Primus drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander has left the band. The band shared the news in a statement on social media, saying they’d received an email from him saying he’d “lost his passion for playing.” “As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice,” they write.
They don’t plan to cancel any upcoming shows; their New Year’s show will feature an “augmented version of Primus featuring members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade,” and for Tool’s Live in the Sand destination festival, they’ll be joined by Danny Carey. For their 2025 Sessanta dates, they’re planning on “searching for the ‘greatest drummer on earth.'” Read their statement in full, and see all dates below.
Alexander joined Primus in 1989 and left in 1996, then rejoined when they reformed in 2003. He left again in 2010 and rejoined a few years later in 2013.
PRIMUS ON TIM “HERB” ALEXANDER LEAVING BAND
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.
PRIMUS: 2024-2025 TOUR DATES
Dec 30, 2024 Fox Theater Oakland, CA Support: Limbomaniacs
Dec 31, 2024 Fox Theater Oakland, CA Support: Beanpole
Mar 7, 2025 – Mar 9, 2025 Tool Live In the Sand Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Apr 24, 2025 Acrisure Arena Palm Desert, CA
Apr 25, 2025 PH Live at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, NV
Apr 27, 2025 Isleta Amphitheater Albuquerque, NM
Apr 29, 2025 Freeman Coliseum San Antonio, TX
May 1, 2025 BOK Center Tulsa, OK
May 2, 2025 Walmart AMP (Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion) Rogers, AR
May 4, 2025 The Orion Amphitheater Huntsville, AL
May 6, 2025 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL
May 8, 2025 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
May 10, 2025 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC
May 11, 2025 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre Virginia Beach, VA
May 14, 2025 SNHU Arena Manchester, NH
May 15, 2025 TD Pavilion at The Mann Center Philadelphia, PA
May 17, 2025 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
May 18, 2025 EagleBank Arena Fairfax, VA
May 20, 2025 Petersen Events Center Pittsburgh, PA
May 22, 2025 Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON
May 24, 2025 Ruoff Music Center Noblesville, IN
May 25, 2025 Blossom Music Center Cuyahoga Falls, OH
May 28, 2025 The Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids, MI
May 29, 2025 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre St. Louis, MO
May 31, 2025 American Family Insurance Amphitheater Milwaukee, WI
Jun 1, 2025 Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, MN
Jun 3, 2025 Baxter Arena Omaha, NE
Jun 6, 2025 RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater Ridgefield, WA
Jun 7, 2025 White River Amphitheatre Auburn, WA