Josh Homme Opens Up About Being Upstaged by Florence Welch on Their Johnny Cash Cover

An unforgettable moment when Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme was overshadowed by Florence Welch’s powerhouse vocals on their cover of Johnny Cash's ‘Jackson’.

When Legends Collide: Josh Homme and Florence Welch’s ‘Jackson’ Moment

Fans of Queens Of The Stone Age and Florence + The Machine have always admired the raw, emotional power both bring to their music. But what happens when two strong voices meet head-on in a duet? Josh Homme recently shared a brilliantly candid recollection of his experience being upstaged by Florence Welch while performing their cover of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s classic ‘Jackson’.

This memorable collaboration took place during Florence’s iconic MTV Unplugged session in New York City back in December 2011. The show itself was a gem, featuring Florence’s breathtaking rendition of Otis Redding’s ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ and more. But it was the fiery duet with Homme that has stuck in his memory years later.

Josh Homme and Florence Welch’s unforgettable collaboration in New York, 2011.

The Original Duo: Johnny Cash and June Carter’s ‘Jackson’

The song ‘Jackson’ is a staple in country and folk circles, showcasing the playful, teasing banter between a married couple who have that irresistible spark. For Homme and Welch, interpreting this track was a dive into classic Americana, but with a modern twist that only they could provide.

Josh Homme told BBC’s Sidetracked podcast with Nick Grimshaw about the initial rehearsals:

“You know, I’ve known Flo for many, many years, and sang with Flo on MTV Unplugged. We sung the June Carter and Johnny Cash song ‘Jackson’.”

He described the moment the magic—and friendly competition—sparked:

“There’s really only one way to sing it from the male perspective. We came into rehearsal and I’m like, ‘We got married in a fever’. I’m doing what you do. And then she sang, and I was like, ‘The fuck are you doing?!’”

When Florence Stole The Show

Josh’s surprise came as Florence belted out an alternate melody that threw him for a loop. For a frontman used to commanding the stage, suddenly being overshadowed was a new challenge.

“She belted this thing and it was an alternate melody and I was like, ‘Oh my god, what have you asked me here to do?’ Because you don’t want to be the B in an AB comparison.”

He candidly admitted the struggle to keep up with Florence’s soaring vocals:

“So, I had to find a way to hang on to the bottom of her dress and be elevated to the moon with her vocal abilities. And I must say, if I’m honest, I didn’t make it.”

If you want to witness this moment of musical chemistry and friendly rivalry, check out their stunning performance here:

Queens Of The Stone Age: Still Rocking the Big Stages

While that duet remains a brilliant highlight, Queens Of The Stone Age have been busy headlining major festivals and arenas. They’re topping the bill at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth this weekend, and next week, fans can catch them for two massive outdoor shows at the Rock N Roll Circus in Sheffield.

Josh recently shared a quirky plan for his time in Sheffield:

“I really just want to go to all the Arctic Monkeys guys’ childhood homes and take pictures and then send it to them,” Homme said. “So, that’s what I intend on doing.”

Latest Album and Tour Buzz

Queens Of The Stone Age delivered their eighth studio album, In Times New Roman, in 2023, an album full of the gritty, hypnotic rock that fans adore. Alongside the album, they released a captivating concert film titled Alive In The Catacombs earlier this summer—a meditative and moving experience praised by critics.

The film was screened worldwide, and the band has even put out a vinyl and audio release of the unique live show. Fans can also look forward to an intimate UK and European leg of The Catacombs Tour this autumn, including a special night at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets are still available for select shows in Sheffield and London.

Florence + The Machine’s New Chapter

As for Florence Welch, she’s far from resting on past glories. Her band is gearing up to release their sixth studio album, Everybody Scream, dropping on October 31. The title track has already been unveiled and it sounds epic, featuring collaborations with IDLES’ Mark Bowen, Mitski, and Aaron Dessner from The National. This album promises to be another bold chapter for Florence and her band.

Queens Of The Stone Age and Florence + The Machine are two forces of rock and indie music that have crossed paths in spectacular fashion, creating moments that fans will treasure forever. Homme’s humility and humor about being upstaged by Welch only add to the charm of their memorable duet.

FAQ

• How did Josh Homme feel about singing with Florence Welch?
  Josh was initially confident but quickly realized Florence’s vocal power was on another level, which made him scramble to keep up during their duet.
• When did the MTV Unplugged performance happen?
  The performance took place in New York City in December 2011.
• What song did Josh Homme and Florence Welch cover together?
  They covered ‘Jackson’, originally by Johnny Cash and June Carter.
• Are Queens Of The Stone Age touring soon?
  Yes, they have upcoming shows including the Victorious Festival, Rock N Roll Circus in Sheffield, and a UK and European tour this autumn.
• What’s new from Florence + The Machine?
  They are releasing their sixth studio album, Everybody Scream, on October 31 with notable collaborations.

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