Oysterhead Members, Gear & Sound

Oysterhead is a unique supergroup that bridges the worlds of alternative rock, funk rock, and psychedelic rock. Formed for an initially one-off performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in May 2000, the trio consists of Trey Anastasio (guitar, vocals) from Phish, Les Claypool (bass, vocals) from Primus, and Stewart Copeland (drums) from The Police. The chemistry among these seasoned musicians was undeniable, leading to the creation of their album The Grand Pecking Order and subsequent tours. Oysterhead's music is characterized by its eclectic sound, drawing influences from each member's diverse musical background to create a jam band experience infused with elements of neo-psychedelia.

Oysterhead’s sound is an adventurous blend of quirky, rhythmic basslines, dynamic guitar work, and intricate drumming. Les Claypool's bass playing is both melodic and percussive, often using instruments like the Rickenbacker 4003 to achieve his distinctive tone. This solid foundation is complemented by Trey Anastasio's fluid guitar passages, which are enhanced by effects units such as the Alesis Microverb to add depth and texture. Stewart Copeland’s drumming, utilizing his Vintage Tama Imperialstar, provides a tight yet exploratory rhythmic backbone, driving the band's improvisational flair. Together, these elements create a sound that is both expansive and tightly knit, allowing for moments of both structured songcraft and spontaneous jamming.