Primus
Les Claypool's slap-bass oddity from the Bay Area, funk metal played as a cartoon fever dream since 'Jerry Was a Race Car Driver'.
Where to see Primus
About Primus
Primus is an alternative metal band from El Sobrante, CA, formed in 1984.
Primus formed in El Sobrante, California, in 1984 around bassist and singer Les Claypool, with guitarist Larry LaLonde joining for the classic run of records. Claypool's lead bass, slapped, strummed and tapped, does the work a guitar would do in most bands, while LaLonde adds squealing, off-kilter textures over the top.
Albums such as 'Frizzle Fry', 'Sailing the Seas of Cheese' and 'Pork Soda' made an unlikely commercial success of funk metal sung in Claypool's nasal storyteller voice, populated by fishermen, misfits and small-town characters. The band also wrote and performed the theme to 'South Park'. Later projects include 'Primus & the Chocolate Factory', a reworking of the 1971 Willy Wonka soundtrack.
Listen
More like Primus
Find acts like Primus at upcoming festivals
Each opens that festival's finder with Primus already in the box.
Questions about Primus
What festivals is Primus playing in 2027?
Primus is booked at 1 festival we cover: Sonic Temple 2027.
Is Primus on tour?
Yes. Primus has 5 shows listed, from Adelaide, Australia on Dec 8, 2026 to Oakland, CA on Dec 31, 2026, plus 1 festival on the page above.
Is Primus playing Sonic Temple 2027?
Yes, Primus is on the Sonic Temple 2027 lineup, May 13–16, 2027 at Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH. They play Sunday, May 16.
Where is Primus from?
Primus is from El Sobrante, CA.
Who is in Primus?
Primus is Tim Alexander, Les Claypool, DJ Disk, Larry LaLonde and Bryan “Brain” Mantia.
When did Primus form?
Primus formed in El Sobrante in 1984.
What was Primus's first album?
Primus's first album was Frizzle Fry (1990). The latest is The Desaturating Seven (2017).
What kind of music does Primus play?
Primus plays alternative metal and rock.