How a legendary guitarist lost his entire collection in a single tragic fire
In short: Larry LaLonde, the experimental guitarist for Primus, has spent decades defining a dissonant, funk-metal sound. Yet, in early 2025, a devastating fire at his home destroyed nearly his entire arsenal of roughly 60 guitars, including iconic instruments used on seminal albums like Frizzle Fry and Sailing the Seas of Cheese.
Born in Oakland in 1968, LaLonde—often called Ler—rose to prominence as a teenager in the death metal band Possessed, contributing to their 1985 landmark album Seven Churches. His career path shifted significantly in 1989 when he joined Primus, a funk-metal group led by bassist Les Claypool. Over the following decades, LaLonde became known for his technical proficiency, utilizing advanced techniques like sweep picking, volume swells, and pinch harmonics to craft the band's signature dark, dissonant aesthetic.
LaLonde's gear history is a complex archive of experimentation. His main guitar for years was a modified 1979 Fender Stratocaster, which he famously customized with a steak knife to accommodate a humbucker bridge pickup. Later, he became synonymous with a vintage yellow PRS Custom 24, which served as his primary recording and touring instrument across multiple albums, including Tales from the Punchbowl and Antipop. This specific guitar survived only because it was away on tour when the 2025 fire struck his home.
The loss of his collection in the Palisades Fire represents a massive blow to music history. Beyond the modified Stratocaster, the fire claimed dozens of other instruments, including various custom PRS models, Gibson guitars, and unique pieces like the Carvin V220 seen in the Mr. Krinkle music video. While his vintage yellow PRS remains in active use, the destruction of his other gear marks the end of a long, tangible connection to his early career and the evolution of the Primus sound.
Despite these losses, LaLonde continues to collaborate and innovate. His work has spanned genres from thrash metal to experimental alternative, and he has recently contributed to projects like The Big Ol' Nasty Getdown. His enduring influence remains rooted in his willingness to push the boundaries of the guitar, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Frank Zappa, world music, and film scores.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Larry LaLonde
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