Claypool Gold: Primus, Claypool Lennon & Frog Brigade - July 2026

Bass deity Les Claypool brings three of his iconic bands to San Diego for one mind-melting evening at Gallagher Square. Claypool Gold features Primus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, and Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade performing together on stage in a fluid, genre-defying show with rotating setlists and surprises throughout the night.

Show Details

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Show Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: Gallagher Square at Petco Park

Tickets

VIP and Artist Presale begins Wednesday, January 21 at 12 PM PT. General public sale starts Friday, January 23 at 10 AM PT.

Find Tickets on Vivid Seats

---

---

What Is Claypool Gold?

Claypool Gold is not your typical concert tour. Rather than separate sets from different bands, Les Claypool has designed an ambitious, full-evening experience where all three of his projects share the stage simultaneously. Musicians rotate throughout the night, creating a fluid, spontaneous show that changes from city to city.

Think of it as a musical conversation between three distinct but complementary bands, all guided by one of rock’s most innovative bassists. Expect wildly different setlists each night, unexpected collaborations, and the kind of experimental energy that only happens when you put genre-defying musicians together without boundaries.

Les Claypool: Bass Innovator

Les Claypool is one of rock music’s most distinctive and technically gifted bassists. His percussive, slap-bass style, unconventional song structures, and surrealist lyrics have made him a legend among musicians and fans of experimental rock.

Best known as founder, lead vocalist, and bassist of Primus, Claypool has spent over 40 years pushing the boundaries of what rock, funk, and progressive music can be. His bass playing—combining funk slap technique with prog complexity and punk energy—has influenced generations of musicians.

Beyond Primus, Claypool has collaborated with Tool, Metallica, Tom Waits, and even The Residents. He’s created multiple side projects (The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Frog Brigade, Oysterhead with Trey Anastasio and Stewart Copeland), composed for film, and released experimental solo albums. He’s also a winemaker and general creative polymath who refuses to be categorized.

The Three Bands

Primus

Primus is Claypool’s main vehicle—a genre-defying force that blends funk, metal, punk, prog, and experimental rock into something wholly unique. Formed in 1984 in El Sobrante, California, Primus built a cult following through relentless touring and albums that defied categorization.

Their breakthrough came with 1991’s Sailing the Seas of Cheese, featuring “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” and “Tommy the Cat.” MTV embraced their bizarre videos, and Primus became one of the ’90s most distinctive rock acts—too weird for metal, too heavy for alternative, too funky for prog.

Albums like Pork Soda (1993) and Tales from the Punchbowl (1995) went gold and platinum despite never chasing radio hits. Their surrealist lyrics about everything from fishing to taxidermy, combined with Claypool’s impossible basslines and Larry “Ler” LaLonde’s angular guitar work, created a sound no one has successfully replicated.

Primus has toured with Rush (who called them “the only band we’ve ever toured with that we’ve learned from”), played Lollapalooza multiple times, and influenced everyone from Tool to RHCP. In late 2024, after original drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander departed, Primus held the “Interstellar Drum Derby”—a global search that drew over 6,100 applicants—ultimately welcoming John Hoffman from Shreveport to the band.

Recent work includes “Little Lord Fentanyl” featuring Maynard James Keenan of Tool, and the 2024 Sessanta tour with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.

The Claypool Lennon Delirium

The Claypool Lennon Delirium is a psychedelic rock collaboration between Les Claypool and Sean Ono Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono). Formed in 2015, the duo creates expansive, experimental rock that channels ’60s psychedelia through a modern lens.

Their debut Monolith of Phobos (2016) showcased their chemistry—Lennon’s melodic sensibility and guitar work meshing with Claypool’s rhythmic foundation and surrealist storytelling. Follow-up South of Reality (2019) featured guest appearances from Tool’s Justin Chancellor and Primus guitarist Ler LaLonde.

Sean Lennon is far more than John’s son. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who’s performed with John Zorn and Laurie Anderson, produced albums (including British psych band Temples’ Exotica), won a Grammy in 2025 for designing the Mind Games boxed reissue, and earned an Academy Award in 2024 for an animated film inspired by John & Yoko’s “War Is Over.”

The Delirium just released “WAP (What a Predicament)”—a new single showcasing their blend of psychedelic rock, funky grooves, and hypnotic production. It’s their first new music in seven years and sets the tone for the Claypool Gold tour.

Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

The Frog Brigade is Claypool’s experimental jazz-rock project, featuring an expanded lineup that has included members of Primus plus additional musicians. The group is known for reimagining both original compositions and unexpected covers—including an entire album dedicated to Pink Floyd’s Animals (2000’s Purple Onion).

With saxophone, keyboards, and additional percussion, the Frog Brigade allows Claypool to explore jazzier, more improvisational territory than Primus typically ventures into. It’s the most experimental and unpredictable of the three projects, perfect for a show designed around spontaneity.

Why This Show Is Special

Most tours feature one band playing their set and leaving. Claypool Gold puts all three projects on stage together, allowing musicians to move between songs and bands fluidly. One moment you’re hearing a Primus classic, the next the Delirium is layering psychedelic guitar over a Frog Brigade jam.

This format means:

• No two shows are the same—setlists will vary dramatically night to night
• Spontaneous collaborations and unexpected song choices
• Extended jams and experimental moments that wouldn’t happen in traditional sets
• A full evening of music from multiple eras of Claypool’s career
• True musical conversation between world-class musicians

For fans of Primus, this is a chance to hear classics alongside deep cuts and rarities. For fans of experimental music, it’s a masterclass in improvisation and genre-bending. For casual attendees, it’s one of the most unique concert experiences available in 2026.

About Gallagher Square

Gallagher Square at Petco Park is a 2.8-acre outdoor concert venue perfect for this kind of experimental, multi-band experience. Located behind the ballpark’s outfield, it offers:

• General admission standing room – Get close to the stage for the full experience
• Grass-sloped lawn seating – Laid-back viewing option
• Full bar and food vendors throughout the venue
• Outdoor setting – July evening weather in San Diego is ideal
• Capacity: 6,000+, creating an intimate atmosphere for experimental music

First time at Gallagher Square? Read our complete First-Timer’s Guide to Gallagher Square Concerts.

Getting to Gallagher Square

Entry Gate

Enter through the East Village Gate on 10th Avenue. Doors open at 6:00 PM with the show running from 7:00–10:00 PM. Given the fluid nature of this show, arriving early ensures you don’t miss anything.

Concert Parking

Strongly recommended you reserve a spot in advance.

Find Parking

Popular lots: Park It On Market, 6th & K Parkade, and Convention Center garage.

Public Transportation (Recommended)

MTS Trolley: The trolley stops directly at Petco Park (12th & Imperial Station). Perfect for shows where you want to fully enjoy the experience without driving concerns.

Park & Ride: Drive to Old Town Transit Center, park for free, then take the Green Line trolley straight to Petco Park. Ideal for North County residents.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft have designated pickup/drop-off zones near Petco Park. Walk a block or two away after the show to avoid surge pricing. Check our rideshare guide for details.

⚠️ Important: Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or take public transit. Never drink and drive.

What to Know Before You Go

Concert Rules

Review the complete concert rules including prohibited items and venue policies.

Bag Policy

Petco Park enforces strict bag restrictions. Small clutches (4.5” × 6.5”) and clear bags only. Leave backpacks and large bags at home.

General Information

• Concert Rules
• Permitted & Prohibited Items
• Concert End Times
• Weather Considerations
• Accessibility Information
• Lost & Found

Hotels

Coming from out of town? Check out recommended hotels near Petco Park, including options within walking distance of Gallagher Square.

---

View the complete Petco Park Events calendar for more concerts throughout the year.