Les Claypool, the eccentric bassist and frontman of Primus, has discussed his new AI-themed concept album with Sean Ono Lennon, his failed audition for Metallica, and his reputation as rock's class clown. The album, The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy, released under the Claypool Lennon Delirium, explores the dangers of artificial intelligence through a story about a robot turning the world into paperclips.
Claypool recalled his early career struggles, including writing his first song, 'Too Many Puppies', in 1984. Too embarrassed to sing in his apartment, he recorded it in a church across the street, using the podium as his stage. The anti-war song recast soldiers as dogs, setting the tone for Primus's cartoonish yet serious style. 'There's an iron hand in that velvet glove,' he said of his whimsical exterior.
The bassist also reflected on his 1986 audition to replace Cliff Burton in Metallica. After playing a few songs, he suggested they jam on an Isley Brothers track, but nobody laughed. While Claypool blamed his eccentricity, Metallica's James Hetfield later said he was 'too good'. Primus went on to achieve platinum success with albums like Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991) and Pork Soda (1993), and Claypool wrote the South Park theme.
Claypool described his upbringing in a blue-collar California family, surrounded by alcoholism and drug abuse, which informed his characters, such as Jerry Was a Race Car Driver and My Name Is Mud. 'I know most of these characters,' he said. Despite his reputation as a joker, the new album and upcoming UK tour prompt a re-evaluation of an artist who has always said serious things in unserious ways.
