QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE MAKE A TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO AOTEAROA!

PHOTO + REVIEW BY GINELLE COCKS

“Let’s fucking rip the roof off this fucking thing!”

It’s been a long six years since Queens of the Stone Age last visited Aotearoa as part of the “Villains” tour, and excited fans were gathering in their droves as the doors to Spark Arena opened at 5:30pm. Merch stands were being raided indoors and out, as fans snapped up the latest hoodies, shirts, and caps to commemorate the night. There was a buzz in the air as we arrived, the kind of buzz that lets you know you’re about to have a killer night, and no doubt will need a caffeine infusion to make it through work the next day.

QOTSA really need no introduction. Formed in Seattle, Washington in 1996, the band rose from the ashes of stoner rock legends Kyuss, with their self-titled debut album released in 1998. Their first release under the name Queens of the Stone Age, 18 A.D., was featured on the compilation Burn One Up! Music for Stoners, with the self-titled debut following in 1998.

Kicking things off early, Wellington two piece Earth Tongue waste no time launching into sludgey fuzz-rock to the assembled crowd, playing tracks off their soon to be released second album, Great Haunting. Guitarist and Vocalist Gussie Larkin, wearing space-inspired silver, seemed to take many by surprise – her appearance suggesting Pop Princess, while her vocals take the audience on a psychedelic journey into the unknown, carried by beefy fuzz guitar and harmonies from drummer Ezra Simons. Sharing vocal duties allows for Larkin to venture from behind the mic stand, and bridging the distance between herself and Simons.

If Earth Tongue took us on a fuzz-rock deluge, then Pond was about to bring us back into the era of flamboyant frontmen. Singer Nick Allbrook had the audience where he wanted them from the get-go, bringing elements reminiscent of a young Mick Jagger as he twirled, kicked, and collapsed across the stage. With their third track Neon River evoking early Led Zepplin vibes, “light and happy” psychedelic pop elements kicking into a glam rock banger. Pond was nothing if not eclectic, as they showed a range of musical styles and prowess, venturing from the more pop and disco feel into a more traditional “rock” feel of driving guitars on the track Human Touch. In a return to the disco, the band found themselves with an opportunity, and take it they did – slipping in a little Blame it on the Boogie before the set was out.

As the time drew nearer, the crowds found their way from the bars into the arena itself, as Queens of the Stone Age prepared to take the stage. As the lights dimmed, the band took to the stage to the sounds of “Smile”, a cover of an old Nat King Cole song, with the crowd screaming towards the shadows taking their positions on the stage. QOTSA waste little time kicking straight into high gear, starting things off with No One Knows – a track which no doubt introduced many to the band upon its release back in 2002.

Queens kept the hits coming, with The Lost Art of Keeping A Secret before Homme proclaiming “Let’s fucking dance!” as Smooth Sailing filled the arena. The vibe was infectious, somewhat led by guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, joined at times by Homme also twirling and dancing.

Homme spots a fan in the crowd, holding a sign aloft stating “I waited ten years to hear I Appear Missing”. He demanded the sign be passed up to him, before inviting the woman (“I don’t know what the fuck her name is but let’s say its Tania”) and her partner up to watch some of the show from the side of the stage, telling her that they would play this later in the set.

As the band played Emotion Sickness, Homme showed off his vocal talents, singing acapella “baby don’t care for me, baby don’t care for me, had to let her go…” invariably joined by the crowd and other band members.

In between songs, Homme comments on the number of artists heading our way recently. At the mention of Blink-182 however, boos were heard throughout the stadium. Blink-182 were seen at their Melbourne concert joking about their cancelled Christchurch show – the wound is still fresh for fans here.

“No matter what you love, you should never deny it. Always do the thing you love.”

The lighting is on point tonight. With the sides of the stage completely open, the lighting rigs give almost a 3D tunnel effect as they hover above the stage in three distinct peaks. As the band launches into Burn The Witch, the lighting takes on a green emphasis – almost reminiscent of “Wicked” and the infamous green tint of Elpheba. From our vantage point, we also spot Jack Black at the side of the stage – whispers around us of curious fans wondering if he’ll repeat his Foo Fighters appearance. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.

Security are kept busy as crowd surfers are pulled down and quickly escorted out, back into the bouncing sea. From the stage, Homme performs magic tricks as he engages in banter with the crowd regarding the exchange of a guitar pick for some LSD.

After getting everyone amped and dancing with Like The Way You Used To Do, the time has come – “Now we’re gonna play something depressing as fuck”. The lighting takes on a cool blue tone as the opening notes of I appear missing echo through the arena. As the song progresses, the lighting too lightens, Homme quickly bringing the mood back up at the conclusion of the song.

Security are definitely earning their money tonight, as Homme descends from the stage and out through the crowd – not missing a note as he performs Straight Jacket Fitting with Security in hot pursuit. One fan seemed to be a bit too eager, earning himself a warning – “don’t hug me too long or I’m gonna beat the shit outta you”. Homme continues on his journey, making his way over to a fan in the stands who he promptly proclaims “the baddest motherfucker here” and mentions that he saw his flag from the stage.

Returning to the stage, Homme proclaims “no one plays cow bell like we do!” as the pit erupts once again, Little Sister bringing a rocking end to a long set. A short break later, and they were back, giving fans an encore full of tracks from Songs For The Deaf. Earning one of the biggest reponses of the night was Go With The Flow, with those in the stands on their feet and at one point, a circle pit opening up.

Six years between visits, hopefully the next time won’t be as long. Queens of the Stone Age proving yet again why they are described by Dave Grohl as “the best rock band in the world”.