Tool Members, Bill Burr, Matt Stone, Ty Segall & MonoNeon Join Primus At Greek Theatre

Primus' Onward & Upward Tour reached its penultimate stop of Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 7. The trio turned their concert at the Greek Theatre into a guest-filled affair by bringing out members of Tool, comedian Bill Burr, South Park co-creator Matt Stone, opener Ty Segall and bassist MonoNeon at various points of the evening.

After launching the show with recently revived Brown Album cuts “Restin’ Bones” and “Bob’s Party Time Lounge,” Primus — bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and new drummer John “Hoffer” Hoffman — was joined by Bill Burr on a second drum kit and Tool bassist Justin Chancellor for “Too Many Puppies.” Burr crushed behind the kit while Chancellor and Claypool laid down a thick bottom end. Justin Chancellor played a Pachyderm bass for the guest spot.

The parade of special guests continued a few songs later, when Matt Stone accompanied the trio on a cover of King Crimson’s “Thela Hun Ginjeet.” Stone played the second drum kit earlier utilized by Bill Burr. Primus has a long history with Stone as they wrote the South Park theme song and have shared the stage with Matt on several previous occasions.

Les Claypool shouted out Southern California resident Larry “Ler” LaLonde during the “Over The Falls” that followed. Claypool pointed out LaLonde was among those affected by the devastating wildfires that tore through SoCal in January. Ler lost a total of 59 guitars and nearly all of his gear. Les revealed LaLonde was gifted one of current Pantera guitarist Zakk Wylde's signature guitars backstage at the Greek. LaLonde ripped a solo on his new axe before Primus concluded “Over The Falls.”

Next came a performance of Frizzle Fry classic “John The Fisherman.” Then, Ty Segall emerged to front Primus on their third-ever cover of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” The trio broke out their version last month in New Orleans with Puddles Pity Party. Images of Ozzy Osbourne, who died at age 76 on July 22, were displayed as Segall and Primus performed the Black Sabbath cover.

Primus moved forward with “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon,” “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” and “Welcome To This World” before Tool drummer Danny Carey took a seat at the second drum kit for the set-closing “My Name Is Mud.” Carey had last performed with the trio at Tool's Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic, which was Hoffman’s first gig.

The trio returned with MonoNeon in tow for their “Southbound Pachyderm.” The acclaimed bassist opened several shows on Primus’ Onward & Upward Tour. Claypool and MonoNeon exchanged licks during the lengthy version of the Tales From The Punchbowl single.

Watch fan-shot videos of Primus’ “Southbound Pachyderm” encore with MonoNeon below:

Primus now heads to Sacramento. The trio will conclude the Onward & Upward Tour with concerts at Channel 24 tonight and tomorrow.