Primus frontman Les Claypool recently explained why fans of the band owe forgotten setlist gems to their new drummer, John ‘Hoffer’ Hoffman. Hoffman joined the band in 2025. He beat out more than 6,100 applicants in a global audition process dubbed the ‘Interstellar Drum Derby’ to replace former drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander.
Claypool was asked about what Hoffman has brought to the sound and whether he has changed the sound of Primus in any way. In response, he shared his thoughts on the new drummer’s style and influence.
“Well, it’s interesting because he’s, you know, our drummer, Jaycek, who had left the band in the late ’80s prior to us actually making our first record,” Claypool said. “He was very instrumental in what created the sound most people know. And so Hoffer is quite a lot like him, has this kind of hop to his playing, a lot of grace notes on the hi-hat and whatnot.”
Claypool then discussed how Hoffman’s fandom has influenced the band’s live setlists, bringing back songs they had long forgotten.
“The thing that he’s really brought is, A, he’s a big fan,” Claypool continued. “So he often says, ‘Hey, why aren’t we playing this song? I love this song. It’s a great song.’ And we go, ‘Oh shit, we forgot we even had that song.’ So it’s like having our fan base in the band because he’s drawing songs out of us that a lot of people haven’t heard in many years, if ever, because he enjoys them himself. So that’s a big thing.”
He also praised Hoffman’s positive attitude and how it affects the band’s dynamic on stage.
“He’s also just an incredibly nice, positive human being,” Claypool added. “And even when we’re playing and, you know, even if he f*cks something up and I turn around to give him the look, you know, he’s just back there smiling away, and just making me laugh, you know, I’m all right, all’s right with the world, you know.”
Claypool went on to describe the endearing experience of touring with Hoffman. The new drummer is experiencing many of these milestones for the first time.
“So it’s very endearing playing with him because he didn’t even have a passport before doing the first show with us, which was down in the Dominican Republic, where he literally— his first song playing with Primus was In Tandem with Danny Carey on stage,” Claypool said. “And he’s been wide-eyed and absorbing the world, and it’s incredible because after doing it for so many years, I don’t want to say you become jaded, but things that you take for granted.”
He recalled a specific moment when they rolled into Manhattan together. This experience highlighted how Hoffman’s fresh perspective has helped him appreciate their journey.
“I remember rolling into Manhattan early in the morning in a limo van with him and his wife a year or two ago and just looking at his face, and they were both just so enamored with what was going on,” Claypool recalled. “And we’re in a limo van and we’re rolling into the Manhattan skyline. He’d never been there before. And we’ve done it countless times, and it makes you appreciate a lot of these things that you’ve forgotten about. It’s like when I first took my kids to Disneyland. I got to relive it through their eyes. It’s a similar thing with Hoffer.”
This transition marks a new era for Primus. The band has navigated several lineup changes over its decades-long career. The addition of Hoffman brings a fresh chapter to the group’s history. This change follows the departure of their long-time drummer.
Tim “Herb” Alexander had three separate stints in Primus. He played on the band’s defining 1990s albums, including Sailing the Seas of Cheese, Pork Soda, and Tales from the Punchbowl. Alexander initially left the band in 1996 and returned in 2003. He left again in 2010, rejoined in 2013, and departed again in October 2024.
The search for a new drummer became a public event when Primus launched the “Interstellar Drum Derby.” This video series documented the audition and selection process and showcased multiple finalists. The open audition drew about 6,200 submissions from around the world. The series featured several well-known drummers, including Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell, Nikki Glaspie, Gergo Borlai, and Thomas Lang. Hoffman appeared in the seventh installment, titled “Get A Dog In Here.” He was among the shortlisted players invited to jam with the band on the West Coast. He eventually won the contest over Borlai in the final episode of the 12-part series.
Before joining Primus, Hoffman was a dedicated drummer who prepared extensively for this opportunity. He was selected after the global audition and was part of the final shortlist of drummers brought in to play with the band. Reflecting on his journey, Hoffman shared his perspective on the life-changing audition.
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” Hoffman said. This fresh energy has clearly revitalized the band as they continue to tour with their new lineup.
