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. 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. 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 Frog Brigade (with LaLonde on guitar), and Primus performing with drummer Brain for the first time in 24 years.
Drummer unexpectedly departs
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