Les Claypool has spoken to NME about his latest album with Sean Ono Lennon, how a “new energy” that Primus haven’t seen for “many years” is inspiring new material, and comparisons to viral duo Angine de Poitrine.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium. CREDIT: Jay Blakesburg.
The album has sparked conversation over its references to the impact of artificial intelligence on manking – but the real message, Claypool told us, was not meant to be a discussion about AI, but rather about a general lack of compassion he and Lennon have observed.
Check out the rest of our interview with Claypool below, where he also told us about why Primus are feeling “rejuvenated” in time for their 2026 UK and European tour along with plans to drop a new record, hopes to make a stage play with Sean Ono Lennon, comparisons to Angine de Poitrine and more.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium ‘The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy’.
NME: Hi Les, let’s look at the weird and wonderful concept behind the new Claypool Lennon Delirium album. Why has it always been important for you to tackle heavy themes with such a whimsical, lighthearted approach.
Les Claypool: “It’s something that has been in my writing for years now, and I didn’t even understand it myself at first. But as I’ve become a seasoned fellow on this planet, I’ve realised that it’s [because] I grew up with a lot of alcoholism and drug abuse around me, and the way we always dealt with things in my family was with humour.
That’s the way I’ve always dealt with heavy situations. Just look at the very first song I wrote for Primus, ‘Too Many Puppies’. That was anti-war – which is still very relevant – but under the guise of puppies as a metaphor for young men.
There are still those who argue that artists should use their platform to speak out, or simply “stick to the music”. What’s your stance with that.
The nods to AI in the album now have a different meaning to what you originally intended due to the rapid developments in recent years. With AI-generated music becoming more and more prominent, do you think artists need to be worried.
Speaking of the music landscape in 2026, are you still getting a new generation of fans discovering you and your music because of South Park.
Tell us more about the tour. It’s your first time coming back to the UK in nearly a decade and your first time here with new drummer John Hoffman in the band. What can fans expect.
That audition process got so much momentum and even had Billy Strings trying out to be in the line-up. What made you want to take that approach.
You recently dropped the new Primus EP ‘A Handful Of Nuggs’. Is there a full album on the way.
Maynard James Keenan told us earlier this year that he was tempted to bring the ‘Sessanta’ tour over to the UK and Europe, but would need new music from Primus, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer to justify it.
With the three of you now working on new material, have there been any further talks.
Keenan mentioned that the financial aspect was making it more difficult, which makes you think about how tough it must be for new artists trying to get on the road.
Do you think if a band like Primus were starting out in 2026 you could hit the same heights.
Angine de Poitrine live at the NME Beach stage at The Great Escape 2026. Credit: Chloe Hashemi for NME.
Do you see that common ground between Primus and Angine de Poitrine as well.
Are those your words of wisdom to emerging artists, just enjoy the process, try to find something original, and don’t be too focused on the success.
What other pots do you have on the stove at the minute.
Primus’ European tour dates continues with stops in Glasgow, London and ArcTanGent. Visit here for tickets and more information.
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Informação baseada em material público de NME, reescrito pela redação ULTRA NOTÍCIAS.
