Progressive rock lovers of all ages congregated at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre on Sunday evening to see prolific funksters, Primus.
While seeing Les Claypool is enough to get anybody’s blood pumping, Sunday’s spectacle was particularly important for those who are fans of Canadian prog-rock pioneers, Rush.
Not many may see the connection between these two legendary bands, but if you listen close enough you can find the undeniable similarities and the immense influence on had on the other. This is why Claypool felt it fitting to tour in tribute to his 70’s predecessors, performing his meticulously practiced renditions of Rush’s quintessential album A Farewell To Kings
Fans packed tightly into the nearly 100-year-old theatre, ignoring their seat numbers and standing, arms raised for the entirety of the band’s performance – which included two back to back sets.
The first set list was comprised of Primus’ biggest hits and some new material. Firing off everything from the hilariously wonky “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” to “My Name Is Mud” and an extended psychedelic-laden performance of “conspiranoia.”
Following a brief intermission, and a costume change, the trio was back and the fans were more eager than ever.
“My first concert was Rush,” beamed Claypool. “So this is extremely important to me. We took this on and it’s been amazing, because Rush is hard,” he added, being met by roaring laughter from the crowd.
“We have worked on this thing harder than any Primus stuff, we are fans and we know Rush fans are picky, so we hope you enjoy.”
Dive bombing straight into the album, you could feel the nostalgia and wonder fill the theatre. From every nuance in each song to using replica instruments, you could really feel the care and attention to detail Claypool and his band mates put into this set, they had everything right and it was such a sight to behold.
