How Les Claypool and Sean Lennon Made the Best Concept Album in Years — With Help from Willow

Rolling Stone

by Brian Hiattt

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Les Claypool and Sean Lennon, the masterminds behind *The Claypool Lennon Delirium*, have unveiled their latest triumph: *The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy*, a concept album described by Claypool as one of the most ambitious projects of his career. Inspired by a thought experiment about an AI’s destructive over-optimization, the album is a rock opera filled with trippy prog-rock elements, Lennon’s melodic depth, and Claypool’s signature bass-guitar wizardry. The duo reflects on the challenges and joys of crafting a narrative-driven record, calling it both exhausting and exhilarating. With an upcoming summer tour featuring Primus and Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, fans can expect a sonic celebration of their creative partnership. Claypool and Lennon’s dynamic is a blend of contrasting approaches: Claypool tends to keep things moving forward with a focus on the bigger picture, while Lennon dives deep into obsessive details. This interplay adds texture to their music, balancing Claypool’s edgier elements with Lennon’s melodic finesse. The album also features Willow as the sole guest vocalist, revealing a longstanding friendship between Lennon and the singer. They share a camaraderie rooted in their experiences as children of celebrities, which fosters a unique understanding and collaboration. Lennon highlights Willow’s versatility and openness to experimental music, calling her style “sick” and acknowledging their shared history of unreleased collaborations. The album’s creation process was anything but ordinary. Claypool and Lennon played nearly every note themselves, from drums to vocals, showcasing their versatility as multi-instrumentalists. The result is a rich, layered sound that feels deeply personal and cohesive. Claypool humorously notes how Sean’s drumming brings a “loping feel” to the tracks, while his own style evokes a more urgent energy. Lennon attributes this dynamic to his connection with 1960s psychedelia, which occasionally clashes but ultimately enriches their sound. The release of *The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy* marks not just another album but a bold step forward in the evolution of The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Its blend of storytelling, technical precision, and emotional depth makes it a standout in the realm of concept albums. For fans of progressive rock, psychedelic experimentation, and boundary-pushing artistry, this record is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity. With their upcoming tour and continued

Verticals

cultureentertainment

Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/25/2026