Tim “Herb” Alexander Leaves Primus

Primus was just announced as a performer on Tool’s monumental “Live in the Sand” festival for 2025, but they’ve also been hit with a curveball. The band has announced that drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander has quit the band. They shared the news in a social media post.

“On Thursday, October 17th, we received an email from Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander expressing that effective immediately he would no longer be involved with Primus. It came as a complete shock to all of us here in the Primus camp,” they wrote. “On the heels of a wonderful Spring & Summer of touring and some fabulous plans ahead, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly opt out. After several attempts to communicate with Herb, his only response was another email stating that he has ‘lost his passion for playing.’ As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice and it’s forced us to make some tough decisions.”

The remaining members of the trio – Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde – considered canceling the group’s New Year’s show, but instead have pivoted to include members of offshoot bands Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. They will enlist Tool drummer Danny Carey to play with them for “Live in the Sand,” in the Dominican Republic.

“For [the Sessanta tour], Primus plans on searching for the ‘greatest drummer on earth.’ Details to follow…,” they write, before concluding with “Thank you for all your support and understanding.”

Alexander is the longest-running drummer in Primus. He joined in 1989 and originally left in 1996. He would rejoin again from 2003 to 2010, leave again, then get back in the saddle from 2013 until now. He’s performed on the majority of the Primus discography.

The Sessanta V2.0 Tour will run from April to June 2025. See more details here.