Primus Detail New Year’s Eve Return to Oakland’s The Fox Theatre
Primus, photo by Andrew Scott Blackstein
This December, Primus will ring in 2026 from their home city with a patently freaky two-night New Year’s Eve series. Returning to The Fox Theatre in Oakland, Calif., on Dec. 30 and 31, just down the coast from their original El Sobrante stomping grounds, the alt-metal pioneers’ holiday celebration continues a longstanding tradition of winter bashes in the Bay for Les Claypool’s myriad combos.
Primus’ special New Year’s Eve engagement will cap off the unforgettable year of musical achievement that came with the arrival of John Hoffman, the oddball trio’s eighth drummer, who assumed the seat formerly held by Tim “Herb” Alexander in March. Hoffman’s unique approach to Primus’ sprawling and beloved catalog has brought renewed energy and focus to the group, exemplified by the many stunning highlights of their Onward & Upward summer tour. The new trio’s first New Year’s Eve series will begin with an extended two-set “An Evening with” show, followed by an opening set from special guest Puddles Pity Party on Dec. 31.
Bay Area NYE celebrations have been a hallmark of Claypool’s tour calendar since 1992, when he launched the tradition with Primus at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The band continued with this habit through 1999, before Claypool switched over to celebrate the year’s end with his Fearless Flying Frog Brigade from 2000-2004. The frontman performed under his own name til 2009, then took Primus to The Fox from 2010 to 2017. After performances with The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Bastard Jazz and a pandemic hiatus, Primus’ return to the Oakland stage in 2024 was long-awaited and warmly welcomed, giving the group a chance to explore new sounds in their first show after Herb’s departure.
Presale tickets and VIP Packages–which include a pre-show Q&A with the band–for the New Year’s Eve series will go on sale tomorrow, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. PT. General onsale will follow on Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. PT. For tickets and more information, visit primusville.com.
