Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Les Claypool |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Les Claypool (vocals, bass) |
| Products | Live Frogs Set 1, Live Frogs Set 2, Purple Onion |
| Owner | Les Claypool |
Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade—also referred to as The Les Claypool Frog Brigade—is a musical ensemble spearheaded by American vocalist and bassist Les Claypool. The project was initiated during a break from his primary group, Primus.
The band's initial roster, assembled in the summer of 2000, featured Claypool alongside Todd Huth (guitar and vocals), Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), Skerik (saxophone), and Eenor Wildeboar (guitar and cümbüş). Claypool characterized their style as a fusion reminiscent of "King Crimson meets Pink Floyd meets Frank Zappa."
In 2001, the group issued two live recordings: Live Frogs Set 1, which included both original compositions and covers such as "Thela Hun Ginjeet" by King Crimson and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd; followed by Live Frogs Set 2, a live rendition encompassing the entire Animals album by Pink Floyd. Their studio project, Purple Onion, was released in 2002.
All these albums were distributed under Claypool's own label, Prawn Song Records.
History
Claypool established the band with the intent to perform at the Mountain Aire Festival, a jam band gathering held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Northern California. The original ensemble included guitarist Marc Haggard from MIRV, saxophonist Skerik, and drummers Jack Irons (formerly of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers) along with Tim Alexander from Primus. Initially, Claypool contemplated naming the outfit Les Claypool's Thunder Brigade but opted for a change to better resonate with jam band audiences.
By August 2000, Claypool reformed the Frog Brigade for a fall tour featuring Jay Lane on drums and Todd Huth on guitar—both having previously collaborated with Claypool in Sausage, a Primus side project—guitarist Eenor (selected through a mail-in contest), keyboardist Jeff Chimenti from Ratdog, and Skerik continuing on saxophone. The concerts were structured with an opening set comprising covers and earlier Claypool works, followed by an entire live performance of Pink Floyd’s Animals album.
Reviewers highlighted the group's bold selection of cover material and noted their distinctive fan demographic that blended poncho-clad punks, Deadheads, funk aficionados, and Halloween costume enthusiasts. Their shows attracted an eclectic mix of attendees ranging from Deadhead-style 'noodle dancers' to mosh pit participants.
After concluding the tour, the Frog Brigade released two live albums capturing their 2000 San Francisco gigs: Live Frogs, Vol. 1, showcasing improvisational pieces, and Live Frogs, Vol. 2, featuring the full Animals set.
The band took center stage at the 2001 SnoCore Icicle Ball. By mid-2001, the lineup comprised Claypool, Skerik, Eenor, and newly added drummer Paul Svena. During this period, Claypool started composing fresh material intended for single-set performances. The addition of percussionist Mike Dillon in 2002 coincided with recording their sole studio album to date, Purple Onion.
In 2003, guitarist Eenor exited the group and was replaced by Bryan Kehoe. Throughout subsequent tours, several drummers rotated through the lineup; Paulo Baldi—formerly part of Bay Area trio Deadweight—emerged as a significant member alongside Tim Alexander and Jay Lane.
Also in 2002, Claypool assembled Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains featuring guitarist Buckethead, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and ex-Primus drummer Bryan Mantia (Brain). Similar to the Frog Brigade’s origins, this ensemble was formed for the Bonnaroo Festival and later toured extensively with live albums released from their performances.
As of August 2011, the Frog Brigade had not produced new recordings since Purple Onion nor embarked on major tours post-summer 2003 but occasionally reunited for special events and festival appearances. Between 2006 and 2007, Claypool toured under Les Claypool's Fancy Band banner with Paulo Baldi, Gabby La La, Mike Dillon, and Skerik.
In 2023, Claypool revived the Frog Brigade for the "Summer of Green" tour featuring an almost completely revamped lineup: Sean Lennon on guitar, Harry Waters on keyboards, Paulo Baldi on drums, and Mike Dillon on percussion. Although Skerik was scheduled to return, he withdrew due to a shoulder and neck injury.
Current lineup
- Les Claypool – vocals, bass
- Sean Lennon – guitar
- Harry Waters – keyboard instruments
- Paulo Baldi – drums
- Mike Dillon – percussion instruments
- Skerik – saxophone
Past members
- Todd Huth – vocals, guitar
- Bryan Kehoe – guitar
- Marc Haggard – guitar
- Jay Lane – drums
- Jack Irons – drums
- Paul Svena – drums
- Tim Alexander – drums
- Jeff Chimenti – keyboards
- Eenor Wildeboar – cümbüş, guitar
Discography
- 2001: Live Frogs Set 1
- 2001: Live Frogs Set 2
- 2002: Purple Onion