Les Claypool
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH
There are concerts, and then there are experiences. What unfolded at Jacobs Pavilion was something far beyond a traditional night of live music. Fans arrived expecting to see Primus. What they received was a three-part journey through the ever-expanding musical universe of Les Claypool.
From the moment the evening began, it was obvious this was not going to be an ordinary tour stop. Jacobs Pavilion appeared to be operating at or near capacity, with every section of the venue packed with eager fans. Looking across the crowd, it was nearly impossible to spot an empty seat or even a significant opening in the standing areas. The atmosphere carried the anticipation of a special event, and by night’s end, that anticipation had been more than rewarded.
The evening opened with Flying Frog Brigade, immediately immersing the audience in Claypool’s psychedelic and progressive side. Rather than serving as a simple opener, the performance felt like the first chapter of a larger story. The musicianship was exceptional, the audience was fully engaged, and the energy inside the venue was already reaching impressive levels.
One of the night’s biggest surprises quickly emerged as fans realized that Sean Lennon was performing alongside the band. The realization spread throughout the crowd in waves, followed by enthusiastic cheers as concertgoers recognized they were witnessing something far more unique than a standard Primus performance. Lennon’s presence added another layer of excitement and legitimacy to an already remarkable lineup.
The second portion of the evening shifted into Delirium material, further expanding the musical landscape of the show. Atmospheric, experimental, and often hypnotic, the set showcased another facet of Claypool’s creative vision. Rather than losing momentum between performances, the audience remained fully invested, embracing each transition as the evening unfolded.
By the time Primus finally took the stage, many bands would have struggled to maintain the audience’s attention after two complete sets. Primus had the opposite effect.
The crowd erupted as the band launched into “To Defy the Laws of Tradition,” a tour debut that immediately signaled the night would be something special. What followed was a carefully crafted set that balanced fan favorites with deeper cuts, rewarding longtime followers while keeping the energy level soaring throughout the venue.
Songs like “Fisticuffs,” “The Antipop,” “Over the Falls,” and another tour debut of “Frizzle Fry” demonstrated the band’s willingness to dig deep into their catalog. During “Groundhog’s Day,” fans were treated to a brief snippet of Oysterhead’s “Polka Dot Rose,” a nod that drew appreciative reactions from those familiar with Claypool’s extensive musical history.
The performance of “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon” featured appearances by Skerik and Mike Dillon, adding yet another memorable moment to an evening already overflowing with them. Meanwhile, crowd favorites “My Name Is Mud” and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” generated some of the loudest reactions of the night, transforming Jacobs Pavilion into a massive celebration of everything that has made Primus one of the most beloved and unconventional bands in modern rock.
A major storyline surrounding this tour has been the addition of drummer John Hoffman. After witnessing his performance in Cleveland, any concerns about how he would fit into the band can be put to rest.
Hoffman was phenomenal.
From the opening moments of the Primus set through the final encore, he attacked the material with precision, confidence, and relentless energy. His performance never felt like an imitation of the past. Instead, he brought his own personality and enthusiasm to the role while honoring the complexity and unpredictability that define the Primus sound.
More importantly, Hoffman looked like he was having the time of his life. Every fill, every transition, and every explosive moment behind the kit radiated genuine excitement. His energy was infectious, feeding both the band and the audience throughout the performance.
Simply put, Hoffman killed it.
By the end of the evening, it was abundantly clear that he had earned his place on stage alongside Les Claypool and Sean Lennon.
As incredible as the night had already been, the finale delivered one final unforgettable moment. Following a tour debut performance of “Pudding Time,” complete with a playful tease of Dio’s “Holy Diver,” the evening concluded with all three bands joining together for a powerful rendition of “Southbound Pachyderm.”
It was the perfect ending.
The song served as a musical exclamation point that tied together every chapter of the evening, bringing Flying Frog Brigade, Delirium, and Primus together on one stage for a celebration of musicianship, creativity, and artistic exploration.
What made this show remarkable wasn’t simply the quality of the performances. It was the way the entire evening felt connected. Rather than three separate sets, the audience experienced one continuous journey through the many creative worlds that Les Claypool has built throughout his career.
For a venue packed nearly to capacity, the crowd remained engaged from the first note of Flying Frog Brigade to the final note of “Southbound Pachyderm.” That level of sustained enthusiasm is rare, especially during a marathon performance spanning multiple projects and musical styles.
For Cleveland fans, this was more than a concert it was an epic evening with legends of music.
It was a celebration of Les Claypool’s musical legacy, an introduction to Primus’ exciting new chapter with John Hoffman behind the drums, and a reminder that after all these years, Primus still possesses a unique ability to surprise, challenge, and entertain audiences unlike anyone else.
On a beautiful night along the Cuyahoga River, Jacobs Pavilion became the center of Claypool’s musical universe, and every fan in attendance was happy to take the journey.
