Primus Perform First Shows Following Drummer Tim Alexander’s Departure, Dust Off Originals for First-Time in Over Two Decades During NYE Run

Photo Credit: Andrew Scott Blackstein

Primus returned to the live stage for the first time since parting ways with longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, turning up at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, Calif., for the onset of their two-night New Year’s Eve run. The group’s one-time backbeat, Bryan “Brain” Mantia, sat behind the kit for the occasion, serving as the official timekeeper during night one, Dec. 30 and two, Dec. 31. 

Before Mantia’s latest slot with Primus, he had performed with the band in 1989 before Alexander assumed the role. Later, he rejoined the group from 1996 through 2000, leading to the band’s early aughts hiatus [2000-2003]. Following the band’s break, they returned with Alexander in tow again.

In late October 2024, Primus posted on social media that Alexander had officially left the group, writing, “On Thursday, October 17th, we received an email from Tim “Herb” Alexander expressing that, effective immediately, he would no longer be involved with Primus.”

With a slot open, the group turned to their fan base via social media: “We are currently taking submissions from all points in the universe for the position of Primus drummer/percussionist.” Billy Strings then took to his own Instagram feed to dig into the fun, unleashing a tongue-in-cheek entry to help out his fishing buddy, Les Claypool. 

And, with the arrival of this week’s shows, which marked their first since shifting the lineup, Primus made its way to The Bay for the first of two gigs billed to feature an array of Claypool-associated projects, including Holy Mackerel and The Frog Brigade. 

Beginning Monday, Dec. 30, Claypool and Holy Mackerel christened the stage, cutting into their namesake number, followed by “Highball With the Devil.” Members of all three ensembles assisted on “Hendershot.” Favorites from Claypool’s Frogbrigade era dominated the next chapter of the night and led to Primus’ set with Mantia.

The aforementioned frame began with the first complete performance of “Restin’ Bones” since 1997, effectively severing a 27-year gap of complete run-throughs. To the same effect, the band delivered a similar offering during their NYE follow-up, aligning the 2025 countdown with Adam Gates, otherwise known as Bob C. Cock, a one-time collaborator who fronted Primus’ acoustic shows under the pseudonym, on “Bob’s Party Time Lounge,” last performed on April 17, 2000. 

Also, during the latter portion of Primus’ Dec. 31 stand, the band tapped fellow Claypool collaborators, percussionist Mike Dillon, and fellow Fancy Band member Paulo Baldi. Epically, all participants stepped out for the concert finale, which took the shape of “Here Come the Bastards.”