The hallowed halls of the Montreux Jazz Festival have hosted legends from every genre, and in July 2018, it was Queens of the Stone Age's turn to shake the foundations of the Auditorium Stravinski. Led by the ever-cool Josh Homme, the band delivered a masterclass in desert rock swagger, proving that their brand of heavy, groove-laden rock can captivate any audience, regardless of the festival's name.
Touring in support of their acclaimed 2017 album 'Villains,' the setlist was a perfect blend of new material and timeless classics. The show kicked off with the thunderous one-two punch of 'A Song for the Deaf' and 'Sick, Sick, Sick,' immediately setting a high-energy tone. The band, featuring Troy Van Leeuwen, Dean Fertita, Michael Shuman, and the powerhouse drummer Jon Theodore, was in top form, weaving through the slick, danceable rhythms of 'The Way You Used to Do' and the hypnotic groove of 'Make It Wit Chu.' The performance was a testament to their dynamic range, from the raw power of 'Go With the Flow' to the epic, sprawling encore of 'A Song for the Dead.' This concert captures Queens of the Stone Age at a creative peak, delivering a tight, powerful, and unforgettable performance in a legendary setting.