Primus Unveil Clown Theme for New Year’s Eve Series

Primus have unveiled the theme for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration. On Dec. 30 and 31, the alt-metal forefathers will return to Oakland, Calif.’s Fox Theatre, just down the coast from their original El Sobrante stomping grounds, and ring in 2026 with an invitation to “Send in the Clowns.”

“We’ve reached an era where rational thought is concisely expressed more often by satire than by serious rhetoric,” the band wrote in a social post. “Those who were once just the mirth makers have become the effective philosophers of the day.  As we ring in 2026, let’s embrace empathy, optimism, and, for the sake of our sanity, ‘Send in the Clowns.’” 

Attendees on New Year’s Eve are encouraged to commit to the bit by showing up styled as a clown of their choosing: happy, sad, menacing, friendly, blue-collar, Killer from Outer Space and everything in between. The evening’s best clown will be crowned in a costume contest. The series will begin on Dec. 30 with an extended two-set “An Evening with” show, followed by an opening set from special guest (and noted sad clown) Puddles Pity Party on Dec. 31.

Primus’ New Year’s Eve series will cap off the unforgettable year that brought the arrival of John Hoffman, the oddball trio’s eighth drummer, who joined Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde in the seat formerly held by Tim “Herb” Alexander. Hoffman’s unique approach to Primus’ sprawling and beloved catalog has brought renewed energy and focus to the group, exemplified by the many stunning highlights of their Onward & Upward summer tour.

Bay Area NYE celebrations have been a staple of Claypool’s tour calendar since 1992, when he launched the tradition with Primus at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The band continued with this habit through 1999, before Claypool switched over to celebrate the year’s end with his Fearless Flying Frog Brigade from 2000-2004. The frontman performed under his own name until 2009, then took Primus to The Fox from 2010 to 2017. After performances with The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Bastard Jazz and a pandemic hiatus, Primus’ return to the Oakland stage in 2024 was long-awaited and warmly welcomed, giving the group a chance to explore new sounds in their first show after Herb’s departure.

Tickets for Primus’ New Year’s Eve series are available now at primusville.com.