Les Claypool Joined Billy Strings at Oakland Arena

The bassist surprised fans with a three-song appearance during the bluegrass musician's 34th birthday celebration.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Other — General

Screen-print poster illustration of a double bass and acoustic guitar, capturing the essence of a collaborative bluegrass music performance. — Bassist Les Claypool surprised fans during Billy Strings' 34th birthday concert at the Oakland Arena, performing a three-song set including a tribute track. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Les Claypool performed alongside Billy Strings at the Oakland Arena to mark the singer's 34th birthday. The collaboration featured three songs, including a Primus track specially renamed for the birthday celebrant.

Why it matters

Guest appearances from legendary musicians are a staple of Strings' live sets, providing unique, one-time performances that celebrate both the artist's personal milestones and his musical influences.

The performance of 'Midnight Moonlight' marked the band's first time playing the song since September 27, 2024, a gap spanning 150 shows. The concert also featured a 20-minute rendition of 'Turmoil and Tinfoil'.

The players

Billy Strings

He is a Grammy-winning bluegrass musician known for his virtuosic guitar playing and blending traditional bluegrass with modern rock and psychedelic influences.

Les Claypool

He is a renowned bassist, singer, and songwriter best known as the leader of the alternative rock band Primus.

Royal Masat

He is the bassist for the Billy Strings band and a key contributor to the group's live musical arrangements.

The details

During the Oakland Arena show, Claypool joined Strings to perform 'Billy Was A Race Car Driver', a twist on the Primus classic 'Jerry Was A Race Car Driver', alongside 'Over The Falls' and 'All Fall Down'. Additional highlights included Royal Masat providing vocals for 'I'll Cry Instead' and the return of 'Midnight Moonlight' to the setlist.

October 3, 2026: The birthday concert took place at the Oakland Arena.
September 27, 2024: The last time the band performed 'Midnight Moonlight'.
Next Tuesday: The group will perform their next concert in Eugene.

Industry Dynamics

This collaboration reflects the ongoing trend of cross-genre experimentation in the bluegrass and rock scenes. It follows the pattern set by the 2024 Bluegrass Hall of Fame induction ceremony by elevating the genre's visibility through high-profile, non-traditional musical alliances.

Fans can track upcoming tour dates as the group prepares for their next performance in Eugene next Tuesday. Attendees at future shows should expect varied setlists that may include rarely played tracks or guest musicians.

The takeaway

Collaborative concerts often provide fans with rare setlist additions that are unlikely to be repeated. Keeping an eye on guest announcements can enhance the live music experience for concertgoers.