

Rancho Relaxo. I used to carpool with his sister, Laurie

[@danolivier4899]

My introduction to Primus was at age 10. Right after Loveline ended at midnight, the radio station played Jerry was a Race Car driver. Surreal and inspiring experience for a kid up too late.

[@SallySandwich]

Shout out to all the kids that used to listen to loveline when they were supposed to be asleep. We are out here in droves I know it.

[@starblazer5178]

Les is able to write between the lines of "standard" music but has the ability to keep in interesting not abstract. What I love about Primus is the way Les incorporates pretty much every genre of music without sounding like any genre of music.

[@Nohorizon1]

Started playing bass because no one else wanted to and becomes the greatest bass player of all time

[@AdamScP1220]

Same reason i started.. never getting close to Les but i found my "voice".

[@glenndavis6793]

I'm 57 years old and I love Primus there is no other band like them on the face of the planet

[@donHooligan]

Primus sucks! member dat?

[@jeffsmith5139]

Dave the fisherman!!!! Primus isn't for everybody. They Rock!!!!

[@Yourmymomdad]

@@jeffsmith5139 no primus sucks

[@mdrinon]

Primus is one of, if not my first BAND. I was obsessed the first time I saw “Mr Krinkle” on Headbangers Ball. I can’t explain them to people except as “methy folk metal” Les always has a story to tell in each song. Each story kinda makes me feel icky.

[@albenmurcia4716]

There are a few bands that jave a very similar sound actually. Like sausage, bastard jazz, duo de twang. Claypool lennon delirium and a few songs from a band called molotov.

[@orion681]

Primus came along at the perfect time in music to exist. They were always the perfect mix of eccentricity and heavy to make some interesting stuff.

[@curtisbogue3707]

My introduction to Primus was watching them on the MTV spring break special! I was just 13 at the time. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I never heard anything like that!

[@matthewvaughan8192]

‘’I remember being really pissed, so we ate acid.’’ That pretty much sums up Primus

[@Whitewater11]

I need more of this interview! God I remember those early days, living up outside Sacramento and hearing about these bands from the bay. Primus became such a large part of my high school experience and now I've turned my kids onto them.

[@gonzalochervet8127]

thats f cool! whats their favorite album? :O

[@Whitewater11]

@@gonzalochervet8127 One likes Seas of Cheese, the other Frizzle Fry

[@gonzalochervet8127]

@@Whitewater11 their best on my opinion, cheers dude!

[@mpc1388]

I saw Primus in ‘91 open for Fishbone at USF in Tampa. Then I saw them in maybe ‘93 in St. Petersburg where Les walked off the tour bus into the venue in his underwear and played the whole gig that way and then walked out back on the bus. It was an amazing time with an amazing band. Thanks for the memories Les, Ler and Herb.

[@chito2294]

that's funny cuz i saw fishbone open for primus in '91 at the san jose convention center. that's the difference of being in the bay i guess

[@wayneebanks7883]

@@chito2294 I was at that show! Good times. Fishbone was fucking amazing as well. Lot of energy that night

[@wayneebanks7883]

I was there too!

[@frowningfaun4528]

I saw primus back in 93 during Lollapalooza, saw them again in 2019 with ministry, Anselmo and Slayer. Such a great reunion.

[@DRUMADDICT29]

Was the St. Pete show at Janus Landing?

[@joeytofil2259]

I expected the Zappa and Floyd influence, but Fripp was a welcome surprise that makes total sense.

[@reasonsreasonably]

Yeah, Larry used to noodle prog stuff at band practice when he was in Possessed. I wasn't surprised when he left the band for Primus. Possessed just wasn't his thing.

[@ApophisNow_]

If it weren't for my best friend showing me Primus, I honestly don't think I'd be where I am today. R.I.P. Zach.

[@thedeaconofmetalshow7657]

Friends who show you new music are the best kind of friends

[@slanderman3296]

Za

[@1921o5]

My friend turned me into the musician I am today and now he’s a Hindu monk lol weird world man

[@danielhughes9556]

Years ago, around 97-98 or so I was an auto parts delivery boy in Vacaville, CA. I had a delivery to a transmission shop. I walked in and noticed a couple platinum records (I think platinum) and a big metal sculpture thing that said primus. I handed the parts to a guy and asked about the primus records and sculpture. He said he was les' dad. I must admit, I was JUST getting into them. Wished I had talked to his dad more, but none the less a cool experience. I'm a huge primus fan now, yet have only seen them once. Thanks for all the crazy ass songs.

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

He shouldn’t have had to still be working.

[@mattwolfe3922]

I was fortunate to meet Mr Claypool briefly outside of a venue in Spokane many years ago. He was very nice to visit with us and signed my daughter's cast. Not all performers would take the time. He's a good guy.

[@slipspectrum9253]

Man, Les never fails to entertain! I could listen to his stories of the old days and tours and just whatever for hours. He’s just such an amazing story teller and paints such a vivid picture, both when he’s just chatting or through his song writing. Bravo! Give us more! My older sisters BF at the time had both “Suck On This” and “Frizzle Fry” - must have been 91 or 92, but he gave me both of them because they weren’t his favorite and I was just going nuts over it because I had already been playing bass due to Metallica and Cliff Burton. Plus I just loved how wacky the songs were. But the bass playing was just insane. Great memories of me and my friends bouncing off the walls, blitzed out of our heads, listening to Primus.

[@LibertyRapsher]

I've checked a dozen or so interviews with Les Claypool over the years and he always comes across like such a genuine non full of himself person to a degree that's unfounded. Along the same lines he also seems to have a level of emotional intelligence that's ridiculously high (just the way he talks to people or about people, he seems to understand others). He never comes across anxious/shy... he seems very honest and comfortable in his skin. He just seems like an exceptionally good person.

[@JohnDough-yr2zt]

I used to see Primus in Sebastopol where I grew up in the early 80s. Yes people yelled you suck! at them way back then.

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

First time I saw and heard Primus was supporting Jane's Addiction in1990 at London Astoria and I have never been so blown away by a support act I'd never heard before!

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

Must have been awesome

[@goodtimesbadtimesp330]

Leslie's on the chair talking on his on interview. He said it *laughing Claypool but Leslie was like toys go winding. So young. The cutest ages ever.

[@earledaniels4539]

Les is such a genius but so down to earth. It would be great to sit down and have a beer with him

[@tobiaspain]

I was at my girlfriends house in Brooklyn NYC with a 100+ fever. We were only 19 yrs old. Her mom would not let me sleep over even tho I had two buses and two trains to get home. So while getting my shoes on to leave, Jerry was a race car driver came on MTV. That was the 1st time seeing/hearing Primus and I fell in love with the band and broke up with the girl. Now I’m 50 and still love this band.

[@reasonsreasonably]

You dodged a bullet there, I'm sure. Like mother, like daughter.

[@SecretSpots]

Saw them at 1993 Lollapalooza in Waterloo Village, NJ ... Les was playing a shiny, all chrome/mirror stand-up bass. ... When they went into Jerry Was A Race Car Driver the whole place went nuts and it turned into one big mud pit

[@occiferkodi]

Dude. I totally wasn’t ready for this video to end when it did. I did not know this about myself prior to watching this but I could’ve sat and listen to him talk about every single detail of Primus, from what he discussed, up to present day lol

[@Mephiestopholes]

Les is Amazing! Wasn't turned on till I was 22yrs. I'm almost 39yrs. Everything Mr Les touches is amazing. Thank you, Sir.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I didn't know Les and Kirk have been friends for so long. Cool. They should make some music together.

[@8wheeledassassins.]

Les auditioned after Cliff died. It didn’t work out.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

@@8wheeledassassins. I know, but playing with Metallica and playing with Kirk alone isn't the same.

[@chucku00]

He made a clip with Robert Trujillo, tho. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooGbg62GqppnqLs

[@poindextertunes]

⁠@@8wheeledassassins.When they broke the news to him, he quote “Weeped like a little girl” 😂

[@demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929]

The 1st time I saw them was at Berkeley square in November of 87. They were opening for fish bone. At 1 point in the set they switched instruments. They did it 2 more times until they were back to their original instruments. Impressed the hell out of me.

[@sturmhauke_aerospace]

I miss the Berkeley Square. That crappy little hole in the wall spawned a lot of good acts. It's a furniture store or something now.

[@demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929]

@@sturmhauke_aerospace I was from Eureka so that was the only time I had ever been. 30 seconds into the 1st fishbone song Angelo did a flipping stage D I've on that like tennis the high thing they call the stage and kick the couple of the lights out on the awning over it. I think all those old holes become furniture stores or something like that.

[@EASFromTheWest]

One of Primus’ biggest influences was a band from the mid-1970s called The Residents, whose mysterious often-times reused lead singer sounded a lot like Claypool! In fact, when Primus covered their classic song ,Constantinople , it just sounded like a regular Primus song!

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

I didn’t even realize it was a Residents song.

[@serial92989]

The Residents are Awesome!

[@rcredmon]

I saw Primus with TOOL a few years ago, and was honestly more excited to see them than I was TOOL. Not that I'm not a TOOL fan, but Primus was like a bucket list item for me. I lost my mind when he came out wearing the pig mask for Mr Krinkle.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I like them both too, but I would definitely choose Primus over Tool. Seeing them both at the same show had to be awesome!

[@drillbit8280]

Tool back in the day (91-96) were fucking weird man. You had this goblin looking dude singing and this guy playing guitar who you couldn’t see his face cuz of his hair, and the drummer is fire, & the bassist is just chilling. I’d say that Primus & early - mid 90’s Tool were on the same level of weirdness.

[@mikekoenig6467]

​​@@drillbit8280you would always hear a folk tale of something Maynard did weird lol. At least in Phoenix, in High School it became Marilyn Manson lol the whole "he got 2 ribs removed so he can....."

[@panzerbero]

Since his first word until the last, he is singing. Les Claypool is a masterpiece, genius. Thanks for all that he gave us, forever!!!

[@nonya1588]

Les, you have been a big influence on me over the years. Started off as a guitar player, then Rush got my attention, I bought a bass! Well, my parents did. I was 11. Then you guys showed up,, and I dug deeper!! Moved to Nashville in 02, to play guitar, drums,, or bass.. I didn't care. Turns out everyone needed a bass player, that could sing. Harmony mostly, but landed a gig as the front man of a jazz, rock, fusion thing. We did some interesting things with, sunshine of your love. Wish you were here, into, Walking on the moon. We also did a handful of Primus! Never could convince them to do Tommy the Cat, but God knows I tried! Lol! Thank you for changing my life in a musical way. Thank you.

[@michaelthompson9540]

I was a sushi chef at a sushi in downtown St. Pete Florida around the time of tge High Ball With the Devil tour. He played at Janus Landing behind my restaurant. He came into eat before the show, I recognized him immediately. I called my girlfriend and told her to bring my Primus albums up. About 15 minutes later she was there with a stack of them. I could not ask the guy to sign all of them so I asked him to sign the High Ball one. He did. Nice guy and complemented my sushi.

[@hardywoodaway9912]

he complemented my sushi sounds kinda wild tbh. but great story

[@monomamori]

Yeah, I love listening backstories of my favourite bands! Thanks for this video!

[@TheGravygun]

I got my tickets for Les Claypool in the Lennon delirium in South Carolina June 11th Get psyched it's gonna be a fungi kind of night

[@erik9108]

One of my favorite all time bands! Saw them for the first time on the Pork Soda tour and never missed them again. Just saw them play the Farewell to Kings tribute and enjoyed every minute of it. 🤘

[@klubstompers]

Saw them live for the first time at Lalapalooza in 93 at the Gorge in George, amazing show, and saw them last week in Troutdale OR, another amazing show.

[@casanova9430]

It was great, saw them in San Antonio a couple of months ago… they played Tommy The Cat after a fan complained to Les saying that they never play the song when they come to town… so they played it… they played the shit out of it :)

[@ToneTraveler]

I saw them last year on the Farewell to Kings tour as well; exactly 30 years from the first time I saw them on the Seas of Cheese Tour. There was a good time for music in the early 90’s as bands like Primus and Mr. Bungle (saw them the first time around the same year as well) were getting air play. I had been playing bass for a few years and hearing Claypool for the first time was very exciting. Of course was familiar with Jaco, Clarke, Zappa, Tony Levin, etc…, but hearing Les for the first time was like hearing bass a totally different way. After over 30 years Primus still “sucks”.

[@klubstompers]

@@ToneTraveler Jealous!! Iv'e always wanted to see Mr Bungle live, but never had the chance.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

I went fishing with Les once back in 1999. My dad's friend dave was (still is?) a fishing guide in Wisconsin and a bass player and knew some pretty famous musicians from when he used to live in LA. One day he just pulled into the driveway with Les Claypool in his truck He said he needed to borrow some muskie lures but I think he was showing off lol. Dave and I went fishing together a lot so he let me come along. It was pretty cool needless to say. Les caught quite a bit, three walleye and two northern IIRC. None of us got any muskies.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Herb is one of my favorite drummers! I was sad when he left the band in the late 90s. Love hearing these stories!

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

I was happy when he came back

[@SuperStrik9]

That Public Enemy tour Les talks about was awesome. Anthrax, Public Enemy, Primus and Young Black Teenagers. Great bill imo.

[@chrisbyars4422]

5:09 Herb, the Ginseng Drummer. There’s a term I haven’t heard in a long time! Love it!🤘

[@pettyguy64]

Les and Kirk and I were high school friends. Good memories of them both at De Anza High School

[@brianlovins3285]

My ex wife Sheila went to De Anza high school. Class of 1991

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

How does it feel to be the only one who didn’t become famous? Lol

[@glennhayes1292]

I'm a "69"er from De Anza, part of the El Sob mob. Primus is unique.

[@somnambulist83]

I love the universality of Pauly Shore impressions (everyone goes for the "Hey, buddy" and it's always funny when it's not him saying it)

[@stevenswapp4768]

When I went to the green naugahyde tour, I was in the front row by the left speaker. During "pudding time" Les looked over to where I was and the dude next to me threw him a "🤘" and and Les lifted his strumming hand and waved back without missing a beat! He did so with such ease that you might have sworn he practiced that specific gesture, at that part of the song. Fuckin crazy 🤘

[@johntomasik1555]

Great vid. Been a Primus fan since the 90's (only band I'll still go see live, unless Buckethead comes back). Had no idea how they started out.

[@Xeil]

I've been a huge primus fan all of my life. Never had the opportunity to see them when I had the funds and when I did have extra time, I couldn't afford it. Thankfully my buddy and his wife are awesome and gave me an extra ticket to join him on his birthday and go see them live last year when things started opening up. It was the second time she had did that and the first was to go see GWAR. Unfortunately never got the chance to see Brockie when he was among us, but seeing Les was amazing!

[@ThomB1031]

Ha! Sunshine of your love and back in black were the first two riffs anyone ever showed me.

[@jobrimar8291]

Hope there’s loads more of les’ memoirs to come out. Many a tale to tell…..

[@joshjacome]

Les claypool is one of my all-time fave peeps

[@snowflakeca2079]

Tim Alexander is a drummer’s hero. I understand he has 100 or 200+ drum kits or some crazy shit. Always rock solid. Sailing the Seas of Cheese was one of the first albums I learned to play double bass to. Primus is the shiz…

[@zachgilchrist669]

I used to draw big crowds when I'd play Jerry on the drumscape machines in the big arcades back in the day

[@DesignRhythm]

When he left Primus, he was a regular with The Blue Man Group house band apparently would have been cool to hear him on. Always loved his 32nd rolls between the hi hat & ride bell. What a beast.

[@paulosantiago7457]

In a recent video Iggor Cavalera said he wrote the intro for Territory, to me the best drum intro for a metal song, by trying to recreate a drum roll by Tin Alexander. Tin is the man!

[@scottkasper6378]

He was the first guy I ever heard that used the double bass in a creative way. More than just sixteenths like metal guys

[@cordan305]

He’s a sorely underrated drummer. Les himself said that Tim is incredibly precise and was the main reason why they hardly even rehearsed for a while.

[@matthewlawrence708]

First time I saw Primus it was dec 31st 1995... Everclear, Tool, and Primus. Epic show.

[@redhotchilifan98]

My favorite bass player. The originality, precision, speed, and just the way he puts chords together he is one of the all time best.

[@chrisfoster7807]

I can’t wait to see them in Charlotte North Carolina on Sunday ! Woo Hoo !

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Les Claypool is a musical genius! I was all in when Seas of Cheese hit the stores and I've loved every note since.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

He truly is a genius. How many musicians can say they created a whole new sound like he did?

[@DiogeneDeSin0pe]

A friend of mine introduced me to Primus back when I was a teen, Spegetti western was the song, when the bass kicked in I fell to my knees and bowed in front of the stereo in a I am not worthy way.

[@joeytumbleson9723]

Primus held the only concert I've been to in my entire life. The venue they played at was not packed but they certainly played like it was. Thank you for the memories!

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

Why haven’t you gone to more concerts?!

[@seaningram3285]

1:00 Columbia Record Club. I remember that one. 😂😂 I just wanted to read the catalogue - with a Magnifying glass so I could read the artist and album name.

[@doublestrokeroll]

First saw them open for Jane's Addiction in 1990. Right from the first song I new they were something special.

[@donHooligan]

too bad you didn't have a cell phone with a camera, eh... that sounds like an amazing show. i love both.... never seen either live.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@donHooligan lol....yeah not in those days. I was though.....one of those life changing concerts. A weird mix of punks and metalheads (me being the later). Punks taught us how to have fun slam dancing without getting all agro about it and we were surprised they liked a band that arguably had more "metal" in them than punk. At least musically. Jane's is on tour again with the pumpkins. You should definitely try to see it if you can. I'm sure it will be great.

[@donHooligan]

@@doublestrokeroll Billy Corgan needs money? interesting. wonder when he's going to drop the hammer on Courtney Love? if she wasn't a loser, he'd probably be blackmailing her.... i can't help but worry that going to a modern Pumpkins show would be like a modern Bob Dylan concert....where nothing sounds the way you want it to. i'm going to have to see when they are coming close, though.

[@cannibal666]

I saw Les in blind illusion in Philly just before he left for good🤘hail primus luv those guys 💥👍

[@devinambriz5449]

primus playing with swans, need that again

[@markkickmark]

I find myself listening only to Primus for weeks at a time.🎉

[@grunthostheflatulent9649]

Les is still just that blue collar guy at heart. He seemed like he would've been happy going back to being a carpenter if Promus hadn't have taken off. Cool guy.

[@terryg2543]

I saw Primus at The Blue Max in Chico, CA. A tiny little club.

[@blakesterling9937]

I saw them in Fort Wayne Indiana and my jaw is still dropped they were so good and I was so happy to see actual legends

[@2NDFLB-CLERK]

▪ 'Actual legends' don't sell out. This coward did, just like most of them do. 🟥

[@mycotripstoreoninstagram9282]

The best Check out☝️☝️☝️, for mush edibles,chocolate bars, shrooms and other psyched products....Very affordable

[@joeschmidl2874]

First time seeing them was at the Warfield,it was Les' birthday...Out of nowhere Kirk Hammet walks onto stage,Larry hands him his guitar mid song.After completing the song,(don't recall which one), they explode into Master Of Puppets and followed it up with Theives...I think it was 1991

[@redtape420]

They played the Warfield 9/28/1990. The day before claypool's birthday. Wish I could listen to that.

[@IDCLIP2000]

Some poor guy left his shopping with a primus cd on a park bench. I was in my teens and decided to take it home. My life changed after

[@donHooligan]

it was meant for you to have

[@jameskirts2825]

Someone bought a Primus CD with the intent to leave it for someone else, you were chosen

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

Some things are meant to be

[@ericsilberstein667]

I have a feeling that Les’s favorite bass players were Paul Simonon (The Clash), Andy Rourke (The Smiths), Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order) Flea (RHCP). All great alt artists from great alt bands.

[@StoningXStephen]

I've mostly moved away from the metal scene but, primus and Les in particular will always have a place in my heart.

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Best bassist on the planet! I hope there's more of this interview to release.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Geddy > Les

[@seriousbismuth2173]

@@the6ig6adwolf _....ok_ 😕

[@jamesgreen6648]

My fave is benke from Viagra boys not as good technically but does it forme

[@joeldukes303]

John Entewistle anyone?

[@victorruiz9044]

@@the6ig6adwolf In your dreams buddy

[@alin81-82]

Being on acid in a plane during a blizzard. Now, THAT'S a rock 'n roll story! Always been a big primus fan. I saw them live in Colorado Springs in 2013. Great 3-d show. Great experience!

[@Zoerixx]

For me it all started in 94 at the Henry J Kaiser helmet Tool and Primus

[@kasonfurnas9551]

I've seen Les in 5 different bands and I've seen Primus with 3 different drummers. I sat behind Ler at a Grateful Dead show. One of the best shows I ever saw was Primus opening for Rush at the Omni in Atlanta after 3 days of the Grateful Dead. It was AMAZING!!

[@astrogoodvibes6164]

I've racked my brain trying to think of any band in the last 45 years that is so original having few, if any, connections to any other music genre, maybe loosely hard rock and funk. Primus are a one off band with no equal.

[@anttisiiskonen1654]

My uneducated, but music wise brilliant uncle introduced me to Primus at around 1992 or so. His description of Suck on This was something along the lines of "I've got something that'll drive your parents crazy". He got me right then and there despite the ongoing grunge frenzy. Their first three albums are all super, after that the quality varies. And the Sausage album is also great. And Les seems to be a great storyteller as well, I'd love to hear more!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

a friend of mine gave me Tales From the Punchbowl for my 11th birthday in '96, and i wore that cassette out! ive been a fan since

[@donaldlamkin1305]

I was fortunate enough to see Les and Sausage on the same bill with Rollins Band and Helmet. One of my best shows

[@Kcali111]

That must have been fun.

[@danaherring3347]

I saw them on that same tour. Absolutely amazing.

[@Kcali111]

Always enjoyed Black Flag, Rollins band and saw some Rollins spoken word performances, really amazing shows. 🖤

[@DirtyFrankDahmer]

Sounds dope

[@banjomechanic]

Herbs drumming is sick as shit. Crazy as meeting Pauly Shore on acid.

[@randalstilskin5266]

One of the more fun and creative 90s acts.

[@LocalFoe]

Was fortunate enough to see Primus on that Public Enemy w/Anthrax tour. Was in Detroit at the Fox Theater. The Young Black Teenagers were the openers. The bands and crowd were incredible. Unforgettable night.

[@AlchemicalAudio]

That must have been an amazing night of music

[@BudhagRizzo]

Les Claypool is one of the coolest, laid back cats on the planet. Oh yeah... and he's a fuckin' beast on the bass!

[@benkeegan9966]

One night in the late 90s,I worked a 12 hour shift building neons,for Chrysler,then drove to 6 hours to Iowa to see Primus,I was asleep at the wheel but I made it!

[@kisle3195]

These guys have earned the love and their place with the greats.

[@Angelique-zs6nk]

Interesting. Totally cool to learn about the roots of Primus.

[@JODYCARROLL]

One f'n night in the east bay, concord junior college, my band at the time and I sat outside watching Blind Illusion kick ass. I think it was my bass play Edie R that said we had to hear this band. I had never seen Claypool before. We where all metal heads, but my head turned that night as i watched kids jumping off of cafeteria tables and some lanky bass dude roll out the funkiest lines I had ever heard. I never thought it possible to be funky and fun While thrashing. I think we had the Suck on This tape in our car or something over a J driving there. I felt something change in the water that night. #1987bayareametalscene Epic!

[@punksn2pinkproductionz]

I first saw them in 1991 with PUBLIC ENEMY AND ANTHRAX, and they blew me away, and they even played two MINISTRY tracks, "Thieves" and "Stigmata" which FURTHER blew me away, cuz one MINISTRY in their crazy style was so damn cool, but to play TWO of my favorite MINISTRY tracks as covers, when NO ONE covered MINISTRY, and not sure if I ever seen another band try since, honestly, unless as a full on MINISTRY cover band, which wirhout original songs, I feel are copouts and uninspiring, and I refuse usually to consider buying tickets or paying cover for!? I met him on PURPLE ONION solo LES CLAYPOOL in Urbana ILL at Canopy Club, and I told him he was a genius, but he laughed that iff, "Never been told THAT before!" to which I replied, "How could you NOT BE A GENIUS, you invented your own skide bass and other basses, and hold 28 different music degrees, even if most are honorary". My buddy said he wanted to hear "Nature Boy" and he instantly said, "Wring babd, dude" which cracked me up and i ribbed ZIGLER cuz, "I fucking tokd you there'd be no PRIMUS or SAUSAGE songs, ZIGGY! I got the setlist from a CLAYPOOL LENNON EXPERIENCE show in Bloomington, that apparently I kicked a girl accidentally in the face for, so she said she should punch me in the face for doing so, and I told her I agree, hit me, I am so sorry. She did, but it didn't hirt, adrenaline rush. Ha, I friggin love him from first time I saw "John The Fisherman " and"Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" remains my favorite album, and the tour I first saw them on. I also saw them in Peoria, and LES asked if anyone had weed, to give them some if they didn't mind, to which some idiot threw his metal bowl directly at him, hit him in the face, so he abruptly ended the show, and asked which song if encore wecwanted, "John The Fisherman" won over "My Name Is Mud" but also only rime I heard them play"Mr.Krinkle" on Brown Akbum tour, not at all a strong album but great tour, tho my date stood me up to get back with her ex boyfriend, and I got so stoned, at gas station, went wrong way and drove half hour before realized it, so missed 311 I think it was ooening, I never saw still to this day. Antipop tour at RiptOffFest was last time I caught him, really wanted to catch last FROG BRIGADE where he did more FLOYD, and met guy saw two shows off tour, said incredible. That bummed me out more, cuz I tried buying ticket but sold out in minutes,had issues with my card. Might even been cancelled, I think. Next time, no way i miss every show, I will drive across this country, or hitch hike days ahead, to go to another FLYING FROG BRIGADE tour. Not into OYSTERHEAD thonot into PHISH

[@VondaInWonderland]

Mama Edna told me about Primus back in the day. I didn't even realize that Les came from Blind L at first. Saw a couple of shows, still love them to this very day♥

[@kevinjohn0214]

Oh my god im 40 now i remember that strom it was 92 new burgh airport I remember the tour

[@Sinistar8u]

Awesome story, seen them live many times and always a great show!

[@te9591]

Ive seen them only once and they played the entire set of Frizzle Fry.

[@jamesmadden2403]

I LOVE PRIMUS!!!! but not always a great show... in the last years ive seen them almost everytime they were around...its a fifty fifty if they are phenominal or in a bad mood... either way i will always go to local shows for what its worth

[@te9591]

@@jamesmadden2403 really? They were amazing when i saw them.

[@StorMRagE4EVA]

It's the fact that my mom was absolutely dumbfounded by them making the devil went down to Georgia

[@Dielawn69]

I like that Les gives everyone credit and doesnt seem to have any ill will for past members like a lot of bands that have been arpund as long as Primus.

[@GuildOfCalamity]

Les mentioned Robert Fripp, oh please let that become a duo... Fripp & Claypool?? YES PLZ

[@egcowling9657]

Man I got so into Primus while strung out on meth for years, the music is just exactly what it feels like to be awake for 12 days. But Primus inspired me to move on to psychedelics, clean from dope packing the mushroom hope nowadays. Primus was there for me, crazy awesome shit!

[@guyfawkes6657]

fungi saved me

[@egcowling9657]

@@guyfawkes6657 Me as well! Onward to the stars!

[@dayglodoggy]

Mushrooms are amazing, I used to do them about every 6 months and it was like pushing the reset button on all built up anxiety fuzz buzzing in the background of my brain. Was finally able to relax and the anti anxiety effects lasted for months.

[@STABtheCLAM]

Frizzle Fry is awesome on psilocybin.

[@robhimself33]

Surprised there was no mention of Pat Duffy. Yeah that was after Sailing the Seas of Cheese, but his skate parts introduced an entire generation of skaters to Primus. There's a magic quality to skate part songs - if the part is good - quality skating, quality editing - you form an attachment to the song as well and like it even if you otherwise wouldn't. It helped that not only were Pat's parts insanely good and part of the biggest video releases of the time, but the songs were unique and incredible on their own. Questionable and Virtual Reality are what got me into Primus.