On March 8, 2025, the iconic funk metal and experimental rock band Primus delivered an unforgettable performance during the second night of Tool’s inaugural Live in the Sand festival. This event not only marked the band’s first concert of the year but also showcased the live debut of their new drummer, John Hoffman, who officially took over from Tim “Herb” Alexander earlier this year. Fans eagerly anticipated this moment, as Hoffman had previously filled in for Alexander during 2024, bringing his unique style to the band’s dynamic.

The festival is hosted at the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, featuring an impressive lineup that includes renowned acts such as Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon, and Eagles of Death Metal. However, Primus’ performance stood out as a memorable highlight, captivating the audience and ensuring a lasting impression throughout the weekend.

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Setlist Highlights from Primus’ Captivating Performance

As detailed on setlist.fm, Primus kicked off their set with the beloved fan favorite “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers.” It was no surprise that Tool’s Danny Carey stepped in on drums for this track, as he had previously filled in for Alexander. Carey continued to lend his remarkable drumming skills to several tracks, including “Too Many Puppies,” “American Life,” “Here Come the Bastards,” and the encore performance of “My Name is Mud.”

After “Here Come the Bastards,” the spotlight finally shifted to Hoffman, allowing him to showcase his exceptional drumming talent during songs like “Harold of the Rocks,” “Groundhog’s Day,” “Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread,” and the quintessential Primus anthem, “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver.” The audience was thrilled to see Hoffman connect with the fans, proving that he is a perfect fit for the band.

Both Carey and Hoffman infused their own unique flair into the performance, and interestingly, the setlist predominantly featured tracks from Primus’ first two studio albums, 1990’s Frizzle Fry and 1991’s Sailing the Seas of Cheese, pleasing long-time fans and newcomers alike.

For those interested, the full setlist and fan-filmed clips of Primus’ performance can be found further down the page, along with details of their upcoming tour dates. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows are also available for purchase here.

The Transition from Tim Alexander to John Hoffman: What You Need to Know

According to earlier reports from Loudwire, Tim Alexander, who had been an integral part of Primus since 1989, announced his departure from the band in October 2024. In a heartfelt email to the band, he expressed his decision to step back, citing that he could no longer be involved with Primus effective immediately. The band was understandably taken aback by the news. Shortly thereafter, Alexander revealed that ongoing physical challenges left him feeling “empty” after extensive touring.

By February 2025, Primus made the crucial decision to enlist the highly skilled John Hoffman as Alexander’s successor, marking Hoffman as the band’s eighth drummer overall. His extensive experience and passion for the music made him a fitting choice, as he seamlessly integrated into the group during their performances.

Complete Setlist from Primus’ March 8, 2025 Show

01. “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers” (Danny Carey on drums)
02. “Too Many Puppies” (Danny Carey on drums)
03. “American Life” (Danny Carey on drums)
04. “Here Come the Bastards” (Danny Carey on drums)
05. “Harold of the Rocks” (John Hoffman on drums)
06. “Groundhog’s Day” (John Hoffman on drums)
07. “Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread” (John Hoffman on drums)
08. “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” (John Hoffman on drums)
09. “My Name is Mud” (Danny Carey on drums)

via setlist.fm

Watch Primus Perform “American Life” Live (March 8, 2025)

Experience Primus Live with “Here Come the Bastards” (March 8, 2025)

Check Out Miscellaneous Primus Clips from March 8, 2025

Upcoming Tour Dates for Primus’ 2025 North American Tour

April 24 – Palm Springs, Calif. @ Acrisure Arena
April 25 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ PH Live at Planet Hollywood
April 27 – Albuquerque, N.M. @ Isleta Amphitheater
April 29 – San Antonio, Texas @ Freeman Coliseum
May 1 – Tulsa, Okla. @ BOK Center
May 2 – Rogers, Ark. @ Walmart AMP
May 4 – Huntsville, Ala. @ The Orion Amphitheater
May 6 – Hollywood, Fla. @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
May 8 – Tampa, Fla. @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 10 – Charlotte, N.C. @ PNC Music Pavilion
May 11 – Virginia Beach, Va. @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
May 14 – Manchester, N.H. @ SNHU Arena
May 15 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ TD Pavilion at The Mann Center
May 17 – Holmdel, N.J. @ PNC Bank Arts Center
May 18 – Fairfax, Va. @ EagleBank Arena
May 20 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Petersen Events Center
May 22 – Toronto, Ontario @ Budweiser Stage
May 24 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Ruoff Music Center
May 25 – Cleveland, Ohio @ Blossom Music Center
May 28 – Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Van Andel Arena
May 29 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
May 31 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
June 1 – St. Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center
June 3 – Omaha, Neb. @ Baxter Arena
June 6 – Portland, Ore. @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
June 7 – Auburn, Wash. @ White River Amphitheatre