Primus bassist Les Claypool recently reflected on his unsuccessful audition for Metallica following the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986.
Early Connections and Audition Mishap
Claypool, who attended school with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, tried out for the thrash metal giants without realizing their surging popularity at the time. “I didn’t know how popular they were,” he explained. During the session, after playing a couple of songs, he suggested jamming on some Isley Brothers tunes. “Nobody laughed,” he recalled, highlighting his lighthearted approach that clashed with the band’s intensity.
Reflecting further, Claypool noted the volume overwhelmed him initially. “Goddamn, this is loud!” he thought, before making the Isley Brothers joke, which fell flat. Drummer Lars Ulrich remarked, “You’re not really used to this kind of music, are you?” It became clear early on that he didn’t fit in.
No Regrets and Style Clash
At the time, Claypool worked as a carpenter and would have joined any band offering pay. “I thought it would have been a fantastic, fun thing to do, but I’m incredibly glad it didn’t happen,” he stated. He also refuted claims by Metallica frontman James Hetfield that he was “too good” for the lineup. “No, it wasn’t that – I just didn’t fit in,” Claypool clarified.
His appearance sealed the mismatch: a blonde Mohawk, baggy skater pants, and mismatched tennis shoes contrasted sharply with the band’s long hair and tight pants. When confronting Hetfield, Claypool said, “You were full of it… I thought I was a freak! That was why you didn’t want me!” Hetfield laughed, acknowledging the truth.
New Album and Primus Updates
Claypool teams up with Sean Ono Lennon for the Claypool Lennon Delirium’s upcoming AI-themed concept album, The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy, set for release on May 1 via ATO Records.
Primus announces a UK and European tour later this year, featuring headline shows at Manchester’s Academy, Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on August 17, 18, and 19, plus festival appearances.
This follows the shocking 2024 departure of longtime drummer Tim Alexander. The band held auditions and selected John Hoffman, a Shreveport, Louisiana drummer with a strong YouTube presence, as his replacement.
