An absolute masterclass performance by US alternative rock heavyweights, Queens Of The Stone Age, at the Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield, last night. This was the second of two nights as headliners at the Rock And Roll Circus, as well as being their last show of the European tour. Both the band and the crowd were totally up for two hours of this spectacularly massive wall of sound.
QOTSA are an exceptionally tight live band. Their set melded together an eclectic range of songs from across the band’s career. They opened impressively with the stoner rock number, Regular John, from their eponymous debut album. Then second song in was one of their biggest classics, No One Knows, with that hard infectious guitar groove which the crowds chanted back at them in thrilling style.
Josh Homme is such a charismatic frontman. Large in stature and really imposing, he was the real picture of cool throughout the set. He has an excellent vocal range that really cut through every track. Real crowd favourite, Make It Witchu, was a great example of a more tender track that he absolutely nailed, and even ended it with a snippet of the Stones classic, Miss You.
Him and fellow guitarist, Troy Van Leeuwen, are well matched for their commanding and skilled delivery up front. It was also in great humour that Homme introduced himself as Alex Turner: a nod to the Arctic Monkey in chief from this great music city with whom he has collaborated. It was also heartwarming to see him provide support for a fan who was struggling at one point when there had been a crush of people surging to the front.
Among other highlights of the set were well established QOTSA anthems including Feel Good Hit Of The Summer, Little Sister, and Go With The Flow. Each delivered with real gusto by the band, including the trademark huge bass sound, hellishly heavy guitar work, and epically thunderous drums. A newer track, Paper Machete, landed well to with some awesome chiming guitars. The band have cast their influences more widely in recent years.
Towards the end of set the band unleashed a ferociously wild version of Song For The Dead. The band really built up the anticipation for the track among the crowds with the rhythm section of the band taking the lead. A big favourite track among drummers especially, this was where sticksman Jon Theodore really got a chance to show off his chops and lay into the skins in a manner that was as sensational as the recorded version by Dave Grohl: no mean feat! Incorporating a short but immense drum solo into the mix added to the menacing attack that the track provides.
The support bands at Rock And Roll Circus were certainly well chosen to reflect a wild and raucous vibe. They all thanked QOTSA for inviting them for the event.
Irish post-punk outfit, The Murder Capital, were superb as ever on the stage. Poetic in lyric, and yet with visceral raw sound. These boys absolutely wear their passion on their sleeve. Frontman James was resplendently cool in his shades throughout. Every song had a real punch with Words Lost Meaning really kicking through with its harsh tones at the end of set. They also took the opportunity to powerfully raise awareness of the humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Over on the BBC Introducing stage, the band So Good were a massive surprise hit. They are a band that look set to brighten up any festival stage. Their lyrics were sharp, funny and had a real sarcastic edge. The female lead vocalist particularly shone with her delivery of each track in a manner that sounded like Goldie Looking Chain meets 90s girl band, Shampoo. Her accomplices either side added to the comical nature of the performance. They were backed by a hard edgy punked up band with loads of energy.
Swedish outfit, Viagra Boys, played both nights of the festival as a main support to QOTSA on the main stage. After a decent enough start for the first few tracks, things really ramped up a gear towards the end of the set as the crowds were gathering for the main act. Best track was Sports.
Headlining the BBC Introducing stage was heavy rockers, Demob Happy. They have justifiably built up a wild live reputation with headline gigs at the Grove, Newcastle, and support for fellow Geordies, The Pale White. This set really showcased their 70s inflected sound with guitar licks reminiscent in places of legends from Led Zep to T.Rex, impressive chunky bass lines and killer drumming. Be Your Man and Voodoo Science were among their huge tracks. It was brilliant to join the Geordie contingent of the crowd, including members of two of the best young bands: Idle Hands and Strays.
WORDS BY STEPHEN LOVELL
PHOTO CREDIT – HELS MILLINGTON
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