Talk:Tim Alexander

Puscifer

Should probably mention something with what Alexander is doing with Maynard James Keenan and Puscifer...but what?

Why on earth is the notability of Tim Alexander in question??? He is an acclaimed drummer and has performed on four albums and tours with a signed band. 174.117.113.79 (talk) 16:23, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Assessment comment

The comment(s) below were originally left at Talk:Tim Alexander/Comments, and are posted here for posterity. Following several discussions in past years, these subpages are now deprecated. The comments may be irrelevant or outdated; if so, please feel free to remove this section.

A good article, but needs some tidying - specifically in the equipment section - and a bit more detail. Tim (Xevious) 11:20, 5 March 2007 (UTC) Agree. I've rated the article as start class for a lack of reliable references, inconsistent in-line citations, and a need for more content. IShadowed (talk) 00:45, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

Last edited at 00:45, 24 July 2012 (UTC). Substituted at 08:46, 30 April 2016 (UTC)

Remember Me?

I thought it weird you would pop into the 1/2 sandwich/soup shop with "Remember me?"

"Yes." You were playing the drums on the stage last week. Someone said you would be at a party.

I do remember some girl going on about Norbert on the way to the concert.

My younger sister "" said you did not want a relationship with said person.

Herb? That is what I remember. A drummer possibly walking past before the concert, a concert and as usual a lame party. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2604:2000:EFC0:105:612C:FBF9:AA0A:955E (talk) 05:47, 4 January 2019 (UTC)

Yes, I think “Herb” was a nickname Les Claypool gave to Tim in the early 1990s (“That’s Herb, Herb the Ginseng Drummer.”). It’s what I actually would put in quotes on his page, instead of “Tim” — Preceding unsigned comment added by Capneb (talk • contribs) 05:03, 19 August 2019 (UTC)

COI tag (May 2025)

Unsourced addition by IP user claiming to be Alexander's wife in special:Diff/1288335109. If you're watching, please read our Conflict of interest policy and note that financial contributions to the Wikimedia Foundation have absolutely no bearing on encyclopaedia content. ClaudineChionh (she/her · talk · email · global) 00:04, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Read & received. To clarify, financial contributions to the Wikimedia Foundation are not made to influence content in any way, but to support what this platform represents — accurate, open knowledge and community integrity. The integrity of the information on this wiki page contains errors and does not accurately reflect the truth. "Full Article Rewriting Request (Conflict of Interest Disclosure)" submitted on the Talk page was intended to offer editors a revised version grounded in credibility and relevance. Essilor27 (talk) 17:50, 25 June 2025 (UTC)

Full Article Rewriting Request (Conflict of Interest Disclosure)

Hello editors,

I am closely connected to the subject of this article and therefore am not making any direct edits, in accordance with Wikipedia’s Conflict of Interest policy. I am submitting a revised version of the article below that corrects inaccurate claims, updates outdated information, and restores important, properly sourced details about Tim Alexander's career — and only sharing a proposed version here on the Talk page for your review. I also want to clarify that financial contributions to the Wikimedia Foundation are not made to influence content in any way, but to support what this platform represents — accurate, open knowledge and community integrity.

This version uses a neutral, encyclopedic tone and includes verifiable, third-party sources. I respectfully request review and implementation by a neutral editor.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

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Tim Alexander

Timothy Wayne Alexander (born April 10, 1965), known professionally as Tim "Herb" Alexander (also called "The Ginseng Drummer"), is an American drummer, composer, and visual artist. Best known as the longtime drummer for the rock band Primus, he has been a professional musician for over 40 years. Alexander has performed on multiple Grammy-nominated recordings, is a multi-Platinum and Gold-selling artist, and is widely recognized for his polyrhythmic and dynamic drumming style.

In addition to his work with Primus, Alexander has played with A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Attention Deficit, and Blue Man Group, and continues to actively perform and compose. Despite online rumors following his departure from Primus in 2024, Alexander has stated publicly that he is not retired and remains musically active. His nickname "Herb" was originally given by fans in reference to his affinity for natural medicine and herbal remedies, especially ginseng — a habit that earned him the additional moniker "The Ginseng Drummer."

He has spoken openly about the physical and emotional toll of touring, stating in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview, "All of these tours left me feeling empty. My body hurts constantly." He later reflected, "Sometimes the passion turns into a job... I had to listen to what my body and mind were telling me."

Alexander has been featured on the cover of both Modern Drummer"Tim Alexander Cover Story". Modern Drummer. September 1993. and Drum Magazine"Tim Alexander". Drum Magazine. 2000.. He was also named "Drummer of the Year" by Drum Magazine"Readers Poll Results". Drum Magazine. 1999. and listed among Rolling Stone’s "100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music"."100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2025-06-23.

Early Career

Before joining Primus, Alexander performed with the Arizona-based band Major Lingo from 1985 to 1990. His early style blended jazz, funk, and progressive rock influences.

Primus

Alexander joined Primus in 1988, replacing Jay Lane. He played on the band’s most commercially and critically successful albums:

• Suck on This (1989)
• Frizzle Fry (1990)
• Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991)
• Miscellaneous Debris (1992)
• Pork Soda (1993)
• Tales from the Punchbowl (1995)
• Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People (2003)
• Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble (2014)
• The Desaturating Seven (2017)
• Conspiranoid (2022)

He left in 1996 and rejoined in 2003. After a brief break in 2010, Alexander returned again in 2013 and remained until his final departure in October 2024.

Collaborations and Side Projects

Alexander’s musical output extends across numerous genres and artists:

• Puscifer and A Perfect Circle – Performances and recordings with both Maynard James Keenan projects.
• Blue Man Group – Live and recorded performances.
• Laundry – A Bay Area-based experimental rock group co-founded by Alexander. Released two albums on Prawn Song Records.
• Sound Cipher – In 2023, Alexander joined saxophonist Skerik and bassist Timm Mason to release All That Syncs Must Diverge, recorded at Studio Litho and released via Royal Potato Family Records.
• Dean Evenson – In 2018, collaborated on the ambient record Net of Indra, blending percussion, flutes, and meditative textures.
• KJ Sawka – Live experimental percussion sets.
• Into the Presence – Played on the 2009 debut album of this alternative rock band founded by Luis Maldonado.
• Attention Deficit – Recorded two albums with guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Michael Manring: Attention Deficit (1998) and The Idiot King (2001).

Drum Battles and Clinics

• Drum-off with Danny Carey (Tool) – At a benefit event in 2023, Alexander participated in a live "drum duel" with Tool’s Danny Carey.
• Public Clinics – Alexander has performed at multiple drumming clinics and music events, where he regularly participates in improvisational drum-offs and demonstrations of polyrhythmic techniques.

Television and Film

• Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) – Appeared on screen with Primus during the "Battle of the Bands" scene performing "Tommy the Cat."
• South Park: 25th Anniversary Concert (2022) – Performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre alongside Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Ween. Alexander and Primus were joined by members of Rush for a special rendition of "Closer to the Heart."
• Late Night with Seth Meyers (2016) – Participated as a guest drummer for the 8G Band.
• The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien – Performed with Primus in the early 1990s.

Art and Entrepreneurship

Alexander is also a visual artist, with abstract works shown at Gefen Gallery in San Francisco. He founded Stick Academy, an online drumming mentorship program focused on musical creativity and songwriting. The academy is based at 2200 Studios, formerly known as The Record Plant, a historic recording facility where many iconic albums were produced.

From 2016 to 2021, he owned and operated Herb’s Cider, an organic cider company based in Bellingham, Washington.

Equipment

Tim Alexander has been known for his complex, layered drum setup that supports his polyrhythmic style. Over the years, he has used:

• Drums: DW (Drum Workshop) drums, Tama Starclassic drums (earlier years)
• Cymbals: Paiste cymbals
• Drumheads: Remo
• Hardware: DW pedals and hardware
• Electronics: Roland SPD-SX sampling pad (for electronic and ambient textures)
• Sticks: Vater sticks (custom signature when available)

His setup has evolved for different tours, often incorporating octobans, auxiliary snares, chimes, and electronic triggers to achieve highly dynamic soundscapes.

Recent Activity

Since departing Primus in 2024, Alexander has continued composing, recording, and teaching. He remains active in the music industry and has publicly denied reports of retirement. In multiple interviews, he has emphasized the importance of mental and physical health, creative freedom, and family life.

Personal Life

Alexander experienced two heart attacks, in 2014 and again in 2016, both of which required medical intervention and influenced his decision to step back from large-scale touring for periods of time. He lives in Northern California with his family.

Discography (Selected)

With Primus

• Suck on This (1989)
• Frizzle Fry (1990)
• Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991)
• Miscellaneous Debris (1992)
• Pork Soda (1993)
• Tales from the Punchbowl (1995)
• Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People (2003)
• Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble (2014)
• The Desaturating Seven (2017)
• Conspiranoid (2022)

With Laundry

• Blacktongue (1994)
• Motivator (1999)

With A Perfect Circle

• Mer de Noms (2000)

With Attention Deficit

• Attention Deficit (1998)
• The Idiot King (2001)

With Michael Manring

• Thonk (1994)

With Fata Morgana

• This Is a Dream (2005)

With Puscifer

• V Is for Vagina (2007)
• C Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here) (2009)
• Conditions of My Parole (2011)
• Money Shot (2015)

With Dean Evenson

• Net of Indra (2018)

With Sound Cipher

• All That Syncs Must Diverge (2023)

With Into the Presence

• Into the Presence (2009)

Compilations & Guest Appearances

• Flyin' Traps (1997)
• Drummer’s World Presents Drum Nation Vol. 1 (2004)
• Drum Nation Vol. 2 (2005)
• The Lyrics Born Variety Show: Season 3 (2008)
• Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA 03-03-2001 [Live] (2005)

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Essilor27 (talk) 16:33, 23 June 2025 (UTC) Essilor27 (talk) 16:33, 23 June 2025 (UTC)