Just two months after long-time drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander stepped away from Primus, the band made a significant return to the stage, reigniting their rhythm and spirit with Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia on drums during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Oakland’s Fox Theater.
Primus found themselves at a crossroads after the unexpected departure of their legendary drummer, Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander. This development came as a surprise to both fans and band members Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde. According to the pair, Alexander’s decision was abrupt, delivered via email, and driven by a ‘loss of passion for playing.’ This confession left the band in a challenging position, but they embraced the uncertainty, deciding to hold open auditions for a new drummer.
Amid this pivotal moment, the band turned back to a familiar face, Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia, who had previously played a crucial role as the drummer in Primus’s early days. Mantia’s history with the band dates back to 1989, and he was part of the group until Alexander took over in 1996. However, when Alexander left in 2000, Mantia stepped in again, continuing with the band until its split.
During the New Year’s Eve event, Primus treated their fans to a six-song set, where Mantia’s performance was nothing short of electrifying, delivering the dynamic beats and energy fans have come to love over the years. The audience, familiar with Mantia’s past contributions, welcomed him with open arms, celebrating both the nostalgia and the forward momentum for the band.
As Primus looks to the future, they have invited drummers from around the world to apply, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and musical conversation over flashy technique. The auditions come amid heightened anticipation as fans and band members alike look forward to what the next chapter holds for Primus.
In tandem with these auditions, Primus issued a warning against scammers preying on hopeful candidates, highlighting the darker side of the search for new talent. Their social media bulletin served as both a caution and a glimpse into the band’s ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency during this transition period.
Excitement continues to build as Primus gears up to perform alongside Tool’s Danny Carey for a festival in the Dominican Republic this March. Following this, they are set to embark on a tour alongside Puscifer and A Perfect Circle starting in April, marking a thrilling new phase in Primus’s vibrant journey.
As Primus navigates through significant changes, the band remains a beloved force in the music world. With a mix of nostalgia and fresh anticipation, the return with Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia sets an exciting stage for future developments.
