Primus (band)

:For other uses, see Primus.

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Primus is a rock band formed in California in the mid-1980's. Les Claypool (vocals and bass guitar) has been the only constant member.

Related Topics:
Rock band - California - Les Claypool - Bass guitar

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Their music has proven difficult to define; Primus has been called everything from "thrash funk" to "alternative rock" to "the Freak Brothers set to music." Les Claypool himself once described their music as "psychedelic polka" and a "chicken robot." They are characterized by their unconventional songs and irreverent approach to music - they release their records on Claypool's Prawn Song Records label, a parody of Led Zeppelin's Swan Song, and their catchphrase was "Primus Sucks" until 2003 on their reunion tour, Tour de Fromage, when Les announced that they didn't like that anymore.

Related Topics:
Thrash - Funk - Alternative rock - Freak Brothers - Les Claypool - Psychedelic polka - Prawn Song Records - Label - Led Zeppelin - Swan Song - Catchphrase

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While their music is critically lauded, Primus is often maligned for the outward humor of their songs. Proud of their cult status, once "Tommy the Cat" grew somewhat popular, Primus would introduce songs in concert by saying, "this next song is not called Tommy the Cat." When "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" exploded across the national consciousness a few years later they would disown it altogether. Yet despite their vast musical knowledge and endless experimentation, Primus remains largely accessible because of their rock roots.

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In their starting days, they used a drum machine, but only for a few months - quickly replaced by then-drummer Jay Lane.

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