WILMINGTON — Les Claypool brought the funk and fun with his experimental bass lines and rock jams as Primus toured through downtown Wilmington on July 26.
“Opening with ‘American Life’ was a great way to start off the show,” according to photographer Tom Dorgan of MoonFrog Media, noting the group also played tracks like “Harold of the Rocks,” “Shake Hands with Beef” and “Southbound Pachyderm.”
The Onward and Upward tour features Primus’ newest member, drummer John Hoffman. He was chosen among 6,200 applicants from across the globe as part of Primus’ YouTube series “Interstellar Drum Derby.“
“We’re like devil music light,” Claypool told the crowd at one point during the show, as the opening to “Stairway to Heaven” was teased on guitar. “I’m just killing time because I’m f***ing exhausted in this sweaty ass heat.”
Claypool was donning his signature three-piece suit as temps hit over 100 degrees.
The opener was Mono Neon, with Dywane Eric Thomas Jr. sporting a crocheted ski mask and wearing a large overcoat and pants. Also an American bassist and experimental musician, Thomas got his start in music at the age of 4.
Before going solo, the Tennessee artist played with Prince. He performs left-handed on an upside down right-handed bass guitar, leaning into improvised jams, often tinged with Indian melodies and influences.
“That guy was something else,” Dorgan said.
Below are Dorgan’s photos and the setlists from the show.
Primus
American Life
Last Salmon Man
Moron TV (preceded by “dub set” reggae jam)
Here Come the Bastards
Harold of the Rocks
Dirty Drowning Man
Bob’s Party Time Lounge
Shake Hands With Beef
Welcome to This World
My Name Is Mud
The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Part 3)
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
Encore:
Southbound Pachyderm
Mono Neon
Jelly Roll
Wish Our Party Would’ve Last
Basquiat & Skittles
Stereo
Tell Me That This Love Ain’t Real
Life Is a Glittery Fu¢kery
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
