Primus – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts
Primus Biography
Primus is an American rock band that was created in 1984 in El Sobrante, California. Les Claypool, bassist/vocalist, Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and Tim “Herb” Alexander make up the current lineup of the band. Primus was founded in 1984 by Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, who were later joined by drummer Jay Lane. The latter two left the band in early 1989, and were replaced by LaLonde and Alexander. Claypool is the only original member of Primus who has survived the band’s multiple lineup changes.
Primus began as a totally underground phenomenon, but it’s cult grew exponentially between their third and fourth albums. Sailing the Seas of Cheese was released in 1991 and became a widespread success, spawning the alt-rock single “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver.” Platinum and gold certifications were given to Pork Soda (1993) and Tales from the Punchbowl (1995), respectively. The band disbanded after the publication of Antipop in 1999, citing creative stagnation, but reformed as a touring entity in 2010. Primus has been active since then, with the core trio of Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Tim Alexander, releasing eccentric works including Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble (2014), The Desaturating Seven (2017), and the EP Conspiranoia (2022).
Before releasing their 1989 live album, Suck on This, and their 1990 first studio album, Frizzle Fry, the band went through several lineup changes. With the publication of the gold-selling Sailing the Seas of Cheese the following year, their heady blend of art-rock, funk, and heavy metal won favor with the masses. Pork Soda, released in 2003, was even more successful, earning the band their first platinum certification.
Claypool reactivated his Prawn Song record company in 1994 and issued a reunion record by Primus’ original lineup under the moniker Sausage, after touring for a year and headlining Lollapalooza 1993. Tales from the Punchbowl, Primus’ fifth album, was released in the summer of 1995. It was another hit, going gold before the year’s conclusion. Primus announced the departure of their drummer, Tim Alexander, in the summer of 1996. Brian “Brain” Mantia, who made his debut on The Brown Album in the summer of 1997, took his spot. In 1998, Primus released the Rhinoplasty covers EP, and a year later, Antipop. Antipop was a departure from previous Primus albums in that it featured guest artists such as Metallica’s James Hetfield and former Faith No More guitarist Jim Martin, as well as different producers on almost every track (including Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, Tom Waits, South Park creator Matt Stone, and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland). Mantia departed the band after a supporting tour in 2000 to join Guns N’ Roses. Claypool spoke to the press about reconciling with former drummer Tim Alexander, but soon after, Primus announced an indefinite break. During the interval, Claypool worked on his side band, Oysterhead (which included Copeland and Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio), as well as his two-part solo CD, Live Frogs: Set 1 and Set 2.
When Alexander quit the band again in 2010, the band concentrated on touring. Claypool and LaLonde enlisted the help of former drummer Jay Lane, and the band returned to the studio to begin production on a new album. Green Naugahyde, Primus’ seventh album, was released in 2011. Three years later, the band released Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble, an album on which the band reunited with drummer Alexander to cover the renowned music from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, released in 1971. In 2017, they released The Desaturating Seven, a literary-influenced album inspired by Italian author Ul de Rico’s children’s book The Rainbow Goblins. The single “The Seven” was included on the album. Conspiranoia, a three-song EP released in 2022, was the band’s first new music in five years.
Primus Discography
| The Desaturating Seven | |
| Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble | |
| Green Naugahyde | |
| Antipop | |
| Brown Album | |
| Tales from the Punchbowl | |
| Pork Soda | |
| Sailing the Seas of Cheese | |
| Frizzle Fry |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Music Is Primus?
Primus is an American rock band from San Francisco, California. The band was formed in 1984 by singer and bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. Primus is known for their quirky, eccentric style and their inventive use of alternative rock and funk. Their music is often characterized by Claypool’s distinctive bass playing and Alexander’s dynamic drumming. The band has released nine studio albums, three live albums, and four DVDs. They have also been nominated for two Grammy Awards. Primus’ most recent album, Green Naugahyde, was released in 2011.
What Is Primus Most Famous Song?
Primus is most famous for their song “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.” The song was released in 1995 as a single from the album Tales from the Punchbowl. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and has been described as an “alternative rock anthem.
Who Is The Lead Singer Of Primus?
The lead singer of Primus is Les Claypool. He is also the bassist and primary songwriter for the band. They are best known for their quirky, experimental style and for their mulit-genre fusion of rock, funk, and metal. Their unique sound has gained them a devoted following over the years. Claypool is widely regarded as one of the most inventive and original bassists in rock music. He is known for his use of odd time signatures, harmonics, and extended techniques. Primus has released eight studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation album. They have been nominated for four Grammy Awards and have won one.
Who Is The Guitarist For Primus?
The guitarist for Primus is Les Claypool. He is also the bassist and lead singer for the band. The other members of Primus are drummer Larry LaLonde and guitarist/singer Todd Huth. Les Claypool is considered to be one of the best bassists in rock music. He has a very unique playing style that uses a lot of slap bass techniques. Primus is a band that is well known for their experimental and eclectic musical style. They have been influenced by a wide range of musical genres including funk, punk, metal, and jazz. Their music is often described as being “weird” or “strange”, but this is part of what makes them so appealing to their fans. Primus is a band that has built up a large cult following over the years and they continue to be one of the most popular alternative rock bands today.
Who Opens For Primus?
The support act for Primus is TBA.
Most Searched For Primus Songs
| John The Fisherman | |
| Jerry Was a Race Car Driver | |
| My Name Is Mud | |
| Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver | |
| Too Many Puppies | |
| Have A Cigar | |
| American Life | |
| Shake Hands With Beef | |
| Tommy The Cat |