Queens Of The Stone Age – Members, Albums & Tour 2025

Queens of the Stone Age, often shortened to QOTSA, is an American rock band that has built a reputation on heavy riffs, shifting lineups, and a sound that refuses to sit still. Founded by Josh Homme in 1996 after the breakup of Kyuss, the band has become a defining force in modern rock, blending elements of stoner rock, desert rock, alternative rock, and hard rock into a style Homme once described as “robot rock.”

The band emerged from the Palm Desert music scene in California, but their first live appearance took place in Seattle at the OK Hotel on November 20, 1997, with an early lineup that included Matt Cameron, Mike Johnson, and John McBain alongside Homme. From those early days, QOTSA established a pattern of rotating personnel around a steady creative core — a pattern that has held for nearly three decades.

With eight studio albums released as of 2025, the band has experienced commercial peaks, critical acclaim, and periods of hiatus, but has remained active and continues to tour. Their most recent album, In Times New Roman…, came out in 2023, and the band has announced tour dates for 2025, including a notable show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Who Are the Members of Queens of the Stone Age? (Past and Present)

• Formed in 1996 by Josh Homme after the dissolution of Kyuss.
• Known for a unique blend of heavy riffs, pop hooks, and experimental textures.
• Eight studio albums as of 2025; widely regarded as one of the best rock bands of the 21st century.
• Multiple lineup changes; Josh Homme is the only constant member.
• Album …Like Clockwork marked a critical and commercial resurgence in 2013.
• Side project Eagles of Death Metal shares members and aesthetic.

Current Lineup

As of 2025, the core lineup includes Josh Homme on vocals and guitar, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, Michael Shuman on bass, Jon Theodore on drums, and Dean Fertita on keyboards and guitar. According to Wikipedia and Last.fm, this group has been stable through the Villains and In Times New Roman… eras and continues to perform together on tour.

Former Members and Key Contributors

The band’s history is defined by its revolving door of notable contributors. Nick Oliveri served as bassist and co-lead vocalist during the early 2000s before his dismissal in 2004. Mark Lanegan contributed vocals on Rated R and became a full-time member until early 2005. Dave Grohl recorded drums for Songs for the Deaf, helping propel the band to its widest commercial audience. Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider were important collaborators on that album and related material. Earlier contributors include Matt Cameron, Mike Johnson, John McBain, and Dave Catching, who appeared in touring or studio roles during the band’s formative years.

Why Did Nick Oliveri Leave?

Nick Oliveri was dismissed from the band in 2004. According to interviews and historical sources, the split resulted from personal differences and tensions within the group. Homme has addressed the departure in various interviews over the years, describing it as a necessary decision for the band’s direction. Oliveri later pursued his own musical projects and has occasionally performed with QOTSA as a guest.

What Does QOTSA Stand For?

QOTSA is an acronym for Queens of the Stone Age. The name was taken from the title of the band’s debut album, released in 1998. According to Wikipedia, the band chose the name as a reference to the heavy, riff-based sound they were developing, though Homme has said in interviews that the name was chosen partly to provoke curiosity.

What Are the Best Queens of the Stone Age Albums? A Complete Discography

Queens of the Stone Age (1998) – The Debut

The self-titled debut album was largely recorded by Homme, with drums by Alfredo Hernández. Its raw, fuzz-heavy sound established the foundation of what would become the band’s signature style. Key tracks from this era include early versions of songs that would later appear in live sets, as well as a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Into the Void,” which appeared on the band’s untitled 1997 EP.

Rated R (2000) – Breakthrough

Rated R was the band’s major-label debut on Interscope and featured the breakout single “The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret.” According to historical sources, this album expanded the band’s sound into more experimental territory while retaining the heavy riff foundation. It marked the beginning of QOTSA’s wider commercial profile.

Songs for the Deaf (2002) – Iconic

Widely regarded as the band’s landmark release, Songs for the Deaf featured Dave Grohl on drums and contributions from Mark Lanegan, Alain Johannes, and Natasha Shneider. The album achieved gold-status commercial success in the United States and included the hit singles “No One Knows” and “Go With the Flow.” It is frequently listed among the greatest rock albums of the 2000s and remains the band’s best-selling record.

Lullabies to Paralyze (2005), Era Vulgaris (2007), …Like Clockwork (2013), Villains (2017), In Times New Roman… (2023)

Lullabies to Paralyze continued the rotating-lineup approach and featured notable guests such as Billy Gibbons, who contributed guitar to the standout track “Burn the Witch.” Era Vulgaris saw the inclusion of Dean Fertita and Michael Shuman as part of the later-era core lineup. After a hiatus, …Like Clockwork (2013) marked a major commercial and critical comeback. Villains (2017) was produced by Mark Ronson and showcased a more polished, dance-influenced sound. The band’s most recent album, In Times New Roman…, was released in 2023 and continues their evolution.

Is Queens of the Stone Age Touring in 2025? Tour Dates and Live Shows

2025 Tour Dates (Confirmed and Rumored)

As of early 2025, QOTSA has confirmed tour dates, including a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The band’s official website, qotsa.com, serves as the primary source for announcements. The 2024 live release Alive in the Catacombs documents recent performances, but a full consolidated 2025 tour calendar has not been published in the available sources. Historical tour data shows that live activity has been central to the band from the beginning, with early dates in Nottingham (2002) and Stockholm (2002) recorded in live archives.

Where to Buy Tickets and Stay Updated

Tickets for announced shows are typically sold through platforms such as Ticketmaster and venue-specific box offices. The band’s official social media channels, including their verified Facebook page, post updates on new dates and on-sale information. The official website remains the most reliable source for current news.

Typical Setlist Highlights

While setlists vary from tour to tour, certain songs appear consistently. “No One Knows,” “Go With the Flow,” “Little Sister,” and “The Evil Has Landed” are among the tracks frequently included in recent performances. Songs from In Times New Roman… have also been featured in the band’s live rotation since the album’s release.

What Genre Is Queens of the Stone Age? Stoner Rock, Desert Rock, and Beyond

Stoner Rock and Desert Rock Roots

QOTSA is commonly classified as stoner rock, a label that reflects the band’s origins in the Palm Desert music scene and its heavy, fuzz-laden guitar sound. According to Last.fm, the band has repeatedly resisted being boxed into that category. Homme himself has described their music as “robot rock,” emphasizing a tight, repetitive, heavy groove rather than traditional stoner conventions. The band’s early development was closely tied to the Desert Sessions and the broader Palm Desert scene, which shaped their riff-centered approach.

Genre Evolution Across Albums

Over eight studio albums, QOTSA has incorporated elements of punk, glam, pop, alternative metal, and even dance-rock. Rated R introduced experimental textures, Songs for the Deaf refined the hard rock assault, …Like Clockwork brought introspection and balladry, and Villains added a polished, funk-influenced edge. This genre fluidity has made the band difficult to categorize, but it has also earned them a broad and loyal audience.

Comparison to Other Bands

QOTSA shares stylistic territory with other bands from the Palm Desert scene, including Kyuss (Homme’s previous band), Eagles of Death Metal (a side project he co-founded), and Them Crooked Vultures (a supergroup that included Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones). These connections have extended their reach across multiple genres and generations of rock listeners.

What Are the Most Popular Queens of the Stone Age Songs? Hits and Deep Cuts

No One Knows – The Signature Hit

“No One Knows” is the band’s most commercially successful single, peaking high on rock charts and earning extensive radio play. The song’s driving riff, Grohl’s drumming, and Homme’s cryptic lyrics made it an instant classic. Its music video, featuring the band in a surreal desert setting, became a staple of early-2000s rock programming.

Song for the Dead – A Fan Favorite

“Song for the Dead” is widely regarded as a live highlight, powered by Dave Grohl’s aggressive drumming and Lanegan’s vocal contributions. The song’s lyrical themes revolve around death and finality, delivered with a raw intensity that has made it a staple of the band’s performances.

Other Essential Tracks

“Go With the Flow” pairs a propulsive rhythm with a memorable guitar hook and became another major single from Songs for the Deaf. “Little Sister,” from Lullabies to Paralyze, showcases a leaner, more direct punk influence. “Make It Wit Chu,” originally written for the Desert Sessions, became a fan favorite for its swaggering groove. Later-era tracks like “The Evil Has Landed” and “3’s & 7’s” demonstrate the band’s continued evolution while retaining the core elements of heavy riffing and sharp songwriting.

When Did Queens of the Stone Age Form and How Did the Band Evolve?

1. 1996 — Band formed by Josh Homme after the breakup of Kyuss. Debut album Queens of the Stone Age released in 1998.
2. 2000 — Release of Rated R; band gains wider commercial traction.
3. 2002 — Release of Songs for the Deaf with Dave Grohl on drums; mainstream breakthrough and gold certification in the U.S.
4. 2004 — Bassist Nick Oliveri fired; replaced by various session and touring players.
5. 2005–2007 — Release of Lullabies to Paralyze and Era Vulgaris; continued lineup evolution.
6. 2008 — Former keyboardist and collaborator Natasha Shneider passed away.
7. 2013 — Release of …Like Clockwork; considered a comeback album after a hiatus.
8. 2017 — Release of Villains, produced by Mark Ronson.
9. 2023 — Release of In Times New Roman…, the band’s most recent studio album.
10. 2024–2025 — Live album Alive in the Catacombs released; 2025 tour dates announced, including a performance at Royal Albert Hall.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Queens of the Stone Age?

What Is the Connection Between Queens of the Stone Age and the Wider Rock Scene?

QOTSA’s musical style is built on heavy, fuzz-laden guitar riffs, polyrhythmic drumming, and Homme’s distinctive vocal delivery. They are widely recognized as pioneers of the “desert rock” sound, blending stoner metal with psychedelia, punk, and pop. Their critical reception has been consistently strong: Songs for the Deaf is frequently listed among the greatest rock albums of the 2000s, and the band has earned seven Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Album.

The band’s cultural impact extends beyond their own catalog. Their side projects — particularly Eagles of Death Metal, which Homme co-founded, and Them Crooked Vultures, a supergroup with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones — have helped popularize the heavy, groove-oriented sound that QOTSA helped define. Their influence can be heard across a generation of rock bands that emerged in the 2000s and 2010s.

For those interested in the broader context of rock music history, related articles such as Ozzy Osbourne Death Hoax Debunked – He’s Alive in 2026 and Never Mind the Buzzcocks Ends in 2025 After 33 Seasons offer additional perspective on the rock music landscape.

Where Can I Find Verified Information and Quotes About Queens of the Stone Age?

Reliable information about the band is available from several authoritative sources. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive history, discography, and member list with citations. The band’s official website at qotsa.com is the primary source for tour dates, official releases, and merchandise. Detailed album reviews and biographical context can be found on AllMusic, and the full catalog is available for streaming on Spotify.

“We just make the music we want to hear.”

— Josh Homme, Rolling Stone interview, 2013

“The band’s style has been described by Homme as ‘robot rock,’ emphasizing a tight, repetitive, heavy groove rather than traditional metal or classic stoner-rock conventions.”

— Last.fm biography

For historical details and in-depth analysis, the article A History of Queens of the Stone Age from Howland Echoes offers a thorough overview of the band’s evolution through 2016. Additional details about the band’s early work, including the 1997 cover of “Into the Void,” are documented on YouTube.

Are Queens of the Stone Age Still Active?

Yes, Queens of the Stone Age remain active as of 2025. The band continues to tour and release music, with their most recent studio album In Times New Roman… arriving in 2023 and a live album, Alive in the Catacombs, released in 2024. Fans should monitor the official website and social media channels for updates on future tour dates, potential new material, and any lineup changes. For ongoing coverage of rock music news, see Ozzy Osbourne Death Hoax Debunked – He’s Alive in 2026.

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