Primer 55
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Founder | Bobby Burns, J-Sin |
| Headquarters | Memphis , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Primer 55 is a nu metal group originating from Memphis, Tennessee in 1997. Their name merges "Primer," signifying "an incomplete element," with "55," a nod to Interstate 55, a prominent drug trafficking corridor in Memphis.[1] The band has produced two studio albums: Introduction to Mayhem (2000) and (The) New Release (2001). After disbanding in 2003, they reunited between 2007 and 2015, and announced another comeback scheduled for June 2025.[2]
Origins and initial phase (1997–1998)
In 1997, guitarist Bobby Burns and vocalist J-Sin founded Primer 55 in Memphis, Tennessee, blending Burns' heavy metal roots with J-Sin's hip hop background to craft their unique rap rock style. The ensemble was finalized with bassist Mike "Jr." Christopher and drummer Josh McLane.
Signing, Introduction to Mayhem, and (The) New Release era (1999–2002)
Following an EP release on Propellant Transmissions, Primer 55 secured a contract with Island Records, which reissued the EP as their debut album, Introduction to Mayhem, on January 25, 2000. This remixed edition included contributions from Chris Kilmore of Incubus (band), Jared Gomes of Hed PE, and Mark Harrington of Relative Ash.
They toured alongside bands such as Biohazard (band), Slipknot (band), Machine Head (band), and Dope (band), earning a spot on the second stage of the Ozzfest 2000 tour. In September of that year, they performed with Soulfly, downset., and Slaves on Dope. The lineup underwent several changes during this timeframe.
Their sophomore album, (the) New Release, was released on August 14, 2001, reaching number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and peaking at No. 102 on the Billboard 200. The track "This Life" climbed to No. 37 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart. Despite this success, Island Records withdrew support shortly after release, a decision linked to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Undaunted, Primer 55 embarked on "The $12 Riot Tour" starting October 31, sharing the stage with Dope, Skinlab, and Society 1. In 2002, they opened for the Gathering of the Juggalos event in Peoria, Illinois.
Hiatus phase one (2003–2006)
Due to difficulties with their record label and internal disputes, the band entered a hiatus in 2003. During this period, Burns joined Soulfly as bassist, touring internationally and contributing to four albums. Meanwhile, J-Sin struggled with long-term substance abuse problems that Burns indicated rendered him unable to tour.
Reunion attempts, halted third album, and second hiatus (2007–2024)
When Soulfly went on break in 2007, Crash Music encouraged Burns to revive Primer 55 alongside J-Sin while also joining Crash Music’s band Love Said No. The "Crash Music Metal Crusade Tour" featured both bands later that year, coinciding with the release of the EP Family for Life, which compiled unreleased tracks from 1998 to 2002.
In early 2008, rapper Donny "The DRP" Polinske approached Primer 55 after attending one of their shows with a collaboration proposal. Following three weeks of touring, J-Sin was dismissed due to subpar performances linked to his ongoing addiction struggles. Heath Joyce filled in temporarily until The DRP was appointed lead vocalist officially; he performed at the 2008 Gathering of the Juggalos alongside acts like 2 Live Crew and Ice-T.
In 2009, the band unveiled the single "Flexin" accompanied by a music video. Plans for a full album titled New American Gangsters were underway until Burns dismissed all other members in January 2010. Later that year, their MySpace page announced J-Sin’s return while continuing collaboration with The DRP.
By early 2012, Primer 55 shifted focus toward acoustic performances across the Midwest and Southeastern United States inspired by MTV Unplugged sessions from artists such as Nirvana (band) and Korn. That same year saw the reissue of As Seen on TV as The Big Fuck You, featuring additional bonus tracks.
On October 7, 2015, Primer 55 entered an indefinite hiatus as Burns concentrated efforts on his new project Murder the Flesh.
J-Sin passed away on August 10, 2018, at age 40 after battling Hepatitis C for an extended period.
In December 2019, conversations began about potential live shows commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Introduction to Mayhem scheduled for 2020.
Second reunion (2025–present)
On June 1, 2025, Primer 55 announced their official reunion, bringing together vocalist Donny "The DRP" Polinske, guitarist Bobby Burns, bassist Joshua Toomey, and drummer Preston Nash.
Current members
- Bobby Burns – guitar (1997–2003, 2007–2015, 2025–present), vocals (2010–2015)
- Joshua Toomey – bass guitar (2003, 2007–2010, 2025–present)
- Donny "DRP" Polinske – lead vocals (2008–2010, 2025–present)
- Preston Nash – drums (2001–2003, 2025–present)
Former members
- Jason "J-Sin" Luttrell – lead vocals (1997–2003, 2007, 2010)
- Josh McLane – drums (2000–2001)
- Mike "Jr." Christopher – bass (2000–2001)
- Kobie Jackson – bass guitar (2002–2003)
- Darren Walling – bass (2014–2015)
- Heath Shaw – drums (2011–2015)
- Joey Busciglio – guitar (2013–2015)
- Nic Bell – bass (2012–2014)
Timeline
Albums
| Album details |
|---|
Introduction to Mayhem
|
(The) New Release
|
Other releases
- As Seen on TV (1999)
- Bootleg I/Bootleg II (2005)
- Family for Life (2007)
- The Big Fuck You (2012)
Singles
- "Loose" (2000)
- "Set It Off" (2000)
- "Appetite for Destruction" (2000)
- "This Life" (2001)
External links
- Articles with short description
- American nu metal musical groups
- American rap metal musical groups
- Heavy metal musical groups from Tennessee
- Island Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1997
- Musical groups disestablished in 2003
- Musical groups reestablished in 2007
- Musical groups disestablished in 2015
- Musical groups reestablished in 2025
- Musical groups from Memphis, Tennessee
- 1997 establishments in Tennessee
- Pages with reference errors