Primus Cancel Shows To Let Tim Alexander Recover

Primus drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander is recovering well from his recent heart surgery, but will not be well enough to play a series of planned two-set shows next month, the band has revealed on Facebook.

In a post on their wall this morning (AEST), Primus explained that Alexander has been out of hospital for about five days and is at the point of being mobile, lucid and commencing physical therapy. However, the band has been forced to cancel three scheduled shows in Maplewood, Minnesota, Fargo, North Dakota, and Clive, Iowa, between September 12 and 16, at which they were to play dual sets.

"Tim has been home from the hospital for about 5 days and is making great progress," they wrote.

"He is up walking around, starting some physical therapy and his wits about him as well. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2 set shows in Maplewood, Fargo and Clive as Tim wont be ready to play 2 sets in September.

The band also said they would be making a "special" announcement shortly about their forthcoming slot at Riot Fest, from September 12-14, leading to comments from fans positing that it may involve the once-off return of former drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia — an idea that sparked fierce debate among the participants.

Either way, they won't have long to enjoy or lament Brain's return, if it even happens — Alexander is on course to be back in the drum stool by October, Primus says.

""Tim is resting up at home and getting ready for his return to the stage on Oct 22nd at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia," the band explained.

The October show marks the start of Primus' tour for their impending full-length Primus And The Chocolate Factory With The Fungi Ensemble, which drops on October 21 and was recently confirmed by the band in the wake of earlier speculation about the Wonka-themed record.

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