PRIMUS SUCKS & they’re okay with that! On Tuesday July 9th, the El Sobrante trio made their way to the number 1 casino outside of Las Vegas – the Yaamava’ in Highland California. Primus is currently on a co-headlining tour with Coheed & Cambria but they are performing a few solo shows along the way, this night being one of them. A very special evening indeed!
Driving from San Diego during traffic hour (unfortunately), I was heavily anticipating the concert. It was my 4th time seeing Primus & 6th time seeing Les within a matter of 2 & ½ years. What was different this time around, was me finally being able to photograph the band! It’s absolutely a dream come true!
Upon arriving at the resort, I didn’t check the temperature but I just knew it was going to be hot once I opened the car door. It definitely was but I didn’t care! I was there to work & see Primus! Whatever the conditions are, I’m there.
Once I entered the casino, the quick change from hot to cold felt amazing, but not as awesome as seeing the marquee. “PRIMUS LIVE TONIGHT.” You bet your hard earned gambling, smoking & alcohol addiction money that there is already a huge line to get in!
After speaking to the incredibly kind staff, I was given my credential to go past the gates to the elevator. Inside, a fan gave me a look because of all of my equipment & asked if I was with the band. I replied, “I wish man, that’s my dream.” We continued more elevator talk & went our separate ways.
I got to the designated area for media & then it was just a matter of waiting. The atmosphere of the Raymond Scott tunes put a smile on my face & for the first time, I saw the Primus logo with the Wonka hat lasered on the walls of the theater. That was pretty cool to see.
After some time went by, the theater went dark & the good ol’ Clown Dream by Danny Elfman tune cued. Ler first took the stage & the fans began to cheer. Then came Herb & it got louder, leading to the frontman himself – the epic Les Claypool to finally board the ship. The entire sold out venue rose to their feet & screamed immensely for what was about to unfold.
Those Damned Blue‐Collar Tweekers was the opener, my favorite song! Hell yeah! It has such a great anticipation-like build up to it, that once the main riff kicks in – it makes you headbang & stomp your feet! What was really funny too, was seeing the tweeker character losing his mind & flying around on the screen behind them. A really cool touch. Next up was Antipop, another hell yeah for me! This song too has an awesome slow & heavy intro & the immersion was definitely lifted with psychedelic imagery on screen, along with spinning lights illuminating the crowd. I definitely sucked all that information through the holes of my skull! Thirdly was Groundhog’s Day. This song again has a very soft & subtle build up with Ler’s licks helping tell the story. He is a phenomenal guitarist & this tune is a great example for those to bear witness.
After those 3 songs, it was time for me to put the equipment away & head to my seat. I finally did it, I accomplished one of my goals. Photographing one of my all time favorite bands! I couldn’t wait to go home & continue with post-production.
Once I got to my seat, I was greeted & welcomed by other Primus fans to then hear something that was “closer to the heart” – if you know what I mean. It was Cygnus X-1 which my first Primus concert was the A Tribute to Kings tour in San Diego of 2021. Listening to that, especially with the awesome Captain Shiner spaceship on screen, brought back fun memories for sure. Soon after was My Friend Fats in which they haven’t performed in 20 years! After doing research, it seems that they will keep it in rotation during this tour. That was really interesting to be a part of because Les’ calm storytelling in this song really draws you in. Following that was something I was hoping for, Mr. Krinkle. But wait there’s more! It was actually Sailing the Seas of Cheese first! Now that’s something I really wasnt expecting! That was definitely my favorite highlight of the night. Hearing the obviously classic track being backed by drums & guitar was absolutely outstanding. It felt like an orchestra & I would consider Highland lucky!
Later in the set, another one of my favorite songs came up. It was Over the Electric Grapevine & I was in awe with what I was hearing & seeing. The lights & screen were changing colors & shining everywhere nonstop while Les & Herb kept their parts steady & constant throughout what is basically the majority of the song. Seriously, I wouldn’t mind hearing Herb play that drum beat all day.
Lastly, it was (unfortunately) time for the encore. But it was an excellent choice – the Too Many Puppies & Sgt. Baker combo. Les, Ler & Herb had all of Yaamava’ at attention. You can never get enough of Les’ signature march too.
Overall, if you haven’t been to a Primus concert, you should definitely attend one soon. Even if it’s only Les on one of his other projects, try to go. He is an outstanding musician. It’s not only a concert, it’s an experience. The sound, lighting & stage production are top notch. Shout-outs to Todd & Zach at FOH!
My 4th night with Primus will always be remembered as not only a fun one (like they all have been of course), but more so an accomplishment too. I would like to thank Brian for having me cover this event & to Mr. Jon Bleicher for allowing me to do so! Cheers to more & cheers to more Primus in the future! PRIMUS SUCKS!
