For The Win: Primus Shares John Hoffman Episode Of ‘Interstellar Drum Derby’

Primus unveiled the seventh Interstellar Drum Derby video, which features the band’s new drummer John Hoffman. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde's search for Tim Alexander’s replacement.

Last October, Alexander abruptly quit the band. Claypool and LaLonde decided to launch a global search for the “greatest drummer in the world.” Over 6,100 video submissions were received before the pair narrowed down the pool. The 10 finalists flew to California, where they auditioned to become the band’s new drummer. John Hoffman landed the job and made his Primus debut last month at Tool's Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.

Primus’ Interstellar Drum Derby video series documents the finalists’ experience with each episode devoted to a separate candidate. “Hoffer” is featured in the latest edition — “Get A Dog In Here.” Previous installments have been devoted to lespecial's Rory Dolan, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell. Sam Groverman and Nikki Glaspie. Drummer/comedian Fred Armisen serves as a host of sorts and jams with Claypool and LaLonde at the start of the Hoffman episode.

Shreveport, Louisana-based drummer John Hoffman started playing the drums at age 2. He first took the stage at age 4 and has been touring with various ensembles since he was 17. Hoffman came to the band’s attention via his drumming videos on YouTube. The former member of Dirtfoot submitted a video for the competition entitled “How I Became The New Drummer For Primus.”

The personal and musical chemistry between Hoffman, LaLonde and Claypool was quickly apparent. Hoffman chose to perform “Duchess And The Proverbial Mind Spread” with Primus, leading to raves from Les: “He fucking killed it. He played it way better than [former Primus drummers Tim “Herb” Alexander and Jay Lane] ever played it. It was amazing!”

“He wasn’t recommended by anybody, he just came out of the blue,” Claypool explained. “It would be an interesting story if he got the gig.” Watch the first chapter of the “interesting story” below:

Primus hits the road with Hoffman on April 24 to begin the Sessanta tour with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. This summer, the trio will embark on the Onward & Upward Summer Tour 2025.

Scroll below for a full list of upcoming Primus tour dates and ticketing links.