Primus have revealed that their new drummer is John Hoffman after an open audition that resulted in 6,200 submissions.
The Louisiana-based Hoffman is a relative unknown compared to some of the other finalists that had a chance to fill the slot vacated by Tim “Herb” Alexander, who surprisingly exited the band in October. However, he is a professional drummer who apparently plays more than 250 gigs a year and is known as “the busiest drummer in Shreveport.”
Get Sessanta V2.0 Tickets Here
Frontman Les Claypool revealed the news, posting a photo of himself, with Primus guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and Hoffman, and writing, “Hoffington!!! Welcome aboard! @johnhoffmandrums.”
Among the drummers whom Hoffman beat out are Thomas Pridgen (Fever 333, ex-Mars Volta), Nikki Glaspie (The Nth Power, Snarky Puppy), and others.
Hoffman was part of a shortlist of drummers who were invited out to the West Coast to jam with Primus as part of a five-day “interstellar drum derby.” Among those in attendance weighing in on the tryouts was Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, who seemingly gave Hoffman his seal of approval.
A couple weeks ago, Hoffman posted about the experience on his Instagram page, sharing a photo of himself holding up a blue towel and writing, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I came and did my thing the way I do it. It went as well as I could have hoped. Maynard James Keenan was sitting directly in front of me and watched my entire audition. He gave me this towel. It’s been one of the most incredible days of my life.”
Hoffman created a YouTube video of his journey, which he just retitled, “How I became the NEW drummer for PRIMUS.” You can watch that below, along with his audition tape.
He’ll join Primus behind the kit when they head out on the “Sessanta V2.0” tour with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer this spring (pick up tickets here). However, it is expected that Tool’s Danny Carey will perform with Primus during their set at the Tool in the Sand festival taking place next month in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.