“Lost his Passion” – Les Claypool’s Primus Announce Abrupt Departure of Drummer ‘Herb’

Primus announced last Tuesday that the band’s long time drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander has decided to quit for the third time: a change not much anticipated.

Frontman Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde took to social media to share the email they received from Herb. According to them, it left them in “complete shock” ahead of upcoming concerts. The email states that “effective immediately he would no longer be involved with Primus“.

This brings an end to Herb’s third run with the band which started in 2013. His first run lasted from 1989 to 1996. Herb returned when the band reformed again in 2003 and left in 2010. Alexander also appeared on their debut album Fizzle Fry (1990). In spite of having a heart attack, just after joining the third time, Herb stayed with Primus until the recent announcement.

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Primus further said, “On the heels of a wonderful Spring and Summer of touring and some fabulous plans ahead, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly opt out. After several attempts to communicate with Herb, his only response was another email stating that he has ‘lost his passion for playing’. As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice and it’s forced us to make some tough decisions.”

https://twitter.com/primus/status/1851382680635449819

Primus Live: The Show Still Goes On

The band has only two shows left this year on December 30th and 31st. Although they did think of a cancellation, both concerts are going to go on as scheduled with an “augmented version” of Primus featuring members from Claypool’s other projects, Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade, filling in to create “an exciting special, one-time event.”

Tool’s 2025 Live in the Sand festival will see Tool drummer Danny Carey fill in on drums. As for their extended North American tour next year from April, Primus’ search for “the greatest drummer on earth” continues.