Longtime Primus drummer Tim Alexander has suffered a heart attack, and will have open-heart surgery at the beginning of next week, according to bandmates.

Alexander, now in his third stint with Primus, has also appeared on two studio efforts and an EP with Puscifer, who confirmed the news via Facebook:

Alexander was also with Primus from 1988-96 and again from 2003-09, contributing to a total of seven albums -- including their best-known early '90s projects, 'Sailing the Seas of Cheese' and 'Pork Soda.' He rejoined the Les Claypool-fronted group in 2013, and appeared on the hit 'The Hollow' by A Perfect Circle, a group also fronted by Maynard James Keenan of Puscifer and Tool.

Ultimate Classic Rock sends our best wishes to Alexander, both for a successful operation and a speedy recovery.

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