What Is Les Claypool's Net Worth?
Les Claypool is an American musician and writer known for his impressive net worth of $8 million. He is widely recognized as the bass player and lead vocalist of Primus, a band that has released seven studio albums and earned two Grammy nominations. Les has also collaborated with notable artists such as Tom Waits, Metallica, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Limp Bizkit, Gov't Mule, and Hank Williams III. He is celebrated for his diverse bass guitar techniques, including slap bass.
Early Life
Born Leslie Edward Claypool on September 29, 1963, in Richmond, California, Les grew up in a family of auto mechanics in El Sobrante. He developed a passion for music early on, inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Rush. By age 14, he began playing the bass. His first performance was in his high school cafeteria with a band called Blind Illusion. During high school, Les befriended Kirk Hammett, who later became famous with Metallica. In 1986, following bassist Cliff Burton's tragic death, Claypool auditioned to join Metallica but was not selected. Before founding Primus, Les briefly worked as a carpenter.
Primus
Les Claypool formed the band Primus, initially named Primate, in 1984. Starting with just a drum machine, he later teamed up with a friend on guitar and various guest drummers, officially becoming Primus in 1988. Les, as the band's leader, incorporated funk into their unique sound. Primus gained mainstream attention in 1989 and became known for their quirky style. Their 1993 album "Pork Soda" reached the U.S. top ten. The band headlined Lollapalooza in 1993 and performed at Woodstock '94. By 1995, they had appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." The band went on hiatus in 2000, reunited in 2003, and continued to tour and release albums, including their eighth studio album, "Primus & The Chocolate Factory with Fungi Ensemble" in 2014, and "The Desaturating Seven" in 2017. Primus also contributed to pop culture through their song "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" featured in "Tony Hawk's" Pro Skater and composing the theme song for "South Park."
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Solo Career
Les Claypool has pursued multiple solo ventures, releasing several solo albums and forming bands like Oysterhead, Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains, and Duo de Twang. His first solo album, "Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel Presents: Highball with the Devil," was self-produced and released in 1996. In 2000, he formed Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, with a 2002 album, "Purple Onion." In 2006, he released "Of Whales and Woe," featuring the track "Robot Chicken." This was followed by numerous solo tours, another album "Of Fungi and Foe" in 2009, and composing for the Wii game "Mushroom Men." In 2016, Les teamed up with Sean Lennon to form The Claypool Lennon Delirium, releasing "Monolith of Phobos" in 2016 and "South of Reality" in 2019. In 2018, the mayor of Cincinnati honored him with "Les Claypool Day."
Other Ventures
Les wrote, directed, and participated in the film "Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo" in 2006, a mockumentary about a fictional jam band, which premiered on March 15, 2006. Les is passionate about fly fishing and started Claypool Cellars, producing wines from Russian River Valley grapes. Notably, some of the wines are named after his music, such as "Pink Platypus." Additionally, Claypool has served as a judge for the Independent Music Awards.
Personal Life
Claypool has been married to his wife, Cheney, since 1995, and they have two children together. Known for his outspoken support of legalized cannabis, Les is also recognized for his unique sense of humor.
