Interstellar Drum Derby: Thomas Lang Sits On The Throne For Primus Classics & Deep Cut

Primus dropped a new Interstellar Drum Derby episode, documenting the band’s search for a new drummer. While Josh Hoffman ultimately got the gig, episode nine of the Primus Interstellar Drum Derby featured renowned Austrian drummer Thomas Lang.

Following the departure of longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, Primus opened up drum auditions in November 2024. After receiving 6,100 submissions, Primus bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde whittled down the field to 10 finalists featured in the Primus Interstellar Drum Derby.

Past Drum Derbys have exhibited the percussive skills of Gergő Borlai, John Hoffman, lespecial's Rory Dolan, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell, Sam Groverman and Nikki Glaspie.

Each episode of the series has opened up with hilarious segments featuring drummer/comedian Fred Armisen as a candidate for the Primus throne. In episode nine, “Richard Ednolol” gets a fist bump from “germophobe” Les Claypool and extols the virtues of 17/1 time.

Thomas Lang then made an entrance. Hailing from Vienna, Austria, Lang related to Les his influences including Police drummer and Claypool’s Oysterhead bandmate Stewart Copeland. Les characterizes Ler LaLonde as a “fiery bastard.” LaLonde and Lang had worked together previously on the video game Twisted Metal. Claypool also shares his aversion to washy cymbals, especially the china boy.

Primus and Lang then get into a jam before run throughs of Primus tunes “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers,” “Groundhog’s Day” and “Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread.” Tool drummer Danny Carey, who put in a good word for Lang, also makes an appearance.

Watch Primus Interstellar Drum Derby featuring Thomas Lang below:

Primus is teaming back up with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer for the 2025 Sessanta tour, whcih begins April 24 in Thousand Palms, California. Claypool and LaLonde then hit the road on Primus’ first headlining tour with drummer Josh Hoffman this summer. Scroll down for the band’s itinerary and ticket info.