You’re standing in a field or a concrete arena, and the air smells like cheap beer and electricity. Then, that first chord hits. It’s not just loud; it’s thick. It feels like a physical weight pressing against your chest. This is the reality of queens of the stone age tours, a traveling circus of desert rock that has somehow survived three decades of industry shifts, lineup overhauls, and the literal near-death experience of its frontman, Josh Homme.
Most bands play sets. Queens of the Stone Age perform a ritual.
If you’ve been following the The End Is Nero tour—which has been zigzagging across the globe throughout 2023, 2024, and into the fringes of 2025—you know the vibe has shifted. There’s a grit there that wasn't as prevalent during the Villains era. It’s leaner. It’s meaner. It’s the sound of a band that has nothing left to prove but everything to lose.
The Brutal Evolution of the Setlist
People always complain about setlists. "They didn't play 'Little Sister'!" or "Why is 'No One Knows' always the closer?" Honestly, if you’re going to a Queens show expecting a jukebox experience, you’re missing the point. The current iteration of queens of the stone age tours is built around the 2023 masterpiece In Times New Roman..., an album recorded in the wake of Homme’s public custody battles and a cancer diagnosis.
The live versions of tracks like "Paper Machete" are noticeably faster than the studio recordings. They’re frantic. Then you have "Straight Jacket Fitting," which has evolved into this sprawling, improvisational beast that can last ten minutes. They lean into the "robot rock" repetition. It’s hypnotic. You see the crowd start to sway in unison, a sea of black leather and nodding heads.
Historically, the band has rotated members like a revolving door of rock royalty. We've seen Dave Grohl behind the kit, Mark Lanegan’s haunting baritone, and Nick Oliveri’s chaotic energy. But the current lineup—Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore—is the most stable and arguably the most technically proficient the band has ever had. Theodore, formerly of The Mars Volta, brings a swing to the drums that keeps the heavy riffs from feeling "meatheaded." It’s dance music for people who hate dancing.
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Why the Desert Sound Still Works in 2026
There’s a specific DNA to these shows. It’s called the "generator party" vibe. Back in the early 90s, in the Palm Desert scene (think Kyuss), these guys would plug their amps into gas-powered generators in the middle of the Mojave. That lawlessness translates to the stage even in a posh London arena.
Josh Homme is a polarizing figure, sure. But as a bandleader, his stage presence is unmatched. He’s part Elvis, part lounge singer, and part Viking. He talks to the crowd like he’s having a drink with you at a dive bar, often calling out individuals or stopping the show to break up a fight—or encourage a better kind of chaos. He famously told a crowd at Glastonbury that they were "the reason he was alive." He wasn't being hyperbolic.
The lighting design on the recent queens of the stone age tours also deserves a nod. It’s not about flashy LEDs or giant screens. It’s about stark, geometric pillars of light. It feels noir. It feels like a movie directed by David Lynch if he were obsessed with Gretsch guitars and feedback loops.
The Logistics of the Road
Touring at this level is a grind. You’re looking at a crew of dozens, multiple semi-trucks, and a schedule that would break a normal human. In 2024, the band had to cancel a string of European dates, including festival appearances at Wey Fest and others, due to Homme requiring emergency surgery. It was a reminder that these guys aren't invincible.
When they returned to the stage, the energy was different. There was a sense of gratitude. The fans felt it, too. Tickets for the rescheduled dates sold out in minutes. If you’re looking to catch them, you basically have to be glued to their mailing list. Resale prices on platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek often jump 300% within hours of the general sale. It’s a nightmare, but for a band that delivers this kind of sonics, people pay it.
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The Gear and the "Secret Sauce"
Ask any guitar nerd why queens of the stone age tours sound so "brown" and saturated. It’s the mid-range. While most rock bands try to have sparkling highs and booming lows, Queens live in the middle.
- Troy Van Leeuwen’s arsenal: He’s often seen with his signature Fender Jazzmasters or Yamaha SA2200s. He provides the "textures"—the eerie slides and the chiming echoes.
- The Maton Guitars: Josh’s use of Australian Maton guitars is legendary. They have a specific, woody feedback that defines the band's identity.
- No Pedals? (Actually, A Lot): They hide their secrets well, but the use of the Stone Deaf PDF-1 (a parametric distortion filter) is a huge part of how they get that "cocked wah" sound that cuts through the mix like a serrated knife.
It’s a masterclass in tone. If you're sitting in the front row, you can actually see the settings on the amps. They aren't using Kempers or digital modelers. This is tube-driven, air-pushing, old-school rock and roll.
Navigating the Crowd Experience
Let's be real: a Queens show isn't for everyone. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. The mosh pits aren't the aggressive, violent pits you find at a hardcore show; they’re more like a collective vibration.
If you’re planning on attending one of the upcoming queens of the stone age tours dates, do yourself a favor: wear earplugs. Not the foam ones that muffle everything, but decent high-fidelity plugs. The frequency range Homme and Van Leeuwen play in is designed to rattle your eardrums. I’ve seen people leave shows with permanent tinnitus because they wanted to "experience the full volume." Don't be that guy.
Also, look at the venue choice. The band often chooses smaller, prestigious theaters over massive stadiums when they can. Places like the Wiltern in LA or the Brixton Academy in London offer an intimacy that makes the heavy riffs feel even more oppressive—in a good way.
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The Cultural Impact
Why does a band that peaked commercially in 2002 still headline major festivals in 2025 and 2026? Because they are one of the last "dangerous" rock bands left. They don't use backing tracks. They don't have a synchronized light show that’s the same every night. They make mistakes. They change the tempo. They might play "Song for the Dead" for fifteen minutes if the mood strikes.
In an era of overly polished, TikTok-friendly performances, queens of the stone age tours represent a defiance. They represent the "desert" ethos: it's harsh, it's beautiful, and it'll kill you if you don't respect it.
What to Do Next
If you’re serious about seeing them, stop waiting for a "perfect" tour announcement. This band operates on its own timeline.
- Sign up for the "Official QOTSA" newsletter. This is where the pre-sale codes actually come from. Don't rely on Twitter or Instagram; the algorithms will hide the posts until the tickets are gone.
- Check the "Past Tours" archive. Websites like Setlist.fm are your best friend. Look at the "Deep Cuts" they’ve been rotating. If they start playing "Infinity" or "The Fun Machine Took a Shit and Died," you know you’re in for a special run.
- Monitor Josh Homme’s health updates. Since the 2024 health scares, the band’s schedule has become more fluid. Always check for "Postponed" vs. "Cancelled" status before booking flights.
- Go for the floor. While balcony seats are fine for seeing the lights, the true Queens experience is feeling the sub-bass of Michael Shuman’s Rickenbacker in your shins.
This isn't just another concert. It’s a heavy, groovy, slightly scary journey into the heart of what rock music is supposed to be. Get the ticket. Wear the earplugs. Enjoy the ride.