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Matt Stone Joins Primus on Drums for King Crimson Cover in LA

Matt Stone Joins Primus on Drums for King Crimson Cover in LA

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

Matt Stone Joins Primus on Drums for King Crimson Cover in LA

Watch Matt Stone from South Park take the drumsticks for Primus in an epic King Crimson tribute at the Greek Theater.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like when worlds collide—animation meets progressive rock—then Matt Stone jumping behind the drums for Primus might just be your new favorite mash-up. The South Park co-creator, known for his razor-sharp wit and musical chops, recently took a break from cartoon chaos to join Les Claypool’s legendary lineup onstage in Los Angeles, delivering a memorable performance of a King Crimson classic.

When South Park and Prog Rock Collide

On August 6, 2025, the Greek Theater in LA buzzed with excitement not just because Primus was in town, but because their guest drummer was none other than Matt Stone. Yes, the same Matt Stone who co-created South Park and lent his voice to some of its most beloved characters. But here’s the twist—he’s also a part-time musician, and that night, he showed off his drumming skills with a spirited rendition of King Crimson’s 1981 track, Thela Hun Ginjeet.

This particular song isn’t just any old number—it’s a prog rock gem that Primus has made a semi-regular part of their setlist. And seeing Stone, usually buried in scripts and storyboard sessions, take the drum throne was nothing short of thrilling for fans who know his musical ventures.

Matt Stone drums with Primus at Greek Theater

Matt Stone rocking the drums with Primus at the Greek Theater in LA

A Star-Studded Night of Guest Appearances

That night wasn’t just about Matt Stone’s drum debut. Primus’ ‘Onward & Upward’ tour was wrapping up, and the LA date was peppered with some notable guest stars. Comedian Bill Burr lent his presence, adding some comic relief to the rock fest vibe. Tool’s bassist Justin Chancellor joined the band for a punchy take on “Too Many Puppies,” while Tool’s drummer Danny Carey took the spotlight on “My Name Is Mud.” And if that wasn’t enough, the garage rock powerhouse Ty Segall jumped in for a heavy homage to Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.”

Fans lucky enough to capture the moment can watch Stone’s drum work in this clip:

Matt Stone and Primus — A Longtime Collaboration

The relationship between Matt Stone and Primus isn’t a one-off. You might remember Primus as the creative force behind the iconic South Park theme song, crafted back in 1997. Their synergy stretches back decades, making Stone’s drum appearance feel like a homecoming rather than a surprise.

Fast forward to 2022, and Primus was rocking the stage at South Park’s 25th anniversary concerts at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Stone was there too, not just behind the scenes but behind the drum kit, joining Primus and the remaining members of Rush to perform “Closer To The Heart.” It’s clear the bond between the animators and the band runs deep, blending humor, musicianship, and a shared love for boundary-pushing art.

South Park’s Sharp Political Satire Continues

While Stone was busy jamming with Les Claypool, South Park itself continued to stir the pot. The show’s creators, Stone and Trey Parker, recently reignited a feud with former President Donald Trump after unleashing some audacious satire in the new season. The premiere episode didn’t shy away from controversy, depicting Trump with a micro-penis and hilariously sharing a bed with Satan—classic South Park irreverence at its finest.

Predictably, the show’s take ruffled some feathers. The White House fired back with a statement suggesting the show was long past its prime, accusing it of clinging to outdated jokes and losing relevance. Stone and Parker, never ones to back down, responded with a mock apology during San Diego Comic-Con, embracing their role as provocateurs with trademark sarcasm.

Late-night host Stephen Colbert, who has his own complicated history with Trump, called South Park’s jab “an important message of hope,” even playing clips on his show and celebrating their fearless commentary. For fans, it’s a reminder that South Park still packs a punch, blending sharp social critique with biting humor.

Streaming South Park and Celebrating Creativity

For those eager to catch the latest episodes of South Park, new installments stream every Friday on Paramount+ in the UK, a day after their US broadcast. It’s a weekly dose of satire and storytelling that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Wrapping Up the Musical Mayhem

Matt Stone’s drum session with Primus isn’t just a fun cameo—it’s a testament to the creative spirit that fuels both South Park and the band. From crafting unforgettable theme songs to rocking out onstage with legends, Stone embodies the quirky, boundary-pushing energy that fans adore.

Whether you’re a die-hard South Park fan, a prog rock enthusiast, or both, moments like this remind us why these cultural mash-ups are so thrilling to witness. So, what’s your favorite South Park moment tied to music? And who would you love to see Stone collaborate with next?

FAQs

  • How did Matt Stone get involved with Primus?
    Matt Stone and Primus have a longstanding relationship, notably through the band creating the South Park theme song and performing at the show’s anniversary concerts.
  • What song did Matt Stone play drums on with Primus?
    He played drums on “Thela Hun Ginjeet,” a 1981 King Crimson track often featured in Primus’ setlists.
  • Where was this special Primus show held?
    The performance took place at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on August 6, 2025.
  • Who else guested at the Primus show?
    Notable guests included comedian Bill Burr, Tool’s Justin Chancellor and Danny Carey, and Ty Segall.
  • Where can I watch new episodes of South Park?
    New episodes stream every Friday on Paramount+ in the UK, a day after the US airing.

If the fusion of animation, satire, and eclectic rock has you buzzing, why not bring a slice of that iconic South Park-Primus vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and relive these epic moments every day at Architeg Prints.

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