Josh Homme’s interview on the Dish From Waitrose podcast gives a cool glimpse into the quirky side of rock star life. His funny take on rider requests, like asking for chocolate-covered ants and a framed map of Ireland, shows off his playful and experimental approach to the rock star lifestyle. Homme’s comments reflect a blend of humor and a desire to push boundaries, emphasizing that some requests are more about having fun and testing limits than serious demands.
“I always say that elitism sucks, when I’m not included,” he joked with hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett. “I think over the years, one of the things that keeps you young, other than injections, is to have a good sense of humour. So, as the years have gone on, and we had access to more and more outrageous requests being honoured, it starts to make you ask for strange things.”
“For a while, I used to ask for chocolate-covered ants and a map of Ireland to be put on the wall. People would ask me, ‘Josh, why do you have chocolate-covered ants and a framed map of Ireland?’, and I would say, ‘Wouldn’t you like to know, mind your damn business’.”
In contrast to more strict rider requests from other artists, like Paul McCartney’s detailed demands for animal-free materials and dry-cleaned spaces, Homme’s choices appear more whimsical and less about comfort or luxury. This playful attitude seems to be part of what keeps him and the band feeling fresh and engaged.
On the topic of new music, Homme’s statement about avoiding another long gap between albums is promising. After the release of In Times New Roman…, the band appears motivated to continue making music and not wait too long before their next project. This aligns with hints from band members Troy Van Leeuwen and Jon Theodore about having new material in the works and potential plans for the future.
“There was too much time in between the last record and this one,” he said. “The goal is to make things and enjoy that process and so I’m going to roll up my sleeves and jump right into this.”
However, the recent news of Homme needing emergency surgery casts some uncertainty over their upcoming tour dates. Fans will be watching closely for updates on whether the remaining dates in August and the planned shows for September and October will proceed as scheduled.
