Primus Seek Submissions for New Drummer “From All Points in the Universe” Following Departure of Tim “Herb” Alexander

Photo Credit: Andrew Scott Blackstein

On Oct. 17, Tim “Herb” Alexander tendered his resignation to the other members of Primus, ending the longtime drummer’s 35-year tenure with the funk metal outfit through an email. “It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp,” remaining members Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde shared in a co-authored statement. “As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice and it’s forced us to make some tough decisions.”

At that time, the band forecasted things to come with the enigmatic note that for its upcoming Sessanta 2.0 Tour, “Primus plans on searching for the ‘greatest drummer on Earth.’” Yesterday, Nov. 18, Les and Ler officially commenced that endeavor with an open call for submissions “from all points in the universe for the position of Primus drummer/percussionist.”

“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual with original sensibility and aesthetic, possessing a desire to open new doors in the creative world,” the band wrote in a want ad posted to its social feeds. “Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove, pocket, and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must.” 

Primus’ decision to fill a spot in one of the most tremendously acclaimed, unrepentingly bizarre progressive rock acts of all time by turning its public profiles into the classifieds feels on-brand. The bold has already stirred a massive response among its fan community, who have taken to nominating artists prestigious enough to stand alongside the band. Obvious options include Bryan “Brain” Mantia and Jay Lane, the two other tried and true drummers who held Alexander’s spot through his previous departures from the band.

Mantia played with the band just before Alexander arrived in 1989, and then joined again from 1996 to the band’s hiatus in 2000. Lane–who has earned the love of the jam community for his part in RatDog, Wolf Bros, Furthur, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade and more–preceded Mantia, then again from 2010 to 2013, at which point he parted ways to join the newly reformed RatDog.

In comments on Primus’ post, listeners have pitched a number of other suitable replacements. Some consensus has landed on Guerilla Toss’ Pete Negroponte, while lespecial’s Rory Dolan, Sinergia’s Bruno Godoy have also been suggested. More still have nodded to Lars Ulrich, referencing Alexander’s heavily mythologized audition for Metallica before joining Primus. Primus’ open call follows a similar move from Smashing Pumpkins earlier this year, who sought a new guitarist.

Primus fans interested in throwing their hats in the ring can do so by emailing a performance video to [email protected]. While awaiting a response, read up on Alexander’s reasons for departing from the group for good here.