Primus performed a headlining concert at Barba Negra in Budapest on August 4, 2026, marking the band’s first solo show in the Hungarian capital. Led by bassist and vocalist Les Claypool, the trio delivered a two-hour set characterized by improvisational funk-metal and a high-energy interaction with a crowd that nearly filled the venue 30 minutes before the official start time, according to reporting by HVG.
Les Claypool and the Evolution of the Bass-Centric Sound
Primus shifted the traditional guitar-led rock dynamic by placing the bass guitar at the forefront of the composition. Les Claypool utilized an innovative playing style that moved the instrument from the background rhythm section to the primary melodic lead. This approach created a hybrid sound that blends elements of funk and metal, often leaving listeners caught between nodding along or dancing.
Claypool’s career trajectory was shaped by a decision to avoid traditional trash metal. He was once approached by Kirk Hammett to replace Cliff Burton in Metallica. According to James Hetfield, Claypool was “too good” for the role and was encouraged to pursue his own artistic direction instead. This path led to the formation of Primus and their status as one of the most unconventional acts in alternative metal.
Did you know? Primus is responsible for the iconic theme song of the animated series South Park, a track that leveraged Claypool’s signature nasal vocal delivery and surreal storytelling.
Budapest Performance and the “Primus Sucks” Tradition
The concert at Barba Negra featured a setlist heavily drawn from the band’s first three albums from the early 1990s. HVG reports that the songs were delivered in expanded, jammed-out, or shortened versions that differed from the original studio recordings. The evening included hits such as “My Name Is Mud” and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver.”
A recurring element of the night was the “Primus sucks” chant. Originally an inside joke from the band’s earliest performances where Claypool would introduce the group this way, the phrase has become a badge of honor among fans. During the Budapest show, the band improvised a song based on the crowd’s chanting, with Claypool joining in to jokingly criticize his own band.
The Search for a Drummer: The Borlai Gergő Connection
During the show, Claypool acknowledged Hungarian drummer Borlai Gergő. Two years prior, Primus held a global competition to replace departing drummer Tim Alexander, attracting over 5,000 applicants. Borlai, known for his work with Gábor Presser and European Mantra, placed in the top 12. While John Hoffman eventually won the position, Claypool recently stated that Borlai was actually the best musician in the group, though the band felt a stronger personal connection with Hoffman.
Venue Logistics and Audio Quality at Barba Negra
The high attendance created significant congestion at the Csepel-based venue. HVG reports that the crowd size appeared to surprise the service staff, resulting in 30-minute wait times for drinks during a period of intense heat. Claypool himself noted the temperature on a handwritten setlist, drawing himself in a coffin with the caption, “if I die of heat exhaustion… I’m ready!”
Despite the logistical challenges, the sound quality was praised. Attendees and audio technicians noted that the acoustics remained consistent regardless of where they stood in the venue, challenging the common local reputation for poor sound at Barba Negra.
Primus Budapest Setlist
- Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers
- Last Salmon Man
- Groundhog’s Day
- The Ol’ Grizz
- Jilly’s on Smack
- Frizzle Fry
- Too Many Puppies
- Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread
- American Life
- Over the Falls
- The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Part 3)
- Welcome to This World
- My Name Is Mud
- Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fans chant “Primus sucks”?
It is an ironic inside joke started by Les Claypool during the band’s first performances. It reflects the group’s self-deprecating and surreal sense of humor.
Who is the current drummer for Primus?
John Hoffman is the current drummer, having been selected from a pool of over 5,000 candidates in a worldwide search.
What is the musical style of Primus?
They are primarily categorized as funk metal or alternative metal, distinguished by the prominent, lead role of the bass guitar.
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