The QOTSA guitarist and singer is jet-lagged after a flight from New York to Stockholm, and he keeps his sunglasses on for the lion's share of the interview. Homme has found it harder to sleep on planes since he quit drugs. Except for one day each January, when he puts on an eye mask and takes psychedelics to "reboot."
The year begins and I ask: how do I move forward? What can I do to be a better father, son, brother, friend and artist? It's about exploring your inner psyche. It's beautiful to see how much baggage you can actually let go of, says Josh Homme.
Are you eating “magic mushrooms”?
Yes, everything you can think of. Mostly medical MDMA and then a large dose of mushrooms, says Homme, who also tops his substance cocktail with a stronger hallucinogen for a “deeper dive.”
Was clinically dead
He was declared clinically dead during knee surgery in 2010 and was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 – a tumor that was successfully removed in 2024. The latter gave Josh Homme a life-changing awakening.
We've been touring and making music every year since then. I'm not as interested in taking a five or six year hiatus. Who the hell knows if we'll even be here next year?
Queens of the Stone Age's album with the deliberately misspelled title "Perfecth" will be released in October. According to Homme, the record is "created by candlelight" and inspired by the Japanese art of repair, kintsugi.
"Traditionally, it's about broken porcelain, like pottery that you put back together with gold. You take something that's broken and make it even more beautiful when it's resurrected," says Josh Homme.
Vulnerable texts
The lyrics on "Perfecth" depict intimate relationships and breakups, and according to Homme, they are more honest and vulnerable than ever.
Sometimes there are lines of text that are really hard to swallow. I wonder if I can really say that. At the same time, it feels good to make yourself understood in this life.
Over the years, Homme has collaborated with all kinds of artists. From Lady Gaga to Paul McCartney and Trent Reznor. On "Perfecth" guests include Iggy Pop.
In working on the sound, he has not strived for perfection, but rather embraced the small mistakes.
"At the end of the day, especially after all these years, I just want to do something that feels cool. That's all," says Homme.
Age: 53 years old (born May 17, 1973).
Background: Raised in the desert area of Palm Desert, California. Founded the iconic "desert rock" scene.
Main band: Singer and guitarist in Queens of the Stone Age. Also founded stoner rock pioneers Kyuss and Eagles of Death Metal.
Supergroup: Plays in Them Crooked Vultures along with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones.
Collaborations: Has produced and written music with, among others, Iggy Pop ("Post Pop Depression"), Arctic Monkeys and Run the Jewels.
Current with: Single and video premiere for "Insignificant other" August 25th from the QOTSA album "Perfecth" which will be released October 30th.
