Queens Of The Stone Age Reunite Onstage With Nick Oliveri for First Time Since 2014

Fans witnessed a historic moment as Queens Of The Stone Age performed alongside Nick Oliveri again after a 12-year gap.

A Legendary Reunion at Joshua Tree

If you’ve been following Queens Of The Stone Age for a while, you know the name Nick Oliveri holds a special place in the band’s explosive history. On April 24, 2026, at the intimate Joshua Tree Retreat Center in California, fans were treated to an unforgettable reunion. Nick Oliveri stepped back on stage with QOTSA for the first time since 2014, ending a 12-year hiatus from performing with his old bandmates.

Frontman Josh Homme greeted Oliveri with heartfelt warmth, calling him “one of the people that I love dearly.” The chemistry was electric as Oliveri lent his powerful vocals to the 'Rated R' track “Auto Pilot,” a song that longtime followers know well and cherish deeply.

Queens Of The Stone Age performing live at Glastonbury 2023.

For those who missed the live magic, fan-shot footage captures the raw energy and nostalgia of this reunion moment:

Nick Oliveri’s Impact on Queens Of The Stone Age

Oliveri’s tenure with QOTSA, which lasted from 1998 to 2004, was nothing short of legendary. He was a key contributor during the band's breakthrough years, helping shape the sound on iconic albums like Rated R (2000) and Songs for the Deaf (2002). Even before QOTSA, Oliveri shared a musical bond with Josh Homme in the influential stoner rock band Kyuss, laying the foundation for years of collaborative energy.

Despite his fiery energy on stage and in the studio, Oliveri's time with the band ended abruptly in 2004. Initially, his departure was tied to reports of aggressive behavior toward fans. Later, more serious allegations surrounding his personal life surfaced, complicating his exit from the band.

But the story didn’t end there. Oliveri was welcomed back briefly in 2013 to provide backing vocals on “If I Had A Tail” from the album …Like Clockwork. A year later, in 2014, he reunited with QOTSA on stage in Portland for a rare live performance, marking a special moment for fans and band alike.

Reflecting on the Past: Healing and Moving Forward

In a candid 2022 interview, Oliveri reflected on his departure and the complicated but lasting relationship with Homme and the band. He explained that their time together was intense and fast-paced, leading to a creative burnout. Oliveri said:

“We did so much in a five-year period, in a concentrated period, so much work, that we kind of burned out on each other. So, it is what it is, and he kind of wanted the band to go in a different direction anyway, so he’s taken it there, and that’s where he wants it to go, and it’s great for him.

Unfortunately it’s one of those things where, it used to bother me a lot, but it doesn’t anymore. It took some time to heal over some things, and for him too.”

Nick Oliveri’s Solo Career and Ongoing Influence

While Oliveri’s chapter with QOTSA was closed for many years, he didn’t slow down creatively. In 2024, he released two career-spanning compilations, N.O. Hits At All Vols. 8 and N.O. Hits At All Vols. 9, showcasing his enduring talent and influence in the rock scene.

His solo projects highlight his raw, unfiltered energy and remind fans of why his voice and style still resonate so fiercely. Oliveri’s contributions to rock and stoner metal remain significant; his legacy with QOTSA and beyond is firmly cemented.

Queens Of The Stone Age’s Exciting Future

Meanwhile, QOTSA are gearing up for a huge year ahead. This year, they’re opening for the Foo Fighters on their massive North American stadium tour, hitting iconic cities like Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Nashville, Vancouver, and Las Vegas.

This is a testament to Queens Of The Stone Age’s staying power and their ability to captivate crowds large and small. From underground stoner rock clubs to sprawling stadiums, their journey continues to inspire legions of fans worldwide.

Josh Homme’s Creative Journey

Aside from the band's collective undertakings, frontman Josh Homme has also been exploring diverse collaborations. Recently, he teamed up with Norah Jones to cover Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s classic “Somethin’ Stupid.” This unexpected pairing highlights Homme’s versatility and willingness to cross genre boundaries, adding layers to his already legendary career.

A Moment to Cherish

This reunion with Nick Oliveri reminded everyone why Queens Of The Stone Age’s legacy is so vibrant. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of a shared history, a testament to the bonds forged through music, and a promise that some stories in rock never truly end.

FAQ

• What years did Nick Oliveri originally perform with Queens Of The Stone Age?
  Nick Oliveri was part of QOTSA from 1998 until 2004, contributing to their early defining albums.
• Why did Nick Oliveri leave the band in 2004?
  His departure was initially linked to aggressive behavior toward fans, with later reports suggesting it was connected to allegations against his girlfriend.
• Has Oliveri performed with QOTSA since his departure?
  Yes, he provided backing vocals on a track in 2013 and reunited with them on stage in 2014, then again in 2026.
• What solo work has Nick Oliveri released recently?
  In 2024, Oliveri released two career-spanning solo compilations: N.O. Hits At All Vols. 8 and N.O. Hits At All Vols. 9.
• What major tour is Queens Of The Stone Age part of in 2026?
  QOTSA is opening for the Foo Fighters on their North American stadium tour with stops in several major cities.

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