Drumming News
After months of searching and narrowing down a staggering 6,200 applicants, Primus has officially revealed their new drummer. John Hoffman, a seasoned drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana, emerged victorious after competing in the band’s “Interstellar Drum Derby,” securing his place as the eighth drummer in the band’s history.
Hoffman, who has been playing drums since he was two years old, detailed his journey in a video posted to his YouTube channel. He expressed immense excitement about joining Primus, calling the opportunity to play with the legendary alternative metal band the “most amazing” of his career. Hoffman has decades of professional drumming experience and has toured nationally since the age of 17, including stints with the six-piece band Dirtfoot.
Hoffman’s appointment follows the unexpected departure of longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, who left Primus in October 2024 after a 35-year tenure. His resignation came as a shock to the band, prompting a public search for a new drummer. The search officially kicked off with an open call for submissions, with Primus describing the desired candidate as someone who possessed not only impressive technical skills but also the ability to “groove” and contribute creatively to the band’s unique sound.
Primus’ open search, which garnered significant attention, resulted in nine finalists who participated in an in-person jam with the band. Hoffman’s performance stood out, and he was ultimately selected to fill the role.
Primus, known for their genre-defying sound and eccentric performances, will be joined by Hoffman as they hit the stage next for TOOL’s “Live in the Sand” destination event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from March 7-9. Following that, the band will embark on their “Sessanta V2.0” tour, where Hoffman will officially join bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde on the road.
With Hoffman now officially onboard, Primus is ready to continue their legacy of musical innovation and eccentricity, with new beats driving the band’s already signature sound forward.
www.instagram.com/johnhoffmandrums
Here are the dates of their upcoming tour:
Primus Tour Dates
March 8 Punda Cana, DOM — Tool Live In The Sand
Sessanta V2.0 dates:
April 24 Palm Springs, CA Acrisure Arena
April 25 Las Vegas, NV PH Live at Planet Hollywood
April 27 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
April 29 San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum
May 1 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
May 2 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
May 4 Huntsville, AL The Orion Amphitheater
May 6 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
May 8 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 10 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
May 11 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
May 14 Manchester, NH SNHU Arena
May 15 Philadelphia, PA TD Pavilion at The Mann Center
May 17 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
May 18 Fairfax, VA EagleBank Arena
May 20 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
May 22 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
May 24 Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Music Center
May 25 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
May 28 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
May 29 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
May 31 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater
June 1 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
June 3 Omaha, NE Baxter Arena
June 6 Portland, OR RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
June 7 Auburn (Seattle), WA White River Amphitheatre
