Drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander has launched a prolonged assertion, increasing on his actual causes for leaving Primus a 3rd time. He says the band didn’t give followers correct context when asserting the information final week and clarifies all the things.
Primus referred to as Alexander’s departure, which was relayed to them through e-mail, a “full shock” and said that the 59-year-old drummer mentioned he had “misplaced his ardour for enjoying.”
The drummer, in the meantime, informs Rolling Stone that he too was shocked “that solely sure elements [of Alexander’s letter to the band] could be launched to the entire world”
Whereas that lack of ardour nonetheless holds true, Alexander notes in his assertion supplied to Rolling Stone that “all of those excursions left me feeling empty” and that his “physique hurts continually.”
Alexander joined Primus in 1989, left in 1996, returned in 2003, departed once more in 2010 and linked again up with the group 2013. This latest tenure was his longest and, because the band progresses into the late stage of their profession, it naturally pains followers to see a basic member depart the trio.
READ MORE: 65 Bands That Solely Have One Unique Member Left
However the drummer asserts he “selected a path of affection” after making “one of the difficult choices” of his life. Whereas he nonetheless loves enjoying drums, Alexander acknowledges he’s greater than a musician with roles as a husband and father. In prioritizing his psychological and bodily well being, he is trying ahead to spending extra time together with his household.
“Over the previous months, I have been in a spot of deep therapeutic and intensive psychological well being rehabilitation, studying to confront struggles I’ve carried for years,” Alexander reveals.
He tells Rolling Stone, “I am the happiest I feel I’ve ever been,” because of this shift in priorities.
Learn Alexander’s complete assertion straight beneath:
I do know there are lots of questions on why I stop PRIMUS and really feel it is necessary to share my story — for myself in addition to our followers. Stepping away from PRIMUS has been one of the difficult choices of my life, however finally, it got here down to like — for myself, my household, and the life I need to create transferring ahead. I selected a path of affection.
With regard to what I mentioned to the band about ‘dropping my ardour for enjoying,’ I did say that. However I additionally mentioned: “All of those excursions left me feeling empty. My physique hurts continually.” This context is necessary. I additionally instructed them they deserve somebody who desires to be there. And I meant it. So far as ‘abruptly’ goes, I suppose there’s by no means the right time to go away one thing you’ve got been part of for thus lengthy. Bands have their very own inside workings and are a relationship. Typically it would not really feel balanced, and generally it would not work out.
Over the previous months, I have been in a spot of deep therapeutic and intensive psychological well being rehabilitation, studying to confront struggles I’ve carried for years. On this interval of solitude, I’ve began to see with new readability what not serves me, the folks and conditions that don’t assist my well-being, and the elements of my life I must let go of to seek out peace and stability.
Once I first joined PRIMUS, I used to be 24 years outdated. I am virtually 60 now and never only a drummer, but in addition a husband and a dad. Being a drummer for nearly 4 a long time has taken its toll on my physique. As I mentioned beforehand, my physique hurts. My arms damage. My again hurts. Ten years in the past, I had open coronary heart surgical procedure and am nonetheless coping with the aftermath.
For thus a few years of my life, I slept, breathed and lived the music, giving it all the things I had — and sometimes on the expense of each my bodily and psychological well being. Drumming is a strenuous career — and matched with touring and performing it may be exhausting on each stage. However I really like drumming and at all times will. Simply as I’ll at all times maintain a lot love and appreciation for our followers, the music we made, the locations we went and all the things I discovered alongside the best way.
Once we have been developing as younger musicians, it was a unique world than it’s immediately. There wasn’t a deal with how this life affected us — it simply wasn’t talked about — and I feel we misplaced lots of wonderful musicians over time due to that. I not really feel the necessity to conceal the truth that for the final 12 months I wasn’t blissful and was in a darkish place emotionally. I desperately missed my household whereas on tour and felt very lonely.
My choice to go away the band was rooted in a deep must prioritize my psychological and bodily well being. I need to give my household the presence and power they deserve and deal with myself in a manner that enables me to thrive.
I view this subsequent chapter as a constructive recent starting that may hopefully encourage others to talk and stay their very own truths, even when it is laborious. I want the band continued success; and to the followers who’ve stood by me, I need to thanks to your compassion and phrases of kindness. Your assist has been a supply of power for me, and whereas I am closing this chapter, I am excited to discover a brand new path ahead — one grounded in love, respect, and well being.
Who Is Taking part in Drums for Primus?
Primus’ final two remaining 2024 dates will happen in Oakland, California on Dec. 30 and 31. The efficiency will function “an augmented model of Primus that includes members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade.
And at Device’s Dwell within the Sand pageant in early March of subsequent 12 months, Device’s personal Danny Carey will probably be in motion with Primus behind the equipment.
In the meantime, as a extra everlasting answer, the veteran group “plans on trying to find the best drummer on earth” to fill the void left by Alexander. Hopefully they may have their answer forward of a 2025 tour with A Good Circle and Puscifer, which kicks off on April 24.
10 Rock + Steel Bands Whose Bassist Is the Solely Unique Member Left
The next bands not have any unique members left besides for his or her bassist.
Gallery Credit score: Philip Trapp
10 Rock + Steel Bands Whose Drummer Is the Solely Unique Member Left
The next bands not have any unique members left besides for his or her drummer.
Gallery Credit score: Philip Trapp
