An oral history of the alt-rock band, Primus will be released on Sept. 16, 2014 via Akashic Books. Greg Prato, an acclaimed music journalist who has written for Rolling Stone, compiled the story of Primus – entitled Primus: Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight into Primus and the World of Les Claypool – that features interviews from a star-studded cast and new unreleased photos of the band.

When the early 1990s alternative rock is usually discussed, Nirvana’s Nevermind is credited as the recording that led the development of the genre. But, there were several albums that pre-dated, or co-existed with, Nevermind and helped to pave the way, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Mother’s Milk, Jane’s Addiction’s Nothing’s Shocking, and especially Primus’s 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese. Sailing the Seas of Cheese was a standout album, because Primus as a group refused to be pigeonholed into a particular genre. On their albums, they merged metal, funk, alternative, punk, country, roots rock, and experimental music to create a sound distinctly their own.

The oral history of Primus that appears in the book was compiled from nearly 50 all-new interviews that were conducted by music journalist Greg Prato—including Primus members past and present. The book also features interviews fellow musicians including Trey Anastasio of Phish, Tom Waitts, Hank Williams III, Muse’s Matthew Bellamy Stewart Copeland of The Police, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Coinciding nicely with the book release, the classic Primus lineup—Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde and Tim Alexander—will release their first LP in 19 years: Primus and the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble. And, on October 22nd, 2014, Primus will embark on a 22-city tour to promote the album, including a special New York City Halloween show.

Additionally, there will be two special launch events – Sept. 18 in Denver, and Sept. 23 in San Francisco – featuring members of the band and music journalist, Greg Prato.

Launch Event Information

Denver, Colorado
Thursday, September 18, 7:00 PM
Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Avenue
*Primus, featuring Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde. Moderated by Paul Epstein, owner of Twist & Shout. Cosponsored by Twist & Shout.

San Francisco, Calif.
Tuesday, September 23, 7:00 PM
Rickett’s Lab, 124-140 Columbus Avenue
*San Francisco launch event! Featuring Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde, and others TBA. Cosponsored by City Lights.