Queens of the Stone Age: 'In Times New Roman...' & Grief | Apple Music

Joshua Homme, guitarist and songwriter of Queens of the Stone Age, has been through a lot in his years as the sole constant member of the band. Through loss and grief, Josh continues to express himself through music on the band's new album, 'In Times New Roman...'.
Homme reconnects with Zane Lowe in the studio to discuss some hardships, and how he's written his way through it. Josh reflects on some friends he's lost, including Anthony Bourdain, Mark Lanegan and Taylor Hawkins. He expresses his gratitude to be alive to tell his story today on 'In Times New Roman...' and reflects on the legacy of David Bowie.
Listen to Queens of the Stone Age on Apple Music: apple.co/QOSAZLYT
00:00 - Joshua Homme on Life Before Writing
08:58 - Dealing with Loss
16:09 - Joshua Homme talks Honesty in His Lyrics
25:39 - Starting a New Phase in Life
36:06 - Reminiscing About Mark Lanegan
45:52 - Missing David Bowie
50:43 - Josh Reflecting on His Career
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[@Vpro23]

“I took enough drugs to kill a small boy, actually that was my inner child” quite possibly the best way that’s ever been said.

[@officialcauseandeffectdogt8905]

I get it

[@martacccc689]

So profound

[@andrigraf4741]

Illumination?

[@Vpro23]

@@andrigraf4741 hahahahaha lost my mind so many times I found myself

[@itamararce7347]

Well it wouldnt take a large dose to kill a child...

[@fl0nk11]

It's so easy to be angry at someone else for taking their own life, until you feel like taking yours. Josh nailed that. ❤

[@mikedee1728]

Comment

[@sandraneumann824]

I know why I don't hear qotsa anymore...🌠

[@pamphletthebeanwolf5901]

To hear Josh talk about his drafts and how they sound like "Teen, Goth, open mic... Dream journal" is pretty affirming

[@chadgrov]

And coming from a guy who’s had S Tier lyrics from the start, shows that even when you’re great you gotta put the work in

[@dayflowermusic]

First fifty drafts though!

[@alflemon2783]

I remember reading John Lennon’s first drafts for “In My Life” and thinking “This looks like some of the notes that never leave my notebook”, and that felt good.

[@bobzilla6734]

I love josh, he is so unapologetically real and comfortable about being vulnerable.

[@HonestBottom]

Vulnerability and admitting you're wrong are signs of strength to me, as long as it isn't everything the person says, it builds credibility 👍

[@saraboobeara]

Ditto

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I think that comes from being 6-foot-14, badass and older.

[@martacccc689]

He is definetely in a better place.he should be proud of himself

[@connelious38]

@@buschinpolen , just curious if you're aware that he (Josh) was granted sole custody of his children. I believe his ex has been extradited out of the country too. Thusly confirming that most of the terrible things that were spread across the media were in fact, just not true. At least regarding his family and most private aspects of his personal life. Yet if I'm wrong, please enlighten us.

[@duhlike]

Man. You can hear the sadness in his voice when he talks about all the stuff he went through. I've heard the record so many times already and it's literally just about acceptance and vulnerability. You can tell that therapy has done him well. He just sounds so much different and mature.

[@musliboy2430]

Man I haven't even heard it once, it ain't out yet here :(

[@duhlike]

@@musliboy2430 you're in for a real treat. It's absolutely fantastic

[@jonathanmacdonald]

@@duhlike that’s completely true

[@leila7577]

You heard a glimmer of working on himself during Dean Delray's 2nd interview.

[@duhlike]

@@leila7577 exactly! That was one of my favorite interviews he's ever done

[@sophiekropman7394]

He's philosophical and intellectually curious and witty. Candid and authentic in every way. I could literally listen to him talk for hours.

[@TheRabidDolphin99]

it makes so much sense that he likes Oscar wilde

[@gargamel3393]

Plus he has good stories. I wish I was the fan that was about to approach them when his band mate put up his hand and went "No."

[@amycullen1198]

Me too I love his voice

[@Hrafnaflokii]

Nice. I see Josh has tattooed our Icelandic (magical stave) the "Vegvísir" on the back of his right arm. “Carry this sign with you and you will not get lost in storms or die of cold bad weather, and will easily find his way from the unknown.”

[@marijamihailova7627]

He is also a massive fan of Bjork.

[@plenku]

Also has nordic ancestry. Norwegian I think

[@Hrafnaflokii]

​@@plenku Yeah, explains why i'm so in tuned with his music. Icelandic here living in my old ancestors country Norway. Living the "northway"... "No(Я)way". "Boooo, get off the comments" "Allright".

[@TabethaAurochs]

What a beautiful and eloquent phrase that works on So. Many. Levels. Thanks for sharing this.

[@TrueFallacy]

“Where’d you download that sandwich”, is an instant classic line

[@TheRabidDolphin99]

I feel like Warren zevon and Mark Lanegan would've gotten on well

[@mayorofthenonsense]

How is it that this one guy has become best friends with every single rock star and performing artist on the planet? Every single interview, this guy gets treated like he’s a close friend rather than a radio DJ or music journalist. Amazing.

[@jn1346]

1) bc he’s real and genuine and a good person 2) he’s been at it for waaaaaaaaay longer than most people realize.

[@johnvegas9059]

Because it benefits him and whoever he has on from a financial sense, so they all pretend to be best friends. It's not really genuine.

[@fanieldox]

@@johnvegas9059you clearly haven’t a clue. Compare any interview Josh does with other people it’s just not the same. Even Kevin Parker is great friends with him and his interviews with other people aren’t as fluid. You can’t fake this sort of camaraderie

[@andro.5678]

​@@fanieldoxdoes the topic of the Paris attack ever come up in interviews? the topic of 90 fans being brutally murdered that is.

[@slasheroid]

it’s a beautiful conversation, I love Zane’s interviews with Josh

[@yourmomstube202]

as much as zane annoys the piss out of me, he really is a great interviewer and brings out the best of his guests

[@wallybingbang4350]

@@yourmomstube202 He did a good one recently with Billy Corgan - ❤ 🎶

[@LawrenceSteps]

Same man. I love Josh and Zane definitely brings out the most introspective and funny in him.

[@yourmomstube202]

@@wallybingbang4350 going to listen to it tonight...Corgan is always surprising and entertaining

[@jondavid3641]

I find that interviewer incredibly annoying. Hey dude, ask the question then zip it and let Josh answer. Nobody cares what you have to say. And most of what you ramble on about you think is profound and witty but it’s anything but. Other than that, I love you bro.

[@bononista3999]

Thank you Joshua, thank you QotSA family and fans. Its good to see you all again, it's been too long. ❤ Time for healing and moving forward. I am glad Josh has stopped smoking.

[@seemore725]

I see what u did there

[@loganmahoney5965]

When Josh was talking about why we're here, it gave me major Rush vibes. "Why are we here, because we're here, roll the bones."

[@rollth3bones]

Same here bro

[@memopinzon]

Why does it happen?

[@danherrera3700]

Life lessons from Josh “who wants to tango!?”

[@loganmahoney5965]

@@memopinzon because it happens!

[@memopinzon]

@@loganmahoney5965 Roll the bones

[@XxLIVRAxX]

Josh exudes effortless coolness, its amazing, I remember in my early teens circa 2001, watching MTV and coming across the video for The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret, it sounded dangerous, dark, seductive, vulgar and inviting, it hooked me up and remained so ever since. This guy is Rock personify.

[@BrunoOliveira-mb4qz]

I wouldn't know Mark Lanegan in 2015 as a teenager if not for QOTSA. The band is amazing and the songs also. If you've read Mark's book you know that he always says nice things about Josh and theirs "adventures" in 96 when Josh was the 2nd guitarist for Screaming Trees.

[@chrisg1772]

Wish we got a follow up to Look backwards and weep before he passed, was hoping it covered more of Marks time in qotsa.

[@EnjoyPlantPower]

I bought it mainly to hear about his time in QOTSA, only for it to end at that point! 😅

[@SiFi5478]

The new album is incredible. The best lyrics he's ever written for sure and live the band are on fire right now. It's blowing my mind to see, after 20-odd years, that QOTSA are actually peaking NOW.

[@matthewsnyder674]

it's blowing my mind that qotsa recorded the songs well before josh put lyrics to them. the synchronicity of words to the sound in carnavoyeur is un-be-lievable. i can't remember the last time a music video meant anything, but that one hit home.

[@losmckenrick6970]

That’s how Tool rights music. The band records all of the music, then Maynard listens to the tones and rhythms and writes lyrics based on how the music is making him feel, what the music is pulling out of him. I feel that’s what makes the songs so cohesive and unique.

[@thegoodsgone1965]

Unless he just means that they recorded all the instrumental parts (of songs that were already written, lyrics and melodies included) and he just didn't feel like recording the vocals yet?

[@venomous1230]

@@thegoodsgone1965Thats what I had figured as well

[@Danstraightedge]

QOTSA without doubt are my favourite band ever. I love everything about them. The music can lift me up and make me feel. Thank you Josh and everyone involved in putting the beautiful sounds together.

[@dazicr3028]

Love that this was such a mature and open conversation about life, relationships and hardships. Thanks Josh and Zane for this. Have been a fan of Queens for a very long time, and will always be. You guys are the GOATs.

[@MasterIvo]

the GOAT with a goatee

[@mischaott4083]

Josh healing is mf'n priceless.... Having been through the loss of my brother and a divorce this year. I've had to learn a similar lesson on acceptance. This interview has made me love him more than ever before and I've loved him since the Kyuss era.

[@alexandramunoz4551]

This is the kind of masculinity I enjoy to witness: from what's biting you right now, to the good times, to the most vulnerable words that end up in long, brotherly hugs or tears...RESPECT&LOVE

[@GrowingWildFlowersAS]

First. I’ve said once “music is my religion”. I got scoffed at. Over my 47 years I’ve learned to believe that more and more and say it louder and louder. you two hit a few other huge points for people our age which I don’t need to repeat. But Thank you both for reminding me, I’m not alone. It’s life. We are learned and laughing along the way. Here’s to the oysters!

[@sercastamere9853]

It can make you feel deeply which is different than making it "your" religion.

[@slayerBO2EPC]

That prison sentence line was really good, Josh's wittiness and sense of humor is unmatched 😂

[@jonathanmacdonald]

Pretty much every Zane interview is just absolutely nailing it. This one is no exception. Man....what a conversation. Laughter, tears, truth...beautiful.

[@pookachu64]

Check out josh on guitar moves. Hilarious interview

[@amberm8946]

I wish Josh could know that he succeeded. What he intended with this album, it truly shows. Before seeing this interview, my husband and I have been talking about this album and the message of “live anyway”. It’s so authentic and feels so earned. Like something that could only come from someone who has looked inward to see everything good and gnarly and absurd and beautiful, and therefore truly knows himself. Carnavoyeur I think is such a good illustration of accepting the painful things in life, and realizing you’ve made it through. You’ve triumphed.

[@seanbrent8294]

On and on, always life

[@therealjeffstein]

Wtf did I just watch? By this, I mean, Josh Homme is...happy!? I love this. Good for him and bring on 2023 QOTSA! I've seen them every album cycle since S/T, can't wait to continue the streak.

[@adrianodisea2001]

Queens Of The Stone Age. The best. The number one.

[@jager9022]

​@frumess5032yea

[@denstar5928]

I love how much Josh loves his grandparents. I have heard him mention them on several occasions. It makes me want to be the best grandma to my grandkids.

[@JuniorD1975]

This record is amazing. It’s like a complete Queens album. There ain’t no skipping tracks on this one. Not only have Josh and the guys made a great record but I would bet they are the best live band at this moment.

[@johnnyjay8551]

thanks for the music, the words and the passion Josh. You're making your way right there with the all time greats as musician as well as a human being.

[@Ann-bs1mr]

This album is everything I needed. Thank you so much, Josh Homme. We are not alone ❤

[@sergeoperu]

Guys, i had so much fun listenig to you!! Thank you so much for being alive, here, talking about our fases of life.

[@AfroBenJen]

Another top class interview, great work from Zane and Josh - lovely to feel like you're hanging with them.

[@dkozlak922]

I love the ease of conversation between these two. It’s take me several days and Attempts to get through this (kiddos) but it’s well worth the listen even if you don’t care for Josh or his music.

[@SeemoreDunkan]

As always.. Every Josh Homme interview is great. Much thanks!!

[@dgator75]

The best interview with Josh since they're last one. This is a perfect example of how wonderful, inspiring and personal interviewing someone can be. I love the new same Josh. Nothing but adoration. Love the deftones nod. Chino and Josh have been the most emotionally stimulating artists in my life.

[@richardroutenote171]

For me its the consistency. Josh just never lets us down creatively. Great words in this interview... but one extra positive, during difficult times, is that we get to exist and enjoy this brilliant Artist in real-time. Thanks Josh

[@yylevans]

This is the first time I've heard of Zane Lowe. Wow...I'm kind of blown away at how good of an interviewer he is. Providing kindling for great conversation. Homme's wordplay and goofy sense of humor is like a tonic. My only problem with Qotsa for me, is that, "Songs for the Deaf" broke my head open so far and wide, that the bar it set for me makes anything coming after feel like chasing the dragon.

[@erg3064]

Such a beautiful conversation! Thank you for that!

[@subucni113]

This conversation was purely raw and hits hard. The humor through the pain is proof that Josh never built a walled off Dam and is flowing down the emotional stream and flowing through the surprise (good and bad) of life. I cannot wait to see QOTSA in Denver. Much love.

[@user-vt2kt6ii8s]

A long time fan of Josh and his music - this interview was so poignant, emotional and real. He eloquently navigates his conversation loss, health and entering 50 . Thank you Josh ❤

[@digitalbladeca]

Josh is probably the coolest dude alive. Would love to just casually hang out for an afternoon

[@MajikJaxsin]

This dudes so authentic. It's sooo refreshing, especially during these times

[@Anksh0usRacing]

I’m so glad he’s back doing good. He’s living which is all we can ask for.

[@mickconroy4551]

I’ve been through a few similar life changing things recently (loss of close family members as well as other things). Hearing his complete honesty is very inspiring, as he is a musician and originator I’ve admired for a long time. This is a very brave interview by any standard in my humble opinion.

[@xziggy_stardustx6786]

Every time Josh does an interview he not only gives you food for thought but also delivers a million cool one-liners off-the-cuff; ‘denial by proxy’? Dozens of other extended metaphors he stumbled upon by just goofing around? I don’t hero worship the dude but he has a unique mind, a unique talent and has made my life better for having been himself all along. Queens are my sine qua non - being in Times New Roman I hope that means something.

[@20th_century_specter]

Josh has been such a powerful source of creativity over the years and a huge influence on my writing; this new album has already been an enormous wellspring of inspiration, and I love him for it.

[@paulbergner9713]

Josh talks with such depth perception in this interview. He’s so candid and transparent here; this is the most honest I’ve ever seen him be. He’s definitely getting older, but with grace and wisdom, like a rock n roll soothsayer.

[@jasonsmit6993]

Man this new album is epic. Thanks Josh, after 50+ trips around the sun I have had my own similar path. “I’m ok”, is such an appropriate thing to say.

[@marialeduque8827]

The conversations between zane and josh are always so nice to watch/hear❤

[@Sinuite]

Just listening to, Josh speak is inspiring in itself. Such a colourful outlook on life. Lovely stuff.

[@deadforever]

Love the Mark Lanegan stories. What a loss. What a talent.

[@tanveerhasan2382]

Sad

[@TheRabidDolphin99]

so human and so real this is the best interview I've seen in I don't know how long

[@ArkadianDream]

It's been 12 years since finding qotsa's music and falling head over heels in love with them. I haven't consistently obsessed over them for this whole time, but whenever they come back out with an album and the interviews start coming again and theres a tour and all of that......man, it always feels like coming home to myself again. They changed so much since i found them, and i changed SO much since then, and I'm so glad both me and them are still hanging on and growing and whatnot. I know it's some sort of parasocial relationship, but in my mind and in my heart they're some of my oldest, dearest friends. Thanks josh (and the boys and girls equally involved)

[@stevendavidson391]

What a great interview. Josh is such an inspiration and so funny too. Those Lanegan stories were priceless

[@scottlapier4797]

I'm totally going to use "Where'd you download that sandwich" in my daily life

[@nobotshere8364]

So happy to have you back! You've been missed. QOTSA family ♥️

[@Niki_Hydn]

Seeing Josh be so open and vulnerable makes me love him even more. I love the persona he has when he's performing, but the real Josh Homme is just so beautiful. You could see the pain on his face when he spoke of his friends who have passed. He is so real and so hilarious. One of the greatest men 🖤

[@Steve_The_Weave]

Such an incredible interview. Thank you for sharing and you’ve really impacted me with this. a truly emotional masterpiece of an album. Thank you so much. -Steve 🤙

[@pitpride1220]

I've lived in the Arizona low desert for 18 years. Josh's music is the perfect landscape. Everything does kill you. The lack of things kill you. The plants have taken more of my blood than anything else. It's a violent boogie, just like his music.

[@evanmiles8906]

This was such a good interview. Thank you. Honestly, what it’s all about. What these kinds of longform interviews should be. The purest, most real, friendliest, but also most vulnerable dialogue.

[@iordankamilkova8595]

Have always suspected the deep deepness of Josh's soul... such a richly beautiful poet he is! Thank you for being open and real, Josh! Love you! Great interview!

[@Sir_Gonzo]

This was a beautiful interview. Thank you.

[@haitchkay]

Well that was a fantastic insight into Josh's current universe. He is a God amongst men as well as a damaged mortal like the rest of us. His ability to channel his experience into music has helped me through my rollercoaster ride since 92' and I can't wait to drop the needle on the new record tomorrow and open up the next chapter.

[@chrismouton1985]

This was a great interview. I love the realness of it all. A lot of food for thought. Ripper of an album as well!

[@DeGroove]

Josh, Thanks for trying to be the best you can be and comforting the rest of us.

[@C134B]

What a wonderful conversation between friends, commenting about life itself and its effects on music ad how its made.

[@plazahotelmusic]

Great interview, love the band and great to see Josh making his way through.

[@2010pearljgirl]

"I still get to love them...I still get to do that." SO MUCH THIS. what an interview.

[@swaglord3076]

What an incredible interview! Thank you for that!❤

[@julezthealien2467]

"I still get to love them" when talking about all those who he's lost. It's a beautiful way to see it. And that is what allows you to make it through the loss and grief. Is that gratitude that you got to have them, you got to experience their being, their love and continue to love them.

[@jimmytheexpat5719]

your honesty and openess is beautiful and i can really relate personally and i am sure others feel the same way... THANK YOU JOSH

[@Inspiriments888]

Driving.. Listening.. 70 on the highway; look to my left and see a Queens of the stone age tour billboard in Indiana. Thanks Josh.👁

[@JoshFryer]

One of the best you've done, Zane! Love everything you both contributed! 🙏🙏🙏

[@robertlane7343]

What a great conversation. Very deep. I truly appreciate Josh and Zane abilities to understand each other.

[@robertlane7343]

Listening to this Conversation is like a reflection of my Life. Oh how we all have similar troubles

[@milesskoog7675]

Hearing QOTSAs and the Foo's new records are both helping me process through grief, loss, and my own personal brokenness. Thank you, Josh!

[@adm5618]

Dude, that feeling when you pick the guitar up and it happens is spot on. I play and write every day if I can. Definitely days when you’ve got nothing, but you’re still compelled

[@Susan-jt6ms]

Fantastic interview! Thank you. x

[@20th_century_specter]

P.S. This was a great conversation. Thanks for putting this up for everyone; just like the music, it's crazy inspiring. 🖖🏼

[@jacobtovar6043]

I don’t think anyone can appreciate the thought, “I don’t think I’m gonna make it” unless you’ve had it. Very heavy when you think about it but Josh delivered it in a way that seemed peaceful. Glad he’s still with us.

[@jxgreer]

Josh, Thank you for the honesty and the art.

[@angiepants8426]

This was amazing to watch. Josh all the power to you mate! 💪

[@UNDERMIND_AUDIO]

Fn brilliant. So grateful for you both!!❤❤

[@thegavincourtney]

One of my favourite interviews. Love these guys

[@RRRobertLazer]

Josh Homme doing the "Uhhh Thank yeww" impression of steve martin as ruprecht in dirty rotten scoundrels made my day. Happy daddy day Josh.

[@marcologik]

Favourite interview I've watched in a longtime!

[@johnsenior2566]

So inspirational in so many ways.

[@deananderson2918]

Best Interveiwerererr Ever ! Many Thanks Guys

[@LAVISHING]

This interview is amazing! Thanks Zane for having Josh on here!

[@AdrianPants]

"I don't know if I'm ever going to find a feeling worth chasing" really hit me. Excellent interview!

[@cman600000]

😅😅

[@robpace881]

unable to describe how much I love QOSTA I got to see them live in Red Rocks and blew my socks away.

[@adm5618]

I lost two friends in the same weekend back in November. Griefs never hit so hard and I isolated over the winter. Big time low. It’s useful and soothing to hear others talk about this kind of thing. Music is out saviour and I can’t wait to release my record. Two songs on there are in memory of those who’ve gone to early

[@newJaAk]

I'm sorry for your loss, ill wait for those songs

[@frustratednoname]

This really hit me: "Sometimes when you're friends or lovers with people and it's like you're leading these parallel lives and you're trying to grow together and sometimes you grow apart. And if you can actually successfully understand that and say "ok, we're pulling apart...but I love you" then you have a chance at maybe growing back together another time. And you're also saying "thank you for the moments we've had" and I understand... Beautiful.

[@riffraffrichard]

It won’t be long, so true. Make the most of this moment

[@christianjocson5509]

After all the drama he’ve been through with his family , I’m glad he’s still doing well and was even able to make songs. More power to him.

[@jovanreid6782]

Those Mark Lanegan stories were too funny lol It's sad he's gone, but at least Josh will always have those memories. RIP

[@Kurdt1]

Why can’t all interviews be like this? These two are the best that can be on their own chairs! Great stuff 🙌

[@Thorley666]

Zane is great for this. Depends on the guest thou. Example Paramores was great like this

[@Kurdt1]

@@Thorley666 agreed, Hayley was great indeed

[@crookedqueen5439]

So great to hear Josh laughing ❤️ raw, earnest, unashamedly trying to figure out his life with so many heavy curve balls crashing into him these past few years, and he’s grown through all that pain. He’s still a badass, but he’s a matured, worldly badass now. I love that his music is his religion and therapy, he translates those experiences into soul searing songs that become religion and therapy for us as fans too.

[@seanbrent8294]

Legend. He’s always been witty like that, with a turn of phrase… but gone is the bravado. Like Kobe when he grew older and became at peace. Congratulations homme, Thankyou for all the music. In Time New Roman is a Qotsa classic. All the best

[@dildonicplague]

I'm a musician and my band....chasing that good feeling....is everything....from there its a million ideas to add but keep that feeling. It's not easy. Much love Josh. Thanks so much. I can't wait for this album Friday. I've been looking forward to this more than anything for years. Much respect.

[@jefflogan334]

I could hear him talk for hours. He speaks lyrically with wit and insightfulness.

[@cochroach10]

This is the literal best interview ❤