Billy Strings Joins Primus For “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” & “Too Many Puppies” During Michigan Show

Progressive funk metal favorites Primus welcomed an unexpected guest to the stage during their May 31 performance at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills, Michigan, with bluegrass phenom Billy Strings sitting in for a pair of fan-favorite tracks.

The Michigan native, who has been recovering from a broken leg suffered in a skateboarding accident earlier this year, quite literally sat in for the performance as he joined Les Claypool and company on “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” and the early Primus staple “Too Many Puppies.” In recognition of the guest appearance, the band reportedly renamed the former track “Billy’s Big Brown Beaver” for the evening.

Known for stretching songs well beyond their original boundaries, Primus gave Strings plenty of room to inject his own style into both performances, blending his acclaimed bluegrass chops with the band’s eccentric brand of alternative metal and funk. Fan-filmed footage of the collaboration quickly surfaced online following the show.

The appearance further highlights Strings’ longstanding appreciation for heavier music. While best known for his work in the bluegrass world, the guitarist has crossed paths with numerous rock and metal artists over the years, including multiple onstage collaborations with Tool.

Primus are currently making their way across North America on the Claypool Gold Tour, a unique outing that sees Claypool pulling triple duty throughout the night. In addition to Primus, the bassist is also performing sets with The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.

The remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

• 06/02 Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
• 06/03 Chicago, IL – Salt Shed
• 06/05 Pelham, TN – The Caverns Outdoor Amphitheater
• 06/06 Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! Outdoor
• 06/09 Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point
• 06/10 Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
• 06/12 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
• 06/13 Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage
• 06/14 Columbia, MD – All Good Now Festival
• 06/16 Charlotte, NC – The AMP Ballantyne
• 06/17 North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
• 06/19 St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
• 06/20 Atlanta, GA – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
• 06/22 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
• 06/23 Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theatre
• 06/25 Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
• 06/27 Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater
• 06/28 Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater
• 06/30 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
• 07/01 San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square
• 07/03 Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Amphitheater
• 07/04 Napa, CA – Meritage Resort & Spa

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