Les Claypool is the co-founder of the rock band Primus and is currently touring with the return of Colonel Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, one of his many bands and collaborations that showcase his unique skills on the bass and a penchant for psychedelic, absurdist and oddball music. 

The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade tours through July 15 and breaks until a gig at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA, on Oct. 11. That tour continues through Nashville, TN, on Oct. 31. 

Inside the episode:

3:10 The origins of Colonel Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

6:00 Les talks about his music influences: Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, John Paul Jones, Larry Graham and Louis Clark, among others. 

8:20 The origins of his music’s humor and absurdist qualities came from his love of British comedy. Where did the psychedelic element of Primus and other Claypool come from?

11:18 Les talks about his equipment, first the Rickenbacker 4001, then a Carl Thompson, and later designing his own instruments. 

13:52 Why do so many musicians want to collaborate with Les?

15:45 The current set lists includes Pink Floyd’s Animals but gives the band room to play other material and improvise. 

19:00 They want to do a longer set in the fall, without an opening band, to have more room to play songs other than the songs from Animals. 

20:25 Who goes to the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade shows?

22:26 Les talks about his winery, Claypool Cellars.

Links:

Les Claypool home page

Les Claypool tour dates

Claypool Cellars

Jay Gilbert @ Label Logic

Glenn Peoples @ Billboard

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices