Primus ‘Shocked’ By Abrupt Departure Of Drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, Tool’s Danny Carey Among Planned Fill-Ins

Multi-platinum alternative metal band Primus have announced the departure of their drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. An integral member of the group’s lineup throughout their career, Alexander appeared on the trio’s most commercially successful and career-defining releases.

However, over the years Alexander has also taken several stints away from the band, first leaving in 1996 and later rejoining from 2003 till 2010. His most recent run with the eclectic Californian outfit ran from 2013 up until several weeks ago.

While Alexander suffered a pair of heart attacks in the mid 2010s, physical health concerns are not the cause for this latest exit from the gifted 59-year-old percussionist. According to a statement issued by his now once again former bandmates, his exit also came as a complete surprise, with Alexander guardedly relaying that he simply has, “lost his passion for playing.”

The band’s statement on the personnel change , which was issued today, October 29th, reads as follows:

“On Thursday, October 17th, we received an email from Tim “Herb” Alexander expressing that effective immediately he would no longer be involved with Primus. It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp.

On the heels of a wonderful Spring & Summer of touring and some fabulous plans ahead, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly opt out. After several attempts to communicate with Herb, his only response was another email stating that he has “lost his passion for playing,”. As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice and it’s forced us to make some tough decisions.

We considered cancelling the annual New Year’s show, but after much talk Les and Ler have decided to pivot to an augmented version of Primus featuring members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. This will be an exciting special, one-time event.

As far as future Primus, the band is looking forward to performing in the Dominican Republic with Tool and others. Danny Carey has once again graciously offered to fill the drum throne.

For Sessanta, Primus plans on searching for the “greatest drummer on earth”. Details to follow…

Thank you for all your support and understanding.”

The addition of drummer Danny Carey behind the kit for Primus‘s performance at Tool‘s upcoming first-ever ‘Live In The Sand‘ destination festival is a alluring pairing. However, it’s also a bit of a twist, given that Carey filled in on drums with Primus following Alexander‘s 2014 heart attack.

With big shoes yet to be filled, Primus ‘ current touring itinerary will run as follows:

12/30 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater (feat. Limbomaniacs)
12/31 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater (feat. Beanpole)
03/05-09 Punta Cana, DOM – Tool Live In The Sand

‘Sessanta V.20 Tour‘ with A Perfect Circle & Puscifer:

04/24 Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
04/25 Las Vegas, NV – PH Live at Planet Hollywood
04/27 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
04/29 San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
05/01 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
05/02 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
05/04 Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater
05/06 Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
05/08 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
05/10 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
05/11 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
05/14 Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena
05/15 Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann Center
05/17 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
05/18 Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena
05/20 Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
05/22 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
05/24 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
05/25 Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
05/28 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
05/29 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05/31 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
06/01 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
06/03 Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena
06/06 Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
06/07 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre