Queens of the Stone Age

Origin	Palm Desert, California, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock, stoner rock, desert rock, hard rock, alternative metal
Years active	1996 – present
Current members	Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, Jon Theodore
Famous spin-offs	Them Crooked Vultures, Eagles of Death Metal

Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band that started in Seattle in 1996. The band was created by Josh Homme, who has been the only member to stay with the band through many changes. The current members include Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore.

The band began after Homme’s earlier band, Kyuss, ended. Their first album, their self-titled debut album, came out in 1998. They later released popular albums like Rated R and Songs for the Deaf. Over the years, many talented musicians have worked with the band.

In 2013, the band released ...Like Clockwork, which was their first album to reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart. They followed this with two more albums: Villains in 2017 and In Times New Roman... in 2023.

Queens of the Stone Age has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and is known for mixing different music styles like blues, electronica, and krautrock into their hard rock sound. Josh Homme’s unique voice and guitar playing have made the band very popular.

History

Formation and debut album (1996–1999)

Josh Homme, after his band Kyuss broke up in 1995, moved to Seattle and joined Screaming Trees briefly. He then formed Gamma Ray, which later changed its name to Queens of the Stone Age. The band's first release was the song "18 A.D." on a compilation album. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1998.

Rated R (2000–2001)

Josh Homme in August 2003

The album Rated R came out in 2000 and got positive reviews. It included many musicians who worked with Homme before. Some people were worried about the lyrics in one song, but the album was still a success.

Songs for the Deaf, mainstream exposure and Oliveri's departure (2001–2004)

The band's third album, Songs for the Deaf, came out in 2002. It was a big hit and had songs that became popular on radio and in video games. The tour for this album ended with Homme deciding to fire a band member, and the band continued without him.

Lullabies to Paralyze (2004–2006)

Nick Oliveri, bassist 1998–2004, performing with the band at the 2003 V Festival

In 2004, the band recorded their fourth album, Lullabies to Paralyze. It came out in 2005 and debuted high on the charts. They performed on Saturday Night Live and went on tour with other bands.

Era Vulgaris and death of Shneider (2007–2008)

The album Era Vulgaris was released in 2007. In 2008, a former band member passed away, and the band held a concert in her honor.

Homme's health issues, debut re-release and promotional tour (2009–2011)

The band performing live, August 25, 2005, in Paris, France. Included in this performance are two bandmates from the band Eleven, Alain Johannes and the late Natasha Shneider, who joined the line-up for Lullabies to Paralyze and the supporting tour.

Homme faced health issues in 2010 but recovered. The band re-released their debut album and toured to promote it.

Matador Records trilogy (2011–2024)

...Like Clockwork (2011–2014)

The album ...Like Clockwork came out in 2013 and debuted at number one in the US. The band toured extensively to support it.

Joey Castillo and Josh Homme when the band performed at the Southside Festival in Germany, June 2007

Villains (2014–2018)

In 2017, the band released Villains. They announced a world tour and performed at major festivals.

In Times New Roman... (2019–2024)

The album In Times New Roman... was released in 2023. The band announced tours for North America and Europe but had to cancel some shows due to Homme's health.

Alive in the Catacombs (2024–present)

In 2025, the band announced a concert film recorded in the Paris Catacombs. They also announced tours for historic theaters and future performances with other bands.

Musical style

Queens of the Stone Age is known for its unique sound, often called alternative rock, stoner rock, alternative metal, and hard rock. The band’s music has a strong, repeating guitar style that creates a driving feel. Their first album was described as simple and direct, while later albums added more instruments and different vocal styles. Over time, the band has mixed rock with elements of dance music and electronic sounds.

The band’s leader, Josh Homme, has said their music is like “rock versions of electronic music.” He draws inspiration from dance styles, hip hop, and even older experimental music. Homme also developed his own guitar techniques, creating what fans call the “Josh Homme scale,” which adds a special twist to his playing.

Members

Main article: List of Queens of the Stone Age contributors

Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band that started in Seattle in 1996. The band was created by Josh Homme, who has been the only member to stay with the band through many changes. Since 2013, the band has included Homme along with Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore.

Current

Josh Homme – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1996–present), bass (1996–1998, 2004–2007)

Troy Van Leeuwen – guitar, lap steel, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2002–present), bass (2004–2007)

Michael Shuman – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2007–present)

Dean Fertita – keyboards, guitar, percussion, backing vocals (2007–present)

Jon Theodore – drums, percussion, sampler (2013–present)

Former

Alfredo Hernández – drums, percussion (1998–1999)

Nick Oliveri – bass, co-lead and backing vocals (1998–2004)

Dave Catching – guitar, keyboards, lap steel, backing vocals (1998–2000)

Gene Trautmann – drums, percussion (1999–2001)

Mark Lanegan – co-lead and backing vocals (2000–2005), keyboards (2005; died 2022)

Dave Grohl – drums, percussion (2001–2002; session musician 2013)

Joey Castillo – drums, percussion (2002–2012)

Alain Johannes – bass, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2005–2007)

Natasha Shneider – keyboards, backing vocals (2005–2006; died 2008)

Former touring musicians

Matt Cameron – drums (1997, 2008)

John McBain – guitar (1997)

Mike Johnson – bass, backing vocals (1997)

Pete Stahl – co-lead and backing vocals (1998–1999)

Mario Lalli – guitar, keyboards, lap steel, co-lead and backing vocals (1999)

Brendon McNichol – guitar, keyboards, lap steel (2000–2002)

Dan Druff – bass, guitar, backing vocals (2004–2005)

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)
In Times New Roman... (2023)

Tours

Queens of the Stone Age Tour Buses at Viejas Arena - December 15, 2023

The band has gone on many tours over the years. Some of their most famous tours include the Queens of the Stone Age Tour from 1998 to 1999, the Rated R Tour from 2000 to 2001, and the Songs for the Deaf Tour from 2002 to 2004. Later tours include the Villains World Tour from 2017 to 2018, the The End Is Nero Tour from 2023 to 2025, and the upcoming The Catacombs Tour in 2025.

Awards and nominations

The band Queens of the Stone Age has been recognized with several awards and nominations over the years. While the specific details of each award and nomination are not included here, these accolades reflect the band's impact and popularity in the music industry. Their work has been celebrated by fans and critics alike, highlighting their talent and contribution to rock music.