Primus Unveils 1st Studio Single With John Hoffman & Best Of The Rest Drummer Submission Montage

Primus recently installed John Hoffman as their new drummer after an exhaustive search. Out now from Primus is “Little Lord Fentanyl,” the trio’s debut studio recording with Hoffman, which also features vocal contributions from old pal Maynard James Keenan (Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer).

The track arrives as Primus is on the road with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer for the collaborative Sessanta Tour, which celebrates Maynard’s 61st birthday. “This fiery, cheerful, octopus-like drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana has breathed a very potent breath of freshness into this band we all call PRIMUS,” Claypool recently said of Hoffman. “Come see why this amazing fellow was able to rise above over 6,100 applicants to win the Interstellar Drum Derby and become the latest, and possibly the greatest, drummer to sit on the PRIMUS drum throne.”

“Little Lord Fentanyl” marks the Primus’ first new studio track since the release of their Conspiranoid EP in 2022. John Hoffman’s versatile drumming is showcased on the song along with elements of the trio’s classic sound and Rush-inspired synth bursts. Maynard James Keenan’s voice can be heard underneath bassist Les Claypool's lead vocals.

Stream Primus’ “Little Lord Fentanyl” featuring Maynard James Keenan below:

Primus also released what appears to be their penultimate Interstellar Drum Derby video. The series documents the global audition process that led to John Hoffman joining the band. Hoffman was one of ten finalist chosen by Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde to make the trip to California for in-person auditions.

The new Interstellar Drum Derby episode features a “Tip Of The Cap” video montage providing a look at the best of the over 6,100 applicants who didn’t make the finals. Drummers included within the montage range in age from extremely young to rugged veterans. “Some were tight, creative, and full of feel—others… a little weirder,” a description of the video reads. “A celebration of the unexpected, the overlooked, and the delightfully strange.”

Watch the 11th episode of Primus’ Interstellar Drum Derby series:

The next episode will profile the last phase of the process in which two finalists came back for second in-person auditions with Primus. Scroll below for a full rundown of the trio’s upcoming tour dates.