Better Call Hoffman: Primus Wrap Up ‘Interstellar Drum Derby’ With Emotional Finale

While over three months have passed since Primus announced to the world they tapped John Hoffman to join the band, fans can now see how the drummer learned he got the gig. Primus rolled out the final episode of Interstellar Drum Derby, their YouTube docuseries providing a behind-the-scenes look at the search for a new drummer.

The search began last fall when longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander abruptly quit Primus. Bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde put out an open call for Alexander’s replacement and received over 6,100 submissions from across the globe.

After reviewing applications, Primus selected nine drummers to fly to L.A. for in-person auditions. The sessions were filmed for Interstellar Drum Derby with past installments featuring Gergő Borlai, John Hoffman, lespecial's Rory Dolan, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell, Sam Groverman, Nikki Glaspie and Thomas Lang. Additionally, comedian/musician Fred Armisen portrayed candidate Michael Plopnik throughout the series and a supercut compiled footage of the best appliciants who weren’t brought in.

Les and Ler decided on John Hoffman and Gergő Borlai as the finalists. The new Interstellar Drum Derby episode shows Claypool calling both drummers and asking them to spend two days auditioning in Northern California to get the coveted spot. There’s also footage of Armisen discussing the first time he heard Primus’ music and actor Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) jamming with the band.

Hoffman and Borlai each had a turn to perform a full set of Primus classics with Claypool and LaLonde. The pair then went into the studio with each musician to work on what would become the recently released “Little Lord Fentanyl” single.

Agent Odgen was tasked with directing the Interstellar Drum Derby video series. He called the finale “a challenge to put together” as there was plenty of compelling footage to choose from. “There was so much to fit into a single episode,” he noted. “The biggest challenge was figuring out how to showcase both drummers, Gergo and John, without repeating the same songs and keeping things moving forward. I think the back-and-forth editing between the two during the same track is fun to watch. You can hear the subtle differences, but it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the music. It was crucial to highlight their incredible talent, but it was just as important to show that these guys are humans, too.”

The episode ends in emotional fashion. Les and Ler surprised John Hoffman with a cake that said “you got the gig.” Hoffman made his Primus debut in March at Tool’s Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.

Watch the final episode of Primus’ Interstellar Drum Derby below:

Read a post John Hoffman shared on Instagram after watching the finale:

Primus are currently on the road for the Sessanta Tour with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. The trio then kicks off an extensive summer tour on July 5 in Paso Robles, California.