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Primus: A Tribute to Kings

Original Publication: April 20, 2022

San Antonio - A large number of fans filled the downtown area near The Majestic theater as doors opened for the evenings performance. The headlining act, Primus whom were finally back on track with touring after the Covid Pandemic that took place when the group originally launched their "A Tribute to Kings" Tour.


Why a tribute to kings? Some might ask.


The plain truth, rock power trio and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees RUSH would sadly not be touring anymore. Legendary drummer Neil Peart sadly passed as many will remember in January of 2020.


Anyone who follows Primus knows that RUSH had a large impact on the group, especially frontman and bassist Les Claypool. Proof can be seen in the headstock of his original Carl Thompson piccolo bass in which Geddy Lee's signature can be found.


In addition, Claypool is also the owner of one of Lee's original 4001 Rickenbacker basses which was given to him one night by RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson, unbeknownst to Lee at the time. With this knowledge in hand it seems only natural that the group would want to pay tribute to RUSH as they bring their touring days to an end.


The intended tribute, a two set show by Primus who are a power trio in their own right. Set one consisting of songs from the RUSH album "A Farewell to Kings" and a second set consisting of works from Primus themselves.


Seeing the group perform classic rush songs was a sight to behold as Claypool took to the stage with a double neck Rickenbacker bass much as Lee did in the early years. Claypool quipped at how hard the heavy instrument was on a persons back.


Was this a tribute to kings? This was in fact a tribute fit for kings.


Though Claypool had rather large shoes to fill when it comes to performing the vocals of Lee, he performed as only he can and it fit perfectly. Drummer Tim Alexander and guitarist Larry LaLonde played their parts to perfection.


As if hearing a night of songs written by RUSH, performed by Primus was not enough for fans, there was still a setlist of original songs to be played by the group.


Primus went through an array of classics from their catalog and the crowd erupted as they started their fourth song which happened to be a fan favorite entitled "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver." This combined with "American Life" made for special moments for a great number of the fans in attendance.


However, it was the encore performance that really turned the theater upside down as the group played "Tommy the Cat". If you have ever been to a Primus concert you know that this song goes hard.


This is the song that will not only have the fans on their feet despite the venue having seats. This is a song that also has fans singing along throughout the majority.


This night was no different as fans rejoiced to the anthem of the so called "King Cat". If there was a perfect way to end a Primus concert, this was it.


For those of you who have seen posters about Primus coming through your city on this tour, we highly recommend getting tickets. Treat yourself, as their show truly is a tribute fit for kings.

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