Primus fans have been left reeling after the band’s longtime drummer, Tim “Herb” Alexander, made an unexpected exit from the band.
In a message shared on social media on Oct. 29, Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde revealed that Alexander had resigned suddenly on Oct. 17 via email “effective immediately”, citing a “loss of passion for playing”—a reason that Claypool and LaLonde admitted “came as a complete shock.”
“On the heels of a wonderful spring & summer of touring and some fabulous plans ahead, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly opt out,” Claypool and LaLonde said.
“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.”
Primus will move forward with their New Year’s Eve show in Oakland, California, enlisting members of Claypool’s other projects, Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade, for a “special, one-time event.”
Additionally, for their upcoming Dominican Republic festival date, they’ll be joined by Tool drummer Danny Carey. Heading into 2025, Primus will begin a search for “the Greatest Drummer on Earth” to join them for the second leg of Maynard James Keenan’s Sessanta tour.
Alexander’s exit marks the end of an era for Primus, whose musical legacy is peppered with chart-topping moments and fan-favorite tracks that have kept them thriving since the ’90s.
Primus’s journey in the music world is as bold and unpredictable as their sound. They made their Billboard breakthrough with Sailing the Seas of Cheese in 1991, and by 1993, their offbeat style had firmly resonated with fans. Their third studio album, Pork Soda, debuted at an impressive No. 7 on the Billboard 200, proving that there was a place for Primus’s funk-infused rock in the mainstream. The success didn’t stop there—Tales from the Punchbowl hit the top 10 on Billboard as well.
Singles like “My Name Is Mud” and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” brought even more attention to the band, becoming alternative radio and MTV staples. And despite their unconventional style, Primus pulled in platinum certifications from the RIAA for Sailing the Seas of Cheese and Pork Soda.