At the start of the year, Les Claypool announced “Claypool Gold ‘26” - an end of spring, early summer tour featuring the colonel himself with Primus, Sean Ono Lennon & the gang of the Frog Brigade. Towards the final days of the tour, they returned to Long Beach, CA but at the new F&M Bank Amphitheater - right in front of The Queen Mary. What a setting for such artists!
4 years ago in June, Primus was featuring the “A Tribute to Kings Tour” at the Terrace Theater with music from Rush, but this time around, it was a bit of new music! In May of this year after 7 years, The Claypool Lennon Delirium released their 3rd studio album, The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy. Additionally in the same month, Primus released their latest EP, A Handful of Nuggs.
The show set sail near sunset & it was a beautiful sight to see while hearing very fun music. The Frog Brigade opened with Up on the Roof which was funny because there is no roof at the location. They also performed David Makalaster but what was interesting here, was that this set wasn't just about the Brigade’s - it included Claypool's tunes as well. Those being Amanitas & Rumble of the Diesel. That decision is a bit hard to understand if you were hoping to hear more of Purple Onion because their set time is so short. However, I believe you would forgive them once you heard the opening riff of Riddles Are Abound Tonight - which was their closing song!
The Frog’s jumped off stage & then it was Sean’s time to shine, no pun intended. This was the set I was most excited for because I have yet to see the Delirium live! Although I was hoping to hear Amethyst Realm - my favorite tune of theirs, it did not come to fruition. However, I'll take Little Fishes! Sean’s parts before his awesome solo are very complimentary & stand out from Les’ quick & busy riff. Going back to their latest release, they managed to perform Meat Machines, Cliptopia & WAP in their short set too. Machine being fun to sing along too & Clip being great to rock with! The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy is an absolute BANGER!
Finally, to close out the evening, the 3 Skeeter’s came out to play. The songs performed of note for me this particular night was first, The Ol’ Grizz. This being one of their newest pieces, it was a needed addition for fresh content, but more importantly, to hear John Hoffman’s playstyle! In case you are not aware, Hoffman is the new drummer & this is one of their modern recordings that showcases his talent! I do hope that a full on album filled with state-of-the-art & unique Primus ideas that include Hoffman from front to back, comes to fruition!
Secondly, continuing about Hoffman, he stated in the VIP Q&A that his favorite song to perform is Dirty Drowning Man. Then lo & begold, that came to be & Hoffman was locked in going all over the drum kit with his very disciplined techniques! Third, it made me excited to finally hear Wynona's Big Brown Beaver live! This is an excellent tune for me because of Ler’s pieces in every part. My favorite being his solo towards the end & what a marvel it was to see him shred that part! I do wish Ler had more solos throughout the discography as he is a talented musician who shouldn't be limited!
Lastly, what probably was the coolest part of the night, was the entire ensemble returning to the stage to close with Mirror in the Bathroom! Yes they may have performed it in the previous years, but it was such a sick jam to dance to! Everyone in that new amphitheater was grooving! Especially when each musician had a small solo! Eric "Skerik" Walton & Mike Dillon are so cool!
Overall, this was a fantastic tour & night for the books. It featured some of Claypool's best work/groups & he always brings the party both literally & figuratively. For anyone who just loves music in general, it is best advised to check them out in or near your hometown. Thank you Mr. Jon Bleicher for allowing Jampak to cover such an event & Primus Sucks!
Primus continues this same tour overseas at the end of this month, you can get your tickets at https://primusville.com/#tour
