Photos: Primus lit Grinders up on Saturday night

July 15, 2025

Allison Scavo,

Primus. // photo by Allison Scavo

Primus
with Ty Segall
Grinders
Saturday, July 12

Primus took over Grinders KC this weekend with a new drummer but all the original vibes with a set that felt both vintage and refreshingly new. From Les Claypool’s iconic bass slaps to Ler’s quirky guitar twists, the band locked in with breathtaking precision, leaving us absolutely in awe. But the standout of the night was new drummer John Hoffman, who seemed to bring Primus into a revitalized orbit.

Earlier that week, I spoke with Hoffman, who described landing the gig and the sudden leap from Louisiana stages to a major national tour as “a zero to a thousand miles an hour situation,” calling it “a blessing and so cool in every way.” Together their energy translated onstage, pushing the band into hyperdrive without losing its eccentric charm.

Ty Segall. // photo by Allison Scavo

Ty Segall stepped onto the stage to open for Primus without fanfare and tore into his set like a man possessed. Backed by his band, Segall unleashed a set that spanned new tracks from Possession and other songs from his sixteen albums. His sound was heavy and raw yet with a poppy vibe. Segall didn’t need to say much as his music spoke loud enough. When he closed the set in a haze of feedback and cheers, it was clear: this wasn’t just an opener, it was his own show.

All photos by Allison Scavo

Primus

Primus setlist
Too Many Puppies
Dirty Drowning Man
Fisticuffs
Frizzle Fry (with “Semi-Wondrous Boat Ride” intro)
Little Lord Fentanyl
Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread
Over the Falls
Lee Van Cleef
Amos Moses (Jerry Reed cover)
Over the Electric Grapevine
Welcome to This World
My Name Is Mud
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
—
Southbound Pachyderm

Ty Segall