News Latest News from Ultimate-Guitar.Com. en-US Copyright 1998-2026 Ultimate-Guitar.Com. All rights reserved. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/modules/rss/news.xml.php?artist=648 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:57:24 -0400 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:25:03 -0400 60 Ultimate-Guitar.Com https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/_img/logo_trans.png https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/modules/rss/news.xml.php?artist=648 144 44 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/deliberately-ugly-primus-brown-album-pushed-studio-gear-in-overload-it-never-got-the-attention-it-deserved-but-tom-waits-loved-it-186854 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/deliberately-ugly-primus-brown-album-pushed-studio-gear-in-overload-it-never-got-the-attention-it-deserved-but-tom-waits-loved-it-186854 Features: Primus recorded "Brown Album" at Les Claypool's home studio by deliberately overloading microphones and pushing compressors into distortion, chasing the feel of Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" on analog tape. ]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:57:24 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/they-were-like-how-rude-how-u2-fans-reacted-to-primus-on-joint-tour-and-why-les-claypool-got-a-kick-out-of-it https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/they-were-like-how-rude-how-u2-fans-reacted-to-primus-on-joint-tour-and-why-les-claypool-got-a-kick-out-of-it Music News: "We got a kick out of that."]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2026 03:02:02 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/i-found-out-years-later-that-he-was-kind-of-pi--ed-at-me-les-claypool-reveals-how-chickening-out-of-kirk-hammetts-band-led-to-him-playing-bass https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/i-found-out-years-later-that-he-was-kind-of-pi--ed-at-me-les-claypool-reveals-how-chickening-out-of-kirk-hammetts-band-led-to-him-playing-bass Music News: "Bass players were a very rare commodity."]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:37:21 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/gear/the-first-thing-i-grabbed-was-the-double-neck-alex-lifeson-gave-me-primus-guitarist-opens-up-on-losing-his-home-and-guitars-in-los-angeles-wildfires https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/gear/the-first-thing-i-grabbed-was-the-double-neck-alex-lifeson-gave-me-primus-guitarist-opens-up-on-losing-his-home-and-guitars-in-los-angeles-wildfires Gear: "There's one Strat that I had on the first Primus records, like 'Sailing on the Seas of Cheese'. I had it since high school, and I used it up until I started playing PRSs."]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:23:56 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/just-bend-it-out-of-shape-les-claypool-says-his-voice-is-not-overly-pleasant-explains-how-to-sing-properly https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/just-bend-it-out-of-shape-les-claypool-says-his-voice-is-not-overly-pleasant-explains-how-to-sing-properly Music News: "I just can't sing, so I gotta do them my way."]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:52:00 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/this-was-the-first-time-we-didnt-have-that-les-claypool-opens-up-on-deprature-of-longtime-primus-drummer-speaks-on-auditioning-over-6000-musicians-for-a-replacement https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/this-was-the-first-time-we-didnt-have-that-les-claypool-opens-up-on-deprature-of-longtime-primus-drummer-speaks-on-auditioning-over-6000-musicians-for-a-replacement Music News: "This is the third time that Tim Alexander left the band over the years, and we've always had somebody in the wings."]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:02:01 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/after-sifting-through-6000-applicants-primus-officially-welcomes-new-drummer-to-the-fold https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/after-sifting-through-6000-applicants-primus-officially-welcomes-new-drummer-to-the-fold Music News: "Welcome aboard!"]]> Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:02:41 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus-guitarist-ler-lalonde-loses-home-in-devastating-los-angeles-wildfire https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus-guitarist-ler-lalonde-loses-home-in-devastating-los-angeles-wildfire Music News: "When Mother Nature gets up on her hind legs, it can be brutal."]]> Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:13:58 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus-shocks-fans-with-a-surprise-drummer-after-tim-alexander-leaves-the-band https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus-shocks-fans-with-a-surprise-drummer-after-tim-alexander-leaves-the-band Music News: The band was backed up by musicians from Les Claypool's side projects.]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 21:01:07 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_announces_open_audition_for_new_drummer_seeking_a_well-mannered_affable_individual.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_announces_open_audition_for_new_drummer_seeking_a_well-mannered_affable_individual.html Music News: "Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove, pocket, and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must."]]> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:39:56 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/longtime_primus_drummer_goes_on_record_about_decision_to_leave_the_band_context_is_important.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/longtime_primus_drummer_goes_on_record_about_decision_to_leave_the_band_context_is_important.html Music News: "With regard to what I said to the band about 'losing my passion for playing,' I did say that. But I also said: 'All of these tours left me feeling empty. My body hurts constantly."]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2024 22:54:49 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/longtime_primus_drummer_abruptly_quits_rest_of_the_band_in_shock.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/longtime_primus_drummer_abruptly_quits_rest_of_the_band_in_shock.html Music News: "It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp."]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:56:07 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/gear/les_claypool_and_larry_lalonde_used_gear_from_local_guitar_center_at_recent_show_heres_what_they_sounded_like.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/gear/les_claypool_and_larry_lalonde_used_gear_from_local_guitar_center_at_recent_show_heres_what_they_sounded_like.html Gear: The instruments will be auctioned for charity.]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 22:47:50 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/daily_video/heres_how_josh_grobans_drummer_kaz_rodriguez_deals_with_primus_classic_after_listening_it_for_the_first_time.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/daily_video/heres_how_josh_grobans_drummer_kaz_rodriguez_deals_with_primus_classic_after_listening_it_for_the_first_time.html Daily Video: "I thought it was something from South Park at the start."]]> Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:08:35 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/the_story_of_les_claypools_carl_thompson_piccolo_bass-160912 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/the_story_of_les_claypools_carl_thompson_piccolo_bass-160912 Features: The bass that became such a key piece of Claypool's iconic sound.]]> Sun, 31 Dec 2023 17:00:04 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_speaks_up_on_next_primus_album_it_wont_be_anytime_soon.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_speaks_up_on_next_primus_album_it_wont_be_anytime_soon.html Music News: "I've got a pretty full dance card right now, so it won't be anytime soon."]]> Wed, 31 May 2023 13:53:35 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/watch_members_of_tool_and_queens_of_the_stone_age_join_primus_during_live_show.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/watch_members_of_tool_and_queens_of_the_stone_age_join_primus_during_live_show.html Music News: The musicians performed a set of Primus originals and covers of rock classics.]]> Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:53:04 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_announces_live_performance_of_pink_floyds_animals_in_full_with_fearless_flying_frog_brigade.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_announces_live_performance_of_pink_floyds_animals_in_full_with_fearless_flying_frog_brigade.html Music News: The Primus frontman brought the band out of retirement for a North American tour.]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2023 23:00:02 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/willow_smith_covered_primus_les_claypool_reacts.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/willow_smith_covered_primus_les_claypool_reacts.html Music News: She played it on St. Vincent signature guitar.]]> Sat, 24 Sep 2022 11:22:20 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/watch_primus_celebrate_25_years_of_south_park_with_live_performance.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/watch_primus_celebrate_25_years_of_south_park_with_live_performance.html Music News: The band was accompanied by Ween on two sold-out shows.]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:00:01 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_release_new_music_video_for_follow_the_fool.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_release_new_music_video_for_follow_the_fool.html Music News: The song is off the band's latest release "Conspiranoid".]]> Sat, 06 Aug 2022 15:00:01 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_recalls_tripping_on_acid_while_playing_iconic_mtv_gig_looks_back_on_primuss_surreal_rise_to_fame.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_recalls_tripping_on_acid_while_playing_iconic_mtv_gig_looks_back_on_primuss_surreal_rise_to_fame.html Music News: "So on the way down there, I just got pissed - me and Ler [LaLonde] did acid."]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:20:48 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_cancel_european_rush_tribute_tour.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_cancel_european_rush_tribute_tour.html Music News: Due to "unavoidable logistical challenges."]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:16:20 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_release_new_11-minute_track_conspiranoia.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_release_new_11-minute_track_conspiranoia.html Music News: The song comes from the band's upcoming EP "Conspiranoid."]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2022 21:01:56 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_announce_new_ep_featuring_a_13-minute_track.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_announce_new_ep_featuring_a_13-minute_track.html Music News: It will be the band's first release since 2017.]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:41:26 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_and_ween_to_perform_at_south_parks_25th_anniversary_concert.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_and_ween_to_perform_at_south_parks_25th_anniversary_concert.html Music News: Les Claypool and co. wrote the theme song of the show.]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:55:31 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_guitarist_recalls_early-day_guitar_lessons_from_pretty_intimidating_joe_satriani_talks_how_he_deals_with_les_claypools_dominant_bass.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_guitarist_recalls_early-day_guitar_lessons_from_pretty_intimidating_joe_satriani_talks_how_he_deals_with_les_claypools_dominant_bass.html Music News: Larry LaLonde also reflects on his time with death metal pioneers Possessed.]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:27:38 -0500 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_frontman_explains_why_he_ended_the_band_amidst_nu-metal_struggle_talks_how_he_ended_up_in_group_with_john_lennons_son.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_frontman_explains_why_he_ended_the_band_amidst_nu-metal_struggle_talks_how_he_ended_up_in_group_with_john_lennons_son.html Music News: Les Claypool also shares crazy Slayer moment featuring frontman Tom Araya.]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2020 17:24:15 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_frontman_says_metallica_thought_he_was_a_freak_when_he_auditioned_to_join_after_cliff_died_clarifies_what_james_hetfield_told_him.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/primus_frontman_says_metallica_thought_he_was_a_freak_when_he_auditioned_to_join_after_cliff_died_clarifies_what_james_hetfield_told_him.html Music News: "He definitely did not say that!", Les Claypool said.]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:13:16 -0400 https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/heres_actor_jason_momoa_getting_bass_lesson__jamming_with_primus_les_claypool.html https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/heres_actor_jason_momoa_getting_bass_lesson__jamming_with_primus_les_claypool.html Music News: "We had ourselves a grand ol' time," the bassist wrote.]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:25:03 -0400