The Rooftop at Pier 17

Primus is an American rock band formed in El Sobrante, California, in 1984. The band’s lineup as of March 2025 includes bassist and vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry "Ler" LaLonde, and drummer John "Hoffer" Hoffman. The original formation featured Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, with drummer Jay Lane, but both Huth and Lane had left by 1989. They were replaced by LaLonde and Tim "Herb" Alexander, respectively. The band’s "classic" lineup debuted with the live album Suck on This, released in 1989 on Claypool’s label Prawn Song and reissued in 1990 by Caroline Records. Caroline Records also released Primus’ debut studio album Frizzle Fry in 1990, which received positive critical reception. The album’s underground success attracted interest from major record labels. Their second studio album and major-label debut, Sailing the Seas of Cheese, was released through Interscope Records in 1991. This album included the single "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" and achieved platinum certification within a decade.