Alright, I admit it. This page is essentially for the random Queens stuff which doesn't seem relevant anywhere else. This probably makes it the most interesting part crazily enough. But maybe, just maybe, there'll be something happening to the band that simply must be told to the public at large, authorities be damned!

Along with the Kerrang! interview, Nick Oliveri was questioned as to just how hard he was. A potential bout with Terrorvision unsurprisingly left the bassist unfazed, although he admitted that a beating from Kerry King of Slayer would have to be taken. Especially if he had his studded wristband on. Henry Rollins would win on a technicality, as Oliveri in his own words puts it, "I respect the guy." Mentioning the Dwarves seemed to push him to the brink. "I'd fucking kill all of them. And then kick my own ass to prove a point." Maybe a bit too far Nick, but damn good work! What a shit news item.

OK, it is just the third stage, but still very impressive for a relatively unknown band in this country. Anyway, I mention it as I will be at Reading, taking notes and pictures to be shown on these very cyberpages. Possibly. QOTSA may be up against such indie-darlings as Beck, Pulp and Embrace when vying for the crowd's attention, so the rock guys should be out in force. I'll see you there. Maybe I could wear something distinctive? Look out for a hooded top.

The soundtrack to Heavy Metal 2000 is finally out after about a year since I of all people announced it. It's on Restless records. It's pretty good too, considering the lucky dip mentality associated with projects like these. The Queens song is 'Infinity', and is quite, quite stunningly superb. Go get.

Well, this means there's obviously an update. To me, this is the most surprising piece of news I have heard in quite a while. It may seem to be just a few colour and font changes, but you'd only be mostly right.

Like it says. There I am trying to revise, when they play "The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret", from the forthcoming new album. I had to put my biro down and revel in the effortless groove and lovely tune. Cool ending too. It looks like it's gonna be a goodie. And you can quote me on that.

        Many of you out there in the real world have been emailing me about this new drummer, and it depresses me that you are all more in touch than I am supposed to be. His name is Gene. Gene Trautmann, and he used to drum for Kyuss, in the short period after Brant Bjork left and before Alfredo Hernandez joined. Dave Catching has also become more prominent, as before he was the guy who skulked around near the back making weird noises, whereas now he does the same, but appears in more photos. The mysterious Hutch is there too. He was the guy responsible for 'Margaritas' during the recording of Kyuss' 'Shine!' single, remember? No? Well, I do.

        Erm. Pretty self-explanatory really. In the mighty weekly rock mag Kerrang, there is a regular feature where famous stars choose their top-ten favourite records. Melissa Auf Der Maur, the unfortunately-named yet cool bass player from Hole named the Queens' debut as her Number 10, alongside luminaries such as Blondie, The Beach Boys, NWA and Led Zeppelin.

        Here's what she said: "Every rock fan should have this record. Again it's the genius of Josh Homme from Kyuss. He's found a guitar sound that is incomparable to any other - you can cut it with a knife and it's just perfect. I think that the Queens might save rock right now. Their music is all about the desert heat and having sex near the sand. I've been invited to participate in some 'Desert Sessions' with them, and that is a dream come true for me."

        Even better is the fact that her Number One record is "Blues For The Red Sun" by Kyuss! I always liked her more than Courtney.

        The Queens Mark 2 have already recorded a new song together, called 'Infinity', which is a cool title in my opinion. It's set to appear on the soundtrack to a new animated movie called 'Heavy Metal FAKK 2'. I assume the movie's a sequel to an early-eighties cartoon which I saw described as "crap, but cool-looking" somewhere. Monster Magnet are also on there, with a newie called "Silver Future", and you'll also find choice cuts from Powerman 5000, Rob Zombie and Static-X. Marvellous!

        Okay, this is a pretty stupid story. Basically, the Queens had a dressing-room rlaid on for them in the morning of the Big Day Out since they had an early afternoon slot (second band on, actually). Anyway, they were supposed to have vacated the room so that the headline band on the second stage (cheeky British pop-metallers Terrorvision) could get ready for their set. When Terrorvision came to their dressing-room, they found certain Queens (not naming any names, Nick Oliveri) still in there, helping themselves to Terrorvision's rider and generally making no effort to leave. Oliveri, being a total noodle, eventually ended up fighting the headliners, followed by being carted away by the local police. He was later released when Terrorvision didn't press any charges.

        Rock and roll.