Primus Select John Hoffman as New Drummer Following Tim “Herb” Alexander’s Departure
Photo Credit: Andrew Scott Blackstein
After months of searching, Primus have officially unveiled their new drummer. John Hoffman emerged victorious and will join bassist/vocalist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde as the eighth drummer for the legendary alternative metal outfit, beating out the field of a reported 6,200 applicants and the nine finalists of the Interstellar Drum Derby for the coveted seat.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Hoffman detailed his background and journey to this landmark booking. The Shreveport, La. native has been playing drums since he was a 2-year-old, and embarked on his first national tour at 17. Recently, he’s added percussion to the six-piece Dirtfoot, which performs a self-described “Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie” and toured as Primus’ supporting act in 2011.
“I’ve been a professional drummer for decades, my entire life,” Hoffman shared in his introduction. “I played with amazing bands and some incredible musicians and I’ve had some amazing opportunities, but the opportunity to play with a band like Primus, not even a band like Primus – the band Primus, it’s the most amazing opportunity that I’ve ever had.”
Hoffman’s entry follows the departure of longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, who tendered his resignation and ended his 35-year tenure with the band through an email on Oct. 17 of last year. “It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp,” remaining members Claypool and 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,’” then in November 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, and has indeed yielded a tremendous talent bound to bolster Primus’ sound for years to come. Watch Hoffman’s audition video and introduction below.
Primus will take the stage next for TOOL’s Live in the Sand destination event, where they’ll be joined on the beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from March 7-9 by Umphrey’s McGee, Mastodon, Coheed and Cambria and more. Read about the upcoming getaway here.
