Les Claypool

Headline text

Les Claypool was born September 29, 1963 in Richmond, California, U.S. and is best known for being the bassist for the band Primus. Les Claypool is also the main singer in the band Primus. Claypool combines finger-tapping, flamenco-like strumming, and slap techniques to create a funky style of playing.

Biography

Early Years Claypool was born September 29, 1963 in Richmond, California, U.S. but he was raised in El Sobrante, California. His parents divorced when he was young. He listened to players such as Stanley Clarke and Larry Graham in which he developed his slap technique. In 1986 Claypool auditioned to play for Metallica after the death of their bassist Cliff Burton, but did not get the position.

Primus

The band primus began in the mid-1980s, and began selling out local clubs with their out of control live act. From 1989 to 2000, Primus steadily became one of the most bizarre bands to gain significant mainstream airplay.Primus even make an appearance at Woodstock '94 where they performed their Pork Soda hit My Name is Mud and were pelted with mud. In 1997, they were asked to play, and record, the theme song for the animated television show South Park. Also in 1999 he let Activision use the song "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" on the hit video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Claypool has let the video game Guitar Hero 2 use the Primus song, "John the Fisherman," one of two songs in the game using the actual recording instead of a cover.

C2B3

Also in 2002 Claypool collaborated with virtuoso guitarist Buckethead, Parliament-Funkadelic, keyboardist Bernie Worrell and former Primus drummer Brain(Brian Mantia) under the name Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains(C2B3). The band began an 18 state tour in 2004 with multi-instrumentalist guest Gabby La La.

Personal Life

Les Claypool lives in Sonoma County, California with his wife Chaney Claypool and his two kids. He records most of his music at his home. He is famous for his wacky sense of humor and overall very eccentric personality. Claypool is an avid fisherman and even appeared as a special guest on a 2004 taping of Fly Fishing the World filmed in Idaho.