Queens of the Stone Age debut in Iceland
Queens of the Stone Age just reminded the world that the desert heat of their sound still scorches the landscape, taking their potent energy to the rugged beauty of Iceland for a long-awaited live debut.
After a hiatus of nearly two decades, the iconic band returned to Reykjavík on Saturday, October 24, performing their first show in Iceland since 2005. The event at Laugardalshöll was a vibrant celebration, opening with a performance by the Virgin Orchestra before the band launched into a deeply personal setlist.
The performance was a fascinating blend of nostalgia and raw new energy. The band unleashed their long-awaited rendition of the track Tangled Up In Plaid, a cut from their album Lullabies to Paralyze, marking a significant return to an eight-year-old song. But the show was also a preview of the material yet to come, as they debuted tracks like Phantom Limb and Insignificant Other.
The full setlist demonstrated a mastery of their catalog, weaving together anthems like You Think I Ain’t Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire and My God Is the Sun with fan favorites such as I Sat by the Ocean.
The Iceland gig also served as a platform for their forthcoming work. The band performed the single Insignificant Other from their upcoming album Perfecth, alongside the more intense, grungy track Phantom Limb. This performance signaled the arrival of the new era, showcasing the grit and psychedelic edge that defines their sound.
This Icelandic stop followed a busy period of touring, including supporting the Foo Fighters, and came shortly after the band’s acclaimed stripped-back performance at the historic Parisian Catacombs in 2024. That performance, which was captured for a concert film and a live album, earned high praise, with critics noting its powerful impact.
Looking ahead, the band is poised for an exciting future. They are currently preparing their ninth studio album, Perfecth, set for release on October 30th. The new music has already generated buzz, with the psychedelic single Easy Street previewing the record. Furthermore, QOTSA is gearing up for international expansion, with announcements detailing potential tours with Interpol and Pixies, promising that the spirit of the Stones Age will continue to wander the globe.
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