Full Breakdown
Queens of the Stone Age Unveil “Easy Street,” Their First New Music Since 2023
7/15/2026, 3:53:00 AM
Release of “Easy Street”
On Tuesday July 14 2026, Queens of the Stone Age issued the studio version of “Easy Street” through Matador Records. The track, recorded with acoustic guitars, psychedelic synths and hand-claps, features guest vocals from country singer Nikki Lane. Produced by frontman Josh Homme and bassist Michael Shuman, the song was first performed live during the band’s 2025 “Catacombs” tour.
Background & Context
“Easy Street” follows the band’s 2023 album In Times New Roman…, their first release after a six-year gap since 2017’s *Villains*. The Catacombs tour, which debuted the song in autumn 2025, also yielded a concert film and live album titled *Alive In The Catacombs*. Queens of the Stone Age are presently supporting System of A Down on a UK and European stadium leg and will join Foo Fighters for a North American stadium tour beginning in August 2026.
Key Figures & Groups
- Josh Homme – frontman, co-producer, primary songwriter.
- Nikki Lane – guest vocalist, known for her gravel-toned country style.
- Michael Shuman – bassist, co-producer, keyboardist.
- Tony Wolski & Christopher Gruse – directors of the official music video, which was conceived from a story idea by Homme.
- Matador Records – label releasing the single.
Data & Statistics
- Release date: July 14 2026.
- Tour dates announced for the next three months include 15 shows across the UK, Europe, Canada, the United States, and Iceland.
- The video features a cast of costumed pursuers: a Juggalo, a mall Santa, a leather enthusiast, and a “fancy cowboy” with a tiny horse.
Why It Matters
Homme frames the song as an exploration of life’s imperfections, a theme that resonates with fans who have noted the track’s “Flamenco vibe” and “catchiness.” By deliberately leaving “mistakes” such as uneven claps in the recording, the band underscores a broader artistic statement about authenticity in an era of polished production.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press release, Homme described the single as “a funny song” that juxtaposes humor with pain, emphasizing that the recording was approached “the way you’d make a demo” to preserve human flaws. He also highlighted the song’s purpose: “It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life.” The band’s management confirmed that the video’s narrative—Homme fleeing a motley crew of outcasts—was intended to “honor the very outsiders we often dismiss.”
Criticism & Opposition
No published criticism or dissenting commentary appears in the available sources. Coverage focuses on the song’s artistic intent and tour logistics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s kind of a funny song. It’s like hitting your funny bone, where it’s funny because it hurts and it hurts because it’s funny. You’re serious, but it’s funny. We made it the way you’d make a demo. No click track, mistakes left in. It speeds up, it slows down, the claps aren’t great, but they’re not bad, and a bad clap adds this human thing you can’t fake. It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life. The song, like your life, is in the mistakes. Its imperfections are unbeatable.” — Josh Homme, Frontman, Queens of the Stone Age
- “We made it the way you’d make a demo. No click track, mistakes left in. It speeds up, it slows down, the claps aren’t great, but they’re not bad, and a bad clap adds this human thing you can’t fake.” — Josh Homme
- “It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life. The song, like your life, is in the mistakes. Its imperfections are unbeatable.” — Josh Homme
- “As a press release describes: "The film opens up with a bruised and battered Homme attempting to outrun a motley crew of pursuers, including band members dressed as themselves - a Juggalo, a mall santa, a leather enthusiast and of course a fancy cowboy leading a tiny horse.” — Press release, Queens of the Stone Age
What’s Next
Queens of the Stone Age will continue their European stadium run with System of A Down, then embark on the Foo Fighters-headlined North American stadium tour starting August 4 2026 in Toronto. A headline show in Reykjavík, Iceland, is slated for October 24 2026, marking the band’s first Icelandic appearance since 2005. Additional dates in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore are expected to be announced later in the year.
