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 formed Queens of the Stone Age after his old band Kyuss ended in 1995. He moved to Seattle and tried joining Screaming Trees for a short time. Their first song was "18 A.D." and their first album came out in 1998.

Rated R (2000–2001)

Josh Homme in August 2003

The album Rated R was released in 2000. It got good reviews and had musicians who had worked with Homme before. Some people were concerned about one song's lyrics, but the album did well.

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 became very popular and had songs played on radio and in video games. The tour ended with Homme deciding to let a band member go, 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 Lullabies to Paralyze. It was released in 2005 and did well on the charts. They appeared on Saturday Night Live and toured 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 had health issues in 2010 but got better. The band re-released their first album and toured to promote it.

Matador Records trilogy (2011–2024)

...Like Clockwork (2011–2014)

The album ...Like Clockwork was released in 2013 and reached number one in the US. The band toured a lot 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 played at big festivals.

In Times New Roman... (2019–2024)

The album In Times New Roman... came out in 2023. The band planned tours for North America and Europe but had to cancel some shows because of Homme's health.

Alive in the Catacombs (2024–present)

In 2025, the band announced a concert film recorded in the Paris Catacombs. They also planned tours in historic theaters and shows 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 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 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 began in Seattle in 1996. The band was started by Josh Homme, who has been with the band since the beginning. Since 2013, the band has included Homme and other members: 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 traveled all over the world on many tours. 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 won awards and been nominated for many. This shows how much fans and critics like their music. Their work is important to rock music.

Queens of the Stone Age