Why a band named after a nickname for Kyuss conquered the rock world
In short: Formed in Seattle in 1996 by Josh Homme, Queens of the Stone Age emerged from the Palm Desert music scene. Initially a project to escape the shadow of Homme's previous band, Kyuss, the group evolved into a powerhouse of rhythmic hard rock, earning nine Grammy nominations and topping the Billboard 200.
The band's name originated from a nickname producer Chris Goss gave to Kyuss. Homme rejected the moniker Kings of the Stone Age, arguing it was too macho and lopsided, preferring a name that suggested a party where everyone was welcome. Their first official performance occurred in September 1997 at CBGB in New York City, though they are often associated with the OK Hotel in Seattle.
The group's sound is defined by Homme's falsetto and unorthodox guitar scales, blending blues, electronica, and krautrock. Their commercial breakthrough came with the 2002 album Songs for the Deaf, which sold over 900,000 copies and was certified gold. This era featured Dave Grohl on drums and cemented their mainstream presence through hits like No One Knows and Go with the Flow, which became staples in video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
The band has weathered significant turbulence, including the 2004 firing of bassist Nick Oliveri and Homme's near-death experience following a 2010 knee surgery, where a MRSA infection caused his heart to stop. These trials, however, fueled their creative output. The 2013 album ...Like Clockwork marked a milestone as their first to reach number one on the Billboard 200, proving the band's resilience and ability to evolve over nearly three decades of shifting lineups.
Despite their success, the band remains grounded in their roots. They have maintained a large pool of collaborators, including Mark Lanegan and Alain Johannes, and have consistently pushed against being roped into a single style. From their humble beginnings as a project born from the dissolution of Kyuss to their status as rock icons, the Queens have remained a dynamic, unpredictable force in modern music.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Queens of the Stone Age
- Also: Wikidata — Queens of the Stone Age · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Queens of the Stone Age · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-queens-of-the-stone-age.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Cities · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
