Primus Welcomes Billy Strings At The Ryman

Guitarist Billy Strings joined Primus for two songs during their concert last night at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Strings sat-in with the trio on “Over The Falls” and “Lee Van Cleef” early in the latest stop on Primus’ A Tribute To Kings tour.

Billy was returning the favor as Primus bassist Les Claypool sat-in with Strings one night prior to help the guitarist close out a three-night, sold-out residency at The Ryman. Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander started the night with oldies “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers,” “Last Salmon Man” and “Frizzle Fry” as well as recently issued single “Conspiranoia” before Strings emerged.

“Have you ever been to this place before? It’s a pretty sweet spot,” Claypool joked after introducing the guitarist. “Son, I’ve got the presidential suite upstairs!” Strings retorted. Les then discussed Billy playing electric guitar and asked if Strings going electric would be a “shocker to people” like Dylan going electric at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. “Primus in Latin spelled sideways is bluegrass,” added Claypool.

Up first for the Strings/Primus collaboration was “Over The Falls,” a song Claypool played with Billy’s band the previous evening. Billy dueled with LaLonde throughout the 11-minute version of The Brown Album standout. Strings also let it rip on the ensuing “Lee Van Cleef,” a cut from 2011’s Green Naugahyde. Primus followed the Strings guest spot by closing out the opening set with “Professor Nutbutter’s House Of Treats,” “Welcome To This World” and “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver.”

The second set was dedicated to a complete performance of Rush’s 1977 studio album A Farewell To Kings. Primus returned to say farewell with a three-song encore featuring “Here Come The Bastards,” “Follow The Fool” and “Groundhog’s Day.

Watch Billy Strings jam with Primus via fan-shot video footage below: