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Queens of the Stone Age (also known as QOTSA or simply Queens) is a hard rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997.

Originally formed under the name Gamma Ray by guitarist Josh Homme after the breakup of his previous band, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age developed a style of riff-oriented, heavy music which Homme described as 'robot rock', saying that he "wanted to create a heavy sound based on a solid jam, and just pound it into your head". The band is sometimes described as stoner rock, although they reject the term.
Members
As of January 1, 2009, Queens of the Stone Age are:
* Joshua Homme – Founding and only permanent member of the band. He is primarily the band's lead vocalist and guitarist but has occasionally played bass, keyboards, piano and drums as well as other instruments. (1997-present)
* Troy Van Leeuwen – Has been the bands second guitarist since tour following the release of Songs for the Deaf, has also played lap steel, keyboards, piano, bass and provided backing vocals during live performances and subsequent recordings. (2002-present)
* Joey Castillo – Was called in to replace drummer Dave Grohl for the European leg of the Songs for the Deaf tour and has been a permanent member since. (2002-present)
* Michael Shuman – Joined the band as their bassist and backing vocalist for the tour following the release of Era Vulgaris. (2007-present)
* Dean Fertita – Replaced the late Natasha Shneider as the band's keyboardist and backing vocalist, also plays guitar and various percussion instruments. (2007–present)
Discography
Studio albums
* Queens of the Stone Age (1998)
* Rated R (2000)
* Songs for the Deaf (2002)
* Lullabies to Paralyze (2005)
* Era Vulgaris (2007)
Award nominations
* Grammy Awards of 2003 - Best Hard Rock Performance - "No One Knows"
* Grammy Awards of 2004 - Best Hard Rock Performance - "Go With the Flow"
* Grammy Awards of 2006 - Best Hard Rock Performance - "Little Sister"
* Grammy Awards of 2008 - Best Hard Rock Performance - "Sick, Sick, Sick"