The Surreal Origins of Primus | Les Claypool on Metallica Ties, Acid Trips, MTV Breakthrough

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  • Опубликовано: 21 июн 2022
  • Primus is one of the most singular, weird and innovative bands in heavy music, which is why it's particularly incredible that they've reached the heights they have and continue to be one of the genre's most beloved acts. But how did they get there? Bassist-vocalist-mastermind Les Claypool walked us through the surreal origins of his funky metal group, touching on his high-school friendship with Metallica's Kirk Hammett, doing acid at Spring Break '92, Primus' unexpected breakout onto MTV and much more.
    Order Revolver's Primus collector's bundle featuring the new Summer 2022 Issue and exclusive colored vinyl: bit.ly/3zZfuNt
    Thumbnail photo by Jason Goodrich
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    #primus #lesclaypool #metallica #kirkhammett #mtv #suckonthis #frizzlefry #toomanypuppies #sailingtheseasofcheese #sausage #johnthefisherman #origin #metal #funkmetal #progressiverock #experimental #jimihendrix #cream #blindillusion #exodus
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Комментарии • 870

  • @RetroHabit82
    @RetroHabit82 Год назад +929

    Nobody sounds like Primus
    That's the mark of a great band.

    • @themadhi-hatter6849
      @themadhi-hatter6849 Год назад +8

      There are though some King Crimson songs that sound a lot like Primus but You're right though, they took it to another level.

    • @McShag420
      @McShag420 Год назад +31

      Yeah, I agree, not sounding like Primus is certainly the mark of a great band.

    • @SecretSpots
      @SecretSpots Год назад +9

      @@McShag420 LMFAO!!!

    • @TheBeavadelic
      @TheBeavadelic Год назад +18

      @@McShag420 yeah, primus sucks

    • @frodofraggins
      @frodofraggins Год назад +1

      Nobody sounds like the Shaggs either ... ;)

  • @Jacob22941
    @Jacob22941 Год назад +701

    damn, Kirk hammet did more for music than we thought!

    • @emilyarante9593
      @emilyarante9593 Год назад +52

      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 😃

    • @Jacob22941
      @Jacob22941 Год назад +5

      @@emilyarante9593 will do!

    • @spiritlevelstudios
      @spiritlevelstudios Год назад

      lol

    • @fredriksvard2603
      @fredriksvard2603 Год назад +18

      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.

    • @f5tornadeau
      @f5tornadeau Год назад +2

      😂😂😂

  • @Mydhside
    @Mydhside Год назад +598

    He played bass like he was invented the instrument, and he did it while singing. salute for this creative genius 👍

    • @stratocat9
      @stratocat9 Год назад +22

      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!?

    • @telefunkenyou47
      @telefunkenyou47 Год назад +5

      @@stratocat9 fretless 6 string

    • @negativeindustrial
      @negativeindustrial Год назад +9

      He still does

    • @somestuffandwhatnot
      @somestuffandwhatnot Год назад +6

      You totally saw that comment elsewhere and used it as yours hahaha

    • @nvjohansson9741
      @nvjohansson9741 Год назад +3

      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.

  • @tictocbang7443
    @tictocbang7443 Год назад +969

    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.

    • @disf5178
      @disf5178 Год назад +10

      Nightbreak

    • @jasonandrews3756
      @jasonandrews3756 Год назад +12

      @@disf5178 Kennel Club & the I Beam

    • @disf5178
      @disf5178 Год назад +12

      @@jasonandrews3756 !!!!!!
      I Beam was such a great place...super pro/premier sound.. but small enough to be up close & personal. I miss that SF.

    • @jasonandrews3756
      @jasonandrews3756 Год назад +4

      @@disf5178 😃 I worked many shows there with different local bands in the late 80's & early 90's

    • @MarvDawk
      @MarvDawk Год назад +3

      EPIC!

  • @Fix_It_Again_Tony
    @Fix_It_Again_Tony Год назад +180

    "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.

  • @justtheworstever7316
    @justtheworstever7316 Год назад +359

    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.

  • @christopherwaller3115
    @christopherwaller3115 Год назад +51

    Saw primus 2 weeks ago, changed my life forever.

    • @lesclaypoolonbass9431
      @lesclaypoolonbass9431 Год назад +3

      Most fun live band I've ever seen

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes 4 месяца назад

      They have an incredible live sound. And, may I say, it works bcuz of Lalonde’s playing is complimentary to Les.

  • @MattHayashi
    @MattHayashi Год назад +26

    Growing up in Sonoma County, we we're blessed to see Primus before they were famous. Les is a good guy.

    • @xcfan
      @xcfan Год назад +4

      River theater

  • @glenndavis6793
    @glenndavis6793 Год назад +110

    I'm 57 years old and I love Primus there is no other band like them on the face of the planet

    • @donHooligan
      @donHooligan Год назад +13

      Primus sucks!
      member dat?

    • @jeffsmith5139
      @jeffsmith5139 Год назад +2

      Dave the fisherman!!!! Primus isn't for everybody. They Rock!!!!

    • @nicstamford5965
      @nicstamford5965 Год назад +3

      @@jeffsmith5139 no primus sucks

    • @mdrinon
      @mdrinon Год назад +6

      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.

    • @albenmurcia4716
      @albenmurcia4716 Год назад +1

      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.

  • @clancywiggam
    @clancywiggam 8 месяцев назад +8

    "Herb" is still to this day, one of the best drummers I've ever heard. Fantastic.

  • @tipsybass8948
    @tipsybass8948 Год назад +150

    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.

    • @whome1299
      @whome1299 Год назад +5

      What a wonderful memory!

    • @telefunkenyou47
      @telefunkenyou47 Год назад +5

      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!

    • @boazzaob
      @boazzaob Год назад +2

      I went to that show. Omni Atlanta GA

    • @pendragon6207
      @pendragon6207 Год назад +3

      Well that was a lovely read! Cheers!

    • @mechanicalman1068
      @mechanicalman1068 Год назад +2

      Wow. Too cool. That’s half of rock bass Mt. Rushmore right there.

  • @johnchedsey1306
    @johnchedsey1306 Год назад +201

    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.

    • @noobsaibot9490
      @noobsaibot9490 Год назад +18

      Sailing the seas of cheese.

    • @ThreeEyedGoop
      @ThreeEyedGoop Год назад +4

      All of there albums are amazing

    • @ManuelHernandez-ni3wp
      @ManuelHernandez-ni3wp Год назад +2

      Use to hear this Band from my good friend Danny!?! Listening to the Sea of Cheese!?!?

    • @noobsaibot9490
      @noobsaibot9490 Год назад +1

      Tuna salad sandwich and flavored doritos 🤘

    • @timturk1899
      @timturk1899 Год назад +3

      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!!!

  • @devinambriz5449
    @devinambriz5449 Год назад +25

    primus playing with swans, need that again

  • @ApophisNow_
    @ApophisNow_ Год назад +89

    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.

    • @thedeaconofmetalshow7657
      @thedeaconofmetalshow7657 Год назад +14

      Friends who show you new music are the best kind of friends

    • @slanderman3296
      @slanderman3296 Год назад

      Za

    • @1921o5
      @1921o5 Год назад +1

      My friend turned me into the musician I am today and now he’s a Hindu monk lol weird world man

  • @pettyguy64
    @pettyguy64 Год назад +15

    Les and Kirk and I were high school friends. Good memories of them both at De Anza High School

    • @brianlovins3285
      @brianlovins3285 Год назад +1

      My ex wife Sheila went to De Anza high school. Class of 1991

  • @comfortablynumb9342
    @comfortablynumb9342 Год назад +61

    I didn't know Les and Kirk have been friends for so long. Cool. They should make some music together.

    • @8wheeledassassins.
      @8wheeledassassins. Год назад +5

      Les auditioned after Cliff died. It didn’t work out.

    • @comfortablynumb9342
      @comfortablynumb9342 Год назад +32

      @@8wheeledassassins. I know, but playing with Metallica and playing with Kirk alone isn't the same.

    • @chucku00
      @chucku00 Год назад

      He made a clip with Robert Trujillo, tho.
      ruclips.net/video/lP8RzPu54rY/видео.html

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes 4 месяца назад +1

      ⁠@@8wheeledassassins.When they broke the news to him, he quote “Weeped like a little girl” 😂

  • @danolivier4899
    @danolivier4899 Год назад +44

    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.

    • @sammymarek7571
      @sammymarek7571 Год назад +5

      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.

  • @EASFromTheWest
    @EASFromTheWest Год назад +20

    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!

  • @rickintexas1584
    @rickintexas1584 Год назад +3

    I'll never forget the first time I heard Primus. It was "My name is Mud." Wow, what a bass.

  • @IDCLIP2000
    @IDCLIP2000 Год назад +18

    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

    • @donHooligan
      @donHooligan Год назад +9

      it was meant for you to have

  • @wertcon
    @wertcon Год назад +19

    Great stories from Uncle Les.

  • @starblazer5178
    @starblazer5178 Год назад +41

    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.

  • @SlocumJoe7740
    @SlocumJoe7740 Год назад +26

    1:40 "Everyone wanted to be Eddy Van Halen" see that summed it up, Les Claypool wanted to BE Les Claypool, he didn't want to be someone else. And he became one of the best artists for the Bass Guitar EVER.

  • @donaldlamkin1305
    @donaldlamkin1305 Год назад +9

    I was fortunate enough to see Les and Sausage on the same bill with Rollins Band and Helmet. One of my best shows

    • @Kcali111
      @Kcali111 Год назад +3

      That must have been fun.

    • @danaherring3347
      @danaherring3347 Год назад +2

      I saw them on that same tour. Absolutely amazing.

    • @Kcali111
      @Kcali111 Год назад +3

      Always enjoyed Black Flag, Rollins band and saw some Rollins spoken word performances, really amazing shows. 🖤

  • @aspaceproductions
    @aspaceproductions Год назад +7

    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.

  • @mpc1388
    @mpc1388 Год назад +59

    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.

    • @chito2294
      @chito2294 Год назад +1

      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

    • @wayneebanks7883
      @wayneebanks7883 Год назад

      @@chito2294 I was at that show! Good times. Fishbone was fucking amazing as well. Lot of energy that night

    • @wayneebanks7883
      @wayneebanks7883 Год назад

      I was there too!

    • @frowningfaun4528
      @frowningfaun4528 Год назад

      I saw primus back in 93 during Lollapalooza, saw them again in 2019 with ministry, Anselmo and Slayer. Such a great reunion.

    • @DRUMADDICT29
      @DRUMADDICT29 Год назад

      Was the St. Pete show at Janus Landing?

  • @tomkenney5365
    @tomkenney5365 Год назад +6

    Hanging with Pauly Shore and the Cypress Hill guys on acid, "it ended up being a pretty fun thing" seems a little understated. Les rocks

  • @curtisbogue3707
    @curtisbogue3707 3 месяца назад +2

    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!

  • @snowflakeca2079
    @snowflakeca2079 Год назад +121

    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…

    • @zachgilchrist669
      @zachgilchrist669 Год назад +1

      I used to draw big crowds when I'd play Jerry on the drumscape machines in the big arcades back in the day

    • @DesignRhythm
      @DesignRhythm Год назад +2

      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.

    • @paulosantiago7457
      @paulosantiago7457 Год назад +3

      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!

    • @scottkasper6378
      @scottkasper6378 Год назад +5

      He was the first guy I ever heard that used the double bass in a creative way. More than just sixteenths like metal guys

    • @cordan305
      @cordan305 Год назад +1

      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.

  • @matthewvaughan8192
    @matthewvaughan8192 Год назад +3

    ‘’I remember being really pissed, so we ate acid.’’ That pretty much sums up Primus

  • @GodsUnrulyFriends
    @GodsUnrulyFriends Год назад +5

    One day I was at a rehearsal with an old band. After we finished, the bass player pulled out a cassette of Frizzle Fry and told us we gotta hear this. We were like Da-Fuq?!?!? We were completely flumoxed, and we loved it!

  • @AwareWolfOnWheels
    @AwareWolfOnWheels Год назад +71

    Best bassist on the planet! I hope there's more of this interview to release.

  • @erik9108
    @erik9108 Год назад +144

    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. 🤘

    • @klubstompers
      @klubstompers Год назад +1

      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.

    • @casanova9430
      @casanova9430 Год назад +1

      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 :)

    • @ToneTraveler
      @ToneTraveler Год назад +2

      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”.

    • @klubstompers
      @klubstompers Год назад

      @@ToneTraveler Jealous!! Iv'e always wanted to see Mr Bungle live, but never had the chance.

    • @dickJohnsonpeter
      @dickJohnsonpeter Год назад +3

      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.

  • @MrChristbait
    @MrChristbait 8 месяцев назад +4

    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!

  • @rcredmon
    @rcredmon Год назад +30

    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.

    • @Fix_It_Again_Tony
      @Fix_It_Again_Tony Год назад +5

      I like them both too, but I would definitely choose Primus over Tool. Seeing them both at the same show had to be awesome!

    • @drillbit8280
      @drillbit8280 Год назад +1

      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.

    • @mikekoenig6467
      @mikekoenig6467 6 месяцев назад

      ​​@@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....."

  • @SuperStrik9
    @SuperStrik9 Год назад +7

    That Public Enemy tour Les talks about was awesome. Anthrax, Public Enemy, Primus and Young Black Teenagers. Great bill imo.

  • @LibertyRapsher
    @LibertyRapsher 6 месяцев назад +5

    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.

  • @orion681
    @orion681 Год назад +74

    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.

  • @SecretSpots
    @SecretSpots Год назад +5

    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

  • @demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929
    @demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929 Год назад +8

    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
      @sturmhauke_aerospace Год назад

      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.

    • @demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929
      @demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929 Год назад +1

      @@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.

  • @alin81-82
    @alin81-82 Год назад +8

    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!

  • @stevenswapp4768
    @stevenswapp4768 Год назад +6

    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 🤘

  • @Error404xxx
    @Error404xxx Год назад +10

    I didn't know Les was in Blind Illusion, I recently joined a band called Blessed Curse and we're about to play a show with Blind Illusion July 2nd at 3 Disciples Brewing in Santa Rosa

  • @michaelthompson9540
    @michaelthompson9540 6 месяцев назад +2

    I was a sushi chef at a sushi in downtown St. Pete Florida around the time of tge High Ball With the Devil tour. He played at Janus Landing behind my restaurant. He came into eat before the show, I recognized him immediately. I called my girlfriend and told her to bring my Primus albums up. About 15 minutes later she was there with a stack of them. I could not ask the guy to sign all of them so I asked him to sign the High Ball one. He did. Nice guy and complemented my sushi.

  • @doublestrokeroll
    @doublestrokeroll Год назад +7

    First saw them open for Jane's Addiction in 1990. Right from the first song I new they were something special.

    • @donHooligan
      @donHooligan Год назад

      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.

    • @doublestrokeroll
      @doublestrokeroll Год назад +2

      @@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.

    • @donHooligan
      @donHooligan Год назад +2

      @@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.

  • @slipspectrum9253
    @slipspectrum9253 Год назад +25

    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.

  • @randalstilskin5266
    @randalstilskin5266 Год назад +8

    One of the more fun and creative 90s acts.

  • @Whitewater11
    @Whitewater11 Год назад +30

    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.

    • @gonzalochervet8127
      @gonzalochervet8127 Год назад

      thats f cool! whats their favorite album? :O

    • @Whitewater11
      @Whitewater11 Год назад +3

      @@gonzalochervet8127 One likes Seas of Cheese, the other Frizzle Fry

    • @gonzalochervet8127
      @gonzalochervet8127 Год назад

      @@Whitewater11 their best on my opinion, cheers dude!

  • @earledaniels4539
    @earledaniels4539 Год назад +10

    Les is such a genius but so down to earth. It would be great to sit down and have a beer with him

  • @JODYCARROLL
    @JODYCARROLL Год назад +3

    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!

  • @andrewpappas9311
    @andrewpappas9311 8 месяцев назад +13

    Les is definitely one of the most insane bassists I’ve ever heard, the dude has such a unique sound and the bass lines he comes up with are just insane and the fact that he can sing while playing super complex stuff like Jerry Was A Race Car Driver, Tommy the Cat, DMV and all those classic Primus tunes is just too unreal and I fucking love it. Primus sucks all the way \m/

  • @VondaInWonderland
    @VondaInWonderland Год назад +3

    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♥

  • @BudhagRizzo
    @BudhagRizzo Год назад +9

    Les Claypool is one of the coolest, laid back cats on the planet.
    Oh yeah... and he's a fuckin' beast on the bass!

  • @Mephiestopholes
    @Mephiestopholes Год назад +3

    Les is Amazing!
    Wasn't turned on till I was 22yrs.
    I'm almost 39yrs.
    Everything Mr Les touches is amazing.
    Thank you, Sir.

  • @coreyclark6505
    @coreyclark6505 Год назад +11

    Tim can and does play his ass off. That guy is a beast.

    • @erik9108
      @erik9108 Год назад +1

      He's a legit badass on the drums!

    • @Innerspace100
      @Innerspace100 Год назад

      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.

    • @DesignRhythm
      @DesignRhythm Год назад +1

      Yes for sure. He's also a great composer - his grooves develop & get more complicated throughout the song a la Peart.

    • @kennytesta9312
      @kennytesta9312 Год назад +1

      @@Innerspace100 I love Tim but he can’t read music which is an absolute must to work with Zappa

  • @redhotchilifan98
    @redhotchilifan98 8 месяцев назад +3

    My favorite bass player. The originality, precision, speed, and just the way he puts chords together he is one of the all time best.

  • @jobrimar8291
    @jobrimar8291 Год назад +7

    Hope there’s loads more of les’ memoirs to come out. Many a tale to tell…..

  • @honkytonkinson9787
    @honkytonkinson9787 Год назад +9

    Herb is one of my favorite drummers! I was sad when he left the band in the late 90s. Love hearing these stories!

  • @danielhughes9556
    @danielhughes9556 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @DiogeneDeSin0pe
    @DiogeneDeSin0pe Год назад +2

    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.

  • @joeschmidl2874
    @joeschmidl2874 Год назад +5

    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

    • @redtape420
      @redtape420 7 месяцев назад

      They played the Warfield 9/28/1990. The day before claypool's birthday. Wish I could listen to that.

  • @Angelique-zs6nk
    @Angelique-zs6nk 8 месяцев назад +2

    Interesting. Totally cool to learn about the roots of Primus.

  • @benkeegan9966
    @benkeegan9966 Год назад +2

    One night in the late 90s,I worked a 12 hour shift building neons,for Chrysler,then drove to 6 hours to Iowa to see Primus,I was asleep at the wheel but I made it!

  • @I.M.Guitar-Nerd
    @I.M.Guitar-Nerd Год назад +14

    Les Claypool is a musical genius!
    I was all in when Seas of Cheese hit the stores and I've loved every note since.

    • @chasbodaniels1744
      @chasbodaniels1744 Год назад

      He truly is a genius. How many musicians can say they created a whole new sound like he did?

  • @grunthostheflatulent9649
    @grunthostheflatulent9649 8 месяцев назад +2

    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.

  • @occiferkodi
    @occiferkodi Год назад +4

    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

  • @Xeil
    @Xeil Год назад +3

    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!

  • @user-to2gh7sg3l
    @user-to2gh7sg3l 8 месяцев назад +3

    Being an immediate Primus fan in the 90's, and coming from a long history of artists and eccentric-types of varying success (myself included,) I was curious to learn the name "Claypool" shows up in my family tree for 3 or 4 generations starting with a cartooninst/painter/visual artist in late 1800's. I'm from New England however but maybe something to it... Parody voices at any time or place for no particular reason is just kinda what we do too... LOL

  • @brownriceprod
    @brownriceprod Год назад +4

    Primus, and Tim in particular, changed my life. they were MY band, and will be for life.

  • @johnmcaulay5938
    @johnmcaulay5938 Год назад +13

    Les Claypool s a great guy. Totally amazing bassist.

  • @mattwolfe3922
    @mattwolfe3922 Год назад +3

    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.

  • @Casketkrusher_
    @Casketkrusher_ Год назад +34

    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.

    • @carpediemarts705
      @carpediemarts705 Год назад +1

      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.

    • @carpediemarts705
      @carpediemarts705 Год назад +1

      Oh, album Sausage. A previous Primus lineup, he has had New Year's Eve shows where Sausage opens up for Primus.

    • @DesignRhythm
      @DesignRhythm Год назад +1

      Nice man -also his double album with The Frog Brigade has some sick playing on it. They cover the whole Pink Floyd album Animals.

    • @mycotripstoreoninstagram9282
      @mycotripstoreoninstagram9282 Год назад

      The best Check out☝️☝️☝️, for mush edibles,chocolate bars, shrooms and other psyched products....Very affordable

    • @fugyamofug
      @fugyamofug Год назад +2

      @@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"

  • @LocalFoe
    @LocalFoe Год назад +3

    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.

    • @AlchemicalAudio
      @AlchemicalAudio Год назад

      That must have been an amazing night of music

  • @kisle3195
    @kisle3195 Год назад +13

    These guys have earned the love and their place with the greats.

  • @37wolverinedreams
    @37wolverinedreams Год назад +9

    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?

  • @nonya1588
    @nonya1588 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @anttisiiskonen1654
    @anttisiiskonen1654 Год назад +4

    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!

  • @Sinistar8u
    @Sinistar8u Год назад +19

    Awesome story, seen them live many times and always a great show!

    • @te9591
      @te9591 Год назад +3

      Ive seen them only once and they played the entire set of Frizzle Fry.

    • @jamesmadden2403
      @jamesmadden2403 Год назад

      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

    • @te9591
      @te9591 Год назад +1

      @@jamesmadden2403 really? They were amazing when i saw them.

  • @chrisv9419
    @chrisv9419 Год назад +9

    Saw them the first time last Tuesday, it was amazing and Ler tossed me the pick after

  • @darkflash32
    @darkflash32 Год назад +5

    Where is the longer version of this? HOLY.

  • @kasonfurnas9551
    @kasonfurnas9551 Год назад +3

    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!!

  • @BotsWeekendCovers
    @BotsWeekendCovers Год назад +1

    I could listen to Les all day long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @bayareathrasher666
    @bayareathrasher666 Год назад +1

    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

  • @blakesterling9937
    @blakesterling9937 Год назад +6

    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

    • @2NDFLB-CLERK
      @2NDFLB-CLERK Год назад


      'Actual legends' don't sell out.
      This coward did, just like most of them do.
      🟥

    • @mycotripstoreoninstagram9282
      @mycotripstoreoninstagram9282 Год назад

      The best Check out☝️☝️☝️, for mush edibles,chocolate bars, shrooms and other psyched products....Very affordable

  • @joeytumbleson9723
    @joeytumbleson9723 Год назад +3

    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!

  • @egcowling9657
    @egcowling9657 Год назад +8

    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!

    • @guyfawkes6657
      @guyfawkes6657 Год назад +2

      fungi saved me

    • @egcowling9657
      @egcowling9657 Год назад +3

      @@guyfawkes6657 Me as well! Onward to the stars!

    • @dayglodoggy
      @dayglodoggy Год назад +1

      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.

    • @STABtheCLAM
      @STABtheCLAM Год назад +1

      Frizzle Fry is awesome on psilocybin.

  • @georgeofthejungle2132
    @georgeofthejungle2132 Год назад +4

    Hell of a story. Love Primus. Herb is a BEAST.

  • @EleanorHahn
    @EleanorHahn Год назад

    I was an undergrad at Cal in the mid 80s when I was first taken to the Berkeley Square to see Primus - and they freakin’ blew my mind. Thank you!!!

  • @StoningXStephen
    @StoningXStephen Год назад +3

    I've mostly moved away from the metal scene but, primus and Les in particular will always have a place in my heart.

  • @thomaswalthall998
    @thomaswalthall998 9 месяцев назад +2

    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.)

  • @christopherbell4543
    @christopherbell4543 Год назад +1

    Now that's an interview 👍 More like that please 😎

  • @brianjansen3103
    @brianjansen3103 Год назад +2

    I found out about primus through the little section of rolling stone magazine that was about 'alternative rock.' For someone living in a rural area before public internet, rolling stone was a great tool for finding new music

    • @mannynunez6746
      @mannynunez6746 Год назад

      Car Stereo Review turned me on to so many great bands. Promise. Posies, Pixies, Mercury Rev, Buthole Surfers, Breeders, The Tragically Hip, Tom Waits, NIN, Frank Black, Urban Dance Squad, Smashing Pumpkins, I can go on and on RIP Bill Wolfe

  • @panzerbero
    @panzerbero Год назад +2

    Since his first word until the last, he is singing. Les Claypool is a masterpiece, genius.
    Thanks for all that he gave us, forever!!!

  • @manjufrodo
    @manjufrodo Год назад

    Got to see Primus live in small Bay Area venues, late '80s-early '90s -- always a great show.

  • @ethanrakow1454
    @ethanrakow1454 Год назад +3

    I want to hear all about Claypool's tales from the punchbowl while I am on acid myself.

  • @owl509
    @owl509 Год назад +10

    Thanks for the South Park intro 🙏

    • @ZekeWhiting
      @ZekeWhiting Год назад +1

      they gave trey and matt the south park intro and the idea of going to the oscars on acid lmao amazing

  • @gsmith207
    @gsmith207 Год назад +4

    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

  • @bobgrenier5867
    @bobgrenier5867 Год назад

    My stepbrother introduced me to primus way back in 2000. Changed my life man

  • @johngoins1902
    @johngoins1902 Год назад +1

    I love how his dad was the one that helped primus make it. What a good dad supporting his son!!

  • @StamfordBridge
    @StamfordBridge Год назад

    I used to see them in 87-88 at Berkeley Square. Possibly the greatest little shows I’ve ever seen - and Berkeley Square was a shoebox of a place.