Queens of the Stone Age

History

Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is an American rock band formed in 1996 in Palm Desert, California. The band was founded by vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme, who is the only continuous member throughout the band's history. QOTSA emerged from the dissolution of Homme's previous band, Kyuss, which was a pioneering group in the stoner rock genre. The band's music is characterized by its heavy, riff-oriented sound, often incorporating elements of desert rock, alternative rock, and hard rock.

Formation and Early Years (1996-1999)

After Kyuss disbanded in 1995, Josh Homme briefly joined the Screaming Trees as a touring guitarist before deciding to form his own band. Initially, the project was called Gamma Ray, but due to a legal dispute with a German power metal band of the same name, Homme changed the name to Queens of the Stone Age. The band's early lineup included Homme, bassist Nick Oliveri, and drummer Alfredo Hernández.

The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1998, was recorded with Homme handling most of the instrumental duties. The album received critical acclaim for its unique sound, blending heavy riffs with melodic elements. It laid the groundwork for the band's future success and established their reputation in the rock music scene.

Breakthrough and Mainstream Success (2000-2004)

QOTSA's second album, Rated R, released in 2000, marked a significant turning point for the band. The album featured the hit single "Feel Good Hit of the Summer," known for its repetitive lyrics listing various drugs. Rated R showcased a more polished production and diverse musical influences, including psychedelic rock and punk rock. The album's success led to increased media attention and a growing fan base.

In 2002, the band released Songs for the Deaf, which is often regarded as their magnum opus. The album featured contributions from Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana on drums, and Mark Lanegan on vocals. Songs for the Deaf included hit singles such as "No One Knows" and "Go with the Flow," and received widespread critical acclaim. The album's concept, which mimicked a drive through the California desert, further solidified QOTSA's status as a leading force in rock music.

Lineup Changes and Continued Evolution (2005-2012)

Following the success of Songs for the Deaf, QOTSA underwent several lineup changes. Nick Oliveri was fired from the band in 2004, and Homme recruited various musicians for subsequent albums. The band's fourth album, Lullabies to Paralyze (2005), continued to explore dark and atmospheric themes, drawing inspiration from fairy tales and folklore. Despite the changes in personnel, the album maintained the band's signature sound and received positive reviews.

In 2007, QOTSA released Era Vulgaris, which showcased a more experimental approach, incorporating electronic elements and unconventional song structures. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. Era Vulgaris received mixed reviews but demonstrated the band's willingness to push creative boundaries.

Recent Years and Current Activities (2013-Present)

In 2013, QOTSA released ...Like Clockwork, their sixth studio album. The album marked a return to a more cohesive and introspective sound, with themes of personal struggle and redemption. ...Like Clockwork received critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured contributions from a diverse array of musicians, including Elton John, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters.

The band's seventh album, Villains, was released in 2017. Produced by Mark Ronson, Villains incorporated a more dance-oriented and upbeat sound, while retaining the band's rock roots. The album received generally positive reviews and further cemented QOTSA's reputation for musical innovation.

As of the present, QOTSA continues to tour and work on new material. The band's ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their core identity has ensured their enduring relevance in the rock music landscape.

Musical Style and Influences

Queens of the Stone Age's music is characterized by its heavy, riff-driven sound, often described as a blend of hard rock, alternative rock, and stoner rock. The band's sound is heavily influenced by the desert rock scene of the early 1990s, which was pioneered by Homme's previous band, Kyuss. Desert rock is known for its use of downtuned guitars, repetitive riffs, and a laid-back, psychedelic vibe.

QOTSA's music also incorporates elements of punk rock, psychedelic rock, and electronic music. The band's willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds has contributed to their unique and evolving musical identity. Homme's distinctive guitar playing, characterized by unconventional chord progressions and intricate solos, is a defining feature of the band's sound.

Lyrically, QOTSA's songs often explore themes of personal struggle, existential angst, and dark humor. Homme's vocal style, which ranges from melodic singing to aggressive shouting, adds to the band's dynamic and versatile sound.

Discography

Studio Albums

Queens of the Stone Age (1998)
Rated R (2000)
Songs for the Deaf (2002)
Lullabies to Paralyze (2005)
Era Vulgaris (2007)
...Like Clockwork (2013)
Villains (2017)

Notable Singles

"Feel Good Hit of the Summer" (2000)
"The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret" (2000)
"No One Knows" (2002)
"Go with the Flow" (2003)
"Little Sister" (2005)
"Sick, Sick, Sick" (2007)
"My God Is the Sun" (2013)
"The Way You Used to Do" (2017)

Band Members

Current Members

Josh Homme – lead vocals, guitar (1996–present)
Troy Van Leeuwen – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2002–present)
Michael Shuman – bass, backing vocals (2007–present)
Dean Fertita – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2007–present)
Jon Theodore – drums (2013–present)

Former Members

Nick Oliveri – bass, backing vocals (1998–2004)
Mark Lanegan – vocals (2001–2005)
Dave Grohl – drums (2001–2002)
Alfredo Hernández – drums (1996–1999)
Joey Castillo – drums (2002–2012)

Influence and Legacy

Queens of the Stone Age has had a significant impact on the rock music landscape. Their innovative approach to blending various genres and their willingness to experiment with different sounds have influenced numerous bands and artists. QOTSA's music has been credited with helping to popularize the stoner rock and desert rock genres, and their albums are often cited as some of the best in modern rock music.

The band's live performances are known for their high energy and musicianship, further solidifying their reputation as one of the premier rock bands of their generation. QOTSA's ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their core identity has ensured their enduring relevance and continued success.