Shreveport Drummer John Hoffman Featured on Modern Drummer Cover

If you've spent any time around the Shreveport music scene, it's almost guaranteed that you've met or seen drummer John Hoffman. He's been a staple at Tiki Bar. He's a member of Stiff Necked Fools and Dirtfoot. I haven't done all the research, but I'd be willing to bet he's played on 99% of the available stages in Shreveport - from Festival Plaza to Bear's and everywhere in between.

But, these days, he's playing a different set of stages with a brand new band. Back in February, John was named as the full time drummer for legendary band Primus. Primus, formed in 1984, is one of the most influential bands in Alternative rock. So, getting to join a band of that caliber and playing shows across the globe is a major accomplishment in its own right.

Oh, by the way, you can see John play with Primus right here in Shreveport! They'll be playing Municipal Auditorium on July 29th.

I'm sure, if that's where John's story ended, he would be beyond thrilled. But that's not how John's story ends, as he just announced he will be the cover star and featured story in the upcoming issue of Modern Drummer.

Shreveport Takes Center Stage With Cover of Modern Drummer

You don't have to be a fan of Primus to celebrate everything that happens with John. For one, if you've never actually met him, he's a REALLY good dude - so it's always great one good stuff happens to good people.

The other thing is that John Hoffman is representing Shreveport in a really positive way on a national stage. A lot of times, we focus on all the negatives around Shreveport - crime, plight, whatever. And, unfortunately, that's also what trickles out into the world at large. Well, John is showing the OTHER side of Shreveport - the one with a caring community that supports each other and lifts each other up. He's not a guy that left and forgot about his people - he's taking ALL of us along this journey with him.

As he says in the above Facebook post, "This is another victory for ALL of us and all of my hometown of Shreveport, LA!" If I had to pick someone to represent our community in this way, I can't think of many people better for the job.

From Shreveport to the World Stage

Now, you may be thinking: "the name rings a bell, he looks kind of familiar ...but why do I know this guy?"

Whether you frequent Bears or the Casinos or anywhere else with live music in town, you've run into John. According to the bio he submitted to Primus, he "performs over 250 shows per year and is affectionately known as "the busiest drummer in Shreveport".

John is probably best known locally as the frontman and drummer for "Bayou Reggae" band Stiff Necked Fools.  He's also a member of another renowned local, "Gypsy Punk Country Grumble boogie" band Dirtfoot.

To make a long story short - he's been a HUGE member of the Shreveport music scene for a lot of years. So, whether you know it or not, you've probably seen John play in some form or fashion.