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Eagles Of Death Metal

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Band Timeline

1998

Formation of Eagles of Death Metal

Eagles of Death Metal was formed in Palm Desert, California, in 1998 by Jesse Hughes (vocals, guitar) and Josh Homme (drums). The band emerged from the local rock scene and developed a unique sound that combined various musical styles. Homme and Hughes are the only permanent members of the band, with Homme often absent from live shows due to commitments to his other band, Queens of the Stone Age. Early on, the band's image and name were intended to be humorous, playing with the idea of a 'death metal' band influenced by the Eagles.
2004

Release of Debut Album Peace, Love, Death Metal

In March 2004, Eagles of Death Metal released their debut album, Peace, Love, Death Metal. The album was well-received and showcased their distinctive mixture of rock styles, with a blend of bluegrass slide guitar, catchy drum beats, and soulful vocals. Several tracks from the album gained wide exposure by being featured in American commercials for brands such as Ask.com, Budweiser, Nissan, and Wendy's. The track 'I Only Want You' also appeared in the Gran Turismo 4 video game soundtrack and later in Microsoft's Windows 8 advertising campaign, increasing the band's visibility significantly. Another track, 'Miss Alissa,' was used in Nike's 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
2006

Second Album Death by Sexy and Touring

On April 11, 2006, Eagles of Death Metal released their second studio album, Death by Sexy. The album continued the band's characteristic sound and helped solidify their presence in the rock scene. That year, the band toured extensively, supporting The Strokes in the first half of the year and headlining their own U.S. tour in the latter half with openers such as The Kills. This period was key in expanding their fanbase and establishing their reputation for energetic live performances and Jesse Hughes's engaging stage presence.
2008

Band Activity and Commitment

By 2008, despite Josh Homme's commitments elsewhere, especially with Queens of the Stone Age, he reaffirmed his dedication to Eagles of Death Metal, emphasizing that the band was not a mere side project. In interviews, Homme described having 'musical schizophrenia' due to his involvement in multiple bands, but noted that Eagles of Death Metal was an important creative outlet and one of his musical personalities. This period marked a continued evolution of the band's sound and ongoing efforts to produce new music and perform live.
2014

Cultural Recognition and Media Features

In 2014, the band gained further cultural recognition, especially with the song 'Miss Alissa' featured prominently in Nike's FIFA World Cup campaign video titled 'Winner Stays,' which included famous footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. This exposure highlighted the band's broad appeal and their music's resonance beyond traditional rock audiences. Eagles of Death Metal also became known for their dynamic live shows and the strong connection between Jesse Hughes and the audience during performances.

Albums

eagles-of-death-metal_1st_album
Peace Love Death Metal
17 tracks
2004
eagles-of-death-metal_2nd_album
Death by Sexy…
16 tracks
2006
eagles-of-death-metal_3rd_album
Heart On
13 tracks
2008
eagles-of-death-metal_4th_album
Zipper Down
11 tracks
2015
eagles-of-death-metal_5th_album
EODM Presents: Boots Electric Performing the Best Songs We Never Wrote
13 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Josh Homme

1998

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Drums (drum set)

Guitar

Jesse Hughes

1998

Bass guitar

Guitar

Lead vocals

Story of Eagles Of Death Metal

Eagles of Death Metal: A Rock & Roll Story

Eagles of Death Metal, hailing from the desert haven of Palm Desert, California, emerged onto the music scene in 1998. Founded by the dynamic duo of Jesse Hughes (vocals, guitar) and Josh Homme (drums), the band boasts a revolving cast of talented musicians who contribute both to their studio albums and electrifying live performances. While Hughes and Homme remain the band's core, Homme's busy schedule with his other project, Queens of the Stone Age, limits his live appearances.

The band's current touring lineup features Hughes alongside a formidable crew: Leah Bluestein on drums, Scott Shiflett on guitar, Jennie Vee on bass, and Rex Roulette on guitar.

Despite their name, Eagles of Death Metal are anything but a death metal band. Their moniker, a playful twist on the iconic Eagles, is a testament to their tongue-in-cheek humor. Homme described their sound in a 2003 interview as a unique blend of "bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals."

Hughes, renowned for his captivating stage presence, is known for his energetic interaction with audiences, creating an infectious energy at their shows.

Name Origins: A Story of Humor and Misunderstanding

The band's name has been the subject of various, often conflicting, explanations, all centered around the humorous concept of a death metal version of the Eagles.

One story, as told by Hughes in a video interview, recounts a night when he and Homme were in a London bar witnessing a man dancing to "Wind of Change" by the Scorpions. When asked about his dance moves, the man declared, "This is death metal, dude!" Homme's reply, a humorous counterpoint, was "No, it's not. It's like the Eagles of death metal."

Another version claims the name originated from an exchange between Homme and a friend who was attempting to convert Hughes to the death metal genre.

Regardless of the precise origin, the name Eagles of Death Metal has become synonymous with their unique brand of rock and roll, a sound infused with blues, rockabilly, and a healthy dose of humor.

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