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Josh Homme Reveals How Polka Shaped Queens of the Stone Age

todaySeptember 5, 2026 3

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In a recent podcast appearance, Josh Homme, the frontman of Queens of the Stone Age, shared a surprising influence on his music: polka. Growing up in Palm Desert, California, Homme faced limited options for guitar lessons, leading him to learn from polka musician Tom Polonsky.

During his time on the Queer the Music podcast, Homme explained how these early lessons helped shape the sound of one of the band’s biggest hits, “No One Knows.” He noted that the song’s rhythm reflects polka’s unique style, stating, “If you listen to ‘No One Knows,’ it goes boomp-boom, boomp-boom and that sort of polka ‘and ah’ going ‘one and, two ah.'” This unexpected blend of genres showcases Homme’s eclectic musical background.

Homme also credited his parents’ taste in music for introducing him to the darker elements of rock, particularly through The Doors. He recalled how songs like “The Crystal Ship” opened his eyes to the haunting possibilities of music. As Queens of the Stone Age continues to evolve, the influence of polka and classic rock remains a fascinating part of their identity.


Source: loudwire.com

Read the original article here.

Written by: iRockNashville News

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