Tim Alexander left Primus, citing lost passion and a new life path

As a long-time Primus fan, I can’t help but admire Tim “Herb” Alexander‘s courage and self-awareness. His decision to prioritize his health and well-being over his passion for drumming is a testament to Erikson’s wisdom about the delicate balance between work, love, and play.


In case you missed it: Primus’ drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander has parted ways with the band, as shared in an interview with Rolling Stone. The reason behind this decision stems from a significant change in his personal priorities. After years of playing the drums for the experimental rock trio, Alexander admitted that he no longer harbored the same passion that had once fueled him. He elaborated that while he feels fit and well, persistent pains and the need to live life differently were factors contributing to his departure.

Essentially, Alexander’s life, much like Erikson’s quote, strives for harmony among three crucial aspects: his professional commitments, personal relationships, and leisure activities. Having been with Primus since 1989, he has played a pivotal role in shaping their distinctive sound that combines funk, rock, and progressive elements. Reflecting on his career, Alexander spoke about the impact of extensive touring on his life, focusing particularly on the physical toll drumming has had on his body. He mentioned chronic pain and long-term health issues, such as heart problems – including a major heart surgery in 2014 after a minor heart attack.

Over time, playing something he once loved passionately started feeling more like a chore, taking a toll on his physical health, mental well-being, and family life. Realizing it wasn’t working out, he decided to prioritize recovery and self-reflection in the past few months. He understood that change was crucial for maintaining both his personal happiness and strong familial bonds. It seems quitting Primus was a necessary step towards regaining his resilience.

In Alexander’s farewell note to Primus, he conveyed deep gratitude and appreciation for his fellow musicians. He emphasized that his decision was carefully considered and made with genuine affection. Although his departure might have seemed sudden, Primus, fronted by Les Claypool on bass and vocals, as well as Larry “Ler” LaLonde on guitar, respected his choice. Since then, they’ve been preparing for future performances, even inviting guest drummers (let’s hope there are no Spinal Tap-like mishaps).

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2024-11-12 20:01