Primus Debuts Drummer John Hoffman on Arizona Onward & Upward Tour

Primus performed at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix on August 1, 2025, as part of their Onward & Upward Tour, marking a new era with drummer John Hoffman replacing Tim Alexander, who retired for health reasons. The setlist featured classic songs from the '90s like "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver," "Too Many Puppies," and "Pure Imagination," the latter serving as the concert's closing piece accompanied by Gene Wilder's rendition from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Opening act MonoNeon delivered an improvisational set highlighting bass-driven grooves and tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, culminating in a mesmerizing bass duo with Les Claypool. The concert included thematic elements ranging from playful to socially conscious, notably Hoffman's debut composition "Little Lord Fentanyl" and the environmentally themed "The Last Salmon Man." Visuals such as submarine videos enhanced the experience, and Claypool praised Hoffman as bringing fresh energy to the band, selected from over 6,100 applicants. Photographs captured the dynamic performances of both Primus and MonoNeon, showcasing their distinctive stage presence and musicianship.