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PRIMUS Has Already ‘Done A Lot Of Recording’ For Upcoming Album, Says New Drummer JOHN HOFFMAN
New PRIMUS drummer John Hoffman has revealed the band has "done a lot of recording" for its upcoming album, though the material is still very much a work in progress. Hoffman, who joined PRIMUS in 2025 after winning a global audition contest, told Rock 'N' Roll Grad School that the sessions so far have been as much about him bonding creatively with bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde as about finalising songs, calling it "more of a getting to know you" phase.
Hoffman beat over 6,100 applicants in the band's "Interstellar Drum Derby" audition process. Songs already released include "The Ol' Grizz" (from the May EP "A Handful Of Nuggs"), a cover of DIO's "Holy Diver" featuring Puddles Pity Party, and "Little Lord Fentanyl", which notably preserves the actual drum take Hoffman recorded under pressure during his final audition test.
In short
- New PRIMUS drummer says album recording is underway but unfinished.
- Hoffman won the role via a 6,100-entrant global audition contest.
- "Little Lord Fentanyl" features his original audition drum take.
Explained simply
PRIMUS is an American rock band that has been active since the 1980s, known for their experimental and unconventional style. The band's main members are bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde.
In 2025, PRIMUS conducted a global competition called the "Interstellar Drum Derby" to recruit a new drummer. John Hoffman won, beating over 6,100 applicants to join the band.
The band has begun recording sessions for an upcoming album with Hoffman, though the material remains in development. According to Hoffman, the sessions have been as much about the three members getting to know each other creatively as about finalising the songs.
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