Rock star breaks silence after quitting band after 25 years

Just days after his bandmates said they were stunned when he quit by email, Tim Alexander is speaking out.

The former Primus drummer explained his reasons for quitting the band in an interview with Rolling Stone.

"I'm feeling really good," Alexander said. "I'm dealing with all the aches and pains, but I'm doing things to strengthen my body and to strengthen my relationships and to strengthen my mind ... I'm the happiest I think I've ever been. I'm not look at this like, 'I can't function anymore, I got to quit.' I feel good, I feel strong, but I've had to make these changes to get to this point."

Rolling Stone noted that Alexander suffered a pair of heart attacks 10 years ago so checking the box of his health being good is important.

"A lot of times, you do something you love for a long time, and sometimes the passion turns into a job, and sometimes that job doesn't feel like it's your being anymore," he added. "Over time, I started realizing that it was affecting my physical life, it was affecting my mental life, and it was affecting my family life, and my heart just wasn't in it. When I discovered that I'm struggling with all these things, I had to sit and think about exactly what am I doing. I don't think I've ever chosen my path in life, I think I've just always thought 'I'm a drummer, I'm just gonna do music,' and things came to me, accepting whatever happens."

'Tiger King' Joe Exotic makes major life announcement

Charlie Kirk saw a UFO after Penn State-Wisconsin. Was it aliens or something else?

Heavy metal star breaks silence after sentencing for Jan. 6 role

Steelers legend says Trump is an 'old-washed up player' who should retire

Donald Trump's reason for quitting football mocked as 'soft,' 'racist' on social media

Alexander said what he sent the band was a letter that was "very heartfelt, it was very loving."

"I said positive things about how much I appreciated them and how much admiration there was," he added. "So it was very surprising that certain parts would be released to the whole world.

Alexander gave Rolling Stone a lengthy statement on why he quit. In that statement, he called stepping away "one of the most challenging decisions of my life, but ultimately, it came down to love for myself, my family, and the life I want to create moving forward. I chose a path of love."

You can read the full statement here.

The band said Alexander quit via email on Oct. 17.

"On the heels of a wonderful Spring & Summer of touring and some fabulous plans ahead, it has been a bit bewildering for us that Herb would so abruptly opt out," the band said in a statement. "After several attempts to communicate with Herb, his only response was another email stating that he has 'lost his passion for playing.' As disappointing as that is, we respect his choice and it's forced us to make some tough decisions.

"We've considered cancelling the annual New Year's show, but after much talk Les and Ler have decided to pivot to an augmented version of Primus featuring members of Holy Mackerel and Frog Brigade. This will be an exciting special, one-time event. As far as future Primus, the band is looking forward to performing in the Dominican Republic with Tool and others. Danny Carey has once again graciously offered to fill the drum throne. For Sessanta, Primus plans on searching for the 'greatest drummer on earth.'"

Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Alexander originally joined Primus in 1989 and was with it through 1996. He returned to the band in 2003 and played with it through 2010. He returned again in 2013 and played until his most recent decision to step away.

Primus formed in 1984.