Queens of the Stone Age and The Struts, two powerhouse rock acts from opposite sides of the Atlantic, converged upon London’s Budweiser Gardens on April 10, 2024, for a night of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll brilliance. The undisputed rulers of the desert rock domain, Queens of the Stone Age, stormed the stage with their latest sonic juggernaut, “In Times New Roman,” still fresh in the minds of rock aficionados. Joining them were the UK’s reigning pop-rock sensations, The Struts, who set the stage ablaze with their electrifying performance.
From the moment the lights went down, the anticipation in the air was electric, the crowd’s energy a tangible force. As Queens of the Stone Age launched into their set, the chemistry between the band members was undeniable, their collective energy a contagious force that spread through the arena like wildfire. Classic anthems like “Songs for the Deaf,” “Go With the Flow,” and “3’s and 7’s” were met with deafening applause and frenzied sing-alongs, while new tracks “Emotional Sickness” and “Paper Machete” hit like a sledgehammer, showcasing the band’s unrelenting evolution and raw power.
The interplay between Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, and Dean Fertita on guitars was a jaw-dropping spectacle of rock precision, a mesmerizing dance of interlocking rhythms and face-melting riffs that left the audience in a state of euphoric disbelief. Dean’s effortless transitions between keys and guitar added new dimensions to the band’s signature sound, while Troy’s sonic sorcery conjured textures that elevated each song to new heights. Holding down the low end with a combination of thunderous bass lines and impassioned backing vocals, Michael Shuman proved himself the backbone of the band, his aggressive playing style and magnetic stage presence a testament to his unwavering dedication and prodigious skill.
Anchoring this powerhouse lineup was none other than Jon Theodore, a drumming force of nature whose hard-hitting, groove-laden style propelled the band to new levels of intensity. With such a formidable array of talent sharing the stage, an explosive performance was not just expected, but inevitable, and Queens of the Stone Age more than delivered on that promise.
Earlier in the evening, The Struts had set the stage ablaze with an electrifying eight-song set that left no doubt about their status as rock ‘n’ roll’s rising stars. Despite a last-minute lineup change that saw Nick Perry of Silvertide stepping in for guitarist Adam Slack, the band barely missed a beat, tearing through hits like “Premadonna Like Me,” “Body Talks,” and “Kiss This” with a swagger and confidence that belied their relatively short time in the spotlight.
Frontman Luke Spiller commanded the stage with the charisma and bravado of a seasoned rock veteran, his magnetic presence and powerhouse vocals drawing comparisons to the likes of Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger. Perry’s guitar work, meanwhile, was nothing short of revelatory, his virtuosic playing adding new dimensions to The Struts’ already impressive sonic palette.
As the final notes of “No One Knows” rang out and the house lights came up, the crowd, now a sweaty, exhausted mass of humanity, filed out of the arena, their ears ringing and their spirits soaring. Queens of the Stone Age and The Struts had delivered a mind-blowing exhibition of rock ‘n’ roll brilliance, a testament to the enduring power and relevance of the genre. For one unforgettable night in London, the Budweiser Gardens had been transformed into a temple of rock, and all those lucky enough to bear witness left with the unshakable conviction that they had been part of something truly special.
All photos by Maximus Reid:
Queens of the Stone Age:
The Struts:
