Spinner

Josh Homme Nearly Disbanded Queens of the Stone Age

PA Photos

Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme has revealed that he considered disbanding the group after firing bassist Nick Oliveri.

Oliveri had been a founder member, but departed in 2004, having fallen out with Homme over the bassist's attitude towards the fans and his "excessive partying."

In a video interview on Zane Lowe's website (via NME), Homme went into detail on what happened. "[It] always made me nervous that it would get to the spot where the personalities would overcome the music because I don't need a better table at a restaurant, I just want people to respect our music.

"I'm playing for respect and I think Nick got a little confused about what the real expectation was. It wasn't about partying. I would never ask someone to stop partying, you do whatever you want as long as you do a good job at your job because you have to deserve the party."

Homme also revealed that following 'Songs for the Deaf' he nearly finished Queens of the Stone Age, saying, "I thought about [giving up] a lot. I wanted to respect what was there, but you come to a spot where you say, 'Should some mistake really be the end of us all? Someone else's mistake. Is that fair?'

The departure of Oliveri was what saved the band. Homme said, "In the split [with Nick] I found my reason to continue Queens [of the Stone Age], to make it about the music."

Not that that means that Homme regrets having had Oliveri in the band. "I felt like that first record was like building a big pirate ship, and I felt like 'Rated R' was filling it full of sailors. Nick is one of the greatest second mates. If you were going to attack an island, take everything they had, wouldn't you want to have a guy like Nick around?"

Oliveri has since gone on to play and tour with a number of groups, as well as fronting his own band, Mondo Generator.

All the Queens of the Stone Age info you want to know

Former Queens of the Stone Age Bassist…

Spinner

Mark Broussley, Redferns As TMZ reports, former Queens of the…

Queens of the Stone Age Ex-Bassist Nick…

Noisecreep

Marc Broussely, RedFerns When you play desert rock like Queens of the Stone…

Queens of the Stone Age Ex-Bassist…

Spinner

Marc Broussely, RedFerns Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri…

See all Queens of the Stone Age »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

10 Comments

Filter by:
pnut166

QOTSA took a big hit losing Nick. He was obviously a big influence in the writing and arrangements. Josh is a great songwriter and musician, but he and Nick together were more than the sum of their parts. I was a big Queens fan, and hope to see them regain that spark. Without Oliveri though, I have doubts.

January 19 2011 at 7:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
toose

Wow.....that would have been tragic........ummm, who are these guys?

September 06 2010 at 7:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Robert

They would never have made it in the 60's or 70's. I hope this music isn't the best the young queens make, I listened to all their videos. Most songs sound alike.

September 06 2010 at 6:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jrayhol

And who were these people now? They probably are queens, that part is right anyway....

September 06 2010 at 5:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cath

Josh should let bygones be bygones and let Nick Back into the band. Everyone eveloves and matures. The band was the greatest when NICK Oliveri was there and in QOTSA...I think Josh was jealous and let Nick go because he was getting accolades and Josh was looking like a frontman...

September 06 2010 at 4:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tommy True tone

Rod Stewart is the best check out "Lost Paraguayos" what a great piece it is!

September 06 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
soundwave75

Gene Simmons rules!!!!

September 06 2010 at 2:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to soundwave75's comment
Ned Hayden

Lemmy Rules!!!!!!

September 06 2010 at 7:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hkjdshfkjhk

sdfsds

September 03 2010 at 8:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to hkjdshfkjhk's comment
zhezheyanmi

Meanwhile Madden's company seems to be on fire. The maker of Madonna's Material Girl line and Olsenboye shoes recently bought handbag maker Big Buddah for about $11 million in cash. Last month, it made a $5 million investment in Bakers Footwear Group. The acquisition of Betsey Johnson could end up being a well-priced feather in Madden's cap. I am an Air Force and seek ing someone .I need a woman who can love me back ...I also uploaded my hot photos on kissmilitar y.c omunder the name of IOIO555..It's the largest and best club for seek ing Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Police Force, and the admirers of those who wear the uniform.I just hope you don't mind me being a soldier ...Please Check it out!I'm serious

September 06 2010 at 3:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply