PRIMUS / MONONEON – THE HARTFORD HEALTHCARE AMPHITHEATER
Primus and MonoNeon play the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.
The Amp is absolutely electric this time of year down in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sitting right on the waterfront, this venue feels alive the moment you walk in, the salty air from the Sound mixing with the buzz of an eager crowd ready for a night of music. It’s easily one of my all-time favorite places to shoot. The atmosphere, lighting, and energy make it a dream for capturing live moments.
Primus rolled into town fresh off their recent Sessanta Tour with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, riding high on momentum and armed with a brand-new single, “Little Lord Fentynal.” The track, which features the unmistakable presence of Maynard James Keenan from A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Tool, marks an exciting new chapter for the band. Not only musically, but also in its lineup. It’s the first track recorded with their new drummer, John Hoffman, who joined the band earlier this year after a global search they called the “Interstellar Drum Derby.”
The competition drew over 6,100 applicants from around the world, all vying for the throne behind the kit. The 12-episode series, available on Primus’ official YouTube channel, is a wild ride filled with incredible drumming talent, offbeat humor, and a few special guest appearances. It is chaotic, hilarious, and brilliant. Exactly what you would expect from Les Claypool and crew, and absolutely worth a binge-watch if you haven’t seen it yet.
Opening the night was MonoNeon, a solo artist who felt like the perfect fit to set the stage for Primus’ brand of controlled madness. Known for his eccentric style and fearless creativity, MonoNeon is a Grammy Award-winning bassist and experimental musician whose résumé includes collaborations with Prince, Nas, and Mac Miller.
Clad in his signature neon mismatched attire, face coverings, and color-blocked socks on his bass, MonoNeon is just as much a visual spectacle as he is a sonic force. His set was an unpredictable journey of deep, groove-heavy bass lines, glitchy textures, and melodic improvisations that danced the line between funk and avant-garde jazz. Unapologetically weird and endlessly inventive, his performance was both a masterclass in technical brilliance and a perfect mood-setter for the sonic rollercoaster Primus was about to unleash.
Next up was Primus. I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to cover them. I still remember the first time I saw Les Claypool perform. It was at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, when he was touring with Les Claypool and the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. Seeing Claypool live isn’t just a concert. It is an experience. You are guaranteed quirkiness, masterful bass techniques, and jam sessions that stretch a four-minute song into fifteen.
Earlier in the day, the music world lost a legend. Ozzy Osbourne had passed away. News of his death spread quickly throughout the community, and artists across the country dedicated songs and moments to the Prince of Darkness. Naturally, one question loomed large in the air that night. Would Primus pay tribute?
That question was answered almost immediately. Primus kicked off their set with “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers,” the standout from their 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese. That track was actually my first introduction to the band. I remember watching Woodstock ’94 on VHS, seeing Les Claypool walk on stage in his American flag shirt, mustache, and sunglasses as the crowd chanted “Primus Sucks.” A chant still going strong today. The satirical lyrics, infectious basslines, and eccentric presence instantly turned me into a fan for life.
This time around, “Tweekers” came with an added punch. The performance featured teases of “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train,” along with looping visuals of Ozzy Osbourne on the big screen. It was Primus’ way of honoring a rock icon with weirdness, wit, and reverence, just as only they could. The crowd erupted as the band played their version of the classics, a tribute that Ozzy himself would have been proud of. It had a unique spin, with Claypool’s heavy bassline taking center stage in a way that felt both respectful and distinctly Primus.
The show rolled on with Claypool speaking to the crowd about how incredible the tour had been, especially with MonoNeon joining the run. “American Life,” also from Sailing the Seas of Cheese, opened with a surprise twist. Instead of the usual intro, the band launched into “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which led into an epic jam session. These improvisational breaks are a hallmark of Primus shows, and this one was no exception.
“HOINFODAMAN” followed with yet another Ozzy nod, teasing “Paranoid” before diving into its signature bass-heavy groove and Claypool’s legendary vocal delivery. The night continued to unfold with a steady stream of fan favorites, including “Moron TV” off the 2011 album Green Naugahyde and the tour debut of “Pudding Time,” pulled from both their 1989 live album Suck on This and 1990’s Frizzle Fry.
They kept the energy high with classics like “Welcome to This World,” “My Name Is Mud,” and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver.” After a brief intermission, they returned for an encore that included “Too Many Puppies,” their new single “Little Lord Fentynal,” and the always unpredictable “Tommy the Cat.” Each of these songs is a certified earworm. You will find yourself singing the lyrics days later without even realizing it.
With a nod of his feathered bowler hat, Claypool thanked the crowd, closing out a night that was equal parts odd, powerful, and unforgettable.
Primus will always be that band that shows up with new sounds, executes flawlessly, and keeps you fully in the moment all night long. If you haven’t seen Primus live, I highly recommend adding them to your must-see list. The mastery each member brings to the stage is unmatched, and it is truly an honor and an experience to watch and hear Les Claypool perform.
What makes a Primus show so unforgettable is not just the musicianship or the spectacle, but the sense that you are witnessing something entirely its own. There is no formula and no boundaries, only a group of artists creating in real time and pulling the audience along for the ride. It is weird, it is wild, and it is brilliant. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about what all the noise is about, a Primus concert is the kind of night that reminds you why live music matters. It is not just a performance. It is a moment you carry with you long after the final note fades.
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