Stress Fracture

Sure, I’ve even said that myself of Axl in the past, although I think it’s also fair to say that Josh Homme has had to battle some significant demons of his own in recent years and in some people’s eyes is probably even cancelled. It’s impressive that he’s managed to come back with something so confident and vital sounding.

Queens of the Stone Age officially announced their new album this week for release in June. It’s that easy, Axl. More importantly, when the likes of Metallica, Foo Fighters and Extreme came out with their recent singles, it was like ‘meh, it’s alright’ but QOTSA actually managed to come back with a bonafide greatest hit that can stand alongside their setlist staples. You can be a veteran act and still add something of genuine worth to your back catalogue and upcoming tour. Come on, Axl.

The parallels are stronger with GNR and The Stone Roses. We can even ignore them both having Roses in their name. The Stone Roses came onto the scene in the late 80s, released a seminal debut album, did a lot of drugs, took five years to release a follow up, started losing members and then imploded in 1996. There was bitterness between Ian Brown and John Squire and both were adamant there’d never be a reunion. There was a reunion. They played to their biggest crowds ever but Ian Brown’s voice was well past its best and frankly awful. They ended up releasing two forgettable singles, gave up on an album and then split up again. To top it off, there was that bizarre rumour that Slash was going to join the band in 1996. Out of the fire, into the frying pan…

I bought GNR on vinyl at the time and then upgraded to CD.