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In this article, Garrison Gove will write about Les Claypool, regarded as the best bass player of all time.
The Weird and Wonderful World of Les Claypool
The Weird and Wonderful World of Les Claypool
By Garrison Gove
By Garrison Gove
What is a renaissance man? According to Dictionary.com, it is “a person with many talents or areas of knowledge.” In this regard, Leslie Edward “Les” Claypool can be considered a renaissance man. Not only does he function as the bassist and lead singer of the funk metal band Primus, but he has also been involved in numerous side projects, performed the theme music for two television shows, published a novel, founded a wine-making business, and attempted to start a fishing reality show. This can also be reflected in the style of his music, which blends alternative metal, psychedelic rock, and Americana into one glorious combination that stands out as its own genre. Les Claypool’s bass technique also serves as an example of this, incorporating tapping, slapping, flamenco-esque strumming, and whammy bar bends. Les Claypool is often regarded as the best bass player of all time, sharing the same association with his instrument that Louis Armstrong shares with the trumpet.
Les Claypool was born in Richmond, California, and was raised in nearby El Sobrante. Claypool attended school with and befriended Kirk Hammett, who would later become the lead guitarist for Metallica. Following the death of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, Hammett urged Claypool to audition as a replacement. The band reportedly turned Claypool down because he was “too good” and “should do his own thing”. However, according to Louder Sound, Claypool has speculated his eccentric playing style did not conform to the band, and they were “being nice” by saying he was too good.
In 1984, Claypool founded the band Primus (originally Primate) with guitarist Todd Huth and drummer Vince “Perm” Parker. Primus’ current lineup consists of Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. The band has gone through several guitarists and drummers, with Claypool serving as the only remaining original member. The band is known for their eccentric music style and lyrics, with subject matter including a fisherman whose passion leads to his demise, a mediocre race car driver, a man who murders his friend for stepping on his shoes, and a concept album based on a children's book about rainbow-devouring goblins. In addition, the band provides the theme music for the television series South Park.
Les Claypool in animated form during the South Park opening theme
Claypool has also been involved in numerous side projects. Claypool is a member of the supergroup Oysterhead, along with Trey Anastasio from Phish and Stewart Copeland from The Police. Claypool was formerly a member of the supergroup Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains, along with former Primus drummer Bryan Mantia, Buckethead, and P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Claypool has also led the projects Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and Les Claypool’s Fancy Band. Claypool has paired up with Brian Kehoe of M.I.R.V. in Duo de Twang, and Sean Lennon in The Claypool Lennon Delirium. He also performs the theme song for the Adult Swim series Robot Chicken, and composed several songs for the video game Mushroom Men.
Claypool has been involved in numerous projects outside of music. In 2006, Claypool wrote, directed, and starred in the mockumentary film Electric Apricot. The movie follows a UCLA filmmaker making a music documentary, who documents the titular jam band’s journey to the legendary music festival Festeroo. Claypool stars as the band’s drummer-singer, Lapland “Lapdog” Miclovik. That same year, Claypool published his debut novel, South of the Pumphouse, which chronicles a fishing trip that takes a murderous turn while exploring the themes of racism, urban decay, family and drugs. Beginning in 2007, Claypool launched a wine-making business known as Claypool Cellars, whose products take names from several of his songs, such as “Purple Pachyderm” and “Pink Platypus.” Claypool also provided music for and played a minor role in the 2008 film Pig Hunt, in which a group of friends attempted to fend off a monstrous wild boar, vengeful rednecks, and a deranged cult of hippie women. According to Huffpost, Claypool attempted to start a fishing reality show along with lead guitarist Dean Ween, produced by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame. Unfortunately, the series never materialized.
Claypool with Rush bassist Geddy Lee
Les Claypool stands out as someone who is not afraid to be different. His eccentric personality can be described as a cross between Frank Zappa, Willy Wonka, and the two hillbillies from Deliverance. Les Claypool is the archetype of a non-conformist. To say Claypool has attracted a cult following over the years is an understatement; the city of Cincinnati, Ohio even declared June 12, 2018 “Les Claypool Day", according to CityBeat. We’ll never quite know for sure what Les Claypool will do next, but it will undoubtedly be intriguing, inspiring, or downright terrifying.
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