Screenshot via YouTube

Billy Strings returned to the stage on Sunday evening by way of a guest slot during the multi-act Claypool Gold tour stop in Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills, Mich. The night’s unexpected guest and regional frequenter resumed his live history with pal and musical mentor Les Claypool after previously busting his leg while attempting a skate trick backstage at the John Paul Jones Arena appearance in Charlottesville, Va., on Saturday, April 18. Sunday’s appearance included collaborative takes on a pair of classic songs. 

The Claypool Gold Tour highlights shared and independent sets from three of Les Claypool’s musical ventures, including Primus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium and his self-titled Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. During their stop in the Great Lakes State, Strings was given a chair and invited to sit in and add to the night’s renditions of Tales from the Punchbowl’s “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver,” in addition to Frizzle Fry-featured “Too Many Puppies.” 

Last night’s appearance represented the latest chapter in Strings and Claypool’s growing list of on-stage team-ups. In the last half-decade, the pair has come together four times [including their latest], which has allowed Strings to stoke his metal inclination and draw on bass-laden dance initiated by the eccentric maestro. Previously, Strings sat in with Primus at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, circa 2022, and later on the Sessantra Tour in 2024 and 2025. 

In the past, Strings and the group have delivered “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” on separate occasions. Notably, last night’s pick of “Too Many Puppies” marked the first time the ensemble and their guest have covered that specific song together. 

Following their latest live appearance, the Claypool Gold Tour will pull into Jacobs Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, June 2. Tickets remain on sale.