John Surman

Primal Scream waves off Simone Marie after 13 years of bass and banter

Primal Scream bid farewell to Simone Marie Butler, who steps away after 13 years of bass lines, jet lag and pre-show rituals. Described by the band as a source of “positive energy, feminine glamour and committed musicianship,” Butler exits with grace, affirming she’ll “always be part of the scream family.”

Butler first joined in 2012 following Mani's departure. Her farewell evokes backstage life, sonic bonds and one-liners from the late bassist himself, who once likened her stage presence to watching your ex with someone new—devastatingly affectionate.

Primal Scream revives ‘XTRMNTR’ for one London night; 2000’s dread still kicking

Primal Scream mark 25 years since ‘XTRMNTR’ with a one-off London gig at the Roundhouse on December 8. Bobby Gillespie declares the album “more relevant today” as a response to a world he sees as darker and more uncertain than in 2000.

Infused with noise rock, industrial grit and political angst, ‘XTRMNTR’ enlists The Chemical Brothers and Kevin Shields while tearing through power structures on tracks like ‘Swastika Eyes’. The band’s activism continues with support for Gaza and a boycott of streaming platforms.
Source: News | NME – Published on October 6, 2025

Roundhouse Scrambles After Star of David-Swastika Visuals at Primal Scream Show

London's Roundhouse issues a public apology after visuals at a Primal Scream concert feature a Star of David entwined with a swastika during the track “Swastika Eyes.” The controversial imagery, reportedly shown alongside Gaza destruction and political leaders with the symbol over their eyes, prompts condemnation and a police report from Jewish groups.

The band claims the film is artistic provocation, not hate speech, asserting it's a critique of global politics. Roundhouse insists they were unaware of the visuals prior to the event.