Newly instated Primus drummer John Hoffman has offered up his first comments since landing the coveted role in the multi-platinum eccentric alternative metal outfit. This past week saw the group announce Hoffman as their latest member, following an open audition process that generated some 6200 hopeful candidates.
He replaces Tim “Herb” Alexander in the group, who abruptly departed the lineup last fall in order to “prioritize his mental and physical health.” Yesterday, February 08th, Primus vocalist/bassist Les Claypool shared the below statement he received from Hoffman, whom he has already bestowed upon the nickname of ‘Hoffer’. Claypool stated:
“Thought Id share a note from Hoffer. Great guy:
Morning brother! Things are so good. Just tripping out at this reaction. I can’t believe (1) how massively viral this is and (2) how incredibly positive and supportive the fan base is being about you choosing me. I’m overwhelmed. Thousands of comments from complete strangers ” yes, I was rooting for him all along”, “Primus made the right choice”, “I can’t wait to hear Primus with this guy on drums”…so unbelievable, I’m just humbled and shocked….and I cannot friggin wait. Les, I mean it, this is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me. The only day that compares to this is the day I married my amazing wife.
And the ENTIRE city of Shreveport is losing its mind right now. It’s like I just won the damn Super Bowl
Someone proposed to the city council that Feb 7th in Shreveport becomes “John Hoffman Day”
This is amazing, and I’m just so unbelievabley excited to be a part of this.
You’re the man, Colonel Claypool“
Hoffman is expected to join the band full-time beginning with their April run on this year’s ‘Sessanta v2.0‘ tour. That run will find Primus, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer once again sharing the stage, swapping members in and out on a song by song basis. That trek will serve as an extension of last year’s celebrations of the 60th birthday of A Perfect Circle, Puscifer (and Tool) frontman Maynard James Keenan.
Meanwhile, in an amusing addition to the exchange between Hoffman and Claypool featured above, Keenan was also present during some of Primus‘ drum auditions, providing coffee and towels to those trying out. Speaking in the comments on the post shared by Claypool above, Keenan wryly commented of the apparently crucial benefit of his assistance to Hoffman, offering “Admit it. It was the towel.”
Primus will also be onstage for one show ahead of that above-mentioned run, playing Tool‘s new destination festival, with Tool‘s own Danny Carey set to fill-in behind the kit. That show will take place March 08th at Punta Cana, DOM and has been billed ‘Tool Live In The Sand‘.
With A Perfect Circle & Puscifer:
04/24 Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
04/25 Las Vegas, NV – PH Live at Planet Hollywood
04/27 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
04/29 San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
05/01 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
05/02 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
05/04 Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater
05/06 Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
05/08 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
05/10 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
05/11 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
05/14 Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena
05/15 Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann Center
05/17 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
05/18 Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena
05/20 Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
05/22 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
05/24 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
05/25 Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
05/28 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
05/29 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05/31 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
06/01 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
06/03 Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena
06/06 Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
06/07 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
