Primus Check In On Their “Encouraging” Hunt For A New Drummer: “We Aren’t Looking For A Clone”

Multi-platinum alternative metal oddballs Primus are several weeks into their open audition process to find a new drummer. Met with the unexpected exit of Tim “Herb” Alexander this past October, the group have set out on a worldwide hunt to find his replacement.

Open auditions commenced on November 18th, with the band having just now provided the following update on the submissions they’ve received thus far, as well as some notes for those interested in seeking out the spot:

“Hello again — All you potential percussionists out there. We have been swimming in these PRIMUS drummer submissions and it is very encouraging.

One thing we have found in this ever-evolving process is that those who submit and post on YouTube get a much better “look” as it were. Some have chosen other formats to submit and it is often a bit more challenging to view them, sometimes impossible. Also, we have found that folks around the world have become very engaged in this process and it has been exciting to see community and commentary building within the YouTube space. That being said, please submit (or resubmit if compelled) and post video to YouTube using #primusdrumaudition. That way you can rest assured your performance gets viewed and also potentially rated by the PRIMUS world community.

Once we begin to narrow things down, we will be posting our progress along with audition performances with the band, and special celebrity drum review committee discussions on the PRIMUS YouTube channel.

Lastly, a bit of advice for those submitting: Often players are sending in recordings playing along with PRIMUS songs, which is great, but try to include something else that also reflects your creativity and personality as a player.

PRIMUS is a band that is hard to define but the focus is ALWAYS on rhythm, groove, and unique tactile moods. Smashy cymbals and fast metal riffs don’t impress as much as dynamics, finesse, originality, and POCKET. Be musical, not athletic.

During our recording career, the drum throne has been held by three amazing players with three very different approaches. Avoid focusing on just one. We aren’t looking for a clone.

Auditions will be starting in January, so keep an eye out and good luck to all who choose to partake in this amazing bit of musical mischief.

Thanks for your time and enthusiasm.”

Tool drummer Danny Carey will once again be stepping behind the kit for Primus during the band’s upcoming March performance at the first-ever ‘Tool Live In The Sand‘ festival.

After that, Primus will be heading out with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer for the ‘Sessanta V2.0 Tour‘, which will be held in honor of Maynard James Keenan‘s (Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer) 60th birthday this past April. Primus for their part intend to have a new drummer in tow by then.

Primus‘ search has garnered some interest from some unexpected corners of the musical world as well, as seen in the below submission from rising bluegrass star, Billy Strings.

Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade/Primus:

12/30 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater (feat. Limbomaniacs)
12/31 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater (feat. Beanpole)

Primus:

03/08 Punta Cana, DOM – Tool Live In The Sand

With A Perfect Circle & Puscifer:

04/24 Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
04/25 Las Vegas, NV – PH Live at Planet Hollywood
04/27 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
04/29 San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
05/01 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
05/02 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
05/04 Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater
05/06 Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
05/08 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
05/10 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
05/11 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
05/14 Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena
05/15 Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann Center
05/17 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
05/18 Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena
05/20 Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
05/22 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
05/24 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
05/25 Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
05/28 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
05/29 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05/31 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
06/01 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
06/03 Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena
06/06 Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
06/07 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre