Primus bring Willy Wonka show to UK
Classic-era lineup of Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde and Tim Alexander return after 18 years

Primus have announced they’ll bring their Willy Wonka-themed show to the UK in June.
It will mark the first time the classic-era lineup of mainman Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander have played in Britain for 18 years.
The shows are based on last year’s Primus & The Chocolate Factory With The Fungi Ensemble – a reimagining of the soundtrack to the 1971 Wonka movie starring Gene Wilder. They’ll play two sets each night.
Last year Claypool told Metal Hammer: “We plan on pounding out old tunes – stripped-down, bare bones 1990-era Primus. Then the curtain opens and all of a sudden you’re in the Chocolate Factory and we do the whole project from start to finish.
“There may be an Oompa-Loompa or two appearing every now and again.”
Last July, Alexander suffered a heart attack – but returned to live duties in October. UK tickets are on sale now via the band’s website.
UK tour dates
Jun 23: London O2 Brixton Academy
The latest news, features and interviews direct to your inbox, from the global home of alternative music.
Jun 24: Manchester O2 Apollo
Jun 25: Birmingham O2 Academy

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.