Primus Plans Oakland New Year’s Eve Run To Wrap Transformative 2025

Primus returns home to the Bay Area to ring in 2026 with a two-night New Year’s Eve run. The trio — bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and new drummer John Hoffman — will perform at Oakland’s Fox Theater on December 30 and 31.

“The hometown celebration will feature two completely unique sets each night,” as per a press release announcing the run. While the band will go it alone on December 30 for an “Evening With Primus,” Puddles Pity Party will kick off the action on New Year’s Eve.

2025 has been an exciting year for Primus as John Hoffman has brought new energy to the band. Claypool and LaLonde selected Hoffman to step into the role previously held by Tim “Herb” Alexander after an open audition process in which over 6,000 musicians applied to become Primus’ new drummer. Alexander abruptly quit the band last fall.

John Hoffman made his Primus debut in March at Tool's Live In The Sand destination event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The trio recently closed out their Onward & Upward Tour, which was Hoffman’s first headlining run as a member of the band.

Primus dug deep into their repertoire and welcomed many special guests throughout the excursion. One such guest was Puddles Pity Party, who joined Primus for a Black Sabbath cover in New Orleans.

Presales begin on Thursday, August 21 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets then go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. PT.