A popular rock band is in “complete shock” after its drummer abruptly quit again.
Primus announced Tuesday that drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander notified the band that “effective immediately he would no longer be involved with Primus.” Alexander performed with the group from 1989 to 1996, rejoined from 2003 to 2010, and had been playing again since 2013.
“It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp,” the band said in a statement. “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. 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 bassist-vocalist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde said they were considering canceling their annual New Year’s Eve concert, but will instead “pivot to an augmented version of Primus featuring members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. This will be an exciting special, one-time event.”
Beyond NYE, Primus plans to continue performing — including at Tool’s 2025 Live in the Sand Festival — while searching for the “greatest drummer on Earth” to replace Alexander. A three-month tour is scheduled to begin in April; no concerts are scheduled in New York state.
Primus is a Grammy-nominated funk-rock-alternative metal group known for songs like “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver,” “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” and the “South Park” theme song. Claypool has also performed in a number of side projects, including Oysterhead with Phish’s Trey Anastasio and The Police’s Stewart Copeland.