The last time Primus toured, I made it my mission to see them when they came to New York. This was about four years ago. I went with Noa, and our friend Drew to the Roseland Ballroom here in the city. We arrived with plenty of time to spare, at least an hour before the band went on and it was more packed then that venue has ever been. Normally, I am really good at fighting to get up as close as possible but it was just not happening this show. We barely got 1/4th of the way in.
Once the show started, I can honestly say this was the most ruckus crowd I've ever been a part of. Yes, more crazy than any death metal/hardcore show. Typically, you expect to be shoved around and surrounded by sweaty dudes when you are in the front 1/4 of the venue, but I was pretty much all the way in back having the same experience. It was so nuts that security made the band stop halfway through so the crowd could take a little breather. Eventually they just had to cut their set short because New Yorkers don't know how to behave at a Primus show. It was a total bummer. Was there PCP being handed out and I just didn't get any of it? I don't know, but what I did saw of Primus was fucking amazing.
Today the band announced they are getting back together. Seeing as though Tim Alexander is on tour with Maynard James Kennan's Puscifer right now, mastermind Les Claypool has enlisted the services of early drummer Jay Lane. This is the first time Jay will play live with the band since 1989. If you have never seen Primus before, you must go. It is an experience like no other. Perhaps the above video clip will convince you. Here are the announced dates:
July 24th Essex Junction, VT – Midway Lawn (feat. Gogol Bordello, Heloise & The Savior Faire)
July 27th Toronto, ONT – Sound Academy
July 30th Brooklyn, NY – Williamsburg Waterfront (feat. Gogol Bordello)
July 31st Bridgeport, CT – Gathering Of The Vibes
August 09th Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cove (feat. Gogol Bordello)
