Primus returned to the stage for the first time since drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander announced his departure for a two-night New Year’s Eve celebration at Oakland’s Fox Theater. Bryan “Brain” Mantia, who played with Primus when Alexander previously left the group in 1996, filled in on drums as the band continues its search for a new drummer.
The shows were originally billed as just Primus, but after Alexander announced his departure, Les Claypool enlisted his other side projects to help make the run extra special. Each night featured performances by Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel and Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade in addition to Primus, resulting in a celebration of the enigmatic bassist’s expansive musical universe. Members of Claypool’s various ensembles also sat in with Primus, including Frog Brigade percussionist Mike Dillon, drummer Paulo Baldi, and former collaborator Adam Gates, a.k.a. Bob C. Cock, who has a history of contributing to Primus’ New Year’s Eve shows.
Each band revisited its own catalog and covers over the course the two nights, with Primus showcasing a mix of classic songs like “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers” and “Fisticuffs” as well as deep cuts like “Restin’ Bones”, which the band revived for the first time since 1997. At the end of both nights, all three bands joined forces for a “Here Come the Bastards” encore.
Click below to check out fan-shot videos from Primus’ New Year’s run at Oakland’s Fox Theater and scroll down to view the full setlists.
As Primus’ search for a new drummer continues, the band has a number of high-profile performances coming up in 2025, including appearances at the Tool: Live in the Sand festival and the Sessanta V2.0 Tour alongside A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Find a full list of upcoming shows and ticketing details here.
Primus, Holy Mackerel, Frog Brigade – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – 12/30/24 [Video Playlist]
[Videos: jesseriah]
Setlist: Primus, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel | Fox Theater | Oakland, CA | 12/30/24
Holy Mackerel: Holy Mackerel (with Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel), Highball With the Devil (with Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel), Hendershot (all 3 bands)
Frog Brigade (with Larry LaLonde: Up on the Roof (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade), David Makalaster (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade, with “Southbound Pachyderm” tease), Riddles Are Abound Tonight (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade), D’s Diner (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade),
Primus: Restin’ Bones (first time since 1997; first time played in full), Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers, American Life, Fisticuffs, Shake Hands With Beef, Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, Encore: Here Come the Bastards (all 3 bands), Cosmic Highway (all 3 bands)
Note: First show with Bryan Mantia on drums since 2000.
Setlist: Primus, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel | Fox Theater | Oakland, CA | 12/31/24
Holy Mackerel: Highball With the Devil (with Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel), Precipitation (all 3 bands)
Frog Brigade (with Larry LaLonde): Thela Hun Ginjeet (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade, also with MIRV), Rumble of the Diesel (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade), Whamola (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade), D’s Diner (with The Les Claypool Frog Brigade)
Primus: Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers, Fisticuffs (not on written setlist; added to fill time before the New Year’s countdown), Bob’s Party Time Lounge (with Bob C. Cock, first time since 2000; with New Year’s countdown), Groundhog’s Day (with “DMV” and “777-9311” teases), Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread (with Paulo Baldi, also with Mike Dillon), The Antipop, My Name Is Mud (with Paulo Baldi)
Encore: Here Come the Bastards (all 3 bands)