Keep The Beat Alive For Primus Drummer Tim Alexander

Veteran US rockers and genre-unto-themselves Primus have made a public plea for positive, percussive thoughts when their drummer, Tim "Herb" Alexander, goes under the knife for open-heart surgery just after midnight tonight (AEST).

Having announced on social media at the weekend that the "strong, Herculean" Alexander would be requiring the procedure to remove blockage from some arteries near his heart, his family, via Primus, have posted an open request to fans and well-wishers to keep the beat — any beat — going while he is physically unable to, and invited them to join the vigil online using the #carrythebeat hashtag.

"Some time during the hours of 7:30 am to 12:30 pm (pacific time) tomorrow, July 21st, Tim's heart will be stopped for his open heart surgery," the family posted in a message on Primus' Facebook page.

"The heart is like a drum and we need to help keep it going, so during this time we ask you to please help carry that beat. Whether it be drums, percussion or even in your head, we would like to start a global drum circle to send positive, healing energy to Tim."

Alexander joined Primus in 1988, following Jay Lane's departure, and played on LPs Suck On This, Sailing The Seas Of Cheese, Pork Soda and Tales From The Punchbowl before leaving in 1996. He returned in 2003 when the band parted ways with his replacement, Brian "Brain" Mantia, relinquished the duties back to Lane from 2010-2013, before once more becoming the band's full-time drummer.

Primus are scheduled to play at Riotfest in Chicago and Denver mid-next month. Here's hoping all goes well for Herb's surgery — keep him in your thoughts or drop a prayer of sorts to whatever you believe in before you hit the hay tonight.