Even the biggest names in music are starting to perform at some of the smallest venues. That’s one reason we started Aftermath Town: to put a spotlight on the places that helped birth our favorite bands. Queens of the Stone Age may be the biggest names in rock and roll, but frontman Josh Homme knows he “wouldn’t be anywhere” without the Los Angeles venue where the band got its start.
When we sat down with Homme recently to talk about QOTSA’s new album, In The Times New Rome…, We asked him what his favorite hometown venue is. Instead of picking just one, he listed two Los Angeles staples, Tagram Ballroom and troubadourand added a special tribute to Desert Flower Papy and Harriet’s.
“It takes a lot of effort, and you have to really care about it,” he said of running these cultural institutions. “You’re talking about people who have dedicated their lives to supporting things at the beginning of baby development, so I really appreciate places like that.”
Neither can we. Since it opened in 1957, many artists have made their careers at the iconic Troubadour Music Hall in West Hollywood: Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Tom Waits ), Jackson Browne, The Byrds and even Elton John have performed here. In downtown Los Angeles, the Teragram Ballroom has welcomed more modern performers since its first partnership with Spoon in 2015, including Delta Spirit, Ty Segall, Kevin Morby, Wavves, Phoebe Bridgers and more. Meanwhile, you’re nothing if you haven’t been to Pappy & Harriet’s sleazy bar, because everyone from Paul McCartney to Robert Plant, Lorde , Wanda Jackson and Vampire Weekend, everyone has played there. Homme even took Anthony Bourdain to dinner at the venue’s restaurant for an episode No reservation required.
These places are landmarks for a reason. Read Homme’s Hometowns of Consequence Q&A below to see why Homme agrees. You can also listen to our full interview with Homme as part of our new audio series, unabridged consequences, using the player above.Grab your tickets for Queens of the Stone Age’s upcoming tour dates At Thames New Rome… here.
Also see which ones OSEES, UPSAHL and Deer Tick have chosen as their favorite hometown venues.