While we’ve known the official results of Primus’ “Interstellar Drum Derby” for a while, the alt-funk outfit’s YouTube series around their drummer search officially drew to a close today (May 8th) with the release of its final episode. And with it, we’ve learned exactly how new drummer John Hoffman sealed the deal, and likewise how he helped cook up the group’s new “Little Lord Fentanyl” single.
The hour-plus finale begins with a jam session between prospective percussionist Richard Ednolal (a.k.a. comedian Fred Armisen) and Primus members Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde, who hit a lil “Smoke on the Water” before funking into Primus’ own “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver.”
The episode likewise features a guest spot from Bob Odenkirk, respective band bonding sessions with Hoffman and fellow finalist/wine enthusiast Gergő Borlai, words of wisdom from drum tech Tim “Soya” Solyan and more.
Both Borlai and Hoffman also sit in on a recording session to flair up “Little Lord Fentanyl.” Primus were faced with, per Claypool, “a very tough decision,” but ultimately went with Hoffman — or, as Claypool added he’ll often be calling him, “Hoffington.”
You can see how Hoffman locked in full-time with the iconic funk freaks by giving the episode a watch up above.
As previously reported, Primus are currently undertaking the Sessanta V2.0 tour with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Tonight they hit Tampa, FL’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, while the tour wraps in early June. All remaining dates can be found here.
Primus likewise have their “Onward & Upward” headlining summer tour on the horizon. That trip partners Primus with openers Ty Segall and MonoNeon on select dates, and it begins July 5th at Paso Robles, California’s Vina Robles Amphitheatre.