Les Claypool to play Cain's Ballroom

 A whole-lotta bass slappin' is headed to Tulsa. Primus front man Les Claypool, known for his funky, creative bass playing style and strange sing-speak lyrics, is coming to the Cain's Ballroom for an 8 P.M. show on Friday, April 23. 

The California native got his start in music as a teenager when friend Kirk Hammett (of Metallica fame) introduced him to rock acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. Around the same time Claypool took up playing the bass and credits influences such as Rush's Geddy Lee. He later incorporated "slapping" into his technique after discovering Stanley Clarke and Larry Graham.

He has played all types of music, including blues, R&B, funk, jazz and swing. It was his own original compositions that he began working on in the early to mid-80's, though, that would break Claypool into the mainstream music world.

In 1989 the current version of the group Primus was formed, including guitarist Larry LaLonde, drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander with Claypool providing vocals and bass. In 1991 the group made their major label debut with Interscope when they released Sailing the Seas of Cheese. The album went on to reach gold status a year after it's release.

1993's Pork Soda, including the popular "My name is Mud", became the band's biggest hit, landing them a headlining spot on the Lollapalooza tour.  Claypool also penned the theme song for Comedy Central's hit show South Park.

Tickets for Friday nights show are $28 in advance and $30 on the day of the show and available at the Cain's Ballroom website or by calling 584-2306. Doors will open at 7 P.M. with opener Split Lip Rayfield taking the stage at 8 P.M.