# Queens of the Stone Age

> American rock band

**Wikidata**: [Q1243718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1243718)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queens_of_the_Stone_Age)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/queens-of-the-stone-age

## Summary
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band formed in 1996, known for pioneering the desert rock subgenre and blending elements of alternative rock, hard rock, and stoner rock. The band was founded by Josh Homme in Palm Desert, California, and has become a defining act in modern rock music.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: January 1, 1996
- **Origin**: Palm Desert, California, United States
- **Founder**: Josh Homme
- **Genres**: Alternative rock, hard rock, stoner rock
- **Record Labels**: Associated with Matador Records
- **Aliases**: Gamma Ray, QOTSA, QotSA
- **Notable Collaborators**: Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl, Nick Oliveri, Dean Fertita, Troy Van Leeuwen, Alain Johannes, Natasha Shneider, Alfredo Hernández, Jon Theodore, Joey Castillo, Michael Shuman, Dave Catching
- **Official Websites**: [http://www.qotsa.com](http://www.qotsa.com), [http://www.qotsa.com/](http://www.qotsa.com/), [http://qotsa.com/](http://qotsa.com/)
- **Work Period Start**: 1996
- **Sitelink Count**: 49

## FAQs
**What genres is Queens of the Stone Age associated with?**  
Queens of the Stone Age is primarily associated with alternative rock, hard rock, and stoner rock. The band is often credited with helping to define the desert rock subgenre, which blends heavy, slow-tempo riffs with psychedelic and blues influences.

**Who are the key members of Queens of the Stone Age?**  
The band was founded by Josh Homme, who remains the central figure. Notable contributors include Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl, Nick Oliveri, Dean Fertita, Troy Van Leeuwen, Alain Johannes, Natasha Shneider, Alfredo Hernández, Jon Theodore, Joey Castillo, and Michael Shuman. These musicians have played various roles across the band's evolving lineup.

**Where was Queens of the Stone Age formed?**  
Queens of the Stone Age was formed in Palm Desert, California, United States, in 1996 by Josh Homme.

**What record labels has Queens of the Stone Age worked with?**  
Queens of the Stone Age has been associated with Matador Records, an American independent record label founded in 1989 and based in New York City.

**What are some aliases or former names of the band?**  
The band was initially known as Gamma Ray, a name later changed due to trademark issues. It is also commonly referred to as QOTSA or QotSA.

**What is the significance of the band's name?**  
The name "Queens of the Stone Age" is a reference to the band's perception of themselves as the "rulers" of a raw, primal form of rock music, evoking imagery of ancient dominance and power.

## Why It Matters
Queens of the Stone Age matters for its role in reshaping the landscape of alternative rock in the late 1990s and 2000s. By blending heavy, bluesy riffs with experimental and psychedelic elements, the band helped define the desert rock genre. Their influence extends beyond their discography through collaborations with iconic musicians like Dave Grohl and Mark Lanegan, shaping the sound of modern rock. The band's evolution and stylistic shifts have also demonstrated the fluidity and innovation possible within rock music, influencing countless bands and artists.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the desert rock subgenre with a unique blend of heavy, slow-tempo riffs and psychedelic influences
- Collaborating with high-profile musicians such as Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) and Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees)
- Evolving sound across albums, showcasing versatility in alternative, hard, and stoner rock
- Founding member Josh Homme's visionary leadership and creative direction
- Formerly known as Gamma Ray, a name changed due to legal issues
- Being a major influence on the stoner rock and alternative rock scenes globally
- Consistent critical acclaim and strong presence in the indie and mainstream rock circuits

## Body

### History
Queens of the Stone Age was formed in 1996 in Palm Desert, California, by Josh Homme. Originally named Gamma Ray, the band changed its name due to trademark conflicts. The name "Queens of the Stone Age" was chosen to reflect the band's self-perception as rulers of a primal, elemental form of rock music. The band quickly gained attention for its heavy, blues-influenced sound and became a defining act in the emerging desert rock scene.

### Musical Style and Genre
Queens of the Stone Age is associated with alternative rock, hard rock, and stoner rock. Their music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, slow tempos, and psychedelic soundscapes, which helped define the desert rock subgenre. The band's sound draws from a wide range of influences, including punk, metal, and blues, allowing them to experiment with tone and texture across albums.

### Key Members and Collaborators
Josh Homme is the founder and central creative force behind Queens of the Stone Age. Over the years, the band has featured a rotating lineup of notable musicians:
- **Mark Lanegan** (Screaming Trees, The Gutter Twins) contributed vocals and guitar.
- **Dave Grohl** (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) played drums on several tracks and in live performances.
- **Nick Oliveri** (Kyuss, Dwarves) was a core member during the early years.
- **Dean Fertita** (The Desert Sessions) brought additional instrumentation and production value.
- **Troy Van Leeuwen** (A Perfect Circle, Eagles of Death Valley) has been a long-standing member.
- **Alain Johannes** and **Natasha Shneider** have also contributed to the band's sound.
- **Drummer contributions** include Alfredo Hernández, Jon Theodore, and Joey Castillo, each bringing distinct rhythmic styles.

### Record Label and Releases
Queens of the Stone Age has been associated with **Matador Records**, an American independent label founded in 1989 and based in New York City. The label has played a significant role in promoting alternative and indie rock acts, including QOTSA.

### Legacy and Influence
Queens of the Stone Age has influenced a generation of rock bands with its unique sound and genre-blending approach. The band's impact is evident in the global stoner rock and alternative rock scenes, where its heavy, slow-tempo style has been widely emulated. The band's collaborations with iconic musicians have also helped bridge the gap between grunge, alternative, and hard rock.

### Related Projects and Side Acts
Several members of Queens of the Stone Age have been involved in other notable musical projects:
- **Josh Homme** also leads the side project **Them Crooked Vultures**, which includes Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones.
- **Dave Grohl** is the frontman of **Foo Fighters** and a former member of **Nirvana**.
- **Mark Lanegan** was a founding member of **Screaming Trees** and formed **The Gutter Twins**.
- **Nick Oliveri** was also part of **Kyuss**, a foundational stoner rock band.
- **Alain Johannes** has worked with **Eleven** and **Shannon & the Clams**.
- **Troy Van Leeuwen** has contributed to **A Perfect Circle** and **Eagles of Death Valley**.

### Official Presence
Queens of the Stone Age maintains an online presence through its official websites:
- [http://www.qotsa.com](http://www.qotsa.com)
- [http://www.qotsa.com/](http://www.qotsa.com/)
- [http://qotsa.com/](http://qotsa.com/)

### Cultural Impact
Queens of the Stone Age has left a lasting mark on rock music by redefining what alternative rock could sound like in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their influence is evident in the global rock community, particularly in the stoner and desert rock scenes. The band's evolving sound and collaborative spirit continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Giphy
5. BBC Things
6. Google Knowledge Graph
7. Discogs
8. The Guardian
9. YouTube API