Primus guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde’s House Burned In CA Wildfires

Primus‘ veteran guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde has sadly lost his house to the wildfires ravaging Southern California. His bandmate Les Claypool uploaded a picture of the aftermath along with the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

“All that is left of our good friend Ler LaLonde’s home,” Claypool wrote, showing an image of a chimney standing amidst the ruins. “When Mother Nature gets up on her hind legs, it can be brutal. My heart hurts for him and his family.”

Since joining Primus in 1989, LaLonde has contributed to all nine of the band’s studio albums. His unique style has become a key part of their signature sound.

A Neighborhood in Ruins

Shane LaLonde, Larry’s wife, also took to social media to share her heartbreak. Posting a video of their destroyed neighborhood, she expressed the profound impact of the loss.

“Our home is gone, and so are the homes of every one of our friends and neighbors,” she wrote. “I am still in shock, not quite sure what just happened. We lost everything. It doesn’t sink in easily that you have nothing… It’s still sinking in minute by minute. I know we are safe and yes I am grateful, but I can’t even begin to be close to grace yet as I can’t even comprehend this yet.” She continued, reflecting on the broader loss of community. “Not just the things, but our town, our community. We all no longer have a home, a neighborhood, a school. I am gutted to the core.”

Wildfires Impact More Musicians

The wildfires have affected several other notable musicians. Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan all shared that they had to evacuate due to the dangerous conditions.

As the wildfires continue to wreak havoc across California areas, it’s clear that the impact goes beyond physical destruction, leaving emotional scars for entire communities, including those in the music world.