Primus is embarking on a dynamic summer, having recently concluded their “Sessanta” tour alongside A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, and now gearing up for their own “Onward & Upward” headlining run. Coinciding with this bustling schedule, the band has announced a limited-edition seven-inch vinyl for their latest single, “Little Lord F*ntan*l.” This special release, available in burgundy, gold, grey, and white variants, will hit retail on August 15th, with physical copies also available during the tour which begins July 5th.
The vinyl’s B-side features a newly recorded live rendition of “Duchess (And The Proverbial Mind Spread),” captured during a performance at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia. This particular track is significant as it highlights the impressive drumming of John Hoffman, Primus‘s newest member. Hoffman‘s unique entry into the band came through the “Interstellar Drum Derby” search, where he was notably the sole applicant to choose “Duchess (And the Proverbial Mind Spread)” for his audition.
Primus frontman Les Claypool vividly recalled Hoffman‘s standout performance, noting his immediate command of the challenging song. “He’s the only one that picked it, and he fucking killed it,” Claypool enthusiastically stated. Hoffman‘s successful audition and seamless integration into the band are evident on the new live recording of “Duchess,” showcasing his undeniable chemistry with Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde.
“Little Lord F*ntan*l” itself marks a significant milestone as Primus‘s first new studio recording in over three years and their debut with Hoffman behind the kit. The track has garnered considerable attention, partly due to a guest vocal appearance from Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer). Critics have lauded the song, with Stereogum describing it as “transgressive and comforting at the same time,” while Metal Hammer called it “pure brain-melting oddness.”
With Hoffman firmly established, Primus is poised for a summer filled with their signature “brain-melting oddness.” The “Onward & Upward” headline tour kicks off on July 5th in Paso Robles, California, and will span 24 cities nationwide, with support from Ty Segall and MonoNeon. Les Claypool expressed immense satisfaction with Hoffman‘s addition, emphasizing the renewed vitality he brings to the trio. “This fiery, cheerful, octopus-like drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana has breathed a very potent breath of freshness into this band we all call Primus,” Claypool affirmed. He encouraged fans to witness Hoffman‘s prowess live, stating, “Come see why this amazing fellow was able to rise above over 6,100 applicants to win the ‘Interstellar Drum Derby‘ and become the latest, and possibly the greatest, drummer to sit on the Primus drum throne.”
Primus tour dates:
Jul 5, 2025 — Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles, CA (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 7, 2025 — Sandy Amphitheater, Salt Lake City, UT (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 8, 2025 — Snow King Mountain, Jackson, WY (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 9, 2025 — Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 11, 2025 — The Salt Shed, Chicago, IL (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 12, 2025 — Grinders KC, Kansas City, MO (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 13, 2025 — The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 15, 2025 — Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville, KY (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 16, 2025 — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Detroit, MI (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 18, 2025 — Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette, NY (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 19, 2025 — Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, VT (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 21, 2025 — The Rooftop at Pier 17, New York, NY (with special guest Ty Segall)
Jul 22, 2025 — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Bridgeport, CT (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 23, 2025 — Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 25, 2025 — Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 26, 2025 — Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, Wilmington, NC (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 28, 2025 — Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 29, 2025 — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport, LA (with special guest MonoNeon)
Jul 30, 2025 — The Bomb Factory, Dallas, TX (with special guest MonoNeon)
Aug 1, 2025 — Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix, AZ (with special guest MonoNeon)
Aug 2, 2025 — CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, San Diego, CA (with special guest MonoNeon)
Aug 3, 2025 — Quarry Amphitheater, Santa Cruz, CA
Aug 6, 2025 — Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA (with special guest Ty Segall)
Aug 7, 2025 — Channel 24, Sacramento, CA
Aug 8, 2025 — Channel 24, Sacramento, CA
