Nikki Glaspie Powers Through Primus’ Interstellar Drum Challenge

Primus spotlighted powerhouse drummer Nikki Glaspie in the latest Interstellar Drum Derby video. The series documents Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde's search for Tim Alexander’s replacement, which eventually led to John Hoffman landing the job.

Alexander abruptly quit the band last fall. Claypool and LaLonde then launched a search for the “greatest drummer in the world.” After receiving 6,100 video submissions, Primus narrowed the pool to 10 and had those candidates come to California for in-person auditions. The Interstellar Drum Derby video series chronicles the finalists’ experience with each installment devoted to a separate candidate.

Glaspie is featured in the newly released sixth edition. Past episodes have been devoted to lespecial's Rory Dolan, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell and Sam Groverman. Each installment begins with drummer/comedian Fred Armisen posing as one of the candidates.

Nikki Glaspie was born in Fredricksburg, Virginia and was raised in Maryland. Glaspie co-founded The Nth Power after touring with the likes of Beyoncé, Maceo Parker and Dumpstaphunk. In addition to The Nth Power, the drummer currently plays with Mike Dillon in Punkadelic, Snarky Puppy and the all-star ensemble Super Sonic Shorties.

“I think I bring a different ear and perspective to the music just because I played all sorts of music my entire life. I grew up in church and I’ve played a lot of funk. I hear a lot of funk in this music, so I think that’s what I would bring to the music is the funk,” Glaspie explained. Nikki, Ler and Les started off the audition with an open-ended jam. “You’re bad as fuck!” Claypool exclaimed after the improvisation.

The auditions typically consisted of an improvised jam before the three musicians performed a series of Primus songs from a list distributed to the drummers before the sessions. An awkward moment happened when Glaspie realized she hadn’t seen the list. “I wish I knew there was a list,” Nikki said. “I learn songs for a living. If I had seen it, I definitely would’ve [learned the songs].”

Glaspie, Claypool and LaLonde decided to perform “My Name Is Mud” and the Primus members loved the pocket-oriented approach Nikki took to the Pork Soda single. The drummer was fresh off a trip to Holland, where she recorded a live album with Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest. Les asked Glaspie about her Beyoncé experience and Nikki said she enjoyed parts of it. “I learned a lot,” Glaspie shared in her diplomatic response.

Watch the Nikki Glaspie episode of Primus’ Interstellar Drum Derby below:

Primus will hit the road with John Hoffman next month as part of Sessanta tour. The trio will then embark on the Onward & Upward Summer Tour 2025.

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