Editing Primus (band) (section)

==History==
===The early years, ''Suck on This'' and ''Frizzle Fry'' (1984–1990)===
In 1984, singer and bassist [[Les Claypool]] and guitarist [[Todd Huth]] began playing together in [[El Sobrante, Contra Costa County, California|El Sobrante, California]], under the name Primate.<ref name="consequence of sound 2017">{{Cite web|last=Phillips|first=Lior|date=September 29, 2017|title=Les Claypool Breaks Down the Entire Primus Discography|url=https://consequence.net/2017/09/les-claypool-breaks-down-the-entire-primus-discography/|access-date=June 15, 2020|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615072556/https://consequence.net/2017/09/les-claypool-breaks-down-the-entire-primus-discography/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Vaziri|first=Aidin|date=February 18, 2020|title=Primus to pay tribute to Rush on summer tour|url=https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/primus-to-pay-tribute-to-rush-on-summer-tour|access-date=June 15, 2020|website=Datebook {{!}} San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide|language=en-US|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615072557/https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/primus-to-pay-tribute-to-rush-on-summer-tour|url-status=live}}</ref> The duo were initially accompanied by a [[LinnDrum]] drum machine as they had trouble finding a drummer, until Claypool's friend Vince "Perm" Parker returned home from a stint in the army.<ref name="consequence of sound 2017" /><ref name="birthday">{{cite web|url=http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/les_bday_atn.html|title=You Say It's Your Birthday: Les Claypool of Primus|work=Addicted to Noise, via ram.org|author=Randy Reiss|date=September 1997|access-date=May 1, 2011|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718203335/http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/les_bday_atn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Claypool, Huth and Parker recorded the band's first [[demo (music)|demo tape]] together, financed by Claypool selling his car.<ref name="bass player 1992">{{cite web|title=Les Claypool gets a Taste of the Big Time|publisher=[[Bass Player (magazine)|Bass Player]]|website=ram.org|first=Karl|last=Coryat|author-link=Karl Coryat|date=September 1992|url=http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/bp1.html|access-date=September 23, 2006|archive-date=July 19, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719190853/http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/bp1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="through the years">{{cite web|url=http://mama.indstate.edu/users/primus/html/primus_through_the_years.html|title=Primus Through the Years: Les Claypool Reflects on His Past|author=Michael Goldberg|work=[[Addicted to Noise]]|access-date=May 1, 2011|archive-date=September 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928002145/http://mama.indstate.edu/users/primus/html/primus_through_the_years.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Primate then changed their name to Primus after "about a month" when they were contacted by the legal representative of a group called the Primates threatening legal action over the similarity of their names.<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="through the years" /> Parker was soon replaced by the band's second drummer, Peter Libby, who played on the first demo tape recorded under the name Primus. In the next few years Libby was then replaced by Robbie Bean, who was himself replaced by Tim "Curveball" Wright in 1986.<ref name="family tree">{{cite web|title=Primus family tree|url=http://www.ram.org/music/primus/misc/family_tree.html|access-date=April 29, 2011|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514001149/http://www.ram.org/music/primus/misc/family_tree.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{refn|The DVD ''[[Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People]]'' includes a video clip of Tim "Curveball" Wright playing with Primus, dated to sometime between 1986 and 1988, indicating that Wright joined the band in 1986.<ref name="animals discog" /> This is also corroborated by the "Primus family tree" timeline.<ref name="family tree"/>}}

By 1988, Primus had found success in the [[San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area]] music scene; it was to the point where they were "getting pretty popular [...] selling out at [[Berkeley Square (club)|Berkeley Square]]", when they "[got] rid of" Wright.<ref name="through the years" /> He was replaced by [[Jay Lane]], drummer with the [[Freaky Executives]], who were "getting dicked around by their record company" at the time, as Claypool later described it.<ref name="through the years" /> This lineup of Claypool, Huth and Lane recorded the demo tape ''Sausage'' (which later gave its name to the band [[Sausage (band)|Sausage]]), before "something good happened" with the Freaky Executives' record deal and Lane left the group.<ref name="through the years" /> [[Brain (musician)|Bryan "Brain" Mantia]] briefly joined to play drums during this period after Lane's departure, until a broken foot forced him to leave.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bryan-brain-mantia-guns-n-roses-tom-waits-primus-1388363/|title=Bryan 'Brain' Mantia Was There for Guns N' Roses' Most Unpredictable Era. Here's What It Was Really Like|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=August 4, 2022}}</ref> Huth soon also left in order to dedicate more time to his family, as he had recently had a son and was expecting another.<ref name="through the years" /><ref name="billboard frizzle 30">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/les-claypool-primus-debut-frizzle-fry-8550442/|title=Les Claypool Looks Back on Primus' Debut 'Frizzle Fry' at 30|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Hart, Ron|access-date=May 13, 2023}}</ref>

At this time in 1988, Claypool had been "moonlighting" in his words,<ref name="billboard frizzle 30" /> playing bass for his former band, [[Blind Illusion]], which also featured guitarist [[Larry LaLonde|Larry "Ler" LaLonde]].<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="billboard frizzle 30" /> LaLonde was a former member of the band [[Possessed (band)|Possessed]],<ref name="family tree" /> a student of [[Joe Satriani]],<ref name="rolling stone sucks" /> and "one of [Claypool's] best friends".<ref name="through the years" /> This lineup of Blind Illusion recorded the album ''[[The Sane Asylum]]'' before Claypool and LaLonde left the band in late 1988 to reform Primus.<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="through the years" />

In January 1989, Claypool and LaLonde were joined by [[Tim Alexander|Tim "Herb" Alexander]], drummer from the [[Arizona]]-based group [[Major Lingo]]. A month later,<ref name="through the years" /><ref name="birthday" /><ref name="RoSto Naugahyde"/> this lineup recorded the band's first album: ''[[Suck on This]]'', a live recording culled from two of their Berkeley Square concerts.<ref name="through the years" /> The initial pressing of 1,000 records was funded by a loan from Claypool's father,<ref name="through the years" /><ref name="animals discog">Illustrated Discography, ''[[Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People]]'' DVD, 2003.</ref> and after repaying him, the band used the profits from selling these to fund further pressings, later signing a deal with [[Rough Trade Records]] for nationwide distribution.<ref name="through the years" /><ref name="billboard frizzle 30" /> The band also sent copies of the album to [[campus radio|college radio stations]] across the United States, many of which gave it significant airplay, and it quickly gained traction.<ref name="through the years" />

In December 1989, Primus recorded their first studio album: ''[[Frizzle Fry]]'', which the band self-funded with the profits from sales of ''Suck on This''.<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="billboard frizzle 30" /> In 1990, the band signed a one-album deal with [[Caroline Records]] to release ''Frizzle Fry'' on condition that Caroline also obtained the rights to reissue ''Suck on This''.<ref name="through the years" /><ref name="rolling stone sucks" /> The band then spent the year touring North America and Europe in support of bands such as [[24-7 Spyz]], the [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]] and [[Jane's Addiction]],<ref name="concert archives 1990">{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/primus?year=1990|title=Primus's 1990 Concert History|work=concertarchives.org|access-date=May 13, 2023}}</ref> and soon attracted attention from a number of major record labels.<ref name="consequence of sound 2017" /><ref name="through the years" /><ref name="billboard frizzle 30" /> They signed to [[Interscope Records]] in 1991.<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="through the years" /><ref name="rolling stone sucks" />

It was during these early years that the band developed their iconic catchphrase "Primus sucks".<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="westword sucks" /> According to Claypool, this began as fans of the band would compliment them, and Claypool would reply "Nah, we suck".<ref name ="birthday" /> The band then started introducing themselves on stage by saying "We're Primus, and we suck",<ref name="rolling stone sucks" /> and fans quickly adopted the phrase, shouting "Primus sucks" at the group as a sign of affection.<ref name="birthday" /><ref name="through the years" /> Audiences also began chanting the phrase at the band's concerts, both before the start of the show and as a call for an [[encore]].<ref name="rolling stone sucks" /><ref name="westword sucks" /> The band embraced it and began printing and selling t-shirts with "Primus sucks" written on them.<ref name="rolling stone sucks" /><ref name="westword sucks">{{Cite web|last=Perry|first=Adam|title=Three Decades Later, Primus Still Sucks|work=Westword|date=2017-05-16|accessdate=2023-03-30|url=https://www.westword.com/music/primus-still-sucks-at-the-fox-theatre-a-night-before-the-trio-plays-red-rocks-9066983}}</ref> Claypool, talking about the phrase, said "I think it's the greatest thing [...] somebody can come right up to me and say, 'You guys really ''suck''.' And I would just take it as a compliment."<ref name="rolling stone sucks">{{Cite magazine|last=Azerrad|first=Michael|title=Does Primus Really Suck?|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=2023-03-30|date=1991-10-31|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/does-primus-really-suck-249254/}}</ref>

===''Sailing the Seas of Cheese'', ''Pork Soda'', and ''Tales from the Punchbowl'' (1991–1996)===
Primus's major label debut was the album ''[[Sailing the Seas of Cheese]]''. The album was supported by the singles "[[Jerry Was a Race Car Driver]]" and "[[Tommy the Cat]]", both of which appeared on [[MTV]]. A third single, "[[Those Damned Blue Collar Tweekers|Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers]]", was also released but did not feature a video. "Tommy the Cat" appeared on the soundtrack of ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]'' and the band made a cameo appearance in the film. Primus made a [[Beavis and Butt-Head]] tribute song entitled "Poetry and Prose" which appeared on the tie-in album ''[[The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience]].'' With a major label behind them, ''Sailing the Seas of Cheese'' went gold. The band then toured in support of [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[U2]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], and [[Fishbone]].

After the release of ''Sailing the Seas of Cheese'', in 1992, Primus released a [[cover song]] [[EP (format)|EP]] ''[[Miscellaneous Debris]]'', with their version of [[XTC]]'s "Making Plans for Nigel" receiving enough airplay to reach No.&nbsp;30 on [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'s Modern Rock Tracks chart.<ref>
{{cite magazine|title=Primus Chart History, Singles|magazine=Billboard|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=primus|chart=all}}|access-date=April 1, 2007}}</ref>

In 1993, Primus released ''[[Pork Soda]]'', which managed to debut at No.&nbsp;7 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. The album was darker than previous Primus efforts, dealing with murder, suicide, and alienation. The band has commented that prior to recording, they had been touring for nearly two solid years and were thus in a sombre mood.{{fact|date=May 2025}} "[[My Name Is Mud]]" was the first single, reaching No.&nbsp;9 on the U.S. [[Alternative Songs]] chart.  "[[DMV (song)|DMV]]" and "[[Mr. Krinkle]]" followed, the latter made into a video featuring Claypool in a pig suit and tuxedo playing upright bass in an abandoned warehouse as a carnival of oddities parades behind him, including Claypool's wife and her twin sister. Claypool said he put his "heart and soul" into the video, but it received next to no airtime on MTV. In an interview with ''[[Guitar World]]'' magazine, Claypool disparaged the channel's unwillingness to air the video, saying "it got played like six times."

''Pork Soda'' was recorded at the band's rehearsal space in San Rafael. The band would subsequently record all of their albums at Claypool's home studio called [[Rancho Relaxo]] (a [[The Simpsons|Simpsons]] TV show reference).

In 1993, Primus headlined the [[alternative rock]] festival [[Lollapalooza]]. They also made an appearance at the [[Woodstock '94]] Music Festival. They were pelted with mud while they performed "My Name Is Mud".<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6221688/exclusive-primus-les-claypool-talks-woodstock-94-20-years-later Primus' Les Claypool Talks Woodstock '94, 20 Years Later] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022090358/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6221688/exclusive-primus-les-claypool-talks-woodstock-94-20-years-later |date=October 22, 2017 }} billboard.com</ref> About a minute into the song the band stopped playing, and Claypool said, "Well I opened a big-ass can of worms with that one, didn't I? The song is called 'My Name Is Mud', but keep the mud to yourselves you son-of-a-bitch."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/full-show-friday-primus-at-woodstock-1994|title=Full Show Friday &#124; Primus At Woodstock 1994|date=August 8, 2014|website=JamBase|access-date=March 7, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003021/https://www.jambase.com/article/full-show-friday-primus-at-woodstock-1994|url-status=live}}</ref>

During a lull in 1994, the early Primus lineup of Claypool, Huth, and Lane reunited to record ''[[Riddles Are Abound Tonight]]'' under the band name [[Sausage (band)|Sausage]], named after the demo they had recorded together in 1988. Among the songs they recorded is an early version of "The Toys Go Winding Down", retitled "Toyz 1988". The video for the title track "Riddles Are Abound Tonight" featured the band in blue leotards performing on stationary bicycles.

In 1995, Primus released their fourth album, ''[[Tales from the Punchbowl]]''. It contained Primus's most successful single to date, which is the Grammy-nominated "[[Wynona's Big Brown Beaver]]". The song was accompanied by a video with the band members dressed up in cartoonish plastic cowboy costumes (similar to the suits worn in the [[The Puttermans|then-current Duracell battery commercials]]). The band was invited to perform on the [[Late Show with David Letterman]] and [[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]. On the David Letterman show, Primus appeared dressed in penguin tuxedos, in reference to one of the band's earlier photo shoots; one of the show's producers voiced her disapproval about the outfits, and while the band was allowed to play, they were given the cold shoulder by the show crew and Claypool later called it one of the worst nights of his career.<ref name="ryen podcast">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q98Rd8uVr4A|title=Part 1: Kyrie Out, 15 East Teams in 15(ish) Min, and Claypool of Primus! &#124; The Ryen Russillo Podcast|date=March 4, 2025|via=YouTube}}</ref> Two other less successful singles, "[[Mrs. Blaileen]]" and "[[Southbound Pachyderm]]" (the latter of which featured a claymation video that received only minimal airplay on MTV) were also released.

In 1996, Claypool self-produced his first solo album entitled ''Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel Presents [[Highball with the Devil]]''. On this album many of the songs are done solely by Claypool himself. Claypool also employs the help of a number of other musicians. Experimental Bay Area guitarist [[M.I.R.V.]] joined Claypool and others. Performances include a spoken word piece from [[Henry Rollins]] on the song "Delicate Tendrils". This album was recorded at Rancho Relaxo.

===Tim Alexander's departure, ''Brown Album'', ''Antipop'', and hiatus (1996–2002)===
[[File:Primus copenhagen 1998.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Claypool, Mantia and LaLonde in 1998]]
Alexander left the band and was replaced by [[Brain (musician)|Bryan "Brain" Mantia]] of Limbomaniacs and [[Praxis (band)|Praxis]]. Claypool stated "Herb's departure was like a marriage that just slowly decayed to an end."<ref>[http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/BAMinter.html Interview with Primus taken from BAM magazine, July 11, 1997.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818020245/http://ram.org/music/primus/articles/BAMinter.html |date=August 18, 2014 }} Retrieved October 22, 2012.</ref> With Mantia aboard, Primus were asked in 1996 to compose the theme song to ''[[South Park]]''. Primus also later contributed to the ''[[Chef Aid: The South Park Album|Chef Aid]]'' album with the song "Mephisto and Kevin".

''[[Brown Album]]'' was released in 1997 and supported by the singles "[[Shake Hands with Beef]]" and "Over the Falls". In 1998, the band headlined the inaugural [[Sno-Core]] tour with [[the Aquabats]], [[Long Beach Dub Allstars]] and [[Blink-182]].

In late 1998, Primus released the ''[[Rhinoplasty (EP)|Rhinoplasty]]'' EP, which has covers of acts like [[XTC]], [[the Police]] and [[Peter Gabriel]]. The EP also includes two live recordings of Primus, as well as bonus content accessed through a [[CD-ROM]] portion of the CD. It was shortly followed by the video release ''[[Videoplasty]]''.

''[[Antipop]]'' was released in 1999, and featured production and guest appearances from [[James Hetfield]] of [[Metallica]], [[Tom Morello]] of [[Rage Against the Machine]], [[Matt Stone]], one of the creators of ''South Park'', [[Stewart Copeland]] of The Police, [[Jim Martin (musician)|Jim Martin]] of [[Faith No More]], and [[Fred Durst]] of [[Limp Bizkit]]. While producing the song "[[Lacquer Head]]", Durst encouraged Primus to return to the more aggressive sound of their earlier albums for ''Antipop''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Devenish |first1=Colin |title=Limp Bizkit |year=2000 |publisher=St. Martin's |isbn=0-312-26349-X |pages=[https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/159 159–60] |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/159 }}</ref> Some critics compared the album's murky downtuned guitars to [[nu metal]], which was popular during the time.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/primus-green-naugahyde-prawn-songato|title=Primus, 'Green Naugahyde'|first=Christopher|last=Schultz|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=October 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022115637/http://www.spin.com/reviews/primus-green-naugahyde-prawn-songato|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/primus-emgreen-naugahydeem|title=CD Review: PRIMUS Green Naugahyde|first=Jeremy|last=Uley|work=Metal Injection|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=May 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527214729/http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/primus-emgreen-naugahydeem|url-status=live}}</ref> The band toured in support of ''Antipop'' at [[Ozzfest]] and on the [[Family Values Tour]]. The band released a music video for the album's only single, "Lacquer Head", which was banned from MTV because of references to and depictions of drug use, despite the song's anti-drug message. Tensions among the band rose considerably during this period, Claypool stated "there was some doubt at the label as to whether we knew what the hell we were doing anymore."<ref>{{cite AV media notes | others=Primus | title=[[They Can't All Be Zingers]]| year=2006 |publisher=[[Interscope Records]]}}</ref>

In 2000, Primus performed a cover of [[Black Sabbath]]{{'}}s song "[[N.I.B.]]" featuring vocals by [[Ozzy Osbourne]]. The track originally appeared on the album ''[[Nativity in Black|Nativity in Black II: A Tribute to Black Sabbath]]''. The track was also released as part of Osbourne's 2005 ''Prince of Darkness'' box set.

The band went on hiatus from 2000 to 2003, with Claypool later stating: {{blockquote|text="The end of the Nineties was an unhappy Primus camp. I hit a creative stagnation that wasn't helping us forward, and the personal elements, it just was time to stop. And I had been asked for many years, "How long can Primus go on?" And I always said, "I'll do it until it's not fun anymore." And it just wasn't fun anymore on many different levels."<ref name="RoSto Naugahyde"/>}}{{blockquote|text="The word that we used at the time was ‘hiatus’, but we had broken up. We were not talking and there was a lot of hard feelings."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/primus-les-claypool-my-daughter-tells-me-im-weird-all-the-time/|title=Primus' Les Claypool: "My daughter tells me I'm weird all the time"|date=May 14, 2021|website=Kerrang!}}</ref>}}
During this hiatus, Alexander released two albums with the band Laundry and performed with [[Blue Man Group]], [[A Perfect Circle]], and Born Naked, among others. Claypool explored the jam band scene with [[Oysterhead]] (featuring friend [[Trey Anastasio]] of [[Phish]] and [[Stewart Copeland]] of [[the Police]]) and his own [[Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade]] (featuring both Huth and Lane). He also collaborated with Brain, [[Buckethead]] and [[Bernie Worrell]] in the group [[Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains]].

===Reunion of "classic" lineup (2003–2009)===
[[File:PrimusLiveInOttawaJuly062008.JPG|thumb|Primus in 2008.]]
In late 2003, Primus reunited with Alexander on drums to record a five track EP. Released alongside a DVD containing the band's music videos and clips from live performances, the resulting package was titled ''[[Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People]]''. The band staged a two-month tour performing two sets per show, the second consisting of their 1991 release ''[[Sailing the Seas of Cheese]]'' in its entirety. 2004 saw them continue touring, this time performing their 1990 release ''Frizzle Fry'' in its entirety. For these two tours, the band sold recordings directly recorded from the sound-board online. The performance in Chicago was videotaped and released as a DVD titled ''[[Hallucino-Genetics|Hallucino-Genetics: Live 2004]]''.  They also performed a set at Bonnaroo in 2004, a late night set featuring a cover of "YYZ" by Rush and a guest appearance by [[Adrian Belew]] on "Thela Hun Ginjeet" a King Crimson cover.

In 2005, the band performed at [[Lollapalooza]] and [[Vegoose]]. Between Primus shows, Claypool created a new solo project called [[Les Claypool's Fancy Band]] which, like other projects, occasionally used Primus songs.

A May 10, 2006 article on [[IGN]] revealed that Primus had signed on with [[RedOctane]] to allow the [[master recording]] of "[[John the Fisherman]]" to be used in [[Guitar Hero II]], a game for the [[PlayStation 2]] and {{nowrap|[[Xbox 360]]}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/707/707004p1.html|title=E3 2006: Rock Out with Primus on Guitar Hero II|author=Kathleen Sanders|date=May 10, 2006 |access-date=July 9, 2006|archive-date=May 31, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060531073621/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/707/707004p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Primus performed on July 29, 2006, at the first annual [[Hedgpeth Festival]] in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roberts|first=Lee|date=July 20, 2006|title=Hedgpeth: Home to Country Thunder festival opens its doors to indie and alternative bands – and their fans|url=https://journaltimes.com/hedgpeth-home-to-country-thunder-festival-opens-its-doors-to-indie-and-alternative-bands-/article_c04eb1df-0005-5451-86c6-61544332c6b9.html|access-date=June 15, 2020|website=Journal Times|language=en}}</ref>

On October 17, 2006, Primus released both their first greatest hits CD ''[[They Can't All Be Zingers]]'', as well as their third DVD ''Blame It on the Fish: an Abstract Look at the 2003 Primus Tour de Fromage''. Containing live footage from the band's 2003 Tour de Fromage, interview segments and behind the scenes footage, the DVD includes a 70-minute feature film and 90 minutes of bonus material, including a 30-minute [[mockumentary]] about the band in the year 2065. ''Blame it on the Fish'' was directed by Matthew J. Powers. ''They Can't All Be Zingers: The Best of Primus'' includes 16 digitally remastered songs that span the band's career.

In November 2006, Primus commenced another tour <!--"Beat a Dead Horse" never caught on--> which concluded the following month. They played at a few festivals in 2008, including the [[Rothbury Festival]] (in Michigan), the Ottawa Blues Fest, the [[Quebec City Summer Festival]], and the Outside Lands Festival (in San Francisco). On November 24, 2009, Prawn Song re-released the band's first studio album, ''Frizzle Fry'', on [[Gramophone record|vinyl record]], along with some of Claypool's solo albums.

===Alexander departs again and ''Green Naugahyde'' (2010–2013)===
By early 2010, Tim "Herb" Alexander had left Primus for the second time. It was later revealed that Alexander lacked interest in continuing the band, despite enthusiasm from LaLonde and Claypool.<ref name="RoSto Naugahyde"/> Claypool hinted that they could have recorded with Alexander, but that "when we did readdress Primus in '03 and '06, it was more of a nostalgic thing. It was great at the time, but it just didn't have that creative spark as far as moving forward",<ref name="RoSto Naugahyde"/> and thus the reformation instead focused on touring.

On March 18, 2010, it was announced by [[Phil Lesh]] on his official message board that former Primus drummer Lane would be leaving his previous band [[Furthur (band)|Furthur]] to rejoin Primus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philzone.org/ |title=Phil Lesh, Furthur, Grateful Dead Phan Forum |publisher=Philzone.org |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-date=April 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409041658/http://philzone.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 3, 2010, Primus announced a new tour with [[Gogol Bordello]], [[Wolfmother]], and [[Critters Buggin#Critters Buggin Trio (2006)|the Dead Kenny G's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/denver/articles/primus-announces-headlining-tour-new-album,40715|title=Primus announces headlining tour, new album|author=Tuyet Nguyen|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=March 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312235452/http://www.avclub.com/denver/articles/primus-announces-headlining-tour-new-album,40715/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crittersbuggin.com/01live.html |title=Critters Buggin official website |publisher=Crittersbuggin.com |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-date=December 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223154837/http://www.crittersbuggin.com/01live.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The press release for the tour revealed that the band were looking to "refine their chops before heading into the studio to record their first album of brand new music since 1999's ''Antipop''."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2010/05/03/primus-returns-tour-new-album|title=Primus Returns to the Road, Plans New Album|publisher=Spinner.com|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806155726/http://www.spinner.com/2010/05/03/primus-returns-tour-new-album|url-status=dead}}</ref> Correlating with this announcement, the Primus website was updated with an animation of an elevator with its twelfth floor featuring a stylized question mark, and a sign reading "Primus will be with you shortly", alluding to future plans. In 2011, Claypool elaborated on the band's decision to record an album, stating that "(Lane) coming back has just breathed life back into the project. We did some touring, and we decided, "Let's go make a record," because we were creating things on the road."<ref name="RoSto Naugahyde">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/les-claypool-return-of-drummer-jay-lane-has-breathed-life-back-into-primus-20110610|title=Return of Drummer Jay Lane has 'Breathed Life' Back Into Primus|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|author=Greg Prato|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=June 12, 2011|archive-date=June 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612031719/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/les-claypool-return-of-drummer-jay-lane-has-breathed-life-back-into-primus-20110610|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Jay Lane Primus Soundwave 2011.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Lane performing at the 2011 [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave]] festival]]
On August 5, 2010, Primus released ''[[June 2010 Rehearsal]]'', a free four-track rehearsal EP available for download on their official website. The EP consists of new recordings of previously released Primus songs featuring Lane on drums.

Primus began their second annual Oddity Faire tour on September 14, 2010, with opening acts [[Portugal. The Man]], [[Split Lip Rayfield]], [[Mariachi El Bronx]], [[the New Orleans Bingo! Show]], [[Mucca Pazza]] and [[Gogol Bordello]].  The Squidling Brothers Circus Sideshow performers also entertained the crowd between bands on select dates. To promote this tour, Primus appeared on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' in September. The Oddity Faire tour did not include dates in Primus's hometown, the San Francisco Bay Area, because for promotional purposes it was too near to the planned New Year's dates December 30 and 31 in Oakland.<ref>Aidin Vaziri [https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/2010-07-18/entertainment/21987233_1_primus-les-claypool-musical Pop Quiz: Les Claypool of Primus]  ''[[sfgate.com]]'' July 18, 2010</ref>

Their song "[[Jerry Was a Race Car Driver]]" is included in the video game ''[[Rock Band 3]]'', which was released on October 26, 2010.<ref>{{cite web| title=Harmonix Responds To Rock Band 3 Set List "Leaks" By Revealing Entire Set List| url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707034/Harmonix-Responds-To-Rock-Band-3-Set-List-Leaks-By-Revealing-Entire-Set-List.html| last=Johnson| first=Stephen| publisher=[[G4 Media (TV company)|G4 Media]]| date=August 20, 2010| access-date=October 29, 2010| archive-date=June 29, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629210350/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707034/Harmonix-Responds-To-Rock-Band-3-Set-List-Leaks-By-Revealing-Entire-Set-List.html| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In interviews conducted backstage at the [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave Festival]] in March 2011, Claypool said of the new Primus album "we've recorded it, we just need to polish it", and that the release date "should be around May or so".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h43DO7vIXD8 Primus Interview: Soundwave TV 2011]. March 10, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2011.</ref> He also described the new material as being "very reminiscent of ''Frizzle Fry''".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXudFQWe6Zc Primus Interview – The Knave interviews for BEAT TV at The Melbourne Soundwave 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415201445/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXudFQWe6Zc |date=April 15, 2016 }}. March 7, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2011.</ref> In May, it was revealed that the album was complete and had been named ''[[Green Naugahyde]]'', though the release date was pushed back to July to avoid the holidays.<ref name="Lagniappe">{{cite web|url=http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article.asp?articleID=4519&SID=14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720015627/http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article.asp?articleID=4519&SID=14|archive-date=July 20, 2011|title=Primus brings 'saccharine nightmare' to Gulf Shores|publisher=LagniappeMobile.com|author=Steve Centanni|date=May 17, 2011|access-date=May 18, 2011}}</ref> On June 6, a press release was issued announcing that the album would be released by [[ATO Records]] and [[Prawn Song Records|Prawn Song]] on September 13, 2011.<ref name="Naugahyde press">{{cite web|url=http://www.theprp.com/2011/06/06/news/primus-to-release-new-album-in-september/|title=Primus to Release New Album in September|author=Press release|publisher=theprp.com|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=June 8, 2011|archive-date=June 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610123045/http://www.theprp.com/2011/06/06/news/primus-to-release-new-album-in-september/|url-status=live}}</ref> A second press release was later issued announcing that the album would be released in Europe on September 12.<ref name="indiedist">{{cite web|title=Indie Distrobution Nyheter 17.06.2011|url=http://www.indiedist.no/files/newsletters/INDIE%2017.06.2011.pdf|author=European press release|publisher=indiedist.no|date=June 17, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813091402/http://www.indiedist.no/files/newsletters/INDIE%2017.06.2011.pdf|archive-date=August 13, 2011}}</ref> On August 17, the track "[[Tragedy's a' Comin']]" was made available to stream via the ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' magazine website,<ref name="Spin Tragedy">{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Primus Return with First New Song|url=https://www.spin.com/2011/08/exclusive-primus-return-first-new-song/|author=Kevin O'Donnell|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=August 17, 2011|archive-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124193851/http://www.spin.com/2011/08/exclusive-primus-return-first-new-song/|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by "HOINFODAMAN" on September 1 via the ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' site.<ref name="RoSto Hoin">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-stream-primus-twitchy-hoinfodaman-20110901|author=Matthew Perpetua|title=Exclusive Stream: Primus' Twitchy 'Hoinfodaman'|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=September 1, 2011|access-date=September 1, 2011|archive-date=March 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318224233/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-stream-primus-twitchy-hoinfodaman-20110901|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 8, the TV show ''[[South Park]]'' made the entire album available for streaming to anybody who "[[Facebook like|likes]]" their [[Facebook]] page, including "[[Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers]]" as a bonus track.<ref name="South Park stream">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/southpark?sk=app_107256932692863|title=Exclusive Free Preview of Primus' New Album ''Green Naugahyde''|publisher=[[South Park]] via [[Facebook]]|date=September 8, 2011|access-date=September 10, 2011|archive-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015053951/http://www.facebook.com/southpark?sk=app_107256932692863|url-status=live}}</ref>

Primus continued to tour throughout 2011, playing a number of dates in North America in May and June, including the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]],<ref>{{cite web| title=Bonnaroo 2011 Lineup: Eminem, Arcade Fire, WSP, MMJ| url=http://www.jambase.com/Articles/Story.aspx?storyID=26140| publisher=Jambase.com| access-date=April 11, 2014| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830092612/http://www.jambase.com/Articles/Story.aspx?StoryID=26140| archive-date=August 30, 2011| df=mdy-all}}</ref> followed by a tour of Europe from late June to mid July. They then returned to the U.S.A. to play a few more music festivals leading into early August, including a show at the [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]] in [[Denver, Colorado]] with [[the Flaming Lips]], before embarking on a "major fall tour" in support of the new album.<ref name="Naugahyde press"/>

In the fall of 2012, the band went on tour with the "first ever" 3D-enhanced live musical performance. Each show featured [[quadraphonic sound|Quad Surround Sound]] and 3D visuals.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2012/07/primus-announces-first-ever-3d-enhanced-tour/|title=Primus announces first-ever 3D-enhanced tour|first=Chris|last=Coplan|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=October 22, 2012|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103003216/https://consequence.net/2012/07/primus-announces-first-ever-3d-enhanced-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During March 2013, the band played for the very first time in Mexico City.

===Classic lineup reunites again, ''The Chocolate Factory'' and ''The Desaturating Seven'' (2013–2019)===
In September 2013, Claypool revealed that Lane had departed Primus to focus on [[RatDog]] with [[Bob Weir]]. Previous drummer Alexander rejoined the band in his place. Claypool also revealed that the band were "talking about going into the studio in November. But it's all a little premature – we'll see what happens".<ref name="herb back">{{cite web|title=Q&A: Les Claypool on Primus' Future and His TV Show With Dean Ween|work=Rolling Stone Magazine|author=Greg Prato|date=September 25, 2013 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-les-claypool-on-primus-future-and-his-tv-show-with-dean-ween-20130925|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224020033/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-les-claypool-on-primus-future-and-his-tv-show-with-dean-ween-20130925|url-status=live}}</ref> In December, Alexander revealed that the band had been "in Les's studio working on stuff for the new year's show but I don't know if there are any plans for releasing that." When asked about performing new material during the 2014 Australia tour, he said "looking at [the band's touring schedule], it doesn't look like there's going to be any time to write anything new."<ref>{{cite web|title=The AU Interview: Tim Alexander of Primus (US) talks Big Day Out|publisher=The AU Review|author=Callan Lawrence|url=http://www.theaureview.com/interviews/tim-alexander-primus-big-day-out|date=December 21, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2013|archive-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229123357/http://www.theaureview.com/interviews/tim-alexander-primus-big-day-out|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first official Primus show with Alexander back on drums was New Year's Eve 2013 at the Fox Theater in Oakland. The band performed their first set in front of the iconic ''Suck On This'' backdrop seen in the "[[Too Many Puppies]]" music video. For their second set, Primus were joined by "the [[Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade|Frog Brigade]] Ensemble", consisting of saxophonist [[Skerik]] and percussionist [[Mike Dillon (musician)|Mike Dillon]], as they performed the soundtrack from the 1971 film ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' in its entirety. The band later announced that a studio recording of the soundtrack, titled ''[[Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble]]'', would be released on October 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Primus Wonka Album <nowiki>|</nowiki> Signs Point Towards October Release|publisher=JamBase.com|url=http://www.jambase.com/Articles/122283/Primus-Wonka-Album-Signs-Point-Towards-October-Release|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2015|archive-date=September 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922171932/http://www.jambase.com/Articles/122283/Primus-Wonka-Album-Signs-Point-Towards-October-Release|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 16, 2014, a biography of the band was released via [[Akashic Books]] titled ''Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight into Primus and the World of Les Claypool'', written by music journalist and author Greg Prato in affiliation with Primus.<ref name="primus book">{{cite web|title=''Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight into Primus and the World of Les Claypool'' product page.|publisher=[[Akashic Books]]|url=http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/primus-over-the-electric-grapevine-insight-into-primus-and-the-world-of-les-claypool/|access-date=April 22, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403074604/http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/primus-over-the-electric-grapevine-insight-into-primus-and-the-world-of-les-claypool/|url-status=live}}</ref> The book chronicles the band's career alongside Claypool's other projects and features interviews with band members past and present, as well as [[Geddy Lee]], [[Tom Waits]], [[Tom Morello]], [[Kirk Hammett]], [[Stewart Copeland]], [[Trey Anastasio]], and [[Matt Stone]], among others.

In late October 2015, the band released the first music video from their ''Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble'' album, for the track "Candyman".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C9jJ2O79XI |title=Primus – Candyman (Official Video) |date=November 20, 2015 |publisher=PrimusVEVO |access-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223042421/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C9jJ2O79XI |url-status=live }}</ref>

In mid-October 2016, the band performed at the fifth annual [[Desert Daze]] music festival in Joshua Tree, California.

On July 31, 2017, Primus announced their ninth studio album ''[[The Desaturating Seven]]'' and a US tour. On that same day, the album's first single "The Seven" was also released. The album is inspired by the children's book ''The Rainbow Goblins'', written by Italian author [[Ul de Rico]], which lead singer and bassist Claypool used to read to his children.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=''Primus' Les Claypool on Mining Trippy Children's Book for New LP'' product page.|magazine=[[RollingStone]]|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/primus-les-claypool-on-mining-trippy-childrens-book-for-new-lp-w494798/|access-date=August 1, 2017|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801010350/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/primus-les-claypool-on-mining-trippy-childrens-book-for-new-lp-w494798|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released on September 29, 2017. During their co-headlining tour with [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] in 2018, the band played the album in its entirety.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2018/01/primus-and-mastodon-announce-45-date-co-headlining-tour/|title=Primus and Mastodon announce 45-date co-headlining tour|date=January 29, 2018|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717071237/https://consequence.net/2018/01/primus-and-mastodon-announce-45-date-co-headlining-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> Primus – alongside [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]] and [[Phil Anselmo|Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals]] – also opened for [[Slayer]] on the final North American leg of their [[Slayer Farewell Tour|farewell tour]] in November 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-the-final-campaign-tour-dates-with-primus-ministry-and-philip-h-anselmo-the-illegals/|title=SLAYER Announces 'The Final Campaign' Tour Dates With PRIMUS, MINISTRY And PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=July 9, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709161807/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-the-final-campaign-tour-dates-with-primus-ministry-and-philip-h-anselmo-the-illegals/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="A Tribute to Kings" Tour and ''Conspiranoid'' (2020–2024)===
At the beginning of 2020, the band announced that they would be doing a tour in which every night they would cover [[Rush (band)|Rush]]'s 1977 album ''[[A Farewell to Kings]]'' in its entirety. The tour was postponed twice. Once due to the fact that Primus joined Slayer on their retirement tour and again due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In November 2020, they announced a livestream entitled "Alive From Pachyderm Station" that would air on December 11 at Primuslive.com if audience bought a ticket. The concert was filmed at Claypool's winery, "Claypool Cellars". The event marked the first time in 20 years that songs from ''Antipop'' were performed live, including the first official performance of the song (other than being played at soundcheck in Milwaukee in 1999) "Eclectic Electric". The "Tribute to Kings" tour commenced in August 2021 and originally wrapped up in October, followed by an encore extension beginning April 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/primus-announces-rescheduled-dates-for-a-tribute-to-kings-tour-performing-rushs-a-farewell-to-kings-in-its-entirety/|title=PRIMUS Announces Rescheduled Dates For 'A Tribute To Kings' Tour Performing RUSH's 'A Farewell To Kings' In Its Entirety|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 27, 2021|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818005437/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/primus-announces-rescheduled-dates-for-a-tribute-to-kings-tour-performing-rushs-a-farewell-to-kings-in-its-entirety/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitter.com/primus/status/1470770751137583121|title=Twitter: Primus 'A Tribute To Kings' 2022|work=[[Twitter.com]]|date=December 14, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2022}}</ref>

In an August 2021 interview with ''[[The Spokesman-Review]]'', Claypool confirmed that a new Primus album was in the works: "Some ideas are being thrown around, but we're not there yet. We will have a new album at some point. We're focusing on this tour and ''Farewell to Kings''. That's enough for us for now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/aug/12/primus-les-claypool-returns-to-play-rush-on-the-si/|title=Primus' Les Claypool returns to play Rush on the site of his Expo '74 experience|website=[[The Spokesman-Review|spokesman.com]]|date=August 14, 2021|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818005448/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/aug/12/primus-les-claypool-returns-to-play-rush-on-the-si/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, Claypool revealed that the band was planning to release a new [[twelve-inch single]] featuring a 13-minute track called "Conspiranoia" and two songs as its b-sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=45540|title=Primus – Preparing 3-Song EP Release|website=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> The ''[[Conspiranoid]]'' EP was released on April 22, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|author=Eddie Fu|url=https://consequence.net/2022/04/primus-conspiranoia-origins-conspiranoid-exclusive/|title=Primus Announce New Conspiranoid EP, Share Origins of "Conspiranoia": Exclusive|website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]|access-date=April 5, 2022|date=April 5, 2022}}</ref> In May 2023, Claypool stated that there had been talk of another Primus album, but added that "it [wouldn't] be anytime soon" because of his commitments to various projects.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/les_claypool_speaks_up_on_next_primus_album_it_wont_be_anytime_soon.html | title=Les Claypool Speaks up on Next Primus Album: 'It Won't be Anytime Soon' }}</ref>

On August 9 and 10, 2022, Primus played the ''[[South Park]]'' 25th Anniversary Concert alongside [[Ween]] and ''South Park'' creators [[Matt Stone]] and [[Trey Parker]]. It was broadcast on [[Comedy Central]] on August 13 and on [[Paramount+]] on August 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/08/12/south-park-25th-anniversary-concert-red-rocks-denver/|title=If you missed the epic 'South Park' concert at Red Rocks, stream in on Aug. 13–14|website=[[The Denver Post]]|last=Ricciardi|first=Tiney|date=August 12, 2022|access-date=August 1, 2022}}</ref>

Primus contributed to the song "Pablo's Hippos" on ''Sessanta E.P.P.P.'', a split EP with [[Puscifer]] and [[A Perfect Circle]], released in March 2024 to coincide with the Sessanta tour featuring all three of the aforementioned bands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/puscifer-a-perfect-circle-and-primus-announce-the-sessanta-e-p-p-p-video|title=PUSCIFER, A PERFECT CIRCLE And PRIMUS Announce The Sessanta E.P.P.P.; Video|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=March 21, 2024|date=March 30, 2024}}</ref> On a tour stop at the Sick New World festival, the band's gear got delayed due to a [[snow storm]]; rather than cancelling the show, Claypool and Lalonde simply went to a local [[Guitar Center]] and bought a pair of matching [[Fender (company)|Fender]] guitar and bass, and performed the show with that; Claypool's bass still had the [[label]] hanging off the [[headstock]] during the show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/primus-fender-instruments-st-judes-auction-sick-new-world|title=Primus Auctioning Off Instruments Bought At Guitar Center Used For Sick New World Set|website=JamBase}}</ref> They would later announce they would [[auction]] off the two instruments to the benefit to [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2024/05/04/primus-auctions-off-instruments-from-sick-new-world-festival-to-benefit-childrens-hospital/|title=Primus Auctions Off Instruments from Sick New World Festival to Benefit Children's Hospital|first=Haela|last=Huntress|date=May 4, 2024|website=MetalSucks}}</ref>

===Alexander's third departure and the arrival of John Hoffman (2024–present)===
On October 17, 2024, Alexander unexpectedly announced to his bandmates that he would be leaving the band, effective immediately. Alexander stated that he had "lost his passion for playing", with no further elaboration. Primus officially confirmed his departure on October 29, 2024; the band also announced that they were planning to search for "the greatest drummer on Earth", with further details to follow.<ref name="Blabbermouth October 2024" /> Alexander would later explain in an interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in November that health concerns also had an effect on the decision to leave the band.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/tim-herb-alexander-explains-his-decision-to-leave-primus | title=TIM "HERB" ALEXANDER Explains His Decision to Leave PRIMUS | date=November 2, 2024 }}</ref> At least 6,200 drummers were auditioned before Claypool announced [[Dirtfoot]] drummer John Hoffman as Alexander's replacement on February 7, 2025.<ref name="ThePRP February 2025" />

Primus played its first show since Alexander's third departure at the [[Fox Oakland Theatre]] on December 30, 2024, where three different sets were performed, including songs from Claypool's 1996 solo debut album ''[[Highball with the Devil]]'' as "The Holy Mackerel", a semi-reunion of the [[Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade|Frog Brigade]] (with LaLonde on guitar), and Primus performing with drummer [[Brain (musician)|Brain]] for the first time in 24 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-primus-plays-first-concert-since-tim-herb-alexanders-latest-departure|title=Watch: PRIMUS Plays First Concert Since TIM 'HERB' ALEXANDER's Latest Departure|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 31, 2024|date=December 31, 2024}}</ref>

Hoffman made his live debut with Primus at the Tool in the Sand festival in March 2025 in [[Punta Cana]], Dominican Republic, alongside [[Tool (band)|Tool]] drummer [[Danny Carey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=A. B. C. |date=2025-03-10 |title=Tool Live in the Sand recap: Primus unveils new drummer; fans upset with second Tool set |url=https://www.1057thepoint.com/music-news/tool-live-in-the-sand-recap-primus-unveils-new-drummer-fans-upset-with-second-tool-set/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=105.7 The Point |language=en-US}}</ref> Hoffman's first tour with Primus will be the Sessanta V2.0 Tour with [[A Perfect Circle]] and [[Puscifer]], which will take place from April to June 2025.<ref name="ThePRP February 2025" /> The new lineup released their first recorded song, "Little Lord Fentanyl", featuring [[Maynard James Keenan]], on May 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2025/05/01/news/hear-primus-maynard-james-keenan-tool-a-perfect-circle-etc-once-again-team-up-on-the-new-track-little-lord-fentanyl/|title=Hear Primus & Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Etc.) Once Again Team Up On The New Track "Little Lord Fentanyl"|work=The PRP|date=May 2, 2025|access-date=May 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/primus-recruits-maynard-james-keenan-for-first-new-song-in-three-years|title=Primus Recruits Maynard James Keenan For First New Song In Three Years|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 2, 2025|access-date=May 5, 2025}}</ref>