Tim Alexander
Encyclopedia
Tim "Herb" Alexander is an American
musician
, best known as the former drummer
for the rock band Primus
. Tim played on the Primus recordings Suck on This
to Tales from the Punchbowl
, before leaving the band in 1996, only to rejoin in 2003 for the EP Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People
. He was a member of, and toured with, Primus from early 2003 until approximately 2009 when he was replaced by Jay Lane. Although Alexander has been quoted saying he was originally inspired to become a rock drummer by legendary drummers like John Bonham
, Neil Peart
and Shaun O'Connor, Primus guitarist Larry LaLonde
claims Alexander's drum beats are mostly influenced by African Jùjú music
.
Prior to joining Primus, he played and recorded with Major Lingo
, which at the time was a ska-based rhythm band that featured a lap steel guitar as the lead instrument, played by Tony Bruno
. When Major Lingo toured through the Bay Area Tim met members of Primus and would go on to remain there trying out for the band.
Following Alexander's departure from Primus, he went on to form his own group, Laundry. Alexander released two albums with the band Laundry; Blacktongue and Motivator. Alexander has also collaborated with experimental bass player Michael Manring
and guitarist Alex Skolnick
to form the group known as Attention Deficit.
Alexander was the first drummer of A Perfect Circle
, performing early live shows with the band, and recording drums for the track "The Hollow" on the band's debut album, Mer de Noms
. He is listed as a member in the band's DVD/CD release aMOTION
.
Alexander joined the theatrical group Blue Man Group
, and has occasionally played with the Las Vegas-based improvisational rock band Uberschall
.
Despite being primarily known for his drum work Alexander is an accomplished guitarist and singer. He performed live guitar with the group Born Naked and held the lead vocal duties on Laundry's second album and supporting tour.
Alexander was involved throughout 2008-09 in a project known as Into The Presence which features songs by Luis Carlos Maldonado. Their debut album was released on Razor and Tie Records and includes performances from bassist Paz Lenchantin
and cellist Ana Lenchantin
. Both Into The Presence and the Fata Morgana release were recorded and produced at Alexander's own Ghost Town Studios.
As of 2010 Alexander is actively involved as a member of Maynard James Keenan
's Puscifer
project. He has toured with them and can be heard on their most recent released recordings.
reference, Alexander does not smoke marijuana, unlike his former Primus bandmates Les Claypool
and Larry LaLonde
. Rumor has it that he was given this nickname due to his consistent use of herbal nutritional supplements.
TAMA,
Hardware:
TAMA,
many various boom and straight cymbal stands
Cymbals:
Zildjian,
Sticks:
Zildjian,
Tim Alexander Artist Series (16" length, 0.53" diameter)
Heads:
REMO
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, best known as the former drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
for the rock band Primus
Primus (band)
Primus is an American rock band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry "Ler" LaLonde and drummer Jay Lane. Primus originally formed in 1984 with Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, later joined by Lane, though the latter two departed...
. Tim played on the Primus recordings Suck on This
Suck on This
-Personnel:Primus*Les Claypool – bass guitar, vocals*Larry "Ler" LaLonde – guitars*Tim "Herb" Alexander – drumsProduction*Bob Cock – producer*Howard Johnston – editing*Tim "Soya" Leroy – stage*Lauren Miller – sound...
to Tales from the Punchbowl
Tales from the Punchbowl
-Critical reception:In his review for Allmusic, Daniel Gioffre describes the album as "unabashed prog rock... which even the thick dollops of irony that the band seeks to impart to its compositions are unable to mask completely." He also notes that "the high-energy angular rhythms that Primus is...
, before leaving the band in 1996, only to rejoin in 2003 for the EP Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People
Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People
Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People is a career-spanning retrospective DVD plus bonus EP by Primus, released on October 7, 2003. The title was inspired by a crayon-made story book written by guitarist Larry LaLonde's son, and the cover depicts a sculpture made by long-time Primus collaborator...
. He was a member of, and toured with, Primus from early 2003 until approximately 2009 when he was replaced by Jay Lane. Although Alexander has been quoted saying he was originally inspired to become a rock drummer by legendary drummers like John Bonham
John Bonham
John Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
, Neil Peart
Neil Peart
Neil Ellwood Peart , OC, is a Canadian musician and author. He is the drummer for the rock band Rush.Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario . During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer...
and Shaun O'Connor, Primus guitarist Larry LaLonde
Larry LaLonde
Larry "Ler" LaLonde is a guitarist who currently plays in Primus along with Les Claypool and Jay Lane...
claims Alexander's drum beats are mostly influenced by African Jùjú music
Jùjú music
Jùjú is a style of Nigerian popular music, derived from traditional Yoruba percussion. The name comes from a Yoruba word "juju" or "jiju" meaning "throwing" or "something being thrown." Juju music did not derive its name from juju, which "is a form of magic and the use of magic objects or...
.
Prior to joining Primus, he played and recorded with Major Lingo
Major Lingo
Major Lingo is a band from Jerome, Arizona, founded in 1982, and still active today. Current band members include original members Tony Bruno on slide guitar and John Ziegler on rhythm guitar and vocals; and more recent additions Sally Stricker on bass and vocals, and Steve Botterweg on drums and...
, which at the time was a ska-based rhythm band that featured a lap steel guitar as the lead instrument, played by Tony Bruno
Tony Bruno
For Tony Bruno, the musician, see Tony Bruno Tony Bruno is an American sports talk radio personality in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
. When Major Lingo toured through the Bay Area Tim met members of Primus and would go on to remain there trying out for the band.
Following Alexander's departure from Primus, he went on to form his own group, Laundry. Alexander released two albums with the band Laundry; Blacktongue and Motivator. Alexander has also collaborated with experimental bass player Michael Manring
Michael Manring
Michael Manring is an American electric bassist from the San Francisco Bay Area, .-Biography:...
and guitarist Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick
Alexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
to form the group known as Attention Deficit.
Alexander was the first drummer of A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
, performing early live shows with the band, and recording drums for the track "The Hollow" on the band's debut album, Mer de Noms
Mer de Noms
- Symbols :Inside the insert the track names appear to be randomly spelled out in symbols. One way to decipher the symbols is to match the song titles using the normal alphabet with the song titles inside the insert....
. He is listed as a member in the band's DVD/CD release aMOTION
AMOTION
-Personnel:* Christopher Abbas – Director* Josh Abrahams – Remixing* Tim Alexander – Group member* Ken Andrews – Mixing* Wes Borland – Remixing* Brothers Strause – Director* Jerry Casale – Director...
.
Alexander joined the theatrical group Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is an organization founded by Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton. The organization produces theatrical shows and concerts featuring popular music, comedy and multimedia; recorded music and scores for film and television; television appearances for shows such as The Tonight...
, and has occasionally played with the Las Vegas-based improvisational rock band Uberschall
Uberschall
Uberschall is an improvisational rock band based in Las Vegas, Nevada consisting of past and present Blue Men and band members of Blue Man Group. Uberschall frequently performs at the Double-Down Saloon.- Members :...
.
Despite being primarily known for his drum work Alexander is an accomplished guitarist and singer. He performed live guitar with the group Born Naked and held the lead vocal duties on Laundry's second album and supporting tour.
Alexander was involved throughout 2008-09 in a project known as Into The Presence which features songs by Luis Carlos Maldonado. Their debut album was released on Razor and Tie Records and includes performances from bassist Paz Lenchantin
Paz Lenchantin
Paz Lenchantin is an American musician of French ancestry. She came to Los Angeles, California with her family at the age of four....
and cellist Ana Lenchantin
Ana Lenchantin
Ana Lenchantin is an Argentine-American cellist known for frequent appearances with American rock bands such as Into the Presence The Eels, Gnarls Barkley, No Doubt, Arthur Lee and Love, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, 30 Seconds to Mars, Brian Wilson, Billy Corgan,...
. Both Into The Presence and the Fata Morgana release were recorded and produced at Alexander's own Ghost Town Studios.
As of 2010 Alexander is actively involved as a member of Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor. Originally from Ohio, Keenan spent his high school and college years in Michigan. After serving in the Army in the early 1980s, he attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids...
's Puscifer
Puscifer
Puscifer is a side project of Maynard James Keenan from the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle. As Keenan is the only permanent member and he considers the project to be his "creative subconscious", Puscifer could also be considered a pseudonym for his solo work....
project. He has toured with them and can be heard on their most recent released recordings.
Personal life
While his nickname, "Herb", could be construed as a cannabisCannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
reference, Alexander does not smoke marijuana, unlike his former Primus bandmates Les Claypool
Les Claypool
Leslie Edward "Les" Claypool is an American musician and writer, best known as the lead vocalist and bassist in the band Primus. Claypool's playing style on the electric bass mixes tapping, flamenco-like strumming, whammy bar bends and slapping.Claypool has also self produced and engineered his...
and Larry LaLonde
Larry LaLonde
Larry "Ler" LaLonde is a guitarist who currently plays in Primus along with Les Claypool and Jay Lane...
. Rumor has it that he was given this nickname due to his consistent use of herbal nutritional supplements.
Primus
- Suck on ThisSuck on This-Personnel:Primus*Les Claypool – bass guitar, vocals*Larry "Ler" LaLonde – guitars*Tim "Herb" Alexander – drumsProduction*Bob Cock – producer*Howard Johnston – editing*Tim "Soya" Leroy – stage*Lauren Miller – sound...
(1989) - Frizzle FryFrizzle Fry-Personnel:Primus*Les Claypool – electric bass, electric fiddle bass, string bass, vocals*Larry LaLonde – electric guitar, acoustic guitar*Tim "Herb" Alexander – drumsProduction*Todd Huth – second acoustic guitar on "Toys"...
(1990) - Sailing the Seas of CheeseSailing the Seas of Cheese-Personnel:Primus*Les Claypool – electric bass, string bass, six-string fretless bass, clarinet, vocals*Larry LaLonde – electric guitar, six-string banjo*Tim "Herb" Alexander – drums, water jugProduction*Chris Bellman – mastering...
(1991) - Miscellaneous DebrisMiscellaneous Debris-Credits:*Les Claypool - bass guitar, vocals*Larry "Ler" LaLonde - guitars, synthesizer*Tim "Herb" Alexander - drums, percussion-Singles:Billboard...
(1992) - Pork SodaPork Soda-Personnel:Primus*Les Claypool – basses, mandolin, vocals*Larry LaLonde – guitar, six-string banjo*Tim "Herb" Alexander – drumsProduction*Derek Featherstone – engineer*Leslie Gerard-Smith – project coordinator...
(1993) - Tales from the PunchbowlTales from the Punchbowl-Critical reception:In his review for Allmusic, Daniel Gioffre describes the album as "unabashed prog rock... which even the thick dollops of irony that the band seeks to impart to its compositions are unable to mask completely." He also notes that "the high-energy angular rhythms that Primus is...
(1995) - Animals Should Not Try to Act Like PeopleAnimals Should Not Try to Act Like PeopleAnimals Should Not Try to Act Like People is a career-spanning retrospective DVD plus bonus EP by Primus, released on October 7, 2003. The title was inspired by a crayon-made story book written by guitarist Larry LaLonde's son, and the cover depicts a sculpture made by long-time Primus collaborator...
(2003)
Puscifer
- "V" Is for Vagina (2007)
- "C" Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference HERE)"C" Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference HERE)- Vinyl :Vinyl re-release with two bonus tracks.- Personnel :* Tim Alexander – Drums* Juliette Commagere - Additional Vocals, Acoustic Guitar* Joshua Eustis – Piano, Keyboards* Jeff Friedl - Drums* Milla Jovovich - Additional Vocals...
(2009) - Conditions Of My ParoleConditions of My ParoleConditions of My Parole is the second studio album by Puscifer. The album was produced by Keenan, Mat Mitchell and Josh Eustis. Contributing musicians for the album include the aforementioned Keenan, Mitchell, and Eustis as well as Carina Round, Juliette Commagere, Matt McJunkins, Jeff Freidl, Gil...
(2011)
Equipment
Drums:TAMA,
- 18"x20" Bass Drum
- 16"x18" Bass Drum
- 5.5"x14" Bronze PBZ355 Snare Drum
- 6"x14" Starclassic G Maple Snare Drum
- 8"x8" Tom Tom
- 9"x10" Tom Tom
- 10"x12" Tom Tom
- 14"x14" Floor Tom
- 14"x20" Gong Bass Drum
- 16"x16" Floor Tom
- Octoban Low-Pitch Set
Hardware:
TAMA,
many various boom and straight cymbal stands
Cymbals:
Zildjian,
- 9.5" & 6" Zil-Bells
- 13" Z Custom Dyno Beat Hi-Hats
- 18",17" & 16" A Medium Crashes
- 18" A Rock Crash
- 6" & 8" A splash
- 12" A Special Recording Hi-Hats
- 13" A New-Beat Hi-Hats
- 18" Oriental China Trash
- 22" K Custom Ride.
Sticks:
Zildjian,
Tim Alexander Artist Series (16" length, 0.53" diameter)
Heads:
REMO