Primus performing during the A Tribute to Kings tour at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on September 9, 2021, with Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde, and Tim Alexander. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Primus pays homage to the legends Rush this summer with A Tribute to Kings, a cross-country tour that features the Bay Area trio playing Rush’s classic 1977 album A Farewell to Kings in its entirety, in addition to their own music.
“A little over one year ago, Ler Lalonde and I started kicking the idea around of Primus performing a series of shows featuring an iconic Rush album from our youth,” says bandleader Les Claypool. “Being that A Farewell to Kings was the first Rush record I ever heard, and that it contains my all-time favorite Rush tune, “Cygnus X1,” the choice narrowed quickly. Years ago I had done something similar with Colonel Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, when we covered Pink Floyd’s Animals in its entirety. It was an insane amount of work, but ended up being one of the most enjoyable live endeavors I’ve ever done. Dubbing the tour ‘Primus: A Tribute to Kings,’ it was originally scheduled to be performed in the Fall of 2019 but, when we were asked to support Slayer on their Final Campaign, the ‘Tribute to Kings’ tour was postponed.
Geddy, Alex and Neil had been superheroes to Larry, Herb and I in our teens, so when we all became pals while touring together in the early ’90s, we were pretty delighted; partially because of the musical geek-out factor but mostly because the three guys whom we had admired so much from afar, turned out to be truly great, down-to-earth humans, and like us, a tad eccentric.
The ‘Tribute to Kings’ tour is just as it is implied, a respectful and loving tribute to three spectacular musicians, songwriters, legends and friends.”
Primus was awesome! This was our first time seeing a Primus show and it did not disappoint! Got to hear the Rush tribute and the Primus classics! It was an awesome experience.Setlist for the show at the ACL Live Moody Theater
Amazing! The Sword and Primus were off the hook awesome! I enjoyed the show more than any show in many, many years! Can't wait until next time.
Primus was amazing as always and never gets old. It’s like watching an artist paint a masterpiece.
Amazing! Primus always puts on a good show. I’ve seen them four times now and this is my favorite show of all! Best night ever!
My son started playing bass last year and had never been to a concert. I figured him getting to see one of the best bassists on the planet was the perfect introduction. He was enthralled by it start to finish! Excellent show by all participants!
Great show! I loved Primus covering Rush! I have seen Primus multiple times and I am never disappointed! They did a great job covering Rush!
- Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers
- Harold of the Rocks
- The Seven
- Over the Falls
- Last Salmon Man
- Jilly's on Smack
- My Name Is Mud
- Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
- A Farewell to Kings
- Xanadu
- Closer to the Heart
- Cinderella Man
- Madrigal
- Cygnus X-1
- Iowan Gal
- Too Many Puppies
- Sgt. Baker
- Pudding Time
- Tommy the Cat
- Lacquer Head
- Southbound Pachyderm
Primus was the main act at the ACL Live Moody Theater with guest The Sword. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Arizona Federal Theater in Phoenix, Arizona on October 25, 2021.
Primus
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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