Primus Share Open Call For New Drummer Following Tim Alexander’s Departure

Primus are on the hunt for a new drummer, and it could be anyone.

The veteran rock band – who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year – shared an open call out for a new drummer on social media today (Nov. 18) following the recent and unexpected departure of longtime percussionist Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander.

“We are currently taking submissions from all points in the universe for the position of Primus drummer/percussionist,” the group wrote. 

“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual with original sensibility and aesthetic, possessing a desire to open new doors in the creative world,” they clarified. “Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove, pocket, and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must.”

The band closed their post by urging potential applicants to submit both a resumé and a recent video performance to a dedicated email address.

The search has begun just week’s after Primus mainstays Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde revealed that Alexander had resigned suddenly on Oct. 17 via email “effective immediately”, citing a “loss of passion for playing”—a reason that Claypool and LaLonde admitted “came as a complete shock.”

“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,” Claypool and LaLonde said.

“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.”

In an interview with Rolling Stone following his exit, Alexander confirmed that his initial passion had become more like a job during his time in 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.

Alexander initially joined Primus in 1989, performing on their first four albums until his first departure in 1996. Replaced by his predecessor Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia until the band’s 2000 breakup, Alexander rejoined the group for their 2003 reunion, leaving again in 2010 before coming back to the fold once again in 2013.

Primus will reportedly move forward with their New Year’s Eve show in Oakland, California, enlisting members of Claypool’s other projects, Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade, for a “special, one-time event.” Additionally, for their upcoming Dominican Republic festival date, they’ll be joined by Tool drummer Danny Carey. 

The search for a new member echoes the efforts of the Smashing Pumpkins, who announced in January 2024 they would be holding an open audition process to replace former guitarist Jeff Schroeder. Frontman Billy Corgan later took to social media to reveal that within just 11 days, they had received over 10,000 submissions, with Kiki Wong ultimately being announced as their new member in April.