When Primus announces a tour across the great American landscape, faces light up with excitement, urgency, and anticipation as fans scramble to secure tickets—often for multiple shows. Primus fans are a loyal, enthusiastic bunch, especially in Colorado, where Primus is considered a member of the Rocky Mountain community. This connection is partly because they contributed to Colorado's comedic culture by writing the theme song for the immensely successful animated series South Park. This contribution is a gift that will continue to bring joy to the world for years to come. In addition, they’ve made appearances on the show and contributed to South Park recordings.

Primus is musically unique and exploratory in ways that defy any definitive description. They are a power trio of totality, with a foot-stomping alternative, progressive rock, and metal vibe that would make Frank Zappa blush with joy and envy. The power trio from the San Francisco Bay Area emerged from an underground music scene early in their career, and they seemed content to stay that way. However, when a band is this good, it can’t stay under the radar for long. The allure for many fans lies in their wildly diverse musical craftsmanship and experimental qualities. Les Claypool often writes witty and humorous lyrics, and combined with his unique character, appearance, Beethoven-on-bass ambition, and desire to create something different, all form a significant part of the Primus mystique.

I’ll spare you the exhaustive details of the band’s incredible recording and touring eras. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re already well-versed in Primus and probably have a few of their albums lying around. What I can tell you is that Primus formed in the mid-eighties, dominated alternative rock in the 90s, amassed a devoted fan base that spans the globe, and has remained an essential part of musical culture and history ever since. What more do you really need to know? Seeing them live will give you all the answers you need, and whether you understand them or not is another conversation.

Last night’s tour stop in Dillon, Colorado, provided the perfect serene backdrop for a Primus concert. The chilly night air flowing across the lake was as invigorating as the performance on stage. Les Claypool on bass guitar and vocals was joined by Larry LaLonde on guitar and Tim Alexander on drums. Together, they have an unmistakable creative synergy that has produced some of the most interesting, technical, humorous, and mind-bending music ever composed.

Under the moonlit sky, the three musical maestros appeared on stage. The stage lighting was primarily backlit, highlighting each musician in silhouette. The band took full advantage of the large stage, spreading out across it. They opened the show with “Southbound Pachyderm,” setting a trippy, whimsical mood and vivid exploratory vibe, perfect for the early evening peak for many in the audience. The technicality and tone of Claypool’s bass playing, coupled with the massive percussive explosions from Alexander on drums, pounded the audience with a robust burst of bottom-end energy.

LaLonde’s searing guitar riffs provided just the right amount of distortion and grit as he ripped through the opening numbers. The night air filled with sonic textures and brain-bending musicianship as the band launched into three consecutive tracks from the Suck On This album: “Jellikit,” “The Pressman,” and “Groundhog’s Day,” each blending seamlessly into the next. Claypool’s attitude, stage presence, and sheer determination to deliver the best rock and roll show were front and center. His tone, technique, and thumb-slapping originality resonated with purpose and poise.

The eye-popping visuals on the screens, the diversity of the musicianship, and the endearing love from the crowd created an extraordinarily exciting atmosphere. The setlist, featuring songs from various albums including Tales From The Punch Bowl, Pork Soda, and Sailing The Seas Of Cheese, was executed with both fury and fun. The audience’s cheers, howls, and the ever-present “Primus Sucks!” chants rang out loud and clear, the affection level pegged in the red.

We’ve included the complete setlist from last night’s show, which was as unconventional as the band itself. The creative backbone of Claypool and company lit up the mountain town of Dillon like it owed them money. The fans rocked out, sang along, laughed, and hugged, bringing a joyous energy to the event that left its undeniable mark on the sleepy mountain town.

Setlist:

Southbound Pachyderm
Jellikit
The Pressman
Groundhog's Day
Polka Dot Rose
(Oysterhead cover) ((partial > Groundhog's Day))
My Friend Fats
Jilly's on Smack
Del Davis Tree Farm
Shake Hands With Beef
Spegetti Western
Cygnus X-1 (Rush cover)
The Ol' Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman's Chronicles, Part 3)
My Name Is Mud
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver