Primus Drops New EP ‘A Handful Of Nuggs’ Featuring Eccentric Track ‘The Ol’ Grizz’

Immerse yourself in the unmistakable Primus vibe with their surprise EP release, ‘A Handful Of Nuggs’, spotlighting the rollicking new track ‘The Ol’ Grizz’.

A Surprise Arrival: Primus Returns with New EP

If you’ve been craving that unique Primus flavor, the wait is over. Les Claypool and his bandmates have unexpectedly dropped a fresh EP titled A Handful Of Nuggs. This intriguing four-track collection showcases the band’s signature eccentricity, with the standout song, The Ol’ Grizz, capturing the essence of Primus’s quirky musical identity.

It’s been a while since the band released a studio album; their last full-length was The Desaturating Seven back in 2017. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing this EP teases a possible new album slated for 2027 — a tantalizing prospect for those who’ve followed the band’s journey for decades.

Les Claypool, the charismatic frontman of Primus, bringing his legendary bass lines to life.

What’s Inside ‘A Handful Of Nuggs’?

The EP is streaming now and is scheduled for physical release on July 20. Alongside The Ol’ Grizz, the tracklist includes:

• Little Lord Fentanyl — a track originally released in 2025, featuring the mysterious collective Puscifer.
• A powerhouse cover of Dio’s iconic metal anthem, Holy Diver.
• A live rendition of Duchess (And The Proverbial Mind Spread), capturing the raw energy of Primus’s stage presence.

This mix of fresh material, collaborations, covers, and live cuts offers a rich sampler of what Primus has been cooking up lately. If the energy on The Ol’ Grizz is anything to go by, the new full-length album might be a wild ride.

‘The Ol’ Grizz’: A Classic Primus Track with a Twist

Listening to The Ol’ Grizz is like stepping into a familiar yet refreshing Primus soundscape. Claypool’s bouncing basslines weave through John Hoffman’s manic drumming, resulting in a sound that’s equal parts funky and wild. There’s a distinct mutant country vibe layered beneath the frantic energy, giving the song a rollicking feel that hooks you from the first note.

You can catch the track’s quirky charm and infectious rhythm right here:

Touring Across the UK and Europe This Summer

Exciting news for concertgoers: Primus is hitting the road with a UK and European tour starting this summer. The tour kicks off in Milan on July 31 and hits several major cities including Manchester on August 17, Glasgow, London, and Bristol — venues that are sure to get primed for some offbeat Primus magic.

This tour is part of a broader live performance push following the Claypool Gold tour earlier, where Les Claypool showcased not only Primus but also his other projects like The Claypool Lennon Delirium and the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. These tours span 25 cities across the UK and highlight Claypool’s prolific side projects and collaborations.

If you’re hunting down tickets, some spots may still be available — a perfect chance to experience the band’s weird and wonderful live show.

A New Drummer Joins the Lineup

2024 brought some major changes to the band with the “complete shock” departure of longtime drummer Tim Alexander, a key part of Primus’s rhythm over many years. The band’s search for a replacement led them to John Hoffman, a drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana, who first caught their attention through a viral YouTube presence.

Hoffman officially joined the band last year and made his debut on the Sessanta tour, which celebrated Maynard James Keenan’s 60th birthday. That tour was a three-way co-headline with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle, blending fans of progressive, alternative, and experimental rock in one epic celebration.

Les Claypool Reflects on a Legendary Career Moment

“I didn’t know how popular they were... We played a song or two and I said, ‘Hey, you guys want to jam on some Isley Brothers?’ Nobody laughed.”

— Les Claypool

In a candid moment earlier this year, Les Claypool opened up about an amusing yet humbling chapter in his career: his 1986 audition for Metallica. Known for his playful and lighthearted approach to music, Claypool admitted that he might have been a bit too casual during the tryout.

It’s a classic Claypool anecdote showing his unique blend of humor and humility, traits that have endeared him to fans worldwide.

Looking Ahead

With A Handful Of Nuggs now out in the wild, the promise of a full-length Primus album next year feels more tangible than ever. Between the fresh new material, the revitalized lineup, and upcoming tour dates, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about their eclectic sound, this EP is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that Primus continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to their off-kilter roots.

FAQ

• What tracks are included on the ‘A Handful Of Nuggs’ EP?
  The EP features four tracks: The Ol’ Grizz, Little Lord Fentanyl (featuring Puscifer), a cover of Holy Diver by Dio, and a live version of Duchess (And The Proverbial Mind Spread).
• Who is the new drummer for Primus?
  John Hoffman from Shreveport, Louisiana, replaced longtime drummer Tim Alexander in 2024.
• When is the physical release of the EP?
  A Handful Of Nuggs will be physically released on July 20.
• Is Primus touring soon?
  Yes, Primus is touring across the UK and Europe starting July 31, with dates in cities like Milan, Manchester, Glasgow, London, and Bristol.
• When can fans expect a new Primus album?
  A new full-length album from Primus is expected to arrive in 2027.

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