The trio, Les Claypool, Larry ‘Ler’ LaLonde and Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander has consistently been making incredible, wonky and somewhat weird music for the past two decades. Hailing from Northern California, Primus made their debut in 1990 with “Frizzle Fry” and are a fine example of an ensemble that succeeded on their own terms. Their blend of progressive metal and hippie rock with funk, presented with an upbeat rhythmic force took the music lovers by storm. Primus’s eccentricity and experimental approach earned them a diverse following.
In 2000, Primus went on a hiatus and after reformation, returned to the music scene in 2003. After taking on and off breaks, they finally recouped and have been making new music since 2010. 2017 marks a big year for Primus as they released their latest studio album, “The Desaturating Seven”, after a gap of six years. Their 2014 album “Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble” was more of a re-imagined version of the soundtrack “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”.
And now, much to the delight of the fans, Primus is hitting the road on a fall tour. Primus tickets are available for the 20-date trek that will kick off from San Antonio on October 20. Excited to be performing live, Primus is anticipating a sold-out crowd in every city.
Early Life & Influences
Les Claypool and Todd Huth joined forces in 1984 to form Primus. Their complete lineup however didn’t solidify until the end of the decade, after which Huth left the band. 1990s was an era when most of the heavy metal, rock acts were placed under the glam and thrash category. Not to be categorized or put under any one label, Primus infiltrated the mainstream and gained popularity for their eccentric, wacky music.
Their fusion of metal, alternative, funk, punk, roots rock and country placed them on the map. Their storytelling style featured wit and humor and Primus’s experimental treatment helped their compositions stand out.
The band was able to build a loyal and huge following initially in San Francisco, but later stretched their fanbase around the world. With a series of releases, Primus kicked things off and also got the opportunity to tour alongside big names like U2, Public Enemy and Rush. In fact, Claypool has often cited Rush as their biggest influence. Their music and style contains echoes of King Crimson, Stanley Clarke and Public Image Ltd.
Breakthrough & Recognition
Primus has been honing their powerful progressive approach since the band’s formation in 1984. Combining the elements of arena rock and strong musical aesthetics, Primus has evolved over the years, not sticking to any one formula.
Their debut album “Frizzle Fry” placed them on the map. Les Claypool as the bassist soared on the album and the entire track list sounded as if it was composed by a tight-knit unit, playing their hearts out. “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” hit the shelves in 1991 and achieved widespread airplay. By incorporating electric bass in rock music, the band redefined the possibilities in the genre. Primus made an entry on MTV and got known for their one-of-a-kind style.
By the time Primus released their third album “Pork Soda”, their audiences had increased by leaps and bound. It helped the album peak at the 7th spot on the Billboard 200. The band raised their level of musicianship, impressing everyone with their commitment to find ingenious variations in their signature sound. With high energy in place, Primus continued to surprise the fans.
Notable Work & Album Releases
“Tales from the Punchbowl” remains one of the most successful albums by the band. Certified Gold, it peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200. With more convincing funk influences and a more spot-on bass than ever, Primus received their first Grammy Award nomination. The song “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” earned a nomination in the Best Hard Rock Performance category.
The deluxe version of their second album “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” also earned a Grammy nomination in 2013 in the Best Surround Sound Album category.
Inspired by children’s book The Rainbow Goblins by Ul de Rico, Primus released their 9th album, “The Desaturating Seven” in 2017. Staying true to their quirky, eccentric style, the band has treated the fans to irresistible groove. The songs “The Scheme” and “The Seven” stand out and Primus is expected to win laurels for this effort.
Primus Tickets 2017
The new album comes with a supporting tour. Initially starting off as a spring trek, the soaring demand for Primus tickets 2017 encouraged the trio to extend it till fall 2017. Their summer European leg was a huge success as well and now the US show will get on the road in October.
Just like their music is peculiar, so is their fan following. In a very non-traditional way, the stoked fans who can’t wait for a live show by the band, shout at the top of their lungs, “Primus sucks”. Yes, that’s how they show their affection for their favorite musicians.
Their live concerts feature all their hit songs, ranging from their debut album to the most recent one. Every performance is powerful and the packed crowd that spends money to watch the stars live can’t help but have the time of their lives.
