If you haven’t yet, you should definitely check out the Murder in Front Row documentary about the bay areas thrash scene. I feel like he finally got the credit and praise he deserves 😃
He developed the percussive downpicking on his own too, he didnt get it from het/dave. And formed exodus and wrote sandman/creeep etc obviously. He was more important in the bay area scene and that whole movement than people give him credit for.
"I got pissed..ate acid...and it ended up being a pretty fun thing. I am glad we did it." Les is a great storyteller. I think I could listen to him talk about his shenanigans all day. Thanks for posting this.
When he did a show with Buckethead, it was like when Lemieux and Gretzky on the same line for team Canada... It's not often that you see some of the GOATS play together.
Cheers to Revolver - whoever edited this did a masterful job. If no one knew any better you'd think they hit the record button and said, "Hi Les! Tell us a few things." and he just talked for 10 minutes uninterrupted.
Used to see Primus in tiny bars around the Bay Area, before and after Tim joined. With an audience of 4 on a Tuesday night at Ashkenaz, and a drummer called Curveball, they played like it was a packed arena. It was obvious they were headed for the top.
Les you are a legend!! In 1992, Primus opened up for Rush (one of my dad's fave bands) and he was like oh I want to take you to this concert. I had heard Rush in my dad's car, and then when he said oh some band named Primus is opening up for them...I was all in!! I was so geeked about it. I tried to tell him how awesome Primus was... and as soon as the baseline started (I think it was "my name is mud") he looked at me with eyes wide and screamed FUCK YEAH. It was an awesome show. Then I saw Peart's drum kit SPINNING in the air, not missing a beat, and I fell in love with Rush. Still one of my fave concerts of my teenaged years. I was 12. That concert was my dad's rebuttal to my mom taking my sister and me to MC Hammer, haha. It was the only war between my parents that was enjoyable... the war of who would take us to the best shows...1994 mom took us to Pink Floyd. That was another amazing experience, Camp Randall. OMG. In my 20s. my dad took me to see Dweezil Zappa does Zappa, and we went to the sound check, and I got to meet him. It was so cool that Zappa was there, albeit on video, playing with the band. So many in between, but those were the best experiences enjoying live music with my dad.
Your dad won when he took you to Zappa plays Zappa! It might have been a bit much for you at the time but that show will be significant as you get older. These Zappa albums will get you more familiar with Frank. “Joes Garage”, Sheik Yourbouti”, “Thing-fish”. And as far as guitar playing goes, “Frank Zappa Guitar” has some good guitar playing on it. Frank was/is our fearless leader and the brains of our whole operation. (Musicians vs the record industry) He will go down as the best musician of our time! AND he never gets any credit for his guitar playing but he’s obviously a very good player. When guys like Steve Vai, Adrian Belew, and even the late greats Jimi Hendrix & EVH look up to him, there is good reason. And it’s all there to discover for yourself because the main stream doesn’t acknowledge him as anything but a freak show. I’m sure I would get along with your Dad. He’s got great taste in music!
I remember reading about this "Primus" band in RIP magazine back in 1990, just some little blurb about them. While the exact wording escapes me, it was compelling enough for me to pick up Frizzle Fry in Nov or Dec of 1990. And it instantly blew and expanded my musical mind. I must have played that cassette every single day for months. They have tons of amazing music but Frizzle Fry to me is one of the most untouchable, best albums of all time.
I don't know which album we heard first..? They were unknown, basically, like most of the great music of the time. The bands we liked pretty much all got the FU from MTV. Then many years later (5 years maybe? A long time when you're a teen!). We were in love with Primus, and especially Les! Once you heard him play you were blown away, and knew you'd never forget this incredible playing! Incredible playing and lots of humor, always. Les sure can tell a hell of a story with his vocal delivery, and great communicating skills among those listening, and especially the band. PRIMUS SUCK! FOREVER!!!
Les is able to write between the lines of "standard" music but has the ability to keep in interesting not abstract. What I love about Primus is the way Les incorporates pretty much every genre of music without sounding like any genre of music.
My introduction to Primus was at age 10. Right after Loveline ended at midnight, the radio station played Jerry was a Race Car driver. Surreal and inspiring experience for a kid up too late.
Primus is one of, if not my first BAND. I was obsessed the first time I saw “Mr Krinkle” on Headbangers Ball. I can’t explain them to people except as “methy folk metal” Les always has a story to tell in each song. Each story kinda makes me feel icky.
There are a few bands that jave a very similar sound actually. Like sausage, bastard jazz, duo de twang. Claypool lennon delirium and a few songs from a band called molotov.
One of my favorite all time bands! Saw them for the first time on the Pork Soda tour and never missed them again. Just saw them play the Farewell to Kings tribute and enjoyed every minute of it. 🤘
Saw them live for the first time at Lalapalooza in 93 at the Gorge in George, amazing show, and saw them last week in Troutdale OR, another amazing show.
It was great, saw them in San Antonio a couple of months ago… they played Tommy The Cat after a fan complained to Les saying that they never play the song when they come to town… so they played it… they played the shit out of it :)
I saw them last year on the Farewell to Kings tour as well; exactly 30 years from the first time I saw them on the Seas of Cheese Tour. There was a good time for music in the early 90’s as bands like Primus and Mr. Bungle (saw them the first time around the same year as well) were getting air play. I had been playing bass for a few years and hearing Claypool for the first time was very exciting. Of course was familiar with Jaco, Clarke, Zappa, Tony Levin, etc…, but hearing Les for the first time was like hearing bass a totally different way. After over 30 years Primus still “sucks”.
I went fishing with Les once back in 1999. My dad's friend dave was (still is?) a fishing guide in Wisconsin and a bass player and knew some pretty famous musicians from when he used to live in LA. One day he just pulled into the driveway with Les Claypool in his truck He said he needed to borrow some muskie lures but I think he was showing off lol. Dave and I went fishing together a lot so he let me come along. It was pretty cool needless to say. Les caught quite a bit, three walleye and two northern IIRC. None of us got any muskies.
I need more of this interview! God I remember those early days, living up outside Sacramento and hearing about these bands from the bay. Primus became such a large part of my high school experience and now I've turned my kids onto them.
I saw Primus in ‘91 open for Fishbone at USF in Tampa. Then I saw them in maybe ‘93 in St. Petersburg where Les walked off the tour bus into the venue in his underwear and played the whole gig that way and then walked out back on the bus. It was an amazing time with an amazing band. Thanks for the memories Les, Ler and Herb.
Man, Les never fails to entertain! I could listen to his stories of the old days and tours and just whatever for hours. He’s just such an amazing story teller and paints such a vivid picture, both when he’s just chatting or through his song writing. Bravo! Give us more! My older sisters BF at the time had both “Suck On This” and “Frizzle Fry” - must have been 91 or 92, but he gave me both of them because they weren’t his favorite and I was just going nuts over it because I had already been playing bass due to Metallica and Cliff Burton. Plus I just loved how wacky the songs were. But the bass playing was just insane. Great memories of me and my friends bouncing off the walls, blitzed out of our heads, listening to Primus.
Dude. I totally wasn’t ready for this video to end when it did. I did not know this about myself prior to watching this but I could’ve sat and listen to him talk about every single detail of Primus, from what he discussed, up to present day lol
I saw Primus with TOOL a few years ago, and was honestly more excited to see them than I was TOOL. Not that I'm not a TOOL fan, but Primus was like a bucket list item for me. I lost my mind when he came out wearing the pig mask for Mr Krinkle.
Tool back in the day (91-96) were fucking weird man. You had this goblin looking dude singing and this guy playing guitar who you couldn’t see his face cuz of his hair, and the drummer is fire, & the bassist is just chilling. I’d say that Primus & early - mid 90’s Tool were on the same level of weirdness.
@@drillbit8280you would always hear a folk tale of something Maynard did weird lol. At least in Phoenix, in High School it became Marilyn Manson lol the whole "he got 2 ribs removed so he can....."
First time I saw and heard Primus was supporting Jane's Addiction in1990 at London Astoria and I have never been so blown away by a support act I'd never heard before!
My introduction to Primus was watching them on the MTV spring break special! I was just 13 at the time. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I never heard anything like that!
Saw them at 1993 Lollapalooza in Waterloo Village, NJ ... Les was playing a shiny, all chrome/mirror stand-up bass. ... When they went into Jerry Was A Race Car Driver the whole place went nuts and it turned into one big mud pit
Les, you have been a big influence on me over the years. Started off as a guitar player, then Rush got my attention, I bought a bass! Well, my parents did. I was 11. Then you guys showed up,, and I dug deeper!! Moved to Nashville in 02, to play guitar, drums,, or bass.. I didn't care. Turns out everyone needed a bass player, that could sing. Harmony mostly, but landed a gig as the front man of a jazz, rock, fusion thing. We did some interesting things with, sunshine of your love. Wish you were here, into, Walking on the moon. We also did a handful of Primus! Never could convince them to do Tommy the Cat, but God knows I tried! Lol! Thank you for changing my life in a musical way. Thank you.
Tim Alexander is a drummer’s hero. I understand he has 100 or 200+ drum kits or some crazy shit. Always rock solid. Sailing the Seas of Cheese was one of the first albums I learned to play double bass to. Primus is the shiz…
When he left Primus, he was a regular with The Blue Man Group house band apparently would have been cool to hear him on. Always loved his 32nd rolls between the hi hat & ride bell. What a beast.
In a recent video Iggor Cavalera said he wrote the intro for Territory, to me the best drum intro for a metal song, by trying to recreate a drum roll by Tin Alexander. Tin is the man!
When I went to the green naugahyde tour, I was in the front row by the left speaker. During "pudding time" Les looked over to where I was and the dude next to me threw him a "🤘" and and Les lifted his strumming hand and waved back without missing a beat! He did so with such ease that you might have sworn he practiced that specific gesture, at that part of the song. Fuckin crazy 🤘
The 1st time I saw them was at Berkeley square in November of 87. They were opening for fish bone. At 1 point in the set they switched instruments. They did it 2 more times until they were back to their original instruments. Impressed the hell out of me.
@@sturmhauke_aerospace I was from Eureka so that was the only time I had ever been. 30 seconds into the 1st fishbone song Angelo did a flipping stage D I've on that like tennis the high thing they call the stage and kick the couple of the lights out on the awning over it. I think all those old holes become furniture stores or something like that.
I was fortunate to meet Mr Claypool briefly outside of a venue in Spokane many years ago. He was very nice to visit with us and signed my daughter's cast. Not all performers would take the time. He's a good guy.
I LOVE PRIMUS!!!! but not always a great show... in the last years ive seen them almost everytime they were around...its a fifty fifty if they are phenominal or in a bad mood... either way i will always go to local shows for what its worth
I've checked a dozen or so interviews with Les Claypool over the years and he always comes across like such a genuine non full of himself person to a degree that's unfounded. Along the same lines he also seems to have a level of emotional intelligence that's ridiculously high (just the way he talks to people or about people, he seems to understand others). He never comes across anxious/shy... he seems very honest and comfortable in his skin. He just seems like an exceptionally good person.
I've been a huge primus fan all of my life. Never had the opportunity to see them when I had the funds and when I did have extra time, I couldn't afford it. Thankfully my buddy and his wife are awesome and gave me an extra ticket to join him on his birthday and go see them live last year when things started opening up. It was the second time she had did that and the first was to go see GWAR. Unfortunately never got the chance to see Brockie when he was among us, but seeing Les was amazing!
Years ago, around 97-98 or so I was an auto parts delivery boy in Vacaville, CA. I had a delivery to a transmission shop. I walked in and noticed a couple platinum records (I think platinum) and a big metal sculpture thing that said primus. I handed the parts to a guy and asked about the primus records and sculpture. He said he was les' dad. I must admit, I was JUST getting into them. Wished I had talked to his dad more, but none the less a cool experience. I'm a huge primus fan now, yet have only seen them once. Thanks for all the crazy ass songs.
One of Primus’ biggest influences was a band from the mid-1970s called The Residents, whose mysterious often-times reused lead singer sounded a lot like Claypool! In fact, when Primus covered their classic song ,Constantinople , it just sounded like a regular Primus song!
Primus held the only concert I've been to in my entire life. The venue they played at was not packed but they certainly played like it was. Thank you for the memories!
@@donHooligan lol....yeah not in those days. I was though.....one of those life changing concerts. A weird mix of punks and metalheads (me being the later). Punks taught us how to have fun slam dancing without getting all agro about it and we were surprised they liked a band that arguably had more "metal" in them than punk. At least musically. Jane's is on tour again with the pumpkins. You should definitely try to see it if you can. I'm sure it will be great.
@@doublestrokeroll Billy Corgan needs money? interesting. wonder when he's going to drop the hammer on Courtney Love? if she wasn't a loser, he'd probably be blackmailing her.... i can't help but worry that going to a modern Pumpkins show would be like a modern Bob Dylan concert....where nothing sounds the way you want it to. i'm going to have to see when they are coming close, though.
Recently got into Primus, been listening them for months, shame I didn't checked them out sooner, I knew about them for decades but never got around to check them out. Current favorite is Tommy The Cat, amazing bass playing.
Anti pop. Les Claypool "solo album" Of Whales and Woe he does all the drums and his normal tracks. I've listened to One Better on repeat for hour at a time in the highway a few times.
@@DesignRhythm Try and find the frog brigade 🐸 new years 2001 show Les Claypool at the beginning Says "Yall ready to have a good time " Crowd yells "And i just ate some mushrooms Woo hoo" Crowd yells louder It is a really good set About 30 minutes into it he starts tripping pretty good And starts talking about time traveling back in time because of the guy in office at that time had the same name as the guy from 10 years previous "Its like were going back 10 years"
I was at my girlfriends house in Brooklyn NYC with a 100+ fever. We were only 19 yrs old. Her mom would not let me sleep over even tho I had two buses and two trains to get home. So while getting my shoes on to leave, Jerry was a race car driver came on MTV. That was the 1st time seeing/hearing Primus and I fell in love with the band and broke up with the girl. Now I’m 50 and still love this band.
I've seen Les in 5 different bands and I've seen Primus with 3 different drummers. I sat behind Ler at a Grateful Dead show. One of the best shows I ever saw was Primus opening for Rush at the Omni in Atlanta after 3 days of the Grateful Dead. It was AMAZING!!
My uneducated, but music wise brilliant uncle introduced me to Primus at around 1992 or so. His description of Suck on This was something along the lines of "I've got something that'll drive your parents crazy". He got me right then and there despite the ongoing grunge frenzy. Their first three albums are all super, after that the quality varies. And the Sausage album is also great. And Les seems to be a great storyteller as well, I'd love to hear more!
Man I got so into Primus while strung out on meth for years, the music is just exactly what it feels like to be awake for 12 days. But Primus inspired me to move on to psychedelics, clean from dope packing the mushroom hope nowadays. Primus was there for me, crazy awesome shit!
Mushrooms are amazing, I used to do them about every 6 months and it was like pushing the reset button on all built up anxiety fuzz buzzing in the background of my brain. Was finally able to relax and the anti anxiety effects lasted for months.
One f'n night in the east bay, concord junior college, my band at the time and I sat outside watching Blind Illusion kick ass. I think it was my bass play Edie R that said we had to hear this band. I had never seen Claypool before. We where all metal heads, but my head turned that night as i watched kids jumping off of cafeteria tables and some lanky bass dude roll out the funkiest lines I had ever heard. I never thought it possible to be funky and fun While thrashing. I think we had the Suck on This tape in our car or something over a J driving there. I felt something change in the water that night. #1987bayareametalscene Epic!
I saw Primus at least 4 times in Petaluma at the Phoenix, I played Suck On This on the Sonoma State radio station. Now Les has a freaking wine he makes in Sebastopol?
A friend of mine introduced me to Primus back when I was a teen, Spegetti western was the song, when the bass kicked in I fell to my knees and bowed in front of the stereo in a I am not worthy way.
Was fortunate enough to see Primus on that Public Enemy w/Anthrax tour. Was in Detroit at the Fox Theater. The Young Black Teenagers were the openers. The bands and crowd were incredible. Unforgettable night.
Les is just the coolest! And Tim “Herb” is in my top ten of awesome drummers! I can play drums but nobody can do,what that oddball does! He’s the greatest because he’s odd! Thanks for this was wicked cool to hear the stories, I had no idea
Mama Edna told me about Primus back in the day. I didn't even realize that Les came from Blind L at first. Saw a couple of shows, still love them to this very day♥
He's shockingly humble and genuine. And the creator of one of the actual greatest bands of all time. And the most interesting bass player of all time. (American Life - Live at Bass Hall 2012 is 11:32 of sheer music making like nothing else. Actual genius.)
First time seeing them was at the Warfield,it was Les' birthday...Out of nowhere Kirk Hammet walks onto stage,Larry hands him his guitar mid song.After completing the song,(don't recall which one), they explode into Master Of Puppets and followed it up with Theives...I think it was 1991
1:00 Columbia Record Club. I remember that one. 😂😂 I just wanted to read the catalogue - with a Magnifying glass so I could read the artist and album name.
Being on acid in a plane during a blizzard. Now, THAT'S a rock 'n roll story! Always been a big primus fan. I saw them live in Colorado Springs in 2013. Great 3-d show. Great experience!
He's a hot contender to have ended up with a stint in Frank Zappa's band, had Zappa lived longer and felt like touring. He's no worse than Bozzio or Colaiuta, that's for sure.
Awesome video! Always knew of these guys and found Les Claypool interesting but never dove into their music. Maybe I’ll start at the beginning and check out their journey. Are these guys still making music?
Les is one of the most underrated and under appreciated musicians this man is a legend can play the bass better than anyone and while signing in an one of a kind unforgettable voice im always amazed by the people into rock music but dont like primus they are amazing and live the jam just as good as anybody
I like that Les gives everyone credit and doesnt seem to have any ill will for past members like a lot of bands that have been arpund as long as Primus.
Guy is a legend! Was inspired by all his records. Funny acid story with Pauly Shores vibes. Been trying to get him my patented bass fretboard invention. If you read this Les hmu 🤙🏽🎸
Les is still just that blue collar guy at heart. He seemed like he would've been happy going back to being a carpenter if Promus hadn't have taken off. Cool guy.
damn, Kirk hammet did more for music than we thought!
If you haven’t yet, you should definitely check out the Murder in Front Row documentary about the bay areas thrash scene. I feel like he finally got the credit and praise he deserves 😃
@@emilyarante9593 will do!
lol
He developed the percussive downpicking on his own too, he didnt get it from het/dave. And formed exodus and wrote sandman/creeep etc obviously. He was more important in the bay area scene and that whole movement than people give him credit for.
😂😂😂
Nobody sounds like Primus
That's the mark of a great band.
There are though some King Crimson songs that sound a lot like Primus but You're right though, they took it to another level.
Yeah, I agree, not sounding like Primus is certainly the mark of a great band.
@@McShag420 LMFAO!!!
@@McShag420 yeah, primus sucks
Nobody sounds like the Shaggs either ... ;)
"I got pissed..ate acid...and it ended up being a pretty fun thing. I am glad we did it."
Les is a great storyteller. I think I could listen to him talk about his shenanigans all day. Thanks for posting this.
I wanna meet cypress hill, while on acid.
"Herb" is still to this day, one of the best drummers I've ever heard. Fantastic.
And still incredibly strange. Les and Ler are weird, and yet they talk about how weird Herb is. They says a lot. Lol.
He played bass like he was invented the instrument, and he did it while singing. salute for this creative genius 👍
I agree! I've never heard anyone play the bass the way he does! I mean, how does he come up with these amazing licks!?
@@stratocat9 fretless 6 string
He still does
You totally saw that comment elsewhere and used it as yours hahaha
When he did a show with Buckethead, it was like when Lemieux and Gretzky on the same line for team Canada... It's not often that you see some of the GOATS play together.
I am a 77 year old Granny and I love Primus ❤️ Leslie can't make a bad record...and his videos are outstanding !!😊❤
Awesome
Hats off to the grannies!!!
Love it!
Cheers to Revolver - whoever edited this did a masterful job. If no one knew any better you'd think they hit the record button and said, "Hi Les! Tell us a few things." and he just talked for 10 minutes uninterrupted.
I feel like he'd be capable of that
Used to see Primus in tiny bars around the Bay Area, before and after Tim joined. With an audience of 4 on a Tuesday night at Ashkenaz, and a drummer called Curveball, they played like it was a packed arena. It was obvious they were headed for the top.
Nightbreak
@@disf5178 Kennel Club & the I Beam
@@jasonandrews3756 !!!!!!
I Beam was such a great place...super pro/premier sound.. but small enough to be up close & personal. I miss that SF.
@@disf5178 😃 I worked many shows there with different local bands in the late 80's & early 90's
EPIC!
Saw primus 2 weeks ago, changed my life forever.
Most fun live band I've ever seen
They have an incredible live sound. And, may I say, it works bcuz of Lalonde’s playing is complimentary to Les.
saw them on tuesday! posted some videos. They’re all effing excellent!
I seen them with my hippie esés Christmas 2018 in San Francisco at the Fillmore. ‘Twas an odd but good experience
Les you are a legend!! In 1992, Primus opened up for Rush (one of my dad's fave bands) and he was like oh I want to take you to this concert. I had heard Rush in my dad's car, and then when he said oh some band named Primus is opening up for them...I was all in!! I was so geeked about it. I tried to tell him how awesome Primus was... and as soon as the baseline started (I think it was "my name is mud") he looked at me with eyes wide and screamed FUCK YEAH. It was an awesome show. Then I saw Peart's drum kit SPINNING in the air, not missing a beat, and I fell in love with Rush. Still one of my fave concerts of my teenaged years. I was 12. That concert was my dad's rebuttal to my mom taking my sister and me to MC Hammer, haha. It was the only war between my parents that was enjoyable... the war of who would take us to the best shows...1994 mom took us to Pink Floyd. That was another amazing experience, Camp Randall. OMG. In my 20s. my dad took me to see Dweezil Zappa does Zappa, and we went to the sound check, and I got to meet him. It was so cool that Zappa was there, albeit on video, playing with the band. So many in between, but those were the best experiences enjoying live music with my dad.
What a wonderful memory!
Your dad won when he took you to Zappa plays Zappa!
It might have been a bit much for you at the time but that show will be significant as you get older.
These Zappa albums will get you more familiar with Frank. “Joes Garage”, Sheik Yourbouti”, “Thing-fish”. And as far as guitar playing goes, “Frank Zappa Guitar” has some good guitar playing on it.
Frank was/is our fearless leader and the brains of our whole operation. (Musicians vs the record industry)
He will go down as the best musician of our time!
AND he never gets any credit for his guitar playing but he’s obviously a very good player.
When guys like Steve Vai, Adrian Belew, and even the late greats Jimi Hendrix & EVH look up to him, there is good reason.
And it’s all there to discover for yourself because the main stream doesn’t acknowledge him as anything but a freak show.
I’m sure I would get along with your Dad. He’s got great taste in music!
I went to that show. Omni Atlanta GA
Well that was a lovely read! Cheers!
Wow. Too cool. That’s half of rock bass Mt. Rushmore right there.
I remember reading about this "Primus" band in RIP magazine back in 1990, just some little blurb about them. While the exact wording escapes me, it was compelling enough for me to pick up Frizzle Fry in Nov or Dec of 1990. And it instantly blew and expanded my musical mind. I must have played that cassette every single day for months. They have tons of amazing music but Frizzle Fry to me is one of the most untouchable, best albums of all time.
Sailing the seas of cheese.
All of there albums are amazing
Use to hear this Band from my good friend Danny!?! Listening to the Sea of Cheese!?!?
Tuna salad sandwich and flavored doritos 🤘
I don't know which album we heard first..?
They were unknown, basically, like most of the great music of the time. The bands we liked pretty much all got the FU from MTV. Then many years later (5 years maybe? A long time when you're a teen!).
We were in love with Primus, and especially Les! Once you heard him play you were blown away, and knew you'd never forget this incredible playing!
Incredible playing and lots of humor, always. Les sure can tell a hell of a story with his vocal delivery, and great communicating skills among those listening, and especially the band.
PRIMUS SUCK! FOREVER!!!
Growing up in Sonoma County, we we're blessed to see Primus before they were famous. Les is a good guy.
River theater
He used to be my neighbor. All good guys.
Les is able to write between the lines of "standard" music but has the ability to keep in interesting not abstract. What I love about Primus is the way Les incorporates pretty much every genre of music without sounding like any genre of music.
My introduction to Primus was at age 10. Right after Loveline ended at midnight, the radio station played Jerry was a Race Car driver. Surreal and inspiring experience for a kid up too late.
Shout out to all the kids that used to listen to loveline when they were supposed to be asleep. We are out here in droves I know it.
I'm 57 years old and I love Primus there is no other band like them on the face of the planet
Primus sucks!
member dat?
Dave the fisherman!!!! Primus isn't for everybody. They Rock!!!!
@@jeffsmith5139 no primus sucks
Primus is one of, if not my first BAND. I was obsessed the first time I saw “Mr Krinkle” on Headbangers Ball. I can’t explain them to people except as “methy folk metal” Les always has a story to tell in each song. Each story kinda makes me feel icky.
There are a few bands that jave a very similar sound actually. Like sausage, bastard jazz, duo de twang. Claypool lennon delirium and a few songs from a band called molotov.
One of my favorite all time bands! Saw them for the first time on the Pork Soda tour and never missed them again. Just saw them play the Farewell to Kings tribute and enjoyed every minute of it. 🤘
Saw them live for the first time at Lalapalooza in 93 at the Gorge in George, amazing show, and saw them last week in Troutdale OR, another amazing show.
It was great, saw them in San Antonio a couple of months ago… they played Tommy The Cat after a fan complained to Les saying that they never play the song when they come to town… so they played it… they played the shit out of it :)
I saw them last year on the Farewell to Kings tour as well; exactly 30 years from the first time I saw them on the Seas of Cheese Tour. There was a good time for music in the early 90’s as bands like Primus and Mr. Bungle (saw them the first time around the same year as well) were getting air play. I had been playing bass for a few years and hearing Claypool for the first time was very exciting. Of course was familiar with Jaco, Clarke, Zappa, Tony Levin, etc…, but hearing Les for the first time was like hearing bass a totally different way. After over 30 years Primus still “sucks”.
@@ToneTraveler Jealous!! Iv'e always wanted to see Mr Bungle live, but never had the chance.
I went fishing with Les once back in 1999. My dad's friend dave was (still is?) a fishing guide in Wisconsin and a bass player and knew some pretty famous musicians from when he used to live in LA. One day he just pulled into the driveway with Les Claypool in his truck He said he needed to borrow some muskie lures but I think he was showing off lol. Dave and I went fishing together a lot so he let me come along. It was pretty cool needless to say. Les caught quite a bit, three walleye and two northern IIRC. None of us got any muskies.
I need more of this interview! God I remember those early days, living up outside Sacramento and hearing about these bands from the bay. Primus became such a large part of my high school experience and now I've turned my kids onto them.
thats f cool! whats their favorite album? :O
@@gonzalochervet8127 One likes Seas of Cheese, the other Frizzle Fry
@@Whitewater11 their best on my opinion, cheers dude!
I saw Primus in ‘91 open for Fishbone at USF in Tampa. Then I saw them in maybe ‘93 in St. Petersburg where Les walked off the tour bus into the venue in his underwear and played the whole gig that way and then walked out back on the bus. It was an amazing time with an amazing band. Thanks for the memories Les, Ler and Herb.
that's funny cuz i saw fishbone open for primus in '91 at the san jose convention center. that's the difference of being in the bay i guess
@@chito2294 I was at that show! Good times. Fishbone was fucking amazing as well. Lot of energy that night
I was there too!
I saw primus back in 93 during Lollapalooza, saw them again in 2019 with ministry, Anselmo and Slayer. Such a great reunion.
Was the St. Pete show at Janus Landing?
Primus came along at the perfect time in music to exist. They were always the perfect mix of eccentricity and heavy to make some interesting stuff.
Man, Les never fails to entertain! I could listen to his stories of the old days and tours and just whatever for hours. He’s just such an amazing story teller and paints such a vivid picture, both when he’s just chatting or through his song writing. Bravo! Give us more! My older sisters BF at the time had both “Suck On This” and “Frizzle Fry” - must have been 91 or 92, but he gave me both of them because they weren’t his favorite and I was just going nuts over it because I had already been playing bass due to Metallica and Cliff Burton. Plus I just loved how wacky the songs were. But the bass playing was just insane. Great memories of me and my friends bouncing off the walls, blitzed out of our heads, listening to Primus.
Les is such a genius but so down to earth. It would be great to sit down and have a beer with him
Dude. I totally wasn’t ready for this video to end when it did. I did not know this about myself prior to watching this but I could’ve sat and listen to him talk about every single detail of Primus, from what he discussed, up to present day lol
Hope there’s loads more of les’ memoirs to come out. Many a tale to tell…..
I saw Primus with TOOL a few years ago, and was honestly more excited to see them than I was TOOL. Not that I'm not a TOOL fan, but Primus was like a bucket list item for me. I lost my mind when he came out wearing the pig mask for Mr Krinkle.
I like them both too, but I would definitely choose Primus over Tool. Seeing them both at the same show had to be awesome!
Tool back in the day (91-96) were fucking weird man. You had this goblin looking dude singing and this guy playing guitar who you couldn’t see his face cuz of his hair, and the drummer is fire, & the bassist is just chilling. I’d say that Primus & early - mid 90’s Tool were on the same level of weirdness.
@@drillbit8280you would always hear a folk tale of something Maynard did weird lol. At least in Phoenix, in High School it became Marilyn Manson lol the whole "he got 2 ribs removed so he can....."
I didn't know Les and Kirk have been friends for so long. Cool. They should make some music together.
Les auditioned after Cliff died. It didn’t work out.
@@8wheeledassassins. I know, but playing with Metallica and playing with Kirk alone isn't the same.
He made a clip with Robert Trujillo, tho.
th-cam.com/video/lP8RzPu54rY/w-d-xo.html
@@8wheeledassassins.When they broke the news to him, he quote “Weeped like a little girl” 😂
Herb is one of my favorite drummers! I was sad when he left the band in the late 90s. Love hearing these stories!
I was happy when he came back
First time I saw and heard Primus was supporting Jane's Addiction in1990 at London Astoria and I have never been so blown away by a support act I'd never heard before!
Must have been awesome
My introduction to Primus was watching them on the MTV spring break special! I was just 13 at the time. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I never heard anything like that!
If it weren't for my best friend showing me Primus, I honestly don't think I'd be where I am today.
R.I.P. Zach.
Friends who show you new music are the best kind of friends
Za
My friend turned me into the musician I am today and now he’s a Hindu monk lol weird world man
Saw them at 1993 Lollapalooza in Waterloo Village, NJ ... Les was playing a shiny, all chrome/mirror stand-up bass. ... When they went into Jerry Was A Race Car Driver the whole place went nuts and it turned into one big mud pit
Best bassist on the planet! I hope there's more of this interview to release.
Geddy > Les
@@the6ig6adwolf _....ok_ 😕
My fave is benke from Viagra boys not as good technically but does it forme
John Entewistle anyone?
@@the6ig6adwolf In your dreams buddy
Les, you have been a big influence on me over the years. Started off as a guitar player, then Rush got my attention, I bought a bass! Well, my parents did. I was 11. Then you guys showed up,, and I dug deeper!! Moved to Nashville in 02, to play guitar, drums,, or bass.. I didn't care. Turns out everyone needed a bass player, that could sing. Harmony mostly, but landed a gig as the front man of a jazz, rock, fusion thing. We did some interesting things with, sunshine of your love. Wish you were here, into, Walking on the moon. We also did a handful of Primus! Never could convince them to do Tommy the Cat, but God knows I tried! Lol! Thank you for changing my life in a musical way. Thank you.
Tim Alexander is a drummer’s hero. I understand he has 100 or 200+ drum kits or some crazy shit. Always rock solid. Sailing the Seas of Cheese was one of the first albums I learned to play double bass to.
Primus is the shiz…
I used to draw big crowds when I'd play Jerry on the drumscape machines in the big arcades back in the day
When he left Primus, he was a regular with The Blue Man Group house band apparently would have been cool to hear him on. Always loved his 32nd rolls between the hi hat & ride bell. What a beast.
In a recent video Iggor Cavalera said he wrote the intro for Territory, to me the best drum intro for a metal song, by trying to recreate a drum roll by Tin Alexander. Tin is the man!
He was the first guy I ever heard that used the double bass in a creative way. More than just sixteenths like metal guys
He’s a sorely underrated drummer. Les himself said that Tim is incredibly precise and was the main reason why they hardly even rehearsed for a while.
Since his first word until the last, he is singing. Les Claypool is a masterpiece, genius.
Thanks for all that he gave us, forever!!!
Yeah, I love listening backstories of my favourite bands! Thanks for this video!
Les is Amazing!
Wasn't turned on till I was 22yrs.
I'm almost 39yrs.
Everything Mr Les touches is amazing.
Thank you, Sir.
When I went to the green naugahyde tour, I was in the front row by the left speaker. During "pudding time" Les looked over to where I was and the dude next to me threw him a "🤘" and and Les lifted his strumming hand and waved back without missing a beat! He did so with such ease that you might have sworn he practiced that specific gesture, at that part of the song.
Fuckin crazy 🤘
The 1st time I saw them was at Berkeley square in November of 87. They were opening for fish bone. At 1 point in the set they switched instruments. They did it 2 more times until they were back to their original instruments. Impressed the hell out of me.
I miss the Berkeley Square. That crappy little hole in the wall spawned a lot of good acts. It's a furniture store or something now.
@@sturmhauke_aerospace I was from Eureka so that was the only time I had ever been. 30 seconds into the 1st fishbone song Angelo did a flipping stage D I've on that like tennis the high thing they call the stage and kick the couple of the lights out on the awning over it. I think all those old holes become furniture stores or something like that.
I was fortunate to meet Mr Claypool briefly outside of a venue in Spokane many years ago. He was very nice to visit with us and signed my daughter's cast. Not all performers would take the time. He's a good guy.
That Public Enemy tour Les talks about was awesome. Anthrax, Public Enemy, Primus and Young Black Teenagers. Great bill imo.
Les Claypool is one of the coolest, laid back cats on the planet.
Oh yeah... and he's a fuckin' beast on the bass!
Awesome story, seen them live many times and always a great show!
Ive seen them only once and they played the entire set of Frizzle Fry.
I LOVE PRIMUS!!!! but not always a great show... in the last years ive seen them almost everytime they were around...its a fifty fifty if they are phenominal or in a bad mood... either way i will always go to local shows for what its worth
@@jamesmadden2403 really? They were amazing when i saw them.
I saw them in Fort Wayne Indiana and my jaw is still dropped they were so good and I was so happy to see actual legends
▪
'Actual legends' don't sell out.
This coward did, just like most of them do.
🟥
The best Check out☝️☝️☝️, for mush edibles,chocolate bars, shrooms and other psyched products....Very affordable
Les and Kirk and I were high school friends. Good memories of them both at De Anza High School
My ex wife Sheila went to De Anza high school. Class of 1991
How does it feel to be the only one who didn’t become famous? Lol
Les Claypool is a musical genius!
I was all in when Seas of Cheese hit the stores and I've loved every note since.
He truly is a genius. How many musicians can say they created a whole new sound like he did?
I've checked a dozen or so interviews with Les Claypool over the years and he always comes across like such a genuine non full of himself person to a degree that's unfounded. Along the same lines he also seems to have a level of emotional intelligence that's ridiculously high (just the way he talks to people or about people, he seems to understand others). He never comes across anxious/shy... he seems very honest and comfortable in his skin. He just seems like an exceptionally good person.
I've been a huge primus fan all of my life. Never had the opportunity to see them when I had the funds and when I did have extra time, I couldn't afford it. Thankfully my buddy and his wife are awesome and gave me an extra ticket to join him on his birthday and go see them live last year when things started opening up. It was the second time she had did that and the first was to go see GWAR. Unfortunately never got the chance to see Brockie when he was among us, but seeing Les was amazing!
Years ago, around 97-98 or so I was an auto parts delivery boy in Vacaville, CA. I had a delivery to a transmission shop. I walked in and noticed a couple platinum records (I think platinum) and a big metal sculpture thing that said primus. I handed the parts to a guy and asked about the primus records and sculpture. He said he was les' dad. I must admit, I was JUST getting into them. Wished I had talked to his dad more, but none the less a cool experience. I'm a huge primus fan now, yet have only seen them once. Thanks for all the crazy ass songs.
He shouldn’t have had to still be working.
One of Primus’ biggest influences was a band from the mid-1970s called The Residents, whose mysterious often-times reused lead singer sounded a lot like Claypool! In fact, when Primus covered their classic song ,Constantinople , it just sounded like a regular Primus song!
I didn’t even realize it was a Residents song.
The Residents are Awesome!
Primus held the only concert I've been to in my entire life. The venue they played at was not packed but they certainly played like it was. Thank you for the memories!
Why haven’t you gone to more concerts?!
Saw them the first time last Tuesday, it was amazing and Ler tossed me the pick after
Where is the longer version of this? HOLY.
First saw them open for Jane's Addiction in 1990. Right from the first song I new they were something special.
too bad you didn't have a cell phone with a camera, eh...
that sounds like an amazing show.
i love both.... never seen either live.
@@donHooligan lol....yeah not in those days. I was though.....one of those life changing concerts. A weird mix of punks and metalheads (me being the later). Punks taught us how to have fun slam dancing without getting all agro about it and we were surprised they liked a band that arguably had more "metal" in them than punk. At least musically. Jane's is on tour again with the pumpkins. You should definitely try to see it if you can. I'm sure it will be great.
@@doublestrokeroll
Billy Corgan needs money?
interesting.
wonder when he's going to drop the hammer on Courtney Love?
if she wasn't a loser, he'd probably be blackmailing her....
i can't help but worry that going to a modern Pumpkins show would be like a modern Bob Dylan concert....where nothing sounds the way you want it to.
i'm going to have to see when they are coming close, though.
One of the more fun and creative 90s acts.
Recently got into Primus, been listening them for months, shame I didn't checked them out sooner, I knew about them for decades but never got around to check them out. Current favorite is Tommy The Cat, amazing bass playing.
Anti pop.
Les Claypool "solo album" Of Whales and Woe he does all the drums and his normal tracks.
I've listened to One Better on repeat for hour at a time in the highway a few times.
Oh, album Sausage. A previous Primus lineup, he has had New Year's Eve shows where Sausage opens up for Primus.
Nice man -also his double album with The Frog Brigade has some sick playing on it. They cover the whole Pink Floyd album Animals.
The best Check out☝️☝️☝️, for mush edibles,chocolate bars, shrooms and other psyched products....Very affordable
@@DesignRhythm
Try and find the frog brigade 🐸 new years 2001 show
Les Claypool at the beginning
Says
"Yall ready to have a good time "
Crowd yells
"And i just ate some mushrooms
Woo hoo"
Crowd yells louder
It is a really good set
About 30 minutes into it he starts tripping pretty good
And starts talking about time traveling back in time because of the guy in office at that time had the same name as the guy from 10 years previous
"Its like were going back 10 years"
I was at my girlfriends house in Brooklyn NYC with a 100+ fever. We were only 19 yrs old. Her mom would not let me sleep over even tho I had two buses and two trains to get home. So while getting my shoes on to leave, Jerry was a race car driver came on MTV. That was the 1st time seeing/hearing Primus and I fell in love with the band and broke up with the girl. Now I’m 50 and still love this band.
You dodged a bullet there, I'm sure. Like mother, like daughter.
I've seen Les in 5 different bands and I've seen Primus with 3 different drummers. I sat behind Ler at a Grateful Dead show. One of the best shows I ever saw was Primus opening for Rush at the Omni in Atlanta after 3 days of the Grateful Dead. It was AMAZING!!
My uneducated, but music wise brilliant uncle introduced me to Primus at around 1992 or so. His description of Suck on This was something along the lines of "I've got something that'll drive your parents crazy". He got me right then and there despite the ongoing grunge frenzy. Their first three albums are all super, after that the quality varies. And the Sausage album is also great. And Les seems to be a great storyteller as well, I'd love to hear more!
Les Claypool s a great guy. Totally amazing bassist.
‘’I remember being really pissed, so we ate acid.’’ That pretty much sums up Primus
Started playing bass because no one else wanted to and becomes the greatest bass player of all time
Same reason i started.. never getting close to Les but i found my "voice".
Man I got so into Primus while strung out on meth for years, the music is just exactly what it feels like to be awake for 12 days. But Primus inspired me to move on to psychedelics, clean from dope packing the mushroom hope nowadays. Primus was there for me, crazy awesome shit!
fungi saved me
@@guyfawkes6657 Me as well! Onward to the stars!
Mushrooms are amazing, I used to do them about every 6 months and it was like pushing the reset button on all built up anxiety fuzz buzzing in the background of my brain. Was finally able to relax and the anti anxiety effects lasted for months.
Frizzle Fry is awesome on psilocybin.
primus playing with swans, need that again
One f'n night in the east bay, concord junior college, my band at the time and I sat outside watching Blind Illusion kick ass. I think it was my bass play Edie R that said we had to hear this band. I had never seen Claypool before. We where all metal heads, but my head turned that night as i watched kids jumping off of cafeteria tables and some lanky bass dude roll out the funkiest lines I had ever heard. I never thought it possible to be funky and fun
While thrashing. I think we had the Suck on This tape in our car or something over a J driving there. I felt something change in the water that night. #1987bayareametalscene
Epic!
I saw Primus at least 4 times in Petaluma at the Phoenix, I played Suck On This on the Sonoma State radio station. Now Les has a freaking wine he makes in Sebastopol?
Those where good times dude!
A friend of mine introduced me to Primus back when I was a teen, Spegetti western was the song, when the bass kicked in I fell to my knees and bowed in front of the stereo in a I am not worthy way.
Fantastic video. I loved hearing that history.
5:09 Herb, the Ginseng Drummer. There’s a term I haven’t heard in a long time! Love it!🤘
Was fortunate enough to see Primus on that Public Enemy w/Anthrax tour. Was in Detroit at the Fox Theater. The Young Black Teenagers were the openers. The bands and crowd were incredible. Unforgettable night.
That must have been an amazing night of music
I've mostly moved away from the metal scene but, primus and Les in particular will always have a place in my heart.
Les is just the coolest! And Tim “Herb” is in my top ten of awesome drummers! I can play drums but nobody can do,what that oddball does! He’s the greatest because he’s odd! Thanks for this was wicked cool to hear the stories, I had no idea
Mama Edna told me about Primus back in the day. I didn't even realize that Les came from Blind L at first. Saw a couple of shows, still love them to this very day♥
These guys have earned the love and their place with the greats.
He's shockingly humble and genuine. And the creator of one of the actual greatest bands of all time. And the most interesting bass player of all time. (American Life - Live at Bass Hall 2012 is 11:32 of sheer music making like nothing else. Actual genius.)
One would never think he's one of the most unique and insanely talented bassists ever
I was fortunate enough to see Les and Sausage on the same bill with Rollins Band and Helmet. One of my best shows
That must have been fun.
I saw them on that same tour. Absolutely amazing.
Always enjoyed Black Flag, Rollins band and saw some Rollins spoken word performances, really amazing shows. 🖤
Sounds dope
Leslie's on the chair talking on his on interview. He said it *laughing Claypool but Leslie was like toys go winding. So young. The cutest ages ever.
First time seeing them was at the Warfield,it was Les' birthday...Out of nowhere Kirk Hammet walks onto stage,Larry hands him his guitar mid song.After completing the song,(don't recall which one), they explode into Master Of Puppets and followed it up with Theives...I think it was 1991
They played the Warfield 9/28/1990. The day before claypool's birthday. Wish I could listen to that.
1:00 Columbia Record Club. I remember that one. 😂😂 I just wanted to read the catalogue - with a Magnifying glass so I could read the artist and album name.
Some poor guy left his shopping with a primus cd on a park bench. I was in my teens and decided to take it home. My life changed after
it was meant for you to have
Someone bought a Primus CD with the intent to leave it for someone else, you were chosen
Some things are meant to be
Great stories from Uncle Les.
Being on acid in a plane during a blizzard. Now, THAT'S a rock 'n roll story! Always been a big primus fan. I saw them live in Colorado Springs in 2013. Great 3-d show. Great experience!
This was great. I've been a PRIMUS junkie since '88. I've even got "Skeeter" playing the bass tattooed on my right shoulder blade.
I remember going to the Omni in Oakland to see Blind Illusion and Primus opened.
Now that's an interview 👍 More like that please 😎
Tim can and does play his ass off. That guy is a beast.
He's a legit badass on the drums!
He's a hot contender to have ended up with a stint in Frank Zappa's band, had Zappa lived longer and felt like touring. He's no worse than Bozzio or Colaiuta, that's for sure.
Yes for sure. He's also a great composer - his grooves develop & get more complicated throughout the song a la Peart.
@@Innerspace100 I love Tim but he can’t read music which is an absolute must to work with Zappa
He plays guitar too
a friend of mine gave me Tales From the Punchbowl for my 11th birthday in '96, and i wore that cassette out! ive been a fan since
I love all these old band stories. Peter Gabriel meets Metallica. Love it. so many amazing musicians here in Sonoma County.
Awesome video! Always knew of these guys and found Les Claypool interesting but never dove into their music. Maybe I’ll start at the beginning and check out their journey. Are these guys still making music?
MORE MORE MORE! Thank u for this!
Interesting. Totally cool to learn about the roots of Primus.
My favorite bass player. The originality, precision, speed, and just the way he puts chords together he is one of the all time best.
I love the universality of Pauly Shore impressions (everyone goes for the "Hey, buddy" and it's always funny when it's not him saying it)
Les is one of the most underrated and under appreciated musicians this man is a legend can play the bass better than anyone and while signing in an one of a kind unforgettable voice im always amazed by the people into rock music but dont like primus they are amazing and live the jam just as good as anybody
I got my tickets for Les Claypool in the Lennon delirium in South Carolina June 11th Get psyched it's gonna be a fungi
kind of night
I like that Les gives everyone credit and doesnt seem to have any ill will for past members like a lot of bands that have been arpund as long as Primus.
Lucky to be from the East Bay, I was at one of the Suck on This shows at the Berkeley Square, Larry dated a good friend of mine in Pinole, Ca
Guy is a legend! Was inspired by all his records. Funny acid story with Pauly Shores vibes. Been trying to get him my patented bass fretboard invention. If you read this Les hmu 🤙🏽🎸
So happy I was able to see Primus in 2011. Checked off. Also got to interview Jay Lane for a music blog. Good stuff.
so beautiful and inspiring love it
Les is still just that blue collar guy at heart.
He seemed like he would've been happy going back to being a carpenter if Promus hadn't have taken off.
Cool guy.