Billy Strings Sits In With Primus For Classic Track In Grand Rapids

While Billy Strings may not have landed the gig as Primus' drummer, he had his third chance to perform with the band on his main instrument last night in Grand Rapids. The trio brought out the guitarist to guest on “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” during the Sessanta Tour stop at Van Andel Arena.

The collaborative Sessanta Tour features Primus and the Maynard James Keenan-led bands Puscifer and A Perfect Circle performing in various configurations throughout each concert. Strings emerged for the final song of Primus’ third mini-set on Wednesday.

Billy Strings is in his home state of Michigan for a pair of concerts at Van Andel Arena tomorrow, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. Strings’ guest appearance continues his long personal and musical relationship with Primus bassist Les Claypool. The duo are fishing buddies and have been teasing a collaborative album for years.

The guitarist first shared the stage with Primus at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in May of 2022. Strings then linked up with the trio on April 10, 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee during the first Sessanta Tour.

Billy Strings is no stranger to “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver,” as he joined the band for the song from their 1995 album Tales From The Punchbowl last April. Strings let it rip with Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and drummer John Hoffman and took over lead vocal duties on the second verse in a reprise of his previous sit-in.

Watch a two-minute clip of Strings performing “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” with Primus in Grand Rapids below: