Queens of the Stone Age, Koko, 23/08/05

[zoo_music_girl]

I had a great time at the Queens of the Stone Age gig last night. It started off badly, with the band making us wait around for ages and no support (reminders of Siouxsie at the 100 Club), but they made up for it by being excellent, and actually apologising.

I started off near the front of the back but as the gig started it just got too packed and I got fed up being crushed up against complete strangers. I watched Simon make his way forward as I made my way to the back. I stood right at the back for a couple of songs, including "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret", which was great because I had room to dance and could see the stage quite well, apart from a pillar blocking my view of Josh Homme (I was paying more attention to Troy van Leeuwen in a really cool suit and haircut anyway) but then I decided I was missing out on the gig atmosphere so I moved forward again and found a good spot near the pillar where I wasn't being barged into too often and could see everything quite well.

I don't really know QOTSA's stuff very well, having only got into them since I've been going out with Simon, but they played everything I know except "The Hanging Tree", which was a slight disappointment because I really like that song.

They're a mismatched looking band, looking as if they should be in at least four different bands. The guitarist matched the drummer nicely, who also had short black hair and was stripped to the waist showing a slim but muscular torso and tribal tattoos, but the singer was a tall, well built redhead in denim, the bass player was a scruffy bloke in a woolly hat and the keyboard player looked like she'd been pulled in out of the nearest goth pub.

They played quite a varied set. There was a bit of guitar noodling including rock, some bluesy bits and some more spacy, laid back stuff as well as the actual songs. It was really good stuff. And oh my God it was loud. I didn't realise quite how loud at the time but my ears are still ringing this morning. "Songs for the Deaf", indeed. I really must remember to take my earplugs to gigs.

Comments

[thepaintedone.livejournal.com]

Laurelei was at the Monday gig, her two main comments were that it was Loud and that there was an over-abundance of guitar wanking.

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

I liked the guitar wanking! It was indeed Loud.

[childeric.livejournal.com]

I liked the guitar wanking!

Darling! I like you more and more. ;-)

[thepaintedone.livejournal.com]

Next stop a Yngwie Malmsteen concert?

[childeric.livejournal.com]

*shudder* Poor old Yngwie Johann. He was so desperate to be taken seriously, but the more he tried, the more everyone laughed. Hideous.

[thepaintedone.livejournal.com]

According to the website he's still going strong. Currently touring in support of his recent 'Unleash the Fury' CD :o)

[margotmetroland.livejournal.com]

All I remember of seeing QOTSA at Reading a few years ago was the NAKED bass player. I think the music was quite good, but don't ask for any specifics - except you can use a bass guitar to keep your dignity quite well...

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

He's since left the band. No nudity last night!

[margotmetroland.livejournal.com]

Oh well I won't bother going to see them again! They can't expect just the music to keep my golfish attention....

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

Sounds like they've tightened up since childeric and I saw them supporting AC/DC at Milton Keynes bowl. Then they sounded like they were in different bands rather than just looking like it. Scrappy, messy and incoherent. Or possibly just too drunk and stoned. But on your write-up I might actually be up for seeing them again sometime.

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

I'd definitely go and see them again! :)

[denalyia.livejournal.com]

:o That's a definite top endorsement! I like the stuff of theirs I've heard, and would be very tempted to see them next time they do a show.