Primus the legendary idiosyncratic rock trio who became a worldwide phenomenon in the 90s, brought its signature and unique blend of musical innovation to The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on July 21.
Primus, headed by Les Claypool, returned this summer to stages nationwide with their Onward & Upward tour—an expansive, coast-to-coast trek marking an exciting new chapter for the band. As lead singer, bassist, and primary songwriter, Claypool has been ranked as one of the greatest bassists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, developing a unique playing style that “mixes tapping, flamenco-like strumming, whammy bar bends, and slapping.”
This tour follows Primus’ electrifying run on the Sessanta tour alongside the bands A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Onward & Upward not only brings the trio’s signature blend of musical innovation back but also introduces fans to drummer John “Hoffer” Hoffman, whose recent addition to the lineup brings a renewed sense of energy, experimentation, and groove to the legendary outfit.
Kicking off on July 5 in Paso Robles, CA, the tour hit 24 cities across the U.S., making stops at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Salt Shed in Chicago, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York, and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. On select dates, Primus was joined by a pair of equally bold and idiosyncratic artists—Ty Segall and MonoNeon. It all culminated in a celebratory two-night stand at Channel 24 in Sacramento on August 7 and 8.
PRIMUS, the legendary idiosyncratic rock trio, brought its signature and unique blend of musical innovation to The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on July 21.
A Spirit of Constant Evolution
The Onward & Upward tour borrows its name from the ever-mutating DNA of Primus itself—a band that’s never been content to sit still or play it straight. That spirit of constant evolution has now hurtled forward with the addition of Hoffman, whose arrival marks a bold new chapter for the trio. Selected from more than 6,200 global applicants during the band’s wide-open audition process, Hoffman’s deep pocket, wild musical mind, and immediate chemistry with Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde made him the clear choice.
This search for a new drummer was recently chronicled in the band’s newly launched YouTube series, Interstellar Drum Derby, which gave fans an inside look at the journey that led to Hoffman’s selection.
Claypool shared the following statement about the tour and the band’s newest member: “Hitting the road this summer with Hoffer at the helm! This fiery, cheerful, octopus-like drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana has breathed a very potent breath of freshness into this band we all call Primus.”
While splitting the drum duties of his first gig with the mighty Danny Carey in the Dominican Republic, Hoffman launched himself into the Primus world with all ‘guns-a-blazin’.
New Drummer May be Their Greatest
Fresh from their spring jaunt around the states with Sessanta Part 2, Hoffer, Ler and The Ol’ Colonel performed full length Primus sets at choice venues across the U.S., dipping into material (mainly at the request of Hoffer) that have not been performed in many years. After witnessing close up the Pier 17 concert, I can attest why this amazing fellow was able to rise above 6,200 applicants to win the Interstellar Drum Derby and become the latest, and possibly the greatest, drummer to sit on the Primus drum throne!
Claypool himself stood up to the gargantuan reputation he has long earned – a master technician, true innovator and iconoclast on the bass, and simply one of the greatest to ever do it. I was truly spellbound. Watching Claypool play both on the stage and on the gigantic immersive screen at Pier 17 was a thunderous visceral experience.
Onward & Upward!
For more information about Primus and tour dates, visit: https://primusville.com
Read this article Legendary Rock Trio Primus Introduces New Drummer at Pier 17 where I originally wrote it in The Village View:
Legendary Rock Trio Primus Introduces New Drummer at Pier 17
Kaju Roberto is an accomplished musician, singer/ songwriter, journalist, and an award-winning producer. He is the artist Rad Jet on Spotify