New Primus Drummer John Hoffman Discusses Getting The Job

After an exhaustive search for a new drummer Primus has tapped John Hoffman to join the band. The Shreveport, Louisiana-based drummer posted a note on social media expressing his excitement to take over the role previously held by Tim “Herb” Alexander.

Hoffman scored the position following an open audition process in which over 6,000 musicians applied to become Primus’ new drummer. Alexander abruptly quit the band last October when he told bandmates bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde he had “lost his passion for playing.”

The pool of initial applicants was whittled down to nine who were brought in for a five-day “interstellar drum derby” to perform with Claypool and LaLonde. Hoffman, previously a member of Dirtfoot who has won raves for his drumming videos on YouTube, made a huge impression and was officially announced as Primus’ new drummer late last week.

John Hoffman has been playing drums since age 2, performed his first gig by age 4 and embarked on his first tour when he was 17. The drummer thanked his friends, family, the Primus team and those who took part in the audition process as part of his emotional statement.

Read John Hoffman’s full note about getting the Primus gig below:

After having a few days now to process and ground myself a little bit, I can finally gather enough thoughts to make this post. The rumors are true, as they say. Through impossible and seemingly insurmountable odds, after surviving a virtual gauntlet of some of the literal greatest drummers walking planet Earth, I somehow, some way, remained the last one standing…..and am now a member of one of my all time favorite bands in the history of music, the one and only @primusville.

Just know that everyone of you who dug SO deep in supporting me along the way if even through a positive comment, I see you and appreciate you all. Each of you who has been in my corner, I literally share this with all of you. Every one in our community, the City of Shreveport, and the State of Louisiana, I brought all of you into that room with me whether you realize it or not. The most thanks goes to my wife Courtney, who kept me going many times through this process when I felt like I was flat on my face and wanted to give up. Her love and support kept me from throwing in the towel more than once throughout these last couple very emotional months. For that and many other reasons, I love her and thank her so much for carrying me through when I needed it most.

I will speak more on everything soon, but for now I just want to reiterate my love and thanks to you all, as well as the other monstrous and unbelievably talented drummers who were involved in this audition process, some of whom I made friends with along the way. And of course, extra special thanks to @lesclaypool, @lerlalonde, @timsoya, Brad, and the rest of the Primus team for seeing something in me, trusting in me, believing in me, and inviting me into this amazing family. I promise, I will not let you down.<.p>

Can’t wait to see you all at Sessanta.
Much love.
-John

Les Claypool also shared a note he received from Hoffman on Instagram. “Things are so good. Just tripping out at this reaction. I can’t believe (1) how massively viral this is and (2) how incredibly positive and supportive the fan base is being about you choosing me. I’m overwhelmed,” the drummer wrote within his message to Claypool.

Hoffman called the honor, “the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me.” See the rest of the message below:

John Hoffman will hit the road with Primus for the Sessanta tour this spring. Claypool and LaLonde will perform a Primus set with Tool drummer Danny Carey at Tool Live In The Sand on March 8 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Scroll below for a list of upcoming Primus tour dates.