It was a night of sonic exploration and psychedelic virtuosity on Monday, August 12, when Les Claypool and the mighty Primus made their return to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In a concert experience that definitely did not suck, the music was as eclectic as it was electrifying. Along with the ageless and genre-defying Primus, the stacked bill also included the progressive rock grandeur of Coheed and Cambria, and the surreal cabaret experience of Puddles Pity Party. This unlikely combination of acts came together to create a night that was both surreal and unforgettable.
Primus has always been a band that defies categorization. Fronted by the inimitable Les Claypool, Primus burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, blending elements of funk, metal, punk, and experimental rock into a sound that is uniquely their own. Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, bizarre lyrical narratives, and, most notably, Claypool’s virtuoso bass playing. Over the years, Primus has cultivated a devoted following, attracting fans of both hard rock and improvised jams, their live shows are known for their deeply hypnotic grooves and intense, energetic peaks. At SPAC, Primus delivered a set that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. After taking the stage to their customary Danny Elfman / Pee Wee’s Big Adventure walkup theme known as “Clown Dream,” the band would immediately surprise fans with an unexpected sit-in from Puddles Pity Party, the 6’8” sad clown with the golden voice. Delighting fans with a powerful cover of the Dio classic “Holy Diver,” Primus and friends made it clear they weren’t clowning around in Saratoga, and to strap in for a rollercoaster ride of the unexpected.
Following things up with the heavy-hitting 1993 Pork Soda favorite, “Nature Boy,” Claypool’s basslines were as thunderous as ever, and his off-kilter vocals added an extra layer of strangeness to the proceedings. “Golden Boy” would be lone song played from The Brown Album before “My Friend Fats” took the honors as first extended jam of night, giving guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde ample time to showcase his dizzying effects pallet and technical chops, while Claypool’s frantic finger work on the high notes echoed through the pavilion in the most surreal and satisfying way.
As the lights dimmed between songs and the fog machine continued working overtime, a hooded figure emerged from the side of the stage. Clutching a glowing skull and presenting it to the crowd as if it processed mystical powers, the identity of the druid was soon revealed as Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria! Teaming up with Primus for the second surprise sit-in of the night, Sanchez’ distinct voice was perfectly suited for the cover of Rush’s “Cygnus X-1.” Bouncing back with the standout song of the night, a deep dive into “Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats” had all the old school Primates savoring every second. The crowd, a mix of dedicated followers and curious newcomers, were fully engaged, swaying and headbanging to the complex grooves. The visual experience was equally impressive, with trippy, surrealist animations projected behind the band, adding to the sense of being on a musical journey through the weird and wonderful.
Taking a moment to acknowledge the audience, Claypool would remark that it’s been quite a long time since they last played this historic venue. Nostalgic fans were quick to remember the bands appearance at SPAC during the H.O.R.D.E. days in the late 90’s and their many appearances at the Palace Theatre in Albany in the years since, but indeed, it had been awhile since they’ve played a venue of this capacity. Interrupted by a fan requesting “Tommy the Cat,” Claypool would immediately shoot them down by saying, “Did you just say Tommy the Cat? That’s funny because that’s exactly what we’re not going to play.” Instead going with the crunchy punch of “Hamburger Train” anchored by the powerful hands of drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. Leaving the stage and returning in a horse mask, Claypool would take to his electric standup bass for the particularly poignant cautionary tale of “Jilly’s on Smack.” Ending the tune on a repeating loop, the band created a dark ambience that felt like it could take you in any direction. Choosing once again to return to the Pork Soda era, “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3)” seamlessly picked up where Jilly left off. Sensing a bit of a shift in momentum, Primus would strike back next with one of their most iconic songs, “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver,” which was famously featured over and over on the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skateboarder game. Sending fans into a frenzy every time he shouted “go!” the bolted down seats in the amphitheater where the only thing stopping a full-scale mosh pit from breaking out. Jerry would bring the main portin of the show to close and leave fans screaming for more.
Returning for an encore and with lots of fan favorites still left on the table, Primus would select the title track of their latest EP, 2022’s “Conspiranoia,” which they also played their last time in town at the Palace Theatre. Going all in on the near twelve-minute jam, Claypool would march circles around the stage, stomping his feet to the songs monstrous bass lick while humorous soundbite samples of random conspiracy theories pipped over the PA. Segueing directly into the relentless rhythm of “Here Come the Bastards,” Primus would ultimately send fans home happy with one of their biggest hits, “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.” A well-curated mix of classic tracks and deeper cuts, satisfying both long-time fans and newer listeners, Primus never disappoints.
If Primus represents the quirky and experimental side of rock, Coheed and Cambria bring a sense of epic grandeur to the table. Formed in 1995, Coheed and Cambria are known for their sprawling, concept-driven albums that weave together elements of progressive rock, metal, and emo. Their music often tells the story of *The Amory Wars*, a science fiction narrative that spans multiple albums and has even been adapted into comic books.
At SPAC, Coheed and Cambria delivered a performance that was nothing short of cinematic. Frontman Claudio Sanchez’s soaring vocals and intricate guitar work were the perfect match for the band’s complex compositions. The set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to explosive, arena-sized choruses. Tracks like “Welcome Home” and “The Suffering” were particular highlights, with the audience singing along passionately.
At one point, the band would pause to reflect on their history in the area, with multiple mentions of their early gigs at the since burned down Saratoga Winners venue, even dedicating one of their new songs to the man who booked them way back then. With a sound that still resonates all these years later, there was a noticeable contingent in the audience decked out in sci-fi and comic book-inspired attire, clearly long-time fans of the band and their intricate storylines. Coheed’s set was full of high energy, hair whips and bombastic solos, that at one point even saw Sanchez playing his double-neck guitar behind his head for added showmanship. For the beers drinkers in attendance, the band also brought along their limited edition IPA collaboration with Six Point Brewery called The Liars Club, inspired by the bands album Vaxis II: Window Of The Waking Mind.
Puddles Pity Party, the opening act of the evening, was perhaps the most surprising element of the night. For the uninitiated, Puddles Pity Party is the alter ego of Mike Geier, a 6’8” tall clown with a melancholy demeanor and a voice that can only be described as stunning. Puddles rose to fame through viral videos and appearances on America’s Got Talent, where his deep, emotive voice and unique takes on popular songs won him a legion of fans.
At SPAC, Puddles Pity Party delivered a set that was both hilarious and deeply moving. Dressed in his trademark white clown costume, Puddles performed a mix of covers and original songs, each delivered with a combination of deadpan humor and genuine emotion. Highlights included his renditions of “Ring of Fire,” The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” and a version of Ozzy’s Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” mashed up with Adele’s “Let It Go.” After a transformative “Space Oddity” homage to David Bowie was met with resounding approval, things would get downright whacky as Puddles then professed his love for actor Kevin Costner in bizarre hybrid of “Stairway to Heaven” meets Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” while images of the Costner 1995 Hollywood flop Waterworld projected onto the big screens. Suddenly, the music would bust into Metallica’s “One” for the high-intensity outro to a very fun set. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to the sad clown’s unique brand of entertainment. By the end of his set, there wasn’t a frown to be found.
From die-hard Primus fans wearing vintage tour shirts to Coheed and Cambria followers letting their sci-fi geek flags fly, the audience was a melting pot of music lovers. The diversity in the crowd reflected the broad appeal of the evening’s acts, with each band bringing their own unique following to the venue. Despite the differences in musical taste and style, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and shared enjoyment, with everyone there to appreciate the artistry on display. Whether you were there to witness Les Claypool’s bass wizardry, Claudio Sanchez’s epic storytelling, or Puddles’ deranged humor, there was something for everyone. Complete with surprise collaborations and stunning visuals, it was another spectacular night a SPAC and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who attended.
Primus | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Clown Dream Intro, Holy Diver *, Nature Boy, Golden Boy, My Friend Fats, Cygnus X-1**, Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats, Hamburger Train, Jilly’s on Smack, The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3), Jerry Was a Racecar Driver.
Encore: Conspiranoia, Here Come the Bastards, Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.
*Dio cover featuring Puddles Pity Party
**Rush cover featuring Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.
Coheed and Cambria | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Easrth:3. Ten Speed (Of God’s Blood and Burial), The Willing Well I: Fuel for the Feeding End, Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant, A Favor House Atlantic, Blindside Sunny, The Crowing, The Liars Club, Shoulders, Welcome Home.
Puddles Pity Party | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Ring of Fire, Pinball Wizard, Crazy Train > Let It Go, Space Oddity, Stairway to Heaven> My Heart Will Go On, One Outro.
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