When Queens Of The Stone Age hit the stage for their European tour, they didn’t just bring their signature sound; they brought a journey back through time. Opening for System Of A Down at the Stockholm-area Strawberry Arena, the band kicked off the evening by dusting off some forgotten history, proving that even legendary acts have musical surprises left to reveal.
The show immediately set an unexpected tone by revisiting material that hadn’t been played in nearly two decades. The set began with a warped recording of “Afternoon Delight,” a track that had slipped away from their repertoire for eighteen long years, offering an immediate dose of nostalgia before the main event.
But the true highlight came when they dove into the potent energy of the Era Vulgaris album. QOTSA unleashed “Run, Pig, Run,” a track they had not performed since 2008. The electric guitar riffs and raw energy were a powerful reminder of the band’s enduring connection to their roots.
The sense of musical rediscovery continued as the performance featured yet another deep cut from the same era: “The Fun Machine Took A Shit And Died.” This track, also pulled from Era Vulgaris, was brought back into the spotlight for the first time since 2014, adding a layer of wry, unforgettable chaos to the setlist.
This performance wasn’t just a concert; it was an homage—a playful acknowledgment of the deep musical wellspring that fuels legendary rock bands. By dredging up these rare gems, Queens Of The Stone Age reminded the audience that some stories deserve to be told, and some songs deserve to be heard again.
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Credit: Stereogum
