music
March 16, 2026
‘We did Disneyland on mind-altering substances’: Primus frontman Les Claypool on being rock’s great joker
After going platinum in the 90s and writing the South Park theme, bassist extraordinaire Claypool discusses the AI-themed concept album he’s made with Sean Ono Lennon
TL;DR
- Les Claypool began writing songs in an empty church due to self-consciousness, leading to Primus's unique style.
- Primus achieved platinum success in the 90s with albums like 'Sailing the Seas of Cheese' and 'Pork Soda'.
- Claypool's new album with Sean Ono Lennon, 'The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy,' tackles themes of AI and human compassion.
- He has influenced many artists and is known for his distinctive bass playing and use of cartoonish characters.
- Claypool wrote the theme song for 'South Park' and often uses humor to explore serious topics like addiction and violence.