Primus Drummer Abruptly Quits Band, 'Lost His Passion For Playing'

Tim “Herb” Alexander, the drummer of Primus, has suddenly quit the band, leaving his bandmates in a state of “complete shock.”

Alexander played in Primus for three separate stints. After joining the band in 1989, he left for the first time in 1996 before rejoining in 2003 and departing for a second time in 2010. He returned to the band in 2013 and left again earlier this month.

Primus broke the news to their fans today (30 October) in a statement on social media.

The band stated that Alexander emailed his bandmates on 17 October and said he was leaving Primus “effective immediately.”

According to his bandmates, they attempted to communicate with Alexander on numerous occasions, and when they eventually received a response, he wrote that he had “lost his passion for drumming.” However disappointed the band is by the turn of events, they wrote that they respect his choice but, ultimately, had to make some tough decisions about what would come next.

While the band considered cancelling their annual New Year’s Show, the band’s current members, Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde, decided to host a version of the event with an “augmented version” of Primus with Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. They described the upcoming show as a “special, one-time event.”

Addressing their future, Primus stated that they still look forward to performing in the Dominican Republic alongside Tool, whose drummer, Danny Carey, will fill Alexander’s shoes. The band then plan on searching for the “greatest drummer on earth.”

Check out the full statement below.

In addition to his years with Primus, Alexander has also played in Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan’s bands, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle.

Primus last toured in Australia in 2018. In a review of their show at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre, reviewer Jessica Dale wrote: “If you're looking for three-and-a-half minute songs that stick to the studio original version, you're not going to like a Primus show. If you're looking for a show where the band know their audience wholeheartedly and are willing to take risks and experiment still after 30+ years, this is your band.”

Primus’ statement about Tim “Herb” Anderson’s departure:

On Thursday, October 17th, we received an email from Tim "Herb" Alexander expressing that effective immediately he would no longer be involved with Primus. It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp.

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.

We considered cancelling the annual New Year’s show, but after much talk Les and Ler have decided to pivot to an augmented version of Primus featuring members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. This will be an exciting special, one-time event.

As far as future Primus, the band is looking forward to performing in the Dominican Republic with Tool and others. Danny Carey has once again graciously offered to fill the drum throne.

For Sessanta, Primus plans on searching for the “greatest drummer on earth”. Details to follow...

Thank you for all your support and understanding.