TIM ALEXANDER

Tim “Herb” Alexander was the innovative drummer of the powerful and revolutionary funk-metal band Primus from 1989 to 1996 and again in 2003 and 2004. Primus’s demanding frontman, Les Claypool, appreciated Tim’s unique mix of technical perfection and hardcore rhythm. In Primus’s first live album, Tim showed off his double bass skills. Tim’s subsequent recordings with Primus testify to his versatility as a drummer and a musician.

During a tour break, Tim created Laundry with some friends. Tim contributed new sounds, full of difficult fills and fresh arrangements. Tim returned to record one album with Primus before parting ways with the band. He said that Primus had “been going through a period of not being too interested in the drums musically…”

After leaving Primus, Tim was involved in A Perfect Circle and Attention Deficit. Attention Deficit was an improvisational trio with Michael Manring (bass) and Alex Skolnick (guitar). They recorded two albums together, and Tim’s drumming had a massive presence and was full of attitude. This arrangement, he says, “put the pressure on me to play more and show off a little.”

Tim then worked with The Blue Man Group in Las Vegas and Chicago. Impressed with a show he had attended, Tim decided to audition. During performances, Tim dressed up in glow-in-the-dark paint and played a thirty foot wall of drums.

Tim reunited with Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde in 2003. He has been touring with them ever since. In 2006, Tim released Fata Morgana, an album he wrote, produced, and performed with only a few guest appearances.