Oysterhead

Oysterhead is a supergroup rock band featuring guitarist Trey Anastasio of Phish, bassist Les Claypool of Primus, and drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police. The style and sound of the band is a unique, somewhat eclectic mix between Anastasio's jam band style, the bass-oriented funk metal music of Claypool, and the reggae-influenced beats of Copeland. To many, this is considered to be the bridge between the music of Phish and Primus.

Oysterhead was formed for what was originally intended to be an exclusive one-off live performance at New Orleans's Saenger Theater on May 4 2000, for which they compiled a set almost entirely of original material. The show was part of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

The Grand Pecking Order

In 2001, Oysterhead officially formed to record and release an album entitled The Grand Pecking Order, which featured nine new tracks in addition to four songs originally debuted in New Orleans. The release of this album was supported by a brief tour of North America, during which nearly every show was performed to a sold-out audience. The Oysterhead tour of fall 2001 also saw the debut of the "Matterhorn," a bizarre-looking custom made guitar played by Trey Anastasio. The guitar featured full-size deer antlers that Trey manipulated to make sounds similar to that made by a theremin. The "Matterhorn" was as much a theatrical piece as it was a musical instrument, which was perfectly in step with the whimsical nature of the band.

Publicity for both the album and tour was gained from a performance of the song "Oz Is Ever Floating" on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. After the 2001 tour—which did see a few schedule changes due to the September 11th attacks—the trio went their separate ways.

Reformation at Bonnaroo

On June 16 2006, Oysterhead reunited to perform a two-hour set at the 2006 Bonnaroo Music Festival. The band covered their work from The Grand Pecking Order during the set.

It is unknown whether any other live performances or new studio recordings will follow. Copeland has stated interest in coming back every couple years and doing something with the band.