Leslie Edward Claypool (born September 29, 1963) is an American rock musician. He is the founder, lead singer, bassist, and primary songwriter of the band Primus. Listed as one of the greatest bassists of all time by Rolling Stone, his playing style mixes tapping, flamenco-like strumming, whammy bar bends, and slapping.
Outside of Primus, Claypool has been involved in several side projects, including supergroups like Oysterhead (with Trey Anastasio and Stewart Copeland) and Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains (with Buckethead, Bryan Mantia, and Bernie Worrell).
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Les Claypool Net Worth
Les Claypool has a net worth of $8 million. Les Claypool is best known as the bass player and lead vocalist of the band Primus. Primus has released seven studio albums and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards.
Les has made guest appearances with Tom Waits, Metallica, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Limp Bizkit, Gov’t Mule, and Hank Williams III. Claypool is known for his various bass guitar playing styles, such as slap bass.
Early Life
Claypool was born into a working-class family of car mechanics in Richmond, California, in 1963. He was raised in El Sobrante, California. He learned to play the bass guitar at age 14, but didn’t begin a career in music until much later.
He attended De Anza High School in Richmond, where he was friends with Kirk Hammett. Claypool worked as a carpenter for several years after graduating from high school.
Career
After the death of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett reconnected with Claypool and asked him to audition as Burton’s replacement. In the Metallica episode of the documentary series Behind the Music, Claypool joked about jamming on Isley Brothers tunes, referencing his lack of experience with Metallica’s thrash metal style. He enjoyed Ride the Lightning but wasn’t a big metal fan. James Hetfield later said Claypool was “too good” for the band, but Claypool admitted he wasn’t the right fit due to being a “weirdo.”
Personal Life
Les Claypool’s career began with local bands and evolved as he formed Primus. Known for its unique sound, the band gained a cult following. Claypool’s career also includes solo projects, collaborations, and ventures into film and winemaking.
Why did Metallica reject Les Claypool?
Whether the rumours were true that when he auditioned, Metallica frontman James Hetfield rejected Les Claypool on the basis of the bassist being too talented for the role. “No, it wasn’t that – I just didn’t fit in.”
Conclusion
Les Claypool’s journey in the music industry is marked by innovation, creativity, and success. His net worth of $8 million is a reflection of his enduring influence and multifaceted career.
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FAQs about Les Claypool
- What is Les Claypool’s net worth?
- Les Claypool has a net worth of $8 million.
- What bands has Les Claypool been a part of?
- Besides Primus, he has been involved with Oysterhead, Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains, and other projects.
- What makes Les Claypool’s bass playing unique?
- His slap bass technique and ability to blend funk with rock make his style distinctive.
- Has Les Claypool ventured outside of music?
- Yes, he has worked in filmmaking and winemaking.
- What are some notable collaborations of Les Claypool?
- He has collaborated with artists like Tom Waits, Metallica, and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band.
