Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is an American rock band formed in 1996 by guitarist and vocalist Josh Homme. Known for their unique blend of hard rock, desert rock, and stoner rock, they’ve created a distinctive, genre-defying sound characterized by heavy riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and complex melodies. Over the years, QOTSA has seen various line-up changes, with Homme as the only consistent member. Their music combines raw power with a dark, experimental edge, making them one of the most respected bands in alternative rock.
Queens of the Stone Age Career Highlights
1996: Formed by Josh Homme in Palm Desert, California, after the breakup of his previous band, Kyuss, a pioneering group in stoner rock
1998: Released their self-titled debut album, featuring a minimalist, riff-driven sound that set the foundation for the band’s style
2000: Second album, Rated R, introduced more diverse sounds and darker themes with hits like "Feel Good Hit of the Summer," drawing critical acclaim and expanding their fanbase
2002: Released Songs for the Deaf, their breakthrough album featuring Dave Grohl on drums; included hits like "No One Knows" and "Go with the Flow," which brought them mainstream success and critical praise
2005: Lullabies to Paralyze featured a darker, more complex sound; marked a significant shift as Homme took full creative control following the departure of longtime bassist Nick Oliveri
2007: Released Era Vulgaris, a highly experimental album that incorporated electronic elements and unusual song structures, showing the band’s willingness to push musical boundaries
2013: ...Like Clockwork, an introspective and somber album, marked their first #1 on the Billboard 200; recorded after Homme’s near-death experience during surgery, it received widespread critical acclaim
2017: Released Villains, produced by Mark Ronson, blending QOTSA’s signature rock with unexpected dance and funk elements, showcasing Homme’s creative range and ability to evolve
Queens of the Stone Age Band
Josh Homme (vocals, guitar) is the driving force behind QOTSA, known for his unique voice and guitar style. Over the years, the band has seen a rotating lineup, with notable members including Nick Oliveri (bass), Troy Van Leeuwen (guitar), and Joey Castillo (drums). Frequent collaborators include Dave Grohl (drums on Songs for the Deaf), Mark Lanegan (vocals), and Alain Johannes (guitar and production). Homme’s collaborations with Grohl and John Paul Jones in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures further demonstrate his influence in rock.
Queens of the Stone Age Grammy Awards
Queens of the Stone Age has received multiple Grammy nominations but has yet to win. Their 2002 single "No One Knows" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance, and they received further nominations for ...Like Clockwork and Villains in categories such as Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance.
3 Most Famous Queens of the Stone Age Songs
- No One Knows
- Go with the Flow
- Little Sister
Queens of the Stone Age Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
QOTSA has faced several controversies, including the high-profile departure of bassist Nick Oliveri in 2004 due to alleged personal issues that affected the band. Homme has also been open about his struggles with substance abuse and his near-death experience in 2010, which profoundly impacted the themes of ...Like Clockwork. Known for his sometimes abrasive personality, Homme made headlines in 2017 for kicking a photographer's camera during a live performance, an incident for which he later issued a public apology. The band’s music, lifestyle, and Homme’s persona have continued to embody a raw, rebellious spirit.
Queens of the Stone Age ratings
