Bass-oriented alternative metal band, formed in California in the mid 1980s, under the original name 'Primate'.
In 1989 Primus released their debut album "Suck On This", followed by a line of successful albums in the early 1990s; "Frizzle Fry" (1990), "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" (1991) and "Pork Soda" (1993), plus their first 'covers' EP "Miscellaneous Debris" (1992). Their fifth album, "Tales From The Punch Bowl", went Gold before the end of 1995. During the summer of 1996 they parted ways with drummer, Tim Alexander, who was replaced by Bryan "Brain" Mantia - making his debut on "The Brown Album" (1997). A second 'covers' EP "Rhinoplasty" followed in 1998.
Primus then departed from their previous approach, with the "Antipop" album in 1999. A more metallic sound, featuring different producers on almost every track - including such notables as Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello; Limp BizKit's Fred Durst; Tom Waits; South Park creator, Matt Stone and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. It also included such guest artists as Metallica's James Hetfield and former Faith No More guitarist, Jim Martin.
Mantia left in 2000 to join Guns N' Roses. During the ensuing break, band leader/bassist Claypool focused on recording his side project, Oyster Head (which included Copeland and Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio), as well as releasing a two-part solo, "Live Frogs: Set 1 and Set 2". Re-united with Tim "Herb" Alexander in 2003, Claypool and LaLonde released the EP "Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People" and a DVD compilation, featuring the band's videos, studio footage and rare performance bootlegs.
2006 saw the band release another DVD; "Blame It On The Fish" featuring the band live on their 2003 tour, as well as a greatest hits package "They Can't All Be Zingers: The Best Of Primus". This was followed by the "Beat A Dead Horse Tour" in 2006 and a further album
Formed
1986
Members
Tim "Herb" Alexander, Les Claypool, Jay Lane, Brian "Brain" Mantia, Larry LaLonde, Todd Huth, Tim "Curveball" Wright
