Exciting news for Primus fans! The band has officially announced John Hoffman as their new drummer, following the departure of Tim “Herb” Alexander last year. Hoffman becomes the eighth drummer to join Primus, with Alexander having served three separate stints during the band’s history. The group expressed that Alexander’s decision to leave “came as a complete shock,” but they respected his choice and initiated a search for a new drummer last fall.
Who Is John Hoffman?
Primus’s search for a new drummer was extensive, reportedly narrowing down from 6,200 applicants to nine finalists. The band shared parts of their “Interstellar Drum Derby” audition process on social media, ultimately selecting John Hoffman to take over drumming duties.
Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Hoffman comes from a musical family; his father was a musician in the Texas-based band The Killer Bees. He began playing drums at the tender age of two and performed his first gig at four. By 17, he was on his first national tour. In recent years, Hoffman has been the drummer for the band Dirtfoot, who had previously opened for Primus.
Hoffman has also gained attention on social media with energetic drumming videos, covering TV themes like “Reading Rainbow,” “Ren & Stimpy,” and “Inspector Gadget,” as well as showcasing his skills on more traditional songs. For his Primus audition, he submitted a 50-second video playing “John the Fisherman,” which eventually led to his selection.
What’s Next for Primus?
Fans will get to see Hoffman in action with Primus this spring. The band’s schedule kicks off with the Tool Live in the Sand destination festival from March 7-9 in Punta Cana, La Altagracia. Following that, Primus will join A Perfect Circle and Puscifer for the Sessanta tour in the U.S., starting on April 24 in Palm Desert, California.
