Queens Of The Stone Age Connect With the Primitive at London’s Royal Albert Hall

      When you think of a Queens Of The Stone Age live performance, you might picture loud volume, powerful riffs, and high-energy rock music. However, what you might not anticipate are candles, orchestral arrangements, and an incredible guest appearance from Matt Berry. Fans were informed from the beginning that tonight’s concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London would differ from their usual shows – indeed, with the Hallowe’en theme, it took on an eerie quality.

      Concluding their Catacombs tour in a remarkable fashion, Queens Of The Stone Age tapped into supernatural energies, keeping their signature intensity but showcasing it in an altered manner. By incorporating strings, horns, diverse percussion, and keyboards, they drew comparisons to the Violent Femmes or Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, yet maintained a unique, rebellious charm.

      It certainly helps that Josh Homme remains one of rock’s standout frontmen, captivating in any scenario. Roaming the stage with a lamp – and at one point, a butcher’s cleaver – he embodies both mesmerizing theatre and real danger. A captivating presence, his frequent interactions with the audience incite excitement among female fans and jealous glances from their partners. There are also a few risqué jokes sprinkled throughout – nothing was left unsaid.

      Ultimately, the music is where Queens Of The Stone Age truly excels. Diminishing volume and embracing acoustic sounds – it’s not exactly an ‘unplugged’ show, but it's close – we are treated to a remarkable three-part sequence that transitions from fan favorites to lesser-known tracks, including something completely new.

      ‘Running Joke / Paper Machete’ serves as a fantastic opener, with the band visibly warming up on stage. The Them Crooked Vultures classic ‘Spinning In Daffodils’ makes a rare appearance in the second act, while the finale features a stunning, near-orchestral rendition of ‘The Vampyre Of Time And Memory’ and a vocal performance of ‘Auto Pilot’ by Michael Shuman.

      The new song ‘Easy Street’ has a lively salsa feel, with the audience invited to join in clapping – there's also a dual guitar solo that exudes both LA sleaze and a Fripp-inspired improvisation.

      Josh Homme is clearly in his element, both teasing and entertaining the audience. There are no barriers here; at one point he reflects on his previous physical performances, nearly apologizing. It’s all about personal growth, balanced with a playful sense of humor. Waving off security, he jokes: “I don’t need protection… I need affection!” Closing the show with ‘Long Slow Goodbye’, Queens Of The Stone Age took advantage of the historic organ at the venue, unleashing thunderous chords from the massive instrument. Josh Homme and Michael Shuman delivered the vocals a cappella, before the organist dramatically revealed his identity – it was Matt Berry! A truly unforgettable finale, it encapsulates the meticulous detail and extravagant entertainment that Queens Of The Stone Age has provided during this catacombs era – let’s hope it doesn’t remain hidden forever.

      SET LIST:

      Act I

      Running Joke / Paper Machete

      Kalopsia

      Villains of Circumstance

      Suture Up Your Future

      I Never Came

      Act II

      Someone’s in the Wolf / A Song for the Deaf / Straight Jacket Fitting

      Mosquito Song

      Keep Your Eyes Peeled

      Spinning in Daffodils (Them Crooked Vultures cover)

      Act III

      “You Got a Killer Scene There, Man…”

      Hideaway

      The Vampyre of Time and Memory

      Auto Pilot (Michael Shuman on vocals)

      Easy Street (new song)

      Fortress…Like Clockwork

      Encore:

      Long Slow Goodbye (Joshua Homme and Michael Shuman a cappella, with Matt Berry on the Royal Albert Hall Organ)