Around 1997, TIM ALEXANDER decided to leave the band for other projects, and Les picked up drummer BRIAN MANTIA, BUCKETHEAD drummer and old friend. LES' songs are usually messages hidden in stories, or flat-out anecdotes from the past set to art-funk. PRIMUS is also known for being a silly RUSH, due to them being a power trio with a bass player singing. Their musical interplay was very much admired, and soon became legendary on the rock circuit for songs like 'Jerry Was A Racecar Driver' and 'My Name Is Mud'. Becoming even more complex and creating a well-known art-funk style, PRIMUS soon sold many records despite their oddity prog style. Soon changing their name to PRIMUS, Huth and Lane were later replaced by LARRY LALONDE, guitarist of death metal band Possessed and drummer TIM 'HERB' ALEXANDER. Playing an incredibly funky artsy rock, Primate's songs told quirky stories set to extended instrumental improvisations and switching time signatures, similar to that of FRANK ZAPPA. In 1986 Les created a band called Primate featuring him, Todd Huth and Jay Lane. Les is an extremely inventive and influential bass player, very influenced by STANLEY CLARKE, CHRIS SQUIRE, and GEDDY LEE. LES CLAYPOOL is a huge fan of RUSH, and influenced by the likes of PETER GABRIEL and THE RESIDENTS. PRIMUS is almost impossible to classify into a genre, considering Les' influences and their deep manic style of playing.

Founded in California, USA in 1984 (as 'Primate') - Several hiatuses between 2000-2008 - Reformed since 2010

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