Primus have announced the identity of their new drummer, after they issued a global open call for auditions.
In October, the band revealed the “complete shock” departure of their longtime drummer Tim Alexander, writing on social media: “We are currently taking submissions from all points in the universe for the position of Primus drummer/percussionist.”
Now, the results of that process are in, and the successful applicant is John Hoffman, a drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana who has a significant following on YouTube.
Les Claypool confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “Huffington!!! Welcome aboard!”
In his own post about the news, Hoffman wrote: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I came and did my thing the way I do it. It went as well as I could have hoped. Maynard James Keenan was sitting directly in front of me and watched my entire audition. He gave me this towel. It’s been one of the most incredible days of my life. I love you all. We did this.”
As part of Primus’ call for auditions, they went into what they expect from any new addition to the band. “Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual with original sensibility and aesthetic, possessing a desire to open new doors in the creative world,” they said. “Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove, pocket, and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must.”
In late 2024, the band joked they might have “found our guy” in bluegrass icon Billy Strings, while also warning that they had been “plagued” by pranksters and scammers during the audition process.
Alexander later explained his decision to quit the band. “Over time, I started realizing that it was affecting my physical life, it was affecting my mental life, and it was affecting my family life, and my heart just wasn’t in it,” he said.
“When I discovered that I’m struggling with all these things, I had to sit and think about exactly what am I doing,” he continued. “I don’t think I’ve ever chosen my path in life, I think I’ve just always thought ‘I’m a drummer, I’m just gonna do music,’ and things came to me, accepting whatever happens.”
Primus’ next dates are at Tool In The Sand, Tool’s destination festival in the Dominican Republic in March, where they will be joined by Danny Carey on drums. Hoffman’s debut will then come on the ‘Sessanta’ tour later in the year, which will see Primus join Puscifer and A Perfect Circle.