Primus’ new drummer talks Puscifer, potential new record and staying limber

Many musicians dedicated to the craft know what it’s like to spend years grinding through hundreds of local gigs annually. But what if one day, you suddenly found yourself as the drummer for one of rock’s most iconic and genre-defying bands: Primus.

This dream became reality for John Hoffman, a dedicated musician from Shreveport, Louisiana. He’s immersed himself in everything from funk and reggae to experimental rock, building a respected reputation for his relentless hustle, versatility, and musical knowledge. In fact, one of his earlier bands even opened for Primus back in 2011.

When Primus found themselves abruptly searching for a new drummer after longtime member Tim “Herb” Alexander announced his departure in late 2024, they decided to look outside their typical circle of musicians. That’s because Primus — which also features bassist-singer Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde — had been here before. Alexander had quit the band twice prior; he was the drummer on their early records spanning the 1989 debut EP “Suck On This” to 1995’s “Tales From The Punchbowl.” This time around, Alexander was admittedly burned out, feeling Primus deserved an injection of fresh passion from someone new.

Claypool and LaLonde decided to go down a YouTube wormhole, exploring drummer videos to see who might be out there. This started a global throng of over 6,200 hopefuls vying for the coveted position, including Hoffman. This worldwide audition turned into an epic saga documented in the band’s engaging YouTube series, “Interstellar Drum Derby.” Featuring cameos from luminaries such as Stewart Copeland, Danny Carey, Fred Armisen and even comedian Bob Odenkirk, the series showcased an intense competition among some of the most technically proficient drummers around. Ultimately, Hoffman emerged victorious, thanks to his undeniable feel, intuitive musicality, and deep cut audition song choice; he played “Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread” from The Brown Album.
Now stepping confidently into the spotlight, Hoffman’s official debut performance at Tool’s prestigious Live in the Sand festival in the Dominican Republic was swiftly followed by a high-profile national tour alongside A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Already gracing the cover of Modern Drummer and celebrated in publications like SPIN, Hoffman’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the band. As Primus prepares to headline the Arizona Financial Theatre on August 1, we talked with the drummer to discuss his remarkable journey, musical inspirations and the surreal experience of living out his childhood dream.

Walk us back to the exact moment Les Claypool gave you the news that you were Primus’ new drummer. Where were you, and what was the first unfiltered thought in your head?
The setup was that I was there auditioning, and it was down to me and the final drummer in California at Primus headquarters. It was the end of my audition and end of Drum Derby, so a type of wrap party at Les Claypool’s tasting room. It was trivia night, and it was being doubled as a wrap party. I was going to fly out the following morning to go to Louisiana, and was giving my final interview to them. And in mid-interview, I hear from another room, Les and a few other people singing “for he’s a jolly good drummer” and walking toward me with a box. I was stunned. After a few seconds, I started losing it, very emotional, so it didn’t take a lot for me to get teary-eyed. Les set the box down, and I opened it, and inside the box was a cake, and it said “Huffington, you got the gig!” — which was my nickname given to me by Les. I had tried so hard to get the gig, and when I finally got it, it was so amazing.

The global try-out was famously intense. What was the most surprising (or downright weird) thing you encountered during the process?
I wouldn’t say there was anything weird. In the middle of it or early on, whenever I was discovering some of the other drummers that were competing, and my being a huge fan of them, I was surprised. Right before I auditioned, Nick Yacyshyn was walking out as I was walking in. Then Thomas Lang auditioned a few days later.

How are you balancing respect for Tim “Herb” Alexander’s legacy while carving out your percussive fingerprint?
It’s a very unique situation and gig. They’ve been around for decades, with eras of Primus with eras who all reflect different drummers with different styles. All very Primus but all very different. I knew it was going to take a certain type of style to pay respects. I haven’t really been too concerned about making sure I’m making a name for myself; I’m just happy to have gotten the gig!

Fans are buzzing about the possibility of a new Primus record. Have jam sessions on the tour bus produced any riffs you’re excited about, or is that all classified for now?
Without giving away too much information, it’s certainly something that’s been discussed, and the motivation is super high right now. Everyone in Primusville is pumped up about that, and I think it would make sense to do a new record.

If you could resurrect one under-loved track from the Primus vault for the setlist, which song gets your vote—and why?
I don’t know! Honestly, whenever we got together, or working up this tour, we worked up a master list and Les and Larry asked me my opinion on what songs I’d like, and already there’s been quite a few songs I’ve suggested that we’ve thrown into the set list.

Do you have a favorite?
My favorite Primus song is “Dirty Drowning Man” (from ’99’s “Antipop”).

Rapid-fire questions now: snack of choice during a 12-hour drive?
Since I’ve gotten in the band, there’s been a lot more chocolate chip cookies around … so that’s my contribution to the bus. A lot of Kit Kats and energy drinks. For the most part, the other guys eat healthier than I do. Me coming from the south; we put sugar in everything. I would say if there’s one thing, it’s the cookies.

Most underrated drummer of all time?
Oh wow! That’s a really good question because there’s so many… I’ll tell you what I’m not going to go with all-time; I’ll go with a recent answer. The last tour with Primus, Perfect Circle and Puscifer — the drummer for Puscifer is Gunnar Olson. In my opinion, he is absolutely phenomenal and he is currently one of my favorite drummers out there. He has a great career, and he’s not unknown by any means, but he’s not necessarily super well known either. He’s the kind of drummer who deserves to be known and be top-tier on everyone’s list.

In Arizona, we know and appreciate Puscifer. I haven’t been to Shreveport, but I love New Orleans. I think of Shreveport and I think of the show “True Blood.” I also think of Pantera/Phil Anselmo since he lives outside of there. Ever considered jamming with him?
Oh, that was a huge deal when that came out. You know, someone actually just told me that Phil was praising me as the new drummer of Primus and that he was so proud that a guy from Louisiana got the gig from Primus.

Have you made any unexpected changes to your drum setup after a few shows — new cymbal placement, different heads — that you now can’t live without?
That’s funny, someone brought this up recently. Before I got the gig with Primus, my drum setup was super minimal. A gigging drum set with a crashing symbol. I’m loading my own gear and driving myself, so in that situation, most drummers are using a big drum set to set up and tear down. When I got the Primus gig one, they are historically the drummers of Primus have a big drum set, but there are also big sounds and things that are relevant to Primus songs, you have to have on your kit. So right out the gate, my kit was much bigger than before, then once a week or so, something’s getting added and clipped on to the sides of the drum set and expanded out — it’s a beast.

What’s your daily ritual (physical or mental) to stay limber and locked in night after night?
When it gets close to the show, within a couple hours, I like to lay down and still for about an hour, not napping, but relaxing. Then I’ll get up and go over the songs for the set list for that night and decide which songs I need to work on and get mt had in the game. Mainly listening to the songs I’m going to play so I can make sure I am playing them as tight as possible!