Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures are an American rock supergroup from Los Angeles, formed in 2009. The group consists of Josh Homme on lead vocals and guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and Dave Grohl on drums and backing vocals. Alain Johannes also performs with the band as a touring guitarist at live shows. Their music is described as alternative rock, hard rock, rock and stoner rock.

Formation and early live activity

The band begins recording in February 2009 and plays its first concert on 9 August 2009 in Chicago. It then makes its European debut on 19 August 2009 in the Netherlands. Early shows include festival appearances across Europe and a UK debut at London’s Brixton Academy, where the band supports Arctic Monkeys, followed by sets at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Live performances feature original songs including “Elephants”, “Scumbag Blues”, “Caligulove” and “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I”.

Touring and release

In October 2009, Them Crooked Vultures start the Deserve the Future Tour, with dates in North America and the United Kingdom continuing into 2010, followed by further European performances including shows in Germany. Their self-titled debut album is released in November 2009 by Interscope Records in North America and Sony Music internationally. The album debuts at number 12 on the Billboard 200. The lead single “New Fang” is released in October 2009.

Recordings, promotion and recognition

Alongside standard releases, the band makes promotional material available, including the free download “Mind Eraser (No Chaser)”, and streams its full album online before release. Another track, “Hwy 1”, appears in live form on a digital release with the interview track “Vulture Speak”. “New Fang” and “Dead End Friends” later appear in the Rock Band video game series. The group wins the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for “New Fang”.

Television, festivals and later activity

In 2010, the band appears on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing “Mind Eraser, No Chaser” and “New Fang” on SNL. It also plays major festivals including Coachella, Roskilde, Rock am Ring, Hove and Peace & Love, and takes part in a charity performance at the Royal Albert Hall in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.

After 2010, the band enters an extended hiatus. In the following years, members discuss the possibility of further recording, but scheduling conflicts limit progress. Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Alain Johannes make comments between 2010 and 2019 suggesting informal collaboration without any confirmed release plans. A video titled “Fresh Pots” appears on the band’s YouTube channel and is later clarified by Grohl as having been recorded during sessions for the debut album.

Reunion appearances

In September 2022, Them Crooked Vultures reunite for two tribute concerts for Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, performing at Wembley Stadium in London and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The setlists include “Gunman”, “Dead End Friends”, and covers of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and Queens of the Stone Age’s “Long Slow Goodbye”. Greg Kurstin contributes keyboards at both shows, and Alain Johannes also appears on stage.